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happily_undignified's reviews
427 reviews
The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
4.0
The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston is a magical tale with mysterious ghosts, enchanted maps, and a clever, gifted female protagonist. I loved Hecate so much! She's a delightful character and I felt like she is neurodivergent coded so I could definitely relate to her. I especially loved her relationship with her equally quirky dad. Her curiosity and desire for knowledge made me think of Elisabeth from Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson. If you enjoy fantastical fiction full of mystery and magic, this book is for you!
Benvolio and Mercutio Turn Back Time by Elle Beaumont
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“But don’t think for one moment that I am going to let go of this grand adventure without a fight.”⠀
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Elle Beaumont & Lou Wilham, Benvolio & Mercutio Turn Back Time⠀
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Benvolio & Mercutio Turn Back Time by Lou Wilham and Elle Beaumont is an Adult Sci-fi Fantasy Romcom that just released and it was such a fun, campy read. Think Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy but with a Shakespeare twist and make it gay!⠀
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The world building and time travel in the book was unique but familiar. I especially enjoyed the steampunk vibes of old Verona and the cautionary tales of the far future settlements. I'm totally with Mercutio that no matter where or when, there's always time for cheese and drinks! The places and people made each stop a fun adventure in itself.⠀
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Benny and Mercy are the cutest couple by the way. A classic case of opposites attract, these two are the best of friends....and a whole lot more! The friends to lovers trope is my absolute favorite so I couldn't be happier with the sweet romance of the MC's. I also loved the side character's romantic entanglements. Dennis by the way is my new fave, horny, punny demon - just saying.⠀
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Check out this book if you want a fantasy romance on the lighter side with a nod towards the Renaissance and The Princess Bride vibes. ⠀
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Elle Beaumont & Lou Wilham, Benvolio & Mercutio Turn Back Time⠀
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Benvolio & Mercutio Turn Back Time by Lou Wilham and Elle Beaumont is an Adult Sci-fi Fantasy Romcom that just released and it was such a fun, campy read. Think Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy but with a Shakespeare twist and make it gay!⠀
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The world building and time travel in the book was unique but familiar. I especially enjoyed the steampunk vibes of old Verona and the cautionary tales of the far future settlements. I'm totally with Mercutio that no matter where or when, there's always time for cheese and drinks! The places and people made each stop a fun adventure in itself.⠀
⠀
Benny and Mercy are the cutest couple by the way. A classic case of opposites attract, these two are the best of friends....and a whole lot more! The friends to lovers trope is my absolute favorite so I couldn't be happier with the sweet romance of the MC's. I also loved the side character's romantic entanglements. Dennis by the way is my new fave, horny, punny demon - just saying.⠀
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Check out this book if you want a fantasy romance on the lighter side with a nod towards the Renaissance and The Princess Bride vibes. ⠀
Percy and Joe Are Low Down in London by W.H. Lockwood
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
5.0
“If I’m with you, no matter what happens, that’s my happy ending.”⠀
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W.H. Lockwood, Percy and Joe Low Down in London⠀
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Percy and Joe Low Down in London by W.H. Lockwood is the most intense entry into Percy and Joe's adventures yet! This novella is brimming with blood, torture, witches and familiars, and of course our lovely leading men in all their fucked up glory.⠀
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I loved meeting the mini but mighty Moxie and I'm sure her story is going to be as cute and complicated as a kittens can be. I'm so I'm excited to see how the author wraps everything up in Sinful Crimes for the Artistically Inclined and I can't help but wonder if Percy and Joe are going to have a happy ending after all? ⠀
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W.H. Lockwood, Percy and Joe Low Down in London⠀
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Percy and Joe Low Down in London by W.H. Lockwood is the most intense entry into Percy and Joe's adventures yet! This novella is brimming with blood, torture, witches and familiars, and of course our lovely leading men in all their fucked up glory.⠀
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I loved meeting the mini but mighty Moxie and I'm sure her story is going to be as cute and complicated as a kittens can be. I'm so I'm excited to see how the author wraps everything up in Sinful Crimes for the Artistically Inclined and I can't help but wonder if Percy and Joe are going to have a happy ending after all? ⠀
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The Ghost of Us by James L. Sutter
4.0
"Other people weren't the problem.⠀
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Other people were the point."⠀
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James L. Sutter, The Ghost of Us⠀
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The Ghost of Us by James L. Sutter is a poignant YA story with a supernatural twist. Cara is an outcast who wants to be a famous ghost hunter. When she goes searching for proof of supernatural activities she meets Aiden, the ghost of a popular kid from her highschool. They decide to work together so that Cara can prove ghosts exist and Aiden can help his sister, Meredith, and move on. ⠀
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I liked Cara and Aiden well enough, but my favorite characters were Holly and Meredith. Holly is the best kind of person. She has a gentle heart and loves her people fiercely, even when they're acting a fool. Meredith is deep and artistic. She feels her brother's loss intensely but she also seems to have a hope and drive for the future. I like how open she is to new experience and living life despite her depression. ⠀
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The witty dialogue is something I've come to love from James P. Sutter and I thought the mention of the band Darkhearts was clever. His accuracy when writing about teenage angst and the modern queer experience is on point and his characters are so easy to root for!⠀
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I would recommend this book to anyone who likes YA fiction or Romcoms with a spooky twist.⠀
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Other people were the point."⠀
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James L. Sutter, The Ghost of Us⠀
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The Ghost of Us by James L. Sutter is a poignant YA story with a supernatural twist. Cara is an outcast who wants to be a famous ghost hunter. When she goes searching for proof of supernatural activities she meets Aiden, the ghost of a popular kid from her highschool. They decide to work together so that Cara can prove ghosts exist and Aiden can help his sister, Meredith, and move on. ⠀
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I liked Cara and Aiden well enough, but my favorite characters were Holly and Meredith. Holly is the best kind of person. She has a gentle heart and loves her people fiercely, even when they're acting a fool. Meredith is deep and artistic. She feels her brother's loss intensely but she also seems to have a hope and drive for the future. I like how open she is to new experience and living life despite her depression. ⠀
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The witty dialogue is something I've come to love from James P. Sutter and I thought the mention of the band Darkhearts was clever. His accuracy when writing about teenage angst and the modern queer experience is on point and his characters are so easy to root for!⠀
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I would recommend this book to anyone who likes YA fiction or Romcoms with a spooky twist.⠀
The Winged Tiara by J'nell Ciesielski
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
"Two thieves. One tiara. Which of us will claim the prize?"⠀
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J'nell Ciesielski, The Winged Tiara ⠀
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The Winged Tiara by J'nell Ciesielski is one of my favorite books of the year! I look forward to reading J'nell's books for their immersive historical settings and exciting yet hopeful drama. ⠀
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The Winged Tiara delivers on all accounts with the breathless caper of Esme and Jasper. Their relationship is the definition of second chance romance, as a champagne filled wedding and day after regret, results in them being separated for four years before being thrown together in the search of a lifetime for the renowned Valkyrie Tiara. ⠀
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I just about swooned over their escapades as jewel thieves and I loved each time their paths crossed. Esme is clever and passionate despite her cynical upbringing and Jasper always seems one step ahead, with a heart of gold that belies his difficult childhood. Their banter and playfulness with one another was so delightful to read. ⠀
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This story is fast paced and exciting, drawing me in with a glimmering description of the 1920s culture, from railroad travel to swanky parties. The prized tiara fit perfectly with the lush extravagance of the post war era and I couldn't wait to see who ultimately won such an elegant treasure. ⠀
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If you are a fan of historical fiction, romance and revenge, or glamorous capers, The Winged Tiara is a five star book I would love you to read!
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J'nell Ciesielski, The Winged Tiara ⠀
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The Winged Tiara by J'nell Ciesielski is one of my favorite books of the year! I look forward to reading J'nell's books for their immersive historical settings and exciting yet hopeful drama. ⠀
⠀
The Winged Tiara delivers on all accounts with the breathless caper of Esme and Jasper. Their relationship is the definition of second chance romance, as a champagne filled wedding and day after regret, results in them being separated for four years before being thrown together in the search of a lifetime for the renowned Valkyrie Tiara. ⠀
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I just about swooned over their escapades as jewel thieves and I loved each time their paths crossed. Esme is clever and passionate despite her cynical upbringing and Jasper always seems one step ahead, with a heart of gold that belies his difficult childhood. Their banter and playfulness with one another was so delightful to read. ⠀
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This story is fast paced and exciting, drawing me in with a glimmering description of the 1920s culture, from railroad travel to swanky parties. The prized tiara fit perfectly with the lush extravagance of the post war era and I couldn't wait to see who ultimately won such an elegant treasure. ⠀
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If you are a fan of historical fiction, romance and revenge, or glamorous capers, The Winged Tiara is a five star book I would love you to read!
Under Darkened Skies by H.E. Bauman
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.0
"What could be better than books to a librarian?"⠀
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H. E. Bauman, Under Darkened Skies⠀
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Under Darkened Skies (Darkened Skies #1) Audiobook by H.E. Bauman is a Gaslamp Fantasy Romance brimming with political intrigue and forbidden magic. The audiobook has a rich atmosphere where the author weaves stunning descriptions together with Original Music by Hayley Turner and immersive Narration by Brittney Lynnvo . I loved the characters and how the narrator brought them to life with unique accents and voices. Az and Jin are dynamic MC's and I fell instantly for their Friends to Enemies to Lovers story. Astrea (Az) is actually one of my favorite main character in quite a long time and I thought her story arc showed so much growth and development. She is written in such a way that I felt like she was autistic coded and I think that kind of representation is so important. The magic and caste system of the book are unique but did make me think of Shadow and Bone. I think this is a great audiobook for Fantasy lovers who want to start on a new series!
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H. E. Bauman, Under Darkened Skies⠀
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Under Darkened Skies (Darkened Skies #1) Audiobook by H.E. Bauman is a Gaslamp Fantasy Romance brimming with political intrigue and forbidden magic. The audiobook has a rich atmosphere where the author weaves stunning descriptions together with Original Music by Hayley Turner and immersive Narration by Brittney Lynnvo . I loved the characters and how the narrator brought them to life with unique accents and voices. Az and Jin are dynamic MC's and I fell instantly for their Friends to Enemies to Lovers story. Astrea (Az) is actually one of my favorite main character in quite a long time and I thought her story arc showed so much growth and development. She is written in such a way that I felt like she was autistic coded and I think that kind of representation is so important. The magic and caste system of the book are unique but did make me think of Shadow and Bone. I think this is a great audiobook for Fantasy lovers who want to start on a new series!
The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki is such a magical, beautiful book! I adored the interweaving of each characters story. The astrology elements were captivating and I especially enjoyed the cats and their names and characteristics. The mystical cafe is beautifully described and the drinks and treats sound delicious. This is a cozy short story that I enjoyed immensely.
The Quince Project by Jessica Parra
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
4.0
The Quince Project by Jessica Parra is a heartfelt YA tale full of Disney brand magic and strong familial bonds. Cas and Po are the epitome of supportive sisters who still push and bother one another. Cas is such a sweet character and her journey through the grief from losing her mom and her "Disney perfect life" was something I closely related to. I loved all of the Star Wars and Disney references in the story. The descriptions of the parties were beautiful and seeing all of the love and attention Cas poured into each event was remarkable. The best thing about The Quince Project is how much the Torres family grew closer as they worked through their grief. This book is both heavy and lighthearted and I would recommend it to anyone who loves romantic comedies and coming of age dramas.
The Dangerous Ones by Lauren Blackwood
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0
The Dangerous Ones by Lauren Blackwood was a heart pounding supernatural historical book set in the Civil War Era in America. The mix of history and fantasy was done really well and I love how the author wove enhanced humans and creatures like werewolves, sasquatches, and vampires into a unique take on U.S. slavery and war. Jerusalem is a dynamic character with a strength that surpasses her survival and training. Her character grows so much in the book and I love that she gets the satisfaction of retribution in the end. Alexei is a great counterpart to Jerusalem and I really like their training and banter. The romance seemed less important than their friendship and trust in one another and I think that's why I enjoyed this story so much!
Ami by S. Jae-Jones
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
Guardians of Dawn: Ami by S. Jae-Jones is a wonderful sequel to Zharas story! I really like the unique blend of Korean Fantasy and Elemental Magic. Li Ami is a great character and I absolutely love her personality and love of books! This story reads a tiny bit like a beauty and the beast retelling but with a whole bunch of twists and turns. I enjoyed seeing Jin Zhara again and I think it's so cool how much she's grown with her magic. This book is full of intriguing characters and fantastical magic and I can't wait to see what's next!