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onthesamepage's reviews
952 reviews
A Short Holiday by Everina Maxwell
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Written in the form of a series of emails, this is just a fun glimpse at Kiem and Jainan on holiday. Cute, but doesn't really add anything to the story overall.
Revelle by Lyssa Mia Smith
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Moulin Rouge has historically been one of my favourite movies. I rewatched it last year and was still really hooked on the romance, even though I acknowledge the rest of it is plenty silly and campy. A Moulin Rouge-inspired story sounded intriguing, and I'm happy to say that I had a really good time reading this. It's less ridiculous than the movie, but it hits many of the same beats, while still managing to add fresh elements.
If you're familiar with the story, a few of the plot twists won't be much of a surprise. I do think the explanation behind some of the details doesn't hold up to scrutiny, and if you don't like star-crossed lovers or love at first sight, you're not going to like this (or Moulin Rouge, for that matter). For me, it had some surprisingly heart-wrenching moments, especially towards the end, and it was very readable and fun, so I'd definitely recommend it if the premise sounds interesting to you.
Moulin Rouge has historically been one of my favourite movies. I rewatched it last year and was still really hooked on the romance, even though I acknowledge the rest of it is plenty silly and campy. A Moulin Rouge-inspired story sounded intriguing, and I'm happy to say that I had a really good time reading this. It's less ridiculous than the movie, but it hits many of the same beats, while still managing to add fresh elements.
If you're familiar with the story, a few of the plot twists won't be much of a surprise. I do think the explanation behind some of the details doesn't hold up to scrutiny, and if you don't like star-crossed lovers or love at first sight, you're not going to like this (or Moulin Rouge, for that matter). For me, it had some surprisingly heart-wrenching moments, especially towards the end, and it was very readable and fun, so I'd definitely recommend it if the premise sounds interesting to you.
The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I know most people are loving this book, and maybe I just read it at the wrong time or something, but in theory I should've really enjoyed this. I love chaotic evil characters because they are fun to read about. Instead, I was bored and this book took me 10 days to finish because I would skip my usual reading time and rewatch episodes on Netflix instead.
The book is too long for what it is, and a smaller page count and a tighter plot would've served it better. Hani and Seogka interact in the way kids do when they're intent on getting on each other's nerves. Also, I know both of them have done bad things in the past, but if I'm only seeing them act morally grey at worst, I'm not really going to buy into the whole "they are so evil" bit. It doesn't help that Hani's reaction to a couple of murdered and mutilated people is, "It is disconcerting to see this carnage. She's killed, yes, ripped out livers—but this is...different.", when she has killed 500 men and eaten their livers.
There are parts in the text that make it clear that the book is supposed to be comedic, but it didn't hit that way for me. I do think I'm going to be in the minority, and that most people will end up enjoying this, but if you start reading this and wonder if something is wrong with you because you're not enjoying this, then at least know you're not alone.
I know most people are loving this book, and maybe I just read it at the wrong time or something, but in theory I should've really enjoyed this. I love chaotic evil characters because they are fun to read about. Instead, I was bored and this book took me 10 days to finish because I would skip my usual reading time and rewatch episodes on Netflix instead.
The book is too long for what it is, and a smaller page count and a tighter plot would've served it better. Hani and Seogka interact in the way kids do when they're intent on getting on each other's nerves. Also, I know both of them have done bad things in the past, but if I'm only seeing them act morally grey at worst, I'm not really going to buy into the whole "they are so evil" bit. It doesn't help that Hani's reaction to a couple of murdered and mutilated people is, "It is disconcerting to see this carnage. She's killed, yes, ripped out livers—but this is...different.", when she has killed 500 men and eaten their livers.
There are parts in the text that make it clear that the book is supposed to be comedic, but it didn't hit that way for me. I do think I'm going to be in the minority, and that most people will end up enjoying this, but if you start reading this and wonder if something is wrong with you because you're not enjoying this, then at least know you're not alone.
Prince's Gambit by C.S. Pacat
I spent about 2 days in a daze because of this book, and that is the highest compliment I can give.
I don't think Pacat knows what middle book syndrome is. Prince's Gambit builds upon everything she so masterfully set up in Captive Prince, both in the politics and in the relationships. I actually loved the political machinations as well—Laurent has a devious mind, and I would pay for a peek. But what had me buzzing like I had consumed 10 shots of espresso was definitely the dynamic between Damen and Laurent.
Usually I tend to prefer multiple POV in my books, but especially in romances, because I love getting to see two characters fall for each other. But I think in this case, reading everything just from Damen's POV makes it more tantalizing. Just like Damen, I can only guess at what is going on in Laurent's head, and I desperately want to know, because I have so many guesses. I can only hope that some of them turn out to be right.
There were scenes here that had me giggling and kicking my feet. Every time Laurent smiled or laughed I was grinning like a goon. I loved seeing how their relationship changed, and how Laurent slowly comes to rely on Damen, but also how Damen steadily learns to read what Laurent wants, without Laurent saying anything. It's a slow burn, but it's so good.
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
"We can face each other as free men. Whatever is to fall out between us can do so then."
I spent about 2 days in a daze because of this book, and that is the highest compliment I can give.
I don't think Pacat knows what middle book syndrome is. Prince's Gambit builds upon everything she so masterfully set up in Captive Prince, both in the politics and in the relationships. I actually loved the political machinations as well—Laurent has a devious mind, and I would pay for a peek. But what had me buzzing like I had consumed 10 shots of espresso was definitely the dynamic between Damen and Laurent.
Usually I tend to prefer multiple POV in my books, but especially in romances, because I love getting to see two characters fall for each other. But I think in this case, reading everything just from Damen's POV makes it more tantalizing. Just like Damen, I can only guess at what is going on in Laurent's head, and I desperately want to know, because I have so many guesses. I can only hope that some of them turn out to be right.
There were scenes here that had me giggling and kicking my feet. Every time Laurent smiled or laughed I was grinning like a goon. I loved seeing how their relationship changed, and how Laurent slowly comes to rely on Damen, but also how Damen steadily learns to read what Laurent wants, without Laurent saying anything. It's a slow burn, but it's so good.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Pedophilia and Suicide
The Wolf at the Door by Charlie Adhara
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Tropes: forced proximity
Steam level: 🌶🌶
Me reading this: do I need to read more shifter books?
This had a lot of elements that can very often not work for me, but somehow, here they magically did. Park is just the right kind of alpha, Cooper is an awkward mess, and I love them both. Between the shirt sniffing, the submission, and the "I'll take care of you", I was absolutely hooked. The mystery was engaging too, and all in all it made for an excellent read.
Steam level: 🌶🌶
Me reading this: do I need to read more shifter books?
This had a lot of elements that can very often not work for me, but somehow, here they magically did. Park is just the right kind of alpha, Cooper is an awkward mess, and I love them both. Between the shirt sniffing, the submission, and the "I'll take care of you", I was absolutely hooked. The mystery was engaging too, and all in all it made for an excellent read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Torture, and Murder
The Soldier's Scoundrel by Cat Sebastian
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
4.0
Tropes: opposites attract
Steam level: 🌶🌶
So this book made me realize that there is just something about a gentleman and a scoundrel falling for each other that is brain candy to me. I can list three other books that executed this in a way that I really enjoyed, from memory, and let me tell you, I'm not someone who tends to remember what she reads all that well.
Even aside from the dynamic being right up my alley, I just loved the way Jack and Oliver interacted. The differences in how they think about the world are immediately evident, and it quickly leads to them butting heads, but then that's followed by:
* a truly delicious scene of them fighting side by side
* Oliver sneakily trying to help Jack through discomfort
* Jack not so sneakily constantly trying to feed Oliver
* Oliver being a manipulative little shit (affectionately)
The fact that this is the author's debut makes me really excited to read more from her.
Steam level: 🌶🌶
So this book made me realize that there is just something about a gentleman and a scoundrel falling for each other that is brain candy to me. I can list three other books that executed this in a way that I really enjoyed, from memory, and let me tell you, I'm not someone who tends to remember what she reads all that well.
Even aside from the dynamic being right up my alley, I just loved the way Jack and Oliver interacted. The differences in how they think about the world are immediately evident, and it quickly leads to them butting heads, but then that's followed by:
* a truly delicious scene of them fighting side by side
* Oliver sneakily trying to help Jack through discomfort
* Jack not so sneakily constantly trying to feed Oliver
* Oliver being a manipulative little shit (affectionately)
The fact that this is the author's debut makes me really excited to read more from her.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Child abuse, and Pedophilia
Minor: Rape
Funny Story by Emily Henry
I'm still not sure where this book ranks in my overall Emily Henry list. It doesn't top Book Lovers (at this point I genuinely don't know if anything ever will), but do I like it more than Beach Read and Happy Place?
I had a lot of fun with it, for sure. Daphne and Miles are fun to follow. The trademark Emily Henry banter is present, and there were laugh out loud moments for me. I loved how their relationship developed, but I also appreciated how their personal issues were handled. I actually loved their third act fight, it had a few lines that had me buzzing. But I do think, overall, this was missing a little bit of magic.
When I think back on the book, I honestly don't remember much of the specifics or the emotions I had while reading, whereas with Happy Place, I don't think I'll ever forget how tense I felt while reading that book. But that doesn't make Funny Story bad. I was fully invested in them as a couple, and I loved Daphne and Miles as characters, so this is still a book I'm happy to recommend.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes:fake dating
Tropes:
“Do me a favor,” he says lightly, “and unlock your door.”
“Why?”
“So I can push you out as I peel out of this parking lot,” he says.
I'm still not sure where this book ranks in my overall Emily Henry list. It doesn't top Book Lovers (at this point I genuinely don't know if anything ever will), but do I like it more than Beach Read and Happy Place?
I had a lot of fun with it, for sure. Daphne and Miles are fun to follow. The trademark Emily Henry banter is present, and there were laugh out loud moments for me. I loved how their relationship developed, but I also appreciated how their personal issues were handled. I actually loved their third act fight, it had a few lines that had me buzzing. But I do think, overall, this was missing a little bit of magic.
When I think back on the book, I honestly don't remember much of the specifics or the emotions I had while reading, whereas with Happy Place, I don't think I'll ever forget how tense I felt while reading that book. But that doesn't make Funny Story bad. I was fully invested in them as a couple, and I loved Daphne and Miles as characters, so this is still a book I'm happy to recommend.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity
The Brides of High Hill by Nghi Vo
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I've honestly been loving this series of novellas. Each entry has its own charm. Some of them are more distinct than others, and this fifth installment brought the gothic vibes in a way that I wasn't expecting. It's creepy and unsettling, and I had a really fun time with it.
I've honestly been loving this series of novellas. Each entry has its own charm. Some of them are more distinct than others, and this fifth installment brought the gothic vibes in a way that I wasn't expecting. It's creepy and unsettling, and I had a really fun time with it.
Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It takes a lot of skill to write a dark world and present it as-is, with characters who are part of systems of abuse and not cognizant of it. Neither Damen nor Laurent are innocent—despite everything Damen suffers in Vere, it's not like Akielos doesn't also have a system of slavery in place. But it's interesting to see the cracks in Damen's ideals as the story progresses, and the same is definitely true for Laurent. There are multiple moments where their assumptions are challenged, and you can feel their surprise, and how they reassess their opponent, and I love character development like that.
There is absolutely no whiff of romance in this first book, which is good, because I don't think the story allows for it yet. But the character dynamics are fantastic. Laurent is definitely the most fascinating of the two, because he is more inscrutable. Some of his interactions with Nicaise show genuine compassion. It's also clear that he doesn't hate everyone from Akielos and is, in fact, capable of being kind to the slaves, even as he is a complete bastard to Damen. I think Damen is a naïve idiot, and I say this with love, because I don't buy for a second that Laurent doesn't know exactly who he is, and has known from the beginning, which would also explain why his behavior towards Damen is different compared to how he usually behaves.
I'm definitely invested in them at this point, and I can't wait to see all the ways in which they'll grow.
There is absolutely no whiff of romance in this first book, which is good, because I don't think the story allows for it yet. But the character dynamics are fantastic. Laurent is definitely the most fascinating of the two, because he is more inscrutable. Some of his interactions with Nicaise show genuine compassion. It's also clear that he doesn't hate everyone from Akielos and is, in fact, capable of being kind to the slaves, even as he is a complete bastard to Damen. I think Damen is a naïve idiot, and I say this with love, because I don't buy for a second that Laurent doesn't know exactly who he is, and has known from the beginning, which would also explain why his behavior towards Damen is different compared to how he usually behaves.
I'm definitely invested in them at this point, and I can't wait to see all the ways in which they'll grow.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Slavery, and Torture
Moderate: Child abuse and Drug use
Minor: Animal death
Forget Me Not by Julie Soto
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Tropes: second chance romance, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine
Steam level: 🌶🌶🌶
Considering how often contemporary romances don't work for me, I don't have much to complain about. It didn't hit me in the feels, which is why I'm not rating it higher, but I also wasn't yelling at the characters to please behave like actual adults, so I consider it a win.
I really appreciated the dual perspectives. The dual timelines I appreciated a bit less because I was way more interested in the present, but I ended up being glad of the context anyway. I wanted them to reconnect more in the present timeline, however. All the romance was basically in the past.
My biggest problem with a second chance romance is that I have to believe that they can do better the second time around, and Ama and Elliot didn't quite get there for me. I liked both characters, but Ama really needs therapy to deal with her commitment issues, and I don't buy that she's suddenly able to overcome them just because Elliot is a sweetheart.
Steam level: 🌶🌶🌶
Considering how often contemporary romances don't work for me, I don't have much to complain about. It didn't hit me in the feels, which is why I'm not rating it higher, but I also wasn't yelling at the characters to please behave like actual adults, so I consider it a win.
I really appreciated the dual perspectives. The dual timelines I appreciated a bit less because I was way more interested in the present, but I ended up being glad of the context anyway. I wanted them to reconnect more in the present timeline, however. All the romance was basically in the past.
My biggest problem with a second chance romance is that I have to believe that they can do better the second time around, and Ama and Elliot didn't quite get there for me. I liked both characters, but Ama really needs therapy to deal with her commitment issues, and I don't buy that she's suddenly able to overcome them just because Elliot is a sweetheart.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer