aztlan's Reviews (238)

Once again, Katia Rose did not disappoint. This is the second ARC and third novel of hers that I've read, and I had high expectations. 
Just Might Work follows Dane and Evangeline as they fake a relationship in order to encourage Dane's aunt to renew their lease. Now, I'm a sucker for fake dating tropes, and this was no exception. I enjoyed the support they offered each other, and their determination to help each other reach their dreams, regardless of their differences.
I really appreciated how Evangeline is not only completely accepting of Dane's identity, but she also makes sure she is taking their identity into account (such as ensuring she doesn't touch them anywhere they aren't comfortable with). I liked reading a novel that had a non-binary lead, but it had nothing to do with them questioning or coming out, they were just living their life as a non-binary person.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Another really lovely romance from Katia Rose, and one I'd recommend for anyone looking for a good time.

This was actually my second time picking up Call Me By Your Name. The previous time I DNFed as I was not prepared for some of the more sexual scenes, but I loved the depictions of the Italian summer, so I decided to pick it up again, this time with more preparation. Once again, the descriptions of their time in B. transported me, and reminded me of some of my own summer trips I've taken with friends that I absolutely loved. I enjoyed experiencing this summer through Elio's eyes, seeing B. with his familiarity and love for the place. I also enjoyed the love for humanity imbued in the prose, with every character being beautiful to Elio in their own way.
Elio and Oliver's relationship was also much more enjoyable for me on a second read. Once I wasn't taken aback by the scenes, I could enjoy their interactions and the back-and-forth, secrecy of their growing relationship. I also enjoyed the reflections they share in the latter chapters of their book, decades later and meeting again. It did confuse me a little, as I knew there was a second book, and this felt neatly packaged so I'm curious as to what the second book could possibly centre on.
My main criticism of the book is Elio's age. He's 17 for the majority of the novel (while Oliver is 24), which makes their relationship a bit weird. Elio was naive, sure, but he didn't feel 17, he felt closer to my own age (20), so him being a child felt like a unnecessary and somewhat uncomfortable choice.
Overall, a book I enjoyed a lot, and I am curious to see where their story still has to go.

AJ Clementine tells her story of growing up a biracial trans woman in Melbourne with compassion for both her younger self, and those around her. Her stories of herself as a child show a beautiful faith in the world from a young age, and give hope for any young trans kids who might be reading the book. 

This was just too bizarre for me. I didn't understand what was going on, and I really didn't care either

It's nice seeing Riden's perspective, although honestly I'd be more curious to be inside his head later in the book. How does he feel about his willingness to help Alosa?

Okay, female pirates and the second book talks about sirens? I'm immediately sold. This one had been hyped up a lot on social media, and I did enjoy it. Although Riden and Alosa trusted each other more easily than I would have liked, I did enjoy how many times they seemed to change their mind about each other, and how they didn't let go of the things you'd expect of pirates just because they were obviously into each other. Definitely keen to start the sequel.

This book was enjoyable, with lovable characters, a relationship to care about, and moments that pulled at your heart. I think I would have been absolutely in love with this book if there had been a little more lead in. Pretty much immediately, there was strong lust and general feels, and it felt a little jarring. I would have loved to see the characters being nervous to see each other again, maybe reminisce about high school before they see each other, and maybe even see the awkwardness of their first encounter after seven years. Without this 'set up' I found it really hard to get into the story.
I'd probably still continue with this series when the second book comes out, but it would be awesome to get a little more history and context before the start of the relationship. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It focuses on two housemates, Roxie and Mel, and their meeting and subsequent beginnings of their relationship. Roxie is a lesbian who owns a board games cafe in San Francisco with two of her best friends, and Mel is a marketing manager who has just moved to San Francisco for a promotion, and broke up with her toxic boyfriend before she left.

The story focuses on the two women coping with their individual trauma, whilst simultaneously getting to know each other and yearning for the other. A fellow member of SBC described the book as "idiots to lovers" which about sums things up, as the two of them continuously assume the other couldn't possibly be attracted to them, and both of them very much are.

I also really appreciated the dimension all the characters had. Even the more minor characters (such as staff members of the Cafe) had individuality and depth, and I really enjoyed the snippets of their story.

The sequel follows Roxie's close friend Cal and his relationship, and I cannot wait for it. I would highly recommend this book! 

Although I did enjoy this, I didn't feel quite as attached as I remember feeling with the previous book. The timing of events felt inconsistent, and honestly a lot of the major events in the first half of the year covered by the book blended together. I also could not at all get invested in

El's relationship with Orion

, which is largely because I couldn't see any reason that either of them liked each other. I do think in part my struggles with this book weren't helped by how long it had been since I read the previous book, so I'd be keen to re-read them back to back and see if it gets a better rap this time. Still a good book, just not one I was particularly invested in

This book surprised me. It was hilariously witty, but also touched on some really interesting topics around parental issues and living up to others expectations. I adore Luc and Oliver, including seeing them handle their struggles, but they also come with vibrant side characters. I particularly loved Alex Twaddle with his posh idiocy. I can't wait for the sequel!