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2.14k reviews by:
bookish_selkie
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
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:
Complicated
The One True Me and You is the story of Kay and Teagan. Teagan is competing in a beauty pageant as Miss Virginia, hoping to win the $25,000 prize that would help pay for college. At the same hotel, Kay is at a fandom convention. Kay is elated to meet close online friends, use they/them pronouns for the first time, and maybe even kiss a girl. Against all odds, Kay and Teagan meet and instantly form a connection. But with pageant moms lurking and Miss North Carolina (Kay’s hometown bully) on the prowl, Kay and Teagan must decide how much they want to risk.
The One True Me and You is a love letter to fandom and exploring queer identity safely in online spaces. I absolutely adored it and couldn’t put it down! I loved how England wrote Kay’s questioning about what labels worked for them; it felt incredibly well-done. While Teagan is confident that she identifies as a lesbian, Kay is questioning what label fits best and whether they are non-binary. It made me so happy to see included that you don’t need to “prove” you are deserving of a label and that you are never obligated to be out, especially if you’re not ready. This book is a hug, an understanding smile, and a promise that things will get better.
I highlighted so many hilarious quotes; this book is very witty! It’s filled with references to fandom culture that anyone who has been a part of any fandom community can relate to. While I’m not as familiar with pageants, I liked how Teagan saw a balance of both positive and negative things about the experience. The same can certainly be true of online fandom communities, as Kay finds out. I felt very connected to both Kay and Teagan, getting caught up in their hopes and identifying with their anxieties surrounding who knows what about their identity.
You’ll find yourself cheering for Kay and Teagan as they bravely attempt their goals, conquer fears, and wonder what happens after the weekend ends. This is a celebration of fandom, queer joy, and learning to stand up for yourself. England writes beautifully about acceptance, the importance of pronouns, and amazing friendships. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a contemporary LGBTQ+ romance that you won’t be able to put down. Thank you so much to Remi K. England, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The One True Me and You is a love letter to fandom and exploring queer identity safely in online spaces. I absolutely adored it and couldn’t put it down! I loved how England wrote Kay’s questioning about what labels worked for them; it felt incredibly well-done. While Teagan is confident that she identifies as a lesbian, Kay is questioning what label fits best and whether they are non-binary. It made me so happy to see included that you don’t need to “prove” you are deserving of a label and that you are never obligated to be out, especially if you’re not ready. This book is a hug, an understanding smile, and a promise that things will get better.
I highlighted so many hilarious quotes; this book is very witty! It’s filled with references to fandom culture that anyone who has been a part of any fandom community can relate to. While I’m not as familiar with pageants, I liked how Teagan saw a balance of both positive and negative things about the experience. The same can certainly be true of online fandom communities, as Kay finds out. I felt very connected to both Kay and Teagan, getting caught up in their hopes and identifying with their anxieties surrounding who knows what about their identity.
You’ll find yourself cheering for Kay and Teagan as they bravely attempt their goals, conquer fears, and wonder what happens after the weekend ends. This is a celebration of fandom, queer joy, and learning to stand up for yourself. England writes beautifully about acceptance, the importance of pronouns, and amazing friendships. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a contemporary LGBTQ+ romance that you won’t be able to put down. Thank you so much to Remi K. England, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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Six Crimson Cranes follows Princess Shiori and her six brothers. Princess Shiori is expected to marry for the benefit of her family, but she has no interest in her unknown groom. One night, Shiori uncovers a terrible secret about her stepmother and finds herself cursed. With one stroke, her true identity is hidden and her brothers are transformed into cranes. Shiori must fight to free herself and her brothers, while outwitting a conspiracy to take the throne.
Six Crimson Cranes was a beautiful and compelling story. Lim has a way of storytelling in a timeless, classic way. The writing is lyrical and filled with sensory details. I loved how she wrote the powerful bond between siblings! Within this book is a masterful blending of several tales: The Wild Swans, Cinderella, the legend of Chang’e, and the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.
I particularly loved the inclusion of Kiki, the paper crane that Shiori brings to life with her magic. As she undergoes the trials necessary to break the curse, seeing Shiori grow and strengthen her abilities was powerful. Shiori and her stepmother possess magic that is a wily beast with a mind of its own. Six Crimson Cranes is a spellbinding tale where nothing is ever exactly as it seems!
If you enjoy reading about fairy tales with a twist, sibling stories, curses, and dragons then you need to read this book! If you are a fan of Renée Ahdieh, I would also recommend this book. I truly enjoyed Six Crimson Cranes and can’t wait for the sequel! Thank you so much to Elizabeth Lim, Knopf Books for Young Readers, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Six Crimson Cranes was a beautiful and compelling story. Lim has a way of storytelling in a timeless, classic way. The writing is lyrical and filled with sensory details. I loved how she wrote the powerful bond between siblings! Within this book is a masterful blending of several tales: The Wild Swans, Cinderella, the legend of Chang’e, and the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.
I particularly loved the inclusion of Kiki, the paper crane that Shiori brings to life with her magic. As she undergoes the trials necessary to break the curse, seeing Shiori grow and strengthen her abilities was powerful. Shiori and her stepmother possess magic that is a wily beast with a mind of its own. Six Crimson Cranes is a spellbinding tale where nothing is ever exactly as it seems!
If you enjoy reading about fairy tales with a twist, sibling stories, curses, and dragons then you need to read this book! If you are a fan of Renée Ahdieh, I would also recommend this book. I truly enjoyed Six Crimson Cranes and can’t wait for the sequel! Thank you so much to Elizabeth Lim, Knopf Books for Young Readers, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Tea Dragon Tapestry is the third and final book in the heartwarming story of The Tea Dragon Society. Each installment has always made me smile at the joy and love contained within the pages!! Reading these stories brings the warm satisfaction of tea on a cold winter day. The Tea Dragon Tapestry is a fantastic conclusion to the trilogy. The illustrations were lovely, charming, and colorful. I really can’t do them justice with words- you’ll have to see for yourself! The Tea Dragon Tapestry returns to revisit Greta and Ginseng (including many other favorite characters and tea dragons!). Along the way, it teaches lessons about grief, reigniting passion, and how to adjust when your path in life changes from what you imagined it to be.
One of my favorite things about The Tea Dragon Society series is how accessible it is to readers of all ages, from young children to adults. The art is inviting and adorable, while also telling a compelling story with lessons to reflect on. The Tea Dragon Tapestry is effortlessly inclusive and creates a story where all feel welcome. I didn’t want to reach the last page, but I was so happy to have spent time with all of the Tea Dragon Society characters. Especially the tea dragons!! I highly recommend The Tea Dragon Tapestry and feel so grateful that I was able to view an ARC. Thank you to Kay O’Neill, Oni Press, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
One of my favorite things about The Tea Dragon Society series is how accessible it is to readers of all ages, from young children to adults. The art is inviting and adorable, while also telling a compelling story with lessons to reflect on. The Tea Dragon Tapestry is effortlessly inclusive and creates a story where all feel welcome. I didn’t want to reach the last page, but I was so happy to have spent time with all of the Tea Dragon Society characters. Especially the tea dragons!! I highly recommend The Tea Dragon Tapestry and feel so grateful that I was able to view an ARC. Thank you to Kay O’Neill, Oni Press, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.