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REVIEWS OF THE WEEK!

EVERY WEEK I WILL POST VARIOUS REVIEWS I’VE WRITTEN SO FAR IN 2024. YOU CAN CHECK OUT MY GOODREADS FOR MORE UP-TO-DATE REVIEWS HERE.

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125. The Dangerous Convenience Store Vol. 1 by 945: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love this trope of a big and older tough guy being a cinnamon roll who wants to make the less tough MC happy, or at least, less sad, even while he's trying to figure himself out. I also like that there's more to this story than just their sexual chemistry. Learning about each character and what makes them tick added a great level of depth to the volume.

And yes, this was a very sexy read--mainly because the chemistry between these two is very, very steamy. I may have devoured this in one reading.

Also, in a weird way, this lowkey felt like I was reading a Kdrama because of the setting, the tough characters, and the friendships surrounding the MC.

Can't wait to check out more volumes in these series as they come out!

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126. The Dangerous Convenience Store Vol. 2 by 945: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another great volume!

I love seeing the MC's strong spine in this one. Even though he cries often, he's pretty resolute in his decisions--especially when it comes to him finally realizing when something or someone is bad or good for him.

I also loved seeing things from the perspective of the tough love interest because it helped round the story out better for me. I love being able to see how the other party views a situation happening.

This was also another sexy volume, especially as the two characters start to understand each others' needs better. I also LOVE seeing the protective side of this tough guy.

Ugh, love.

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127. Second Chances in Port Stephen by T.J. Alexander: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Normally I'm not a big fan of second chance romances, but this was such a sweet interpretation of that trope. I loved that it was like these two characters were getting to know each other for the first time since one is falling for the other after his transition.

Despite the occasionally miscommunication, I thought that these characters were surrounded by pretty great supporting characters that helped them put things into perspective. I loved watching everyone around them help them grow that re-blossoming of love.

I did also really like the MMC1's parents. They were truly trying their best and had a lot more patience with their son than I would have had. I think the way he was with his parents portrayed how immature he could be. Although he was almost 40, he was acting like a bit of a spoiled teenage boy. Even the way he was with his ex-boyfriend was a bit immature and confusing. But I did appreciate that there is some pretty good (if not a little quick) character growth on his end.

But it's not to say that the other MMC didn't have his own moments where he needed to seriously grow as a character. He needed to find his voice and be more honest about what he was feeling and thinking. He also had a few important moments of needing to understand where his ex-boyfriend was coming from.

Overall, these two DID work well together, but they definitely went through the character growth olympics. This was a cute read with some seriously sweet moments and while it wasn't a five-star read for me, I can definitely see this being someone's favourite read. Also, the daughter was ADORABLE.

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128. Never Let Go Vol. 1 by Saki Sakimoto: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

NEVER LET GO was a heavier manga, emotionally, with an interesting storyline that move a bit quickly for my liking and should have been a single volume title. I think the story ended pretty well and answered any questions I had.

I did like how much the one character had to fight to be accepted by the other very jaded (justifiably so) main character. My heart broke for him and the experiences he had growing up. I'm glad he finally had someone to help him and show him that he is worth the love.

What took me a while to get used to was the artwork. I don't know what it was, but something about this art style just felt...very AI to me. Like, it lacked personality? Even now as I write this, I'm still put off by that art work. I know a lot of people probably love it, but it felt too...perfect?

Anyway, enjoyed the (cheesy) story! MAYBE I'll check out the second volume when it comes out!

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129. Fruit by Brian Francis: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

FRUIT was such an interesting experience. It brought the reader to a time in the 80s where language was a lot more lax and where a young pre-teen lives in a confusing world full of body shaming, sexuality, and surprisingly humorous curiosity.

While some moments were definitely cringe, I also appreciated the Francis's ability to bring us so thoroughly into the brain of this young boy. I loved the exploration of the sibling and parental relationships, and how toxic sometimes they can be. The relating of these relationships felt like I was reading a chaotic diary. Especially because all of this is being told from the perspective of a young boy.

I think my favourite part of this book is how Francis weaved the queer identity into the story in the subtlest of ways, up until the end when that final sentence acts as that ghost that so many queer youth have haunting them. The exploration of the MC's growing sexuality and fantasies plays into this growing identity that we are witness to. It made me think of my own childhood and all of the confusing things that run through your mind at that age. It is a level of honesty I wasn't expecting, especially because of the potentially unreliable narrator being a young teen.

This was quite the journey and I think it was a great commentary of what it might have been like to be a young queer person in the 80s, who also was struggling with his self-image. A powerful and at times uncomfortable read.

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130. First Down by Grace Reilly: ⭐️⭐️

Ah, this book.

I read this series out of order and started with the second book and tbh, I'm so glad I did. I really, really enjoyed BREAKAWAY. If I'd started this series with this one, I don't know if I'd have picked that one up.

FIRST DOWN started off cute enough. The whole idea of "seeing each other from across the room" was adorable--that has Destiny™️ written all over it--and then sealing it with a kiss? Adorable. But the thing is that the MMC had made a vow to stay away from relationships so he could focus on his career, especially after a messy relationship that almost ruined his future career goals. And I get the whole fated-to-love-you thing, but I wish there had been a bit more push back from him. Like, he caved so quickly. He was punched HARD by that insta-love bug all because she was this cute little blonde.

And then we have FMC who is a little more steadfast in her convictions to stay away from future relationships, but then is in two precarious situations where either her mother is treating her like a wet blanket, or her cheating ex just won't take a hint. Of the two MCs, she was definitely the stronger-willed one.

The insta-romance and the way the MMC was literally repeating the same things that almost screwed him over before started to sour this book for me. And I'm going to be honest, something about the ending really pissed me off, but LOL I CAN'T REMEMBER IT. I just have vague memories of it because it was just...meh. So disappointing.

Listen, if you really want to read any books in this series, definitely do book 2. That one wasn't perfect but it was cute and spicy. I'm sad with this one AND the third book, because I DNFed that one. Welp.

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131. Megumi & Tsugumi, Vol. 1 by Mitsuru Si: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Okay, I wasn't expecting this book to be SO FUNNY.

Bless Tsugumi for his sweet and feisty dumb brain, and Megumi for his stubborn love for Tsugumi. I loved their meeting up immediately and how one character completely knocked the other one down. I do wish we didn't have this trope of "alphas can't control themselves unless omegas take these blockers". It's uncomfortable, but I love that Tsugumi doesn't stand for any of that.

I also loved Tsugumi's family. They're the sweetest and I want him to find that kind of love for himself.

That artwork is gorgeous, too, and I love how expressive the characters were. Mitsuru Si does a fantastic job in portraying their characters.

This is also a very sexy series. That tension between the characters was very well-done.

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132. Megumi & Tsugumi, Vol. 2 by Mitsuru Si: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sweet and stubborn Tsugumi. Trying to get him to admit any sort of emotion is like pulling hairs, but it's all worth it. Especially in this one when he reacts to a specific situation. While I liked the way he reacted, I hated that the situation went as far as it did. I still love this series, but that whole thing made me very uncomfortable.

And that theme seems to be a trend in this genre.

Also, again, props to Mitsuru Si for their artwork. The fact that Tsugumi's dad looks SO MUCH like him in the side story is WILD. Gotta love those facial expressions lol.

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133. Megumi & Tsugumi, Vol. 3 by Mitsuru Si: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

One of my favourite things about this volume was how Megumi makes Tsugumi really think about his feelings and what they are to each other. Sometimes I want to pat Tsugumi's head because I think he's taken a few too many blows to the head. He is so stubborn, but he at least admits when he doesn't understand something--especially love-related (which is so interesting because his dads have such a cute and romantic relationship).

We're introduced to someone new in this volume and sigh, another similar theme happened in this as in the last volume and I just, one star off for that trope. I hated, hated seeing it, but thankful that it didn't go any further than it did. Plus the AUDACITY of that character. Please.

I devoured this volume. It was shorter than the last two, but held so much story! Props to Tsugumi's adorable little sister, and punches to Megumi's horrible father. Also, the side story continues to be adorable!!

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134. The Idea of You by Robinne Lee: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Three stars because I was hooked, even though this is very clearly a romance based on a very popular music artist (apparently). It was sexy and had some pretty high-emotional moments. I liked their relationship and how these two characters had great chemistry together. I did also love how he treated her with so much care and love.

There were a few things, however, that were big detractors for me. THE IDEA OF YOU read very, very slow. The pacing felt intensely slow and I don't know how since there was always something happening. And considering how quickly the relationship moved, the story lagged.

Everyone and their father had a thing for the MC. She's apparently this sexy vixen of an older woman who has a big issue with her famous younger man's romantic past, but then she turns and flirts without thinking about it--except for a situation that was awkward and made more so by her weird and flirty jabs back at the person? I don't doubt she's beautiful, but there's even a character who hinted at cheating on his wife for her. It was weird.

And her ex. Ooof, let's not get started on her ex. He was such a hypocrite. Listen, I love a great age gap romance that doesn't fetishizes the younger partner and while I don't think this one did that, everyone immediately went to that and had the MC adding to her insecurity about her age and her love interest's age. Ironically, this included her ex who was also marrying a younger woman. And I did appreciate that Lee also comments on the hypocrisy of men marrying younger women and then turning and judging women who do the same with younger men. This is all within reason, of course.

One of the things I WILL say, however, that I enjoyed was how surprisingly spicy this was. I was expecting this to be sexy but not spicy. And the characters' obsessions with their naked bodies. That was fun, especially because of their mutual appreciation for each other.

Now, I'm ending this review with: WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK WAS THAT ENDING? All of that angst, pain, emotionally turmoil for THAT ENDING? I get that unless I'm in that situation, I'll never fully understand (especially because I'm not a mom), but JFC. I hated that ending so much. I hated it so much to the point where it tainted the rest of the book. It was so cruel and I hate how just because one character is older they think they have it all figured out. UGH.

I don't think I'd be able to watch the movie, especially knowing how the book ended (I wonder if they'll keep the same ending...hmmm).

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Have you read any of these? What were your thoughts?

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Happy reading!

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