lavenderbtcpodcast's reviews
361 reviews

The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon

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

5.0

I have no idea why I'm reading this series backwards but I love it lol. This wasn't my favorite. But I can acknowledge as a pagan the use of the character and author being Christian but not making the story unpalatable. The sex scenes are superb. I do wish there was a toy usage seen. Otherwise for a book with Christianity military and hetero usage its not overdoing it. The disability deaf representation was good addition. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Bullying, Medical content, Misogyny, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Car accident, Death, Sexual content, Grief, and Classism

The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochon

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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

5.0

Aspects of this book hit close to home. Learning to take care of yourself is very important. An absent parent can impact your life but you can change it to be happy and not please the person. Taking your health seriously especially as a health professional is very uncommon but can be done. I also agree that getting your back blown out well can be stress relieving. I'm so happy for these characters.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Chronic illness, Misogyny, Child death, Abandonment, Cancer, Classism, Cursing, Medical content, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Death of parent, Sexual content, Sexism, and Toxic relationship

Minor: Physical abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Alcoholism, and Blood

The Five Stages of Courting Dalisay Ramos by Melissa de la Cruz

adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

5.0

I want filipino food. I want to do the five stages for someone and them to do it for me. I feel like I learned about the culture and traditions making it more interesting. There are emotional aspects with non-queer acceptance, fear, change, etc. Overall, this (arc) version made me smile &, yearn. And I was my feet everyday! Inside joke. But really more people should stop wearing outside shoes inside the house. I hope in the fictional future they delve into discovering Persian culture, go to the Philippines,  & travel europe and asia together. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual content, Terminal illness, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Racism, Religious bigotry, Cursing, Death of parent, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Lesbophobia, Homophobia, Medical content, and Vomit

Pardon My Frenchie by Farrah Rochon

emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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

5.0

I love this black romance with queer black side character representation. Gave me all the feels. And as a hopeful future dog owner I learned a lot. I want to make biscuits for it too. Not a military fan but was an interesting part of the story. Also love new Orleans references makes me want to visit soon. And I almost thought this book had no smut but there is in fact smut thank the ancestors. It didn't need it but I always enjoy good spice.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Suicide, Homophobia, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Bullying, Car accident, Classism, Cursing, Sexual content, Gaslighting, Grief, Infidelity, and Medical content

Minor: Pandemic/Epidemic

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-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

5.0

I found this book very relatable. Its painful breakups & love crushes I didnt think it was like that until I experienced them. We all want someone to see us & stay. I think this book is such a relatable experience. I'm still trying to figure my life -love life out. But im glad I have this book in my brain now to help me along the way.

The Swan Harp by Elizabeth Creith

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This fantasy book kept me interested all the way through. I've never heard of this myth but I truly enjoyed the story. I dont know what the next two books will be about but im looking forward to it.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief, Blood, Death, Alcohol, Child death, Violence, and Cursing

Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Murder, War, Infidelity, and Toxic relationship

My Riot by Rick Spears

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring 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? Yes

5.0

I'm listening to women of skin head music and reggae skinhead. This book got me in an angsty mood in the best way. The ending was so normal it just made sense. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Emotional abuse, Eating disorder, Blood, Drug use, and Violence

Kiss Number 8 by Colleen AF Venable

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring 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? Yes

5.0

So sweet in the end. I'm so happy for the main character and Sam family to finally be together.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Transphobia, Violence, Sexual content, and Homophobia

Flamer by Mike Curato

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Teenage boys are so hilarious and weird. This book surprised me. But it hit a lot of challenging topics.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Fatphobia, Violence, Sexual content, Domestic abuse, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Physical abuse, and Emotional abuse

The Fire Never Goes Out: A Memoir in Pictures by ND Stevenson

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

5.0

I really enjoyed the journey this authors life story took me on. I saw myself in some parts. I hope my future is brighter than what I can see right now.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Self harm, Mass/school shootings, Homophobia, Death, Toxic relationship, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Transphobia, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders