Book Review: Verona Comics by Jennifer Dugan

Verona Comics

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Verona Comics 〰️

Boy Dugan really puts you through the emotional rollercoaster with this book, eh?

I loved this book from start to finish, as with all the other books by this author. Each character was so unique and well written. Especially Ridley. As someone with anxiety, I can say this was spot on. His character was extremely well done (to the point where I felt anxious and sad along with him). I loved his unique narrating style, and it fit his character perfectly. I also loved reading Jubilee's perspective. Both were just equally entertaining. And I love all the queerness that surrounds both these characters.

This book deals heavily with some serious mental health issues and I think it handled it very well, especially at the end when Ridley finally seeks the right help and treatment he needs. Because of this I think this makes the book an important read. I will say, however, that because of how well Ridley is written and the way his character deals with mental health, perhaps put off reading this book until you are in the right head space. Yes this book is a cute romance, but the darker aspects of it may trigger some unwanted thoughts and feelings.

Aside from the great characters and talk of mental health, I love the meet-cute of Jubilee and Ridely. I love how they still call each other Peak and Bats even after knowing each others real names. I love how supportive they were of each other. They were just a really cute couple to fall in love with. I wish them both a happy ending (even if they are fictional characters).

All in all, this was a fantastic read and I highly recommend it.

Book Review: Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan

Hot Dog Girl

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Hot Dog Girl 〰️

This is Dugan's debut novel, and what a great way to start your writing career. This book wasn't the first of Dugan's I've read, but I'm happy to add it to my "books by Jennifer Dugan" collection. Not to mention, it was great to see a bi MC and represented very well.

I love how the MC's voice shines through in the pages. And yes, she is kind of annoying in her schemes, even other characters point it out, but she's still fun to read. (Plus, she grows a character as you read along, and we love a good redemption ark).

I will say there were too many scenes of people getting sick, however. And it was written with too much detail most of the time for my liking. But if you take those scenes out, this book was a great read.

It did get better when you watch Lou slowly fall in love with her bestie, Seeley. You see it before she does, and you can tell Seeley wanted more than friendship all along. So, when they finally got together, I may have squealed in happiness for them. Seeley is just such a fun character to read as well, and I love the relationship (both as friends and more) between her and Lou.

I love myself a nice YA rom-com, and this was a perfect example of it. It was filled with many emotions, and as mentioned, Lou as a narrator is just really fun to read. (Even if her plans for the summer were a bit messed up, she eventually came around to being a great human being).

All in all, loved it, like all of the other books I've read by Dugan. 10/10 would recommend.

Book Review: Melt With You by Jennifer Dugan

Melt With you

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Melt With you 〰️

Okay, my poor gay heart needs more of Dugan's writing now. I finished this book in like a day, and I loved every second.

Melt With You by Jennifer Dugan

Dugan (from the two books of hers that I have read so far) is a master of the enemies-to-lovers trope. I mean, Fallon and Chloe were besties but then became "enemies" before becoming friends and more again, but still!

I loved the narration of Fallon. She's got such a great personality to read. She expressed such a range of emotions that made me feel the same right along with her. She was admittedly a bit frustrating to read at points about telling Chloe how she felt, but even she admitted her faults, so I guess that's okay in my books haha. Besides, if she did follow Jami's advice (sound advice, great friend, by the way, we all need a Jami in our lives) and told Chloe her true feelings and just talked it out, we wouldn't have had a novel.

I love the whole road trip thing, and Chloe was so sweet in her side adventures to show how much she cared for Fallon. It made my gay heart melt. (Pun intended).

These two characters were compatible, even with their flaws. They were relatable and so well written, and I enjoyed reading about their journey. Also, gotta love a good "only one-bed" trope done right.

If you are looking for a great sapphic read, this book is worth it. It will melt your heart into gooey goodness.

Book Review: Some Girls Do by Jennifer Dugan

Some Girls Do

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Some Girls Do 〰️

I saw someone recommend this book on Twitter and decided to give it a go. Boy, am I glad I did. I need all the queer books by this author now, please.

Some Girls Do by Jennifer Dugan

This book made me feel all the feels from start to finish, and I couldn't put it down. I loved the enemies-to-lovers trope. It was executed perfectly. I loved Morgan's and Ruby's personalities. Both were written so strongly, and each was a unique and exciting character. I wish there were more of these two, but alas, this book seems to be a standalone. Which, fine, but I still want more.

I will say, though, at the start, I wondered why they felt so strongly for each other besides "she's hot." Both girls were from such opposite worlds. But as I read on, I could feel the chemistry.

I love Ruby's coming arc, and I love Morgan learning to accept the world around her. And Ruby's big moment in her final pageant was *chef's kiss*. (And let's not forget Tyler, who speaks truth bombs about consent and is a really cool guy. I would have liked to see more of him, to be honest).

I loved every character and story beat—great pacing and writing. If you're looking for a great YA sapphic romance novel, this is an excellent pick for you. Thank you, random Twitter user, for posting about this book.