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Tokyo Ever After #2
Tokyo Dreaming
When Japanese-American Izumi Tanaka learned her father was the Crown Prince of Japan, she became a princess overnight. Now, she’s overcome conniving cousins, salacious press, and an imperial scandal to finally find a place she belongs. She has a perfect bodyguard turned boyfriend. Her stinky dog, Tamagotchi, is living with her in Tokyo. Her parents have even rekindled their college romance and are engaged. A royal wedding is on the horizon! Izumi’s life is a Tokyo dream come true.
Only...
Her parents’ engagement hits a brick wall. The Imperial Household Council refuses to approve the marriage citing concerns about Izumi and her mother’s lack of pedigree. And on top of it all, her bodyguard turned boyfriend makes a shocking decision about their relationship. At the threat of everything falling apart, Izumi vows to do whatever it takes to help win over the council. Which means upping her newly acquired princess game.
But at what cost? Izumi will do anything to help her parents achieve their happily ever after, but what if playing the perfect princess means sacrificing her own? Will she find a way to forge her own path and follow her heart?
Return to Tokyo for a royal wedding in Emiko Jean's Tokyo Dreaming, the sequel to the Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick and New York Times bestseller Tokyo Ever After
Only...
Her parents’ engagement hits a brick wall. The Imperial Household Council refuses to approve the marriage citing concerns about Izumi and her mother’s lack of pedigree. And on top of it all, her bodyguard turned boyfriend makes a shocking decision about their relationship. At the threat of everything falling apart, Izumi vows to do whatever it takes to help win over the council. Which means upping her newly acquired princess game.
But at what cost? Izumi will do anything to help her parents achieve their happily ever after, but what if playing the perfect princess means sacrificing her own? Will she find a way to forge her own path and follow her heart?
Return to Tokyo for a royal wedding in Emiko Jean's Tokyo Dreaming, the sequel to the Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick and New York Times bestseller Tokyo Ever After
336 pages, Hardcover
First published May 31, 2022
About the author
Emiko Jean
8 books2,339 followersEmiko Jean is a New York Times best-selling author of adult and young adult fiction.Her books have been published in over thirty languages. Her work has been featured on Good Morning America as a GMA book club pick, by Reese Witherspoon as a young adult book club pick, and in publications such as: Marie Claire, Entertainment Weekly, Time, Cosmopolitan, Shondaland and Bustle. She lives in Washington with her husband and two kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,097 reviews
July 3, 2022
quite cliché, but still a very cute and light-hearted story! its pretty much everything i expected from this sequel.
the plot is still very much ‘crazy rich asians’ meets ‘the princess diaries’ via ‘what a girl wants.’ which is sweet, but other than being set in japan, i cant exactly say this series adds anything new to the stories previously mentioned. not a deal breaker as i enjoy all of the tropes used and i thought the messages were good ones - trying to fit in and learning youre good just the way you are, dealing with family pressures, and not judging others.
the only thing i didnt quite click with was the romance. i think a couple of things were handled in a questionable way and didnt leave me completely satisfied.
but all in all, this continues to be a classic YA story/series. one that is quick, adorable, and has me looking forward to another book!
↠ 3.5 stars
the plot is still very much ‘crazy rich asians’ meets ‘the princess diaries’ via ‘what a girl wants.’ which is sweet, but other than being set in japan, i cant exactly say this series adds anything new to the stories previously mentioned. not a deal breaker as i enjoy all of the tropes used and i thought the messages were good ones - trying to fit in and learning youre good just the way you are, dealing with family pressures, and not judging others.
the only thing i didnt quite click with was the romance. i think a couple of things were handled in a questionable way and didnt leave me completely satisfied.
but all in all, this continues to be a classic YA story/series. one that is quick, adorable, and has me looking forward to another book!
↠ 3.5 stars
July 2, 2022
I just finished Tokyo ever after and OMG WHEN WILL THIS BE RELEASED?!?
These books deserve adaptations!
These books deserve adaptations!
Read
December 30, 2022It pains me to rate this in mid-territory, because I still REALLY enjoyed it. Emily Jean is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I adore her writing style! She has a way of filling her books with light even if the characters are facing hardships and that balance is not an easy thing to achieve. The reason I'm in the middle here, is because I was a little disappointed with the development of a few storylines and the rushed ending. We have a bit of a loose love triangle situation pop up here and it felt a little too forced to me. I could've easily seen Izumi maintaining a platonic relationship despite the tension that comes with a fake dating element. The end just mostly made me SAD. I think had it been less of a whirlwind ending, I would've felt a stronger impact from it. It's rushed to a point where you're not able to grasp the emotions surrounding it.
It probably doesn't help that a character I loved was on the sidelines a majority of the novel. *cries*
It probably doesn't help that a character I loved was on the sidelines a majority of the novel. *cries*
June 1, 2022
Izumi is fearful that she’s giving up too much of herself and isn’t being true to her wants and her morals while trying to fit in with her family, the Japanese royal family. The thing is, Izumi has no interests to speak of. No personal goals. No hobbies. Her entire personality is based around her three smarter, more goal oriented friends, a vernacular of sassy sayings stolen from drag culture, thinking snacks are cool, and her derpy dog.
And yet she has two hot, intelligent, successful guys fighting over her!? One of which breaks up with her for basically no reason and so I guess she decides to make her current boyfriend who treats her like gold to break up with her so she can be with her ex.
Izumi appears to be a basic ass American teenager with no actual personality to speak of and yet, everyone is so enraptured by her endearing basicness that they are constantly going to bat for her in some way or another. Like why tho? Also, for what!?
And yet she has two hot, intelligent, successful guys fighting over her!? One of which breaks up with her for basically no reason and so I guess she decides to make her current boyfriend who treats her like gold to break up with her so she can be with her ex.
Izumi appears to be a basic ass American teenager with no actual personality to speak of and yet, everyone is so enraptured by her endearing basicness that they are constantly going to bat for her in some way or another. Like why tho? Also, for what!?
May 26, 2022
This is the second book in the Tokyo Ever After series, and while it can be read as a standalone, you will enjoy it much more if you read the first book Tokyo Ever After to get the background.
We start right where we left off, Izumi and her mother are living in Tokyo and her parents become engaged, but the council in charge of approving her parents' wedding are concerned about the match. Izumi is wondering where life will lead her next, and as her relationship with Akio takes an unexpected turn, she decides to make some big changes to help her parents.
This is an entertaining YA book about sacrifices and whether or not they are necessary. I felt for Izumi, as she feels responsible for facilitating the happiness and success of her parents and their relationship. I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrator is superb. She personifies the characters and her Japanese is flawless, which kept me invested in the story as I was listening to the words rather than tripping over them while reading.
This book has shades of The Princess Diaries, but it's more up to date with modern dilemmas and decisions, and the situations feel very real. I loved reading about the different customs and traditions (as well as a laundry list of dos and don'ts) for the royal family. I definitely recommend both books in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
We start right where we left off, Izumi and her mother are living in Tokyo and her parents become engaged, but the council in charge of approving her parents' wedding are concerned about the match. Izumi is wondering where life will lead her next, and as her relationship with Akio takes an unexpected turn, she decides to make some big changes to help her parents.
This is an entertaining YA book about sacrifices and whether or not they are necessary. I felt for Izumi, as she feels responsible for facilitating the happiness and success of her parents and their relationship. I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrator is superb. She personifies the characters and her Japanese is flawless, which kept me invested in the story as I was listening to the words rather than tripping over them while reading.
This book has shades of The Princess Diaries, but it's more up to date with modern dilemmas and decisions, and the situations feel very real. I loved reading about the different customs and traditions (as well as a laundry list of dos and don'ts) for the royal family. I definitely recommend both books in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
April 7, 2022
First, I read this by paperback then I listened to the audiobook to see if the audiobook made a difference in the story. The story itself was good. I was interested in seeing the side of the royal life and princess wanting more out of her life. The audiobook was truly amazing, truly made the story even better. I would highly suggest the audiobook version! Loved this story and the character development. Was such an interesting story. And that ending!!!!
I received a paperback copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I also received an audiobook of this ARC that was given to me to review from the publishers and NetGalley. All comments above are solely my true opinion after reading this book.
I received a paperback copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I also received an audiobook of this ARC that was given to me to review from the publishers and NetGalley. All comments above are solely my true opinion after reading this book.
June 1, 2022
Star Rating: —> 5 Stars
🌟⭐️🌟⭐️🌟
Gahhhh total 5 Star read! I’m not crying, you’re crying ! 🥹😭😭
.RTC
______________
Okay. This series has the most beautiful covers !!!! After The brilliance that was Tokyo Ever After, I am DYING TO READ THIS!! What a beautiful cover year 2022 is shaping out to be...
🌟⭐️🌟⭐️🌟
Gahhhh total 5 Star read! I’m not crying, you’re crying ! 🥹😭😭
.RTC
______________
Okay. This series has the most beautiful covers !!!! After The brilliance that was Tokyo Ever After, I am DYING TO READ THIS!! What a beautiful cover year 2022 is shaping out to be...
May 24, 2023
4 stars
When Izumi discovered she was a Japanese princess, she was thrown into a completely new world and had to scramble to figure things out. Now things seem to be going very well for her, she has a hot bodyguard boyfriend, her dog is now living with her in Tokyo, and her parents are back together and engaged. But when Izumi catches wind that her parents may be denied marriage, Akio makes a decision for the both of them that changes the course of their future.
This was a great follow up novel to Tokyo Ever After and I very much hope this will be a longer series. While the first book was about discovering a new life, this second book was about acclimating to it. Izumi really worked on being who she thought everyone wanted her to be, versus being herself. I liked that the focus of this book really seemed to be about friendship, with Izumi working on a truce with the twins and her friend visiting from back home.
I will say though, I really want the adult romance story of Izumi’s parents. Maybe it’s because I am not a teenager anymore, but their romance was the best part of this book.
When Izumi discovered she was a Japanese princess, she was thrown into a completely new world and had to scramble to figure things out. Now things seem to be going very well for her, she has a hot bodyguard boyfriend, her dog is now living with her in Tokyo, and her parents are back together and engaged. But when Izumi catches wind that her parents may be denied marriage, Akio makes a decision for the both of them that changes the course of their future.
This was a great follow up novel to Tokyo Ever After and I very much hope this will be a longer series. While the first book was about discovering a new life, this second book was about acclimating to it. Izumi really worked on being who she thought everyone wanted her to be, versus being herself. I liked that the focus of this book really seemed to be about friendship, with Izumi working on a truce with the twins and her friend visiting from back home.
I will say though, I really want the adult romance story of Izumi’s parents. Maybe it’s because I am not a teenager anymore, but their romance was the best part of this book.
May 18, 2022
It was a treat to return to Tokyo and check in on Izumi. I thought the first book in this series was amazing, so the sequel had huge shoes to fill. Listening to this one on audio was definitely the right choice. Ali Ahn strikes just the right notes as a narrator. For Izumi, her highest priority is to have her mom and dad together so they can be an intact family. As the powers that be let their expectations be known, she finds herself make more and more compromises. Is she making these decisions for the right reasons? Or will she lose herself in the process? This was a delightful second chapter in the Tokyo Ever After series. A fantastic read for AAPI Heritage Month and a marvelous way to get a royal fix.
A big thank you to MacMillan Audio for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A big thank you to MacMillan Audio for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2022
In a nutshell, and spoiler free!
Rating: 👑👑👑👑 3.6
For starters, this book was the compilation of 5678 years of fantasizing on my part. The princess vibes, the troubles, the over the top romantic scenarios that have less than .4% chance of every happening in real life- did it hurt you? Because it did hurt me. A lot. And this book was a band-aid for that pain. To be honest, it is hard (basically impossible) to beat the first book of this series because the first one was guilty pleasure hand wrapped with copious amount of ‘AM I SWEATING OR AM I… SWEATING-‘ and even though the first book is my own Princess Diaries ‘let me cry because this will absolutely never happen to me’, this one continued the story wonderfully! There were moments where I wanted to scream, cry, rage, make kissy noises because being obnoxious is my life’s calling and I enjoyed the ride (with bumps, scars, car accidents and everything in between. Also, pink beautiful sunsets, mountains full of soft translucent watery powder… snow, yes. That.)
So if you enjoy, racing hearts, twisty turns and a family that goes through lots… and lots… and lots of changes (I love being evil like this, hehehe) I recommend this story as an escape from the sucky reality of the world!
For full post with lookbooks and recs, don't doubt to click!
https://booktasticallyamazing.wordpre...
(thank you Netgalley, by the way-)
...........
I want somebody to look at me like Akio looks at Radish.
..........
FREAKING YES.
TAKE IT.
TAKE MY HEART.
My wallet is unavailable, that's why I'm offering a different thing this time.
Rating: 👑👑👑👑 3.6
For starters, this book was the compilation of 5678 years of fantasizing on my part. The princess vibes, the troubles, the over the top romantic scenarios that have less than .4% chance of every happening in real life- did it hurt you? Because it did hurt me. A lot. And this book was a band-aid for that pain. To be honest, it is hard (basically impossible) to beat the first book of this series because the first one was guilty pleasure hand wrapped with copious amount of ‘AM I SWEATING OR AM I… SWEATING-‘ and even though the first book is my own Princess Diaries ‘let me cry because this will absolutely never happen to me’, this one continued the story wonderfully! There were moments where I wanted to scream, cry, rage, make kissy noises because being obnoxious is my life’s calling and I enjoyed the ride (with bumps, scars, car accidents and everything in between. Also, pink beautiful sunsets, mountains full of soft translucent watery powder… snow, yes. That.)
So if you enjoy, racing hearts, twisty turns and a family that goes through lots… and lots… and lots of changes (I love being evil like this, hehehe) I recommend this story as an escape from the sucky reality of the world!
For full post with lookbooks and recs, don't doubt to click!
https://booktasticallyamazing.wordpre...
(thank you Netgalley, by the way-)
...........
I want somebody to look at me like Akio looks at Radish.
..........
FREAKING YES.
TAKE IT.
TAKE MY HEART.
My wallet is unavailable, that's why I'm offering a different thing this time.
April 27, 2022
♡ five stars
♡ this book had me feeling so happy i was definitely giggling and kicking my feet up in bed. izumi is my favorite, most precious character, and reading her navigate her role as a new princess was written so well. if you were invested in izumi's parent's relationship, THIS BOOK GAVE
♡ tokyo dreaming was a great continuation for TEA, I STILL THINK TEA WAS BETTER BECAUSE TEA SUPREMACY OKAY? AND THE ENDING FOR THIS BOOK, SO SWEET😩 I HOPE WE GET A BOOK THREE BECAUSE I NEEDED MORE. IF YOU KNOW YOU KNOW😭
(march 19) rating: 5🌟 !! I JUST FINISHED AND OH MY GOD😭😭😭 I LOVED EVERYTHING EVEN THO I CRIED ALMOST 3 TIMES. I'LL WRITE MY REVIEW SOON.
(idk when i left this comment lmao. 2021?) AFTER READING THE SYNOPSIS I AM DEFINITELY GOING TO READ THE NEXT BOOK AHHHHH I was scared initially bc I love the first book and it ended so happily but ugh the next book sounds so good
♡ this book had me feeling so happy i was definitely giggling and kicking my feet up in bed. izumi is my favorite, most precious character, and reading her navigate her role as a new princess was written so well. if you were invested in izumi's parent's relationship, THIS BOOK GAVE
♡ tokyo dreaming was a great continuation for TEA, I STILL THINK TEA WAS BETTER BECAUSE TEA SUPREMACY OKAY? AND THE ENDING FOR THIS BOOK, SO SWEET😩 I HOPE WE GET A BOOK THREE BECAUSE I NEEDED MORE. IF YOU KNOW YOU KNOW😭
(march 19) rating: 5🌟 !! I JUST FINISHED AND OH MY GOD😭😭😭 I LOVED EVERYTHING EVEN THO I CRIED ALMOST 3 TIMES. I'LL WRITE MY REVIEW SOON.
(idk when i left this comment lmao. 2021?) AFTER READING THE SYNOPSIS I AM DEFINITELY GOING TO READ THE NEXT BOOK AHHHHH I was scared initially bc I love the first book and it ended so happily but ugh the next book sounds so good
July 15, 2022
There are some sequels that should never have been written, and this is one of them. It was so bad. Izumi is literally just so annoying in this book, I couldn’t stand her at all. She whines SO much but she doesn’t even realize that she is so privileged? I love the fact that someone finally called her out on that, but the whole time I was wondering how she got into the University of Tokyo when she’s as dumb as a box of rocks and then I remembered it’s because she’s rich and I just hated that.
I also hated the love triangle in this. I really liked Akio in the first book but he’s such an ass in this one and then he’s gone for the whole book and it’s so freaking annoying that Izumi just runs right back to him. Izumi says it herself that they need to work on their communication and I think that was the main issue I had between the two of them. Also Akio just rubs me the wrong way.
Eriku was definitely the best part of this book and I’m bitter that such an awesome character was wasted in such a lame book. He was so good for Izumi and the fact that she literally just tosses him aside wrecked me.
The only other redeeming part of this book for me was we got to see more of the Shining Twins who I think offer a lot more to the story than Izumi.
This book was honestly a waste of paper and completely unnecessary. Ending the story at book one would have been better for the characters.
I also hated the love triangle in this. I really liked Akio in the first book but he’s such an ass in this one and then he’s gone for the whole book and it’s so freaking annoying that Izumi just runs right back to him. Izumi says it herself that they need to work on their communication and I think that was the main issue I had between the two of them. Also Akio just rubs me the wrong way.
Eriku was definitely the best part of this book and I’m bitter that such an awesome character was wasted in such a lame book. He was so good for Izumi and the fact that she literally just tosses him aside wrecked me.
The only other redeeming part of this book for me was we got to see more of the Shining Twins who I think offer a lot more to the story than Izumi.
This book was honestly a waste of paper and completely unnecessary. Ending the story at book one would have been better for the characters.
December 29, 2021
This was JUST AS GOOD as TEA but more nuanced and a bit more emotional. It didn’t suffer at all from second book syndrome and I enjoyed every minute of it. I think all TEA fans will be plenty pleased with this when it comes out 💘
February 3, 2023
Do you really have to be special to be loved? pg. 36
Sequel to Tokyo Ever After. I actually enjoyed this novel more than the first one. I'm not sure why. Because we already know all the characters and don't have to go through any set-up? Because the plot was more interesting to me? IDK.
This book follows our favorite "aggressively average" princess, Izumi. She is the result of a torrid love affair between the Crown Prince of Japan and her mother while the two were at Harvard. In the first book, she discovers who her father is and meets him and has to be prepped for royal life. Think THE PRINCESS DIARIES meets NEVER HAVE I EVER. She also falls for her hot, stern bodyguard Akio.
In book two, the plot revolves around Hanako and Makoto's romance. That's Izumi's mom and the crown prince. After not seeing each other for 18 years, they met again in Book One and guess what? Sparks were still there. So both Izumi and her mom are living in Japan, adjusting to Imperial life there, and having romance - Hanako with the Crown Prince, her long-lost love; and Izumi with her hot ex-bodyguard boyfriend.
But are Imperial demands going to be too much for two Americans used to living an unscripted life?
...
THE GOOD:
- Strong mother/daughter relationship. Touching. Sweet.
- Strong female friendship vibes. Of course, Izumi is still in touch with AGG (Asian Girl Gang) and they are trying to make it work long distance. The friends would do anything for each other. And in Japan,
- I like how Izumi has changed since Book One. Jean really shows (not tells - even though I think that's a rather stupid line to use about books) her evolution. The polishing pays off. While still Izumi, she's definitely changed and grown from Book One and it's nice to see that character development. You definitely cheer for Izumi, she's someone who you are rooting for.
THE BAD:
No real complaints.
THE LOVE TRIANGLE:
I have mixed feelings about this one.
Happy, cute ending though. I enjoyed it.
IZUMI
I like how Izumi is real - drinks, swears, pees, screws up. Jean allows her to be a normal person. I appreciate it.
TL;DR I actually liked this sequel more than the original. I liked how it resolved on multiple fronts. I liked the character development of Izumi between this and the first book. It was enjoyable. You can't dive in here, though. I mean, you could, but I'd advise reading Book One first.
RELATED MATERIALS:
The Princess Diaries
by Meg Cabot
The TANGLED tv show. Not the movie. The TV show. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4902964/
NAMES IN THIS BOOK:
Sequel to Tokyo Ever After. I actually enjoyed this novel more than the first one. I'm not sure why. Because we already know all the characters and don't have to go through any set-up? Because the plot was more interesting to me? IDK.
This book follows our favorite "aggressively average" princess, Izumi. She is the result of a torrid love affair between the Crown Prince of Japan and her mother while the two were at Harvard. In the first book, she discovers who her father is and meets him and has to be prepped for royal life. Think THE PRINCESS DIARIES meets NEVER HAVE I EVER. She also falls for her hot, stern bodyguard Akio.
In book two, the plot revolves around Hanako and Makoto's romance. That's Izumi's mom and the crown prince. After not seeing each other for 18 years, they met again in Book One and guess what? Sparks were still there. So both Izumi and her mom are living in Japan, adjusting to Imperial life there, and having romance - Hanako with the Crown Prince, her long-lost love; and Izumi with her hot ex-bodyguard boyfriend.
But are Imperial demands going to be too much for two Americans used to living an unscripted life?
...
THE GOOD:
- Strong mother/daughter relationship. Touching. Sweet.
- Strong female friendship vibes. Of course, Izumi is still in touch with AGG (Asian Girl Gang) and they are trying to make it work long distance. The friends would do anything for each other. And in Japan,
- I like how Izumi has changed since Book One. Jean really shows (not tells - even though I think that's a rather stupid line to use about books) her evolution. The polishing pays off. While still Izumi, she's definitely changed and grown from Book One and it's nice to see that character development. You definitely cheer for Izumi, she's someone who you are rooting for.
THE BAD:
No real complaints.
THE LOVE TRIANGLE:
I have mixed feelings about this one.
Happy, cute ending though. I enjoyed it.
IZUMI
I like how Izumi is real - drinks, swears, pees, screws up. Jean allows her to be a normal person. I appreciate it.
TL;DR I actually liked this sequel more than the original. I liked how it resolved on multiple fronts. I liked the character development of Izumi between this and the first book. It was enjoyable. You can't dive in here, though. I mean, you could, but I'd advise reading Book One first.
RELATED MATERIALS:
The Princess Diaries
by Meg CabotThe TANGLED tv show. Not the movie. The TV show. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4902964/
NAMES IN THIS BOOK:
August 17, 2022
I'M DONE! I'm sad but I'M DONE!
While I enjoyed this like I thought I would, I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I did the first book. Tokyo Ever After was SO GOOD. It touched that part of me that loved What A Girl Wants and made it soar. I loved the inclusion of the Japanese culture and learning more about Izumi and her family. It was a refreshing read, especially for YA.
Izumi continues to be a strong point of view. She's smart and independent, but now that she's rehoming herself and starting fresh.... she's not as confident about her life choices now that they have the power to reflect poorly on her family. In an effort to protect her parents and the future of her family, she decides a change of image is necessary.
Akio’s made decisions for himself as well, much to Izumi's frustrations. He's chosen a path and Izumi is forced to accept it and move on, whatever that may mean for her. She turns herself inside out and is completely changed as she accepts anything and everything that she needs to in order to be made in the perfect image. Whether or not it's for her is another story.
I felt like I was reading this book and although I enjoyed it, it was like we took a shortcut in some areas. My biggest hang-up, above all, was this weird triangle between Eriku and Akio. I understand the impact both characters have on her, but when we were brought to a point of who to choose... I just - It didn't make sense. Akio was non-existent the entire time. He left and we do not see him in passing, we don't see his name, we see one media piece about him but no interactions between him and Izumi. I know he's the true love, and I agree... but I feel like he should've had more of a fight for her. Or some kind of continuing contact that tethered him to the story. He just kinda came back, said he was going to fight for her, and then all this stuff with her family happened that distracted you from him. It felt messy.
Eriku deserved better. I think the better solution here would've been Izumi, conflicted in her feelings for both men, acts on impulse with Eriku, kisses him, and they feel nothing. Or not enough. The anticipation did not match the outcome of the kiss. I did love the maturity of the two of them, especially towards the end. They handled themselves very well and even in my annoyance, I loved that about our characters. Akio just felt like he was on the backburner for too long but you didn't want to waste the food, so you put it on the table anyways.
The one part of this story I loved through and through is their family. Izumi and her parents are my favourite. I continue to love her parents so much but the three of them are so loyal and respectful of one another. It was a really nice relationship to watch move along. Even when it trickled down to the cousins!! Emiko does a great job in building the family presence in both books but this one felt so strong. I would've loved to see Izumi come into her own and maybe forgo any romantic relationships, focusing on herself. For once, I think I might've enjoyed that more? I'm not sure. I do love Akio a lot, I just felt like we missed something between them.
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and Flatiron Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While I enjoyed this like I thought I would, I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I did the first book. Tokyo Ever After was SO GOOD. It touched that part of me that loved What A Girl Wants and made it soar. I loved the inclusion of the Japanese culture and learning more about Izumi and her family. It was a refreshing read, especially for YA.
Izumi continues to be a strong point of view. She's smart and independent, but now that she's rehoming herself and starting fresh.... she's not as confident about her life choices now that they have the power to reflect poorly on her family. In an effort to protect her parents and the future of her family, she decides a change of image is necessary.
Akio’s made decisions for himself as well, much to Izumi's frustrations. He's chosen a path and Izumi is forced to accept it and move on, whatever that may mean for her. She turns herself inside out and is completely changed as she accepts anything and everything that she needs to in order to be made in the perfect image. Whether or not it's for her is another story.
I felt like I was reading this book and although I enjoyed it, it was like we took a shortcut in some areas. My biggest hang-up, above all, was this weird triangle between Eriku and Akio. I understand the impact both characters have on her, but when we were brought to a point of who to choose... I just - It didn't make sense. Akio was non-existent the entire time. He left and we do not see him in passing, we don't see his name, we see one media piece about him but no interactions between him and Izumi. I know he's the true love, and I agree... but I feel like he should've had more of a fight for her. Or some kind of continuing contact that tethered him to the story. He just kinda came back, said he was going to fight for her, and then all this stuff with her family happened that distracted you from him. It felt messy.
Eriku deserved better. I think the better solution here would've been Izumi, conflicted in her feelings for both men, acts on impulse with Eriku, kisses him, and they feel nothing. Or not enough. The anticipation did not match the outcome of the kiss. I did love the maturity of the two of them, especially towards the end. They handled themselves very well and even in my annoyance, I loved that about our characters. Akio just felt like he was on the backburner for too long but you didn't want to waste the food, so you put it on the table anyways.
The one part of this story I loved through and through is their family. Izumi and her parents are my favourite. I continue to love her parents so much but the three of them are so loyal and respectful of one another. It was a really nice relationship to watch move along. Even when it trickled down to the cousins!! Emiko does a great job in building the family presence in both books but this one felt so strong. I would've loved to see Izumi come into her own and maybe forgo any romantic relationships, focusing on herself. For once, I think I might've enjoyed that more? I'm not sure. I do love Akio a lot, I just felt like we missed something between them.
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and Flatiron Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2022
The sequel is so much better than the first book
December 28, 2022
what was the reason for writing a whole book about eriku, keep in mind akio doesnt appear for like almost the whole book, just for her to go back to ??? weird.
- old thingy-
i will die for eriku. i will forever be an eriku stan. if izumi doesnt want him, I WANT HIM
- old thingy-
i will die for eriku. i will forever be an eriku stan. if izumi doesnt want him, I WANT HIM
November 21, 2022
"Don't bury who you are to become who others think you should be."
°•*⁀➷
I wish this duo had been a standalone. I miss how I felt about the first book.
- Paige
°•*⁀➷
I wish this duo had been a standalone. I miss how I felt about the first book.
- Paige
July 5, 2023
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This is one of those books that I want more of but unfortunately, it has sadly ended. It was created as a duology and the author ended on a very happy note wrapping it all up.
Tokyo Dreaming is the second book of the Tokyo Ever After Duology. Though intended to be a standalone, the second book was written because of the popularity of the first book. Thank you, Reese Witherspoon's book club, for that.
This continues the story of Izumi Tanaka as she navigates the next part of her life. Go to college in Japan and continue down the path of being a princess or take a gap and disappoint the whole of Japan.
Extremely indecisive on what her decision should be in that, she continues on with some princess duties and her amazing relationship with Akio.
As she starts conforming, she starts to lose herself in the process. Who she really was before she came to be a princess overnight.
I love the journey Izumi takes in this story, really truly knowing who and what she is. Not allowing the traditions to tell her who she needs to be but being herself. That you can have what you want in life and find a way to honor some traditions.
I didn’t get enough of Izumi and Akio in this book. Their love story was what sold it for me in the first one and was sadly disappointed that there wasn’t enough of it in this one.
So, this was charming, cute, and endearing.
BLOG ⟫ INSTAGRAM ⟫ PODCAST ⟫
This is one of those books that I want more of but unfortunately, it has sadly ended. It was created as a duology and the author ended on a very happy note wrapping it all up.
Tokyo Dreaming is the second book of the Tokyo Ever After Duology. Though intended to be a standalone, the second book was written because of the popularity of the first book. Thank you, Reese Witherspoon's book club, for that.
This continues the story of Izumi Tanaka as she navigates the next part of her life. Go to college in Japan and continue down the path of being a princess or take a gap and disappoint the whole of Japan.
Extremely indecisive on what her decision should be in that, she continues on with some princess duties and her amazing relationship with Akio.
As she starts conforming, she starts to lose herself in the process. Who she really was before she came to be a princess overnight.
I love the journey Izumi takes in this story, really truly knowing who and what she is. Not allowing the traditions to tell her who she needs to be but being herself. That you can have what you want in life and find a way to honor some traditions.
I didn’t get enough of Izumi and Akio in this book. Their love story was what sold it for me in the first one and was sadly disappointed that there wasn’t enough of it in this one.
So, this was charming, cute, and endearing.
June 27, 2023
*4.25*
I loved this almost as much as the first book 💗🌸🌬🍡👑
I loved this almost as much as the first book 💗🌸🌬🍡👑
June 1, 2022
I received an ARC of this book for free as part of a blog tour.
First off, I loved the first book in the series, Tokyo Ever After. It was one of my favorite books of 2021 which made me very excited to read the sequel. I still think that the first book was a tiny bit better, but for the most part I found the sequel to be a worthy successor.
This book picks right up where the last book left off and from there continues Izumi’s story. It does not miss a beat and gets right into the drama of royal life. Like the first book, the writing style is easy and a breeze to read.
I loved the character development, especially the development of Akiko and Noriko (aka the Shining Twins). I enjoyed seeing them get more of a spotlight and how dimensional they became. They could have easily stayed the villains, but instead got more depth.
I also liked how the book explored growing up and maturing. The story explores Izumi’s post-high school life and contrasts it with her friends. The juxtaposition highlighted Izumi’s coming of age journey well.
There was a love triangle, which I didn’t think was necessary. The book would have still worked without it.
Overall, this was a sweet sequel and I hope Izumi’s story continues!
First off, I loved the first book in the series, Tokyo Ever After. It was one of my favorite books of 2021 which made me very excited to read the sequel. I still think that the first book was a tiny bit better, but for the most part I found the sequel to be a worthy successor.
This book picks right up where the last book left off and from there continues Izumi’s story. It does not miss a beat and gets right into the drama of royal life. Like the first book, the writing style is easy and a breeze to read.
I loved the character development, especially the development of Akiko and Noriko (aka the Shining Twins). I enjoyed seeing them get more of a spotlight and how dimensional they became. They could have easily stayed the villains, but instead got more depth.
I also liked how the book explored growing up and maturing. The story explores Izumi’s post-high school life and contrasts it with her friends. The juxtaposition highlighted Izumi’s coming of age journey well.
There was a love triangle, which I didn’t think was necessary. The book would have still worked without it.
Overall, this was a sweet sequel and I hope Izumi’s story continues!
January 27, 2022
nowhere near as good as the first one. my fave character was gone for most of the book. i was annoyed the majority of the time, especially during the love triangle portion. the number of times i rolled my eyes throughout this highly anticipated release was tragic.
August 18, 2021
I didn’t know there was going to be a second part and I’m already happy about it 😌😌😌😁😁😁😆
February 26, 2023
"A heart divided cannot stand."
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
I loved this so much. This was an epic sequel to this series, and I'm really sad to say goodbye to these awesome characters, and it was honestly a comfort read throughout.
I feel like this series had a really valuable message to the readers - that you shouldn't let anyone's expectations define you, and no one, absolutely no one, can tell you who you are and who you should be. I loved seeing Izumi's character mature and develop in this book, and she's really grown in this book.
Something IMMACULATE about this installment is that Yoshi did not make a single appearance 😌 (TOO BAD HE WAS REPLACED WITH ERIKU-)
That embarrassment of a love interest. Izumi could have done better. Thank goodness she came back to her senses towards the end. I hated him so much - he was also kind of possessive and selfish towards the end. He was so annoying. Ugh.
Anyway, I really really enjoyed this, and I would absolutely love a third installment where Akio and Izumi do not drive me insane with their relationship-
They're literally both such idiots sometimes, but they're idiots in love, and they're cute together, so it's okay <33
Song: Figure You Out by VOILÀ
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
I loved this so much. This was an epic sequel to this series, and I'm really sad to say goodbye to these awesome characters, and it was honestly a comfort read throughout.
I feel like this series had a really valuable message to the readers - that you shouldn't let anyone's expectations define you, and no one, absolutely no one, can tell you who you are and who you should be. I loved seeing Izumi's character mature and develop in this book, and she's really grown in this book.
Something IMMACULATE about this installment is that Yoshi did not make a single appearance 😌 (TOO BAD HE WAS REPLACED WITH ERIKU-)
That embarrassment of a love interest. Izumi could have done better. Thank goodness she came back to her senses towards the end. I hated him so much - he was also kind of possessive and selfish towards the end. He was so annoying. Ugh.
Anyway, I really really enjoyed this, and I would absolutely love a third installment where Akio and Izumi do not drive me insane with their relationship-
They're literally both such idiots sometimes, but they're idiots in love, and they're cute together, so it's okay <33
Song: Figure You Out by VOILÀ
April 28, 2023
Nachdem schon Band 1 mich so positiv überraschen konnte, fand ich auch den zweiten Teil einfach wieder schön. Eine super süße, leichte Geschichte, die allerdings auch mit Tiefgang aufwarten kann und ganz viel Humor und einen lockeren Schreibstil mitbringt. Für alle die auch Band 1 schon geliebt haben kann ich es nur empfehlen weiterzulesen um zu erfahren wie Izumi mit ihrer neuen Lebenssituation in Japan umgeht und was für neuen Herausforderungen sie sich vielleicht stellen muss. Eine richtig schöne Dilogie, die, wie ich finde, vor allem für den Frühling/Sommer eine tolle Zwischendurch-Lektüre in der Sonne darstellt.
August 16, 2022
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Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for inviting me to read Tokyo Dreaming and for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review! And thank you Flatiron Books for inviting me to the blog tour
A review will be up on my blog on August 16, 2021 at 10 am CST on Honey Roselea Reads for you guys to check out!
My review on Tokyo Dreaming will be accessible using this link from August 16, 2021 at 10 am CST and onward.
For now, here is a preview to what the review will look like:
❀❀❀❀
After the events of the outing of Akio and Izumi’s relationship as bodyguard and princess, and the reunion of Izumi’s parents, it’s time to figure out Izumi’s life after, college, family… love. But, the people of Japan don’t exactly approve of Izumi’s relationship with Akio, especially as he’s a bodyguard and not of a high standing. But, can their relationship stand the time of the… [ continue reading ]
December 13, 2022
✩ 3.5/4 stars
~
“Life is a song.”
•
“and you fight for the things you love.”
•
“Life is a poem.
I’m going to write it.”
~
why? just why?
~
i did love the audrey references though! <3
~
“Life is a song.”
•
“and you fight for the things you love.”
•
“Life is a poem.
I’m going to write it.”
~
why? just why?
~
i did love the audrey references though! <3
January 6, 2022
In the sequel to Tokyo Ever After HIH Izumi is still adjusting to life in Japan while her parents date and fall back in love. When her parents' relationship is called into question, Izumi does all she can to increase Japan's opinion of her. Even if that means losing her new boyfriend/ex-bodyguard Akio. Soon, Izumi finds herself falling for a more "suitable" match, her dreamy tutor Eriku. Family drama and love triangle ensues!
Tokyo Dreaming unfortunately lacked the heart of its predecessor. While I still enjoyed reading about Izumi and her adjustments to becoming Japanese royalty , I found the drama and love triangle a little too predictable. I'm guessing this will be a trilogy and I'm sure I'll stick around for the final installment. But this one was wrapped up almost too nice and neat for my taste and I wasn't all too pleased with the conclusion...
Tokyo Dreaming unfortunately lacked the heart of its predecessor. While I still enjoyed reading about Izumi and her adjustments to becoming Japanese royalty , I found the drama and love triangle a little too predictable. I'm guessing this will be a trilogy and I'm sure I'll stick around for the final installment. But this one was wrapped up almost too nice and neat for my taste and I wasn't all too pleased with the conclusion...
December 13, 2023
3.5 ⭐
well if she doesn't want him I'll take him <3
well if she doesn't want him I'll take him <3
June 6, 2022
4
What happens after the dream ends?
Thank you so much to the publisher for an ARC of this! This will not affect my review in any way! My full review will be up on June 5, and only accessible on my blog, which I will link here if you’d like to read it.
https://shewhoreadsyabooks.wordpress....
POTENTIAL SPOILERS FOR TOKYO EVER AFTER
When Japanese-American Izumi Tanaka learned her father was the Crown Prince of Japan, she became a princess overnight. Now, she’s overcome conniving cousins, salacious press, and an imperial scandal to finally find a place she belongs. She has a perfect bodyguard turned boyfriend. Her stinky dog, Tamagotchi, is living with her in Tokyo. Her parents have even rekindled their college romance and are engaged. A royal wedding is on the horizon! Izumi’s life is a Tokyo dream come true. Only... Her parents’ engagement hits a brick wall. The Imperial Household Council refuses to approve the marriage citing concerns about Izumi and her mother’s lack of pedigree. And on top of it all, her bodyguard turned boyfriend makes a shocking decision about their relationship. At the threat of everything falling apart, Izumi vows to do whatever it takes to help win over the council. Which means upping her newly acquired princess game. But at what cost? Izumi will do anything to help her parents achieve their happily ever after, but what if playing the perfect princess means sacrificing her own? Will she find a way to forge her own path and follow her heart?
What happens after the dream ends?
Thank you so much to the publisher for an ARC of this! This will not affect my review in any way! My full review will be up on June 5, and only accessible on my blog, which I will link here if you’d like to read it.
https://shewhoreadsyabooks.wordpress....
POTENTIAL SPOILERS FOR TOKYO EVER AFTER
When Japanese-American Izumi Tanaka learned her father was the Crown Prince of Japan, she became a princess overnight. Now, she’s overcome conniving cousins, salacious press, and an imperial scandal to finally find a place she belongs. She has a perfect bodyguard turned boyfriend. Her stinky dog, Tamagotchi, is living with her in Tokyo. Her parents have even rekindled their college romance and are engaged. A royal wedding is on the horizon! Izumi’s life is a Tokyo dream come true. Only... Her parents’ engagement hits a brick wall. The Imperial Household Council refuses to approve the marriage citing concerns about Izumi and her mother’s lack of pedigree. And on top of it all, her bodyguard turned boyfriend makes a shocking decision about their relationship. At the threat of everything falling apart, Izumi vows to do whatever it takes to help win over the council. Which means upping her newly acquired princess game. But at what cost? Izumi will do anything to help her parents achieve their happily ever after, but what if playing the perfect princess means sacrificing her own? Will she find a way to forge her own path and follow her heart?
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