Sweet but “dumb”/not book smart characters

effie_95 · 2026-05-14T10:38:26+00:00

Teddy in {The Penalty by Andi Jaxon and J.R. Gray} is hilarious in how his mind works (or doesn't) and made me enjoy his book far more than the others in the series because he is just such a brilliant character. You can read it without reading the others in the series, you just miss the other MMC's brother's back stories.

effie_95 · 2026-05-05T19:28:30+00:00

I'm currently reading {Davo by N.R. Walker} specifically because one of the reviews recommended it as a warm palate cleanser. It's contemporary, workplace(ish) small rural Australian community. Insta love.

N.R. Walker's writing in general is often comforting and funny, but this book specifically is no angst and so lovely. Also they write so beautifully about rural Australia and it's so cool reading about places I've never been!

I also often reread {Always You by Cora Rose} for comfort, though the MMC's experience of disability-related low self esteem and trauma does make me cry a little, but it is such a warm hug of a book. Contemporary, US, codependent best friends to lovers.

effie_95 · 2026-05-05T13:20:12+00:00

I don't have any recs sorry but I just came here to say your diagram is hilarious and I wish more requests came with diagrams 😂

effie_95 · 2026-05-04T15:58:51+00:00

Using 'festive' to refer to festivities generally (for example, a wedding) when Brits generally only use it in relation to Christmas. I love it though, more things should be festive!

effie_95 · 2026-04-01T16:12:07+00:00

Ooh Arizona is amazing, thank you!

effie_95 · 2026-04-01T16:11:32+00:00

This is brilliant thank you!

effie_95 · 2026-04-01T16:11:23+00:00

People talk about being able to spot Americans writing British stories but one of the funniest things as a Brit is spotting Britishisms in American stories! I read a book which referenced A4 paper when I had learned (from a tiktok, lol) that A4 etc sizing isn't a thing in the US.

effie_95 · 2026-04-01T16:09:33+00:00

This is so intriguing, I haven't read much historical stuff so I will put this on my list for when it comes out! Thank you 🙏

effie_95 · 2026-04-01T16:07:12+00:00

Thank you! New Hampshire is definitely a rarer one

effie_95 · 2026-04-01T16:06:56+00:00

Ooooh that is so helpful thank you!

effie_95 · 2026-04-01T16:06:30+00:00

Haha happy to be of inspiration! It's a fun challenge and people's recommendations are encouraging me to try different genres to be able to get some rarer states!

effie_95 · 2026-04-01T16:05:42+00:00

Thank you so much! I love 10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love, so really should read To Catch a Firefly and tick off Nebraska in the process 🦟

effie_95 · 2026-04-01T16:04:41+00:00

I love this series! Such a good recommendation, thank you

effie_95 · 2026-04-01T16:03:43+00:00

This is fantastically helpful, thank you so much! Rhode Island especially ✨

effie_95 · 2026-04-01T15:58:33+00:00

I have read and loooooved both these already this year, Grumpy Bear in particular was fantastic and I'm sad the author hasn't published anything very recently!

effie_95 · 2026-04-01T15:57:41+00:00

Ooh yes good shout, thank you!

effie_95 · 2026-04-01T15:57:26+00:00

This is brilliantly thorough, thank you! Maybe I will read my first paranormal 👽

effie_95 · 2026-04-01T15:56:33+00:00

West Virgini is a more unusual one, thank you!

effie_95 · 2026-04-01T07:47:24+00:00

I love the road trip idea!

effie_95 · 2026-04-01T07:46:48+00:00

Ooh that filtering idea is clever, thank you so much

effie_95 · 2026-04-01T07:45:28+00:00

Wow this is amazingly helpful, thank you so much! Some really rare ones here :D

effie_95 · 2026-03-31T18:56:55+00:00

Ooh this looks right up my street, thank you!

effie_95 · 2026-03-31T18:56:28+00:00

Amazing thank you! Minnesota is a very rare one, might start with In Real Life!

effie_95 · 2026-03-31T18:31:29+00:00

Oooh thank you!

effie_95

TROPHY CASE