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One tiny TW for workplace harassment, but I think it was handled well.
Where do I even start? This book was just UHG. Perfection.
To be fair, I basically knew it would be. I've been looking forward to it for ages, and I knew I'd love it - but I didn't know if LOVE it this much.
This book is littered with all the things us nerds and geeks adore - references to our favourite shows, books, games and all sorts. As a person who has always adored boardgames and card games, I felt this book was written for me. I now desperately want to find a group of friends who would be willing to come to game nights all the time, any volunteers? (Although I've always wanted that to be fair)
Something that stood out for me about this book were the characters. I felt they were really well written - not just out main characters, but their friends too. I could've kept spending time with them for many more pages and been at ease.
The slow-burn, steamy (but not too spicy) romance was perfect for me. An upgrade from the clean YA I'm used to reading, but not too spicy that I'm uncomfortable (like a few other adult romances I've tried 🤣)
Not too much, not too little, but just right!
Also, seeing as Shameez is the Queen of Banter, we HAVE to talk about just how brilliant the banter in this story is. Top tier. Truly.
As I said in my stories the other day, I'd recommend this to anyone and everyone that will listen. Having said that, it is perfect for those who love a great, low-spice, slow-burn, kinda enemies to lovers, romance, as well as all the nerdy and geeky references we need in life.
Basically? Please. Please go read this now.
A quiet yet searing exploration of womanhood, food, and self-acceptance set against the backdrop of a true crime case that’s almost incidental. Butter is more character study than thriller—anchored by Rika Machida’s slow, introspective transformation through her strange, treacherous relationship with murder suspect Manako Kajii.
Yuzuki’s prose (via Polly Barton’s translation) simmers, especially when describing food, but can feel heavy and stretched in parts. Themes of fatphobia, loneliness, and misogyny are stark and repetitive, though intentionally so. The emotional payoff—Rika’s found family and evolution—felt deeply satisfying, even if the journey there demanded patience.
Don’t expect edge-of-your-seat crime drama, but if you appreciate literary fiction with feminist bite and a side of beef stew, this is worth the read. Just maybe keep some butter on hand.
Thank you to Exclusive Books for the opportunity to read this book.
Reading this book was like going on a road trip of self discovery with an old friend. The honesty and vulnerability in Patti's story with it's easy, relaxed style of story telling made me want to keep turning the pages. The workbook is an absolute priceless gem and as I worked through it I found myself on my own road trip of purpose and connection, without leaving the comfort of my own home. A perfect read for all who seek that connection and purpose, this book promises that and delivers it in spades.