Tokyo Dreaming

 

My Thoughts:

I was not approved for this book on NetGalley, but I wanted to follow up on Akio and Izumi from the first book, Tokyo Ever After, so I am not averse to buying my own books. After all, I gave my Tokyo Ever After book I bought to one of my English teacher alum and I will do the same for this one. I did get the first book via NetGalley and liked it so much that I bought the hardcover. I have also book talked Ms. Jean's first book to students at Nanakuli Intermediate, so I know which teacher I am giving this to. 

This is a continuation of Izzy's time with her father as well as a continuation of the love story of her parents and her relationship with Akio. However, it is less com and more rom. There are twists and complications as all book 2s must have. Izzy has a lot of decisions to make and finds herself in a new fake relationship for a good cause until it becomes a love triangle. In addition, she has to decide what she wants to do - college, no college, expectations from the royal palace, to conform or not conform? What will our Izumi do?

What I liked about this second book is that the character, Izumi, is showing more maturity. Her Japanese is getting better and her relationship with the Shining Twins is quite hilarious. I wanted to know more about the Empress, but this was still a devour read good for high school. The other book could be read by middle grades, but there is a brief sex scene in this one. 

From the Publisher:

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?

Publication Information:

Author: Emiko Jean

Publisher: Flatiron Books (May 31, 2022)

Hardcover Length: 336 pages