This story was so fun. It lived up to book 1 in every way for me. I loved the continuation of Izumi’s story, and the new characters we are introduced to!
In Tokyo Dreaming, Izumi is living in Tokyo, and her mom is there with her, which I was so happy about! When her father, the Crown Prince of Japan, proposes to her mother, it creates quite an uproar in Japan. It is not considered a good match, based on how Izumi behaves. So, Izumi becomes determined to follow rules and turn herself into the perfect Japanese Princess.
Obviously, there are tons of problems with this plan, and I loved seeing how Izumi’s problems bring her closer to people as they work to help her. Two characters I really enjoyed in this story were her cousins. There’s quite a journey in the relationship between them and Izumi, and I was so happy to see it!
Tokyo Dreaming is the second book in the Tokyo Ever After book series. I would highly recommend reading the first book before picking this one up. I think it will be more enjoyable. However, if you do pick it up first, I think it would be okay. The author does a good job of giving some backstory from the first book.
Overall, this was a great book, and I really enjoyed the story. I liked being back in Japan and with these characters, and I am hopeful there will be at least one more book to continue Izumi’s story! I would recommend this one for readers that enjoy YA coming-of-age stories!
Where to Find This Book:
Amazon ~ Goodreads
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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
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?
Just the Facts:
Tokyo Dreaming by Emiko Jean
Genre: YA Fiction
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Pub Date: May 31, 2022
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
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