How do you write a review for a book that left you wanting? I really enjoyed Tokyo Ever After, but I was not satisfied with the path that the end of this book took. I expected it go exactly the way it went, but really hoped it wouldn’t. It also just didn’t feel right for me.
That being said, there were parts of the story that I did enjoy. The development of Izumi’s relationship with her cousins, “the Shining Twins”, picks up where we left off in TEA, but turns into so much more after being forced to spend a week alone together. Izumi’s mother goes through a rough time as she tries to get approval for her marriage to the crown prince. Izumi decides to apply to the University of Tokyo to help her parents’ cause out. On of my favorite parts of the story was the friendship/relationship between Izumi and her tutor (listened to the book, not read it, so I could not write his name). Their interactions together were so natural - they start as friends (since she’s still reeling from her ex-bodyguard’s breakup with her) and it naturally develops into more. Their relationship is fun. We also get to see how Izumi and Nora struggle with their long distance friendship when Noah comes to visit.
There are some really great things to the story that fans of the first book will really enjoy here. I am sure that many people will be satisfied with the ending (even though it didn’t sit well with me). The narrator was just as fan static this time round - Ali Ahn does the character and story justice.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me access to an advanced copy of the audiobook.

For those of your newer to my blog, I absolutely love Tokyo (check out my travel series) and I also loved Emiko Jean's Tokyo Ever After which came out last year. So, when I heard that we were getting a sequel this year, I squealed, and when I received an invite to join the blog tour on the release day for Tokyo Dreaming, I squealed and did a little dance around my apartment! I was very happy to be sent a copy and to be approved for the audiobook version as well and wanted to take a moment to note that the narrator was perfect for Izumi and is a gifted actor and storyteller! I was easily able to differentiate between which characters were speaking, as well as gauge the mood of a scene or setting from the narrator's tone and inflection.

Diving into Tokyo Dreaming, I was so happy to be transported back to Tokyo—especially since I was doing so to rejoin Izumi and the other characters! I was not only excited about the setting and the characters but also to finally learn where the story would take everyone next. And the author did not disappoint—things were kept interesting as plotlines that I hadn't anticipated were explored and played out.

I've read many young adult contemporary romances which can make it difficult for me to be surprised and engaged throughout some of them. I didn't have to worry about that with Tokyo Dreaming though because I was barely able to predict anything that happened! I had a lot of fun experiencing everything in real-time (so to speak) alongside Izumi. And the few times that I was able to predict things, they were usually followed by some of my favourite YA contemporary tropes!

I will say that I wish I had gotten more Tokyo from this book, but understand why the author might have chosen to focus on relationships and the progress of the main plot since we got a lot more descriptions about the appearance and vibe of the city. So, I don't think other readers would find complaints here unless they're a big Tokyo fan like myself, haha. I just really love that city, okay?! All in all, I loved being taken back there and spending more time with Izumi and her friends and family. I'm not sure if there will be a sequel, but I can say that if there was, I would eat it up, and if there wasn't, I think that Tokyo Dreaming could work as a finale to the series as well! I had a lot of fun reading this book, and this series as a whole, and definitely recommend!

🎧Tokyo Dreaming by @emikojeanbooks ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️•⭐️

Thank you @macmillan.audio and @netgalley for my #gifted audiobook copy of #TokyoDreaming

🌙𝐵𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝐵𝑙𝑢𝑟𝑏: “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… 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?”

🌙𝑅𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤: What a wonderful book. I became fascinated with Izumi in Tokyo Ever After. This sequel did not disappoint. Fell in love with every single character all over again. This story is engrossing and while it could be read as a stand alone-although I do not recommend, Ever After is so good- the author makes a point by giving subtle explanations of things that happened in the past-Tokyo Ever After- linked with the present- Tokyo Dreaming- making the story line really easy to follow.
Loved this book. BTW, make sure you have a snack with this one there’s so much food talking 🤤

🌙𝑁𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛: First of all, thank you @emikojeanbooks and @macmillan.audio for using Ali Ahn as a narrator again for the sequel. Ali Ahn fabulously narrated Tokyo Ever After and she did it again with Tokyo Dreaming. I would totally recommend this audiobook.

🌙𝑃𝑢𝑏 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑒: May 31st 2022


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This book wasn't sure what it wanted to be. Is it a family drama, a fluffy romance, or a fake date book? Each aspect of the book was cute and fun, but the different tropes made the book feel slightly disjointed. I would read another book in this series, but Tokyo Dreaming is not going to be added to my favorites list.

Not my usual read, but entertaining and informative on cultural norms in Japan. A good book for those interested in Japanese culture and fans of romance and drama. I found myself cheering for Tanaka-san as the story progressed and challenge after challenge kept coming up. A little too much drama at times, but I think most teenagers would relish this aspect of the book. Plenty of dirty little details to get invested in and speculate as to how this fairytale will turn out. All-in-all an entertaining story.

I enjoyed Tokyo Ever After Lady year and so was excited to the sequel Tokyo Dreaming on audiobook from @macmillan.audio! I love it when I listen to the first book and can continue listening to the second!

Izumi is living in Japan and learning more about her role as princess and trying to figure out her future. Should she start college or take a gap year? When her parents get engaged but the Imperial Household Council refuses to approve the engagement, Izumi tries to be the perfect princess to try to change their mind but at what cost?

This was just as cute and fun to read as the first! I loved seeing Izumi grow in her role as princess and his she dealt with the challenges she faced. I didn't necessarily love the love triangle but I did like the reality of high school friends and trying to figure out their friendships post high school. I loved the scenes with The Shining Twins!

If you're looking for a fun YA royals fix I highly recommend checking out both books, especially on audiobook! The narrator is wonderful and the Tokyo Dreaming is just over 9 hours.

Tokyo Dreaming by Emiko Jean is the second book in the series. It is a cute and fun sequel that has some very charming moments. A quick read that had a lot going on (in a good way). There are many people who are going to read this book and I can see why. While it wasn't an absolute love for me (I think I am getting too old for YA books) I really enjoyed the storyline and the character growth. Call me a prude, but I also liked that this book was age appropriate and not too spicy for the YA reader. Well done Emiko Jean!

I also loved the narrator, Ali Ahn, who did a fantastic job!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

princess izumi is back and i enjoyed this sequel as much as the first novel. it’s filled with the same characters i’ve come to love (and a handful of new faces), japanese culture, and the importance of family and friendship! i listened to the audiobook version of “tokyo dreaming” and i thought the narrator did a spot-on job with all the japanese phrases. i wouldn’t say that this is the type of book that can be read as a stand alone because it picks right up from where “tokyo ever after” ended. in this way, i liked how the action started from the first chapter and only gained momentum as time went on.

i really liked how this novel focused more on izumi’s relationship with her mother because it wasn’t touched upon too much in the first novel. i also loved how it touched upon izumi’s college application process and how she’s continued to explore her country through its sights, food, and people. it definitely had me wanting to visit japan soon! this novel reminded me of disney’s “princess diaries” series but i think it’d make an equally as interesting yet different plot for a movie! a girl can only hope!

Coming May 31st 2022

Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tokyo Dreaming by @emikojeanbooks

A long lost princess was reunited with her father and his royal family.

This time our princess is faced with royal court manipulations, troubles and stresses of royal dating, as well as more pressure to attention university.

A royal coming of age story.

Lots of social interactions, betrayed, and heart ache. Many secrets are exposed and a happy ending is all anyone wants.

I would recommend this book to readers who liked princess diaries and or gossip girls.

Thank you #macmillianaudio and #netgalley for the copy of the the audiobook for my review.

This was so, so lovely!! It was a great extension of Jean’s first book, Tokyo Ever After. I read the first book maybe a year ago, but was able to pick this back up without a problem. I loved some of the new characters and relationships, especially the twins and Eriku! I liked the direction the ending took, it was predictable but still really good :) Also the narrator was great in this, and brought a lot of life to the story.

Tokyo Dreaming is the sequel to the LOVELY Tokyo Ever After. I adored the first book, which makes it a pretty tough act to follow...

In the first book, Izumi finds out as a teenager that her father is the Crown Prince of Japan which makes her an actual princess! What up, Princess Diaries?? And her parents have gotten back together after many years apart and are engaged!

This book finds her a bit more settled into her royal Japanese life. However, there are still obstacles Izumi has to overcome - many royals think that her mother with her un-royal lifestyle wouldn't make a proper match for her father, her boyfriend unexpectedly broke up with her, and now she has a ton of pressure on her to immediately enroll in Tokyo University like all royals before her have. She starts to realize that something is going to have to give.

Is this book cute? Yes. Does it live up to the first book? Not completely for me. It's still a great read and I DEFINITELY encourage you to pick this one up if you enjoyed the first. It's so nice to get to read more about characters I've grown to really like. Honestly though, I'm still a bit miffed at Akiko for breaking up with her like that out of nowhere. Grrr.

(Cue reminding myself that these characters are not real people.)

One of the things I loved most about this book was that it redeemed Izumi's mean and entirely-too-perfect cousins from the first book. We get to know a good bit more about them and their backstory.

Overall, a satisfying sequel to Tokyo Ever After! Also, please consider this my official petition for a THIRD book in this series, Emiko Jean!

Thank you to #NetGalley, Emiko Jean, and the publisher for the eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Tokyo Dreaming" is the sequel to "Tokyo Ever After". In the first book, Izumi learned who her father was and that he is the Crowned Prince of Japan which makes her a princess. Now in the second book. she's learning how to deal with her cousins, the press, and how to manage a relationship when all eyes are on you. What else can make life difficult for Izumi? Trying to improve her grades so she can get into college and keep her parents happy. Will Izumi be able to do keep everyone happy while also making sure she is happy?

I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first! I liked Izumi more and even her cousins. I liked that she was open with herself and her parents. This was a great read for AAPI Heritage Month.

Emiko Jean’s writing and this peach floof are two things bringing me joy 💗📚🐶. Fake dating trope featuring doggie besties with Princess Diary vibes? Count me in!

This is the story of a young woman trying to figure out who she loves, what she loves, and who she truly wants to be. It’s a book about identity and finding yourself.

Tokyo Dreaming picks up right where Tokyo Ever After left off. Izumi is living her princess dream life in Japan with her newly engaged parents, quirky dog, and hot bodyguard boyfriend (Akio). But when the Imperial Council disapproves of her parents’ royal engagement partly because of Izumi, she begins to rethink everything. Her friend Eriku helps her hatch a plan that may save the royal wedding.

Izumi is struggling to find her place in the world in this book. Now that high school is over, she is unsure of what she wants to study in college, or whether she even wants to go to college. She also doesn’t feel truly Japanese or truly American, and she wonders if either culture will ever accept her.

I loved that Izumi and her mother’s close relationship was featured more in this one. It reminded me of my close relationship with my own mom.

Jean’s writing feels effortless and hopeful. The narration by Ali Ahn is enchanting and I did not want to be pulled out of that journey. This is truly a feel good story. My face was sore from smiling so much while listening!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tokyo Dreaming - Emiko Jean
4.25/5⭐️

I LOVE THIS SERIES

AND I SWEAR IF WE DONT GET A THIRD I WILL BURN IT ALL TO THE GROUND.

BECAUSE I LOVE IZUMI, HER MOM, AND THE BOY(S) BECAUSE YES WE GET A SECOND ROMANTIC LEAD (don’t worry friend, trust).

This book gives us Izumi, having adjusted into royal life, now helping her mom navigate it all because HER PARENTS ARE ENGAGED! But she has to make concessions herself so that the royal court will accept her parents together.

Which means forging a frienemy relationship with The Shinning Twins (which I actually loved), sacrificing her heart, MAKING FRIENDS WITH A FAKE BOYFRIEND WHO IS JUST ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE, and committing to college. It’s a lot, and it’s quite the ride reading along.

But the ending is so sweet, so good, and so satisfying. Now I just need to know what happens next.

Once again, this book confirms that it is the perfect mixture of The Princess Diaries, What A Girl Wants, and Chasing Liberty. But SO MUCH BETTER.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an ALC of this book.

Izumi is back in this adorable sequel to Tokyo Ever After. This was so cute and I really enjoyed seeing more about Izumi. Reader beware: there is a "love triangle" in this book. I thought it was cute and well done so I didn't really mind, but I know some don't like that plot.

There was some really good character development and cute relationships in this! I especially liked the focus between Izumi and her parents and the growth to that relationship! Super cute.

Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Classism
Moderate: Sexism and Bullying

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 loved Izumi's growth in this book! It was enjoyable to see the way her relationships evolved throughout the book and how her confidence grew the more she learned about herself. The audiobook was fantastic!

If you were a fan of Tokyo Ever After and all it's Princess Diaries vibes, then I think it's safe to say you'll be happy to return in Tokyo Dreaming.

Tokyo Ever After, in my opinion, was a not a book in need of a sequel. It was a fully formed story with a conclusion. But that doesn't mean there isn't a place for the sequel, Tokyo Dreaming. In fact, the existence of the sequel really only enhances the Princess Diaries vibes. In Tokyo Ever After, Izumi finds out that she is actually a princess and starts down the path of meeting her father and learning all about royal life. By the end her life is certainly not settled, but she (and her mother) has made several decisions that point her towards continuing life in Japan as a princess.

In Tokyo Dreaming we find that, while Izumi may think she is adjusting well, the press and the Imperial Household Council do not agree. Izumi spends most of the book redoubling her efforts to become the perfect princess in order to convince the right people that her mother is a suitable choice to marry her father. Considering the last 10 or so percent of the book and the resolutions that come in that time, I did feel that quite a bit of the book did not do much to advance the story towards those resolutions and everyone's ultilmate happily ever after. Despite this, the book did an excellent job retaining the feel of the first book and at no point did I find myself bored or uninterested. It was a perfectly sweet story, even if I wished more time was spent on the plot lines that were the book's ultimate resolutions.

In truth, I would rate Tokyo Dreaming 3.5 stars if I could (and will on StoryGraph). I rated Tokyo Ever After 4 stars and I do feel the sequel just didn't quite hit the same mark. But, as I am specifically reveiwing the audiobook, I am going to round up to 4 stars for Ali Ahn's wonderful performance. She effortlessly conveyed the gorgeous spirit of these books and of Izumi herself. I also especially loved her interpretation of Izumi's mother, Hanako. You could hear the mother/daughter similarities in their voices as well as the age, wisdom, and conflict that were integral parts of that character.

Overall, I definitely enjoyed this sequel and would encourage readers to continue Izumi's story in Tokyo Dreaming.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providng an audio galley in exchange for an honest review.

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean was my favorite YA contemporary book of last year, so naturally I was very excited to read its sequel Tokyo Dreaming and I am happy to report, I liked it just as much, even though this one is quite different from Tokyo Ever After.

Tokyo Dreaming is focused more on the characters, specifically our main character Izumi. We see her evolve, how she navigates the intricacies of being Japanese royalty, how she's more confident while making decisions about her future, how she balances college, love and friendship. I particularly loved getting a glimpse into Izumi's parent's love story and the budding relationship with her dad. I also liked reading about her friend Nora visiting and all the fun they had together. And, just like the first book, I enjoyed all the references to Japanese culture, customs and food.

The only thing that slightly put me off was the love triangle, but oh well, it feels like it's a thing with most YA books. Other than that, Tokyo Dreaming was a cute and fun sequel that I enjoyed reading and would recommend to YA contemporary readers.

Please make sure you read the books in order though as this cannot be read as a standalone.

Also, I feel like we might get another book in the series, even though there's no cliffhanger at the end, the story can easily be continued.

The audiobook was excellently narrated by Ali Ahn. I feel like her voice was just perfect for Izumi and it made listening to the book a joy!

Tokyo Ever After was one of my favorite 2021 YA Contemporary Romances I read last year so when I got the chance to read and review Tokyo Dreaming I jumped on the chance! I love the characters, family dynamics, romance, and royalty in these books.

Izumi’s life forever changed when she found out she was a princess. Not only did she have to adjust to the restrictions of her new life but she also fought for the unconventional love she had for her bodyguard. Now life is changing again as she tries to figure out what she wants to do with the next part of her life. With her parents wedding approaching she’s made unlikely allies with her cousins, met a new boy who just gets her, and is working on strengthening her reputation among the royal family.

The path to finding yourself is never as straight-forward as you think. Tokyo Dreaming takes us deeper into Izumi’s struggles to finding her place. She can feel the changes between her family, friends back home, and her relationship with her boyfriend. She just doesn’t know if the weight of all that’s changing will cause her to forget who she was before she became a princess.

I love Izumi’s story and am so glad I had the opportunity to review these books. I can’t wait to read more of Emiko Jean’s books!

I loved the audio book. I thought the narration was well done and would definitely recommend the audio format!