'You Have a Match' by Emma Lord

5 stars!


Book Blurb:

"From the beloved author of Tweet Cute comes Emma Lord's You Have a Match, a YA novel of family, friendship, romance and sisterhood…

When Abby signs up for a DNA service, it’s mainly to give her friend and secret love interest, Leo, a nudge. After all, she knows who she is already: Avid photographer. Injury-prone tree climber. Best friend to Leo and Connie…although ever since the B.E.I. (Big Embarrassing Incident) with Leo, things have been awkward on that front.

But she didn’t know she’s a younger sister.

When the DNA service reveals Abby has a secret sister, shimmery-haired Instagram star Savannah Tully, it’s hard to believe they’re from the same planet, never mind the same parents—especially considering Savannah, queen of green smoothies, is only a year and a half older than Abby herself.

The logical course of action? Meet up at summer camp (obviously) and figure out why Abby’s parents gave Savvy up for adoption. But there are complications: Savvy is a rigid rule-follower and total narc. Leo is the camp’s co-chef, putting Abby's growing feelings for him on blast. And her parents have a secret that threatens to unravel everything.

But part of life is showing up, leaning in, and learning to fit all your awkward pieces together. Because sometimes, the hardest things can also be the best ones."


Review:

Another excellent YA contemporary book from Emma Lord. I had so much fun following Abby as she navigates changing dynamics with friends and family, and growing up a little along the way. Sleepover summer camp plus discovering a long-lost sister gives very-welcome 'Parent Trap' vibes, but there is so much more to Emma Lord's story. Highly recommended!

'You Have a Match' is available January 12th.

#NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘Perfect on Paper’ by Sophie Gonzales

 

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

“In Sophie Gonzales' Perfect on Paper, Leah on the Offbeat meets To All the Boys I've Loved Before: a bisexual girl who gives anonymous love advice to her classmates is hired by the hot guy to help him get his ex back.

Her advice, spot on. Her love life, way off.

Darcy Phillips:

• Can give you the solution to any of your relationship woes―for a fee.

• Uses her power for good. Most of the time.

• Really cannot stand Alexander Brougham.

• Has maybe not the best judgement when it comes to her best friend, Brooke…who is in love with someone else.

• Does not appreciate being blackmailed.

However, when Brougham catches her in the act of collecting letters from locker 89―out of which she’s been running her questionably legal, anonymous relationship advice service―that’s exactly what happens. In exchange for keeping her secret, Darcy begrudgingly agrees to become his personal dating coach―at a generous hourly rate, at least. The goal? To help him win his ex-girlfriend back.

Darcy has a good reason to keep her identity secret. If word gets out that she’s behind the locker, some things she's not proud of will come to light, and there’s a good chance Brooke will never speak to her again. 

Okay, so all she has to do is help an entitled, bratty, (annoyingly hot) guy win over a girl who’s already fallen for him once? What could go wrong?”

Review: 

I'm in love with this author's writing style and will gladly read anything and everything she ever writes.  Following Darcy was a blast from start to finish and I wish we could keep following these witty, funny, and relatable characters.  Looking forward to re-reading it soon.

Highly recommended LGBTQIA YA Contemporary read.

'Perfect on Paper’ will be available on March 9, 2021 – run, don’t walk!

NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘Yesterday Is History’ by Kosoko Jackson

 4.5 stars

Book Blurb:

“Weeks ago, Andre Cobb received a much-needed liver transplant.

He's ready for his life to finally begin, until one night, when he passes out and wakes up somewhere totally unexpected...in 1969, where he connects with a magnetic boy named Michael.

And then, just as suddenly as he arrived, he slips back to present-day Boston, where the family of his donor is waiting to explain that his new liver came with a side effect—the ability to time travel. And they've tasked their youngest son, Blake, with teaching Andre how to use his unexpected new gift.

Andre splits his time bouncing between the past and future. Between Michael and Blake. Michael is everything Andre wishes he could be, and Blake, still reeling from the death of his brother, Andre's donor, keeps him at arm's length despite their obvious attraction to each other.

Torn between two boys, one in the past and one in the present, Andre has to figure out where he belongs—and more importantly who he wants to be—before the consequences of jumping in time catch up to him and change his future for good.”

Review:

I highly recommend this fun timey-wimey LGBTQIA YA Contemporary read. Author Kosoko Jackson achieves what he set out to do; share an enjoyable, lighthearted story about a queer black teenager who is a desirable love interest and has an adventure. The time-travel is straightforward and easy to follow and the characters are realistic and relatable.

‘Yesterday Is History’ will be available on February 2, 2021.

#NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘Malice’ by Heather Walter

 

5 stars

Book Blurb:

“A princess isn’t supposed to fall for an evil sorceress. But in this darkly magical retelling of “Sleeping Beauty,” true love is more than a simple fairy tale.

Once upon a time, there was a wicked fairy who, in an act of vengeance, cursed a line of princesses to die. A curse that could only be broken by true love’s kiss.

You’ve heard this before, haven’t you? The handsome prince. The happily-ever-after.

Utter nonsense.

Let me tell you, no one in Briar actually cares about what happens to its princesses. Not the way they care about their jewels and elaborate parties and charm-granting elixirs. I thought I didn’t care, either. 

Until I met her.

Princess Aurora. The last heir to Briar’s throne. Kind. Gracious. The future queen her realm needs. One who isn’t bothered that I am Alyce, the Dark Grace, abhorred and feared for the mysterious dark magic that runs in my veins. Humiliated and shamed by the same nobles who pay me to bottle hexes and then brand me a monster. Aurora says I should be proud of my gifts. That she . . . cares for me. Even though it was a power like mine that was responsible for her curse.

But with less than a year until that curse will kill her, any future I might see with Aurora is swiftly disintegrating—and she can’t stand to kiss yet another insipid prince. I want to help her. If my power began her curse, perhaps it’s what can lift it. Perhaps, together, we could forge a new world. 

Nonsense again.

Because we all know how this story ends, don’t we? Aurora is the beautiful princess. And I— 

I am the villain.”

Review:

Narrated entirely by ‘the villain’ in the same lovely and flowing manner in which the book blurb was written, ‘Malice’ is a creative and original sapphic re-imagining of ‘Sleeping Beauty.’

Though Alyce resembles Maleficent quite a bit, she is not actually intended to be *the* dark fairy we’re all familiar with.  This re-telling includes other minor alterations as well as major plot changes and a richly developed world full of Fae, Vila, Demons, Shifters, Imps, and more. 

I appreciated that many elements of the classic tale were included, such as true love’s kiss, magic activating with the prick of a finger, and court-approved magic involving beauty, healing, and music.  Like Maleficent, Alyce often remains uninvited to palace events and parties, and is feared and hated for her different blood and magic abilities.

Highly recommended for fans of all fairy-tale retellings and F/F pairings.  ‘Malice’ will also likely appeal to readers who enjoy vivid descriptions of palaces, court wardrobes, makeup, and food, such as in ‘The Selection’ series.

‘Malice’ will be available on April 13, 2021.

#Malice #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

'Of Wicked Blood' by Olivia Wildenstein and Katie Hayoz

5 magical stars!

"NO REST FOR THE WICKED . . . OR THE CURSED.

SLATE
I didn’t mean to steal the Bloodstone from the De Morel’s crypt.
Scratch that, I did mean to steal it.
Until I realized it was a curse-magnet that only comes off if I, along with a jolly trio, successfully defeat four curses.
If any of us fail, I’m dead.
I’ve never been a glass half-empty sort of person, but my glass looks in dire need of a refill right about now.
The only highlight of this wicked treasure hunt: feisty, entitled Cadence de Morel.


CADENCE
I was raised on tales of magic, in a small town reputed to be the birthplace of French witchcraft.
Did I believe all the stories I heard? Absolutely not. I mean, if magic existed, Maman wouldn’t have died, and Papa wouldn’t be stuck in a wheelchair, right?
Wrong.
The night Slate Ardoin waltzes into my life, wearing a ring he stole from my mother’s grave, I call him a monster.
But then I meet real ones, and Slate, well . . . he becomes something else to me.
Something frustrating to live with but impossible to live without.
Something I will fight for, no matter the cost.


*Warning: profuse cursing (and not just the magical kind)."


Review:

This book knocked my socks off! Slate and Cadence's narrating was top-notch and hilarious at times, really enjoyed the alternating points of view and being inside both of their heads.

"THE DISCOVERY OF WITCHES meets THE SECRET CIRCLE" is a perfect description. This tale of lost artifacts and hidden family histories is set in a spooky town full of mist and mysteries. Cannot recommend highly enough!

'Of Wicked Blood' will be available on February 2, 2021.

#Ofwickedblood #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘The Afterlife of the Party’ by Marlene Perez

5 stars

Book Blurb:
 
“When my best friend Skyler told me about this party in the Hollywood Hills, I was less than enthused. As it turned out, my feelings were more than justified. That party ruined my life. 
 
Tansy didn’t even want to go to the party. It’s hard enough living in one of your best friend’s shadows and secretly in love with your other best friend. 
 
And now she’s leaving it a vampire.
 
Now her best friend Skyler is stuck on the road trip from hell, on tour as a groupie with a literal band of vamps. Tansy sets out with Vaughn, her other BFF turned maybe more, to save Skylar’s life and take down the band. But when they find themselves in the middle of a vampire war, will Tansy be able to make the ultimate sacrifice to save her friends?”

 
Review:

This was the fun and lighthearted paranormal read I needed right now.  It's easy to root for Tansy's adventure to save her BFF and the slow-burn romance brewing between her and Vaughn is entirely swoon-worthy.  Looking forward to the next book in this series! 

‘The Afterlife of the Party’ will be available on February 2, 2021.

#TheAfterlifeoftheParty #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

'Midnight Sun' (The Twilight Saga #5) by Stephenie Meyer

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

“When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella's side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward's version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun.

This unforgettable tale as told through Edward's eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experienced in all his years as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward's past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he justify following his heart if it means leading Bella into danger?”

Review:

Really enjoyed Edward's narrating and learning new details of this familiar story! It had been years since I'd last read the series, so I re-read 'Twilight' about a week before 'Midnight Sun' was released. I think having the story fresh in my mind from Bella's point of view made this an even more enjoyable read for me; his thoughts on their relationship and learning more about him and the Cullens as he remembered their history at certain points.

Grab your copy today!

‘The Love Study’ by Kris Ripper

Five stars

Book Blurb:

“What happens when the search for the perfect date goes perfectly wrong? 

Don’t miss this charming romantic comedy from critically acclaimed author Kris Ripper.

Declan has commitment issues. He’s been an office temp for literally years now, and his friends delight in telling people that he left his last boyfriend at the altar.

And that’s all true. But he’s starting to think it’s time to start working on his issues. Maybe.

When Declan meets Sidney—a popular nonbinary YouTuber with an advice show—an opportunity presents itself: as part of The Love Study, Declan will go on a series of dates arranged by Sidney and report back on how the date went in the next episode.

The dates are…sort of blah. It’s not Sidney’s fault; the folks participating are (mostly) great people, but there’s no chemistry there. Maybe Declan’s just broken.

Or maybe the problem is that the only person he’s feeling chemistry with is Sidney.”

Review:

‘The Love Study’ centers around our narrator, Declan, and his awesome queer found family.  Readers are privy to his every thought, which makes this tale realistic and highly relatable; both for readers within the queer community and for anyone who has ever been slightly awkward or felt anxiety.

The cast of characters are all in their mid- to upper-twenties and use adult language accordingly.  Though the actual romance is fade-to-black, the characters are sex-positive and openly discuss various aspects of queer life, both in and out of the bedroom.

I really enjoyed that the plot was centered around Declan’s fear, insecurities, and awkwardness, and also hopefulness about dating and his friends helping him get through it, rather than on the queer identities of the cast.  The effects of homophobia and transphobia on their lives is mentioned, but it is not the through-line of the story.  There is an actual plot here.

Grab ‘The Love Study’ on September 29, 2020!

#TheLoveStudy #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘The P.A.N.’ by Jenny Hickman

4.5 stars and straight on till morning

Book Blurb:

“Since her parents were killed, Vivienne has always felt ungrounded, shuffled through the foster care system. Just when liberation finally seems possible—days before her eighteenth birthday—Vivienne is hospitalized with symptoms no one can explain.

The doctors may be puzzled, but Deacon, her mysterious new friend, claims she has an active Nevergene. His far-fetched diagnosis comes with a warning: she is about to become an involuntary test subject for Humanitarian Organization for Order and Knowledge—or H.O.O.K.

Vivienne can either escape to Neverland’s Kensington Academy and learn to fly (Did he really just say fly?) or risk sticking around to become a human lab rat.

But accepting a place among The P.A.N. means Vivienne must abandon her life and foster family to safeguard their secrets and hide in Neverland’s shadows… forever.”

Review:

‘The P.A.N.’ is a cleverly written blend of contemporary YA and fairy-tale re-imagining which blends and continues the ‘Peter Pan’ story we all know and love.  This tale is somewhat self-aware; it explains the existence of JM Barrie’s book, ‘Peter Pan and Wendy’ and provides background for different elements associated with it; Peter Pan, Tink, fairy dust, flying, second star to the right, lost boys and girls, never growing up, Hook, and the crocodile.

We follow Vivienne as her Nevergene activates around her eighteenth birthday and the charming and handsome Deacon shows up to help her through the change and bring her to Neverland, one of the P.A.N. headquarters.

I really liked Vivienne’s optimism.  She is a believable character with just enough skepticism to keep things realistic in the fanciful new world of secrets she finds herself in.  Author Jenny Hickman chose to keep the tone relatively light; though Vivienne’s life in foster care was mediocre and she misses her birth parents and siblings, she doesn’t spend much time being upset about these things, which helps the story move forward in a lighter way.

Vivienne meets some really good people at Neverland; her roommate, classmates, and Deacon’s friends are all caring, and lots of fun when they start breaking the rules.  Deacon is a great love interest for her; their interactions consist of witty banter at times and shy, hesitant conversations at others.  He was raised in the Neverland environment and knows the answers to nearly all her questions, even though he doesn’t always share them.

The characters alone are enough for me to want to continue reading this series, but there are a few unanswered questions, especially one regarding H.O.O.K. that has me hooked on the P.A.N. and their world.

Fly away with ‘The P.A.N.’ on October 14, 2020!

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘Majesty’ (American Royals #2) by Katharine McGee

Five Royal Stars

Book Blurb:

“Is America ready for its first queen?

Power is intoxicating. Like first love, it can leave you breathless. Princess Beatrice was born with it. Princess Samantha was born with less. Some, like Nina Gonzalez, are pulled into it. And a few will claw their way in. Ahem, we're looking at you Daphne Deighton.

As America adjusts to the idea of a queen on the throne, Beatrice grapples with everything she lost when she gained the ultimate crown. Samantha is busy living up to her "party princess" persona...and maybe adding a party prince by her side. Nina is trying to avoid the palace--and Prince Jefferson--at all costs. And a dangerous secret threatens to undo all of Daphne's carefully laid "marry Prince Jefferson" plans.”

Review:

I fell for this series from the very beginning of ‘American Royals’ and will gladly read anything and everything Ms. McGee ever writes. 

Ms. McGee provides a very well-thought-out alternate history, fascinating plot, and complex and fleshed out characters who are (mostly) easy to root for and care about. Even the villains have understandable motives, though their choices were in poor taste.

All our beloved narrators and characters are back, with some new secondary characters thrown in the mix.  Each narrating character has room to grow and change, and it’s really great to watch those who take advantage of this.  McGee keeps us on our toes; this series is anything but predictable.

This is highly recommended clean YA reading for fans of 'Gossip Girl' and Katherine McGee's 'The Thousandth Floor' trilogy.  ‘Majesty’ is a fabulous follow-up to 'American Royals'!  Can't wait to get my hands on the next installment.

Grab ‘Majesty’ on September 1, 2020!

#AmericanRoyalsIIMajesty #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘The Voting Booth’ by Brandy Colbert

Five stars!

Book Blurb:

“From Stonewall Award-winning author Brandy Colbert comes an all-in-one-day love story perfect for fans of ‘The Sun is Also A Star.’

Marva Sheridan was born ready for this day. She's always been driven to make a difference in the world, and what better way than to vote in her first election?

Duke Crenshaw is so done with this election. He just wants to get voting over with so he can prepare for his band's first paying gig tonight.

Only problem? Duke can't vote.

When Marva sees Duke turned away from their polling place, she takes it upon herself to make sure his vote is counted. She hasn't spent months doorbelling and registering voters just to see someone denied their right. And that's how their whirlwind day begins, rushing from precinct to precinct, cutting school, waiting in endless lines, turned away time and again, trying to do one simple thing: vote. They may have started out as strangers, but as Duke and Marva team up to beat a rigged system (and find Marva's missing cat), it's clear that there's more to their connection than a shared mission for democracy.

Romantic and triumphant, ‘The Voting Booth’ is proof that you can't sit around waiting for the world to change, but some things are just meant to be.”

Review:

So many things make ‘The Voting Booth’ the perfect Contemporary YA read right now, including the timing.  This book touches upon several important and relatable every-day-life issues, such as divorced parents, loss of family members, gun violence, voter suppression, Juneteenth, protests, discrimination and prejudice based on race, gender, and class.  And of course, the importance of voting and the impact each election can have for years to come, especially for young people.

All these issues are artfully incorporated within a one-day adventure where our 18-year-old main characters attempt to vote in their first election, deal with family and relationship issues, search for an Instagram-famous runaway pet cat, and try to arrive to their band’s first paying gig on time.  Though the themes are heavy, that the main characters were so easy to root for and always tried to do the right thing made this an enjoyable for me.

Grab ‘The Voting Booth’ on July 7, 2020!

#TheVotingBooth #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘The Friend Scheme’ by Cale Dietrich

Five stars

Book Blurb:

“Part thriller, part romance, The Friend Scheme is another twisty #ownvoices YA novel from Cale Dietrich, author of ‘The Love Interest.’

High schooler Matt's father is rich, powerful, and seemingly untouchable—a criminal with high hopes that his son will follow in his footsteps. Matt's older brother Luke seems poised to do just that, with a bevy of hot girls in tow. But Matt has other ambitions—and attractions.

And attraction sometimes doesn't allow for good judgement. Matt wouldn't have guessed that when he makes a new friend, one who is also carrying a secret. The boys' connection turns romantic, a first for both. Now Matt must decide if he can ever do the impossible and come clean about who he really is, and who he is meant to love.”

Review:

The narrating was *chef’s kiss* spot-on, really felt like I was inside Matt’s head, feeling his feelings and rooting for him 110% through it all.  He tries so hard to do right by his family and live up to societal expectations, even as he twists himself into a miserable pretzel in his attempts.

This isn’t so much a story of ‘finding oneself’ - Matt knows exactly who he is and what he wants when we meet him.  He just doesn’t think it’s possible to pursue his dreams or to be with the type of person he wants to be with.  Societal norms and family obligations have set him up to be a completely miserable 17-year-old, despite being surrounded by family, beautiful beaches, and lots of money.  He is unable to share his true self with the world and it’s not very surprising that he has no friends when we first meet him.

It is heartbreaking to have a narrating character be so in-touch with themselves, but to have such low self-esteem and feel so trapped.  Matt’s insecurities and awkward moments are the result of the environment he was brought up in; societal expectations and traditions of masculinity, gender, and putting one’s parents’ wishes before their own.  He’s constantly in performance-mode; pretending to be what his family expects, rather than what he really is, under threat of his world imploding around him.  He truly believes his family wouldn’t just out-cast him, but that they’d actively hunt him down for the rest of his days, should he go against their wishes.  That’s the mob for ya.

Readers are introduced to Matt on the day he first meets Jason and it quickly becomes apparent that the boys’ circumstances are similar to ‘Romeo and Juliet.’  Their friendship and mutual growing attraction can only flourish if they don’t discuss their families, even though the ‘family business’ is a huge aspect of both their lives.  We watch as Matt’s feelings for Jason grow and witness his inner conflicts and self-talk over whether he can continue to hang out with (and make out with) Jason or if he’s betraying his family by doing so.  He wants to be smart, he wants to be loyal, to his father who raised him as a single parent and his older brother who looks out for him and gives him advise. 

It is easy for readers to become invested in Matt, to feel his feelings, and relate to his situations.  It is also deeply satisfying to watch the positive changes he makes for himself towards the end of this book.  Hang in there through the rocky parts, it gets better.

Grab ‘The Friend Scheme’ on July 28, 2020!

#TheFriendScheme #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘Conventionally Yours’ (True Colors #1) by Annabeth Albert

Five stars

Book Blurb:

“When two "big name fans" go head-to-head at a convention, love isn't the only thing at stake.

Charming, charismatic, and effortlessly popular, Conrad Stewart seems to have it all...but in reality, he's scrambling to keep his life from tumbling out of control.

Brilliant, guarded, and endlessly driven, Alden Roth may as well be the poster boy for perfection...but even he can't help but feel a little broken inside.

When these mortal enemies are stuck together on a cross-country road trip to the biggest fan convention of their lives, their infamous rivalry takes a backseat as an unexpected connection is forged. Yet each has a reason why they have to win the upcoming Odyssey gaming tournament and neither is willing to let emotion get in the way―even if it means giving up their one chance at something truly magical.”

Review:

Author Annabeth Albert did the research on table-top games and fan conventions, and it shows!  Albert also does representation of lesbian, gay, non-binary, and neuro-diverse characters very well here.  Please note: Trigger warning for homophobia.

Set in a fictional college town in New Jersey, our two main characters meet at their campus LGBTQA+ alliance club and end up joining the same comic-book shop table top gaming group for Albert’s creation, ‘Odyssey.’  Each believes their life issues would be solved if they could just win the gaming tournament at the Las Vegas Odyssey convention and are willing to endure the long car ride alone together in order to get there.

Alternating points of view between Conrad and Alden was the perfect choice for this tale, as they both come to realizations and make life-altering decisions along their journey.  I appreciated the slower pacing, as this was a character-driven story, not action-heavy.  These are realistic and relatable characters whom I enjoyed getting to know.

This is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers tale with minimal, PG-13 heat.  It’s technically classified as New Adult due to the main characters being in their early 20’s and having met through their university, but I am comfortable recommending this to mature YA readers (and gaming fans) who have seen the trigger warning and want to enjoy Conrad and Alden’s story.

Grab ‘Conventionally Yours’ on June 2, 2020!

#NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘The King's 100’ by Karin Biggs

Four stars

Book Blurb:

“Sixteen-year-old Piper Parish, princess of the loveless, STEM-only kingdom of Capalon, is a disappointment to her citizens and to her older sister, the queen. When Piper receives an anonymous note stating her mother is still alive and living in the enemy kingdom of Mondaria, Piper chooses to risk death in effort to prove once and for all that she's not just the queen's defective little sister. With the companionship of Chip, a piece of tech embedded in her wrist, Piper flees Capalon and enters a world where love and emotional expression are unrestricted.

Posing as a singer for the enemy king’s court of performers, the King’s 100, Piper risks death if she is revealed to be the Capalon princess, but discovers that living a life without the freedom to love might actually be the most dangerous risk of all.

The King’s 100 is a glittering sci-fi love story woven among the camaraderie singers, drummers and magicians by debut author, Karin Biggs.”

Review:

Lovely YA fantasy novel geared towards a younger YA audience.

It’s true that science and facts are important.  But in the ‘STEM-only kingdom of Capalon,’ jokes and junk food are strictly avoided and displays of emotion are met with the equivalent of solitary time-out punishments.  Princess Piper has a big heart, and her capacity to feel emotions and express creativity is too great to be limited to cold, hard facts and nothing else.  With newfound hope based on a letter indicating that her mother may still be alive, she cleverly sneaks out to a far-away land on a rescue mission.

The kingdom of Mondaria is the polar opposite of STEM-only Capalon.  Mondaria Royals value art and expression so much that they house and employ 100 entertainers on the castle grounds for frequent performances.  These musicians and magicians are creative and talented teenagers whom Piper finds herself living amongst for a few months as she gathers clues and tries to find her mother inside the royal palace.

Along the way, the Princess makes friends far more easily than one might expect, growing up in an emotionless kingdom.  She has a great heart, and that takes her far.  She also gains the affection of a likewise self-less boy named Ari, who is rather swoon worthy.  Piper and Ari’s flirtation is one of many; mild and entertaining drama results from attempts at romance and jealousy among the Court entertainers.

The Princess’ tale comes to a satisfying conclusion at the end of ‘The King’s 100,’ but author Karin Biggs has crafted the perfect set-up for a sequel.  I hope we can return to these kingdoms and follow these characters a bit longer!

‘The King's 100’ is available on Kindle Unlimited starting on July 21, 2020.

#TheKings100 #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘Queen of Coin and Whispers’ by Helen Corcoran

Four stars

Book Blurb:

“’She loved me as I loved her, fierce as a bloodied blade.’

When Lia, an idealistic queen, falls for Xania, her new spymaster--who took the job to avenge her murdered father--they realise all isn't fair in love and treason.

Lia won’t mourn her uncle: he's left her a bankrupt kingdom considered easy pickings by its neighbours. She’s sworn to be a better ruler, but if she wants to push through her reforms, she needs to beat the Court at its own games. For years, Xania's been determined to uncover her father's murderer. She finally gets a chance when Lia gives her a choice: become her new spymaster, or take a one way trip to the executioner’s axe. It’s an easy decision.

When they fall for each other, their love complicates Lia’s responsibilities and Xania’s plans for vengeance. As they're drawn together amid royal suitors and new diplomats, they uncover treason that could not only end Lia’s reign, but ruin their weakened country. They must decide not only what to sacrifice for duty, but also for each other.”

Review:

Royals.  Court.  Political intrigue.  Commonplace same-sex relationships and marriages.  Enough murder and assassination attempts to warrant a spy network for each ruler.

‘Queen of Coin and Whispers’ is well-written with complex, likable, and capable characters.  Even the secondary characters are full of life.  The kingdom’s class hierarchy and traditions are detailed and clear to follow.

Twists and turns keep us guessing at the identities of the Queen’s enemies and the intricate secrets and backstabbing in attempt to destroy her reign.

Grab your copy on June 1, 2020!

#QUEENOFCOINANDWHISPERS #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. 

‘More Than Maybe’ by Erin Hahn

Five stars

Book Blurb:

“Growing up under his punk rocker dad's spotlight, eighteen-year-old Luke Greenly knows fame and wants nothing to do with it. His real love isn't in front of a crowd, it's on the page. Hiding his gift and secretly hoarding songs in his bedroom at night, he prefers the anonymous comfort of the locally popular podcast he co-hosts with his outgoing and meddling, far-too-jealousy-inspiringly-happy-with-his-long-term-boyfriend twin brother, Cullen. But that’s not Luke’s only secret. He also has a major un-requited crush on music blogger, Vada Carsewell.

Vada's got a five year plan: secure a job at the Loud Lizard to learn from local legend (and her mom's boyfriend) Phil Josephs (check), take over Phil's music blog (double check), get accepted into Berkeley's prestigious music journalism program (check, check, check), manage Ann Arbor's summer concert series and secure a Rolling Stone internship. Luke Greenly is most definitely NOT on the list. So what if his self-deprecating charm and out-of-this-world music knowledge makes her dizzy? Or his brother just released a bootleg recording of Luke singing about some mystery girl on their podcast and she really, really wishes it was her?

In ‘More Than Maybe’, Erin Hahn’s swooniest book yet, Luke and Vada must decide how deep their feelings run and what it would mean to give love a try.”

Review:

The Music Nerd in me absolutely loves that Luke and Vada can communicate entire conversations by sending each other songs to listen to.  -=hearts in eyes=-

This is a wonderful upper-YA / possibly NA rom-com about high school seniors with goals and the motivation to achieve them.  Told in the duel point-of-views of Vada and Luke, readers are treated to interactions with their friends and families, as well as the interactions between our leads as they transform from unknown mutual crushes, to working together on a project and letting their guards down and getting to know each other better.  Then they fall for each other, while being responsible teenagers with hobbies and after school jobs, and don’t abandon their friends or families for each other.  Absolutely delightful.

I love how likable and relatable the teenagers are; not just Vada and Luke, but also his twin brother and both their best friends.  I’m also glad to see Hahn include LGBT representation in the cast.

There is a quite a bit of cussing and creative language in this book, but it actually helps the story flow and isn’t jarring.  Luke being from London, some of his cussing is rather cute (to this US-based reviewer.)

This charming rom-com has stayed with me the past several days, as I prepared to write this review.  I’m tempted to wait before starting a new book, just so I can enjoy Luke and Vada for a bit longer.  Can’t recommend this highly enough.

Grab ‘More Than Maybe’ on July 21, 2020!

#NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. 

‘Hunting November’ (Killing November #2) by Adriana Mather

Five stars!

Book Blurb:

“Surviving a few weeks at the world's most lethal boarding school was one thing. But now comes the real test: Can November Adley find her missing father before her enemies find her? Subterfuge is the name of the game in this thrilling sequel to Killing November, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of How to Hang a Witch.

After surviving a crash course in espionage at the mysterious Academy Absconditi, November has only one purpose: finding her missing father. Along with fellow student (and heartthrob) Ash, November follows the clues that her father left, embarking on the deadliest treasure hunt of her life. The first clue is in her hometown, where old friends beckon and unexpected enemies lurk around every corner. The second clue is in Europe, where revelations about her family's history will plunge her into an international web of deception, lies, and intrigue. The third clue is deep in enemy territory, surrounded by the most skilled assassins and master strategists, and where everyone wants her and her father dead. Can one girl with limited training infiltrate a centuries-old organization that is powerful enough to topple empires? November only knows that she'll do whatever it takes to save her father . . . or die trying.”

Review:

Solid follow-up to 'Killing November.'  Readers follow November as she takes what she learned from her time at the Academy; both in class and about her Family's community and politics, and follows clues to find her father with the help of the loyal and handsome Ash.  Though the setting has shifted away from boarding school, the plot, the secrets, and character development continue smoothly.

November and Ash are up against new challenges, face off with new enemies, and occasionally reunite with some familiar faces in this action-packed sequel.  Highly recommended!

Grab your copy on May 5, 2020! 

#HuntingNovember #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘Boyfriend Material’ by Alexis Hall

Four stars

Book Blurb:

“Wanted:

One (fake) boyfriend

Practically perfect in every way

Luc O'Donnell is tangentially--and reluctantly--famous. His rock star parents split when he was young, and the father he's never met spent the next twenty years cruising in and out of rehab. Now that his dad's making a comeback, Luc's back in the public eye, and one compromising photo is enough to ruin everything.

To clean up his image, Luc has to find a nice, normal relationship...and Oliver Blackwood is as nice and normal as they come. He's a barrister, an ethical vegetarian, and he's never inspired a moment of scandal in his life. In other words: perfect boyfriend material. Unfortunately apart from being gay, single, and really, really in need of a date for a big event, Luc and Oliver have nothing in common. So they strike a deal to be publicity-friendly (fake) boyfriends until the dust has settled. Then they can go their separate ways and pretend it never happened.

But the thing about fake-dating is that it can feel a lot like real-dating. And that's when you get used to someone. Start falling for them. Don't ever want to let them go.”

Review:

‘Boyfriend Material’ is a fun British romantic comedy, perfect for escaping reality for a bit!  Narrated entirely by Luc, we are privy to his private thoughts and witty antics. 

Highly recommended for fans of fake-dating-turned-real.  Grab your copy on July 7, 2020!

#NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘Chasing Neve: Snow White Reimagined’ (Happily Ever After Book 2) by K.A. Last

4 stars

Book Blurb:

“The people of Pomona are under threat from the evil Queen Merla, and until now, Princess Neve has been powerless to stop her. Locked away in a tower for the past year, she has watched her kingdom fall apart.

The Evil Queen wants to be rid of Neve once and for all, so she brings her before the magic mirror. Neve knows the glass will never name Queen Merla the fairest in the land, but despite what it says, her fate is already sealed.

With the help of her childhood friend, Chase, Neve escapes the castle and Queen Merla’s clutches. But Chase is now on the Queen’s Guard, and Neve is unsure if she can trust him.

Through a journey of loss, love, and betrayal, Neve learns that being the fairest isn’t easy, but that it’s better to fight and lose, than to not fight at all.

Chasing Neve is a love-filled action-packed reimagining of the classic Snow White tale.”

Review:

Fascinating spin on 'Snow White' with several new and magical characters brought to life by creative author K.A. Last.  I enjoyed how most of the traditional elements of 'Snow White' are present, but the circumstances are a little different in this tale, and the journey taken by Neve and her companions is 100% original.

‘Chasing Neve’ is the second enjoyable quick-read novella recommended for fairy-tale fans in Last’s ‘Happily Ever After’ series of stand-alones, both available as part of the Kindle Unlimited program:

‘Ella and Ash’

‘Chasing Neve’

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘If We Were Us’ by K.L. Walther

Five stars!

Book Blurb:

“Everyone at the prestigious Bexley School believes that Sage Morgan and Charlie Carmichael are meant to be....that it’s just a matter of time until they realize that they are actually in love.

When Luke Morrissey shows up on the Bexley campus his presence immediately shakes things up. Charlie and Luke are drawn to each other the moment they meet, giving Sage the opportunity to steal away to spend time with Charlie’s twin brother, Nick.

But Charlie is afraid of what others will think if he accepts that he has much more than a friendship with Luke. And Sage fears that things with Nick are getting too serious too quickly. The duo will need to rely on each other and their lifelong friendship to figure things out with the boys they love.”

Review:

It has been an absolute joy to get lost in this world with these relatable, easy-to-root-for characters. Though this seems like a stand-alone, I would love to follow these characters to see what lays next for them!

‘If We Were Us’ is part coming-out, part coming-of-age, and full of fun teenage antics which can only be found in an environment with minimal supervision, such as a boarding school.  Teenagers go through a lot between keeping up with grades, peer expectations, and trying to figure themselves out, both for right now and in terms of what they want to do for the rest of their lives.  It’s fantastic to see this play out in our characters without intrusive influence from parents and teachers.

This quartet gave me all the feels and I can’t recommend it highly enough.  Grab your copy on June 1, 2020!  

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘The Sin Soldiers’ and ‘The Crystal War’ (Fragments Trilogy) by Tracy Auerbach

Five stars!

Book Blurb:

“Red compound makes them angry. Yellow exhausts them. Blue drives them into a state of ravenous addiction. The thief Kai knows about the chemically controlled soldiers of the Eastern forces and their savage, deadly nature.  When a robbery attempt at Club Seven goes wrong, Kai is captured by a handler and his bestial soldier-boy. She wakes up inside the military base with no idea what happened to her twin brother, Dex.

Things go from bad to worse when Kai is started on a drug and training regimen, and forced to take injections of blue compound. The scientists in charge plan to make her into a working soldier who will mine the mysterious power crystals beneath the desert.  Kai becomes a victim of the bully Finn, a handsome but nasty soldier whose years on red compound seem to have erased his humanity. Still, she begins to pity the Seven Soldiers, including the monstrous boy who tried to rip her to shreds at the club. They appear to be nothing more than genetically enhanced, drug-controlled teenagers.

On the outside, Dex and his tech-savvy boyfriend try to crack the soldiers’ chemical code to find a weakness that will break the system. But Kai has already been drawn deep into her new world. Strong feelings for the soldiers she’s come to know have started to cloud her judgment. Can she escape and find Dex without becoming a monster herself?”

Review:

The 'Fragments' series captivated me from the beginning.  Though I found this to be a very dark science fiction dystopia, I found myself continuing to read because I became so invested in the characters, what they were going through, and kept wanting to find out what happened next.  Whereas 'The Sin Soldiers' follows 4 main narrating characters, Kai and the 3 soldiers she befriends, 'The Crystal War' includes these 4 and more narrators, allowing readers to become invested in even more of the main characters.  Author Tracy Auerbach is a skilled writer not only for her world building and character development, but also because it is easy to determine who is narrating, each and every time.  Glad to see some LGBT representation as well.

Looking forward to reading this trilogy's conclusion, hopefully the wait won't be too long!  Start reading ‘The Sin Soldiers’ now in preparation for ‘The Crystal War’ on April 17, 2020.

#TheCrystalWar #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.