'The Breakup Artists' by Adriana Mather

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

"Adriana Mather, New York Times bestselling author of How to Hang a Witch, brings her signature wit, wild imagination, and all the feels to her new YA novel, The Breakup Artists--perfect for fans of Jennifer E. Smith's The Statistical Probabilities of Love at First Sight.

August and Valentine, seventeen-year-old best friends, run a business called Summer Love, Inc. They hire themselves out to unhappy parents whose kids are in bad relationships, adopting fake identities and going undercover to break up these relationships by any means necessary.

Valentine, the brains of the operation, believes that they're making the world a better place by steering people away from a relationship precipice so they can someday find true love. But for August, every case is personal--another chance to prove that true love doesn't exist. He blames his sister's manipulative boyfriend for her death, and--unlike Valentine--he doesn't believe in soul mates. No, he thinks the idea of falling head over heels is ridiculous at any age.

But then August meets Ella, who suddenly turns everything he thought he believed about love upside down. The problem is that she's their new case, which means that everything he's told her about himself is a lie--including his name."


My Review:

Really enjoyed this dual POV YA Contemporary read. Neighbors and besties August and Valentine (Tiny) spend their summers running their business, Summer Love, Inc., and keeping it a secret from their families and friends. Strangers hire them to facilitate breakups, and I'm pleased to say that August and Tiny do their research before taking each case; they confirm that the relationship is bad or harmful before diving in.

I love August and Tiny's friendship; how they know each other so well and take care of each other, and work together seamlessly. I love how this is a summer-time, feel-good book with lots of laughs and also a story filled with friendship, family relationships, and grief. It's all handled very well, author Adriana Mather does a great job with these sensitive topics, and the story flows really well.

Releasing June 4, 2024 - grab a copy here!

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

''Once More Upon a Time: An Enchanting Romantic Fairy Tale' by Roshani Chokshi

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

"Once upon a time, there was a king and queen in a land called Love’s Keep who once loved one another, but alas, no more. Without love, they were doomed to be ousted from their kingdom at the end of a year and a day.

A year and a day passed.

This is where their story starts.

Imelda and Ambrose can’t remember why they got married. A year and a day ago, Ambrose consulted a witch, trading their love to save Imelda’s life – and they’ve been stuck with one another ever since. When that same witch pays them a visit on the day they lose their kingdom, she promises to make their deepest wishes come true in exchange for a simple favor and a short journey. With nothing left to lose, Imelda and Ambrose agree. But, over the course of their enchanted road trip peppered with a delirious cloak, cannibals, and at least one honey badger, something magical happens…little by little, step by step, they regain what they had forgotten.

They remember why they fell in love.

When the end of their journey nears and they confront parting ways forever, a new decision faces them. Will Imelda and Ambrose choose their deepest wishes, or will they choose each other – again?"


My Review:

Really enjoyed this original story within a fairy tale world!  The FMC is one of the sisters form 'The 12 Dancing Princesses' and there are cameos by other fairy tale characters, but the main characters and the plot are unique, and fairy tale-like.  Highly recommended!

Grab a copy here!