'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.