‘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.

‘Shielded’ (Shielded #1) by KayLynn Flanders

4 stars

Book Blurb:

“For fans of Sorcery of Thorns and Furyborn comes a thrilling new fantasy about a kingdom ravaged by war, and the princess who might be the key to saving not only those closest to her, but the kingdom itself, if she reveals the very secret that could destroy her.

The kingdom of Hálendi is in trouble. It's losing the war at its borders, and rumors of a new, deadlier threat on the horizon have surfaced. Princess Jennesara knows her skills on the battlefield would make her an asset and wants to help, but her father has other plans.

As the second-born heir to the throne, Jenna lacks the firstborn's--her brother's--magical abilities, so the king promises her hand in marriage to the prince of neighboring Turia in exchange for resources Hálendi needs. Jenna must leave behind everything she has ever known if she is to give her people a chance at peace.

Only, on the journey to reach her betrothed and new home, the royal caravan is ambushed, and Jenna realizes the rumors were wrong--the new threat is worse than anyone imagined. Now Jenna must decide if revealing a dangerous secret is worth the cost before it's too late--for her and for her entire kingdom. “

Review:

‘Shielded’ is an action-adventure fantasy with magic and a slow burn clean YA romance.  Highly recommended.

Our main character, Princess Jennesara, is easy to like and relate to; she’s strong, skilled at fighting, and compassionate.  Far from a powerless damsel, which is a joy to read.  Interactions with her peers are delightful; witty banter with her brother, teasing and protective friendships with the Turia royal children, and a slow budding romance with her betrothed.  Looking forward to continuing this series!

‘Shielded’ will be available on July 21, 2020.  I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. - #Shielded #NetGalley