'Come As You Are' by Dahlia Adler

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

"Hot on the heels of a broken heart, Everett “Evie” Riley arrives at Camden Academy ready for a new beginning - one far away from her cheating ex-boyfriend, the sister who stole him, and the best friend who let it happen. But her fresh start is stopped in its tracks when she's accidentally placed in an all-boys dorm, with no choice but to stay.

When rumors and gossip about Evie's housing predicament spread like wildfire, she decides the only way to survive is to lean into her questionable new reputation... but she's definitely going to require help. Her grumpy emo dorm mate Salem Grayson isn't exactly her first choice, but he does need her help to repair his relationship with his parents every bit as much as she needs his to learn how to be cool. And so they make a pact - he'll teach her how to be bad, if she teaches him how to be good.

It's a flawless plan, except while Salem thrives academically, even romantically, and - annoyingly enough - even physically, Evie's quest feels like one dead end after another, and the girl she's becoming certainly doesn't feel remotely cool. But when Evie realizes what she wants more than anything, she'll have to contend with her thrice-broken heart and figure out how to become someone capable of chasing happiness.

Dahlia Adler’s Come As You Are is about refusing to accept less than you deserve, and realizing that the best relationships are with people who know exactly who you are."


My Review:

This is an absolutely fantastic coming-of-age story with a slow-burn YA romance and the best witty banter I've seen in a long time! Readers follow Evie as she starts her sophomore year of high school at a new school and finds her footing and her voice.

Back home, she was the perfect daughter, perfect sister, perfect girlfriend; and it was never good enough. Those around her treated her poorly. So when her fresh start begins with placement in an all-boys dorm and both administration and her dorm mates treat her like it's somehow her fault, she starts to think about how someone else would handle this. She hatches a plan to learn to become a badass who does not get walked all over by others.

She quickly meets and befriends her "grumpy emo dorm mate Salem" and they enter into a pact - Evie will help him improve his image with his parents, and Salem will help her learn "how to be cool." What ensues is so much witty banter and humor. It's a joy to watch Evie slowly find herself and build confidence and realize that she is seen, for exactly who she is, and that it is enough.

This is my new favorite Dahlia Adler book and one of my all-time favorite YA Contemporary reads. Highly, highly recommended!

Releases May 27, 2025 - preorder here.

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

'The Rose Bargain' by Sasha Peyton Smith

4 stars!

Book Blurb:

"The Cruel Prince meets The Selection in this captivating duology opener brimming with heart-pounding romance, vicious competition, and beautiful, cruel fae, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Witch Haven, Sasha Peyton Smith.

Every citizen of England is granted one bargain from their immortal fae queen.

High society girls are expected to bargain for qualities that will win them suitors: a rare talent for piano in exchange for one’s happiest childhood memory. A perfect smile for one’s ability to taste.

But Ivy Benton’s debut season arrives with a shocking twist: a competition to secure the heart of the Queen’s fae son, Prince Bram. A prize that could save Ivy’s family from ruin… and free her sister from the bargain that destroyed her.

Yet every glittering fae deal has a rotting heart—and at the center of this contest is a dark plot that could destroy everything Ivy knows.

Sweepingly romantic and deceptively enchanting, this alternate history romantasy will enthrall readers of Holly Black, Stephanie Garber, and Adalyn Grace."


My Review:

Really enjoyed this one! It's YA Fantasy set in Regency England with court intrigue, rumors ruining girls' futures, and magical fae bargains costing everyone a finger, a toe, or a tooth (or similar).

At the center is Ivy, second daughter of a family struggling financially after her older sister's Season went badly. Ivy and her sister are close and genuinely care about each other, and it was so sweet to see.

Ivy competes at the palace to become the Fae Prince's bride against 5 other girls, complete with beautiful gowns and accessories, etiquette lessons, and a chaperone for time spent with the Prince. It was a very pleasant surprise to me how well fleshed-out these secondary characters and how developed their backstories are, including that each had a narrating chapter of their own.

Releasing February 4th, grab a copy!

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

‘And They Were Roommates’ by Page Powars

4 stars

Book Blurb:

"A hilarious, unputdownable second-chance-romance about the most unlikely, gay roommate mishap. Perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Gwen & Art Are Not in Love.

Romance is the last thing on Charlie’s mind.

On his first day at Valentine Academy for Boys, Charlie’s carefully crafted plan to hide his identity as the school’s only trans student is set in motion. Only to be immediately destroyed. Charlie has been assigned the worst roommate in the world (possibly the universe): Jasper Grimes, the boy who broke Charlie’s heart the year before he transitioned.

Except, Jasper doesn’t recognize Charlie.

Who knows how long until Jasper realizes the truth? Charlie has one shot at freedom and a dorm room all to himself, but only if he helps Jasper write love letters on behalf of their fellow students first. No problem. Charlie can help Jasper with some silly letters.

Long nights spent discussing deep romantic feelings with Jasper? Surely, no unintended consequences will arise…"


My Review:

I enjoyed this coming-of-age story in which we follow Charlie through his first year at a prestigious boarding school. Upon arrival in the boys' dorm, transgender teen Charlie's anxiety spikes (understandably) when he's surprised to learn that he has a roommate and that physical education (gym class) is mandatory. What’s more is that his roommate is his ex!

This could become a disaster at any time – his roommate could recognize him and out him, his physique could raise questions in Phys Ed, he could fail to remain in the top 5 ranking of his class and lose his scholarship.  The anxiety is real, and well-represented. 

Thankfully for Charlie, and readers, he falls into a great friend group and enjoys his time at boarding school.  The fun of reading Charlie’s story is learning how.

Releases on May 27th, grab a copy!

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

'Dating and Dragons' by Kristy Boyce

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

"Quinn Norton is starting over at a new high school and hopes that joining a D&D game will be the trick to making friends. The plan sounds even better when she’s invited into a group that includes Logan Weber, the cute and charming guy she met on her first day of class. But this isn’t your average D&D campaign— this group livestreams their games and enforces strict rules: no phones allowed, and no dating other group members.

Quinn is willing to accept the rules, even if it makes Logan off-limits. And she quickly learns that doing so won’t be a problem, since Logan goes from charismatic to insufferable as soon as she agrees to join. As their bickering—and bantering—intensifies inside and outside the game, Quinn can’t help wondering: Is Logan’s infuriating behavior a smokescreen for hidden feelings? Quinn is risking it all, and the twenty-sided dice are rolling!"


My Review:

Sweet, heart-warming YA Contemporary read! Really enjoyed Quinn and Logan's story, with plenty of Old-Grandma shenanigans and laugh-out-loud moments. 

Highly recommended light and fluffy read! Grab a copy here!

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

'The Rules of Royalty: A Novel' by Cale Dietrich

4 stars!

Book Blurb:

"Two princes from neighboring countries fall into a whirlwind royal romance in this sparkling spin on The Princess Diaries by Cale Dietrich.

Jamie Johnson has never been the centre of attention, and he’s perfectly okay with that. His entire world unravels as a hidden truth he's the heir to the throne of Mitanor, a sun-drenched southern European country, and the press is ready to expose this secret to the world. An invitation to spend the summer in his father's palace arrives, giving Jamie a chance to get to know the man he never thought he’d meet.

Meanwhile, in a northern European kingdom known for its cold climate and stoic royals, Erik Von Rosenborg, the spare prince, grapples with the upcoming marriage of his golden-boy elder brother. With the country’s spotlight trained on his family more than ever, Erik feels sidelined and tightly controlled. So when he receives an offer to tutor the newly found American prince in the ways of royalty, he accepts without hesitation.

At a magnificent summer palace, Erik guides Jamie through the intricacies of royal etiquette, politics, and history. What neither prince anticipates is the connection that sparks between them—one that challenges both of their futures. Now each must make a follow their hearts, or the time-honored royal path where crown and country reigns supreme, no matter the personal cost."


My Review:

I enjoyed this light, fluffy LGBT spin on 'The Princess Diaries'. Author Cale Dietrich did a great job of letting readers into the minds of both narrating princes, and I felt fully immersed in their feelings and experiences. Highly recommended!

Out now! Grab a copy!

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

'The Rival' by Emma Lord

4 stars!

Book Blurb:

"Rivals-to-lovers gets an academic send-up in this charming and irresistible romantic comedy from Emma Lord, New York Times bestselling author of Tweet Cute and Begin Again!

At long last, Sadie has vanquished her lifelong academic rival — her irritatingly charming, whip smart next door neighbor, Seb — by getting the coveted, only spot to her dream college. Or at least, so she thinks. When Seb is unexpectedly pulled off the waitlist and admitted, Sadie has to compete with him all over again, this time to get a spot on the school’s famous zine. Now not only is she dealing with the mayhem of the lovable, chaotic family she hid her writing talents from, as well as her own self doubt, but she has to come to terms with some less-than-resentful feelings for Seb that are popping up along the way.

But the longer they compete, the more Sadie and Seb notice flaws in the school’s system that are much bigger than any competition between them. Somehow the two of them have to band together even as they’re trying to crush each other, only to discover they may have met their match in more ways than one."

My Review:

Author Emma Lord knocks it out of the park again with this highly entertaining academic enemies-to-lovers YA rom-com!  Highly recommended for YA rom-com and YA contemporary readers.  Can't go wrong with an Emma Lord YA book!

'The Rival' releases on January 21st, grab a copy!

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

'Playing Flirty' by Shameez Patel

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

"A board game designer is forced to work alongside her nemesis in this charming and geeky rivals-to-lovers romcom perfect for fans of Olivia Dade and Jen DeLuca.

 
For Rose Marie Jones, risks are a hard no–except for Game Night. For one precious evening a week, Rose can forget about her demanding boss and her lackluster sex life and focus on beating the pants off her friends. But none of them brings out her hyper-competitive side quite like William Ashdern.

Her best friend’s half-brother, William is the paragon of a sexy nerd. The tall, dorky, and handsome game designer is Rose’s playing nemesis. But when Rose decides to enter a contest with the board game she’s secretly invented, there’s only one person who can help her win.

Now what has always been a game between Rose and William is getting a lot more serious. And after spending her entire life trying not to lose, Rose might finally be ready risk it all–and play to win."


My Review:

Absolutely loved this slow-burn Adult Rom-Com, full of gaming and geek culture and a silent, broody love interest. 'Playing Flirty' is all about found family and shenanigans, while also about discovering who you are, and unlearning some of the bad stuff from childhood. Highly recommended!

'Playing Flirty' releases on January 14th - grab a copy!

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

'While We're Young' by K.L. Walther

4.5 stars!

Book Blurb:

"A whirlwind romance inspired by Ferris Bueller’s Day Off about four friends whose hearts are broken and mended over the course of an epic senior skip day—from the bestselling author of The Summer of Broken Rules!

Grace, Isa, and Everett used to be an inseparable trio before their love lives became a tangled mess. For starters, Grace is secretly in love with Everett, who used to go out with Isa before breaking her heart in the infamous Freshman Year Fracture. And, oh yeah, no one knows that Isa has been hanging out with James, Grace’s brother—and if Grace finds out, it could ruin their friendship.

With graduation fast approaching, Grace decides an unsanctioned senior skip day in Philadelphia might be just what they need to fix things. All she has to do is convince Isa to help her kidnap Everett and outmaneuver James, who’s certain his sister is up to something.

In an epic day that includes racing up the famous Rocky steps, taste-testing Philly's finest cheesesteaks, and even crashing a wedding, their secrets are bound to collide. But can their hearts withstand the wreckage?"


My Review:

Author K.L. Walther does a great job seamlessly interweaving 4 POVs and some flashbacks. All 4 of our main characters get to narrate, and 'While We're Young' is all the better for it!

Miss Student Body President and everyone-loves-her, Grace, is the mastermind behind an unofficial Senior Skip Day during which she goes joy riding all around Philadelphia with her two best friends, Isa and Everett. Though the trio's friendship did not heal in the aftermath of Everett breaking up with Isa, years ago, Grace has remained close with both. She designed their Philadelphia itinerary with the goal to heal the friendship between them. 

This is simultaneously a light and fluffy, feel-good read while also touching upon heavy topics. The secrets these teens keep from each other are fairly minor, and make for some really good witty banter and heartfelt friendship reconciliation - Grace's crush on Everett kept from Isa because of girl-code, and Isa sharing kisses with Grace's brother, James. The heavier topics involve death of a parent, potentially losing a house they grew up in, and cheating on a spouse.

'While We're Young' releases on March 4th - grab a copy!

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

'The Thirteenth Child' by Erin A. Craig

4 wicked stars

Book Blurb:

"Drawing on the Grimm Brothers’ dark fairytale, “Godfather Death,” this new novel by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of House of Salt and Sorrows is a sweeping, fantastical saga of actions and consequences.

This is the story of Hazel, a young healer navigating a ruthless court to save the life of the king, grappling with a pantheon of gods with questionable agendas as she fights for agency and true love in her own life as the goddaughter of none other than Death himself.

All gifts come with a price.

Hazel Trépas has always known she wasn’t like the rest of her siblings. A thirteenth child, promised away to one of the gods, she spends her childhood waiting for her godfather—Merrick, the Dreaded End—to arrive.

When he does, he lays out exactly how he’s planned Hazel’s future. She will become a great healer, known throughout the kingdom for her precision and skill. To aid her endeavors, Merrick blesses Hazel with a gift, the ability to instantly deduce the exact cure needed to treat the sick.

But all gifts come with a price. Hazel can see when Death has claimed a patient—when all hope is gone—and is tasked to end their suffering, permanently. Haunted by the ghosts of those she’s killed, Hazel longs to run. But destiny brings her to the royal court, where she meets Leo, a rakish prince with a disdain for everything and everyone. And it’s where Hazel faces her biggest dilemma yet—to save the life of a king marked to die. Hazel knows what she is meant to do and knows what her heart is urging her toward, but what will happen if she goes against the will of Death?

From the astonishing mind of Erin A. Craig comes the breathtaking fairy tale retelling readers have been waiting for— what does a life well-lived mean, and how do we justify the impossible choices we make for the ones we love?"


My Review:

Really enjoyed this Fantasy read! Author Erin A. Craig does another fantastic job creating a gothic atmosphere in this fairy-tale re-telling.

Highly recommended Fall reading, with spooky vibes and great writing! Releases on September 24th

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

'The Lies We Conjure' by Sarah Henning

5 thrilling stars

Book Blurb:

"Knives Out meets The Inheritance Games with magic in this standalone supernatural thriller by Sarah Henning: thirteen witches, a locked-room murder, and two non-magical sisters trapped in a deadly game of Clue.

Ruby and her sister, Wren, are normal, middle-class Colorado high school students working a summer job at the local Renaissance Fest to supplement their meager college savings.

So when an eccentric old lady asks them to impersonate her long-absent grandchildren at a fancy dinner party at the jaw-dropping rate of two grand―each―for a single night… Wren insists it’s a no-brainer. Make some cash, have some fun, do a good deed.

But less than an hour into the evening at the mysterious Hegemony Manor, Ruby is sure she must have lost her mind to have agreed to this."


My Review:

Really enjoyed this one! And it's very spot-on to say it's 'Clue' x 'The Inheritance Games' x 'Knives Out' - with magic.

Two non-magical teenage sisters pretend to be an old lady's grandchildren, last seen ten years prior, in exchange for some much needed college funds. They marvel at the huge mansion, lush gardens and grounds, set in Colorado's mountains. They do their best to fit in with the other 6 teenagers, and each sister soon finds herself flirting with one of the boys who live at the sprawling estate.

Then comes a murder during dinner. Then comes the magic: a Soul's Truth from the murdered witch and a powerful spell on the property which physically forbids anyone from leaving until the killer is found and 4 magical relics are located. Then comes the rules to the game and clues to find each piece. Then come the attempts at sabotage and misdirection between characters. Then come the additional murders. It is all perfectly 'Clue' x 'The Inheritance Games' x 'Knives Out' - with magic.

Narrated by both Ruby, one of the sisters, and Auden, one of the teenage grandsons who lives at the mansion, 'The Lies We Conjure' has lots of 'YA Contemporary' feels, rather than 'YA Fantasy'. Auden makes for a wonderful book boyfriend, all good manners and knowledgeable about the grounds, magic, and family histories. Auden provides readers with all the background and context that Ruby wonders about and does not yet know.

Highly recommended!  Grab a copy here!

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