'The Summer of Second Chances' by K.L. Walther

4.5 stars!

Book Blurb:

"Olivia Lupo feels stuck. All her friends have gone on to their first year of college while she's still at home with her family. There's a good reason though, her beloved grandmother, Annie, has dementia, and Olivia can't bear the thought of being so far from home when Annie needs her the most.
So when her stepmother asks the family to spend three weeks of the summer on Martha's Vineyard, Olivia plans to say no...until she discovers an old box Annie filled with photos and memories from her own time there. Olivia decides to follow in her grandmother's footsteps and spend some time on the island that Annie describes as magical.

When she arrives, she meets Connor, a boy from her past who really wants to be a part of her present... and future. Olivia's never thought about forever with someone until meeting Connor...and it scares her. How can she make plans when all she wants to do is keep close to her grandmother before she's gone forever? As she recreates the memories Annie made a lifetime ago, she has to decide if she's finally willing to give someone her heart, just when she needs it the most."


My Review:

Another great YA Contemporary read from author K.L. Walther!  It's a perfect beach read, and it's full of summer vibes to get readers through the months until it's beach season.  'The Summer of Second Chances' is narrated by Olivia Lupo, first love of Connor from 'A First Time for Everything.'  Readers follow Olivia for a summer as she reluctantly joins her family on Martha's Vineyard for a few weeks for her stepmother's parents' wedding anniversary.  Feeling like an outsider in her own family, her focus for the trip is to re-trace her grandmother's steps, in hopes to learn more about her grandmother's time spent on the island. 

Since this book is in the K.L. Walther-verse, we know there is so much in store for Olivia once she gets there - kayaking and boat rides, cliff diving and exploring.  And of course, an all-star cast of familiar faces.  Readers *do not* need to read the 3 companion YA novels prior to this one, but it's truly lovely to see the main characters from the early Walther books here, a bit more grown up and hanging out together.  (Especially for Nana and Grandad Carmichael's wedding anniversary.) 

Releases on May 5th, 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.

'Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights' by Celeste Dador

4 stars!

Book Blurb:

"A swoony, patriotic romance with Gilmore Girls charm—follow First Daughter Abby as she dives into a summer of surprises, small-town magic, and sparks with the boy who shakes up her world.

What if the person who turns your world upside down is exactly who you're meant to find?

All First Daughter Abby Alzona wanted was one normal night. But one impulsive pizza order later, she’s front-page news—and officially exiled to a Wi-Fi-free country inn for the summer, along with her little sister Elle.

The inn belongs to Gabriel Calabrese’s he’s sarcastic, camera-obsessed, and definitely not dazzled by presidential perks (also, kind of the reason for the whole pizza fiasco). But Abby’s determined to make the most of her time away from the White House—with a summer bucket list full of things real teens get to do. Pool parties. Picnics. Maybe even a first kiss.

As she and Elle dive into small-town life, Abby starts to see what makes Gabriel tick. And maybe, just maybe, she’s falling for him. . . ."


My Review:

This is a great YA Contemporary debut, packed with small town charm, a clean YA romance, and a sheltered teenager's first summer adventures. We follow First Daughter, Abby, as she navigates her younger sister's shenanigans, her first taste of freedom, and her growing feelings for a guy who seems all wrong for her, at first. 

Highly recommended reading!  Pre-order a copy here to begin reading on release day, May 12th!

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

'Big Stick Energy' by Sarina Bowen - New York Legends #2

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

"A hockey team captain and a bubbly staffer mix business with pleasure when they start fake dating through the wedding season in this hot sports romance perfect for fans of Mariana Zapata​ and Elle Kennedy.

Darcy Kendrick is used to putting out fires. As an overworked admin to a hockey team, she’s seen it all. But nothing prepares her for accidentally DMing her very private, very NSFW fantasy to the subject of this fantasy: team captain Eric Tremaine. Nobody actually dies of embarrassment. Right?

But when a wedding invite puts them on a collision course with her chaotic family and his emotionally fraught past, Eric suggests a plan: they fake-date their way through the “Wedding Experience.” It’s mutually beneficial. Totally strategic. And definitely not real. Except between mini tacos, slow dances and lingering glances, Eric starts to wonder if the sharp-tongued assistant with a bottomless to-do list might be the one person who truly sees him. And for Darcy? The fire in her heart might be the only one she can’t put out.

It’s supposed to be fake. It’s supposed to be temporary. So why is it so hard to walk away?"


My Review:

'Big Stick Energy' works great as a stand-alone, with a smart, independent, and self sufficient leading lady in Darcy, and a gold retriever hockey Captain love interest, Eric.

That being said, it's been so much fun to be back in Sarina Bowen's world of the New York Legends hockey team with a hilarious cast of nosey teammates and their potty mouth GM. I really enjoyed following Darcy and Eric. From trauma-bonding their way through ridiculous 'Wedding Experience' weekends and dealing with their families, to finally giving in and acting on their mutual crushes on each other, 'Big Stick Energy' is wild ride, and a must-read for sports romance fans.

'Big Stick Energy' releases on June 30th, pre-order 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.

‘Rolls and Rivalry’ by Kristy Boyce – Gaming and Romance #3

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

"Roll the dice, strike up the band, and get ready for a swoon-worthy summer! A charming gaming romance that blends the magic of D&D with the camaraderie of band camp--from the bestselling author of Dating and Dragons!

Hazel’s senior year at band camp is set to be epic—until Max, her childhood crush turned drum-playing troublemaker, waltzes back into town. Their sections have always been rivals, but a shared love for Dungeons & Dragons pulls them together, sparking a romance Hazel never saw coming.

Just when things feel perfect, rumors Did Max ask her out because of a lost bet? With band drama mounting and her first D&D game spiraling, Hazel must prove their love—and her leadership—are the real deal. A swoony, nerdy romance full of rivalry, redemption, and roll-the-dice chemistry from the bestselling author of Dating and Dragons!"

My Review:

This sweet, swoony YA rom-com was a delight to get lost in. Full of Dungeons & Dragons campaigns and clean band camp shenanigans, our childhood friends-to-YA-lovers in forced proximity are so much fun to follow.

Full of witty banter, flirting, and some lovely tender moments, ‘Rolls and Rivalry’ is a must-read!

Releases on May 5, 2026 - pre-order a copy here!

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

'Tidespeaker' by Sadie Turner

4 magical stars!

Book Blurb:

"A girl with the power to command the tides has her life changed when she secures a job serving a wealthy noble family—only to learn upon arrival that the last person to fill her post mysteriously died, and her new employers are hiding dark secrets—in this haunting and lush debut fantasy.

Corith Fraine is a Floodmouth—her words can control water. Yet for those born with her rare elemental ability, paths forward are few, and Corith is one of the lucky ones. She has spent most of her life in a prestigious magic institution, training to one day achieve the highest possible honor for a member of her kind: the chance to serve one of the hundred noble houses.

When Corith learns she’s secured a post working for House Shearwater, a reclusive noble family living on a wave-battered island, she thinks her hard work has paid off. Until she discovers that their previous Floodmouth—Corith’s closest friend—mysteriously died in their service. And Corith is her replacement.

To learn the truth of her best friend’s accident, Corith must unravel the dark conspiracies at the heart of Bower Island. Yet doing so will require contending with the island’s deadly tides and her enigmatic new employers—including the family’s brooding youngest son, Llir, who she finds herself equally drawn to and repelled by. With her loyalties pushed to breaking point, these treacherous waters may well pull Corith under…"


My Review:

This was a great duology opener, full of elemental magic and political posturing. Perfect for Fantasy readers of all ages! Looking forward to finding out what happens next!

'Tidespeaker' releases on January 6th, grab a copy here!

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

'The Roommate Arrangement' by Samantha Markum

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

"When Blair accidentally becomes college roommates with her brother’s best friend, sparks fly in this hilarious rom-com from bestselling author Samantha Markum, perfect for fans of Lynn Painter and Emma Lord.

Blair might be a little type-A, but she never thought of herself as completely overbearing…that is, until her two best friends drop her from their housing arrangement a week before her pre-college summer coding program is about to start.

Blair knows if she switches to an on-campus dorm, her parents will make her give up her expensive sculpture class with her dream mentor in order to pay for it. Desperate, she agrees to be the fifth roommate to four off-campus sophomores who are also in a last-minute bind. But things get complicated when one of her new roommates turns out to be her brother’s best friend, Jamie Atwater.

Blair begs Jamie not to tell her brother about the new living arrangement. Her brother would go straight to their parents, who would definitely not approve, and all her plans would fall apart. So they strike a deal: she’ll help him finish coding the app he’s building if he promises to keep her secret.

Spending more time together shouldn’t be a problem. Sure, Jamie has a new haircut, a mysterious tattoo, and a year’s worth of earned muscle, but it’s not like Blair is noticing. After all, they’re only roommates, right?"


My Review:

I really enjoyed this YA coming-of-age read! It tackles some important and relatable issues while also delivering witty banter between love interests and an amazing found-family. 'The Roommate Arrangement' has a great inclusive cast of LGBTQIA+ characters and fantastic anxiety rep, and a very swoony book boyfriend.  

'The Roommate Arrangement' releases on January 27, 2026 - pre-order your copy here!

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

'Finding Her Edge' by Jennifer Iacopelli

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

"For fans of Emma Lord and Abbi Glines, Jennifer Iacopelli’s swoony, romantic new novel follows elite ice dancer Adriana Russo as she finds herself drawn to both her old dance partner and her new one.
Adriana Russo is figure skating royalty.

With gold-medalist parents, and her older sister headed to the Olympics, all she wants is to live up to the family name and stand atop the ice dance podium at the Junior World Championships. But fame doesn’t always mean fortune, and their legendary skating rink is struggling under the weight of her dad’s lavish lifestyle. The only thing keeping it afloat is a deal to host the rest of the Junior Worlds team before they leave for France.

That means training on the same ice as her first crush, Freddie, the partner she left when her growth spurt outpaced his. For the past two years, he’s barely acknowledged her existence, and she can’t even blame him for it.

When the family’s finances take another unexpected hit, losing the rink seems inevitable until her partner, Brayden, suggests they let the world believe what many have suspected: that their intense chemistry isn’t contained to the ice. Fans and sponsors alike take the bait, but keeping up the charade is harder than she ever imagined. And training alongside Freddie makes it worse, especially when pretending with Brayden starts to feel very real.

As the biggest competition of her life draws closer and her family’s legacy hangs in the balance, Adriana is caught between her past and present, between the golden future she’s worked so hard for, and the one she gave up long ago."


My Review:

This was a really sweet and fun Contemporary YA read! We follow ice dancer and narrating character, Adriana, as her family gears up for an international competition in two months' time. She's the responsible middle sister and in charge of her family's ice rink and hotel-like property when her fellow Junior ice skaters visit to prepare for the upcoming competition. She finds herself face-to-face with her former ice dance partner, Freddie, whom she has feelings for, while the media throws her into a fake-dating scheme with her current ice dance partner, Brayden, whom her older sister has a crush on. Teenage hormones and skating shenanigans ensue and it's a lot of fun to read.

'Finding Her Edge' is soon to be a Netflix series. Grab a copy here!

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

'Deathbringer' (Deathbringer, #1) by Sonia Tagliareni

5 magical stars!

Book Blurb:

"For fans of Naomi Novik and Kerri Maniscalco, a dark academia romantasy steeped in necromancy, forbidden love, and a twisty murder mystery set within the perilous halls of a magical institute, as a death mage who hates her magic and a poison mage who hates her are forced to work together to stop a killer before one of them is next.Born with the ability to speak with the dead, Viola hates her magic. It killed her sister, Olivia, and if she doesn’t learn why, it will kill her too. Her only hope lies within the perilous walls of Gorhail Institute of Magic, where Olivia spent her final days.

There, Viola clashes with Sylas, a poison mage whose magic stems from three magical snakes. Immortal, tormented, and reckless, Sylas is tethered to a life he never asked for and haunted by guilt for his father’s death. His hatred for death mages runs deep, and he’s determined to keep Viola at a distance. But when an attack forces him to heal her, their fates become intertwined by a magical bond that threatens to upend his loyalties—and his common sense.

As more students start turning up dead, Viola and Sylas are drawn into an uneasy alliance that pulls them deeper into Gorhail’s treacherous passageways, where secrets fester beneath the stone and the dead do not rest. And as enemy lines begin to blur and their undeniable attraction grows, Viola and Sylas uncover a chilling someone is hunting mages for their magical relics, and if they can’t uncover the killer in time, Viola will be next."


My Review:

I really enjoyed this New Adult Dark Academia! The story really came to life for me when our two narrating main characters meet. The chemistry between them sparked as they bickered and resisted each other, and turned tender once they got together.

The romance between Viola and Sylas was my favorite part, but there's something for everyone! Author Sonia Tagliareni gives readers a rich history of politics and magic classes, and there's a murder mystery afloat, as Viola, Sylas, and their friends try to solve a chain of murders before they become the next targets. Grief over lost loved ones is portrayed really well, and readers should note that before diving in.

'Deathbringer' ends in cliffhanger. I'm very much looking forward to reading the rest of this series; wish it was available to dive into right now!

Releasing on May 12, 2026 - pre-order a copy here.

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

'The Swan's Daughter: A Possibly Doomed Love Story' by Roshani Chokshi

5 enchanting stars!

Book Blurb:

"In this lush and romantic novel from New York Times bestselling author Roshani Chokshi, a prince is only as good as his beating heart and a maiden is only as good as her honest word. But when love and the truth become impossibly tangled, the two must figure out how to survive together, or fall completely apart.

To find love is a curse ...

Prince Arris knows that marriage means murder. Thanks to a poorly worded wish to a sea witch, all one needs to rule the Isle of Malys is the heart and hand of the kingdom’s heir. Historically, this has been construed quite literally.

Thus, Arris expects that the day after his marriage and murder he will wake up as a sentient tree alongside the rest of his predecessors. His only chance at a long life is finding true and lasting love. When Arris's parents announce a tournament of brides to compete for his hand and heart, a slew of eligible, lovely and (possibly murderous) bachelorettes make their way to Rathe Castle. Amidst glittering balls in ozorald caves, strolls through menageries of daydream trees and pearl crocodiles, tea time on glass boats and kisses that leave his head spinning, Arris cannot tell who is here out of love for him…or lust for power.

Until he meets Demelza.

As a veritas swan, Demelza’s song wrings out the truth. Forced into hiding, Demelza strikes a deal. Arris will provide her with safekeeping in exchange for her truth-telling song to sort through his potential brides.

While Arris is used to dodging death threats and Demelza is accustomed to fighting for her voice to be heard, to survive the tournament of brides requires a different kind of bravery. And perhaps the bravest thing one can do is not merely protect one’s life, but find the courage to chase a life worth living."


My Review:

An enchanting and original fairy tale, 'The Swan's Daughter' was a joy to read! Though Prince Arris has always known he is doomed to be murdered by the wife he must someday marry, he is a delightful dreamer and maintains so much hope and optimism. After several failed engagements, his family hosts a large selection of potential brides, to participate in balls and various tests, to give Arris his best chance at finding a wife who would let him live the longest.

On the run, veritas swan Demelza ends up at his castle to hide, pretending to be one of the potential brides. The two strike a bargain and help each other. As they grow close, they each realize the danger they might pose to each other.

Releasing on January 6th - 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.

'The Prince of Mourning' by Jenn Bennett

5 magical stars!

Book Blurb:

"Belladonna by Adalyn Grace meets A Study in Drowning in this sizzling gothic romantasy that follows the forbidden romance between a young nurse and a mysterious young man imprisoned by a dangerous occultist.

After receiving a strange summons, eighteen-year-old nursing student Molly O’Rinn finds herself the private live-in nurse for a wealthy young man in his haunting Hudson Valley mansion. But after arriving at his secluded estate, Molly discovers that her handsome employer is not what he seems, and most surprising of all is what rests deep inside the mansion’s walls.

Perhaps not what, but who…

A young man about Molly’s age—at least in appearance—is a prisoner of the estate, locked behind magical barriers. Nin is royalty, the son of a legend. He is not human, not of this world…and not like anyone Molly has ever met.

Molly should stay away from him. But Nin is a terrifying yet strangely attractive being, and soon both Molly and Nin find themselves drawn to each other, sparked by a connection neither of them can deny. But as the two become entangled in a forbidden affair, outside forces start to press in.

Because Nin’s legendary father is looking for his son, and he’s not the only one.

To keep Molly safe, Nin must find a way back to his realm or suffer the consequences. Even if it means choosing his princely duty over love."


My Review:

I loved this gothic, atmospheric YA Romance! We follow nurse-in-training Molly O’Rinn as she navigates her way through an unexpected new assignment in upstate New York, surrounded by suspicious house staff, an eccentric wealthy patient, and a mysterious and handsome boy (Nin) whom the staff deny exists. Molly defies Nin's warnings for her safety and explores the sprawling estate, searching for all the truths that everyone keep hidden from her. The ghost of her friend and fellow nurse accompanies her and provides great comedic relief. As Molly and Nin's affection for each other grow, so do the suspicions of her eccentric patient, and in combination with outside forces from Nin's past, it becomes harder to spend time together and learn the truth.

Nin the Sorrowful, Prince of Mourning, is not of this world and it shows. He is such a gentleman and is protective without crossing lines, and he is a delight to read! I hope to see more of him and his world, and this book does leave the option open for additional books in a series, but it also does have a satisfying conclusion and no cliffhanger.

'The Prince of Mourning' releases on October 28th, perfect for the spooky season! 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.