'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.