‘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.

‘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.