Blog Tour: I Know You're Lying - Review!

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the I KNOW YOU'RE LYING by Daphne Benedis-Grab Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About The Book:

Title: I KNOW YOU'RE LYING

Author: Daphne Benedis-Grab

Pub. Date: September 6, 2022

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 240

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

This twisty middle school thriller is One of Us is Lying meets Pretty Little Liars for young readers.

There's been a theft at the middle school!

Sasha's bag has been stolen from her locker. The security cams on the school's front entrance have captured four students entering the building early. Present at the time of the crime, Maddie, Jack, Nora, and Henry become top suspects. Each of them has a reason to dislike Sasha. Each has something to hide. But which of them is responsible for the break-in? And can they figure out who the thief is before Sasha gets her revenge... on all of them.

Set during a single day of school, this is a gripping, twisty read about what happens when bullying goes too far, written by Daphne Benedis-Grab, author of I Know Your Secret.

Grab I KNOW YOUR SECRET now!

My Review: This was a really good middle grade mystery novel! Told from multiple POV, you figure out the mystery along with the main characters. I thought the plot was well written and the characters were all unique! Overall, I thought this was a great MG book, that I would definitely recommend reading!

 I received an e-ARC from the publisher and blog tour company.

About Daphne Benedis-Grab:

Daphne is the author of middle grade books including Clementine for Christmas, and The Angel Tree, and young adult books including The Girl in the Wall.  Her short stories have appeared in American Girl Magazine.  She earned an MFA at The New School and a School Media Library Specialist degree from the Palmer School of Library and Information Science. She lives in New York City with her husband, kids and cat, and spends her days writing and being the librarian at PS32 in Brooklyn.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of I KNOW YOU'RE LYING, US Only.

Ends September 13^th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

8/29/2022	One More Exclamation	Review/IG Post
8/30/2022	Nerdophiles	Review/IG Post
8/31/2022	Just Another Teen Reading Books	Review/IG Post
9/1/2022	pickagoodbook	Review/IG Post
9/2/2022	Do You Dog-ear?	Review/IG Post

Week Two:

9/5/2022	Ya Books Central	Review/IG Post
9/6/2022	Laurenreads._	Review/IG Post
9/7/2022	PopTheButterfly Reads	Review/IG Post
9/8/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
9/9/2022	@amysbooknook8	Review/IG Post

August Mini Reviews!

Hi, everyone! Today I'm posting mini reviews for some August releases.

Alliana, Girl of Dragons by Julie Abe

This was a great MG fantasy novel from Julie Abe! The characters were all great, and I really enjoyed the plot. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Stars Between Us by Cristin Terrill

I really enjoyed reading this YA sci-fi novel! Overall, I would definitely recommend reading this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson

I thought this was a really great, unique book! Also, I love the cover. Overall, I would definitely recommend reading it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Blame It on the Earl by Jane Ashford

I really enjoyed this historical romance! The reason for the characters to get together was really unique, and I quite liked them together. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

A Lot Like Forever by Jennifer Snow

I really enjoyed this contemporary romance! I liked the characters. Overall, I would definitely recommend to anyone who thinks it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Desiring Lady Caro by Ella Quinn

I quite liked this book! It was a great historical romance, with lovely characters. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Much Ado About Dukes by Eva Devon

This was another great historical romance by Eva Devon! Overall, I would definitely recommend this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

To Catch a Raven by Beverly Jenkins

This is the first Beverly Jenkins book I've read, but this will not be the last! I really enjoyed this book, and I will definitely be checking out more reads from her. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

A Dreadful Splendor by B.R. Myers

This was a well written mystery! I guessed part of who the culprit was, but wasn't totally right about the whole thing. Overall, I would definitely recommend to anyone who thinks it sounds interesting!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Hellion and the Hero by Emily Sullivan

This was another fantastic historical romance by Emily Sullivan! The characters were lovely, and I really enjoyed the story, too. And I love the cover, the pink is so pretty! Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Aphrodite and the Duke by J.J. McAvoy

I thought this was a really well written historical romance, that I really enjoyed reading! Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Wishing Quilt by Jodi Thomas; Lori Wilde; Patience Griffin

I really enjoyed this anthology! I thought all three stories were really good, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be Patience Griffin's story, which is the last in the book. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Bad at Love by Gabriela Martins

This was a great contemporary YA novel, that I would definitely recommend reading! 

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Review: Six Feet Deep Dish

Review: Six Feet Deep Dish by Mindy Quigley

Fresh mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and murder: the perfect recipe for a delicious first entry in Mindy Quigley's Six Feet Deep Dish, a delectable new series...

Delilah O’Leary can’t wait to open her new gourmet deep-dish pizzeria in Geneva Bay, Wisconsin—a charming resort town with a long history as a mobsters’ hideaway, millionaires’ playground, and vacation mecca. Engaged to a hunk with a hefty trust fund, Delilah is poised to begin a life that’s just about as delicious as one of her cheesy creations.

Just before opening night, though, Delilah’s plans for pizza perfection hit the skids when her fiancé dumps her and leaves her with a very large memento from their relationship—Butterball, their spoiled, plus-sized tabby cat.

Delilah’s trouble deepens when she discovers a dead body and finds her elderly aunt holding the murder weapon. Handsome local police detective Calvin Capone, great grandson of the legendary gangster, opens an investigation, threatening to sink Delilah’s pie-in-the-sky ambitions before they can even get off the ground. To save her aunt and get her pizza place generating some dough, Delilah must deliver the real killer.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Plot: I really enjoyed the plot! The mystery was of course the main part of the book (this is a cozy mystery after all), but I also enjoyed reading the subplots going on (like her relationship with Sam, her friendships, among other things.). I thought the mystery was really well written, and while I did guess the culprit/motive, it did not lessen my enjoyment of the story overall. (I was actually pretty proud of myself for guessing right!)

Characters: The characters were what made this story for me! I thought Delilah was a great lead, and I loved her relationships with the other characters. From her aunt Biz, to her friends, to her fiancé, and to detective Capone, they were all well written characters, and I look forward to more books to get to know them all better! Plus, I can't forget Butterball, her cat, who was just as much a character in this book!

The Cover: I like it!

Overall: This a book that I loved reading, and I highly recommend to any cozy mystery fans out there! I look forward to reading more books about Delilah. And can I get her pizzas in real life, please? The spicy one she made (I can't remember the name of it) sounded so good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher

Review: Ride On!

Review: Ride On by Faith Erin Hicks

In Ride On, this middle grade graphic novel from Faith Erin Hicks, twelve-year-old Victoria is burned out from the high-pressure world or riding competitions. Can she get back to basics and rekindle her love of horses? Perfect for fans of Best Friends and Stargazing!

Victoria has always loved horses. But riding in competitions is high stakes, high stress, and shockingly expensive. And even though Victoria’s best friend Taylor loves competing, Victoria has lost her taste for it.

After a heartbreaking fight with Taylor, Victoria needs a new start—at a new stables. A place where she doesn’t have to worry about anything other than riding. No competition, no drama, no friends.

Just horses.

Edgewood Stables seems ideal. There are plenty of horses to ride, and Victoria is perfectly happy giving the other riders the cold shoulder.

But can she truly be happy with no friends?

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Review: Faith Erin Hicks is one of my absolute favorite graphic novelists! Ever since I discovered Friends With Boys back when it first released (which I just realized was in 2012?! I can't believe it's been that long.), I have been a huge fan of her work, and I was so excited when I got an e-ARC of her newest book. I went into it with high expectations, and it did not disappoint! There is just something about her GNs that I just love. The characters are always well written, it feels like they are characters that exist outside of her books, like the GN is just a glimpse of part of their lives. I love the art in the book. Overall, I would highly recommend this book, and I know it will make my year end list of favorites!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Blog Tour: Love On The Brain - Spottight/Review

Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis comes a new STEMinist rom-com in which a scientist is forced to work on a project with her nemesis—with explosive results.

Bee Königswasser lives by a simple code: What would Marie Curie do? If NASA offered her the lead on a neuroengineering project - a literal dream come true - Marie would accept without hesitation. Duh. But the mother of modern physics never had to co-lead with Levi Ward.

Sure, Levi is attractive in a tall, dark, and piercing-eyes kind of way. But Levi made his feelings toward Bee very clear in grad school - archenemies work best employed in their own galaxies far, far away.

But when her equipment starts to go missing and the staff ignore her, Bee could swear she sees Levi softening into an ally, backing her plays, seconding her ideas... devouring her with those eyes. The possibilities have all her neurons firing.

But when it comes time to actually make a move and put her heart on the line, there's only one question that matters: What will Bee Königswasser do?

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Review: I was really happy when I got an e-ARC of this book from the publisher, because while I have not yet read The Love Hypothesis (I know, I know! It's on my TBR list. One day...), I have heard so many good things about Ali Hazelwood's writing, so I went into this book with high expectations! And I definitely understand why so many people love her books! Her writing is great, and her characters all have vibrant personalities. And the epilogue was delightful and made me smile while reading it! Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who thinks it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Review: Smart Girl Summer!

Review: Smart Girl Summer by Kristin Rockaway

From Kristin Rockaway comes a fun, insightful romance about what can happen when life gets off track but you’re willing to go along for the ride.

This summer’s not going as Abby Atkinson planned. A thieving PhD advisor, a screeching halt to her grad program, and zero job offers have left her high and dry. Nothing a little eat, pray, love across the Mediterranean can’t fix, right?

Or eat, pray, tutor, more like. Her dissertation might be dead, but she can still teach. She’ll just have to do it for six weeks on a superyacht with a billionaire and his daughter.

A playboy billionaire, according to the tabloids―but Abby’s not so sure. As big as his bank account is, his heart’s that much bigger, especially when it comes to his daughter. Their strained relationship could use some mending, though, and Abby can help. She was hired to teach junior high math, but she’ll make room in her lesson plans.

Falling for her boss wasn’t part of the plan either, but…

Maybe it’s time she let her heart, not her head, teach her something new.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Plot: I really liked it! The descriptions of the locations where they went was really cool. And I loved the romance!

Characters: Abby was a great lead, and I really liked reading about her discovering what she wanted in life. Her romance with Richard was wonderful! And I liked all the supporting characters as well!

The Cover: I like it!

Overall: This is a perfect summer read, and also just a awesome romance novel to read anytime of year. I absolutely loved it! Overall, I would definitely recommend it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Review: It's All in How You Fall!

Review: It's All in How You Fall by Sarah Henning

Gymnast Caroline Kepler has three state balance beam titles, a new trick even most elites can’t do, and chronic, undeniable back pain. While she might never be an Olympian, she has dreams of leveling up to elite, making Nationals, and competing in college. But when one epic face-plant changes all that and Caroline’s back pain goes from chronic to career-ending, her dreams are shattered and her life is flipped upside down.

Enter Alex Zavala, a three-sport athlete who’s both incredibly cute and incredibly off-limits. He offers to give Caroline a crash course in all the sports she’s missed, and she has an offer for him in return: For every sport Alex teaches her, she’ll play matchmaker for him. Deal done, Caroline “dates” new sports with Alex for the rest of the summer, which is loads more fun than wallowing in despair. Just as Caroline starts to see herself as more than her past athletic successes, she picks up something she didn’t bargain for: a big fat crush on Alex. Turns out life was way easier when it was just layout-fulls and beam burns....

A contemporary young adult romance about moving on, finding your place, and recovering after life falls apart.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Review: I do not have the words to tell you how much I loved this YA novel! It was such a wonderful book, and while as an adult I loved reading it, I know I would have loved it even more as a teen. This is a five star read for me, that I highly recommend to anyone looking for an absolutely amazing YA book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Mini Reviews: YA & MG!

More mini reviews, this time featuring MG and YA books!

Violet Made of Thorns by Gina Chen

I really enjoyed reading this YA fantasy novel! I thought the plot was really unique. The characters were great, and very well written. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book, and I look forward to what Gina Chen writes next!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

One for All by Lillie Lainoff

I absolutely love the disability rep in this book! While I don't have the same illness as Tania, seeing a lead character who has a chronic illness, save the day, means a lot to me. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Lia and Beckett's Abracadabra by Amy Noelle Parks

This was another great book by Amy Noelle Parks! I thought the stage magic was a really unique element for a YA novel. I've always been fascinated by magic tricks, so to read a book with a main character who wants to be a magician was really fun! Overall, I would definitely recommend trying this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Sometime in Summer by Katrina Leno

This was a great book for summer! I liked the characters, and think the book was really well written. Overall, I would definitely recommend trying this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Not Starring Zadie Louise by Joy McCullough

I really liked this MG book! Zadie was a great main character, and I enjoyed reading her story. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

A Reluctant Witch's Guide to Magic by Shivaun Plozza

I really enjoyed this MG fantasy novel! The magic was fun, and I thought Willa was a great main character. This was a charming MG book that I would definitely recommend trying!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

J.R. Silver Writes Her World by Melissa Dassori

I thought this was a great MG debut! I really enjoyed this book, and I definitely look forward to seeing what Melissa Dassori writes next!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Cat's Cradle: The Golden Twine by Jo Rioux

I thought this was a wonderful MG graphic novel, with great art! The story was really interesting. I would definitely recommend this GN to anyone who thinks it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Blog Tour: Sophie Go's Lonely Hearts Club - Review!

Review: Sophie Go's Lonely Hearts Club by Roselle Lim

A new heartfelt novel about the power of loneliness and the strength of love that overcomes it by critically acclaimed author Roselle Lim.

Newly minted professional matchmaker Sophie Go has returned to Toronto, her hometown, after spending three years in Shanghai. Her job is made quite difficult, however, when she is revealed as a fraud—she never actually graduated from matchmaking school. In a competitive market like Toronto, no one wants to take a chance on an inexperienced and unaccredited matchmaker, and soon Sophie becomes an outcast.

In dire search of clients, Sophie stumbles upon a secret club within her condo complex: the Old Ducks, seven septuagenarian Chinese bachelors who never found love. Somehow, she convinces them to hire her, but her matchmaking skills are put to the test as she learns the depths of loneliness, heartbreak, and love by attempting to make the hardest matches of her life.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Review: I really enjoyed this book! Sophie was a delightful main character. The supporting characters were all great. The writing was lovely. I loved the epilogue! Overall, I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who thinks it sounds good! :)

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Mini Reviews: Adult Books, Part 2!

More mini reviews!

The Return of the Duke by Lorraine Heath

This was another great historical romance from Lorraine Heath, full of great characters, that I would definitely recommend trying!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Booked on a Feeling by Jayci Lee

This was a delightful romcom from Jayci Lee! I loved the characters, and the story. And this cove is so cute! Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Gunslinger’s Guide to Avoiding Matrimony by Michelle McLean

I don't read many western romances, but the premise for this one sounded fun, so I decided to try it. I'm happy I did! This was a great romance, that I would definitely recommend trying!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

I have heard so many good things about this book, and after reading it, I understand why! This was a great novel, that I would definitely recommend trying!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Littlest Library by Poppy Alexander

This was such a great book! I really liked it, and would definitely recommend to anyone who thinks it sounds interesting. (And isn't this cover adorable?!)

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Bet on It by Jodie Slaughter

I love that this book features both a plus size MC, and anxiety rep! Overall, I would definitely recommend trying this novel!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Circling Back to You by Julie Tieu

I really enjoyed reading this romance! The characters and story were both great, and I would definitely recommend it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Always Be My Duchess by Amalie Howard

I really liked this romance! The characters were great, and I think the plot was really unique. Overall, I would definitely recommend trying this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Duke's Accidental Bride by Eva Devon

I really enjoyed this book! The characters were the best part, and I liked the plot. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochon

This is the first book I've read from Farrah Rochon, but I will definitely be checking out more of their books! I really enjoyed this romance, and the characters were all excellent. I would definitely recommend this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

A Line in the Sand by Teri Wilson

This was such a cute, fun romance! I really enjoyed reading it, and I liked all the characters, from the leads, to the supporting roles. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Fixer Upper by Lauren Forsythe

I really enjoyed this romance! Aly was a great lead, and I really enjoyed reading her story. I will definitely be checking out Lauren Forsythe's next book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Not Betting on Forever by Natasha Moore

This was a great romance novel, with characters I really liked! Overall, I would definitely recommend trying this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Mad About You by Mhairi McFarlane

This was a really good book, with a lot of emotional parts to it. I would suggest having a tissue ready while reading, because you probably will cry at least once. Overall, I would definitely recommend this novel!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Luck and Last Resorts by Sarah Grunder Ruiz

I thought this was a really well written book! This novel had a great romance, with a lot of emotional parts to the book as well. And I love the cover of it! Overall, I would definitely recommend it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Mini Reviews: Adult Edition!

Hi, everyone! In an effort to catch up on reviews, over the next few days you will see multiple mini review posts go up. I got behind on reviews during Yay! For Middle Grade Books and Summer Lovin', so this is my attempt at catching up!

Maggie Moves On by Lucy Score

I thought the premise of this book sounded so good, and I'm happy to write that I was not disappointed! Maggie and Silas were great main characters, and I loved the supporting cast as well! Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Fake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley

This was such a great romance novel! I really liked the characters, both the leads, and the supporting ones, too. And I love the book cover! Overall, I would definitely recommend reading!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Something Blue by Heather McGovern

Weddings are (in my opinion) one of the absolute best settings for books, because of the romance, drama, and large cast of characters involved. So when I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. And I'm happy I did! This was a great romance, and I would definitely recommend trying it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

First Bride to Fall by Ginny Baird

This book was so much fun! The relationship between Nell and Grant was fantastic. Overall, I would definitely recommend checking this book out! 

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

A Matter of Temptation by Stacy Reid

I really enjoyed this historical romance novel! The romance was lovely, and I really liked Mina as the lead. Overall, I would definitely recommend trying this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Up All Night with a Good Duke by Amy Rose Bennett

I quite liked this historical romance, and I look forward to reading more books in the series! Overall, I would definitely recommend trying it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Sizzle Paradox by Lily Menon

This was another fantastic romance by Lily Menon (which is the pen name for one of my favorite YA authors, Sandhya Menon!)! She writes great characters, and her plots are always fun. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The True Love Bookshop by Annie Rains

This was an absolutely delightful romance from Annie Rains! There are definitely emotional parts in the book, and also lots of lovely moments between the characters. And I love this cover! Overall, I would definitely recommend reading!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Six Ways to Write a Love Letter by Jackson Pearce

This was a unique romance that I enjoyed reading! Overall, I would definitely recommend trying it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.