Showing posts with label Young Adult Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Young Adult Review. Show all posts

Monday, September 2, 2024

Review: This Book Kills!

This Book Kills by Ravena Guron





I'll make it clear from the I did not kill Hugh Henry Van Boren. I didn't even help…Well, not intentionally.

All Jess Choudhary wants is to keep her head down, do her work, and make it through high school without any problems. As a scholarship student—and one of only two students of Indian heritage—her future at the elite school depends on her ability to keep a low profile and spotless record. But when one of the most popular and richest kids in the school ends up dead in the exact same way as a character in a short story she wrote, Jess unintentionally finds herself at the center of the investigation.

And then Jess receives an anonymous text thanking her for the inspiration.

As rumors run rampant about who the murderer could be, Jess knows if she doesn't solve this mystery herself, she'll finally have something in common with she'll be dead too.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Review: This was a fantastic YA Mystery novel! It had plenty of twists, and an ending that I didn't predict, which is always nice when a mystery is able to surprise me. Jess was a great main character, and I thought all the supporting characters were well written. I know this was meant to be a standalone, but I would love to have more books featuring Jess and her friends. I figure at that school there are probably a lot more mysteries to investigate! Overall, I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys a good mystery!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Review: Ghosted!

Review: Ghosted by Amanda Quain

Never Have I Ever meets The X-Files in Amanda Quain's Ghosted, a gender-bent contemporary retelling of the Jane Austen classic, Northanger Abbey.

Hattie Tilney isn’t a believer. Yes, she’s a senior at America’s most (allegedly) haunted high school, Northanger Abbey. But ever since her paranormal-loving dad passed away, she’s hung up her Ghostbusters suit, put away the EMF detectors and thermal cameras, and moved on. She has enough to worry about in the land of the living--like taking care of her younger brother, Liam, while their older sister spirals out and their mother, Northanger’s formidable headmistress, buries herself in her work. If Hattie just works hard enough and keeps that overachiever mask on tight through graduation, maybe her mom will finally notice her.

But the mask starts slipping when Hattie’s assigned to be an ambassador to Kit Morland, a golden retriever of a boy who’s transferred to Northanger on—what else—a ghost-hunting scholarship. The two are partnered up for an investigative project on the school’s paranormal activity, and Hattie quickly strikes a deal: Kit will present whatever ghostly evidence he can find to prove that campus is haunted, and Hattie will prove that it’s not. But as they explore the abandoned tunnels and foggy graveyards of Northanger, Hattie starts to realize that Kit might be the kind of person that makes her want to believe in something—and someone—for the first time.

With her signature wit and slow burn romance, Amanda Quain turns another Austen classic on its head in this sparkling retelling that proves sometimes the ghosts are just a metaphor after all.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Review: Amanda Quain's debut novel, ACCOMPLISHED, made my favorite books post the year I read it. So I went into this book with high expectations. Were they met? Absolutely! This was another fantastic book from this author. It was messy, and happy, and sad, and I think, in the end, hopeful. I loved Hattie as a main character, and reading about her growing throughout the story was wonderful. My heart broke for her at multiple points during the book, but getting to see her journey was great. I thought all the side characters were well written, from Kit, to her family, and her friend group. And I loved the ending! Overall, I would highly recommend this YA book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Review: All Alone with You!

Review: All Alone with You by Amelia Diane Coombs

HBO Max’s Hacks gets a romantic twist in the vein of Jenn Bennett in this swoon-worthy novel about a standoffish teen girl whose loner status gets challenged by a dynamic elderly woman and a perpetually cheerful boy.

Eloise Deane is the worst and doesn’t care who knows it. She’s grumpy, prefers to be alone, and is just slogging through senior year with one goal: get accepted to USC and move to California. So when her guidance counselor drops the bombshell that to score a scholarship she’ll desperately need, her applications require volunteer hours, Eloise is up for the challenge. Until she’s paired with LifeCare, a volunteer agency that offers social support to lonely seniors through phone calls and visits. Basically, it’s a total nightmare for Eloise’s anxiety.

Eloise realizes she’s made a huge mistake—especially when she’s paired with Austin, the fellow volunteer who’s the sunshine to her cloudy day. But as Eloise and Austin work together to keep Marianne Landis—the mysterious former frontwoman of the 1970s band the Laundromats—company, something strange happens. She actually…likes Marianne and Austin? Eloise isn’t sure what to do with that, especially when her feelings toward Austin begin to blur into more-than-friends territory.

And when ex-girlfriends, long-buried wounds, and insecurities reappear, Eloise will have a choice to make: go all in with Marianne and Austin or get out before she gets hurt.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Review: This is now one of my favorite YA books! Eloise was such a wonderful main character. The anxiety and depression rep was excellent. Her relationship with Austin was adorable. And speaking of Austin! He was so sweet and kind and absolutely perfect for Eloise. Marianne was a great character, too! I liked how much Eloise's family was a part of the book. Overall, I absolutely loved this YA novel and I highly recommend it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Thursday, June 29, 2023

June Mini Reviews!

Hi, everyone! I'm posting June mini reviews today of a bunch of books. Here we go!



I really enjoyed reading this historical romance! I liked the romance between the two leads, and I thought the plot was good. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



I thought this was an interesting YA Dystopian read! Overall, I would recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was a really good mystery/suspense novel that I enjoyed reading! Overall, I would definitely recommend reading!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



I thought this was a nice contemporary adult romance! There was good chronic pain rep in the book, and I always appreciate that. The romance was great! Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



I thought this was an interesting YA novel, that I would would recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was a great historical romance! I really liked the couple in this one, and I liked the bookish aspects of the book as well! Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



I really enjoyed reading this book! It was an excellent debut fantasy, and I look forward to whatever else this author writes. The  characters, writing, and plot were all great. Overall, iI would definitely recommend this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was a terrifying read, that I would recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was a really interesting thriller/suspense novel, that I would definitely recommend to those who think the plot sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was a fun historical mystery that was such a mash up of different genres, that I enjoyed reading! I would recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



The premise of this one was really fun! And I thought it was a good read! The mystery was well done. Overall, I would recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



I thought this was a great YA summer read, that also touches on some serious topics. And I think the cover is really cute! Overall, I would recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



I thought this was a great beginning to a new cozy mystery series, with a fun premise! Overall, I would definitely recommend trying it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



I thought this was a really good YA read! I liked the characters, and thought it was well written. Overall, I would definitely recommend it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Mini Reviews (YA Edition)!

Hi, everyone! Today is going to be mini reviews, featuring YA books from the past few months. Here we go!



This was a great YA mystery/suspense novel! The plot and characters were well written. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was a good YA novel, with a fun setting, that touched on some serious topics! Overall, I would recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.


This was a really good YA fantasy novel, that had a fascinating plot! Overall, I would definitely recommend trying it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was an entertaining YA regency read, with great characters! Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was an interesting YA mystery, told in a unique way. Overall, I would recommend to those who think the summary sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was a fun YA romance, featuring my favorite trope, fake dating! It was well written, and the characters were great. Overall, I would definitely recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was a terrifying YA thriller, that would be perfect to read when you want to scare yourself!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was a fun YA summer read, with a cute romance and fun characters! I liked how the main characters family played such a big role, and I liked the plot. Overall, I would definitely recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was a good YA read, with great autistic rep! Overall, I would recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



I thought this was a really interesting and unique YA fantasy novel! I would definitely recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



I enjoyed reading this contemporary YA novel! The plot was fun, and the characters were good. And I always love plus-size rep in books! Overall, I would recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was a fun YA read that's perfect for summer! The characters were great. Overall, I would recommend it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Monday, June 5, 2023

Review: The Broken Hearts Club!

Review: The Broken Hearts Club by Susan Bishop Crispell

When the perpetually single daughter of a magical matchmaker reconnects with the boy she’s pretended to be in a relationship with for over a year, she may finally have met her match.

Imogen Finch has never been in love... despite being the daughter of a matchmaker. Her only relationship to date was a fake one with a near stranger named August Tate that she made up to stop people from asking about her love life. To fill the void, she’s channeled her obsession with love into her passion for photography, using her ability to literally see the rose-gold glow of a person in love to capture stunning portraits.

But when her adviser says her photography portfolio is “one note”, she’s desperate to diversify. After hearing her forever crush, Ren, was recently dumped, she decides to photograph the broken-hearted, starting with him. Imogen is hopeful she’ll finally find love and get the right photos. So, the last thing she expects is for the real-life version of her fake boyfriend to show up in town asking why they “broke up”. Before she knows it she’s juggling August and Ren and falling for the first time in her life.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Review: This feels like a YA summer read (This is a compliment!), even though it doesn't take place in summer. A fun romance, that also touches on more serious topics, I would definitely recommend trying it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Monday, March 6, 2023

Review: Royal Blood!

Review: Royal Blood by Aimée Carter

An American girl becomes the British Monarchy’s greatest nightmare in this thrilling new series where royal scandals just got deadlier.

As the King of England’s illegitimate daughter, 17-year-old Evan Bright knows a thing or two about keeping secrets.

But when she’s forced to spend the summer in London with her father and the royal family, who aren’t exactly thrilled she exists, her identity is mysteriously revealed, and suddenly the world is dying to know every juicy lie the press prints about her.

After a fun night turns deadly and Evan becomes the primary suspect in a murder investigation, the escalating rumors and fallout threaten to tear her life apart. As she fights to uncover the truth about what happened, she discovers royal secrets that are even more scandalous than she imagined – secrets that could change the monarchy forever.

And her own may be next.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Review: I picked up this book thinking it sounded interesting, and that I would enjoy it, but I did not expect how much I would love this YA novel! The characters were fantastic. I loved Evan as the MC, and my heart hurt for how much she went through, and how unfairly she was treated. There were characters who I started out not liking, but as the book went on (and we learned new things), they grew on me. When I found out this was the beginning of a series, I was so happy! I want more time with these characters and world. The ending was great! And I would definitely recommend checking the trigger warnings, there are a lot of sensitive topics discussed, and events that occur in this book. Overall, I loved this book so much, and would highly recommend reading it! I can't wait for book two!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Monday, January 30, 2023

January Mini Reviews!



I really liked this contemporary romance! I thought Georgie and Levi were good main characters. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was another great YA novel from Emma Lord! I would definitely recommend checking it out!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was a good MG novel, that I enjoyed reading! I would recommend checking it out!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



I thought this was a great beginning to a new cozy mystery series! And the food mentioned sounded really good. Overall, I would definitely recommend trying this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was a good YA mystery/thriller novel, that I enjoyed reading!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



I really enjoyed reading this contemporary romance! The characters were great, and I liked the plot. Overall, I would definitely recommend trying this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was a good Middle Grade novel, that I really liked! Rose and Cora were great main characters. This was the beginning of a fun new series, and I would definitely recommend reading it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was a really well written YA novel! The main character, Zahra, had a great voice, it was really easy to read from her POV. (This is hard for me to explain, but I love when books have a MC whose voice just really flows, and it's nice to be in their head.) Overall, I would definitely recommend this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was an absolutely great YA fantasy novel, that I thought was really well written! Overall, I would definitely recommend trying it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Review: Unseelie!



Twin sisters, both on the run, but different as day and night. One, a professional rogue, searches for a fabled treasure; the other, a changeling, searches for the truth behind her origins, trying to find a place to fit in with the realm of fae who made her and the humans who shun her. 

Iselia “Seelie” Graygrove looks just like her twin, Isolde… but as an autistic changeling trying to navigate her unpredictable magic, Seelie finds it more difficult to fit in with the humans around her. When Seelie and Isolde are caught up in a heist gone wrong and make some unexpected allies, they find themselves unraveling a larger mystery that has its roots in the history of humans and fae alike.

 Both sisters soon discover that the secrets of the faeries may be more valuable than any pile of gold and jewels. But can Seelie harness her magic in time to protect her sister, and herself?

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Plot: This was such a well written fantasy! I don't want to say too much about the plot of this one, because there are some twists that I don't want to spoil for anyone. But just know that I loved the turns the story took, and it managed to surprise me towards the end!

Characters: Seelie was a lead character that I absolutely loved reading the POV from, and I am so happy that we got a YA fantasy with an autistic lead. The side characters, from her sister Isolde, to Raze and Olani, and others that I won't mention by name here, were all really well written and fantastic characters, whether they were allies or villains. 

The Cover: I like it a lot! I love illustrated fantasy covers.

Overall: This was such a wonderful book, that I can't recommend enough! It is definitely a new favorite. If you love fantasy novels, I highly recommend reading this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

December Mini Reviews!



I thought this was a good beginning to a new cozy mystery series! Overall, I would recommend it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



I really liked this historical romance! The characters were great, and the writing was good. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was a good contemporary romance! I would definitely recommend trying it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



I enjoyed reading this historical romance novel! Overall, I would recommend it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was another great historical romance novel from Samara Parish! I loved the characters in the book. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was an interesting YA novel, that I would definitely recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



This was another fantastic contemporary romance from Jen DeLuca! Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Monday, October 3, 2022

Review: The Christmas Clash!


Who's naughty and nice at Riverwood Mall? In this hilarious holiday rom-com, two rivals get together to save their families' livelihoods, and Christmas, too!

Chloe Kwon can't stand Peter Li. It's always been that way. Their families don't get along either: their parents operate rival restaurants in the Riverwood Mall food court―Korean food for the Kwons and Chinese food for the Lis. Now it's the holiday season and Chloe's the photographer at the mall's Santa Land, and Peter works at the virtual reality North Pole experience right across the atrium. It's all Chloe can do to avoid Peter's smug, incredibly photogenic face.

But it turns out the mall is about to be sold to a developer and demolished for condos. Eviction notices are being handed out right before Christmas. Their parents don't know what to do, and soon Chloe and Peter realize that the two of them need to join efforts to try to save the mall. Just when it seems like they can put aside their differences and work closely (very closely) together, they discover that the Kwon and Li feud goes far deeper than either of them realize...

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Plot: This was such a fun, festive read! I loved reading about Chloe and Peter trying to save the mall. I love malls, and it honestly makes me sad that they're fading, so to read a book with a mall was really nice. Chloe wanting to be a photographer was a good subplot! 

Characters: Chloe and Peter were both great leads! I loved their families, and their friends. The people (at least some of them!)  from the mall, and Chloe's photography mentor were all lovely.

The Cover: It's really cute and festive!

Overall: This was another wonderful book by Suzanne Park, who has become one of my favorite authors! A lovely, festive YA novel, that I would highly recommend reading!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

Blog Tour: Spells For Lost Things - Review!

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the SPELLS FOR LOST THINGS by Jenna Evans Welch Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About the Book:

Title: SPELLS FOR LOST THINGS

Author: Jenna Evans Welch

Pub. Date: September 27, 2022

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 368

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

From the New York Times bestselling author of Love & Gelato comes a poignant and romantic novel about two teens trying to find their place in the world after being unceremoniously dragged to Salem, Massachusetts, for the summer.

Willow has never felt like she belonged anywhere and is convinced that the only way to find a true home is to travel the world. But her plans to act on her dream are put on hold when her aloof and often absent mother drags Willow to Salem, Massachusetts, to wrap up the affairs of an aunt Willow didn’t even know she had. An aunt who may or may not have been a witch.

There, she meets Mason, a loner who’s always felt out of place and has been in and out of foster homes his entire life. He’s been classified as one of the runaways, constantly searching for ways to make it back to his mom; even if she can’t take care of him, it’s his job to try and take care of her. Isn’t it?

Naturally pulled to one another, Willow and Mason set out across Salem to discover the secret past of Willow’s mother, her aunt, and the ambiguous history of her family. During all of this, the two can’t help but act on their natural connection. But with the amount of baggage between them—and Willow’s growing conviction her family might be cursed—can they manage to hold onto each other?

My Review: I really enjoyed reading this YA novel! Willow and Mason were great main characters, and I thought their relationship was lovely. There are definitely a lot of emotional moments in the book. The ending was wonderful, and I loved it. Overall, I thought this was a really good YA book, and I would definitely recommend reading it!

I received a copy of the book from the publisher and blog tour company.

About Jenna:

Jenna Evans Welch was the kind of insatiable child reader who had no choice but to grow up to become a writer. She is the New York Times bestselling author of Love & GelatoLove & Luck, and Love & Olives. When she isn’t writing girl abroad stories, Jenna can be found chasing her children or making elaborate messes in the kitchen. She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband and two young children. Visit her online at JennaEvansWelch.com. 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a physical copy of SPELLS FOR LOST THINGS, US Only.

Ends October 15th, Midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

9/12/2022

Kait Plus Books

Excerpt/IG Post

9/13/2022

Kayl's Krazy Obsession

Review

9/14/2022

Just Another Teen Reading Books

Review/IG Post

9/15/2022

Stacialovestoread

Review/IG Post

9/16/2022

A Dream Within A Dream

Review/IG Post

9/17/2022

Ya Books Central

Excerpt/IG Post

Week Two:

9/18/2022

booksaremagictoo

Review/IG Post

9/19/2022

Mom with a Reading Problem

Review/IG Post

9/20/2022

wiltedpages

Review/TikTok Post

9/21/2022

Lisa Loves Literature

Review/IG Post

9/22/2022

@enjoyingbooksagain

IG Review

9/23/2022

OneMoreExclamation

Review/IG Post

9/24/2022

My.Bookish.Mind

IG Review/TikTok Post

Week Three:

9/25/2022

popthebutterfly

Review/IG Post

9/26/2022

Nerdophiles

Review

9/27/2022

onemused

IG Review

9/28/2022

pluvioreads

Review/TikTok Post

9/29/2022

@booksrn_rashi

IG Review

9/30/2022

Novel Novice

IG Spotlight

10/1/2022

Star-Crossed Book Blog

Review/IG Post

Week Four:

10/2/2022

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Review/IG Post

10/3/2022

A Blue Box Full of Books

IG Review

10/4/2022

Book-Keeping

Review/IG Post

10/5/2022

Momfluenster

IG Review/FB Post

10/6/2022

Celia's Reads

Review/IG Post

10/7/2022

The Momma Spot

Review/IG Post

10/8/2022

@jacleomik33

IG Review

Week Five:

10/9/2022

The Moon Phoenix

Review/IG Post


Sunday, August 28, 2022

August Mini Reviews!

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



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.



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.





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.



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.



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.



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.



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

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.