You: The Story: A Book Review

Ruta Sepetys never fails to warm my heart and teach me something new in every book she writes. This writing craft book is no different! The book is split into easily digestible sections with short chapters, section recaps, and brainstorming ideas. She also weaves in funny and heartwarming anecdotes from her exciting life to teach writing principles, which makes this an enjoyable, easy, and fast read. I will say that this book is simplistic, which perfectly appeals to teen writers getting their feet wet in writing. But it's no less heartfelt or important. Ruta Sepetys really inspired me to think about my memories and emotion in creating stories that connect me to other people. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Content: 4
Inspiration/Value: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Penguin Teen, for the arc!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Merritt and Her Childhood Crush: A Book Review

What a cute, fluffy romance! This book has lots of tropes romance readers will love:

- childhood friends to lovers/second chance romance

- single dad

- cute rescue animals

- excellent communication

- double POV

- heated kisses

This book also explores heavier themes like divorce, death of a grandparent, cheating, and finding where you belong. I enjoyed it for the most part, but I will say I still struggle with Emma St. Clair's writing. (This is my third book by St. Clair, and sometimes I could tell when she was writing instead of Jenny Proctor.) Her writing feels silly to me, and it makes her characters seem immature and annoying. But other than that, this is a great romance!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Jenny Proctor, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: cheating, divorce, teen pregnancy, death of a grandparent, kisses, pregnancy, childbirth (off page)

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

A Heart Worth Stealing: A Book Review

What a pleasant surprise! This book combines the best of a regency romance and romantic suspense novel. I loved the mystery plot that brought forced proximity between Ginny and Jack. Their interactions were clever and delightful, and I loved seeing them work together against Ginny's mystery antagonizer. I had a hard time putting the book down because of the charming characters, tense plot, and engaging writing. 

I will say that I was left wanting a bit more, but I can't quite put my finger on it. Perhaps I wanted more growth from Ginny and Jack outside of their romance, or perhaps it's because I solved the mystery plot quite early on in the book. However, I still very much enjoyed reading this, and I'd highly recommend to regency romance lovers!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Shadow Mountain, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: thievery, threats, arson, fighting and gun violence, kisses

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Divine Rivals: A Book Review

In my opinion, Divine Rivals is the best of Rebecca Ross's work so far. THIS BOOK IS STUNNING. It is unique, romantic, TENSE, and heart-wrenching. I can't say enough good things.

First of all, the premise sets it apart from other YA/NA fantasy. The world is a mix of gods and monsters, and World War I. I absolutely love learning about WWI, and I often feel like it's overshadowed by WWII. It's absolutely heart-wrenching to read a fantasy that includes all the elements of WWI and the early 1900s: trench fighting, bombs, gas bombs, typewriters, high class versus low class, etc. I think Rebecca Ross perfectly combines history with fantasy in a way that makes sense and is thrilling to read.

The other thing I LOVE about this book is the romance; it has rivals to lovers, he falls first, and hidden identity. Roman is absolutely divine, and watching his relationship grow with Iris was an absolute pleasure.

This book ends on a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to see where it goes next. It's has a fabulous story that had me reading far past my bedtime. I can't recommend it enough!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Wednesday Books and NetGalley, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: one brief open door, war violence and gore, death of a parent

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Never Vacation with Your Ex: A Book Review

First of all, PINK COVERS FOR THE WIN. 

Second of all, this book was cute overall. I liked the cute moments between Dean and Kaylee, and there was some great character growth with Kaylee's volleyball and relationship issues. I also loved the beach setting—perfect for January reading.

However, I have some salty opinions. I didn't super love the idea of friends with benefits or how dumb Kaylee could be with refusing to get with Dean again. And both of their parents annoyed me. I felt like they were way too involved, and I just wanted to get back to the teenagers. But hey, at least we had some good parent representation in a YA book. 

I think this may be my last Wibberley & Siegemund-Broka book. I've figured out that they love writing looooong inner monologues, and it drives me crazy. I would like more action, more showing instead of telling. Unless a future book of theirs has great reviews, I think I'll bow out for now. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Penguin Teen, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: kissing/make outs

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Chaos & Flame: A Book Review

This newest YA fantasy book has lots of elements I think people would enjoy:

- Ancient magic with characters having unique powers

- Morally gray leaders

- Politics

- Enemies to lovers

Overall, I liked the story. But I didn't feel especially wowed or interested in what happened. This was a good fantasy, but it has already started fading into the background for me. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Penguin Teen, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: fighting violence, parent death, poisoning

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Beyond That, the Sea: A Book Review

My primary emotion after reading this book is ANGER. If you're expecting a heartwarming WWII story, I'm not sure you'll find it. I can't believe what happened. It's truly a soap opera in book form.

The first half of this book is phenomenal. I love stories that have multiple POVs spanning over decades. It makes for fantastic character development, and I grew VERY attached to the characters. Alas, this was my doom, because the second half was quite awful for these characters.

A couple characters made a poor decision together that, luckily, didn't ruin their lives too much (I just couldn't get past their poor moral choice). Then throughout the years, the opposite of what I predicted happened, and the ending left me flabbergasted. I don't want to explain too much because of spoilers, but I wanted to throw the book across the room. The second half was filled with random tragedies mixed with saddening adult choices. 

But overall, it was still beautiful. The writing is magnificent, and the short chapters kept me voraciously reading. There's some beautiful mother-daughter growth in this too. And I loved reading a book that wasn't all about WWII, but rather the aftermath of it. This book is truly unlike any other book I've read, in both a beautiful and an angering way. I literally have no idea if I would recommend it or not. I'm baffled.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Celadon Books, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: parent death, cheating, brief open door, car accident death

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Flowerheart: A Book Review

Things I loved about Flowerheart:

- The cover is to die for. I love the artistry, the flowers, and the red hair.

- I loved that Clara's magic manifested in flowers, and that she was so in-tune with the flowers' meanings

- Overall a cute, magical read.

Things I didn't love:

- Everything felt underdeveloped: the world building, romance, and especially plot.

- Speaking of plot, it wasn't tense. At all. Even when the stakes were supposed to be high, I was never invested.

- The romance felt like instalove because there wasn't enough development.

This book had potential, but it just didn't deliver for me. I think it would be better as a short story instead.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Harper Teen and NetGalley, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: depression, parent sickness and wounds

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Nightbirds: A Book Review

The cover of this book first drew me in, and then the story. I loved diving into this tense, magical world. Here are a few of my favorite things about this book:

- a growing sisterhood bond
- unique and mysterious magic
- politics that drive the tense plot
- multiple POV
- hints of romance
- a lush and vibrant world with ballrooms, slums, secret places, and jazz
- plot twists
- wonderful writing

There's so much potential for this series! I can't wait to see where the story goes and what happens to all the characters I've come to love. And I hope there's lots more romance in the books to come.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Penguin Teen, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: fighting violence and death, near drowning, recounts of torture, poisoning, kisses

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Miss Newbury's List: A Book Review

What a delightful, touching, witty romance. I loved every chapter, every character interaction, literally everything about this book. The concept of Rosalind's list set up the perfect plot; there were lots of opportunities for her to spend time with Charlie, lots of tension, and the pacing was quick enough to continually capture my attention. 

The romance really shines through in this book. Even though Rosalind is engaged to a duke, you can see her journey in figuring out what she really wants, especially as she spends more time with Charlie. He is the perfect rough-and-tough Regency guy with a cute soft spot, and their conversations melted me into a puddle. 

I also loved how this book wasn't super predictable. It went in directions I did not expect, and I was STRESSED at the end. But it has a beautiful ending that made me feel all warm and fuzzy. This is definitely one of my favorite regency romances now. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Shadow Mountain, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: kisses, fighting violence, near drowning

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Well of Eida: A Book Review

This book blew me away. First of all, my jaw literally dropped after reading the first chapter. Right away, I knew this book would hook me and take me on a wild ride. And I was not wrong!!

I loved K.B. Benson's reimagining of the "troll under a bridge" fairytale. This high fantasy was utterly unique, and though it took me some time to grasp the troll world, it was well worth the effort. It's an intricate society, well crafted and provided lots of opportunities for tension. 

Also, the ROMANCE. Loved the enemies-to-lovers/master-slave vibes, and Graeden is the perfect morally-gray guy. I could have done without the love triangle in the second half though. That's basically my only complaint for this book is the guy in the second half and Ari's decisions regarding him. 

I will be recommending this book to literally everyone. It has so many plot twists and has a fast pace. And also, there is a DRAGON. I can't wait to read the rest of this series.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, K.B. Benson, for the review copy!

Trigger/Content Warnings: fighting violence and death, plague death

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Spice Road: A Book Review

First of all, WHAT a stunning cover. I could stare at it for hours. Second, this book has the beginnings of a fantastic fantasy trilogy. I can't wait to see where Maiya Ibrahim takes it. 

This book has several elements I love to see in YA fantasy:

- rivals to lovers

- travel plot

- great character growth

- politics in the plot

- adventure and tense action 

- magic and djinni

While the book did have little annoyances in the writing and character reactions, I could easily look over it and appreciate the fast-paced story and its caring, determined characters. I would definitely recommend if you liked We Hunt the Flame and The Stardust Thief. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Delacorte Press and NetGalley, for the review copy!

Trigger/Content Warnings: violence, torture (off page), animal death, kisses

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!