Hello Stranger: A Book Review

I read this book in one sitting, past midnight, with no pee breaks. It was that good. I can't remember the last time I did that!

Once I got used to the MC's stream of consciousness, I was completely charmed and captivated with her story. She has a lot of struggles with her prosopagnosia (facial blindness) and her mess-up family and just life in general. This book dives deep into some meaningful themes, and I both giggled and teared up at different parts.

But the ROMANCE. Oh, my heart. The romance is completely unexpected, but it took my breath away. I loved seeing their relationship unfurl, twists and all. It would make for a fantastic romcom movie. This book is now one of my new favorite romances!

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

Thank you, St. Martin's Press, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: facial blindness, seizure, brain surgery, bullying to the point of attempted suicide (off-page description), death of a parent, cheating

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

The Never Heir: A Book Review

This book made my Downton Abbey-loving heart so happy!!! It's the absolute perfect mix of 1920s London and the Lost Boys from Peter Pan—a combination I could've never come up with, but works perfectly in execution. There's so much to love about this book: 

- forbidden love

- magical relics from Neverland

- similar scenes and vibes as Downton Abbey

- a hunky, secretive guy boxing in the '20s—a.k.a., my new book boyfriend

- mystery and hidden identities

- swoony kisses

In other words, I need all my fantasy and historical fiction lovers to READ THIS BOOK. I cannot wait for more books in this world so I can see Charlie and Evie once again. Courtney Millecam has written a stunning debut!

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

Thank you, Courtney Millecam, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: mild violence, kisses

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

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!