About The Book An emotionally complex portrayal of secrets, loss, and grief from Dante Medema, Indies Introduce author of the Indie Next Pick title The Truth Project. This compelling puzzle of a story, filled with engrossing twists and turns, is written in alternating prose and text message formats. Teens will gobble up this fast-paced page-turner. Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3TrFEQH
My Rating
I’m not exactly sure how I feel about this book. The plot follows Bailey as she tries to cope with her best friend’s death. Bailey uses a program that lets her send messages to Vanessa’s phone and receive response that mimic ones Vanessa would send.
Throughout the book, we get insights to their relationship, and the accident that took Vanessa’s life. Grief, and letting go, is a very prominent theme in the book. However, I think it was done well. It showcases how, when someone you love passes away, you try everything to keep them alive.
Bailey does struggle with feeling guilty, and wonders if she could have done something to stop the accident. This is an issue that is touched on in a lot of YA books that deal with loss. Also, the story mentions how people only care about people once they’re gone. It’s not genuine grief.
“How devastating it is to miss her and hate her with the same breath.”
Throughout the story, we see that people aren’t perfect, and do make mistakes they can’t take back. Vanessa made some mistakes, and by the end of the book, I wasn’t sure if she would have been redeemable if she had lived. However, I liked the message that even if someone hurts you, you can still love them.
There is a romance that develops between Bailey and Vanessa’s boyfriend, which might seem weird, but in grief you connect with others that are grieving as well.Their relationship formed naturally, and didn’t seem like they were together just because of their shared grief.
Overall, I liked the way Bailey handled her grief. The story was a sad, but still a good read. So, if you are looking for a book that deals with loss, you should pick this one up!
In the comments, let me know if you’ve read this book. I would love to know your thoughts on it. Feel free to support my blog by giving it a follow!
Hi Friends,
I haven’t shared many of my anticipated book releases for 2023, so I thought I should talk about some of the romances that I can’t wait to read. Let’s face it I’m a YA contemporary romance girl at heart, which made it a little difficult to narrow this list down to only 5 books.
‘Never Vacation with Your Ex’ by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka (Released: April 4th)
“Forgetting Sarah Marshall meets Crazy Stupid Love in a YA second chance romance from fan-favorite author couple #Wibbroka!”
Not going to lie I have a love-hate, but mostly hate, relationship with this author duos books. They always seem to fall short for me, yet I still always find myself reading them.
‘Promposal’ by RaeChell Garrett (Released: April 4th)
“An overachiever must decide if risking her heart by working with her former crush turned enemy is worth the reward in this snappy rom-com, perfect for fans of Tweet Cute and Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry.”
This is a new to me author, but the premise of this book sounds so cute. I’ve never went to high school, so I don’t get the whole promposal thing. Also, I love me some enemies-to-lovers.
‘Margo Zimmerman Gets the Girl’ by Brianna R. Shrum & Sara Waxelbaum (Released: May 2nd)
“This charming YA rom-com follows Margo, who suddenly realizes that she’s gay but has no clue how to express her identity, so she enlists out-and-proud Abbie to act as her tutor on everything “Queer 101”…and first love.”
By now you probably know that I love exchange of services plots. This one sounds a bit different than the ones I’ve read before and I’m excited to see how this story unfolds.
‘Borrow My Heart’ by Kasie West
(Released: June 13th)
“When a girl overhears a guy getting verbally destroyed by his friends for being catfished, she jumps in to save the day–and pretends to be his online crush. A young adult romance from the critically acclaimed author of Places We’ve Never Been.”
I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t mention Kasie West newest book on this list. Just like all her other books I’m sure that this one is going to be an amazing read!
‘The Borrow a Boyfriend Club’ by Page Powars
(Released: September 12th)
“A high school boy must master the art of romance to join his new school’s most illustrious (and secret) club to ensure his classmates see him as his true gender, and soon finds himself falling for the club’s prickly president.”
This story follows a trans main character, which I haven’t read about before. I love seeing diverse representation in books. And, this sounds like a grumpy, sunshine romance, which is going to be a lot of fun.
There you have some of the young adult romance books who releases I cannot wait for. In the comments, let me know what 2023 romance books you are greatly anticipating. Before you go hit the follow button so you never miss a post.
Hi Friends,
I decided to do a ‘Friday Reads’ post to share with you my weekend reading plans. Currently, I’m reading ‘The Housemaid‘ by Freida McFadden and I will for sure be finishing it this weekend. It’s a mystery thriller book that I’m really enjoying.
Next, I plan on making some progress on ‘Furyborn‘ by Claire Legrand. I’m hoping to get to the 50% mark by the end of the weekend. This is a YA fantasy that is a part of my 12 book challenge for 2023.
There you have the books I’m hoping to pick up this weekend. Hopefully I will finish two of them, but we’ll see how the weekend goes. In the comments, let me know what you are currently reading. Don’t forget to hit the follow button to get notified whenever there’s a new post.
About The Book Perfect for fans of Kasie West and Jenn Bennett, this “sweet and funny” (Kerry Winfrey, author of Waiting for Tom Hanks) teen rom-com follows a hopelessly romantic teen girl and her cute yet obnoxious neighbor as they scheme to get her noticed by her untouchable crush. Buy The Book:https://amzn.to/3js9G9h
My Rating
I think every YA contemporary lover should read this book! I seriously can’t think of one negative thing to say about it. I loved the enemies-to-lovers romance. The female main character, Liz, is very likable, and a hopeless romantic. Wes, the male lead, is super swoon-worthy.
I love the plot of these two enemies coming together because Liz needs Wes’ help to get a guy. Something about exchange of services plots always get me. And, the fact that there were romance movie quotes through out the book made it better.
As a main character, Liz was really likable to me. It was sweet that rom-coms, and being a romantic, made her feel closer to her late mom. But it did also show that she was still grieving for her mom. Also, I love that she made playlists for people. It was a small detail, but a very interesting aspect to her character.
Liz and Wes definitely had some great chemistry, and their feeling for each other developed naturally. Honestly, I liked Wes as well, and found him pretty charming. The other side characters were similarly likable, which made the story even more enjoyable.
“Love is patient, love is kind, love means slowly losing your mind.”
Now, there was declaration of love that I found to be cheesy, but still pretty cute, and it did leave me in tears. I think every YA contemporary has to have a little bit of cheesy, which I don’t mind at all.
Not only did I love the romance (like, it was seriously the best part of the entire book), but I also found that Liz’s character development was great. It was nice seeing her become her own person. She realized she can keep her mom’s memory alive without having to be just like her.
Overall, it was wonderfully written, made me laugh and even cry. I’m going to be recommending this book forever. I am for sure going to be rereading this book in years to come. Honestly, like the titles says it is 100% better than any teen romance movie.
In the comments, let me know if you loved this book as much as I did. If you like book reviews, then give this post a like, and follow my blog.
Hi Friends,
I have seen so many of these “23 Books I Want To Read In 2023” posts, and I love them. Hearing about books other people want to read always interests me. But, I am a mood read for life! Yet, here I am making another TBR post. I really should quit while I’m behind.
Frightmares by Eva V. Gibson
“In a Florida tourist trap, a summer acting job turns into a real-life horror show when a cast member turns up dead—then disappears. This nail-biting story is perfect for fans of Fear Street!”
The Wicked Ones (Dark Ascension, #1) by Robin Benway
“This first book in the new Disney Villains Dark Ascension series by National Book Award-winning author Robin Benway explores the complex sibling rivalry between the two wicked stepsisters from Cinderella that turned them into the characters we know today.”
Bunny by Mona Awad
“The spellbinding new novel from one of our most fearless chroniclers of the female experience, Bunny is a down-the-rabbit-hole tale of loneliness and belonging, friendship and desire, and the fantastic and terrible power of the imagination.”
The Ravens by Kass Morgan and Danielle Paige
“From New York Times best-selling authors Kass Morgan and Danielle Paige comes a thrilling, dark contemporary fantasy about a prestigious sorority of witches and two girls caught up in its world of sinister magic and betrayals.”
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
“A girl confronts Death – and her own deathly powers – in this Gothic-infused, romantic young-adult fantasy.”
The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas
“From the author of The Darkest Corners and Little Monsters comes an all-new edge-of-your-seat thriller set in upstate New York about an eerie sequence of seemingly unrelated events that leaves five cheerleaders dead.”
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
“From Taylor Jenkins Reid comes an unforgettable and sweeping novel about one classic film actress’ relentless rise to the top – the risks she took, the loves she lost, and the long-held secrets the public could never imagine.”
Gallant by V.E. Schwab
“Everything casts a shadow. Even the world we live in. And as with every shadow, there is a place where it must touch. A seam, where the shadow meets its source.”
What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall
“For decades, the friends have kept a secret worth killing for. But now Olivia wants to tell, and Naomi sets out to find out what really happened in the woods—no matter how dangerous the truth turns out to be.”
The Mary Shelley Club by Goldy Moldavsky
“New York Times best-selling author Goldy Moldavsky delivers a deliciously twisty YA thriller that’s Scream meets Karen McManus about a mysterious club with an obsession for horror.”
How To Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
“New York Times bestselling author Grady Hendrix takes on the haunted house in a thrilling new novel that explores the way your past—and your family—can haunt you like nothing else.”
Kill Joy by Holly Jackson
“Welcome to the murder mystery party of the year! Fans of the hit series A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder will love Pip’s final detective case in this mystery novella from #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Jackson.”
The Summer of Broken Rules by K. L. Walther
“Meredith’s family’s annual game of assassin at Martha’s Vineyard during a summer wedding is the perfect chance to honor her sister’s legacy, and finally join the world again. But when she forms an alliance with a cute groomsman, she’s at risk of losing both the game . . . and her heart.”
The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
“Packed with sharp characters, psychological suspense, and gasp-worthy plot twists, Riley Sager’s The House Across the Lake is the ultimate escapist story . . . no lake house required.”
End of Story by Kylie Scott
“New York Times bestselling sensation Kylie Scott’s sexy, smart and unconventional opposites-attract love story looks at what happens when fate refuses to give up on what’s meant to be.”
The Headmaster’s List by Melissa de la Cruz
“One of Us Is Lying meets Riverdale in The Headmaster’s List, an edge-of-your-seat YA thriller about a fatal car crash and the dangerous lengths one teen will go to uncover the truth about what really happened.”
One of Us Is Back by Karen M. McManus
“The global phenomenon returns with the third book in the One of Us Is Lying series, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen M. McManus. When someone from the Bayview Four’s past resurfaces, history begins to repeat itself—and the consequences are deadly.”
She Is A Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran
“A House with a terrifying appetite haunts a broken family in this atmospheric horror, perfect for fans of Mexican Gothic.”
The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D Jackson
“New York Times bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson ramps up the horror and tackles America’s history and legacy of racism in this suspenseful YA novel following a biracial teenager as her Georgia high school hosts its first integrated prom.”
Borrow My Heart by Kasie West
“When a girl overhears a guy getting verbally destroyed by his friends for being catfished, she jumps in to save the day—and pretends to be his online crush.”
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
“New York Times best-selling author Elizabeth Acevedo writes about the devastation of loss, the difficulty of forgiveness, and the bittersweet bonds that shape our lives.”
A Wilderness of Stars by Shea Ernshaw
“New York Times bestselling author of Long Live the Pumpkin Queen, an illness cursing the land forces a teen girl astronomer to venture across the wilderness in search of the stars’ message that will, hopefully, save them all.”
The Perfect Child by Lucinda Berry
“A pause-resisting debut of suspense about a young couple desperate to have a child of their own – and the unsettling consequences of getting what they always wanted.”
Big Bad by Lily Anderson
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Suicide Squad in this adult dark, rompy novel in which the most beloved villains from Buffy must team up to stop the Slayer from ending their evil universe!”
There you have 23 books that I want to read in 2023! I would be curious to see how many of these books I’ll actually be able to get to by the end of the year. In the comments, let me know what you want to read this year. Also, please support my blog by giving it a follow.
About The Book
After being swept up in the magical world of Caraval, Donatella Dragna has finally escaped her father and saved her sister Scarlett from a disastrous arranged marriage. The girls should be celebrating, but Tella isn’t yet free. She made a desperate bargain with a mysterious criminal, and what Tella owes him no one has ever been able to deliver: Caraval Master Legend’s true name. Buy The Book:https://amzn.to/3KroBvD
My Rating
This is the sequel to Caraval, which followed Scarlet as she joins the magical game, Caraval, in order to find her sister Tella. But this time, Tella is the leading lady – and boy did I love her.
I found myself a lot like Tella. Not only is she the younger sister, a bit immature, but she’s also stubborn and driven. The story takes place right after the first book, and the writing is just as phenomenal.
I love being in the magical world that is Caraval. However, this time we get to see a more darker side of Caraval, with higher stakes. Just like in the first book, Caraval is filled with lies, misdirection and it messes with your mind.
There were some new characters introduced, all of whom I enjoyed. And, as always, the sister relationship and family was at the forefront of the story. The major plot point of this book is Tella’s desire to find her mother, and we do get to know a lot about her.
“Every story has four parts – the beginning, the middle, the almost ending, and the true ending.”
There were a lot of twist and turns throughout the entire book, which made it go by so fast. However, the story had a lot of components to it, so it was definitely hard to keep track of where the plot was going.
Overall, I would completely recommend this book, and cannot wait to dive into Finale, the final book in this trilogy. Although, I would say that if you are looking to read these books, they are most likely ones you should binge read.
In the comments, let me know if you love the Caraval series! Don’t forget to share and like this post. And, all my bookish friends, give the blog a follow!
Hello Friends,
This is my 5 star predictions reading vlog! In this video, I read two thriller books and see if they live up to my expectations. I had a ton of fun reading these books and telling you with me throughout my days. I put a lot of hard work into this video, and I hope that you enjoy it.
About The Book
In this riotous young adult romp for fans of Recommended for You and A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, a teen girl has the worst Valentine’s Day ever—only to relive it over and over again. How many days can one girl passively watch her life go up in flames? And when something good starts to come out of these terrible days, what happens when the universe stops doling out do-overs? Buy The Book:https://amzn.to/3xeOYNy
My Rating
This was one of my highly anticipated releases of 2022, because my love for Lynn Painter’s ‘Better Than The Movies’ book is very strong. In this book, we follow Emilie, who lives the worst Valentine’s Day ever. Well, worst according to a teenage girl. But, in a strange turn of events, she gets stuck in a loop of repeating that terrible Valentine’s Day.
Yes, this is one of those classic ‘Groundhog Day’ retellings. Although, the plot of this book is super predictable, I still found it to be a cute read. And, the writing was, once again, superb.
I had a love/hate relationship with Emilie. There were times that I found her likable and other times I didn’t care much for her character. However, the love interest in the story was great, but I have a thing for the brooding, outcast, sort of bad boy.
The best part of the story was how the relationship between the MC and love interest developed so naturally. You could see their connection growing and them fall for each other. It was very relatable and adorable.
“I fell in love with you on Valentine’s Day, Emilie, but I need more than just seven minutes.”
For me, the outcome of the story was good, and once Emilie started facing things head on, her life changed for the better. Also, I like the addition of Taylor Swift, and I need to get a tattoo that says ‘I had a marvelous time ruining everything!’
However, the thing that hindered my enjoyment of the book was the fact that it gave me tremendous anxiety. Somewhere around the halfway point I dreaded picking the book up, because my anxiety was so high. I have no idea what caused this, but I don’t think it’s an issue that most other readers will have to worry about.
Overall, Lynn Painter has once again released a adorable YA contemporary. Although, it’s not exactly on the same level as ‘Better Than The Movies’. Maybe I’m just not a lover of time loop plots. But, I did love how she didn’t leave the readers hanging, and kind of has an explanation for Emilie’s time loop.
In the comments, tell me if you like the ‘Groundhog Day’ trope in books. And, if you like book reviews, be sure to give the blog a follow.
About The Book This enchanting debut teen romance novel, which follows one girl across the Atlantic in a quest to find adventure, love (preferably with a guy with a cute accent), and maybe even herself, is perfect for fans of Kasie West and Stephanie Perkins. Buy The Book:https://amzn.to/3joJ2hz
My Rating
Get ready for a rant review! Typically, I’m not one to drag on books, because everyone’s bookish opinions and tastes are different. However, I cannot write this review without trashing this book, at least some. So please, as with all my reviews, take this with a grain of salt.
This books has to do with a teenage girl that, after suffering public humiliation, jets off to study abroad in the UK with the more elite students in her grade. Honestly, are high students as cruel as they are in movies and books? Because if so, I’m glad I was home schooled.
Ellie is the main protagonist of the story and probably one of the worst main characters ever: First off, she thinks being called Ellie is childish, which is ridiculous. She instantly starts flirting with the first British guy she meets and the lies fly so easily from her lips.
She doesn’t care that she’s not being herself as long as he likes her. So desperate! At one point she was going to get into a car with a literal stranger because he was cute and British. She was that naive and stupid.
Not only is her main priority some guy she just met; she wasn’t serious about the school at all. She didn’t know what she wanted in life, and was in need of some self discovery. Her solution to her problems was to runaway, which was completely immature.
“He brushes my hair from my face and I swear I’m in a romantic comedy. I can almost hear the music swelling.”
As for the side characters, Ellie did form a small friend group early on in the book. I liked her roommate, Sage, a lot. She was smart and driven, and not boy-crazy. Her other friends were good additions to the story as well. However, her crush, Will, was snobby, judgmental, and a jealous jerk.
There is the mention of fairy gardens in the book. I don’t know if they’re a real thing, but they should be. Also, I liked how the book showed that even if you don’t get straight A’s, or are good at school, it doesn’t mean you’re dumb. We are all smart in our own way.
Sadly, that one redeeming plot point didn’t make up for the entire rest of the book. Ellie’s character was way too childish, and her choices were horrible! She would drop her friends for a boy at any given moment. She was so unlikable. I seriously wrote in my notes that Ellie was stupid and annoying, which I think pretty much sums up my feelings regarding her as a person.
Overall, the book felt very young. I read a lot of YA, but the writing and characters were so immature that it drove me insane. While on GoodReads, I came across a review that said this book is irredeemable, and I 100% agree with that assessment.
In the comments, let me know your take on this book. Don’t forget to follow my blog if you are a fan of book reviews. I promise that most of them aren’t this negative.
Hi Friends,
It is time for my February TBR post! I’m so excited, because this month I will be taking part in the Sims Readathon created by the lovely Ashely’s Reads. Ashley has become one of my best bookish friends, and this readathon is so much fun. This readathon is inspired by the popular Sims video game, but is in no way affiliated with EA. This first round of the readathon focused on the original Sims game, so this time we are focusing on the Sims 2.
Now every month, I do a Sims picks my TBR and this month was no different. So, my Sims picked 9 prompts (but actually 10 since I got to add an extra book). I have to try and get my prompts to fit the readathon prompts. Otherwise, I have to add books which I don’t want to do.
My Team: I chose to be apart of Team Pleasant! The host for Team Pleasant is Mariana from Lucifer’s Library.
Sims Picks My TBR Prompt: A Book That Intimidates You. Sims Readathon Prompt: University (School Setting): ‘Ace Of Spades‘ by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is a YA mystery thriller that takes place at a boarding school. I’ve been wanting to read this for a while, but it definitely intimidates me. I just hope it lives up to my expectations.
Sims Picks My TBR Prompt: Read The Last Book Added To Your TBR. Sims Readathon Prompt: Nightlife (City Setting): That would be ‘Bloody Fool For Love‘ by William Ritter, which is a Buffy the Vampire Slayer retelling focusing on Spike. The book takes place in London, so I think it fits this prompt.
Sims Picks My TBR Prompt: A New To You Author. Sims Readathon Prompt: Open For Business (MC Has A Job You Want): I’m going with ‘Jo and Laurie‘ by Maragaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz, since in the book Jo is a writer and I have always thought that would be an amazing job. Also, I’ve never read anything by either of these authors.
Sims Picks My TBR Prompt: Last Book You Purchased. Sims Readathon Prompt: Pets (Pet Pick): I let one of my dogs choose my book and after a while they picked ‘Cinderella is Dead‘ by Kalynn Bayron. This is one of the last books I purchased from Barnes and Noble’s buy one, get one 50% off sale.
Sims Picks My TBR Prompt: A Book With Representation. Sims Readathon Prompt: Seasons (Your Favorite Season): ‘Wintergirls‘ by Laurie Halse Anderson is going to be a hard read, since it has anorexia representation. I’ve suffered from the disease myself, so it might be a difficult read. However, it does have winter in the title and that is my favorite season, which made it an easy pick.
Sims Picks My TBR Prompt: Read a 12 Book Challenge Book. Sims Readathon Prompt: Bon Voyage (Journey/Trip): Since ‘Furyborn‘ by Claire Legrand is a fantasy story I’m assuming there’s a journey aspect included in it. There typically is a journey of some kind in most fantasy stories. Also, this was one of Ashley’s recommendations for my 12 book challenge so it is only fitting that I read it for this readathon.
Sims Picks My TBR Prompt: A TBR Vet. Sims Readathon Prompt: Free Time (MC Has A Hobby): Back in 2017, I added ‘Moment Of Truth‘ by Kasie West to my TBR. I can’t believe I haven’t read yet, but it works for this prompt since are main character has a hobby. She’s a swimmer.
Sims Picks My TBR Prompt: Random Letter (L). Sims Readathon Prompt: Apartment Life (Under 300 pages): I’m going with a graphic novel that I’ve been interested in called ‘Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me‘ by Mariko Tamaki. The book starts with an L and is only 289 pages long.
Sims Picks My TBR Prompt: Continue A Series. Sims Readathon Team Prompt: Read A Book Featuring Siblings: I really am unsure if I want to pick this book up, but I’m going with it – ‘Finale‘ by Stephanie Garber. This is the last book in the ‘Caraval’ series, which follows sisters Scarlett and Tella. Related Post:Caraval // Book Review
Sims Picks My TBR Prompt: A Book Under 300 Pages. “Marty and Clark Davis, whose tragic circumstances brought them to a “marriage of convenience” on the frontier prairies during the mid 1800s.”
Book Club Pick “Don’t miss the USA Today bestseller and addictive psychological thriller with a jaw-dropping twist that’s burning up Instagram–Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid is perfect for fans of Ruth Ware, Lisa Jewell, and Verity.”
There you have my February TBR! This list is giving me a bit of anxiety, but I’m just going to see how the month goes. Let me know if you are taking part in this, or any other, readathons for the month of February. Don’t forget to hit the follow button before you go, because it really helps out my little blog.
