Look Both Ways: a tale told in ten blocks by Jason Reynolds

Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jason Reynolds is a must read author for ALL! Even though this book is a middle school read, we all laugh and learn so much about kids as the navigate school, going to and from school---all in their journey of life! What I loved most about this book was the authenticity that pops off each page, Reynolds gets kids, life on the streets and in neighborhoods! In the first tale told in this tale told in ten blocks, Jasmine and TJ's friendship is deep, strong and special. The "friendship bags" are called litter of love AND notes that say I've missed you. In Five Things Easier to do Than Simeon and Kenzi's Secret Handshake also have a special friendship, but Jason Reynolds has awesome descriptions, such as Fredo's Corner Store "always smelled like incense smoke trying to mask dirty mop water." Finally, the special way Jason Reynolds uses to describe his characters---handshakes "they grab hands, shake, shake, slide, finger grip, shake, shake. Then point to themselves, double fist pump throw a peace sign beside each of their right ears, point to each other, slap their individual fingertips together, rub the air as if they are holding a ball---bigger than the one in Kenzi's bag--then they thumb their chins and shake their heads at each other before ending it with a big hug." A must read that will thrill all Jason Reynolds fans and friends.

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Slay by Brittney Morris

Slay by Brittney Morris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow what a great, important read! Kiera Johnson is definitely one of my favorite protagonists; she is thoughtful, lives 2 lives--- she one of 4 African Americans in a mostly white prep school & asked really stupid questions about Black culture (as if she is the expert) and her 2nd life is in a black neighborhood where she is secretly the creator and moderator of a virtual reality game (which includes role playing (loved the names and costumes, cards (with Black connotations, some really hysterical & created by moderators and members) and different worlds, known as Slay. I loved how Kiera derived so much pleasure from Slay, so many online friends, and a true sense of Black community--hence players as Kings and Queens and can only join by invitation from a member (keeping an all black membership) until it is not. A must read, teens will love it for what it says about many different aspects of Black culture, history, and today's reality.

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The Guinevere Deception (Camelot Rising #1) by Kiersten White

The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this fairy tale retelling of King Arthur and Camelot! Guinevere is conflicted about so many of the secrets she must keep (her magic and so much else) and as she arrives in Camelot to marry Arthur she finds out so many lies and secrets she is not sure what to believe. It seems everyone loves Arthur and when Guinevere is near him, she wants so many things (but she never tells him) it seems Arthur has this mesmerizing orbit every time Guinevere gets close (and that is hard bc he is always out in the kingdom) she really wants more...but Arthur has love demons and I was not a fan. I could not stop turning the pages bc I love Kiersten White's writing, characters, plot! Looking forward to what Book 2 will bring.

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Heart of Iron (heart of Iron #1) by Ashley Poston

Heart of Iron by Ashley Poston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this scifi adventure which was such a wild ride, and dealt with such themes as family, journeys, friendship, romance, and choices. Ana is a fiesty heroine who wants to save her "metal" friend D09 and in the process stumbles into the world of the Ironbloods (evil mother, evil brother, Erik and very conflicted Robbert) which will turn Ana's world upside down. What I loved most about this book was the conviction which propelled so many of the characters (Capt Seige, D09, Jax, Robb, Ana) although I was not really happy with some of Ana's decisions bc of the way Di and others are impacted. Poston's writing, worldbuilding, characters kept me turning the pages, rooting for Ana and friends, and hopeful aboutthe second book, which I am going to get right away!!!

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Rogue Heart (Rebel Seoul #2) by Axie Oh

Rogue Heart by Axie Oh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this 2nd book----Ama, Alex, PHNX, Jaewon, Tera, Su, and many more great characters. Ama begins the story and likes where she is working with a family who really cares about her---since she was made to be a weapon and exploited, this family does not know anything about Ama and accepts her. I loved whenever Ama sung, her voice and songs captured people's hearts (esp Su who faithfully came (he was disguised) to listen to Ama for 2 years). I loved her past romance with Alex and how they "find" each other, it was thrilling and the spying and keeping up a glamour was awesome. The battle tactics, the other Ama and Tera, the super soldier push was mesmerizing; I can't wait to read more Axie Oh books!!! Highly recommended.

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We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia

We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had no idea this was the beginning of a new series!!! I loved the narration by Kyla Garcia, the strong and multifaced character, Dani, who must never let anyone know where she really came from; even more intriguing was the inner dialog from Dani as she shed or donned her faces---she was such a winner at graduation she lands the highest role, Primera, to the highest ranking political family while also having to deal with her enemy, Carmen, being chosen as the Segunda (the wife who bears the children) in the Garcia home. I bit my nails as Dani spied for La Voz and at the same time warred with hating and being fearful while wanting to do so much more to help with the movement. The characters were all so interesting; Medio was a place of magic and beauty but there were so many who suffer under harsh government control, a wall, and lives lost due to no medicine or hospitals. I was not entirely sure about Carmen and their insta-friendship. She made 5 years of Dani's life hell, so I am going to wait until the 2nd book and see what really continues for Dani and Carmen. An exciting, thrilling read!

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Ransacker (Berserker #2) by Emmy Laybourne

Ransacker by Emmy Laybourne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this 2nd book in Emmy Laybourne's 2nd series! If you have not read her first Monument 14 series, YOU MUST!!! And with just 2 books in the Berserker series, I could not stop turning the pages! Back in Berserker, Norwegian brothers and sisters run to the United States from an evil Baron and try to hide their powers. But with these powers also come curses. With a wildfire destroying their home in the Wild West, the Hamsted family must break up for awhile to earn money to come home and rebuild. Steig and his sick sister, Sissel stay behind at a hotel to finish out the school year; Sissle discovers her power, has 2 men vying for her affections and she has a tough time keeping her secret (she tells both James & Isaiah she can find gold, with 2 very different reactions). Hanne and her beloved Owen and faithful dog, Daisy join a wagon trail and youngest brother while Ynut goes to live with an elderly couple who need his help. I could not stop turning the pages as I found out the Baron hired the Pinkerton Detective Agency to give daily reports on the Hamsted family! I enjoyed the life of the west, strong women living with constraints due to their "lot" in life, finding out even more about the ancient Norse Gods and religious beliefs, and fell in love even more with Owen, Daisy, Isaiah and the whole Hamsted family! A MUST READ series, thoroughly enjoyable!

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The Queen of Nothing (The Folk of the Air #3) by Holly Black

The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really DID NOT like the first two books in this series; Jude, the unrelenting meanness, anger, and hopelessness were awful...BUT I wanted to see how The Queen of Nothing would end (Would Jude continue to disappoint me?) but I remained hopeful as I listened to this last book in the series and I was rewarded!!! Teens will love the way Holly Black sows this last book, the plot and its characters together! I was surprised and happy with so many of the characters and their development- I especially liked new character, Grima Mog (since I listened I don't know if I spelled this correctly), who Jude is to "take care of" and stop her from killing and eating humans. She is fierce but her fight with Jude leaves her a little in awe and wonder of Jude...her surprising return later is the best! This time, I rooted for Jude and Cardan to find one another, rather than kill or hate each other to death. The reader finds out so much more about Cardan's curse. Black was flawless in this endeavor! The plot kept me listening all the time to awesome narrator Caitlin Kelly! Her voices were superlative, engaging and downright fun. So I have been floored and happy with Holly Black in this last book of the series and will continue to read her wonderful books. I was seduced by this book and teens will be too!

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How to Speak Boy by Tiana Smith

How to Speak Boy by Tiana Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and Swoon Reads for the advance reader copy How to Speak Boy by Tiana Smith, in exchange for an honest review. What I really liked about this novel is Quinn’s passion for debate and speech; she was one of the best; she knew it and worked tirelessly to be the best and become captain senior year. Only problem was Grayson; he is always her competition and the way Quinn sees it; Grayson gets things way too easily and she has been told countless times that he will do anything to win. Could it be his good looks (even Quinn notices) or the fact that his mother is in politics that make everything Grayson does look effortless? I really enjoyed the assignment mix-up in the wrong cubbies! Quinn was a dominating presence so the reader did not really get to know Grayson, except through others’ eyes and here say. I really wanted to see more of his character and personality. I liked Quinn’s drive but wished she was able to transfer this to her interactions with boys (friend, Carter and also Grayson); being insecure when it comes to boys she did not listen to her friends and family when they saw and realized things and Quinn did not. Readers will enjoy the surprises at the end of this fun rom com. I loved the resolution of this fun, enjoyable romance.

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Finding Mr. Better-Than-You by Shani Petroff

Finding Mr. Better-Than-You by Shani Petroff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for the advance reader copy Finding Mr. Better-Than-You by Shani Petroff, in exchange for an honest review. Teens will love feisty Camryn as she is very publicly dumped after a three-year high school romance. Camryn has planned her life and college plans around Marc; so she is totally blindsided by him; even more when she finds out he has been seeing another “new” girl all summer while she was away as a camp counselor. But what teens will love MOST is how her friends get behind her and never stop encouraging her to be her best person (hadn’t she been doing that for the last 3 years?). Even more surprising is her new found friendship with the cheerleaders. Whether she is looking for Mr. Right or jumping into new school activities; Camryn’s search for new school clubs and/or priorities will lead her into a fast-paced, often humorous journey with this reader rooting for Camryn’s happiness and growing self-reliance. I loved Shani Petroff’s use of authentic teens, high school drama, best friends (and new friends) being forever and finding yourself. Highly recommended!

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The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ruta Sepetys has done it again; this beautiful awful story of a Franco's dictatorship and the poor people of Spain who cannot tell/talk to anyone about what is really going on (as well as what went on for the 30 odd years Franco ruled with an iron grip). I truly loved Daniel as he visits Spain with his mother (who is from Spain) and oil man husband/father. He wants to be a photographer while he father expects him to go into the family business. While in Spain, he meets Ana, who works in the hotel and is assigned to his family. As Daniel becomes friendly with Ana, a diplomat's son, and a journalist, his life changes---he becomes aware that there is much he does not know about the people of Spain and there is little they will tell him, why? As Daniel delves deeper into the mysteries and secrets---lives are being threatened. What will happen to Daniel, his family and friends? I was so disturbed as I read this thoroughly researched book, while the true reports, commentary and oral history in each chapter shed a light on people who were held in a tight reign of silence, fear, and prejudice. A must read!

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Hero (Monster #3) by Michael Grant

Hero by Michael Grant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this series within a series (Characters from Gone series and Monster series with new mutant heroes and villains) where a virus rock has created horror type powers on people like Bob Markovic who was an unrepentant morally corrupt human and then he and his daughter got hit with the rock. But what Father does is opposite what daughter does. Bob infects people with totally painful viruses and lets them fester in screaming pain (they want death, Bob grants death when he wants to) while his daughter joins the Rockborn Gang to try to stop her father. I really liked the way Grant shows how morally abhorrent characters are while also allowing that the gang may have to inflict pain and death to help the greater good (even the authorities are asking for their help) and by enlisting Astrid from the Gone series, I could not stop turning the pages of this last, thrilling Gone chapter and the third and final Monster book in the series. While torn about how awful the world was, people still had hope for a better world and looked to the mutant teens for hope and help. Highly recommended!!!

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Birthday by Meredith Russo

Birthday by Meredith Russo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Russo's If I Was Your Girl, and Birthday was just as awesome. The covers are both books are so appealing, eye catching, and tremendous. Morgan and Eric's journey was epic. Born on the same day in the same hospital, parents become good friends and Morgan and Eric are BEST friends. What teens will like about their friendship was how very much they cared for each other and liked each other. There was total respect and Morgan really struggles after his mother's death; as a reader I was torn by his inability to tell anyone about his belief that he felt he was a girl. Yet I understood his vulnerability. Their journey was beautiful and bold. This is a must read and I thank Meredith Russo for writing an inspiring, hopeful book!

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Supernova (Renegades #3) by Marissa Meyer

Supernova by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

The only good thing I can say about this book is that I loved the 2 narrators, Rebecca Solare and Dan Bittner, they were a great duo! But, I was so disappointed/aggravated with this last book in the series. I wasn't a fan of the first 2 books either. I felt there was too much description, too little known about many characters and way too much introspection from Nova (3 books worth). Nova really irritates me- she has not redeemed herself at all in the 3 books. In this book, her back and forth about Anarchists and the murder of her parents and her feelings for Adrian just wore me out. Adrian is naturally good---especially as the Sentinel, he goes against the Renegade code to help others. Nova was so combative, prickly, and torn. After three books, I expected and wanted a positive, inspiring feel but there was no redemption, that awful epilogue, and no amount of my rooting for Nova made her a likable character. I have to say that I loved The Lunar Chronicles and if Marissa Meyer continues to write these dark, complicated books, I will not be reading them. I did not like Heartless either.

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The Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe

The Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love the journey of Canadian Norris Kaplan, hockey player, Haitian American, snarky, and moving to Austin, TX. His guidance counselor asks him to keep a journal of his observations of this new world, thus the title of the book. His ruminations, his real life interactions into the high school world, and just life in general all go into the field guide. Funny most of the time, but Norris' thoughts and mouth continues to get him in trouble. A thoroughly enjoyable read!

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Echoes Between Us by Katie McGarry

Echoes Between Us by Katie McGarry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tom Doherty Associates and Tor Teen for the advance reader copy, Echoes Between Us by awesome YA romance author, Katie McGarry, in exchange for an honest review. I love the way this story unfolded; cool guy Sawyer and weird Veronica are new neighbors since his mom is renting the first floor of V’s house. But both of their personalities hide enormous pain in their lives; Sawyer’s divorced Mom (along with absentee Dad) have put him in the awful position as caretaker for his 6- year-old sister and his mother (she drinks on weekends) but this has caused Sawyer to develop a secret, dangerous addiction. Veronica (V to her friends) believes in ghosts; she sees and talks to her dead mother all the time. I rooted for Sawyer and Veronica! Katie McGarry has written a hard-hitting story about teens with haunting secrets; parents who don’t care (Sawyer) as opposed to a close family relationship with their teen (Veronica), and high school friendships that are fierce to their core; I loved every word in this novel! Both Sawyer and V have friends they totally depend on but these friends do not like seeing the new closeness between V and Sawyer. As they work on a class project together about the existence of ghosts; Sawyer and Veronica open up to one another, becoming very attached. This poignant, mesmerizing, gripping novel reminded me of one of my favorite Katie McGarry novels, Crash Into You, with Isaiah and Rachel, my very special protagonists. I could not stop turning the pages. Katie McGarry is a gifted writer for teens and is totally delivers with real themes, current topics, and contemporary issues they want to read! Highly recommended.

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A Curse So Dark and Lonely(Cursebreakers #1) by Brigid Kemmerer

A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can't wait for the 2nd book, so happy this will be a series & I can revisit with Harper, Prince Rhen, CommanderGrey and the villagers of Emberfall!!! I loved everything about Harper; she is fearless, courageous, protective of others, loves her family, and will not let her cerebral palsy define her. I rooted for her to break the curse, fall in love with Rhen, and vanquish the monster. Rhen and Grey stole my heart with their resolute yet resigned support of one another. I also loved the alternate worlds of D.C. and Emberfall, the fantasy, the changes in Harper, Rhen & Grey as they unite with their plot (alliance) with Harper as the Princess of Disi, bringing armies to strengthen Emberfall's borders. I loved the thrill of this retelling of Beauty and the Beast; I stayed up way late to finish this awesome read that gave me so many highs and lows, so much hope just to have it dashed (hated Lilith), Brigid Kemmerer's lush language, her story, her world building were just breathtaking and so enjoyable for this reader!

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Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson

Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so so much and MORE!!! Whether you have read SPEAK or not this book deals with so much more than Melinda's story; it is Laurie Halse Anderson's story and also any person who has been sexually violated. In the audiobook version Laurie's voice resonated with so much truth, anger, empathy and wonder. Everyone needs to read this memoir of Laurie's rape, her family life growing up, her writing and the many stories she has from her readers. This call to action shows the readers how the culture of rape has not changed.

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Even If Your Heart Would Listen: Losing My Daughter to Heroin by Elise Schiller

a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44540937-even-if-your-heart-would-listen" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px">Even If Your Heart Would Listen: Losing My Daughter to Heroin by Elise Schiller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My heart ached as I read Elise Schiller's account of her daughter, Giana's life with her illnesses of asthma, her drug addiction and her sudden death from a heroin overdose. With the world gripped by opioid addiction, Elise's heartfelt agonized story is needed. There is much agony and anger that goes along with addiction and this book tells the truth about what Elise feels, what she learns and how she is continuing to deal with the loss of her daughter.

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The Black Dahlia (L.A. Quartet #1) by James Ellroy

The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this mystery as a part of the Springfield Township Library Book Club taking place Thursday 11/21 at 7PM. This will be my first time participating in this book club. I liked this mystery but I did not love it because the 2 main characters were not likable; Bucky and Lee were fighters and become partners investigating the gruesome murder of Betty Short, also fighting each other, and finally a bizarre spiral that destroys Bucky and Lee as they investigate the murder and find out more than they want about dirty cops, lying partners and double crosses. This book was too dark for me but I felt compelled to keep picking it back up; did I like Bucky---not by the end but I hoped he would save himself. Unlike the true story, this book has the mystery solved and boy was that very strange but almost everything in this detective mystery made me cringe.

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The Toll (Arc of the Scythe #3) by Neal Shusterman

The Toll by Neal Shusterman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh the narration of this awesome 3rd book in the Arc of a Scythe series was my favorite & it is because of Greg Tremblay's superlative narration of so many wonderful, awful characters!!! This final book was a nail biter with so much going on with The Toll, The Thunderhead, Scythe Anastasia and Scythe Lucifer (loved them!!!) and don't forget awful Goddard and his belief in himself alone!!! Shusterman wrote such a great series (just like his Unwind Dystology), I will read anything he writes because he is that good- his worlds & words suck you right in!!! While the world is dive bombing--- forces (Goddard) are working against the Tonists while Grayson (The Toll) travels the world helping the Tonists; all I can say about this book & series is---it is MASTERFUL, ENJOYABLE, THRILLING and a MUST READ!

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The Revolution of Birdie Randolph by Brandy Colbert

The Revolution of Birdie Randolph by Brandy Colbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this book!!! Such vivid characters while also being a study of a family and the secrets they have been holding from Birdie (also known as Dove). Birdie is a good girl kept on a tight rope by her hairdresser owner Mom and Doctor Dad. Birdie is the only one home now while her sister is attending college but each minute of each day is allotted to studying; she even had to stop playing soccer (which she loved and still misses). Summer is going to be taking SAT classes and working in her mom's shop. But that all changes when her aunt Carlene reappears and Birdie has a boyfriend she knows her parents won't like. I loved the way Colbert told this story of an African American girl that just wants to live a little but she is not above making some mistakes and this lands her being punished big time; just how will this affect her life & her love life? Teens will love this urban fiction book about a teen wanting to test the waters and how this affects her summer and family; a DIVERSE must read!!! Teens will be reading this, sharing it and loving it!

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Ninth House (Alex Stern #1) by Leigh Bardugo

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I loved the narrators - Lauren Fortgang and Michael David Axtell; they were awesome! But, As I said in my Goodeads progress; I did not like Alex Stern, despite all the reader learns, Alex is not a good person (I know she has extenuating circumstances) but as I have said in other books and reviews---NOW with some writers - the tendency for maliciousness (no hope during or at the end of the book) and an unlikable main character, is not why I read/enjoy a book. I read to feel good rather than meanness (there is too much cruelty in the world right now) also Leigh Bardugo mentions at the end in an interview with the narrator---her time at Yale was filled with "fun, strange, wonderful people" but also bleak, shameful (magic/discovery). I will read the next book because I want Alex to be a better person and also a good shepherd for the Ninth House but I don't have too much hope this will happen---fingers crossed. Also, I like dangerous but the awful, horrendous actions, were very burdensome to this reader and Alex did not help matters---she was a problem---keeping things to herself, lying, running away, and treating people badly. I really liked her one friend before she attended Harvard and I liked Dawes. No One Else and that does not make a good book for me!

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Best Friends (Real Friends #2) by Shannon Hale

Best Friends by Shannon Hale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this was a more serious look at Shannon Hale's elementary & middle years before she begins high school. Shannon is a good kid who is with a group of popular friends ruled by a bully and I could feel her anxiety as she tries to figure things out, figure out what a best friend is, and loved her first attempt at a novel. What I really enjoyed was the sub who came in to teach when her pregnant teacher left for pregnancy leave. I also loved the author notes, kids will love this book!

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Tempting the Bodyguard (Gamble Brothers #3) by J. Lynn, Jennifer L. Armentrout

Tempting the Bodyguard by J. Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this 3rd book in Gamble Brothers series; loved Alana and Chandler, they were both characters you could easily dislike. But as the story sizzled, their romance progressed; I changed my mind and fell full into their personalities and quirks, their chemistry and the chase that Chandler made so delicious. There was humor, mystery, and drama in this final book and I reveled in the tug of war that was Alana & Chandler. They both have warm sides to their personalities that each brought out in one another. I could not stop turning the pages; this was a very sizzling romance with lots of crazy sizzling sex!

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Shades of Magic Vol. 1 The Steel Prince by V. E. Schwab

Shades of Magic Vol. 1: The Steel Prince by V.E. Schwab
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED this comic which expands and deals with lesser characters from the Shades of Magic books. In this Maxim Maresh and his father are major characters and also Tieren, Isra and Arisa. For a slim volume this book packed a punch as crown prince Maxim and Isra battle masked Arisa, the evil Pirate Queen who kills everyone and anyone in a vicious, horrible way. I will be reading all these new comics!!!

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Stalking Jack the Ripper (Stalking Jack the Ripper #1) by Kerri Maniscalco

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to and loved this audiobook from Kerri Maniscalco for #yearofYA October horror chat. I loved Nicola Barber's voice, I loved Audrey Rose and Thomas as they lived and worked as a forensic team for her uncle during the time of Jack the Ripper. The mystery and horror were palpable and I loved the new twist; a must read and a thriller!

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Stargazing by Jen Wang

Stargazing by Jen Wang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jen Wang really knows the graphic novel format and she just grabs the reader and brings them into a new and different world. Based very loosely on something that happened to Jen as a child, the illustrations and story movingly tell a story of friendship, empathy, and a journey between new friend, Moon and Christine. A book all should read.

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Duty or Desire (Westmoreland Legacy Series#5) by Brenda Jackson

Duty or Desire by Brenda Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance (U.S. & Canada) and HQN for the advance reader copy, Duty or Desire by exciting romance author, Brenda Jackson, in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed this 5th book in the Westmoreland Legacy series (I have read 1 other in the series and boy do I love those Westmoreland men!). I fell in love with Sheriff Pete Higgins, an honorary Westmoreland, as he struggles with his scruples. He is honest, upright, but still grieving over his dead fiancée, and has crafted a life he loves with his young stepdaughter. When his nanny must leave to care for an ailing family member, she does not leave him without a nanny but instead names Myra Hollister as the perfect choice. Pete is drawn to the beautiful, kind, Myra and has major misgivings about his attraction toward Myra and what it might do to his carefully constructed life. I could not stop turning the pages of this ebook as I rooted for Pete and Myra to find their way to love and each other. I enjoy the steamy novels of Brenda Jackson; her worlds, her characters, and the plots are all deliciously sinful to read and enjoy! This latest Brenda Jackson romance was a thrill and guilty pleasure.

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All Fired Up (Road to Love #3) by Lori Foster

All Fired Up by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance (U.S. & Canada) and HQN for the advance reader copy, All Fired Up by favorite romance author, Lori Foster, in exchange for an honest review. I read and loved the first 2 novels in this series! This third book, Road to Love, was awesome, too! Lori Foster excels in writing romance novels that combine sizzle, drama, mystery, and thrills compelling the reader to turn the pages and fall in love with her stories and characters. This novel did not disappoint! From the first page, mysterious Mitch lurking in the shadows grabbed my attention and garnered my trust as he defends Charlotte, finds his family, and allows himself to trust in building a life with Jack, Brodie and mom, Ros Crews, even as his past threatens to destroy his new happiness. Foster’s characters are always strong, interesting, empathetic, and authentic which is why Charlotte is one of my favorite characters in the Foster series; she is honest, sympathetic, but also no nonsense (loved her tart mouth with Jack and Brodie) and her interest in Mitch is immediate and undeniable. Fans of Foster and readers of romance novels will not want to miss this totally satisfying read!

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Finding Home Again (Catalina Cove #3) by Brenda Jackson

Finding Home Again by Brenda Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance (U.S. & Canada) and HQN for the advance reader copy, Finding Home Again by Brenda Jackson, in exchange for an honest review. I read the 2nd book in this Catalina Cove series first (I have not read the 1st, Love in Catalina Cove, but can’t wait to read about Vashti and her journey to love) and I was mesmerized by Brenda Jackson’s beautiful description of Catalina Cove; the sights, the sounds, the water, the beaches and the alluring weather. I was familiar with Bryce and Kaegan’s contentious relationship but did not know the why. Finding Home Again reveals the awful breakup ten years before of Bryce and Keagan, their deep friendship as children and their romance during their high school years and college. I loved their story but the back and forth anger with each other, the glares and mean-spirited words that continued over the years was a little too much conflict for this reader. But I continued to root for Bryce and Kaegan since their thoughts revealed they were not over each other, had cared deeply for each other throughout their loves and still had a raging chemistry. How Kaegan is able to reach Bryce, time and again, required patience and that is where his unwavering love was able to conquer all. Branda Jackson is one of my favorite authors; her books are full of romance, undeniable chemistry, and characters who are real, sympathetic, and totally drawn to each other (I loved Bryce’s love of Kaegan’s long hair falling on his shoulders but also on her body, face, etc). An enjoyable addition to the Catalina Cove series, brimming with romance, naughty thoughts, and packed with sexual energy.

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Kiss Number * by Colleen AF Venable

Kiss Number 8 by Colleen A.F. Venable
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to @ReadingRants & the awesome Jennifer Hubert Swan for an awesome graphic novel recommendation! I loved author Colleen AF Venable's story and Ellen T Crenshaw's B&W illustrations! Madison is a normal teen who has a great family (even with secrets) friends (not a fan of Cat) and relatives but like all teens, she has questions, frustrations, and sometimes acts out with her friends which can mean they are all not speaking to one another. Turning the pages and seeing how Mads deals with her father, grandparents, boys, girls, kissing was engrossing and thrilling. Teens will be sharing this slice of life with each other as they see themselves in the drama of teen life.

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The Shadow Cabinet (Shades of London #3) by Maureen Johnson

The Shadow Cabinet by Maureen Johnson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I loved the first book, the 2nd a little less and I really did not like this 3rd book; I had high hopes but Rory was not the spitfire of the first 2 books, she seems to be caught between 2 worlds, and once again her lies are her undoing. The therapist Jane and her followers were awful. The only people I liked because they remained true to their characters were Boo, Callum and Thorpe (he did not take any crap and he believed in what the group was doing) even Stephen bothered me (he keeps too much to himself ALL the TIME) and there seemed to be more lag time trying to find Stephen. I know there is supposed to be a 4th book but I am asking Maureen Johnson, please go back to the 1st book and craft a 4th book that will do justice to Rory and her ghost fighting friends.

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The Madness Underneath (Shades of London #2) by Maureen Johnson

The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As Rory continues to spin her web of lies with Jerome and Jazz, she is ushered back from her parent's watchful eyes to help Stephen, Callum and Boo solve more murders but now Rory is herself a terminus and her 3 comrades do not have their terminuses anymore...their work is more difficult now.

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Bloom by Kevin Panetta

Bloom by Kevin Panetta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to Jenn Lagarde for her recommendation of amazing graphic novels!!! I loved the growing friendship of Ari and Hector as they bond over baking in the family bakery (Ari is going to leave with a band) and their many adventures to special places, and Hector's overall niceness and kindness and kickass baking skills had me enthralled from the first page!!! A must read!!!

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The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved listening to Tom Hanks superlative narration of The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. I live very close to Elkins Park, and my best friend in high school lived in Jenkintown; so any mention of places in and around this area brought back fond memories. And since my father was in real estate, I understood intimately how Danny's Dad made his living. I really loved the story but I despised Danny and Maeve's Dad for his distant role in their lives. I could not fathom why a house (that particular house) would chase away their mother. She left a husband, 2 children, and a house filled with staff because she hated the house and even worse wanted to go help people in the world---I did not once ever think she was a saint (I was on Danny's side). Maeve almost dies when her mother leaves, she misses her so much she goes into a deep depression. I loved the way brave, brash Maeve took over the role of mother to Danny. It was the insinuation of Andrea and later her marriage (and her 2 children) to their father that really rocks their world. When their father dies tragically ---Andrea boots them out of the house (also the staff) and Maeve once again becomes Danny's mother/guardian. The adversarial relationship between Maeve and Celeste was just awful; and so difficult for Danny. It was very difficult to read how much their past life affected their future, Patchett's writing was stark and unflinching; themes of family, grief, what is home, memory, and conflict permeate as we see//listen to both Danny and Maeve's perspective. This book kept me rooted from beginning to end; an uncomfortable spine tingler---I wanted so much more for Danny and Maeve.

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The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish

The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to awesome author and narrator, Tiffany Haddish, as a result of my Nerdy hero, Donalyn Miller's recommendation. Tiffany Haddish is funny, sassy, and wants us to know about her life. It was not easy; she suffered physical, mental and verbal abuse at the hands of her mother, was placed in foster care, and never knew her father. Because she was positive, funny and a true comedian, Tiffany struggles through life but there are some special people who reach out and help her to become the person she is today---not perfect but in control of her life. There were many times I was laughing out loud; a very enjoyable memoir!

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The Hive by Barry Lyga

The Hive by Barry Lyga
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this awesome page turned by one of my fave authors, Barry Lyga, for the Oct twitter chat with #YearofYA which includes any kind of creepy mystery scifi books - come join us Thursday 10/24 at 8PM EST. But about this book---Cassie is deeply angry due to her father's death 6 months ago (he was famous hacker Harlon Mckinney and Cassie spent her life right next to him as a coder, hacker, social media king). In a new school with no friends and still really angry, Cassie spurns a new friend and joins with a mean girl coven, and remains ridiculously callous toward her mom and life. One awful jokes gets Cassie noticed, not in a good way, and in days she is being vilified by the HIVE, loses her few friends, her mother and must run for her life because the HIVE wants her dead. This was a deliciously creepy, thrilling page turner on the world as it exists with social and political upheaval, mob justice, apathy abounding, and violence just around the corner. I ached for Cassie's grief and rooted for her anger to leave, a great book teens will be passing around!

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Frankly In Love (Frankly In Love #1) by David Yoon

Frankly in Love by David Yoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this debut book, debut author and main character Frankly!!! Awesomely Narrated by Raymond J. Lee, Frankly (Frank Li) is a Korean American senior, nerd, good kid who falls for a white girl (strictly forbidden by his parents- since his sister is banished for marrying Black Miles)Brit Means. Since his family still meets with others who went to the same college together- their kids are called Limbos, Frank and Joy Song have grown up as Limbos- now Joy is dating a Chinese guy (unbeknownst to her parents) and as Joy and Frank lament their love problems they come up with a great solution---they will ACT like they are dating to fool the parents. This book is about so much more...but Frankly is such a believable character, stuck between the Korean immigrant parent wishes and stuck between his California upbringing---he is honest, compelling, mouthy, and sincere. There is so much to love about this novel, definitely a MUST READ! Loved it!!

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Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am going to include this awesome graphic novel for my #YearofYA twitter chat 10/24/19 at 8PM EST. The topic is terrifying books but this is a Halloween Book plain and simple and needs to be included and READ by everyone. Deja is such a great girl; she has dated both boys and girls, she is funny, fun, loves her food, and very well liked. Enter Josiah (Josie to everyone) who is shy, quiet, and mooning over the same girl for the last 3 years. Now it is the last night of work at the Pumpkin Patch, Josie and Deja decide to have an adventure and oh what a funny, fun time as they roam through all the stores, food and game stands. I loved Faith Erin Hicks gorgeous illustrations, the characters, the Patch and especially the crazy runaway ram. For a fun Halloween story, this graphic novel, and Rainbow Rowell & Faith Erin Hicks do no disappoint! Thoroughly enjoyable!

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Forget Me Not (Catalina Cove) by Brenda Jackson

Forget Me Not by Brenda Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this romance! Ashley Ryan is such an impressive strong protagonist grieving the death of her husband, Devon, in a car crash, still three years later. Her friends decide to treat her to a 2 week trip to Catalina Cove. I loved how Brenda Jackson set this heart-wrenching love story up with Ashley literally being saved by a man looking exactly like Jason! She wants to do and say all kinds of things but she goes to the right people, finds out about his amnesia, and decides to formulate a way to get to know this new Jason---Ray Sullivan! I could not stop turning the pages; there was so much sizzle and chemistry between them but also so much trepidation between them too. I loved Ashley and Jason/Ray, will they find their way back to each other??? A definite MUST READ!

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Love Unleashed by Lori Foster

Love Unleashed by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this novella from Lori Foster! There was a great story and romance between friends who own and love a cat a dog, sizzling chemistry leading to a meant to be romance. Not only do you love Evan and Cinder but you also love Cate, Evan's cat and Doug, Cinder's dog (he was fierce in the protection area) as a crazy patient targets Cinder. I read everything of Lori Foster and this romance was perfect!The pacing was frantic while the back story simmers to a boil!

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The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to my reader/librarian friend, Nancy Summers for recommending this new series from Maureen Johnson! It will also be part of my #YearofYA reading for October--anything that leaves you with goosebumps and this Jack the Ripper copycat thriller did just that!!! Come join us for a discussion of creepy YA titles Thursday 10/24 @8pm EST for a delightful twitter chat with #YearofYA. Rory is a teen from Louisiana spending a year at the London Boarding School Wexford. It is there that she begins to make friends, choke and almost die and begins seeing ghosts!!! Maureen Johnson's writing was sizzling, perfect, and scary as a Jack the Ripper copycat begins murdering again in and around her school. As Rory falls into life at her school, she also unknowingly sees the real murderer; but why didn't her roommate see him? Enter the police and also "secret police" investigating the current murders. I could not put down this book; can't wait to read the 2nd book and find out what happens with Jazza, Jerome, Stephen, Callum and Boo. Even more delicious was the Oh My Gosh ending!!! You have to read it, it is creepy, scary and I could not put it down. Teens will love Rory and her fierce personality.

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Shelter From the Storm by Lori Foster

Shelter from the Storm by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this novella from Lori Foster! There was a great story and romance between Roy and Sabrina, quick chemistry leading to a meant to be romance and even more, kids and animals in need! I read everything of Lori Foster and this romance was perfect!

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Saving Everest by Sky Chase

Saving Everest by Sky Chase
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad Books for the advance reader copy of Saving Everest by Sky Chase, in exchange for an honest review. I could not put this book down, debut author, Sky Chase has written a great, diverse YA romance. The story of Everest Finley, popular, gifted and athletic, who silently suffers from depression and tries to end his life was crushing. Everest really has no strong family support; when he returns to school he is scorned by his girlfriend, best friend, and team members. Retreating to the library, he meets Beverly, a quiet, shy, but happy girl who pledges her friendship and support. Both Bev and Everest are strong likable characters teens will relate to and love as Bev and Everest become best friends, challenging themselves to become better for each other. I fell in love with Everest’s voice, his honest music, and his fearlessness. While Bev was a strong positive influence for Everest, he challenged her to go outside her comfort zone, become visible, and experience what high school is all about. Together can they both find their true selves? Bev and Everest are smart, confused, of- the-moment teens who are just trying to understand life, love, and their place in the world. The drama and action move this story of friendship and romance forward to a satisfying conclusion. I would love to see another book from Sky Chase following Everest and Bev after high school! One reason for the 4-star rating; I did feel Everest would have benefited from follow-up help from a therapist for his suicide attempt and continuing depression. This debut accurately and honestly deals with teen mental health, family issues, and high school life; highly recommended!

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The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to this audiobook as part of the October #yearofya twitter chat featuring mysteries, science fiction, and horror books to take place 10/24 at 8PM EST. Please join us! Awesomely Narrated by: Jack Hawkins, Louise Brealey, this absorbing mystery revolves around a psychotherapist, Theo Faber (who has a past he has spent a lifetime getting over) who is obsessed with treating and curing a silent patient, Alicia Berenson (painter with a past) who shoots her husband in the face 5 times and immediately stops talking. I could not stop listening to Theo and his musings and Alicia's journals as they are discovered and then read...There are many red herrings as the mystery unfolds, I could not put this mystery down!

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Anger Is a Gift by Mark Oshiro

Anger Is a Gift by Mark Oshiro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this debut book since I had seen this title on many lists and recommendations from bloggers, like Pernille Ripp. This is an urban fiction book with many diverse characters; I thought of the many diverse students in my high school and was reminded of many students and their friendships, circles, and culture. I rooted for Moss, he suffers from panic attacks and a sense of foreboding and negativity due to seeing his father shot as a youngster. His friends were all supportive of Moss as he was of them and I was so happy and surprised by his mother's unwavering love and support. The police situation and the school's attitude were unnerving and I questioned the awfulness but so much coverage in the news makes it a sickening reality and ripped from the headlines news coverage. Especially important to read is Moss's mom and her advice about Anger- "Anger is a gift. Remember that.You gotta grasp on to it, hold it tight and use it as ammunition. You use that anger ti get things done instead of just stewing in it. Trust me, y'all."

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Akata Warrior (Akata Witch #2) by Nnedi Okorafor

Akata Warrior by Nnedi Okorafor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I loved the narration by Yetide Badaki so much - she excelled in both books! I loved Akata Witch, not so much Akata Warrior- why? There was not enough action (like the 1st book--- find who is maiming and mutilating and killing young children- criminals) too much about finding out about her abilities and being Leopard and the culture of the Leopard people. I realized Sunny and her friends saved the world in a convoluted round about way but there was not enough struggle to keep me turning the pages---except when her brother is beaten up in the beginning of the book as part of joining a long lived gang at his school and Sunny and ChiChi's way to get justice for him and end the long history of the gang---it was awesome, could not stop listening. I did not find the battle to save humanity as compelling as the first book.

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Tempting the Player (The Gamble Brothers #2) by J. Lynn

Tempting the Player by J. Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this 2nd Gamble Brothers book, J. Lynn's combustible romance between Bridget and Chad kept me turning those steamy pages as Bridget catches Chad's eye at a bar and from there the bad boy and good girl fireworks and chemistry explode in a thoroughly enjoyable scintillating read, can't wait to read the 3rd Gamble Brother book! Jennifer L. Armentrout is one of my favorite romance authors; I don't want to stop reading her vivid fast moving romances!

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Nevernight (The Nevernight Chronicle #1) by Jay Kristoff

Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked this 1st in the series for many reasons but I gave it a 4 because of the awfulness of the Red Church higher ups who time and again threatened the Acolytes in such a heinous manner I almost put this book down. But I kept reading because I really rooted for Mia Corvere and not her wanting to exact justice for her family but in spite of everything she really tries to be a good person & not a STONE COLD KILLER!!! I couldn't stomache Mother Drusilla, Jeesamine, Shahiid Mouser, Shahiid Solis, Weaver Marielle, and her brother, Speaker Adonai ---it seemed messed up to be this awful... & even Darkling Cassius did not help her understand who she was and they were both Darklings!!!Thank God for Naev and Tric and Lottie, Mr. Kindly. I am going to keep reading but I reserve the right to put this series down if it continues in the evil vein. I want to believe kick ass Mia will find true friendship, hope and a degree of happiness as a killer.

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