Ballad & Dagger (Outlaw Saints, #1) by Daniel Jose Older

Ballad & Dagger by Daniel José Older
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide and Rick Riordan Presents for the advance reader copy, Ballad & Dagger (Outlaw Saints, #1) by Daniel Jose Older in exchange for an honest review. This is my 4th Rick Riordan Presents book and I just keep wanting to read more and more of these fantasies about different cultures. I so love Daniel Jose Older books and this new addition to the Rick Riordan Presents series had me turning those pages and loving the thrill of San Madrigal's history (past and present) as Mateo, a music genius who has not spent each day in his community (his parents are doctors who have travelled the world and always had Mateo with them), finds he is one of the key players in Madrigal's future as a healer and much, much more. Another key player is Chela, the rabbi's daughter, and together they get to know each other, and learn more about their powers and the evil that has been a key part of their history. I loved the world Mateo lives in: the food, the music, and the religious and political drama and delicious mystery---Older does such a great job with is words, the characters (Mateo's love of music and family), his plot- this is another winner, a must read for YA!

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Pahua and the Soul Stealer by Lori M. Lee

Pahua and the Soul Stealer by Lori M. Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide and Rick Riordan Presents for the advance reader copy, Pahua and the Soul Stealer by Lori M. Lee in exchange for an honest review. This is my 3rd Rick Riordan Presents book and I just keep wanting to read more and more of these middle grade fantasies about different cultures. I fell in love with the Hmong folklore, spirits, food, and Asian mythology in this debut by Lori M. Lee. There were so many memorable characters with my two favorites being Pahua (and her best friend cat, Miv – that no one can see) and her friend/enemy Zhong (a shaman in training on a quest). Both these girls are Hmong, lonely, and on a mission- Pahua to rescue her brother Matt’s spirit which has been stolen by a horrid bridge spirit and Zhong, a warrior shaman who must complete a trial or fail. As Pahua and Zhong work together they have many, many adventures (funny and serious), racing against time and mythological characters and spirits to save her little brother; these 2 fearless and unforgettable characters will use magic, strength, nature-based spirits and fantastical folklore to conquer a soul stealer like no other. Highly recommended for middle grade fantasy lovers!

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In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner

In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such an achingly beautiful, sorrowful book with two protagonists, who are each other’s best friends and support group and their first year at a prep school. Jeff Zentner’s writing is always so full of soul, deep yearning, and powerful messages. Through Cash, the beauty of Sawyer, Tennessee is found in the water, the land, Papaw and Mamaw. With parents addicted to drugs, Delaney and Cash met each other at a meeting and a forever friendship begins and is cemented over the years. Cash despairs as his beloved Papaw is struggling with emphysema, and he must decide if he will attend Middleton Academy with Delaney. Cash is such a good, good person and his love for his grandparents, Delaney, and his Middleton friends is deep, devoted, and courageous. Readers will love Cash’s sincerity, fear of failure, despair, grief, and his whole persona as he looks back on his life with a drug addicted mother, his deep insecurities, his profound love of Mamaw and Papaw, and struggles daily in his new life at Middleton Prep with his crush, his friendship with Alex Pak, taking up crew and writing poetry, and always worrying about Delaney. This is a must read and the mentions that harken back to each of Zentner’s other books made my heart pound with so much love. Highly recommended!

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My Contrary Mary (Mary #1) by Cynthia Hand

My Contrary Mary by Cynthia Hand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio for the advance reader copy, My Contrary Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, & Jodi Meadows in exchange for an honest review. I have listened to and loved the 3 previous audiobooks from Hand’s Jane series. When I saw the NetGalley email about My Contrary Mary, I jumped on to listen to this new series. But I did not see that this book was a voice galley with a synthetic voice until I tuned in to listen. I definitely would not recommend this way to listen to the book! The pacing was off, there was no tone and inflection, and was not a great way to listen to this book.
That said, I am going to ignore all the ways to review this book as an audio book and will just review the story which was so awesome! Hand, Ashton & Meadows really know how to re-write interesting history, making it funny yet true to history with a few differences. The plot line continues from previous books using the exciting, humorous, and fantastical Ethyans who shapeshift from human to animal. Also ingenious is the is the authors’ (as narrators) comments throughout the book. The many puns and references to modern day phrases and songs were perfect and added so much to my enjoyment of the book, the characters, and their lives in history. Mary Queen of Scots was sent at a very young age to live in France and always knew she was to marry her childhood friend, Francis, Dauphin of France. With villainy and much conspiracy, both Mary and Francis have many plotting against them as rulers. Luckily Mary has her ladies in waiting (all shapeshifters) who try to protect her, and what a job it is! Luckily Mary has Ari and her father who use potions and can see into the future or foretell danger. The drama and excitement in this first of another series by Hand will surely turn history on its head and have teens totally enjoying and understanding the history of royals. Highly recommended!


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Pretty Funny for a Girl by Rebecca Elliott

Pretty Funny for a Girl by Rebecca Elliott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, #BookJunkies, @BecElliott, Peachtree Publishing Company and Myrick Marketing & Media, LLC for the advance reader copy of Pretty Funny for a Girl by Rebecca Elliott, in exchange for an honest review. I loved irrepressible, funny Haylah who yearns to be a stand up comic. In this time of Covid-19, Haylah, nicknamed Pig, made me laugh with her sardonic wit, laugh out loud jokes and humorous monologues. But Haylah does not recognize all the good things about herself. Since she is plus size, she is very insecure about her looks and confidence, but she constantly and valiantly battles her inferiority complex making her one awesome protagonist I rooted for on every single page. Her love for her brother, Noah, and her Mom is so nice to see in a YA book. She has two best friends who have her back, but her inferiority complex has her so wrong about their motivations and sincerity. When Haylah deems her mother’s new friend (love interest?) Rueben a no go because he doesn’t wear socks and has a big beard, she jumps in and pushes him out. Haylah learns so much when she begins to slip her own jokes into awesome, popular Leo’s locker and becomes a friend, muse, and maybe something more? Readers will love this book as they see themselves in so many of the characters in this must read, laugh out loud book! Highly recommended.

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Admission by Julie Buxbaum

Admission by Julie Buxbaum
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children’s and Delacorte Press for the advance reader copy of Admission by awesome author, Julie Buxbaum, in exchange for an honest review. I was riveted by this ripped from the headlines novel dealing with the college admissions bribery scandal. Julie Buxbaum writes a compelling story to shed light on Chloe’s life THEN and Chloe’s life NOW as she unlocks her front door to the FBI one fateful morning. Senior Chloe was her own worst enemy at times. Her family has money, her mother is a TV star, but Chloe struggles in school, at home, and internally. As she worries over getting into a college and getting the grades she needs, her parents jump to pay for coaches to help her in writing and tutoring. Chloe’s best friend, Shola, was my favorite, a strong female character, she was always honest with Chloe and frank about her struggles as a product of Nigerian immigrant parents and their struggles with money. The THEN chapters reveal Chloe as very insecure, vacillating between trying to go along with her parents’ wishes and speaking up about what she wants. I could not stop turning the pages in the NOW as Chloe learns/lives the stark loneliness of being reviled by the world, her friends, her school. Throughout the scandal her younger, smarter sister, Isla, pushes Chloe to face reality and contemplate what exactly Chloe knew and when she knew it. Buxbaum’s novels packs a punch; I rooted for Chloe’s growth, maturity, and self-acceptance. In our world of fierce competition, what makes people do what they do, what makes people accept dishonesty? Readers will be sharing this book and talking about it often!

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Every Missing Piece by Melanie Conklin

Every Missing Piece by Melanie Conklin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, #BookJunkies, @MLConklin, and Little, Brown Books Young Readers for the advance reader copy of Every Missing Piece by Melanie Conklin, in exchange for an honest review. Another winner from Melanie Conklin; she has authentically and beautifully rendered a middle grade story/mystery about a young girl, Maddy, who still desperately misses her deceased father. In her grief and longing, Maddy has become hyper vigilant and worries about all the dangers the world can pose. Adding to Maddy’s daily strain is her mother’s new marriage to Stan, the hope Maddy and Stan will spend time together, a mysterious boy who crafts traps in the woods, and best friend difficulties. What is Maddy to do? Readers will root for Maddy as she navigates grief, fear, new family concerns, the trauma of abuse, and awkward reaching out to help friends and family. The mystery boy and Maddy’s fears had me turning the pages; readers will enjoy this middle grade adventure, mystery, and heartfelt characters. Conklin’s plot and character development is authentic, moving, and powerful. This is a must-read!

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The Witches of Willow Cove by Josh Roberts

The Witches of Willow Cove by Josh Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to @joshwhowrites (Josh Roberts), #BookJunkies, Owl Hollow Press, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members’ Titles, for allowing me to be an early reader of The Witches of Willow Cove by debut author, Josh Roberts, in exchange for an honest review. I loved this middle grade magical mystery! Best friends, Abby and Robby, get the surprise of their life on Halloween when they ride a witches’ broom through the sky! Quickly Abby finds out she is a witch from Miss Winters (a witch herself) but posing as a substitute teacher. With Miss Winters urging Abby identifies five other witches, but everyone must keep this secret, which is a problem for Abby because this secret causes a rift in her friendship with Robby. Robby is perplexed by Abby’s behavior and they grow apart. What I totally enjoyed about this debut novel was the quick and suspenseful pace of the plot; I could not stop turning the pages. As Abby and her “new” witch friends learn more about their powers from Miss Winters, Abby is also trying to figure out what happened to Robby’s mom and most recently, the disappearance of Robby’s stepmom. At the same time, Robby is trying with two friends to find out more about the Abby, the witches and their history in Willow Cove. Is the disappearance of his mom and stepmom connected? The pacing of the plot, the mysteries as they are revealed, and the friends’ relationship drama was authentic and gripping. Readers will relate to the friends’ drama; both Abby and Robby do not want to expose their friends to any danger, so they keep secrets and this causes judgments on both sides. I really enjoyed this debut novel, the teen witches, and the past of Willow Cove which definitely includes witch history. What will happen to teen witch Abby and her witch friends? Readers will be treated to an exciting, suspenseful read; highly recommended!

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The Somerset Sisters by Lori Foster

The Somerset Girls: A Novel 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, The Somerset Girls by favorite romance author, Lori Foster, in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved sisters, Autumn and Ember Somerset, and their relationship in this beautiful novel of family and pets, rescue, love, and hope. I could not stop reading about these sisters, their love interests, Mike and Tash, and Sadie, Tash’s young daughter. The added plot of their rescue of abused animals, all with personalities and names resonated with all the feel goods that Lori Foster books give me. The romances of the sisters, their aging parents and their goofy relationships all combine for an awesome read; highly recommended.

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Breath Like Water by Anna Jarzab

Breath Like Water by Anna Jarzab
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Teen (U.S. & Canada) and Inkyard Press for the Advance Reader Copy, Breath Like Water by Anna Jarzab in exchange for an honest review. Teens will love reading about Susannah’s journey as a swimmer, friend, daughter, and girlfriend as she swims to capture a coveted honor, only to lose it. Jarzab’s novel is riveting; the competition is exciting and harsh with Susannah seriously doubting herself as she tries once again, with a new coach, and supportive guy to claim a spot in the Olympics. I ached for Susannah, Beth, and Harry as they navigate the tough world of swimming, practices, family, and friends. Having no social life for Susannah is a must because of swimming demands (time, money, friends) but what if Susannah tries to make the time for Harry Matthews, who is totally into her, will she be able to handle it? Readers will root for Susannah and Harry as they navigate life, swimming, mental illness, and family. This is a must-read that nails the fear and anxiety Harry suffers as a result of being diagnosed and living with bipolar disorder. He confides only to Susannah and does not want his friends or the world to know about his mental illness as he grapples with past memories, taking meds, and dealing with the highs and lows that are bipolar disorder. Both families are supportive of Susannah and Harry. It is the main coach, Dave, who hires another coach, Beth (she becomes Susannah’s coach) who does the most damage to Susannah. As her lifelong coach, Dave is a control freak who mentally and verbally pits his swimmers against themselves and their teammates. This damage really stunts Susannah with her growth, confidence, and her trust. I could not stop turning the pages as the tension builds between the coaches. This is the perfect book for teens, about athletics, mental illness, friendship, family, and the fears of hiding your true self. Susannah and Harry are teens we all need to know, highly recommended!

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Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know by Samira Ahmed

Mad, Bad & Dangerous To Know by Samira Ahmed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Soho Press and Soho Teen for the advance reader copy, Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know, by Samira Ahmed in exchange for an honest review. I have read and loved Samira Ahmed’s Love, Hate and Other Filters and Internment! Ahmed has an authentic writing style that grips the reader with truth and toughness. Khayyam is American, French, Indian, and Muslim spending her summer at her parents’ home in France. Crushed that her essay for college is totally debunked, Khayyam wonders what she will do now that she can’t get into her art history school of choice. It all starts with Khayyam stepping in dog poop when she meets and is rescued by Alexandre Dumas, yes, a direct descendant of THE Alexandre Dumas! As they roam about France, picnic, investigate libraries and break into buildings, Khayyam and Alexandre begin to investigate the existence of a mystery woman in the Delacroix-Dumas family. As they delve deeper and deeper into this woman’s identity, Khayyam will strongly relate to “her” story, her voice, and the oppression she fought throughout her life. The alternating narratives and the original letters really made this an interesting premise; I could not stop turning the pages! Teens will identify with Khayyam and Alexandre’s summer in France but will also be riveted with the 19th century Muslim woman who carves out an interesting life during a restrictive time in history. A must read!

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If You Only Knew by Prerna Pickett

If You Only Knew by Prerna Pickett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing group and Swoon Read for the advance reader copy, If You Only Knew, by Prerna Pickett in exchange for an honest review. What a great, thrilling slow burn romantic read! I loved both Corey and Tessa; they both have secrets that stop them from being the people they know they can and should be. Corey broke my heart; his life in the “gang” (plus his year in jail) with X and Vance has totally dominated and torn his life apart. He fears daily for his mother and brother because X and Vance have threatened Corey’s family with harm if he does not continue to carry out their dubious plans. But there is so much more to Corey; he has a soft side, a joking side, and a protective side. Tessa is lucky but plucky; she has a Dad who cares, no money problems (like Corey) and lots of friends. It is the ache of losing her erratic mother years ago that pushed her into destructive behavior and an angry relationship with ex, Jared. I could not stop turning the pages, the many twists and turns kept me riveted as I rooted for Tessa and Corey. Teens will love their adventures; the motorcycle, the race, their date, and the chemistry of their attraction; highly recommended for those who love Katie McGarry and Jennifer L. Armentrout romances. This book will be a hit with teens!

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Rogue Princess by B. R. Myers

Rogue Princess by B.R. Myers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing group and Swoon Read for the advance reader copy, Rogue Princess, by B.R. Myers in exchange for an honest review. I loved this Cinderella retelling from the awesome characters, to the exciting plot, and the beauty of planet, Astor. I was hooked from page one; Aidan is a court servant who has no qualms about taking things (jewels, daggers) in order to escape the meanness of his father and two brothers. I was in love with Aidan; he is smooth, funny and self-confident; when he “runs into” Princess Delia on a palace space ship, his answers to her many questions are hysterical especially saying “it’s classified”; he is able to convince Delia he is a bodyguard for one of the princes who have arrived to seek her hand in marriage. I could not stop reading this exciting science fiction fantasy, the many twists and turns kept me riveted. Also, Delia is not your normal princess; I laughed each time she “saved” Aidan. Delia is sensitive to her subjects, respectful to her mother, the Queen, while also being her own person, honest, trustworthy, and mindful of the political climate dictating she marry to further the kingdom (even if she is not interested in marrying). Teens will love Delia’s adventures with Aidan, the pirates, the mazes, the court intrigue, and a wonderful surprise ending, highly recommended for those who love the Lunar Chronicles and Ashley Poston’s Heart of Iron series.

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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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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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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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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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Vow of Thieves (Dance of Thieves #2) by Mary E. Pearson

Vow of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) for the Advance Reader Copy Vow of Thieves (Dance of Thieves #2) by Mary E. Pearson (writer extraordinaire!!!) in exchange for an honest review. I am so thankful to have received the first book in this duology, Dance of Thieves and NOW I am honored to have read this second awesome romance/fantasy! Teens will LOVE this series (I also recommend they read The Remnant Chronicles series too) there is so much moving this story forward, Jase and Kazi are strong protagonists; they complement each other, love each other deeply, and are their best selves when they are together. From page one the plot moves quickly; excitement thrilled this reader as I rooted for Kazi to outwit the overwhelming evil forces that have imprisoned her. She must constantly call up her “thief” mentality to battle King Montegue and his henchmen to valiantly to save Jase’s family. The settings were stark and also beautiful with Jase and Kazi’s journey to Tor’s Watch holding so much hope (for Jase) and fear (for Kazi). All of the characters (both good and evil) are strong under Pearson’s talented hands; we can hate them one minute but they also redeem themselves too. There was so much political backstabbing and family drama but there was always loyalty and history propelling the Ballenger family to never give up hope. I loved this book; did not want it to end; but oh what an ending! Highly recommended!

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