Blood Passage by Heather Demetrios

Blood Passage by Heather Demetrios
"When Nalia arrives in Morocco to fulfill Malek's third and final wish, she's not expecting it to be easy. Especially because Malek isn't the only one after Solomon's sigil, an ancient magical ring that gives its wearer the power to control the entire jinn race. Nalia has also promised to take Raif, leader of the jinn revolution, to its remote location. Though Nalia is free of the bottle and shackles that once bound her to Malek as his slave, she's in more danger than ever before and no closer to rescuing her imprisoned brother.

Meanwhile, Malek's past returns with a vengeance, and his well-manicured facade crumbles as he confronts the darkness within himself; and Raif must decide what's more important: his love for Nalia or his devotion to the cause of Arjinnan freedom."- summary from Amazon

A thrilling follow-up to Exquisite Captive and I cannot wait to see how it all ends in the third book!

FTC: Received ARC from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

Jess, Chunk, and the Road to Infinity by Kristin Elizabeth Clark

Jess, Chunk, and the Road Trip to Infinity by Kristin Elizabeth Clark
"The last time Jess saw her father, she was a boy. Now she’s a high school graduate, soon to be on her way to art school. But first she has some unfinished business with her dad. So she’s driving halfway across the country to his wedding. He happens to be marrying her mom’s ex-best friend. It’s not like Jess wasn’t invited; she was. She just never told anyone she was coming. Surprise!

Luckily, Jess isn’t making this trip alone. Her best friend, Christophe―nicknamed Chunk―is joining her.

Along the way, Jess and Chunk learn a few things about themselves―and each other―which call their feelings about their relationship into question."- summary from Amazon

Clark's second novel is a great road trip book- I really enjoyed reading Jess' and Chunk's journey together. It was a very compelling, emotional roller coaster where they both figured out things about themselves and about their long friendship. Clark does a great job depicting a friendship that's fallen into a rhythm and Jess has gotten to a place where she doesn't really question their relationship or anything they talk about. It becomes a learning period for Jess throughout to become more comfortable with herself as well as her relationship with the world. This was such a fantastic read; I highly recommend it!

FTC: Received ARC from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

Been Here All Along by Sandy Hall

Been Here All Along by Sandy Hall
"Gideon always has a plan. It includes running for class president, becoming head of the yearbook committee, and having his choice of colleges. It does NOT include falling head over heels for his best friend, Kyle. It’s a distraction, it’s pointless―Kyle is already dating the head cheerleader, Ruby―and Gideon doesn’t know what to do.

Kyle finally feels like he has a handle on life. He has a wonderful girlfriend, a best friend willing to debate the finer points of Lord of the Rings, and social acceptance as captain of the basketball team. So when both Ruby and Gideon start acting really weird, just as his spot on the team is threatened, Kyle can’t quite figure out what he did wrong."- summary from Amazon

This was such a cute, funny and sweet gay romance and a quick read in between my fantasy/paranormal reads that I had a lot of a few months ago. I'm so glad I picked this one up on a whim- it was just a great respite from the darker books I'd been reading and a breath of fresh air. It was such a beautiful romance and I loved spending time with these characters. I highly recommend this book- while it came out a few months ago, it's the perfect read to have on a day inside with some hot chocolate.

FTC: Received ARC from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

The Romantics by Leah Konen

The Romantics by Leah Konen
"Gael Brennan is about to have his heart broken when his first big relationship crumbles on the heels of his parents’ painful separation. Love intervenes with the intention of setting things right—but she doesn’t anticipate the intrusion of her dreaded nemesis: the Rebound. Love’s plans for Gael are sidetracked by Cara, Gael’s hot-sauce-wielding “dream girl.” The more Love meddles, the further Gael drifts from the one girl who can help him mend his heart. Soon Love starts breaking all her own rules—and in order to set Gael’s fate back on course, she has to make some tough decisions about what it means to truly care."- summary from Amazon

I absolutely adored this book- it was such a clever and interesting way to tell a story. I loved reading Gael's journey through first love, first heartbreak, first broken friendship, first rebound, and the beginnings of a first real relationship. Love's asides and footnotes throughout the book were so funny and on point. The book is a bit open-ended and I kinda want to read a companion book about the guy it ends on (I'll keep the name under wraps so I don't spoil anything). This also made me really want to read Konen's previous book, which I already own but have never gotten around to.

FTC: Received ARC from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

Saving Red by Sonya Sones

Saving Red by Sonya Sones
"Right before winter break, fourteen-year-old Molly Rosenberg reluctantly volunteers to participate in Santa Monica’s annual homeless count, just to get her school’s community service requirement out of the way. But when she ends up meeting Red, a spirited homeless girl only a few years older than she is, Molly makes it her mission to reunite her with her family in time for Christmas. This turns out to be extremely difficult—because Red refuses to talk about her past. There are things Molly won’t talk about either. Like the awful thing that happened last winter. She may never be ready to talk about that. Not to Red, or to Cristo, the soulful boy she meets while riding the Ferris wheel one afternoon.

When Molly realizes that the friends who Red keeps mentioning are nothing more than voices inside Red’s head, she becomes even more concerned about her well-being. How will Molly keep her safe until she can figure out a way to get Red home?"- summary from Amazon

I'm such a huge fan of Sones' books and always love when a new book comes out from her. This book was very emotional and heartbreaking but extremely hopeful as well. Following along on Molly and Red's journey throughout the book, Molly initially wants to help Red out but through her time with Red, finds a new friend as well as some wisdom from Red for Molly's own past guilt. There's also a small but very sweet romance in the story between Molly and a guy Cristo she meets while searching the streets for Red. Like all of Sones' other books, this one is also told in verse, which she does beautifully and also makes this a very compelling, quick read.

FTC: Received e-galley from Edelweiss. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

Nemesis by Anna Banks

Nemesis by Anna Banks
"Princess Sepora of Serubel is the last Forger in all the five kingdoms. The spectorium she creates provides energy for all, but now her father has found a way to weaponize it, and his intentions to incite war force her to flee from his grasp. She escapes across enemy lines into the kingdom of Theoria, but her plans to hide are thwarted when she is captured and placed in the young king's servitude.

Tarik has just taken over rulership of Theoria, and must now face a new plague sweeping through his kingdom and killing his citizens. The last thing he needs is a troublesome servant vying for his attention. But mistress Sepora will not be ignored. When the two finally meet face-to-face, they form an unlikely bond that complicates life in ways neither of them could have imagined.

Sepora's gift could save Tarik's kingdom from the Quiet Plague. But should she trust her growing feelings for her nemesis, or should she hide her gifts at all costs?"- summary from Amazon

This book took me a little bit of time to get into- I've read a lot of fantasy lately and it was becoming a bit paint-by-numbers for me and I almost DNF'd it but I should've known Banks wouldn't let me down. I always enjoy dual perspectives too and this was even more fun since the reader gets to see the slow build in Tarik and Sepora's relationship and the obstacles in their way. Both of them are fantastic main characters and Banks did a great job writing a compelling narrative as well as building a strong world. I had hoped that this was a stand-alone but at least since it's a duology, I don't have to follow along with it (or keep up with the narrative) for two extra years. I'm definitely eager to see how this all turns out.

FTC: Received ARC from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

Three Truths and a Lie by Brent Hartinger

Three Truths and a Lie by Brent Hartinger
"A weekend retreat in the woods and an innocent game of three truths and a lie go horribly wrong in this high-octane psychological thriller filled with romantic suspense by a Lambda Award–winning author.

Deep in the forest, four friends gather for a weekend of fun.

Truth #1: Rob is thrilled about the weekend trip. It’s the perfect time for him to break out of his shell…to be the person he really, really wants to be.

Truth #2: Liam, Rob’s boyfriend, is nothing short of perfect. He’s everything Rob could have wanted. They’re perfect together. Perfect.

Truth #3: Mia has been Liam’s best friend for years…long before Rob came along. They get each other in a way Rob could never, will never, understand.

Truth #4: Galen, Mia’s boyfriend, is sweet, handsome, and incredibly charming. He’s the definition of a Golden Boy…even with the secrets up his sleeve.

One of these truths is a lie…and not everyone will live to find out which one it is."- summary from Amazon

I'm always so excited to read a new Brent Hartinger novel and this one simply blew me away for several reasons. First off, the gay main character- while there have been more and more gay characters being given their own stories nowadays, it's rare to see one featuring a guy who's already out and with a boyfriend. Not only that, but Hartinger doesn't shy away from affection between the two as well as the more sexual aspects of a relationship. It feels very much like a true relationship. The second reason is the twist upon the twist he has in the climax of the book; like literally, my mouth was hanging open for the last 30 pages of the book. It was extremely clever and interesting. Thirdly, Hartinger is generally known for his lighter books, but this one is pretty dark though it has some moments of levity; it was great to see him showing a different side and really doing a fantastic job with it. Highly recommended!

FTC: Received e-galley from Edelweiss. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

The Ones by Daniel Sweren-Becker

The Ones by Daniel Sweren-Becker
"We are not all created equal.

Seventeen-year-old Cody and her boyfriend, James, were two of the lucky ones randomly selected before birth to receive genetic engineering.

Known as the Ones, this one percent of the population is healthy, beautiful, and talented…and to some that's not fair. Mounting fear and jealousy of the Ones’ success leads to the creation of the Equality Movement, which quickly gains enough political traction to demote Cody, James, and others like them to second-class citizens.

Cody knows even before the brick smashes through her window that it's going to be bad. As their school, the government, and even family and friends turn against them, Cody begins to believe they have no other choice but to protect their own. She draws closer to a group of radical Ones led by the passionate and fevered Kai, and James begins to question just how far she is willing to go for the cause…"- summary from Amazon

This was a really great, quick thrilling read set in a fairly realistic setting with some dystopian overtures. I read this over two days on the beach when I was vacationing- that's how much of a fast, rollercoaster ride of a book this was. I never finish books that quickly but I could barely put the book down. I was however a little disappointed that this was the beginning of a series; nothing on the book indicated this was part of a series so I went in thinking it was a stand-alone and then toward the end of the book, realizing there's no way this could all end in the amount of pages left. I'll definitely check out the rest of the series though because I'm completely hooked.

FTC: Received ARC from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

Where Am I Now? by Mara Wilson

Where Am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame by Mara Wilson
"A former child actor best known for her starring roles in Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire, Mara Wilson has always felt a little young and out of place: as the only kid on a film set full of adults, the first daughter in a house full of boys, a Valley girl in New York and a neurotic in California, and a grown-up the world still remembers as a little girl. Tackling everything from what she learned about sex on the set of Melrose Place, to discovering in adolescence that she was no longer “cute” enough for Hollywood, these essays chart her journey from accidental fame to relative (but happy) obscurity. They also illuminate universal struggles, like navigating love and loss, and figuring out who you are and where you belong."- summary from Amazon

I absolutely LOVED this book. When I was given the chance to read an advance copy of this book, I jumped at the offer. I loved Mara in her movies when she was younger and have read an essay or two of hers in the past few years and really enjoyed them. The book is sorta memoir-ish but it focuses on telling certain stories that center around different themes throughout her life. It's not written in a linear format, as Wilson jumps around from story to story. She talks about growing up in the public eye and what that meant for her once she did grow up, having to deal with depression, OCD and anxiety, and how she figured out her life now as a storyteller and writer. It's a fascinating book and Wilson writes very candidly, honestly, and hilariously throughout it. Definitely recommended.

FTC: Received ARC from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

The Lovely Reckless by Kami Garcia

The Lovely Reckless by Kami Garcia
"Seventeen year-old Frankie Devereux would do anything to forget the past. Haunted by the memory of her boyfriend’s death, she lives her life by one dangerous rule: nothing matters. At least, that’s what Frankie tells herself after a reckless mistake forces her to leave her privileged life in the Heights to move in with her dad―an undercover cop. She transfers to public school in the Downs, where fistfights in the halls don’t faze anyone and illegal street racing is more popular than football.

Marco Leone is the fastest street racer in the Downs. Tough, sexy, and hypnotic, he makes it impossible for Frankie to ignore him…and how he makes her feel. But the risks Marco takes for his family could have devastating consequences for them both. When Frankie discovers his secret, she has to make a choice. Will she let the pain of the past determine her future? Or will she risk what little she has left to follow her heart?"- summary from Amazon

Garcia's contemporary debut is a hell of a ride- extremely gritty with a fiery romance and various familial issues at the center of it. Frankie's journey takes the reader into the world of street racing and gambling, where sometimes doing the wrong thing for the right reasons is the best thing to do. Marco is the extremely sexy, funny, caring, and strong romantic lead and I have no doubt readers will fall in love with him as Frankie does. The issue of PTSD and trauma are prominent as well since Frankie watched her previous boyfriend get beat to death by a man she can't remember; the mystery of that and her occasional flashbacks to the night provide a compelling narrative that makes the book hard to put down. I've always been a fan of Garcia and this book shows that she does just as great a job in contemporary as she does with her paranormal novels. Highly recommended.

FTC: Received ARC from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

Afterward by Jennifer Mathieu

Afterward by Jennifer Mathieu
"When eleven-year-old Dylan Anderson is kidnapped, his subsequent rescue leads to the discovery of fifteen-year-old Ethan Jorgensen, who had gone on a bike ride four years earlier and had never been seen again. Dylan's older sister, Caroline, can't help but wonder what happened to her brother, who has nonverbal autism and is not adjusting well to life back home. There's only one person who knows the truth: Ethan. But Ethan isn't sure how he can help Caroline when he is fighting traumatic memories of his own captivity. Both Caroline and Ethan need a friend, however, and their best option just might be each other."- summary from Amazon

Just like Mathieu's previous book Devoted, I absolutely loved this one too. And like the previous book, it takes on a heavy subject and deals with it with such empathy and care. The novel goes between Ethan and Caroline's perspectives, which provides different sides to the same trauma. Ethan is going through the personal trauma of having to go through what happened to him while he was gone for four years. Caroline has the trauma of losing her autistic baby brother who, when found and returned, isn't able to properly vocalize what happened to him during those few days he was missing and making it difficult to recover and treat him. It's a quick read though because it's so compelling and seeing the friendship between Caroline and Ethan blossom is a wonderful way of beginning the healing process.

FTC: Received ARC from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

The Graces by Laure Eve

The Graces by Laure Eve
"Everyone loves the Graces. Fenrin, Thalia, and Summer Grace are captivating, wealthy, and glamorous. They’ve managed to cast a spell over not just their high school but also their entire town—and they’re rumored to have powerful connections all over the world. If you’re not in love with one of them, you want to be them. Especially River: the loner, new girl at school. She’s different from her peers, who both revere and fear the Grace family. She wants to be a Grace more than anything. But what the Graces don’t know is that River’s presence in town is no accident."- summary from Amazon

I really enjoyed this book- it did take a bit of time to get into it, but by at least around 50/75 pages in, I was hooked. I thought it was pretty atmospheric and dark and just very interesting. But then again, I'm always intrigued with books about witches and I liked the mysterious, unspoken nature of it in this book. The novel ends on a bit of a cliffhanger so I'm excited to see what happens in the next book.

FTC: Received ARC from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
"Natasha: I’m a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I’m definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won’t be my story.

Daniel: I’ve always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store—for both of us.

The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?"- summary from Amazon

I absolutely loved this new book from Yoon, who's fast becoming one of my go-to authors for emotional, sweeping romantic reads that are full of depth. Her writing style is extremely interesting; while most of the book flips between Natasha and Daniel's perspectives, we also get glimpses into the minor characters that pop up as well as the occasional informational chapter about something pertaining to the story. It makes for a quick, compelling and interesting read, and that ending was something else- simply marvelous.

FTC: Received ARC from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

The Leaving by Tara Altebrando

The Leaving by Tara Altebrando
"Eleven years ago, six kindergartners went missing without a trace. After all that time, the people left behind moved on, or tried to.

Until today. Today five of those kids return. They're sixteen, and they are . . . fine. Scarlett comes home and finds a mom she barely recognizes, and doesn't really recognize the person she's supposed to be, either. But she thinks she remembers Lucas. Lucas remembers Scarlett, too, except they're entirely unable to recall where they've been or what happened to them. Neither of them remember the sixth victim, Max--the only one who hasn't come back. Which leaves Max's sister, Avery, wanting answers. She wants to find her brother--dead or alive--and isn't buying this whole memory-loss story. But as details of the disappearance begin to unfold, no one is prepared for the truth."- summary from Amazon

I'm a huge fan of Tara Altebrando's books and this one is no exception. Full of twists and turns, it's a compelling, suspenseful mystery following 5 kids returned after 11 years away with no memory of where they were (and no memory of the 6th kid who disappeared too). Altebrando knows how to stretch this mystery out, putting little nuggets of information and reveals throughout the book (with most of it coming out in the last 40 pages). The book follows two of the missing kids, Lucas and Scarlett as well as the little sister of the 6th kid who did not return, Avery. Scarlett's narrative is interesting as Altebrando plays around with font, letter/word placement, and drawings; those chapters were my favorite to read. Overall, I highly recommend this thriller mystery!

FTC: Received e-galley from Netgalley. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

Frost Like Night by Sara Raasch

Frost Like Night by Sara Raasch
"Meira will do anything to save her world. With Angra trying to break through her mental defenses, she desperately needs to learn to control her own magic—so when the leader of a mysterious Order from Paisly offers to teach her, Meira jumps at the chance. But the true solution to stopping the Decay lies in a labyrinth deep beneath the Season Kingdoms. To defeat Angra, Meira will have to enter the labyrinth, destroy the very magic she’s learning to control-- and make the biggest sacrifice of all.

Mather will do anything to save his queen. He needs to rally the Children of the Thaw, find Meira—and finally tell her how he really feels. But with a plan of attack that leaves no kingdom unscathed and a major betrayal within their ranks, winning the war—and protecting Meira—slips farther and farther out of reach.

Ceridwen will do anything to save her people. Angra had her brother killed, stole her kingdom, and made her a prisoner. But when she’s freed by an unexpected ally who reveals a shocking truth behind Summer’s slave trade, Ceridwen must take action to save her true love and her kingdom, even if it costs her what little she has left.

As Angra unleashes the Decay on the world, Meira, Mather, and Ceridwen must bring the kingdoms of Primoria together…or lose everything."- summary from Amazon

This was an absolutely fantastic, thrilling ending to one of the best fantasy trilogies I've ever read. I loved reading from all three POVs in this- Meira, Mather, and Ceridwin. It was really nice to see from both sides of the Meira/Mather romance, and to get into Ceridwin's head regarding what happened to her brother in the previous book and her complicated romance with Jesse. Also, such a perfect ending. I absolutely adored it, and I cannot wait to see what Raasch does next.

FTC: Received ARC from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

Speed of Life by J.M. Kelly + Interview

Speed of Life by J.M. Kelly
"Twins Crystal and Amber have the same goal: to be the first in their family to graduate high school and make something of their lives. When one gets pregnant during their junior year, they promise to raise the baby together. It’s not easy, but between their after-school jobs, they’re scraping by.

Crystal’s grades catch the attention of the new guidance counselor, who tells her about a college that offers a degree in automotive restoration, perfect for the car buff she is. When she secretly applies—and gets in—new opportunities threaten their once-certain plans, and Crystal must make a choice: follow her dreams or stay behind and honor the promise she made to her sister." - summary from Amazon

I really enjoyed this book by Kelly, and I was surprised at the twist toward the end of the book. I don't usually expect twists in my contemporaries. This offers a glimpse into the life of two small-town teen sisters who are raising a daughter together after one of them gets pregnant. They're part of a low-income family and doing their best to give the baby what she needs and working hard to a better life together. It's one of the most realistic books I've ever read- every character has flaws and there's tension between everyone (just as in most family and friend relationships), but there's also lots of love and sacrifice when it matters most. This was simply a fantastic novel, and if you like contemporary, go and get this now.

and now here's an interview with the author J.M. Kelly-

1) How did you get the idea for Speed of Life?

I generally collect observations that on their own couldn't carry an entire novel, but eventually I see how they can work together and a story starts forming in my head. With this book, I think it started on the bus when I lived in Portland. It seemed like there were so many young mothers with strollers trying to get on and off the bus with babies and toddlers and I would watch them and think, "Wow. If getting on the bus is this much of a struggle (physically, kids crying, trying to pay their fares without losing hold of a baby and three bags of groceries) then what must the rest of their lives be like?" And yet, there they were, getting on with daily life.

Also, I heard about the car restoration program in an interview with Jay Leno and immediately wished I'd done a program like that (even though I have no experience working on cars, I grew up in an old-car/mechanic family). I thought it would be a great way to mix up gender stereotypes in a YA novel.

The idea of writing about kids living in poverty came partly from being tired of reading YA about kids trying to get into college. I'd like to see someone work out the statistics for YA characters who get into Ivy League colleges, versus the real numbers because it seems like most of the characters in YA are applying to an Ivy League and getting in. Sure, some of them are getting scholarships, but in lots of books, paying for college doesn't even come up…it's a given the rich parents will foot the bill. Something like 35% of American high school graduates don't even go to college and I'm betting they'd read more books if they saw themselves in them. I think that while we're all throwing around the word "diversity" we should also consider what it means to include economic diversity in YA.


2) What are you currently working on? Can you tell us anything about it?

I'm trying my hand at an adult novel set in 1962-63 Vancouver, Canada. It's presenting all kinds of challenges I've never faced before, the least of which is I wasn't even alive then! I wouldn't call it a straight-up romance, but it's definitely a love story… I'm about halfway through the first draft. Right now, it's called IN HER LIGHT, which is a reference to photography as it plays a big part in the book. Luckily, my husband is a photographer, still working with film, and so he can answer many of questions. Also, sailing is important to the story, so I'm learning about that in addition to all the other research. Luckily, I live on an island full of people with sailboats.


3) Do you have any favorite snacks as a reward for writing, or as sustenance while writing?

Well, I eat all the time when I work. I remember Ann Landers (or Dear Abby?) saying that she made it a rule to never eat at her desk, but I'm just the opposite. I'm a very snack-oriented person, in fact, around here we have a made up word we use because snacks are so important…snackage. A typical snackage plate for me (which I have around 11am) includes: 5-6 crackers with goat brie (and roasted tomato if I'm lucky), a few more crackers with artichoke dip, sliced sweet pepper, carrots, dried apricots, a few cashews, a pickle (when I can get my favourites from the States), and a piece of dark chocolate. I usually drink tea with this snack, and then in the afternoon I have espresso with hot milk and a shortbread cookie. Sometimes I forget to eat lunch because I'm working, so snackage is extra important! I also love popcorn about 4pm.


4) What book(s) are you currently reading, or about to start? Any 2017 titles you're most looking forward to?

Almost every night of my marriage my husband and I go to bed at the same time, but last night I stayed up until 3:30am reading BELGRAVIA by Julian Fellows (Downton Abbey). It is a very long, very soap opera-y novel and not really my usual read, but so deliciously indulgent…just very dramatic and entirely predictable—book candy, really. However, I have recently read the best book I've read in years called A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW. It's literature (which honestly, I don't read a lot of because usually nothing happens), but it's hilarious and just such a fantastic example of how to structure a book where nothing much happens and make it completely fascinating. I loved it so much I am going to buy it and read it again (got it from the library) right away. As for 2017 YA, I'm really looking forward to Sara Zarr's new book, GEM & DIXIE. I always love her writing. And Joelle Charbonneau has a book coming out that looks very exciting called DIVIDING EDEN. I'm a huge Liane Moriarty fan (not so much of her most recent book) and might reread something older again soon. A writer can really learn from her.


5) Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Read. Read. Read. And then read some more. Oh, and be kind to yourself and enjoy the writing because publishing is a long, long road and you need to pace yourself for it!

FTC: Received ARC from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

Last Seen Leaving by Caleb Roehrig

Last Seen Leaving by Caleb Roehrig
"Flynn's girlfriend, January, is missing. The cops are asking question he can't answer, and her friends are telling stories that don't add up. All eyes are on Flynn―as January's boyfriend, he must know something.

But Flynn has a secret of his own. And as he struggles to uncover the truth about January's disappearance, he must also face the truth about himself."- summary from Amazon

Roehrig's debut is a tightly written mystery thriller mixed with the traditional coming-out story. Flynn (which, firstly, is an awesome name) is a great main character having to struggle with the sudden loss of his girlfriend and simultaneously having to come to terms with the fact that he is gay. Roehrig expertly weaves the twists and turns of Flynn's investigation into what happened to January, finding out there was way more to her than he knew, with the more grounded reality of coming out to your parents and friends and dealing with their reactions while also navigating new romantic waters (in the form of January's former co-worker and sexy college boy Kaz).

It's a fast-paced novel and Roehrig knows how to keep the plot moving at a quick pace while leaving the reader in suspense at times, like ending a chapter on a cliffhanger and starting the next one with an old memory of Flynn's before getting back to the action. Overall, a fantastic read and I am eagerly looking forward to more from him.

FTC: Received ARC from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

The Boy is Back by Meg Cabot

The Boy Is Back by Meg Cabot
"Reed Stewart thought he’d left all his small town troubles—including a broken heart—behind when he ditched tiny Bloomville, Indiana, ten years ago to become rich and famous on the professional golf circuit. Then one tiny post on the Internet causes all of those troubles to return . . . with a vengeance.

Becky Flowers has worked hard to build her successful senior relocation business, but she’s worked even harder to forget Reed Stewart ever existed. She has absolutely no intention of seeing him when he returns—until his family hires her to save his parents.

Now Reed and Becky can’t avoid one another—or the memories of that one fateful night. And soon everything they thought they knew about themselves (and each other) has been turned upside down, and they—and the entire town of Bloomville—might never be the same, all because The Boy Is Back."- summary from Amazon

The Boy series is probably my favorite Meg Cabot series; I love the unique way the story is told and in this new installment, there's the usual text messages and emails, but there's also the Bloomville Herald articles and ads, Amazon reviews of random items that fit into the story, and even some picture messaging too! With this unique styling, I just flew through the book and really had a hard time putting it down and making the reading experience last as long as it did. Every time I had a free moment, I wanted to pick it up and keep reading!

This book is a little different from the previous three in the series, in that it doesn't take place at the New York Journal, but you do see two familiar faces in little bit parts of the book. All of the new characters though are so easy to fall in love with, especially the two main characters Reed and Becky, and feature the usual Cabot humor (and yes, I did laugh out loud many times while reading). There's a darker aspect of life given some page time in the book- hoarding and elder abuse- but it doesn't really bring down the book at all.

I highly recommend this latest installment in Cabot's Boy series and it's making me want to re-read the previous three again (for the millionth time)!

FTC: Received signed ARC from author. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson

The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson
"David Piper has always been an outsider. His parents think he's gay. The school bully thinks he's a freak. Only his two best friends know the real truth: David wants to be a girl.

On the first day at his new school Leo Denton has one goal: to be invisible. Attracting the attention of the most beautiful girl in his class is definitely not part of that plan. When Leo stands up for David in a fight, an unlikely friendship forms. But things are about to get messy. Because at Eden Park School secrets have a funny habit of not staying secret for long, and soon everyone knows that Leo used to be a girl.

As David prepares to come out to his family and transition into life as a girl and Leo wrestles with figuring out how to deal with people who try to define him through his history, they find in each other the friendship and support they need to navigate life as transgender teens as well as the courage to decide for themselves what normal really means."- summary from Amazon

I absolutely adored this book. Williamson wrote very well from both Leo and David's perspective- Leo as someone who was already starting their transition, and David as someone still in the closet about his transgender identity. Their stories slowly started to merge as the book went on, but the amount of time they spend together was sweet to see as they both open up to each other. It was great to read about their friendship and being open about who they were with each other at least, and it's good for readers to see a character having already started living life as their true gender, and a character just starting to really come to terms with it and understanding it.

FTC: Received ARC from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye

The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye
"Vika Andreyeva can summon the snow and turn ash into gold. Nikolai Karimov can see through walls and conjure bridges out of thin air. They are enchanters—the only two in Russia—and with the Ottoman Empire and the Kazakhs threatening, the tsar needs a powerful enchanter by his side.

And so he initiates the Crown’s Game, an ancient duel of magical skill—the greatest test an enchanter will ever know. The victor becomes the Imperial Enchanter and the tsar’s most respected adviser. The defeated is sentenced to death.

Raised on tiny Ovchinin Island her whole life, Vika is eager for the chance to show off her talent in the grand capital of Saint Petersburg. But can she kill another enchanter—even when his magic calls to her like nothing else ever has?

For Nikolai, an orphan, the Crown’s Game is the chance of a lifetime. But his deadly opponent is a force to be reckoned with—beautiful, whip smart, imaginative—and he can’t stop thinking about her.

And when Pasha, Nikolai’s best friend and heir to the throne, also starts to fall for the mysterious enchantress, Nikolai must defeat the girl they both love . . . or be killed himself.

As long-buried secrets emerge, threatening the future of the empire, it becomes dangerously clear . . . the Crown’s Game is not one to lose."- summary from Amazon

This was a fantastic beginning to a new fantasy series- very interesting concept, and I loved the third person omniscient which propelled the story along nicely. Mostly it just went back and forth between Vika's and Nikolai's perspectives with the occasional other character. I enjoyed reading from both of their perspectives and learning their backstory, as well as Pasha's. With the way it ended, I'm interested to see where Skye will take the sequel.

FTC: Received ARC from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

Sword and Verse by Kathy MacMillan

Sword and Verse by Kathy MacMillan
"Raisa was just a child when she was sold into slavery in the kingdom of Qilara. Before she was taken away, her father had been adamant that she learn to read and write. But where she now lives, literacy is a capital offense for all but the nobility. The written language is closely protected, and only the King, Prince, Tutor, and Tutor-in-training are allowed to learn its very highest form. So when she is plucked from her menial labor and selected to replace the last Tutor-in-training who was executed, Raisa knows that betraying any hint of her past could mean death.

Keeping her secret guarded is hard enough, but the romance that's been blossoming between her and Prince Mati isn't helping matters. Then Raisa is approached by the Resistance--an underground rebel army--to help liberate the city's slaves. She wants to free her people, but that would mean aiding a war against Mati. As Raisa struggles with what to do, she discovers a secret that the Qilarites have been hiding for centuries--one that, if uncovered, could bring the kingdom to its knees."- summary from Amazon

This was a fantastic fantasy novel and while it's the start of a series, it definitely reads like a stand-alone (the follow-up will actually be from someone else's perspective, set shortly after the events of this book). I absolutely LOVED this book; it was so hard to put it down sometimes! Raisa's journey is compelling, intriguing, and the romance between her and Mati was a lot of fun to read. MacMillan's world-building in this is done so well and I'm excited to spend more time in this world once the sequel is released. Highly recommended!

FTC: Received ARC from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

Tragedy Girl by Christine Hurley Deriso

Tragedy Girl by Christine Hurley Deriso
"Of course Anne would be drawn to Blake. He’s good-looking, he’s friendly, and they both bring sob stories to the table: her parents died in a car wreck; his girlfriend, Cara, drowned. Of course Blake would understand what she’s going through. And of course they can help each other work through the pain. It’s like it was meant to be.

But just as Anne starts to feel like she’s finally found something good in all the tragedy, there are signs she can’t ignore that something’s off. Her friends rarely let her be alone with Blake. Even those closest to Blake seem uneasy around him. And then there are the rumors about the death of Cara, whose body was never recovered. Rumors that suggest Blake’s pain is hiding something darker than Anne can even begin to comprehend . . ."- summary from Amazon

I was really excited to read this book and it was good- a quick, suspenseful, page-turning read! Anne is a great main character and it was interesting to see her slowly burgeoning relationship with Blake and all the red flags surrounding it. The reveal was unexpected and a big twist; there was much more to it than you'd expect. Overall, it was quite a good thriller/mystery and I'm interested to read more from Deriso.

FTC: Received e-galley from Netgalley. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

It Looks Like This by Rafi Mittlefehldt

It Looks Like This by Rafi Mittlefehldt
"A new state, a new city, a new high school. Mike’s father has already found a new evangelical church for the family to attend, even if Mike and his plainspoken little sister, Toby, don’t want to go. Dad wants Mike to ditch art for sports, to toughen up, but there’s something uneasy behind his demands. Then Mike meets Sean, the new kid, and "hey" becomes games of basketball, partnering on a French project, hanging out after school. A night at the beach. The fierce colors of sunrise. But Mike’s father is always watching. And so is Victor from school, cell phone in hand."- summary from Amazon

A fantastic, heartbreaking story of first love, family, discovering who you are, and standing up for yourself and your truth. I've never read a YA novel told like this, in such beautiful yet simple prose; it was honestly a breath of fresh air once I got into the story and became invested in Mike's story. And it really is a heartbreaking novel- there were several times throughout that made me very sad, especially realizing that there are many stories like this in the real world- but ultimately in the end, it's uplifting. The friendship between Sean and Mike that blossoms into something resembling a relationship (albeit a secret one) is extremely sweet and, in a way, uncomplicated. There are definitely factors that keep them from being open about their love for each other, but it seemed like whenever they were together, nothing else seemed to matter and the affection they had for each other showed. I highly recommend this book to pretty much anyone, and I cannot wait to see what Mittlefehldt releases next.


FTC: Received ARC from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

Other Broken Things by C. Desir

Other Broken Things by C. Desir
"Natalie’s not an alcoholic. She doesn’t have a problem. Everybody parties, everybody does stupid things, like getting in their car when they can barely see. Still, with six months of court-ordered AA meetings required, her days of vodka-filled water bottles are over.

Unfortunately, her old friends want the party girl or nothing. Even her up-for-anything ex seems more interested in rehashing the past than actually helping Nat.

But then a recovering alcoholic named Joe inserts himself into Nat’s life, and things start looking up. Joe is funny, he’s smart, and he calls her out in a way no one ever has.

He’s also older. A lot older.

Nat’s connection to Joe is overwhelming, but so are her attempts to fit back into her old world, all while battling the constant urge to crack a bottle and blur that one thing she’s been desperate to forget.

Now, in order to make a different kind of life, Nat must pull together her broken parts and learn to fight for herself."- summary from Amazon

I really enjoyed Desir's previous book Bleed Like Me and have been trying to keep up with her other releases, but haven't been successful. But I was able to find time to fit this book in and I was so glad I did. This was such a compelling, insightful and emotional look at teen alcoholism and addiction, among other issues, and I really hope this book finds its way into the hands of teens struggling with this sort of thing. Natalie is a character that teens will be able to relate to, even if it's the smallest thing. Desir writes Natalie's voice so pitch-perfectly and it's a compelling read because of that as well as the forbidden tension between Natalie and Joe, which Desir handles effortlessly and without judgment. Overall, an audacious look at several tough subjects for teenagers that will make readers flock to the rest of Desir's bold oeuvre.

FTC: Received e-galley from Edelweiss. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

The Mirror King by Jodi Meadows

The Mirror King by Jodi Meadows
"Princess Wilhelmina is ready for her crown, but declaring herself queen means war. Her magic is uncontrollable and now there’s a living boy made of wraith—destructive and deadly, and willing to do anything for her.

Caught between what she wants and what is right, Wilhelmina realizes the throne might not even matter. Everyone thought the wraith was years off, but already it’s destroying Indigo Kingdom villages. Princess Wilhelmina’s ability might be just the thing to help reclaim her kingdom—or ruin it forever."- summary from Amazon

I'm such a huge fan of Meadows' books and this conclusion to the Orphan Queen duology is simply fantastic. It's a big book, but ends up being such a quick read. Meadows keeps the action moving at a good pace and some good humor peppered throughout, with quite a clever climax and sweet ending. Wilhelmina is such a smart, kickass character and I loved following along on her journey as she tries to save her world from the fast-encroaching wraith. If you love fantasy, you need to read this duology!

FTC: Received ARC from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.