A pitch-perfect, slow-burn romance combined with loveably complex characters and the most charming farm setting, this story made my heart soar. AbsoluA pitch-perfect, slow-burn romance combined with loveably complex characters and the most charming farm setting, this story made my heart soar. Absolutely loved it! ...more
ALL THE STARS. This was everything I wanted it to be: complex characters, a swoony romance, and a super fun setting, plus a quickly paced plot that haALL THE STARS. This was everything I wanted it to be: complex characters, a swoony romance, and a super fun setting, plus a quickly paced plot that had me immediately hooked. A new contemporary YA romance favorite! ...more
This is totally a Katy Book, and I can’t wait for the world to read it next summer — so, so good! It’s a road trip and a mystery and a romance and a sThis is totally a Katy Book, and I can’t wait for the world to read it next summer — so, so good! It’s a road trip and a mystery and a romance and a sibling story, as well as a really complex exploration of grief and loss. I found the story’s protagonist, Ellie, to be incredibly relatable, and undeniably likable in her many imperfections. She feels so real. Also, Cade. <333 If you enjoyed Vicky’s debut, How to Breathe Underwater, I think you’ll love We Are the Ghosts. Copies are available for preorder now!...more
Three Things I Love About THE KISS QUOTIENT 1. Hot, hot, hot. Friends, this is not YA. There's a lot of steaminess -- like, a lot, and it's explicitlyThree Things I Love About THE KISS QUOTIENT 1. Hot, hot, hot. Friends, this is not YA. There's a lot of steaminess -- like, a lot, and it's explicitly described -- but the intimate scenes MCs Stella and Michael share aren't gratuitous; they drive the plot. Plus, they're beautifully written and packed with emotion and, wow, I really love this book. 2. Neurodiversity. Stella is on the spectrum, and she believes she's bad at relationships as a result. Her challenges with connections and social situations are a big part of the story, but they're not the biggest part of Stella. She's incredibly smart, thoughtful, generous, and funny. One of the most deftly drawn protagonists I've read in a long time. 3. A+ love interest. Michael has the sort of complicated backstory that gives him that damaged romantic hero vibe, but he also has a warm family and a sweetly protective nature, and he's altruistic to a fault. He's seriously the best....more
Three Awesome Things About EMERGENCY CONTACT 1. A study in voice. I loved this book, but it took me three weeks to read because I was pouring over sentThree Awesome Things About EMERGENCY CONTACT 1. A study in voice. I loved this book, but it took me three weeks to read because I was pouring over sentences and passages, studying their perfect combinations of words. Emergency Contact's prose is as full of charisma as its main characters. 2. All the feels. Parts of this book are hysterical and parts of in are heartbreaking, but it's entirely relatable. I found myself cringing, sometimes, because I felt Sam and Penny's emotions so viscerally. Also, their friendship and the tentative beginnings of their romance are, in my opinion, flawlessly written. 3. Set. In. College. Guys, I wish there were more books that take place during the years just after high school. The freedom a college setting affords characters is wonderfully conducive to self discovery, and all sorts of mischief. The dynamic that both Sam and Penny have with their mothers at this point in their lives is fascinating, too....more
Three Wonderful Things About THE LEADING EDGE OF NOW1. Perfect blend of light and dark. I'm in awe of the way Marci Lyn Curtis combines humor and romaThree Wonderful Things About THE LEADING EDGE OF NOW1. Perfect blend of light and dark. I'm in awe of the way Marci Lyn Curtis combines humor and romance with much more serious topics like grief, sexual assault, estrangement, and the child welfare system. This is a profound and important story, one that's full of heart and spirit. 2. Extraordinary protagonist. Grace is a survivor in so many ways; she's faced a seemingly unfair amount of adversity in her seventeen years, but she's witty and independent and strong and compassionate. Her voice is both hilarious and heartfelt, and she's so easy to root for. I think YA fans are going to adore her. 3. Owen, Owen, Owen. (view spoiler)[Grace's longtime off-and-on love interest has faced challenges of his own, but he's endlessly kind and supportive and wonderful. Plus, he has a hint of an Aussie accent, so that's delightful. <3 (hide spoiler)]...more
Three amazing things about LITTLE & LION... 1. Diversity. As far as representation goes, I hope Little & Lion becomes the rule. Its characters are authThree amazing things about LITTLE & LION... 1. Diversity. As far as representation goes, I hope Little & Lion becomes the rule. Its characters are authentic and intersectional and exceptional, written with nuance and care. This book's a must-read for contemporary YA fans. 2. Suzette! She has moments of relatable doubt about who she is and who she wants to be, but mostly she's strong and steadfast and awesome. 3. Focus on family. Suzette and Lionel have the best parents. They're supportive and loving and appreciative of their kids' unique qualities, but somehow, they never feel too perfect to be believable. Also, I adored Suzette and Lionel's relationship. They're not biologically related (they're not even legally step-siblings) but there's so much love and loyalty between them. I was constantly moved by the scenes they shared....more
Three Wonderful Things About ALEX, APPROXIMATELY 1. California. I'm obsessed with coastal California towns, which is perfect because Alex, ApproximatelThree Wonderful Things About ALEX, APPROXIMATELY 1. California. I'm obsessed with coastal California towns, which is perfect because Alex, Approximately is set in (what I assume is) a fictionalized version of Santa Cruz. Better yet, it makes mention of some of my favorite real-life places, like Pacific Grove and Monterey. It's all beachy and dreamy and inspired. 2. Flawless romance. The relationship main character Bailey builds with surfer boy Porter spoke to the heart-eyed idealist inside me. They're so adorable together; they support each other, have a very interesting history, tons of chemistry, and they challenge one another in all the right ways. I'm smitten! 3. Delightful supporting characters. While Bailey + Porter have become a new favorite fictional couple, they don't overshadow the awesomeness of the rest of the cast. I adore Bailey's father, her new friend Grace, and the whole of Porter's family. Honestly, for me, this book is perfect, perfect, perfect -- everything I'd hoped it'd be. Can't wait to get my hands on another Jenn Bennett novel!...more
It's hard for me to chat about this third and final book about Jenny Han's adorable Lara Jean and her winsome boyfriend Peter K because to admit that It's hard for me to chat about this third and final book about Jenny Han's adorable Lara Jean and her winsome boyfriend Peter K because to admit that I loved this story probably gives a lot away. But yeah. I LOVED IT. Always and Forever, Lara Jean tackles the very real challenges of a high school senior: college applications and acceptances, stretching friendships, shifting family dynamics, and tested romances. It's all very authentic, but still very charmed, as Lara Jean's stories tend to feel. She's matured in this book, which I appreciated seeing. She's a better communicator, she's less naive, and she's even more thoughtful when it comes to the people she loves. And Peter's grown too -- he's basically the world's best boyfriend! I could rave about this one all day. Read it if you haven't yet, and if you're waiting around to start this series, now's the perfect time!...more
This book is so mind-blowingly good it gave me chills, even on my second read. Author Tracey Neithercott's prose is gorgeously lyrical, her plot (a trThis book is so mind-blowingly good it gave me chills, even on my second read. Author Tracey Neithercott's prose is gorgeously lyrical, her plot (a treasure hunt involving an atmospheric island and a host of tragic secrets) is full of surprises, and her cast will burrow into your heart -- particularly sad-but-strong main character, Ruby, and enigmatic, sensitive Elliot. Gray Wolf Island is like a darker, swoonier version of The Goonies, and is absolutely one of my newest favorites. You'll love it, too, if you enjoy books with unique settings, evocative writing, and authentic friendships, as seen in books by Maggie Stiefvater and Nova Ren Sum and Laura Ruby....more
I am obsessed with this book. Every aspect of it speaks to me; it makes me feel things, a lot of things, even now, weeks after reading. These characteI am obsessed with this book. Every aspect of it speaks to me; it makes me feel things, a lot of things, even now, weeks after reading. These characters, Lace and Cluck and their vast supporting cast, are layered and rich and full of passion. Their relationships are complicated and this novel's stakes are super high. I've seen it described as Romeo and Juliet meets The Night Circus, and I'm onboard with that comparison. Lace's and Cluck's families are traveling performers; the Palomas are swimming mermaids and the Corbeaus are like winged fairies tightrope walking through the trees. The families have been feuding for years and years, but that doesn't keep Lace and Cluck from connecting in this intense, sexy, heart-wrenching way. Their chemistry combined with the many reasons they shouldn't be together... such perfect, perfect angst. The Weight of Feathers is a magical story with beautiful language and gorgeous imagery and characters so enchanting, they're impossible to forget. I love this novel in the same ways I love books by Jandy Nelson and Jodi Lynn Anderson. Definitely a new favorite....more
I must’ve been living under a rock when this story released in 2014, because I hadn’t heard of Heather Demetrios until I devoured I’ll Meet You There I must’ve been living under a rock when this story released in 2014, because I hadn’t heard of Heather Demetrios until I devoured I’ll Meet You There earlier this year. Shortly after, I read some friends’ rave reviews of Something Real and knew I had to get my hands on it. I’m so glad I did — this book is awesome! The “growing up on reality TV” situation is fascinating, and the “super enormous family” situation is compelling, and I always love a sweet romance. Something Real combines all three, and I could not put it down. Chloe (AKA Bonnie) is now one of my favorite YA protagonists. She’s just so real. Deeply flawed thanks to a supremely messed up childhood, but at the same time fiercely loyal, enviably tough, delightfully snarky, and heartbreakingly vulnerable. Her voice is almost conversational, and totally unflinching. Despite the utter chaos of her life, Chloe is surrounded by some wonderful people: her BFFs Tessa and Mer, her charming boyfriend Patrick, and her brother Benton, who’s funny and steadfast and, along with his boyfriend Matt, completely adorable. Something Real is a gripping sneak peek into a world that seems widely overlooked — the toll reality TV can take on its non-consenting minor stars. It’s also a story about relationships, and standing up for what’s right, and love of all sorts. Highly recommend!...more
The best book I've read so far this year. I'd heard that this novel is fantastical and sort of bizarre, but that's all I knew going in, and I'm so glaThe best book I've read so far this year. I'd heard that this novel is fantastical and sort of bizarre, but that's all I knew going in, and I'm so glad I started reading blindly. Because how do you describe a book like this...? It's about two sad brothers, a ballsy beekeeper, and a lovely, missing girl. There are summer jobs and whispering cornfields and first kisses; there is a fascinating small-town dynamic, a twisted fairy tale, and a magical horse. Bone Gap is so beautifully written, so evocative and powerful, it's the sort of book that makes me want to work harder on my own writing. It's a haunting, lyrical story about love and perception and feminism, and reading it is an enchanting experience -- one I didn't want to end. Highly recommend....more
All the stars for this book! I finished it the other night and I'm still thinking about, and still smiling from the sheer joy of its reading experiencAll the stars for this book! I finished it the other night and I'm still thinking about, and still smiling from the sheer joy of its reading experience. Let's Get Lost is a collection of five short stories that have Leila, a girl who's on an answers-seeking road trip to Alaska, in common. Though we only get to spend a short time with each of the characters (save Leila), I grew to know them all so well. As soon as I pegged one as a favorite, his/her story would conclude and I'd get to begin a whole new adventure with another charming protagonist. Though I loved each character and felt invested in each story, Sonia's was my absolute favorite because... romance and humor and winsome boy. <3 Along with Let's Get Lost's characters, I adored Adi Alsaid's whimsical 3rd-person writing style, and his descriptions of the varied settings. This whole book feels like a John Hughes movie, and I'm a huge fan. ...more
How I adore this first act in Riley Edgewood's three-act debut serial, Rock & Release. I've read it twice, once as a beta, and once as a fan. VIP is dHow I adore this first act in Riley Edgewood's three-act debut serial, Rock & Release. I've read it twice, once as a beta, and once as a fan. VIP is definitely the steamy (sometimes literally!) sort of book NA is known for, but more than that, it's a gorgeous story. Riley has this lovely way with words that gets under my skin and stays with me. Even her sexiest scenes are written with elegance and nuance, and they read almost like poetry. MC Cassidy is such a fun heroine to get to know. She's not perfect, but she has the *best* heart, and she's funny in this delightfully self-depreciating way -- so easy to root for. And then there's Gage, who is one of the most desirable NA guys out there. He's hot (obviously -- look at that cover), and he's a musician, and he goes after what he wants. But he's also sweet and attentive and truly caring, which makes him impossible not to love. If you're looking for a read that's full of emotion and seduction and beautiful, beautiful words, I highly recommend Riley's VIP....more
Okay. How are these books not getting all the hype? I mean, some people are talking about them and they have awesome Goodreads ratings, but they’re noOkay. How are these books not getting all the hype? I mean, some people are talking about them and they have awesome Goodreads ratings, but they’re not getting nearly the exposure they deserve. These books are aMaZiNg. I’m an unapologetic Jenny Han fangirl and I think Siobhan Vivian’s The List is fantastic, but I was in no way prepared for the awesomeness that is the Burn For Burn series. The plotting is tight, the writing is seamless, the voices are genuine, and the characters… I feel like Kat, Lillia, and Mary are are my friends — that’s how well I’ve gotten to know them. These books are full of bitterness and revenge and unrequited love and lasting friendship; they have a large, dynamic cast (Lillia and Reeve are my favorites!) and a twisty, jaw-dropping storyline. I HIGHLY recommend them. Read Burn For Burn and Fire With Fire back-to-back before Ashes to Ashes comes out September 16th. I can’t wait!...more
I feel sort of terrible recommending this novel because it is absolutely brutal. But, it is also superbly written and utterly haunting (I had nightmarI feel sort of terrible recommending this novel because it is absolutely brutal. But, it is also superbly written and utterly haunting (I had nightmares) and, I think, a must-read. It’s the story of a woman who is kidnapped for ransom in Haiti, and it chronicles her ordeal with the gang of kidnappers (whatever terrible things you’re imagining, multiply them by ten) and her (equally harrowing) journey to recovery. I recently read an analysis of this novel in which the reviewer said she “loved the book, but hated the story” and that’s exactly how I feel. So terrible. So incredible....more
**spoiler alert** One of my most anticipated sequels of 2015 — I had very strong feelings about how I wanted this duology to conclude. While I adore M**spoiler alert** One of my most anticipated sequels of 2015 — I had very strong feelings about how I wanted this duology to conclude. While I adore MC Lara Jean’s voice, her unapologetically innocent personality, and her family’s dynamic, I knew that my enjoyment of this book would depend solely on whether she and Peter, her love interest from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, ended up together. Thanks to Jenny Han’s stellar romance writing, I ship them SO HARD. I’m putting the remainder of my thoughts in white because they contain All the Spoilers. Highlight at your own risk! So… I loved this story! I’m so, so happy (and so, so relieved!) about how everything played out. Even though were are misunderstandings and miscommunications that could’ve probably been avoided with some frank conversation, this story felt real and authentically teen, and so true to who Lara Jean and Peter are. They both make mistakes and assumptions, but their feelings for each other are palpable, and I was legitimately awwwing over and over. I mean, that night in the treehouse… And the hug in the kitchen… And the ending! Additionally, I enjoyed learning about Lara Jean’s childhood friendships, and I’m a big fan of how her relationship(-ish) with John evolved. I felt that he was a fully-formed character, not just a love-triangle plot-device. In fact, I kind of want him to have his very own book. Same with Genevieve, actually. :-) As I’ve said on this blog before, Jenny Han is one of my favorite authors, and if you’re not reading her books, you should be. :-)...more
Oh, how I love this book! It's Catfish set in Vegas, and it so good. Hannah and Nick have been online besties for years and (they think) they know eveOh, how I love this book! It's Catfish set in Vegas, and it so good. Hannah and Nick have been online besties for years and (they think) they know everything about each other. When Hannah surprises Nick with a visit in Sin City, she learns the startling truth: He hasn't been completely forthcoming with her. In Real Life is full of delicious angst, its pacing is fantastic, and its characters, despite their dishonesty with each other and, often, themselves, are utterly endearing. In Real Life is a whirlwind night in Vegas, full of those often romantic, occasionally awkward moments that make contemporary YA romance so fantastic. It boasts a fair amount of humor, too, thanks to Hannah's outstanding voice, and its final pages... *happy sigh* I was lucky enough to beta read an early draft of this story a few years ago, and even on second read, Hannah and Nick's online and in real life (!) relationship gave me all the feels. Definitely pick this one up!...more
This book reminds me a little bit of 17 First Kisses, a little bit of Before I Fall, and a little bit of the movie Mean Girls. And… I love it. I’ve reThis book reminds me a little bit of 17 First Kisses, a little bit of Before I Fall, and a little bit of the movie Mean Girls. And… I love it. I’ve read a few not-so-favorable reviews of this novel, reviews that knock MC Aubrey and her friends for being mean and shallow and (gasp) slutty. Just… ugh. (Have I mentioned that the “unlikeable teen girl” is one of my most loathed literary gripes?) Admittedly, Aubrey and her BFFs are not perfect. They make some choices that are dangerous and selfish and worrisome and immature, but who hasn’t? These girls have reasons for behaving as they do, and it’s their unapologetic realness (the good, the bad, and the ugly) that makes me a big fan of this debut. Along with characters who leap of the page, Love & Other Theories brims with earnest romance and unavoidable loss and enviably authentic voice, plus an examination of that pivotal time in high school when you start to become the person you’re meant to be — when you feel powerless and confused and you’re grappling with identity and life’s just hard. Alexis Bass captures it perfectly. (Also, Trip. I adore Trip!)...more
I’ve had my eye on this novel for months, ever since I first saw its striking cover. The story’s summary intrigued me, as did the comparisons between I’ve had my eye on this novel for months, ever since I first saw its striking cover. The story’s summary intrigued me, as did the comparisons between it and Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl. I understand why people group these two books together (fast-paced, thrilling, multiple narrators, fantastic twists), but I’ve got to say… I liked The Good Girl better than Gone Girl, and that’s because its characters have redeeming qualities — even those who do seemingly terrible things. The Good Girl is full of surprises, thoughtful commentary on parent/child relationships, and an unexpected romance I bought into so completely, I ended having one of those elusive All the Feels moments at the book’s conclusion. Big recommend!...more
The hype surrounding this book is through the roof, and for good reason — it’s incredible. It’s one of those that’s best read without a lot of backgroThe hype surrounding this book is through the roof, and for good reason — it’s incredible. It’s one of those that’s best read without a lot of background information, but I will say that We Were Liars totally and completely broke my heart. And it surprised me. And it was unputdownable. And it made me want to be a better writer. E. Lockhart’s prose is gorgeous: spare and clean, yet beautifully poetic. This one’s going to be a 2014 favorite for sure....more
About a thousand people recommended this book to me even before its official release date. I preordered it because my book besties know me well, but wAbout a thousand people recommended this book to me even before its official release date. I preordered it because my book besties know me well, but when it arrived at my house, I was nervous. I mean, the cover is gorgeous, the synopsis really does sound like it was written with my tastes in mind, and it’d been so hyped — to me and across the YA community. What if I hated it?
I didn’t. In fact, I LOVED it. I’d go so far as to say it’s a new favorite. Guys, Open Road Summer is pure magic. Here’s what I adored…
*Reagan. She’s a breath of fresh YA air. So real. So complex. Fantastic arc. I was riveted by her backstory, which played perfectly into the girl she is at the novel’s opening, and the girl she becomes by its close.
*Dee. I was prepared to dislike her because it’s immediately established that she’s perfect (aside from the fact that she’s grouchy when she’s sick and hungry). Perfect or not, she’s also deep and genuine and charming. An awesome BFF.
*Reagan & Dee’s friendship. Author Emery Lord rendered their longstanding relationship beautifully. Their loyalty and love for one another is palpable.
*Matt Finch. *happy sigh* He’s so freaking cute and alluring and just… winsome. Pretty much every scene he shared with Reagan made me grin. They have incredible chemistry, super fun banter, and some of the sweetest kisses I’ve read.
*Jimmy. He’s a fairly minor character (he’s in only in one scene), but his presence sort of looms over Dee throughout, and I love how that’s executed. IWLYF ❤
*Travel. This novel literally takes place on the open road, all through the southern half of the US (my favorite half, incidentally) and exploring the country with Reagan, Dee, and Matt was a blast.
*Music. It’s no secret that I love country music, and it’s no secret that I love Taylor Swift. I get the impression that Dee was perhaps inspired at least in part by her, which is sort of amazing. Also, there are song lyrics sprinkles throughout the novel that are so very lovely.
*Nashville. One of my very favorite cities. We used to live nearby, so I could totally picture Open Road Summer‘s references to Music Row and the Ryman and the gorgeous landscapes outside the city. Makes me want to visit.
*Voice. There wasn’t a moment while reading this story where I was pulled out of the narrative by a word or phrase that didn’t fit. Emery Lord’s voice reads as effortless, and I’m a fan.
Open Road Summer is definitely one of my favorite reads of the year thus far. I highly, highly recommend it....more
Last month I read Adam Silvera's More Happy Than Not and I had this to say about it: "...it is smart. I highly recommend this one if you’re looking foLast month I read Adam Silvera's More Happy Than Not and I had this to say about it: "...it is smart. I highly recommend this one if you’re looking for a truly unique YA." I echo that sentiment regarding Made You Up -- it is shrewd and really special, and it left me in awe of its author and her creativity. I wish more people were talking about it! MC Alex is like none I've read before. She's dealing with schizophrenia (she carries a camera and constantly takes picture of her surroundings so she can distinguish what's real and what's a delusion), which makes her an unreliable narrator by default, but still... I found myself trusting her, and I found myself wanting her to flourish. Made You Up's love interest, Miles, is also unconventional, at least as far as YA romance goes. He's not likable in the traditional sense; he's stand-offish (an explanation comes eventually) and his childhood has left him scarred. He's kind of perfect for Alex, though, and while their relationship isn't always the novel's central focus, it's so well done. Made You Up is a twisty, compelling read about family, friendship, and perception, and Francesca Zappia's prose is beautifully literary. This book was impossible to put down -- definitely a 2015 favorite!...more
I adored this story. It’s dark and magical and gorgeous, a fresh take on Neverland and Peter Pan. Though this is Tiger Lily’s tale, Tinkerbell narrateI adored this story. It’s dark and magical and gorgeous, a fresh take on Neverland and Peter Pan. Though this is Tiger Lily’s tale, Tinkerbell narrates, which I thought was a brilliant choice on Jody Lynn Anderson’s part. I loved observing Tiger Lily’s relationships with Peter and Tick Tok and Pine Sap through Tink’s filter, and I loved how enamored Tink was with Tiger Lily’s fierceness and devotion. Lots of messy, complicated relationships, lots of swoon, and an ending that was so bittersweet I’m still thinking about it nearly a month later. *content sigh*...more
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