Review-We Made It All Up by Margot Harrison

 

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 

Published: July 12, 2022

Genre: YA Mystery

Source: Print ARC

Rating: 3 stars

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Blurb:

Celeste is the talk of the town when she moves to Montana from Montreal, but the only friend she makes is Vivvy, the heir to the town’s name and a social pariah. Inspired by a passion-fueled school incident, they begin writing a love-story fan fic between the popular guy and the school stoner, one that gradually reveals Celeste’s past. While their bond makes Celeste feel safe and alive again, Vivvy keeps prodding Celeste to turn fantasy into reality. When they finally try, one drunken night on a dark mountainside, Celeste is the one who ends up kissing golden boy Joss. And Joss ends up dead.

Celeste doesn’t remember the end of that night and can’t be sure she didn’t deliver the killing blow. Could she still be that scared of getting close to a boy? Secrets are hard to keep in a small town, and even Vivvy seems to suspect her. Exploring the winding passages of the cave where Joss died, Celeste learns he had his own dark secrets, as does Vivvy. The town isn’t as innocent as it appears. 

Review:

We Made It All Up is  a story told in past and present about a night where the town’s golden boy, Joss, turns up dead. The main character, Celeste, is in the thicket of the tragedy but she doesn’t remember one thing from what happened that night. Yea thought they premise of the story was pretty cool. Especially when Celeste and Vivvy had their whole fanfic arc that involved Joss. 

This was a fast and easy mystery read. If you’re looking for something that will keep you entertained until the very end, this one is the perfect summer read. The characters were all interesting and I really wanted to get to the end to see their motivations. Overall, I thought this was fun! I can’t wait to read more from the author. 

*Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. 

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About the Author:

Margot Harrison was raised in the wilds of New York by lovely, nonviolent parents who somehow never managed to prevent her from staying up late to read scary books. She now works at an alt-weekly newspaper in Vermont, where her favorite part of the job is, of course, reviewing scary books and movies.

Review: Sometime in Summer by Katrina Leno

 

Published: June 28, 2022

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre: Contemporary Young Adult

Source: Print ARC

Rating: 4 stars

See what all the readers are saying HERE!

Blurb:

From critically acclaimed author Katrina Leno comes a tender love letter to books and summertime, with a touch of magic.

Anna Lucia Bell believes in luck: bad luck. Bad luck made her best friend stop talking to her. Bad luck caused her parents’ divorce. Bad luck is forcing her mother, Miriam, to sell the family’s beloved bookstore. And it is definitely bad luck that Anna seems to be the only person in the world Miriam is unable to recommend a life-changing book.

When Anna finds out that she and her mom are spending two months in a New England seaside town called Rockport, she expects a summer plagued with bad luck too. But Rockport has surprises in store for Anna, including a comet making its first appearance in over twenty years and two new—but familiar—friends.

In what will prove to be the most important summer of her life so far, Anna learns about love, herself, and the magic that an ordinary summer can bring.

Review:

Sometime in Summer is a beautiful coming-of-age story about a girl who believes in luck. At the moment when the book first starts, she’s convinced she has all the bad luck. First, her parents are divorcing, she and her best friend aren’t on speaking terms, and the family bookstore is going to be sold. Yes, I would say that sounds like a lot of bad luck!

When Anna and her mother go to Rockport for the summer, I had no idea what to expect. But magic wasn’t it! That was a pleasant surprise. The whole ordeal involving Anna and the two people she befriends was the coolest thing. I love how the story is about fate. Sometimes things happen just the way they’re supposed to. And sometimes things happen and we have no control over it.

Anna is amazing and real. So many times I read about teenagers that are unrealistic. Anna is perfectly unperfect in the most beautiful ways. She grows in so many ways. The secondary characters were great to read about as well. Overall, I loved this book and the wonderful message it sent to us.

*Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Buy the book:

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Kobo

About the Author:

Katrina Leno was born on the East Coast and currently lives in Los Angeles. She is the author of six critically acclaimed novels - Horrid, You Must Not Miss, Summer of Salt, Everything All at Once, The Lost & Found, and The Half Life of Molly Pierce.

katrinaleno.com

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Review-Love Radio by Ebony LaDelle

Publisher: Simon and Shuster for Young Readers

Published: May 31, 2022

Genre: YA Romance

Source: Print ARC

Rating: 5 stars

See what other readers are saying HERE!

Blurb:

Hitch meets The Sun Is Also a Star in this witty and romantic teen novel about a self-professed teen love doctor with a popular radio segment who believes he can get a girl who hates all things romance to fall in love with him in only three dates.

Prince Jones is the guy with all the answers—or so it seems. After all, at seventeen, he has his own segment on Detroit’s popular hip-hop show, Love Radio, where he dishes out advice to the brokenhearted.

Prince has always dreamed of becoming a DJ and falling in love. But being the main caretaker for his mother, who has multiple sclerosis, and his little brother means his dreams will stay just that and the only romances in his life are the ones he hears about from his listeners.

Until he meets Dani Ford.

Dani isn’t checking for anybody. She’s focused on her plan: ace senior year, score a scholarship, and move to New York City to become a famous author. But her college essay keeps tripping her up and acknowledging what’s blocking her means dealing with what happened at that party a few months ago.

And that’s one thing Dani can’t do.

When the romantic DJ meets the ambitious writer, sparks fly. Prince is smitten, but Dani’s not looking to get derailed. She gives Prince just three dates to convince her that he’s worth falling for.

Three dates for the love expert to take his own advice, and just maybe change two lives forever.

Review:

Wow. This was amazing. Love Radio is everything I love in YA romance. It had a swoony hero and the heroine was the perfect blend of vulnerable and strong. Prince Jones is the love expert on a radio show and he's only in high school! He gives love advice to those who need it. He's also charming and good. Dani is a little more closed off and at times a little judgmental. But is quickly put in her place when she makes the wrong assumption to Prince!

The story is more than just a light romance. It dealt with a heavy subject matter that I feel was handled realistically. It made me sad and I could see why Dani was the way she was. Which was standoffish and too herself. Then Prince came around and opened everything up. He was so amazing!! I need more books like this in my life.

I thought this was one of the best written this year and hope you pick up your copy from a local bookstore. It's romantic and real, and also has amazing characters that will embed themselves into your heart. So cheesy, but true!!

*Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Ebony LaDelle is a marketing pusher by day, storyteller by night. Born in Michigan, awoken at Howard University, and cultivated in Brooklyn, Ebony can usually be found searching for her next live concert, scouting out the latest food craze to try, or being the undisputed Mom Friend of any group. She cohosted Why Not YA?, a @Belletrist and @EpicReads monthly video series where she interviewed authors in the young adult space. You can visit her online at EbonyLaDelle.com and follow her on social @EbonyLaDelle.

Buy links:

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Review-A Callahan Wedding by Monica Murphy (The Callahans, #7)

 

Published: May 26, 2022

Publisher: EM Publishing

Genre: Romance

Source: E-ARC

Rating: 4 stars

See what other readers are saying about it HERE!

Blurb:

From New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy comes the conclusion to the Callahan series…

There is nothing quite like your first love. And no one knows this better than NFL quarterback Jake Callahan. After being with his high school sweetheart for years, he is finally going to make Hannah his wife.

Their wedding plans start out small. Intimate. A special ceremony with just their family and closest friends. Soon enough though, things get out of control. The guest list is huge. The planned reception, flashy. Jake is miserable. Hannah is overwhelmed. So they send an exclusive invitation to the ones that matter to them the most: pack your bags.

You’re invited to our destination wedding.

Catch up with the Callahan family and their friends from the College Years series in this sexy, fun novella!

Review:

So many times I read and fall in love with so many characters. But they have nothing on the Callahans and everyone in their life. It was nice to be back with Jake and Hannah. There’s just something about Hannah that I’ve always loved. She’s low maintenance and the perfect girl for Jake. Such a lucky man! It was also amazing being back with our beloved characters. 

Always happy to see my boy Eli haha! He’s been my favorite since he was first introduced. I’m glad Hannah and Jake decided to get married the way they did. It fit them perfectly. Overall, this was a fast, sweet read. I will forever read books with thr Callahans!

*Thank you to the author for providing a copy for an honest and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are subjective but my own. 

Buy the book:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

About the Author:

New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author. A believer in kissing. A believer of love.

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Review-The Reluctant Bride by Monica Murphy

Publisher: Monica Murphy

Published: April 19, 2022

Genre: Romance

Source: E-ARC

Rating: 5 stars

See what other readers are saying about it HERE!

Blurb:

Everyone’s for sale, including me. One moment I’m the forgotten daughter of one of the most wealthy families in the country, and the next I’m the blushing bride in an arranged marriage. My fate is sealed in my wedded union with a complete stranger.

In public, Perry Constantine is the life of the party. Easygoing. Adored. In private, he’s brooding. Dark. Angry. But so am I. It’s a contest of wills to see who will break in the bedroom first, and while I try to remain strong, I find myself craving the very man I swore to hate.

My husband.

Review:

In. Love! The Reluctant Bride is a sexy and sweet romance between two equally amazing characters. To think that no one could hold a place in my heart after reading about Crew Lancaster! Well Perry Constantine has given him a run for his money. That being said, for those of you who don't know this story is about Charlotte Lancaster. The only girl in a band of brothers. She's also broken and alone. What I thought was pretty cool is that the Constantine and Morelli families aren't new; but they're knew to me since I haven't read their stories. Something I hope to rectify soon! 

Perry Constantine is the happy go lucky mama's boy. He always says yes to her... Of course that changes when he's told he would be marrying Charlotte Lancaster. Something he does NOT want to do. But ends up doing his civic duty to his family. Once he and Charlotte meet, the sparks fly. They're flirty banter is only the tip of the iceberg. The two quickly realize they may need each other more than they know.

The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger but I'm cool with it. I can't wait to see what happens next and get more of Perry and Charlotte. I also hope to get started on all of the books with the other characters that are in the series. So many books, so little time! I'm going to have a fun few weeks reading and catching up until the next book comes out.

*Thank you to the author for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author. A believer in kissing. A believer of love.

I also write contemporary romance as USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://monicamurphyauthor.com/subscribe

Hang out with me on Instagram:
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Buy links:

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Review-Gone Dark by Amanda Panitch

 

Published: April 12, 2022

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Genre: YA Thriller

Source: Print ARC

Stars: 4.5 Stars

See what readers are saying about it HERE!

Blurb:

Dry meets Hatchet in this thrilling tale of survival following a teen girl who must lead her friends across country to the safety of her estranged father’s survivalist compound after a mass power failure leaves the country in chaos.

When seventeen-year-old Zara escaped her father’s backwoods survivalist compound five years ago, she traded crossbows and skinning hides for electricity and video games…and tried to forget the tragedy that drove her away.

Until a malware attack on the United States electrical grids cuts off the entire country’s power.

In the wake of the disaster and the chaos that ensues, Zara is forced to call upon skills she thought she’d never use again—and her best bet to survive is to go back to the home she left behind. Drawing upon a resilience she didn’t know she had, Zara leads a growing group of friends on an epic journey across a crumbling country back to her father’s compound, where their only hope for salvation lies.

But with every step she takes, Zara wonders if she truly has what it takes to face her father and the secrets of her past, or if she’d be better off hiding in the dark.

Review:

Gone Dark was a cool book to read. From the very beginning I just knew that it would be right up my alley. I always like to think about the "what-ifs" in life. Like what would happen if the world took a dark turn and the apocalypse was at our door step. I think about what I would do for survival. But let's face it, more than likely it won't happen. At least that's what I tell myself because the reality is too terrifying to even think about.

That's why I like reading books about it! Seventeen year old Zara knows all about the apocalypse thanks to her doomsday father. When she and her mother escape the compound they live in, Zara finally knows what freedom is. That all changes when the United States and the world's electrical grid are cute off. Now it's up to Zara's training is up to speed for survival. So many things go wrong and little goes right, but one thing is for sure, Zara is as amazing as they come! I loved reading her story and watching her grow.

 Overall, I enjoyed this book so much! Although the whole electrical grids going out hit a little too close to home for me. I guess this sort of thing did happen in February of 2021 and what I like to call the Snowpaclypse. We lost power and water for a few days and it was brutal! Snow is now tainted for me but I guess being Texan, we like our weather hot!

*Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Amanda Panitch spent most of her childhood telling stories to her four younger siblings, trying both to make them laugh and scare them too much to sleep. Now she lives in New York City, where she writes dark, funny stories for teens, kids, and the pigeons that nest on her apartment balcony. You can follow her on Twitter @AmandaPanitch, and visit her online at www.amandapanitch.com 

Buy Links:

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Cranky Chicken by Katherine Battersby

 

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Published: September 7, 2021

Genre: Middle School

Source: Finished copy

Rating: 5

See what other readers are saying about it HERE!

Blurb:

Narwhal and Jelly meet The Bad Guys in this heartwarming, brightly illustrated, and downright hilarious chapter book about what happens when a very cranky chicken is befriended by a very cheerful worm.

Cranky Chicken is, well, cranky. With one cranky eyebrow, cranky eyes, and even cranky, scratchy feet. But then one day, Cranky meets a very friendly worm named Speedy who wants nothing more than to be friends. Young readers will love seeing the mismatched friendship grow over the course of three charming and laugh-out-loud short adventures as Chicken and Speedy become BFFs (Best Feathered Friends) and Speedy shows Chicken how to look on the bright side. 

Review:

I read this several times over the past few weeks. First with my own kids, then by myself, and a couple more times when I took the book to the school I work at. Everyone, including me, loved it! I totally relate to this cranky chicken and I loved how the worm, wormed himself into the heart of the chicken. It's a funny book that will have you and your child in stitches! 

Buy the book:

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About the Author:

Katherine is the critically acclaimed author and illustrator of eleven picture books, including Trouble, Perfect Pigeons and the popular Squish Rabbit series, which have been published around the world. Her first graphic novel, Cranky Chicken, releases soon. Her books have had glowing reviews in The New York Times, received starred Kirkus reviews and have been shortlisted for numerous awards. She is regularly booked to speak in schools, libraries and at festivals and she is a passionate advocate for literacy and the arts. She currently lives in Ottawa, Canada, with her poet husband, their book obsessed baby and a wonderfully ridiculous dog.

Visit her at: www.katherinebattersby.com