We made it to Friday y’all. And it is kind of a weird day filled with lots of memories for many of us. Be extra kind and gentle with yourself today. But on to the books. Here is a smattering of books I started and finished recently. I even put them in order of how much I liked them, because why not? You Had me At Hola by Alexis Daria- This book was so good I am not sure I have the words to properly explain it. Beautifully written and engaging from page 1, Daria tells the story of two Continue Reading
Review: You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
This book was seriously exactly what I needed. Reading diversely is important, and reading more than just trauma porn when you read diversely is even more important imo. And this book is exactly that. You Should See Me in a Crown is a YA book with a Black lesbian MC and it’s not traumatic or painful, it’s a typical YA. And truly the book was a joy to read. Liz Lighty is such a relatable character as the girl who doesn’t want to stick out too much – with anxiety when people stare too much at Continue Reading
Smexy Deals- YA Edition
I saw these YA books for sale and I thought I would share them with you. These two have also been awarded the Stonewall Book Award. You can find out more about that here. Fat Angie by e.E. Charlton-Trujillo Winner of a 2014 Stonewall Book Award Her sister was captured in Iraq, she’s the resident laughingstock at school, and her therapist tells her to count instead of eat. Can a daring new girl in her life really change anything? Angie is broken — by her can’t-be-bothered Continue Reading
Review: The Accidentals by Sarina Bowen
The Accidentals by Sarina Bowen Contemporary Romance /YA June 10, 2018 Tuxbury Publishing, LLC Reviewed by Tori Favorite Quote: Music has always been my only connection to him. And in a weird way, he’s never let me down. Rachel has always known who her father was but never saw him, only the checks he sent. When her mother passes away right before Rachel's 18th birthday, her father suddenly appears and takes her home with him. Suddenly Rachel is thrust into a relationship with the Continue Reading
Review: Before I Let Go by Marieke Nijkamp
Before I Let Go by Marieke Nijkamp General Fiction/Mystery/YA January 2, 2018 Sourcebooks Fire Reviewed by Tori Corey and Kyra grew up the best of friends in the small isolated town of Lost Creek, Alaska. When Corey’s mom decides to the family to the mainland, Kyra and Corey promise to stay in touch and Corey assures Kyra she will come back for her. Only Kyra doesn’t wait and Corey is now headed back to Lost Creek for Kyra’s memorial. As Corey looks for answers while struggling to Continue Reading
Review: S.T.A.G.S. by M.A. Bennett
S.T.A.G.S. by M.A. Bennett Mystery Thriller/YA January 30, 2018 (Reprint from 2017) Delacorte Press Favorite Quote: “I think I might be a murderer.” Reviewed by Tori At St. Aidan the Great School, or STAGS, new things--and new people--are to be avoided. The grandeur of the boarding school and the prestige of the students' bloodlines seem surreal to Greer MacDonald. A scholarship student who recently transferred to STAGS, Greer is ignored at best and mocked at worst by the school's Continue Reading
Review: Spartan Heart by Jennifer Estep
Spartan Heart by Jennifer Estep Series: Mythos Academy Colorado, #1 Urban Fantasy/YA December 5, 2017 Self Published Reviewed by Tori Favorite Quote: The first day of school is always the worst. School just started and Rory Forseti already knows it going to be a bad one. A spartan at the Mythos Academy in Colorado, she becomes persona non grata when it’s revealed her parents were famous Reaper assassins. Even her heroics in helping to defeat Loki and his minions last Continue Reading
Review: Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu
Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu YA Fiction June 29, 2017 Roaring Book Press Reviewed by Tori Favorite Quote: “It said girls are a revolutionary soul force that can change the world for real.” Vivian Carter is DONE. A junior at a small Texas high school where football is worshipped as a religion, Viv is tired of the misogyny in the school with the constant harassment, sexist dress code, and the football players getting away with murder. Her mom, a former Riot Grrrrl of the 90’s, Continue Reading
Review: Haven by Mary Lindsey
Haven by Mary Lindsey Paranormal Romance/YA November 7, 2017 Entangled Publishing Reviewed by Tori Favorite Quote: "We all hold a beast inside. The only difference is what form it takes when freed." Aaron (Rain) Ryland has spent his whole life on the streets due to his mother’s drug addiction. When his mother dies from an overdose, he is sent to live with an aunt he’d never met before in the small town of New Wurzburg, TX. Right off, Rain senses things aren’t right in this town. Continue Reading
Review: Trust by Kylie Scott
Trust by Kylie Scott Romance Contemporary/Mature YA July 18, 2017 Self Published Favorite Quote: “Even my shitty attitude couldn't deny the healing qualities of Cool Whip.” Reviewed by Tori “Being young is all about the experiences: the first time you skip school, the first time you fall in love…the first time someone holds a gun to your head.” Trust is Kylie Scott's first foray into young adult (YA) and a winner in my book with its bittersweet story of two teenagers who struggle to Continue Reading