My Lucky Star
by Enni Amanda
★★★.5
The lovely author of My Lucky Star reached out to me a few weeks ago with an offer of an advanced copy for me to check out. I found this would be a solid choice for people who enjoy the faking dating trope; Cem and Aria spend the entirety of the book teetering on the edge of their relationship remaining fake and becoming something real. Personally, I’m finding that the fake dating trope isn’t for me; I seem to be more of the enemies-to-lovers type. I can’t (and won’t) knock My Lucky Star though, as I think this would be perfect for fans of romantic dramas. Despite not having been *super* into the book, I found myself questioning what I really know about New Zealand and Turkey. As someone who has never left the US, it revealed a world of questions and perspectives I had not considered. I had never heard of a dizi or the kissing introduction rule; I didn’t realize that some cultures feel that weight is a common discussion or that there are signals to indicate when you are done with a meal. I definitely don’t regret accepting the ARC, and I’m glad Enni reached out.
Never Never
by Colleen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher
★★★
I typically love CoHo’s books, and Never Never had a several-month waitlist; I went into this read with high hopes. I will say that I found the twisted groundhog day trope interesting; I got frustrated alongside the characters when their daily lives just didn’t quite make sense to them. I thought the whole idea of soul mates and bonds that allowed forced them back together was weird though; I still question if the curse was more about Charlie having broken her “Never Never” promise. Overall, I was intrigued until the end. The epilogue ruined the whole thing for me; I honestly think the book would be 150% better if they had just cut the epilogue out and let the last chapter be the end. While I won’t say I regret reading it, I will say that this is by far my least favorite thing CoHo has written (or co-written).
Serpent & Dove
by Shelby Mahurin
★★★★
I love a good fantasy series, and I have been eyeballing this one for quite a while. I managed to get my hands on an audiobook copy via Libby after a several-month wait, and it was worth the wait. I found the story was magical, beautifully written, and periodically borderline spooky. With a believable portrayal of magic and a touch of romance, I was hooked. Mahurin compellingly depicts the conflicts that the enforcers of laws face; we see Reid as both the unmovable witch killer and the husband of a witch. Through Louise, we are reminded that someone who steals or has taken a human life is not always evil; there are ultimately a variety of factors that motivate people to do bad things. Together, we see how these complexities come together and impact relationships; many of the lessons shown here should be considered by readers within their own life. I can’t wait to see what lessons can be found in Blood & Honey.
Ms. Perfecty Fine
by Kate Callaghan
★★★.5
First, thank you Netgalley for my ARC of MPF. Second, I’d like to make it clear that this story is worth checking out for people who enjoy a quick-blooming romance. I found Autumn to be relatable quirky, strong, and a solid representation of invisible disabilities that often go unseen in the literary world. I thought Elijah was intriguing, considerate, and I liked that he is never portrayed as trying to downplay Autumn’s struggles or baby her for having them. However, I wasn’t a fan of how fast their relationship progressed within the enemies-to-lovers trope. I felt like their relationship felt like it almost sprung up out of nowhere; while this isn’t inherently bad, I’m just not big on the idea of fast love. That is the one thing keeping me from giving this story a 4-star rating. I will say that the twists within the story outside of the Autumn/Elijah romance kept me interested while I was reading though.
Midnight in Everwood
by M.A. Kuzniar
★★★★
I loved The Nutcracker as a child, especially the Barbie retelling, so I knew I was going to love this novel. I found the overall premise to be intriguing, as Marietta’s unexpected journey to a magical world echoed that of Marie- however, there isn’t really a “Nutcracker” character like some versions. We do get to learn about a variety of villages in the sugar-dusted world, although the story takes place in Everwood. In a world filled with sweet riches, loyal soldiers, a terrible king, and terrified villagers, Kuzniar maintains a very similar aesthetic to the original Nutcracker telling. Marietta’s story is delectably sweet with a touch of something darker. I found a copy of Kuzniar’s retelling through Libby, so I recommend checking with your local library.
Below Zero
by Ali Hazelwood
★★★★
I’m not normally a fan of the damsel in distress trope, but Hazelwood did it well. Hannah is portrayed as strong, bold, and independent; despite this, we get to see that even the fiercest women need help from time to time. Ian is intelligent, considerate, and apparently gorgeous. I found Hannah was the most relatable of the three Steminist novella leads, although Ian highly reminds me of the other male love interests. While I wasn’t thrilled that Hannah and Ian’s story centers around a general miscommunication- similar to Stuck With You- I enjoyed it nonetheless.
A Holly Jolly Diwali
by Sonya Lalli
★★★★
Although I’m a bit late posting this for Diwali, it is still a time of light and celebration. I didn’t really understand the significance of Diwali or what it was before reading this; while I have friends and family that celebrate the holiday, I haven’t personally participated. I’m so glad that I got to learn more about Diwali though, and our main characters (Niki and Sam) are both so lovable and relatable. I found their story believable as far as meet-cutes go, so I was rooting for them. I appreciate Lalli’s openness to discussing the “other” identity that stems from having multiple cultures; we see this as Niki finds herself being too Indian for the U.S. but not Indian enough for her community. Lalli also addressed the ugly and the beautiful truths about being a woman in India, and her candor does not go unnoticed.
The Naughty or Nice Clause
by Kate Callaghan
★★★★
I snagged this gem via @netgalley a while back, and I finally got to finish it yesterday. This story involved some of my favorite tropes (enemies to lovers, fake dating, etc.) while promoting the Christmas spirit. I loved Mason and Lyla’s personalities, although I wish their romance was fleshed out a bit more. The overall concept of bringing an outsider to Yule was intriguing, and I loved the magical realism of this story. Callaghan’s novel is fairly inclusive for an Irish Christmas story too, so that was a nice change from the holiday reads I’ve encountered so far. I would say this quick read is perfect for helping you get into the holiday spirit while working towards meeting your yearly reading goal.
Heartstopper
by Alice Oseman
Volume 1 ★★★★
Volume 2 ★★★
Volume 3 ★★★
Volume 4 ★★★★
I decided to check out Heartstopper since I kept hearing my teenage sister talk about it. I try to keep up with the trending books so I can continue adding to my class library, and I do think I will be adding Heartstopper to mine. I would like to note that I thought the stories were cute in a shy teenage romance sort of way, although it wasn’t quite my cup of tea. I found that Volume 1 and Volume 4 stuck out to me, primarily due to their focus- discovering one’s sexuality and mental health. Volume 2 and Volume 3 essentially felt like fluffy filler to me. It was cute to see how Nick and Charlie’s relationship evolves, but that’s about it. If you’re looking for a quick and simple read, Heartstopper is the series for you.
Under One Roof
by Ali Hazelwood
★★★★
So I read the novellas out of order, as I read The Love Hypothesis (loved it) and then Stuck With You (meh). I got the novellas as my library made them available on Libby, so I found Under One Roof last. While I loved The Love Hypothesis because I felt like I could really follow as the characters' relationship built, I didn't really feel that in Under One Roof. Due to the shortness of the story, it felt a bit like a porno; they went rapidly from enemies to friends, and then they were suddenly getting naked. Although this story was more enjoyable than Stuck With You, it still did not live up to the novel that started it all. I found the antics of Mara and Liam to be entertaining, and there was a certain organic feel to their relationship development. Aside from the scene that felt straight out of a porno- if you read it, you know what I mean- the story feels possible. I found that I actually wanted to finish this one (unlike Stuck With You).
by Meghan Quinn
★★★
I snagged this via Prime Reading, and I can acknowledge that it was a cute short story. It follows as Nola and Caleb each write to their mysterious Christmas-hating pen pals. This follows the cheesy “one who got away” trope, as well as that of Scrooge finding their Christmas spirit. With a meddlesome grandma, a sneaky postman, and two Christmas lovers in denial, this one will leave you laughing. I leave you with two parting words: ball massage.
By Colleen Hoover
★★★★★
I waited months for this gem to become available via @libby.app and it was absolutely worth the wait. I found the characters (Fallon and Ben) to be believable, and they were beautifully complex. We have Fallon the Transient and Ben the Writer who meet once each year on November 9th. Their love is both instant and gradual, and they left me wanting more. I don’t like insta-love tropes, but Hoover gave me a whole new perspective on them. I wish I could say so much more, but I feel like I’m going to give away the best parts. I will say though that I didn’t expect the twist, and I enjoyed the surprise appearance from one of Hoover’s other novels (I won’t spoil who). If you haven’t read this one yet, you should
by Colleen Hoover
★★★★★
The only word to describe Ugly Love is captivating. I waited more than five months for my turn to borrow a digital copy via Libby, and I completely understand now why the waitlist was so long. Following along with Tate and Miles no-strings-attached relationship is steamy and fun, but as we know, no-strings-attached relationships always have invisible threads that tug at the hearts of those involved. I loved reading about Tate and Miles' time together, but the history is devastating. Although I won't say much to avoid spoilers, I also love the reoccurring symbolism of fluidity; just as water changes, so do we as people. Ugly Love is a story of love, growth, and heartbreak.
by Ali Hazelwood
★★★
I really enjoyed The Love Hypothesis, so I gave this novella a chance when it became available via Libby. I hadn't realized this was the second novella in the series, so that might have impacted my opinion. Although I found the characters to be somewhat entertaining, I just couldn't get as hooked on the lovely duo as I did TLH. I found that the entire story came down to two people not communicating, and that trope tends to just be irritating to me; I hate reading about adults that have zero communication skills. While I have no issue with the idea of a romance moving quickly, as I firmly believe every relationship goes at its own pace, I do think they displayed that the speed of their relationship was a problem (lack of trust, inability to communicate, etc.). I'm pretty confident that the only reason they even speak is that they were literally stuck in an elevator together. Overall, I found that the characters and their relationship just weren't doing it for me. I'm still going to read the other two novellas though!
By Katherine Center
★★★★
This was my first book from Center, and I really enjoyed it. The Bodyguard is great for someone who is looking for a quick read, and it's both funny and charming. I found myself enjoying the reverse roles as Hannah works as a bodyguard, and I found it comical that Center decides that it is Jack that needs protecting. I will admit that I'm not normally huge on the fake dating trope, but I found myself rooting for these two to become real lovers. Despite how quickly the novel moves along, I felt like I really got to know Jack and Hannah. I won't say too much, but I likely won't look at bridges or cows the same for a while. I do now want to experience spending some real quality time on a ranch; after living surrounded by ranches, that wasn't a desire I expected to feel. My only complaint is pretty similar to Colleen Myer's on Goodreads. Hannah is frequently hating on herself throughout the story and has so many insecurities, and they came up every few pages at least; I wish that she wasn't only able to really work past them because of a guy. Hannah is portrayed as a strong but emotionally-damaged woman, and I feel like it would have been more suitable to Hannah's personality if she had figured out her self-worth without Jack's commentary. Overall, I really did enjoy the story though. If you haven't checked out The Bodyguard yet, you should do so immediately!
by Emily Henry
★★★★
As I was one of the children that frequently needed to help with the younger siblings, I LOVED this book. I found Nora to be so relatable, as I had experienced many of the same things she did. I can recall stressing about money for necessities, how to make sure everyone was where they needed to be on time, and just in-general parenting. It depicted the stress and beauty of parenting as an older sibling so honestly. Thankfully my dad was highly involved every step of the way, he just needed help. I won't pretend my mom is as big of an asshole as Nora and Libby's dad, but there were definitely some drawbacks of our own. I found the characters extremely charming, and even Charlie grew on me quickly. I'll admit that I typically find the enemies-to-lovers trope cheesy, but Henry really made it work. I found myself rooting for the cranky duo on every page. I enjoyed that their romance is real; although many people do not get a happy ending like theirs, it was true to the complicated development of many relationships. There is so much more I could say about Book Lovers, but my commentary would only include spoilers. If I could recommend one book that I have read this year to the world, this just might be it.
by Casey McQuiston
★★★★★
So I have had this one on my shelf for a while now, and I was determined to include this in my Pride reads for June. Although I try to read LGBTQIA+-themed stories and authors year-round, I really emphasize them in June since they are still definitely the minority of published works. I am so glad I finally read this one! McQuiston creates characters that are lovable and realistic, and her alternate reality is believable. I know many of us had been disappointed with how the 2016 election turned out, especially those who are queer or those with LGBTQIA+ family members, and I really enjoyed being able to imagine what could have been. I know that Prince Harry (who I'm pretty sure is Prince Henry) is married, but it was fun to consider an FSOTUS-Royal romance. Prince Henry and Alex are both funny, charming, and totally what you'd picture the children of global leaders would be like behind closed doors. I found myself alternating between laughing, wanting to cry, and cheering them on. If you haven't read Red, White & Royal Blue yet, you're missing out!
by Lana Harper
★★★★
I added this to my June TBR since I've been working on the Blue Bookmark Book Club's Pride reading challenge. I snagged this cute title from Libby and I was not disappointed. It's got everything I could ask for from a witchy romance; Harper delivers scorned women turned lovers, undeniable chemistry, strong female characters, and a touch of witchcraft to leave the whole story feeling magical. I will acknowledge that the very beginning of the story gave The Ex Hex vibes, but that's not a bad thing considering I loved that novel too. If you ever wanted a Goblet of Fire-esque political election, this is the story for you.
by Charlotte Bronte and Sherri Brown Irwin
★★★★.5
I found this at my local used bookstore (Bookhounds Books) and I just had to snag it. I loved Jane Eyre, so I was thrilled to find an alternative version that satisfied my desire for a good fantasy read. If you enjoyed the classic, I highly recommend giving this one a chance. I found the changes to be well thought out, and they really fit what I knew about the characters originally. This story has it all- vampires, werewolves, and necromancers, oh my!- so it really embraces how different creatures would fit together in Jane's world. While I won't say what- I will warn that the ending differs from the original in a few key ways. Overall, this version of our darling Jane ranks pretty highly for me.
by Alexis Daria
★★★★★
This romance featuring soap and telenovela stars is definitely not fit for cable TV. Jasmine and Ashton are attractive people that are looking to be more than a pretty face in the entertainment industry. Their experience filming their new show brings about a story of love, fear, and personal growth. Daria addresses the inequity in the entertainment industry and the significance of two Latinx actors climbing the charts in a way that can allow readers to really empathize with the struggles many POC artists face. I also loved how Daria reminds readers that our favorite actors are people too, and they too have their own identities and problems; this can be hard to keep in mind when we always see them from behind a screen. Daria brought Jasmine and Ashton to life; they are smart, creative, and passionate about what they do. Most importantly for some of you, this novel gets downright dirty.
by Farah Heron
★★★★
I snagged this title months ago as my Prime First Reads choice…. Let me start off by saying that I made the right choice. Although I kept putting this one off for whatever reason, I was completely hooked once I picked it up. It was fun, relatable, and really captured the essence of a growing teen. I loved that this novel also shares a voice that is typically ignored in literature- that of a young woman that is both of Indian descent and Muslim growing up in Canada. Heron helped remind me to be conscious of microaggressions within my community, but she also reminded me of how beautiful life can be when everyone is treated well. Moving beyond the diversity found within the characters, I enjoyed Heron’s style of humor. I love that the story was able to successfully be a rom-com *and* slice of life all at once; most of the rom-coms I read aren’t very realistic, so it’s a nice change of pace. I won’t spoil the ending, but I will note that it was a nice touch and supported the novel’s overall themes and messages.
by Sarah J. Maas
★★★★★
I bought this title by itself and again as a series bundle quite a while ago. I wish I would have read this one sooner! I found myself rooting for Feyah every step of the way. I had this idea in my head that it was going to be similar to Beauty and the Beast, but it definitely surpassed my expectations. I loved the concepts of faeries as both good and evil, and that humans are no different. I found her character extremely relatable, and Tamlin warmed my heart. I will admit that I found myself thinking about this book quite often, and I never wanted to put it down once I picked it up. The writing is strong, the story is compelling, and the characters are believable. I haven’t been very into series reads lately, but I’m already two chapters into the next book and loving it. If you liked The Hunger Games and Beauty and the Beast, you’ll love this!
Verity
by Colleen Hoover
★★★★★
If you're looking for a book that'll take you through more twists and turns than you can count, Hoover's Verity is just the read for you. With two writers and three liars in the mix, anything can happen...
by Emmanuelle Snow
★★★★
If you enjoy romance novels and the “normal girl meets superstar” trope, you’ll love this one. I received a copy of Pink & Country via BookSirens, and I wasn’t disappointed. The story follows April, a spunky pink-haired writer, and Carter, a super hot country star. Their story is sexy, fun, and will put you through emotional hell periodically. This book would be a solid match for fans of @annatodd’s After series. I found myself rooting for the characters throughout the novel, and I didn’t want to put my Kindle down. My only complaint was the frequent references to genitals and use of names while speaking; it’s possible this only bothered me though because people don’t speak that way where I live. The book was pretty solid otherwise.
Reminders of Him
by Colleen Hoover
★★★★
Since Bookstagram kept posting about this one, I decided to give it a read. I will agree with the widespread opinion that the book is fairly sad, but I wouldn't say that this is the most heartbreaking story I've read by Hoover. You're likely familiar with some of the basic components of the novel- a girl has too much to drink, makes a bad decision, and she's left to pay for costing her lover his life. However, most stories don't normally include the Ledgers and Diems of their stories. We follow Kenna as she attempts to rebuild the burned bridges to get the chance to reunite with her young daughter. Romance is in the air with the attractive bartender (and basically bonus relative for Diem) coming into the picture. People will be forced to make tough choices and choose sides as tension rises. Readers would do well to consider what they would do to be with their daughter- or what they would do to protect a loved child from being around a potentially dangerous mother. Kenna is ultimately the first drunk driver I have ever been able to empathize with, and I definitely wouldn't have felt bad if their kid was taken away. However, Hoover left me hoping that Kenna would have the opportunity to reunite with her daughter. This novel is powerful; I may not have cried, but I was made painfully aware of how easily someone I love could have been in her position.
Heart Bones
by Colleen Hoover
★★★★
Beyah faces a summer of cute boys, seemingly casual romance, and most importantly, a newfound relationship with her father and step-family. After a life of hardship with her mother in the poverty-stricken central U.S., Beyah now faced a new life of luxury at her stepmother's vacation home in Texas. Beyah is now essentially forced to confront her traumas and open her heart. Hoover creates such a believable summer romance and struggles with past hardships that the reader must ask themselves: do we really have heart bones, and is it possible for them to break?
The Dating Plan
by Sara Desai
★★★★.5
Follow Daisy and Liam as they begin an engagement of convenience to appease lawyers and overbearing relatives. I'm not a big rom-com person, but this one kept me giggling. Daisy and Liam are lovable and relatable and you just can't help but enjoy being along for the ride. I predict this one will be a movie someday.
Love & Other Disasters
by Anita Kelly
★★★★
This book was just so wholesome, though it was quite steamy at times. This follows the competitors-to-lovers trope as Dahlia and London find themselves competing on a nationally televised cooking show. London, a cute and proudly queer romantic that I'm thankful for; I've read plenty of books from the perspective of cis and queer characters, but I've never found one that offered representation through a non-binary main character. Dahlia, likewise, serves as the prime example of how queer women can be overlooked and assumed to be cis because they've been with (in this case married to) a man. I loved that both of them just unapologetically enjoyed each other as they were, although they weren't always able to accept themselves. London and Dahlia each face their own insecurities as they navigate the Chef's Special's competition and their relationship with the other contestants. With plenty of delicious food, a few adorable cows, and two people that want to proudly represent the queer community positively with their newfound media attention, this story will leave you giggling and dreaming about your own life.
The Soulmate Equation
by Christina Lauren
★★★★★
I'm not normally a sucker for romance novels or meet-cutes, but I definitely enjoyed this one. The characters are believable, and the science is fairly realistic. If you like love and science, this just may be the book for you!
When You're Home
by Abby Millsaps
★★★★
I got this one as a free ARC through Book Sirens, and I don't regret it one bit. Tori and Rhett, a pair that have had chemistry since they dated in high school, have an agreement- they can be together as friends with benefits, but only when he's home from college. Tori has reservations that do not let her love openly, and as such, she can only handle being with Rhett if she's essentially the other woman. I found the idea that Rhett was voluntarily cheating to be a bit irksome, but it's also hard to stay mad as you get to know the characters. While I won't spoil it, I will say that Tori has issues; she isn't just someone with a homewrecker fetish or anything like that (I know I was iffy when I initially found out there was a girlfriend). Things definitely get steamy every time they get together; this one is about 80% storyline and 20% smut. Overall, I'd recommend this one if you're okay with cliffhangers (as there is a book two).
The Matzah Ball
by Jean Meltzer
★★★★.5
I finally did it guys... I found a holiday book that I didn't want to put down! The Matzah Ball got me hooked. Rachel is sweet and funny, although she doesn't always have the energy to show that side of her due to her Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis). She secretly LOVES Christmas, especially her career as a Christmas romance novelist. However, things get interesting when the publishing house asks their top Christmas writer (who's actually Jewish) to write a book focused on Hanukkah. Rachel is so unsure of this, so she ends up trying to attend Jacob's (her childhood enemy) Matzah Ball Max for some good ole' Jewish inspiration. The events of this book left me in hysterics at some points, both laughter and sadness. I even felt some second-hand embarrassment. Most notably, I love Rachel and Jacob (along with having a soft spot for Bubbe Toby). I didn't know much about Judaism or Hanukkah prior to this, so I'm thankful Meltzer gave me an opportunity to learn about the holiday and traditions. Now I just want all of the snacks and dishes described. Overall, I'm quite happy I read this one and would highly recommend it.
The Love Hypothesis
by Ali Hazelwood
★★★★★
I absolutely LOVED this book, especially as Olive and Adam are so damn believable. The best and worst parts of academia are present- the love for the challenge, the feeling of success when it all goes right, the all-time lows of failure, and the lack of female representation in STEM. I love how both have pros and cons as people; just like in real life, neither of them is perfect. I loved that Hazelwood emphasizes the lack of time and money that college students typically have, and she didn't just pretend that a sexually inexperienced woman just magically knew what she was doing. There was just an overall authenticity to their blossoming intimacy that I couldn't get enough of!
Fixed on You
by Laurelin Paige
★★★★
Calling all my smut lovers! So I got this one when it was free on Kindle, and I do not regret that decision one bit. Ever wonder what it would be like if Joe from You got help instead of committing murder? Alayna has a history of stalking people and becoming a bit obsessive; likewise, her new boss (Hudson) has issues with any relationship that is more than just sexual. This story comes from Alayna's perspective, so you get a little insight into the potential mindset of someone who deals with obsessive disorders. I loved the unique perspective of the story, especially since most novels from a stalker's perspective never show their attempt to get psychological help. Their relationship is filled with love, betrayal, and a desire to heal. They are sexy and headstrong. I definitely got 50 Shades vies (minus the BDSM)!
The Holiday Swap
by Maggie Knox
★★★
If you love Hallmark movies, you'll love this book. Personally, I can never sit through an entire Christmas movie. I was convinced I would love this book since so many others did, but I was wrong. Don't get me wrong- the book is cute in the typical cheesy holiday film sort of way, but it just isn't for me. Everything is wrapped up perfectly with a bow by the end of the novel, so this will bring you some cheer if you just need a happy ending pick-me-up after one too many thrillers. Charlie is sassy and straightforward, while Cass is strong-willed and takes care of everyone; together the two are undeniably sweet. Of course, Knox threw in two attractive men as well just to spice things up. Overall, this is probably a great read for people who enjoy Christmas stories.
One Day in December
by Josie Silver
★★★.5
I've been waiting to start talking about holiday reads since my fiance argued that November was too soon. This was one of the first holiday books I ever read, and I chose one that was as cheesy as it gets. Laurie falls in love at first sight with the man she sees from a bus- only her best friend later brings him home as her new boyfriend. Jack definitely remembers that unforgettable moment of spotting Laurie for the first time, but he opts to focus on the girlfriend he already has. I found myself irritated by the characters, however, especially as they feel dishonest. The characters are believable, but I found myself enraged and heartbroken throughout most of this read. Despite all of this, I still found myself gobbling up the story as quickly as I could. This book is would be great for fans of Gayle Forman's Just One Day.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
by V. E. Schwab
★★★★★
This was my first book of 2021, and I still think of it frequently. It's your perfect example tale of not always being what we wish for in the way we predict, as Addie faces a reality where freedom means she cannot be remembered... at least until she suddenly is recognized by the surprisingly relatable Henry. A closed door or a setting sun is no longer a barrier for Addie and Henry, but you'll just have to give it a read to understand why...
PSA: The storyline is not entirely linear. It alternates between Addie's past and the present.
Girl, Serpent, Thorn
by Mellissa Bashardoust
★★★★★
I loved this one. If you're looking for an LGBTQ+ read with a healthy dose of fantasy and feminism, this is the book for you. I love how Soraya is able to learn to own who she is rather than bending to the expectations of society. Her story is full of sorrow, and yet, she doesn't overlook the happiness available in her life. Soraya gives the idea of a toxic woman a whole new meaning, and her emotional journey will keep readers wanting more. Full of Persian folklore, this is a great story for anyone who grew up watching Aladdin or Cinderella.
After
by Anna Todd
★★★★★
Now let me tell you, I was completely annoyed by One Direction when this book originally came out on Wattpad. A friend recommended that I give it a chance anyway, and I fell in love. This is a series that has made me experience falling in love with someone as broken as Harry/Hardin, having my heart completely shattered only for him to put it back together as he healed himself. I don't typically reread series, but I've read this one all the way through multiple times. I can't recommend this book enough, and that's how I wore out my first printed copy. Remember- the movie is way different than the books. They left out everything basically that gave Hessa depth and soul. Don't judge the book by the movies!
Cemetery Boys
by Aiden Thomas
★★★★
Queer fiction meets spooky season in this charming read. This tale follows a Puerto Rican teen's journey to gain his family's acceptance- as a man and as a brujo- due to cultural barriers and transphobia. As the lead character is preparing to release a (cute) teen boy's spirit, he also has to navigate the risk of becoming too attached to the dead.
Educators: Cemetery Boys is a great read to discuss the role of cultural beliefs and transphobia. This is also perfect to help your students embrace fall by discussing the practices of Dia de Los Muertos.
The Ex Hex
by Erin Sterling
★★★★.5
Okay, so this one was actually as sweet as candy. I loved how realistic the concerns of Rhys and Vivienne are as well as how deeply they love. This is perfect the perfect Halloween read, especially for fans of Practical Magic. With murderous toys, ghosts, and more than a touch of magic, Sterling takes you on a quest that is too addictive not to finish.
The Heart's Invisible Furies
by John Boyne
★★★★★
Follow Cyril Avery, an adopted Irishman who is constantly reminded that he isn't really a part of their family. As he befriends the son of his father's powerful friends and clients, Julien becomes a fixture in Cyril's mind. Cyril finds himself struggling to understand who he is, including trying to "make" himself straight in homophobic Catholic Ireland. The novel takes place in the 1940s and ends in the modern day. Follow Cyril as he ages, as he evolves, as he moves from Ireland to mainland Europe, and finally, as he moves to the U.S. Cyril spends a lifetime essentially hating himself, and the novel covers his journey to eventually achieving self-acceptance. Cyril appears as both lovable and despicable, and yet, he is so relatable. I found I could not put this one down, as Boyne sucked me in to know if Cyril will ever find true happiness.
This Time Next Year
by Sophie Cousens
★★★.5
So I chose this book today because the main character, Minnie, has a best friend that reminds me entirely of my newlywed sister. Today I watched as my sister said I do, and I saw a reflection of her in Minnie's BFF, even if the character wasn't the main one. They are both kind, hardworking, and will do anything for those that they love. Like the fiance, my new brother-in-law is always quietly looking out for the woman he loves. I honestly didn't care for Minnie or Quinn as I should have, but I love the love story of the two ordinary people that are essentially overlooked.
The Brands Who Came For Christmas
by Maggie Shayne
★★★★
If you're looking for a cute book for your holiday TBR, this one just might meet your expectations. I snagged it for free last Christmas, and I found myself entertained. Maya Brand is strong-willed and was just looking to have a little fun. Caleb stopped in town, and everything changed. When Caleb learns that he is about to become a father, he finds himself pursuing Maya and his chance at fatherhood. Although this book is rather cheesy, I'm not surprised being a holiday read and all. Overall, this is good if you are interested in the one-night-stand-to-lovers trope.
The Twilight Saga
by Stephanie Meyer
★★★★★
I first read the books when I was about 11 years old, and it helped kick off my love of reading. While the writing quality isn't anything special, the story stuck with me. It was the first book(s) that I remembered the most insignificant details of (like how many bites Bella finished her granola bar in during Twilight). To this day, the Twilight Saga is one of the only series I have bothered to reread (along with After, discussed further down). I have also thought about the series regularly for years. It filled me with excitement to be able to see the books come to life during the midnight premiers of Breaking Dawn, even if the vision scene seriously messed with my head. Let me just say that I am thrilled that Meyer is writing two more Saga universe novels, and I just hope they live up to the hype. I'm ready for some more sparkly vampires and terrible wolves!