Well, wasn’t this absolutely adorable? 13 Going on 30 is one of those rom coms I never get tired of watching, and Woke Up Like This is remini4.5 stars
Well, wasn’t this absolutely adorable? 13 Going on 30 is one of those rom coms I never get tired of watching, and Woke Up Like This is reminiscent of that film, only instead of middle school friends, the protagonists are two high school seniors who are enemies.
The story follows overreacher Charlotte Wu and popular jock J. T. Renner. Every interaction between them is a competition, including coming up with the best Prom theme. An accident occurs while they are decorating for the big event, and suddenly they are transported in time. To their shock, they wake up in the future where they are 30 years-old—and engaged.
Success for Charlotte means hard work, and she’s resentful that everything seemingly comes effortlessly to J. T. I enjoyed how they are forced to put their differences aside and work together to navigate the strange alternate reality. Their bickering is entertaining, as is the development of their friendship.
Woke Up Like This is the first book I’ve read by Amy Lea. I am curious to see what other gems she has written.
Recommended for fans of: Time travel Frienemies Young Adult 13 Going On 30
NOTE: This title is free to read and listen in Kindle Unlimited.
Check & Mate is Ali Hazelwood’s first venture into the young adult/new adult arena. I listened to the audiobook, which boasts impeccable narration by Check & Mate is Ali Hazelwood’s first venture into the young adult/new adult arena. I listened to the audiobook, which boasts impeccable narration by Karissa Vacker. Combined with an excellent story, it makes for an entertaining listening experience.
Mallory is 18 and the sole breadwinner of her household. She bears the responsibility of making sure the mortgage gets paid, ensuring her sick mom receives her meds, and catering to the needs of her ungrateful sisters. She was a gifted young chess player many years ago, but she quit playing when she was 14 due to a painful turning point in her life. When an opportunity comes along to get paid for studying and playing chess, Mallory is reluctantly forced to reconsider returning to the sport she once loved but now resents.
Nolan is an enigmatic, broody 20-year-old undefeated chess phenom and the current world champion. When Mallory unexpectedly beats him in an amateur competition, he becomes intrigued by her and fixated on playing her again.
I’ve lost count of the variety of sports romances I’ve read, but not once have I read a book set in the chess world. I don’t pretend to know the first thing about the game, but this story gave me an appreciation for the skill and dedication required to play chess at a professional level. I was totally invested in the outcome of this sweet story.
I discovered something while reading Check & Mate. “He fell first” love stories are my jam! Nolan falls hard for Mallory. The frosty guy just melts whenever he is around her, but she is so busy worrying about her family that she’s oblivious. Fortunately, Nolan has endless patience.
There’s an enjoyable amount of drama and suspense as Mallory rises in the rankings. Her fellow chess players are fun side characters, which partially makes up for how annoying her sisters are. I’m usually not a huge lover of young adult fiction, but this was a special treat.
Recommended for fans of: Chess Rivals-to-lovers Slow burn romances Independent young adults
I rarely read YA, but I Kissed Shara Wheeler has a premise I couldn’t pass up. Mystery, an elaborate scavenger hunt, and identity crises galo3.5 stars
I rarely read YA, but I Kissed Shara Wheeler has a premise I couldn’t pass up. Mystery, an elaborate scavenger hunt, and identity crises galore.
I’m always intrigued by the dynamics of the high school cliques in YA novels—the jocks, the popular kids, the brainiacs, the theatre kids, the geeks, and the queer teens. An entertaining portrait of each is painted. They are on the cusp of adulthood, still trying to figure out who they are as individuals while living in a town that demands conformity.
Chloe Green stands out for being a smart, openly gay rule-breaker in a conservative Christian high school. Her biting sarcasm, self-confidence, and defiance make her a memorable character. I loved the fact that Chloe, Smith, and Rory don’t fit neatly into any one box. Their quest to find Shara Wheeler by following her clues initially drew me in, but the search drags on, and I could clearly see where the plot was heading. The longer the story went on, the less I enjoyed it. I put this book down so many times that It took me three full weeks to finish.
I welcomed the affirmation that diversity is beautiful. The sentiment is somewhat muted by the fact that most of the characters unrealistically share a major attribute. Parts of the book are reminiscent of those iconic 1980s John Hughes films, though, which I grew up loving. The Breakfast Club, anyone? The ending is particularly fun.
Queer youth deserve to see themselves represented on the page, so there is great value in this story, despite its flaws. The book takes pains to depict well-rounded characters. I especially appreciated the way non-binary people are explained. The message that differences should be embraced is a valuable one.
Recommended for fans of: LGBTQ+ stories Young Adult High school coming of age stories Scavenger hunts
Colleen Hoover has hit me in the feels once again with this poignant tale. She has a knack for creating identifiable and intriguing characters and theColleen Hoover has hit me in the feels once again with this poignant tale. She has a knack for creating identifiable and intriguing characters and then weaving them into an absorbing storyline. Romance is an important aspect in the plot, but the heart of Regretting You is the complicated relationship between a mother and daughter.
I was drawn to Morgan, a stay at home mom who has happily devoted her life to nurturing her family. Let’s face it. Parenting is a hard and often thankless job. As the mother of three daughters, I can attest to the fact that the bond between mothers and daughters can be wonderful but also tenuous at times, particularly as they approach adolescence. Morgan has difficulty connecting with her rebellious 16-year-old daughter, Clara. The story is told from dual perspectives, which I welcomed because it allowed me to better accept each character’s shortcomings. In some ways, this is a coming of age story for both Clara and Morgan.
Regretting You is filled with an aching longing to be truly seen and appreciated. Combine that with the secrets, misunderstandings, heartbreak, and grudges that come to light and I was riveted. Another winning emotional tale from the versatile Hoover.
Recommended for fans of: Mother-daughter relationships Young love Stay at home moms Second chances
Autoboyography is a compulsively readable Young Adult triumph. Maybe I’m just old and jaded, but I tend to shy away from most Young Adult fiction becaAutoboyography is a compulsively readable Young Adult triumph. Maybe I’m just old and jaded, but I tend to shy away from most Young Adult fiction because teen drama frequently seems inconsequential or manufactured to me. This story, however, addresses contemporary concerns that feel genuine in every way.
A bisexual half-Jewish high school student moves to a Mormon town. It almost sounds like the beginning of a joke but for Tanner, being forced back into the closet is an unfortunate reality. He could easily be a bitter, self-destructive character, but he adapts while maintaining his naturally friendly nature.
A model student and son of a bishop, Sebastian is the small town’s golden boy. He is generous with his time, devout in his faith, and always eager to do the right thing. He willingly carries the weight of his parents’ high expectations, but my heart continually ached for him. Whereas Tanner proudly came to terms with his sexual orientation long ago, Sebastian grapples to define his sexual identity. The struggle is equally painful for them both.
Tanner’s progressive parents are a joy. They shower him with acceptance, but also exhibit concern. I’m pretty sure I developed a soft spot in my heart for Tanner’s mom from the moment she enters the scene with her inspirational bumper stickers and gay pride pajamas. Tanner’s dad is a huge teddy bear, and he offers a nonjudgmental ear and sound advice. I also enjoyed the complexity of Tanner’s relationship with his best friend Autumn.
I appreciated the way the story explores the tenants of the Mormon faith in an open and honest way, and it debunks many preconceptions. It doesn’t demonize those who believe homosexuality is a sin; however, it doesn’t sugarcoat their opinions and behavior, either.
Tanner and Sebastian’s tender journey hit me with all the feels. I didn’t expect it to be so profoundly moving. I am infinitely glad this book exists in a world where so many LGBTQ teens feel confused, scared, alone, or ostracized. Maybe this fictional story will bring them real comfort.
Recommended for fans of: LGBTQ issues Young Adult stories Small towns High school
I’m ashamed it took me so long to read this book. An unarmed black man being shot by a white police officer is somethinAll the stars!!
Audiobook Review
I’m ashamed it took me so long to read this book. An unarmed black man being shot by a white police officer is something that has become frighteningly common. The subsequent news stories always create a storm of emotions in me, and none of them are pleasant. I needed time to brace myself for what I anticipated would be an uncomfortable book to read. Rather than depressing, I found THE HATE U GIVE to be a profound and uplifting story—one that transcends the Young Adult genre.
Although the message behind the Black Lives Matter movement is the basis of the book, its center is 16-year-old Starr. There’s a lot going on, and all the events are relayed through her eyes. I identified with Starr’s struggle to straddle her two worlds: the ghetto where she lives and the white prep school she attends. In trying to blend both sides of her life, she feels inauthentic, guilty, and exhausted. After being the only eyewitness to her friend’s murder at the hands of a white police offer, Starr questions whether or not to speak out. She also begins to examine the deteriorating social climate and what motivates our actions.
Angie Thomas creates a vivid picture of Starr’s neighborhood and its marginalized residents. Although some streets are littered with gang violence and drugs, there is a great deal of love to be found in her family and among members of the community. I adored Starr’s parents and the strong bond she has with them and her brothers. The story explores issues of racism, stereotypes, poverty, and abuse. Despite having such heavy topics, I was surprised by how often the colorful cast of characters had me doubled over in laughter.
The Hate U Give is a simply phenomenal must-read for everyone.
About the Audiobook I listened to a previous audiobook narrated by Bahni Turpin, and I seriously underestimated her ability to do justice to this book. There are so many characters on the canvas of this story, and she painstakingly paints each one with a unique stroke. I could clearly visualize each person. Bahni Turpin doesn’t just narrate the book; she turns in a stirring performance. Five stars for her as well.
Recommended for fans of: Tackling social issues Sneakers Corner stores Tupac Shakur
[image]
...more
I am proudly sporting dark smudges and Samsonite bags under my eyes. They are the battle scars of a reader who was compelled to pull an all-nighter toI am proudly sporting dark smudges and Samsonite bags under my eyes. They are the battle scars of a reader who was compelled to pull an all-nighter to read The Accidentals in one sitting. I have long been a fan of Sarina Bowen’s writing, but I think this is her best work yet. It is her first Young Adult novel and she nails it! The story is breathtakingly haunting in the most wonderful way. Even my feels have feels, and I don’t know what to do with them all!
I don’t read a lot of Young Adult books. I think I’m just too old to appreciate the amount of avoidable drama caused by a lack of communication that is often found in the YA genre. Is there drama in this book? Yes. The story is tragic given all the wasted opportunities between a recently orphaned 17-year-old girl and the rock star father she’s never met. In this instance, my perspective as a more mature (aka middle-aged) adult allowed me to accept the conflicts and helped me form a balanced understanding of not only Rachel’s heartache, but Frederick’s struggles as well. I totally got these two characters.
I immediately connected with bookworm Rachel and her desperate need to feel wanted following her mother’s death. She is very perceptive, but her fears and insecurities prevent her from getting the answers she craves. I love Frederick’s determination to be there for Rachel 100%, even if he knows nothing about being a good parent and is unintentionally self-absorbed at times.
What went down between Rachel’s parents nearly two decades ago is a great mystery that lingers throughout the book. Ultimately – just like real life – things aren’t black and white. There is no villain vs. victim. There is no grand prize winner in The Blame Game. The story is more thought-provoking as a result.
Sarina Bowen skillfully weaves this poignant coming of age tale with an insightful hand. I especially appreciated the keen observations about music’s power to unite and transform. I loved the diverse cast of characters, including Rachel’s bad boy best friend Haze, her boisterous roommate Aurora, and hot nerd Jake.
The Accidentals is an emotional, captivating journey that lingers long after “The End”.
Recommended for fans of: Music Astronomy Hot nerds Young Adult novels
*I received an early copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion or the content of my review.*
I love Kim Holden, but I'm just not feeling this super sugary romance. The heroine is rather naive and annoying. Maybe it's just too Young AdDNF @ 36%
I love Kim Holden, but I'm just not feeling this super sugary romance. The heroine is rather naive and annoying. Maybe it's just too Young Adulty for me? Dunno. Perhaps I'll come back to it.
I don’t read a lot of Young Adult novels. I feel like there’s just too much unnecessary drama in many of them or they contain problems that s4.5 stars
I don’t read a lot of Young Adult novels. I feel like there’s just too much unnecessary drama in many of them or they contain problems that seem insignificant to me now. Trust me when I say that I get enough drama every day from my own three teens. So yeah, I’m selective when it comes to YA books. When It’s Real is light on drama and just plain fun.
Oakley is a 19-year-old pop superstar whose career is in jeopardy due to partying and scandals. He needs to clean up his image ASAP, so he hires a squeaky clean, normal girl to pose as his girlfriend. Vaughn is 17 and struggling to support her family financially. She reluctantly accepts the job of playing the humble girlfriend. Of course this book is a complete fantasy, but I enjoy a good fairytale from time to time.
This could easily be a Pretty Woman type of story where the heroine gets swept off her feet with makeovers and a wealthy lifestyle. I love Vaughn’s non-conformist attitude and how she isn’t impressed by Oakley’s fame. In fact, she is snarky and unafraid to show her disdain for him. He isn’t just another disgraced tabloid target. He’s an extremely conceited, selfish jerk, and it’s difficult to feel sorry for him in the beginning.
Vaughn and Oakley’s living situations make the storyline straddle the line between Young Adult and New Adult at times. However, with the social media posts and high school friendships, the story maintains a youthful feel. I really enjoyed how Oakley’s agent and PR person are incorporated into the plot.
When It’s Real is very different from Erin Watt’s Royals series. Don’t expect an angsty, sexy story. There’s an appealing attraction between the couple, but on a PG-13, wholesome level. This enemies to lovers romance has a wonderfully gradual build up that’s satisfying and sweet. It made a nice change of pace for me to read.
Recommended for fans of: Rock star royalty Enemies to lovers trope Fake girlfriends/boyfriends
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
Twisted Palace is the highly anticipated conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Royals series. To say that fans have been anxious to get their gTwisted Palace is the highly anticipated conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Royals series. To say that fans have been anxious to get their grabby little hands on this book is a huge understatement.
In addition to the stellar writing and fascinating characters, one of the trademarks of the first two novels (Paper Princess and Broken Prince) is the angst filled nature of the storyline. Each heart pounding, addictive chapter increasingly helps propel the plot towards jaw dropping twists at the end of both previous books. Twisted Palace is unexpectedly missing that anxiety driven feeling I’ve come to crave.
The stakes are as high as they can possibly be in this book, and Reed and Ella face a frightening and uncertain future. After a strong start, however, the plot grows stagnant despite the mystery. There’s a lot of repetitive talk without anyone actually doing anything.
Ella has always been this fiery force to be reckoned with. In this book her character devolves into a fearful, whiny, tearful teenager. At times I barely recognized her. However, there are moments when she shows her spunk and resourcefulness, and I greedily sucked them up.
Eventually, the plot thickens in a big way, and suddenly it becomes a fast-paced, intricate story. The last quarter of the book is particularly absorbing.
All the key players are back, along with one annoying addition, and the relationships continue to strengthen. It’s the love and faithfulness between the Royals that really carry this book. Of course, I couldn’t get enough of the intense attraction between Reed and Ella. Easton has earned a place of honor in my heart, and rumor has it that he will get his own standalone book.
I’m sure it’s difficult to live up to the extremely high expectations of rabid fans. I think Erin Watt does an admirable job of wrapping up the loose ends in Twisted Palace with an intriguing story that left me feeling satisfied.
The Royals trilogy as a whole is entirely captivating and one of the best Young Adult(ish) series I’ve read in a long time.
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
Hello, Book Hangover. I haven’t seen you in awhile. I don’t know whether to be thankful I indulged in this book crack—also know as Paper Princess—or mHello, Book Hangover. I haven’t seen you in awhile. I don’t know whether to be thankful I indulged in this book crack—also know as Paper Princess—or mad that I have to wait until late summer for the next book in this addictive trilogy. I’ve really enjoyed the work of Elle Kennedy and Jen Frederick in the past. Put them together, add the pseudonym Erin Watt, and you have one dynamic duo. This book has a little something for everyone, and I’m glad I had a free day where I could devour it from cover to cover.
[image]
Ella Harper is a destitute teenager. She’s struggling to survive but determined to graduate from high school and put herself through college. Millionaire Callum Royal comes along claiming to be her legal guardian. Despite her protests, he drags her out of squalor to live with him and his five intimidating sons in their beach front mansion—er, palace. Callum is a kind man who wants to make Ella part of his family; his sons want to make Ella’s life a living hell.
The prep school Ella attends is like Gossip Girl meets Mean Girls, and it’s not just the girls who are catty and vindictive. The boys also engage in slut shaming and bullying. Fortunately, she meets a fellow commoner, Valerie, who befriends her. Man, I loved Valerie and how she takes Ella under her wing. She’s hilarious and she gives Ella the dirt on who’s who at Astor Park Prep Academy. She also helps Ella have fun while navigating their strange world. There are no words to express how much I adored Ella. She’s a never-let-them-see-you-sweat survivor with huge self-esteem.
The Royals may seem to have it all, but they’re hiding huge secrets and each one has serious issues. Everyone takes their cues from Reed Callum and since he sees Ella as a trashy, money grabbing whore, she’s an outcast both at home and at school. Even though he’s cruel to her, Ella’s traitorous body is attracted to him. And is that hate she sees in Reed’s eyes or lust? It’s a delicious slow burn that has a wonderful payoff.
If you’re familiar with Elle Kennedy’s and Jen Frederick’s work, you might be expecting a lot of scorching sex. This book clearly targets younger readers though, so while there is definitely heat, some of the bedroom scenes have a fade to black quality.
Paper Princess isn’t your average young adult story. It’s an engaging teenage soap opera served up with a large helping of plot-driven angst and a dash or two of spicy hot sauce. This is a book for smart readers who enjoy complex characters and unpredictable plots. Warning: The end throws you over a cliff so if you hate cliffies, you may want to wait until the other books are released to read this.
Recommended for fans of: Enemies to lovers romance Mean Girls Tough heroines Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous Slow burn
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.**
Artwork made using royalty-free stock photography.
When Tillie Cole says A Thousand Boy Kisses is a tear-jerker she certainly isn’t lying. I had to keep my box of tissues on hand throughout th4.5 stars
When Tillie Cole says A Thousand Boy Kisses is a tear-jerker she certainly isn’t lying. I had to keep my box of tissues on hand throughout the majority of the book. Honestly, there was one point where I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue. I’m so glad I did, however, because despite my initial misgivings, the book is quite touching.
Rune and Poppy will make you wish that you had a love that intense, that pure, that everlasting. It’s almost unimaginable that someone can find their soul mate when they’re only five years old, or that teenagers can fully grasp the meaning of true love. This story turned me into a believer, and I never once questioned their bond.
“I think hearts beat a rhythm like a song. I think that just like music, we’re drawn to a particular melody. I heard your heart’s song, and yours heard mine.”
I wish the circumstances surrounding Rune’s return to his homeland were orchestrated differently. His behavior seems too immature and overly dramatic to ring true, and I couldn’t understand why he held such bitterness towards his father but not his mother.
The story really kicks into high gear a third of the way in, and although parts are predictable and perhaps even a tad cheesy, I found it engrossing. Rune and Poppy are so refreshing and admirable. Even so, this isn’t the book you want to pick up if you’re feeling down and looking for a light love story. A Thousand Boy Kisses is stirring, sweet, inspiring, and yes, heartbreaking at times, but also very rewarding. It’s Young Adult at its loveliest.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.**
❤ Buddy read with my daughter ❤ Her review is posted below mine.
3.5 stars from me
After a disappointing book two I’m happy to say things are back on t❤ Buddy read with my daughter ❤ Her review is posted below mine.
3.5 stars from me
After a disappointing book two I’m happy to say things are back on track with the quality of storytelling. For one thing, this time around Charlie is actually in the book full-time – not as a guest star. The mystery of Silas and Charlie’s recurring memory loss is just as intriguing as ever, and while I still consider it to be a page-turner, the story unfolds at a more languid pace. It’s a welcome break from the Xanax inducing tension in the previous two books. The developing relationship between this version of Silas and Charlie is fun and sweet. I’ve liked Silas from the beginning, and I really adore him in this book.
My problem is the ending. Conflicts between certain characters get resolved too quickly, and unless you’re keen on fairytales, the cause and solution is rather anticlimactic and sappy. It’s pretty much what I’d expect from a young adult novel. In addition, some questions remain unanswered to my satisfaction. There’s an epilogue, but honestly I would have enjoyed the entire book more if I hadn’t read it. It’s an eye roll worthy addendum that diminishes what started out to be a fascinating mystery.
Recommended for fans of: True love Mysteries Fairy tales Young Adult novels
I can’t find any way to describe this novella other than to call it the ending to pair with the other two books. This book is meant to answer one question: (how) will Charlie and Silas regain their memories? I initially thought this couldn’t be answered without cleanly addressing all of the issues and questions created by the first two novellas. I was proven wrong. The story for part three is enjoyable UNTIL YOU REMEMBER. Wait, what about this character? What happened to that? Those unanswered questions ended up taking away from the final phase of the story. By focusing so much on only the “Will Charlie and Silas get their memories back?” aspect, other questions brought up throughout the course of the story were ignored or came to lousy conclusions. Because those other ideas were thrown out the window just to see Silas with Charlie, I honestly can’t think of Never Never: Part Three as anything more than a glorified epilogue. But, the narration on both Fisher and Hoover’s part was so very enjoyable, almost making up for the poor end to the story itself.
As with the other two books, I adored Silas for his personality, but OH MY GOD CHARLIE! I loved that she was actually doing something in this book, thank you! I did enjoy the ending, even though it seemed like it was the first idea that came to mind. By my own standards, the entire Never Never tale was a success....more
Angela (Reading Frenzy Book Blog)
>
Books:
young-adult
(35)
Loading...
