daughter of the moon goddess by sue lynn tan

5/5 stars 

Published by Harper Voyager

Published January 11, 2022

Synopsis: A captivating debut fantasy inspired by the legend of Chang'e, the Chinese moon goddess, in which a young woman’s quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm.

Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware that she is being hidden from the feared Celestial Emperor who exiled her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality. But when Xingyin’s magic flares and her existence is discovered, she is forced to flee her home, leaving her mother behind.

Alone, powerless, and afraid, she makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom, a land of wonder and secrets. Disguising her identity, she seizes an opportunity to learn alongside the emperor's son, mastering archery and magic, even as passion flames between her and the prince.

To save her mother, Xingyin embarks on a perilous quest, confronting legendary creatures and vicious enemies across the earth and skies. But when treachery looms and forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, she must challenge the ruthless Celestial Emperor for her dream—striking a dangerous bargain in which she is torn between losing all she loves or plunging the realm into chaos.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess begins an enchanting, romantic duology which weaves ancient Chinese mythology into a sweeping adventure of immortals and magic—where love vies with honor, dreams are fraught with betrayal, and hope emerges triumphant.

every single aspect about daughter of the moon goddess is absolutely gorgeous. from its cover design to its eloquent prose, Sue Lynn Tan has an innate talent to construct a beautiful narrative with enchanting storytelling. dotmg is a reimagining of the story of the moon goddess, an ancient chinese legend that follows chang'e and her ascension to the moon. there are several variations to this story, but all involve her husband hou yi and the ten suns, an elixir of immortality, and chang'e's eventual ascension to the moon. it is during the mid-autumn festival that we celebrate and pray to chang'e, hence the mooncakes! i was told this story by my mother when i was a little girl and always looked for chang'e in the moon. it is this sentimental connection that i have to the original story that allows me to see how excellently crafted dotmg really is. this was a wonderful blend of chinese folklore and fantasy elements. Sue Lynn Tan was able to incorporate not just the legend of chang'e, but the jade emperor and the story of the four dragons as well, making this a tale of epic proportions. i was so impressed by how this story was weaved to encompass elements of my childhood with the romance, adventure, and magic that i revere in a fantasy novel. 

thoughts i had about people we meet on vacation by emily henry

5/5 Stars

Published May 11th, 2021

Published by Berkley Books 

Synopsis: Two best friends. Ten summer trips. One last chance to fall in love.

Poppy and Alex. Alex and Poppy. They have nothing in common. She’s a wild child; he wears khakis. She has insatiable wanderlust; he prefers to stay home with a book. And somehow, ever since a fateful car share home from college many years ago, they are the very best of friends. For most of the year they live far apart—she’s in New York City, and he’s in their small hometown—but every summer, for a decade, they have taken one glorious week of vacation together.

Until two years ago, when they ruined everything. They haven’t spoken since.

Poppy has everything she should want, but she’s stuck in a rut. When someone asks when she was last truly happy, she knows, without a doubt, it was on that ill-fated, final trip with Alex. And so, she decides to convince her best friend to take one more vacation together—lay everything on the table, make it all right. Miraculously, he agrees.

Now she has a week to fix everything. If only she can get around the one big truth that has always stood quietly in the middle of their seemingly perfect relationship. What could possibly go wrong?

i have had all of these thoughts written down as a draft since about a year ago to write a review, but i never did. i thought these were too good to not post, so im just gonna compile them into coherent thoughts and share them with you all because i thought they were funny and messy and im sure you can relate to some of them if you've read pwmov. thank you emily henry for my life. 

hook, line, and sinker by tessa bailey

4/5 stars

Published by Avon Books

Published March 1, 2022

Synopsis: King crab fisherman Fox Thornton has a reputation as a sexy, carefree flirt. Everyone knows he's a guaranteed good time--in bed and out--and that's exactly how he prefers it. Until he meets Hannah Bellinger. She's immune to his charm and looks, but she seems to enjoy his... personality? And wants to be friends? Bizarre. But he likes her too much to risk a fling, so platonic pals it is.

Now, Hannah's in town for work, crashing in Fox's spare bedroom. She knows he's a notorious ladies' man, but they're definitely just friends. In fact, she's nursing a hopeless crush on a colleague and Fox is just the person to help with her lackluster love life. Armed with a few tips from Westport's resident Casanova, Hannah sets out to catch her coworker's eye... yet the more time she spends with Fox, the more she wants him instead. As the line between friendship and flirtation begins to blur, Hannah can't deny she loves everything about Fox, but she refuses to be another notch on his bedpost.

Living with his best friend should have been easy. Except now she's walking around in a towel, sleeping right across the hall, and Fox is fantasizing about waking up next to her for the rest of his life and... and... man overboard! He's fallen for her, hook, line, and sinker. Helping her flirt with another guy is pure torture, but maybe if Fox can tackle his inner demons and show Hannah he's all in, she'll choose him instead?

tessa bailey has never failed to deliver a book full of feeling. and i mean every single feeling under the sun. ever since how much i loved it happened one summer last year, i've been on the edge of my seat waiting for hook, line, and sinker. the introduction of hannah and fox's relationship in ihos was refreshing against the backdrop of piper and brendan's story. beyond the banter and all the teasing, we were able to watch two characters who struggle with their own insecurities learn to appreciate themselves in the process of loving one another. tessa bailey was able to tackle serious conversations such as dealing with imposter syndrome and vulnerability. this is a story for those who constantly doubt themselves and their abilities, and this shows that sometimes the faith someone has in you is enough to grant you the motivation to push on. hls is the perfect story for hannah and fox and embodies so much goodness, charm, and strength. 

vicious by v.e.schwab

 

3.5/5 stars

Published by Tor

Published September 14, 2013

Synopsis: Victor and Eli started out as college roommates—brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in each other. In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong.

Ten years later, Victor breaks out of prison, determined to catch up to his old friend (now foe), aided by a young girl whose reserved nature obscures a stunning ability. Meanwhile, Eli is on a mission to eradicate every other super-powered person that he can find—aside from his sidekick, an enigmatic woman with an unbreakable will. Armed with terrible power on both sides, driven by the memory of betrayal and loss, the archnemeses have set a course for revenge—but who will be left alive at the end?

In Vicious, V. E. Schwab brings to life a gritty comic-book-style world in vivid prose: a world where gaining superpowers doesn't automatically lead to heroism, and a time when allegiances are called into question.

just gonna start off with saying that this was a very interesting read. i think the most remarkable thing about v.e. schwab is that she is always able to capture the essence of a story really well. from adsom to the invisible life of addie larue, and even including this savage song, her writing remains distinct and characteristic of her style, but shifts to match the mood of the plot and the tone of the character's voices. this is something i can't say i've really experienced from a lot of other authors. i think her stories are always fleshed out and told in elaborately unique ways that separate them all from one another. if there's one thing i can rely on, it's knowing that v.e. schwab will deliver a project with her whole heart attached to it. 

these violent delights/our violent ends caused me emotional distress

 

Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books

Published Nov. 17th, 2020/Nov. 16th, 2021

Synopsis (of These Violent Delights): The year is 1926, and Shanghai hums to the tune of debauchery.

A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city helpless in the grip of chaos. At the heart of it all is eighteen-year-old Juliette Cai, a former flapper who has returned to assume her role as the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang—a network of criminals far above the law. Their only rivals in power are the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. And behind every move is their heir, Roma Montagov, Juliette’s first love…and first betrayal.

But when gangsters on both sides show signs of instability culminating in clawing their own throats out, the people start to whisper. Of a contagion, a madness. Of a monster in the shadows. As the deaths stack up, Juliette and Roma must set their guns—and grudges—aside and work together, for if they can’t stop this mayhem, then there will be no city left for either to rule.

Perfect for fans of The Last Magician and Descendant of the Crane, this heart-stopping debut is an imaginative Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai, with rival gangs and a monster in the depths of the Huangpu River.

pain. suffering. a couple adjectives that come to mind when i think about this duology. it involves every perfect little nuanced trope that i look for to scratch my never-ending itchy craving for angst. These Violent Delights is a stellar debut novel by Chloe Gong. it is beautifully written and so easily enrapturing i had to physically pry these out of my hands in order to breathe a little bit before i further spiraled into despair. it is an obvious romeo and juliet retelling, but Chloe Gong delivers so much more to that classic tragedy. 

These Violent Delights/Our Violent Ends is initially set in 1926 Shanghai, with events leading up to the Shanghai Purge of April 12, 1927. juliette and roma are the heirs to two rival gangs: the scarlet gang and the white flowers. the presence of foreigners is increasing, with nationalist and communist regimes vying for power. in a city rife with growing political tension, what else could put a strain on relations if not a contagion spreading monster? amidst the growing turmoil, juliette and roma must put aside their history and the generations-old feud between their families to find a solution for the madness that runs rampant in Shanghai. 

The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon

 

4/5 Stars

Published January 26th, 2021

Published by Berkley 

Synopsis: Shay Goldstein has been a producer at her Seattle public radio station for nearly a decade, and she can't imagine working anywhere else. But lately it's been a constant clash between her and her newest colleague, Dominic Yun, who's fresh off a journalism master's program and convinced he knows everything about public radio.

When the struggling station needs a new concept, Shay proposes a show that her boss green-lights with excitement. On The Ex Talk, two exes will deliver relationship advice live, on air. Their boss decides Shay and Dominic are the perfect co-hosts, given how much they already despise each other. Neither loves the idea of lying to listeners, but it's this or unemployment. Their audience gets invested fast, and it's not long before The Ex Talk becomes a must-listen in Seattle and climbs podcast charts.

As the show gets bigger, so does their deception, especially when Shay and Dominic start to fall for each other. In an industry that values truth, getting caught could mean the end of more than just their careers.

This was exactly the fun, lighthearted rom-com I needed to spend my Sunday afternoon with. The public radio setting added such an interesting dynamic to the story. I enjoyed the behind the scene tidbits that gave us an inside look into how public radio may work in real life and these challenges really added to the characterization of our main cast. Reading about these two enemies turned fake exes turned lovers navigate this fabricated story to keep their jobs and radio station alive was something I grew so invested in. The Ex Talk is able to simultaneously tackle concepts of grief and vulnerability, love and longing, while creating an atmosphere that is so electrifying. Rachel Lynn Soloman's adult romance debut will make you feel seen in the characters she's crafted and has created a space that allows you to lose yourself in the simplest of joys. 

Jade City by Fonda Lee

 

4/5 Stars 

Published by Orbit

Published June 26th, 2018 

Synopsis: The Kaul family is one of two crime syndicates that control the island of Kekon. It's the only place in the world that produces rare magical jade, which grants those with the right training and heritage superhuman abilities. The Green Bone clans of honorable jade-wearing warriors once protected the island from foreign invasion--but nowadays, in a bustling post-war metropolis full of fast cars and foreign money, Green Bone families like the Kauls are primarily involved in commerce, construction, and the everyday upkeep of the districts under their protection.

When the simmering tension between the Kauls and their greatest rivals erupts into open violence in the streets, the outcome of this clan war will determine the fate of all Green Bones and the future of Kekon itself.

This is an incredibly impressive story. Jade City is the first book I've ever read by Fonda Lee, so I was really excited to experience her writing. Her ability to craft a world so rich in detail and culture is one of the main reasons why I enjoyed this book so much. From complex family dynamics to political strife, Fonda Lee is able to explore themes of love and power through the Kaul family and their homeland of Kekon. The imaginative descriptions of Kekon's history, as well as a few chapters containing Kekonese myth and legend, made the story so immersive and fun to read about. There are clashes between clans, a land rife with magic, and a social hierarchy that beckons to be changed. After hearing so many positive things, I finally gave in to the recommendation, and I firmly believe that Fonda Lee has the makings of one of the best adult fantasy series around.

Flame in the Mist by Reneé Ahdieh

3/5 Stars

Published by Speak

Published May 16th, 2017

Synopsis: The daughter of a prominent samurai, Mariko has long known her place--she may be an accomplished alchemist, whose cunning rivals that of her brother Kenshin, but because she is not a boy, her future has always been out of her hands. At just seventeen years old, Mariko is promised to Minamoto Raiden, the son of the emperor's favorite consort--a political marriage that will elevate her family's standing. But en route to the imperial city of Inako, Mariko narrowly escapes a bloody ambush by a dangerous gang of bandits known as the Black Clan, who she learns has been hired to kill her before she reaches the palace.

Dressed as a peasant boy, Mariko sets out to infiltrate the Black Clan and track down those responsible for the target on her back. Once she's within their ranks, though, Mariko finds for the first time she's appreciated for her intellect and abilities. She even finds herself falling in love--a love that will force her to question everything she's ever known about her family, her purpose, and her deepest desires.

Being that this is the first book by Renée Ahdieh, a beloved author by the book community, that I have read, I definitely held it to high standards. After hearing for months that it was a dubbed a Mulan retelling, I held it to even higher standards. Unfortunately, I felt like I got the shorter end of both sticks and ended up jinxing it for myself. Flame in the Mist was far from the Mulan retelling I was expecting and in a way that let me down. It is a good story on its own, so long as you overlook the comparison to Mulan. I think this story definitely has room to grow in the sequel and I look forward to picking it up, especially because I craved so much more out of this one. I am highly impressed by Renée's sense of world building and attention to detail, as well as her incorporation of the Japanese culture (though I am unsure of whether it was represented 100% accurately or appropriately). This was an interesting book from start to finish, with quite a bit of loose ends left out in the open to be answered in the sequel, which is definitely what pushed me to finish this one in time for its release. 

Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco

4/5 Stars

Published by Little, Brown & Company

Published September 19th, 2017

Synopsis: Following the grief and horror of her discovery of Jack the Ripper's true identity, Audrey Rose Wadsworth has no choice but to flee London and its memories. Together with the arrogant yet charming Thomas Cresswell, she journeys to the dark heart of Romania, home to one of Europe's best schools of forensic medicine...and to another notorious killer, Vlad the Impaler, whose thirst for blood became legend.

But her life's dream is soon tainted by blood-soaked discoveries in the halls of the school's forbidding castle, and Audrey Rose is compelled to investigate the strangely familiar murders. What she finds brings all her terrifying fears to life once again.

After what seems like years without reading, I decided to pick this one up for a quick and enthralling read, and boy was it the right choice. Stalking Jack the Ripper was one of my favorite reads of 2017 and I just knew Hunting Prince Dracula would be right up my alley. In middle school I recall reading about Vlad the Impaler for fun in history class, thinking his story was certainly disturbing, yet incredibly fascinating. What I never expected was for his gruesome legacy to be taken to the pages of a YA novel in such an engaging and fun way. Maniscalco takes Prince Dracula's entire being and plays with his characterization like putty, crafting him into this figure that instills fear into the audience with even the slightest mention of his name. Obviously you should be scared of him from just the implication of his name, but Maniscalco was able to rewrite this story in such a way that made it so much more than the historical facts we know about Vlad the Impaler already.

The Epic Crush of Genie Lo by F.C. Yee

5/5 Stars

Published by Amulet Books

Published August 8th, 2017

Synopsis: The struggle to get into a top-tier college consumes sixteen-year-old Genie Lo's every waking thought. But when her sleepy Bay Area town comes under siege from hell-spawn straight out of Chinese folklore, her priorities are suddenly and forcefully rearranged.

Her only guide to the demonic chaos breaking out around her is Quentin Sun, a beguiling, maddening new transfer student from overseas. Quentin assures Genie she is strong enough to fight these monsters, for she unknowingly harbors an inner power that can level the very gates of Heaven.

Genie will have to dig deep within herself to summon the otherworldly strength that Quentin keeps talking about. But as she does, she finds the secret of her true nature is entwined with his, in a way she could never have imagined…

This is one of my favorite books of all time. The Epic Crush of Genie Lo is exactly what you would expect it to be - EPIC. Everything about the storytelling is exquisite, creative, and genius. You find yourself immediately attracted to the easy flowing syntax, the meaning behind the mayhem, and the uniqueness of the story. This is one of the first books I have ever seen myself so distinctly represented in. The Chinese legend Journey to the West and the Monkey King is what serves as inspiration to this wonderfully made story. This is a legend I have known since I was a child and one that I have grown up reading, watching, and listening to. It is a legend I could never have imagined would become a YA novel, but F.C. Yee made it happen, and I am incredibly thankful to have it. The Epic Crush of Genie Lo is the spunky, modern twist of the Chinese classic, and brings forward a courageous, rebellious plot that leaves you wanting more. It is refreshing to see Chinese folklore hit the bookshelves in such an impactful way.

Want by Cindy Pon

4/5 Stars

Published by Simon Pulse

Published June 13th, 2017

Synopsis: Jason Zhou survives in a divided society where the elite use their wealth to buy longer lives. The rich wear special suits that protect them from the pollution and viruses that plague the city, while those without suffer illness and early deaths. Frustrated by his city’s corruption and still grieving the loss of his mother, who died as a result of it, Zhou is determined to change things, no matter the cost.

With the help of his friends, Zhou infiltrates the lives of the wealthy in hopes of destroying the international Jin Corporation from within. Jin Corp not only manufactures the special suits the rich rely on, but they may also be manufacturing the pollution that makes them necessary.

Yet the deeper Zhou delves into this new world of excess and wealth, the more muddled his plans become. And against his better judgment, Zhou finds himself falling for Daiyu, the daughter of Jin Corp’s CEO. Can Zhou save his city without compromising who he is or destroying his own heart?

Want is an absolutely stunning novel. Cindy Pon has crafted a world that is completely unique and unlike anything I have ever read before. This future-esque reimagining of Taiwan, in which the air pollution takes a terrible toll on the people of its city, is creative and hard-hitting, and does not stray far from environmental issues that affect us everyday. This is the first novel I have read by Cindy Pon and I have absolutely no idea why I didn't pick up her books sooner. I have followed Cindy Pon on social media for the longest time and I have watched her be an advocate of and influencer for Asian representation in YA novels. She has changed the game in so many ways and I am forever grateful for her contribution to this community. She has impeccable craftsmanship, rolling out a plot that will keep you not only connected to the story, but subliminally relating the context back to relevant issues in real life. Want is everything I needed in a novel at the time, becoming a book that I will push onto my friends and family for years to come. It is culturally immersive, includes a myriad of diverse characters, and applicable to situations that are happening around the world, which is what makes it such a universal read.

#ReadADessen: Lock & Key + GIVEAWAY!

Synopsis: Ruby, where is your mother?

Ruby knows that the game is up. For the past few months, she's been on her own in the yellow house, managing somehow, knowing that her mother will probably never return.

That's how she comes to live with Cora, the sister she hasn't seen in ten years, and Cora's husband Jamie, whose down-to-earth demeanor makes it hard for Ruby to believe he founded the most popular networking Web site around. A luxurious house, fancy private school, a new wardrobe, the promise of college and a future; it's a dream come true. So why is Ruby such a reluctant Cinderella, wary and defensive? And why is Nate, the genial boy next door with some secrets of his own, unable to accept the help that Ruby is just learning to give?

*Thank you to Penguin for sending me a copy of Lock & Key!*

I really enjoyed this one! I definitely have a feel for Sarah Dessen books now and what they're all about, and cannot wait to indulge the rest of her stories. She has a strong preference for stories that deal with friendship and romance, while also handling serious issues. Her books are meant to show what it's like to grow up and adapt to certain situations, to discover yourself and dare to take risks. I think Sarah Dessen books are perfect summertime reads! With that, I want to share with all of you some of my favorite summertime jams that include some new songs plus some oldies, but goodies, paired with my favorite quotes from the book.

1. “It's a lot easier to be lost than found. It's the reason we're always searching and rarely discovered--so many locks not enough keys.”
2. “I always tried to imagine what it would be like to open your door to find something you had given up on. Maybe it had seen places you never had, been rerouted and passed through so many strange hands, but still somehow found its way back to you, all before the day even began. ”
3. “We all have one idea of what the color blue is, but pressed to describe it specifically, there are so many ways: the ocean, lapis lazuli, the sky, someone's eyes. Our definitions are as different as we are ourselves.” 

There are only a couple of weeks left until the release of ONCE AND FOR ALL! Until then, you can all enter to win a set of ALL of Sarah Dessen's books! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter for a chance to win one (1) set of Sarah Dessen’s books in paperback (ARV: $132.00).

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on April 17, 2017 and 12:00 AM on May 29, 2017. Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about June 1, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

Hunted by Meagan Spooner

4/5 Stars

Published by HarperTeen

Published March 14th, 2017

Synopsis: Beauty knows the Beast’s forest in her bones—and in her blood. Though she grew up with the city’s highest aristocrats, far from her father’s old lodge, she knows that the forest holds secrets and that her father is the only hunter who’s ever come close to discovering them. 

So when her father loses his fortune and moves Yeva and her sisters back to the outskirts of town, Yeva is secretly relieved. Out in the wilderness, there’s no pressure to make idle chatter with vapid baronessas…or to submit to marrying a wealthy gentleman. But Yeva’s father’s misfortune may have cost him his mind, and when he goes missing in the woods, Yeva sets her sights on one prey: the creature he’d been obsessively tracking just before his disappearance.

Deaf to her sisters’ protests, Yeva hunts this strange Beast back into his own territory—a cursed valley, a ruined castle, and a world of creatures that Yeva’s only heard about in fairy tales. A world that can bring her ruin or salvation. Who will survive: the Beauty, or the Beast?

This Beauty and the Beast retelling knocked my socks off. The only other book I have read that is co-written by Meagan Spooner is These Broken Stars, which I had a very difficult time getting into. Hunted was the exact opposite for me - I could not put it down. Meagan Spooner's writing is pure eloquence and sophistication. The detailing is so vivid and life-like, the scenes unfurling around you like a boat's sail. It is haunting and mysterious, yet full of innocence, power, and elegance amongst the slightest touch of the darkest themes. I thought Spooner's twist on this classic tale was executed excellently and is by far one of the best Beauty and the Beast retellings on the market. Not only is this one of the best books I've read this year, but it has me even more excited for Unearthed which comes out in 2018!

#ReadADessen: The Truth About Forever + GIVEAWAY!

Synopsis: In The Truth About Forever, when asked how she is coping with her father's death, invariably seventeen year old Macy Queen's answer is "fine," when nothing could be further from the truth. In actuality, she is drowning in grief while maintaining a flawless façade of good grades and unblemished behavior. Though she feels lost when her boyfriend heads to "Brain Camp" for the summer, she finds herself a job with the quirky Wish Catering crew, and meets "sa-woon"-worthy Wes, whose chaotic lifestyle is in direct opposition to her own.

As the two share their stories over the summer, Macy realizes she can no longer keep her feelings on ice. Though it feels like her future ended with her dad's death, Macy's learns that forever is all about beginnings.

*Thank you to Penguin for sending me a finished copy of 

The Truth About Forever!*

The Truth About Forever is the first Sarah Dessen book I have ever read (I knoooow - where have I been) and I must say, Sarah Dessen has a wonderful writing style. What I love the most about her writing style is the fact that she paints a vivid picture. The detail in everything is so intricate and planned out, that I couldn't help but get lost in it. There is a lot about this book, and others I presume, that is incredibly relatable and realistic - she writes about a lot of important issues and does so really well. While The Truth About Forever deals heavily with loss and the grief that comes after, friendship plays a large part in the story. It is through the establishment of these friendships that our main character is able to break free from her controlled life and find herself. Although romance is part of the plot line, it is such a slow progression from the day Macy and Wes meet, to the day they become friends, to the day they realize they're wonderful together. This is a story of self realization, the overcoming of loss, and the determination to save what you believe in.

The characters in this book were so much fun to read about. While Macy was quite the character to read about, I especially loved the Wish Catering crew and felt that each member added a different dynamic to the story. After the passing of her father, Macy is reclusive and afraid to break away from her shell. She's studious, organized, and not one for surprises. However, the most beautiful parts of the story were when Macy found herself in a sticky situation, because it brought her out of her comfort zone and into the welcoming arms of the Wish Catering crew. Here we find Kristy, Monica, Bert, Delia, and Wes. Kristy is the best friend you hope to find, Monica is the one who is always there, Bert is comedic relief, Delia is kind hearted, and Wes is obviously sa-woon. I thought the friendships between all the characters were light-hearted, supportive, and real. The relationship between Wes and Macy is soooo sweet - I loved that we were able to really watch the relationship blossom and overcome its obstacles.

Now, I'd like to share with all of you my top three favorite quotes from The Truth About Forever:

1. "There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment.”
2. “Grief can be a burden, but also an anchor. You get used to the weight, how it holds you in place.”
3. “The choices you make now, the people you surround yourself with, they all have the potential to affect your life, even who you are, forever.”

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win one (1) set of Sarah Dessen’s books in paperback (ARV: $132.00).

 

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on April 17, 2017 and 12:00 AM on May 29, 2017.  Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about June 1, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

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Literally by Lucy Keating + GIVEAWAY!

4/5 Stars

Published by HarperTeen

Published April 11th, 2017

Hardcover, 256 pages

Pre-order Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository

Synopsis: A girl realizes her life is being written for her in this unique, smart love story that is Stranger Than Fiction for fans of Stephanie Perkins.

Annabelle’s life has always been Perfect with a capital P. Then bestselling young adult author Lucy Keating announces that she’s writing a new novel—and Annabelle is the heroine.

It turns out, Annabelle is a character that Lucy Keating created. And Lucy has a plan for her.

But Annabelle doesn’t want to live a life where everything she does is already plotted out. Will she find a way to write her own story—or will Lucy Keating have the last word?

The real Lucy Keating’s delightful contemporary romance blurs the line between reality and fiction, and is the perfect follow-up for readers who loved her debut Dreamology, which SLJ called, “a sweet, quirky romance with appealing characters.”

Lucy Keating immediately impressed me with her debut novel Dreamology, coming onto the scene with a fresh voice, creative storytelling, and immersive writing. With Dreamology being one of my favorite contemporary novels ever, I knew I was in for a treat when she announced Literally. This book is so unlike anything I have ever read before. Lucy Keating has a unique writing style that I adore. It is simplistic, but commands the page. She has an excellent way of setting an elaborate scene and keeping you involved in the atmosphere. Just as the synopsis says, Lucy Keating is able to blur the line between reality and fiction, creating an intriguing storyline that has you really feeling for the characters and getting caught between what is real and what is fiction. Once again, Lucy Keating has stunned me with her writing. 

Wayfarer by Alexandra Bracken

4/5 Stars 

Published by Disney Hyperion

Published January 3rd, 2017

Synopsis: All Etta Spencer wanted was to make her violin debut when she was thrust into a treacherous world where the struggle for power could alter history. After losing the one thing that would have allowed her to protect the Timeline, and the one person worth fighting for, Etta awakens alone in an unknown place and time, exposed to the threat of the two groups who would rather see her dead than succeed. When help arrives, it comes from the last person Etta ever expected—Julian Ironwood, the Grand Master’s heir who has long been presumed dead, and whose dangerous alliance with a man from Etta’s past could put them both at risk. 

Meanwhile, Nicholas and Sophia are racing through time in order to locate Etta and the missing astrolabe with Ironwood travelers hot on their trail. They cross paths with a mercenary-for-hire, a cheeky girl named Li Min who quickly develops a flirtation with Sophia. But as the three of them attempt to evade their pursuers, Nicholas soon realizes that one of his companions may have ulterior motives.

As Etta and Nicholas fight to make their way back to one another, from Imperial Russia to the Vatican catacombs, time is rapidly shifting and changing into something unrecognizable… and might just run out on both of them.

Wow, I am so impressed by this book. Alexandra Bracken has grown tremendously in her written capabilities. Passenger was my favorite book in 2015, as I read it right after YALLFest, and I was immediately ready to be wrecked by the second book. As I predicted, I was absolutely correct - I was destroyed by this book. Alex has this amazing ability to create luscious depictions of locations around the world and scenery that sticks with you. As much as I was lost in the writing, I was lost in the world of time traveling. I want to experience what these characters can do (without being hunted, of course). Wayfarer has to be the best book Alex has written in terms of rich writing, decadent plot development, and just overall amazing story telling. I've so much respect for the author she has become and cannot fathom the great things she will accomplish in the future. (*Also, maybe slight spoiler alert, because this is a sequel and a lot happens in this book that would probs spoil the first. So I'm gonna try to review it without spoiling anything, but please take caution!!)

Dare You To by Katie McGarry

5/5 Stars

Published by Harlequinn Teen

Published May 28th, 2013

Synopsis:  Ryan lowers his lips to my ear. "Dance with me, Beth."

"No." I whisper the reply. I hate him and I hate myself for wanting him to touch me again....

"I dare you..."

If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all....

*swoons* I knew I would love this book, but I didn't think I would love it as much as I did. With Pushing The Limits being one of my favorite contemporary novels, probably ever, I knew it would be hard to compete, but Dare You To knocked my socks off. Katie McGarry is wonderful at pulling you into her story with great characters, a thrilling plot-line, and lots and lots of kissing. I'm sure most people would look at the covers of the books in this series and label it as a stereotypical romance book, but it lies far from that. There is so much substance in the plot, so much dimension to these characters and the way they work, and a writing style that does not allow you to stop. Within literally the span of two books, Katie McGarry became an author who is at the top of my radar. I must note that these books do deal with abuse, so please take caution if you decide to pick them up. 

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

5/5 Stars

Published by Henry Holt 

Published September 20th, 2016

Synopsis: Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and left crippled by the kidnapping of a valuable team member, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of magic in the Grisha world.

Caution ahead: this is going to be a really messy review in which I basically word vomit everything I felt throughout this book. So if you're really in the mood for a laugh and maybe some tears, please stick around I swear I'll make it worth it.

Before we begin this treacherous journey back into my depths of despair, let's just acknowledge the elephant in the room - the ending to Six of Crows. I already thought I could never be betrayed as much as I was during those final 20 pages, but I was so very wrong. Leigh Bardugo came back with a strong duology ender and probably one of the best books I've ever read in my life. Her writing continuously gains depth and just keeps getting better as the years go on. The prose was so obviously tended to with such tender loving care, but it was so effortless that reading Crooked Kingdom was like a breath of fresh air even though you felt like you were drowning. There is no denying that Leigh Bardugo is great at what she does. 

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

5/5 Stars

Published by Harlequin Teen

Published July 31st, 2012

Synopsis: "I won't tell anyone, Echo. I promise." Noah tucked a curl behind my ear. It had been so long since someone touched me like he did. Why did it have to be Noah Hutchins? His dark brown eyes shifted to my covered arms. "You didn't do that-did you? It was done to you?" No one ever asked that question. They stared. They whispered. They laughed. But they never asked.
So wrong for each other...and yet so right.

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible. Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again..

This book was electrifying. Pushing the Limits is one of those stories that you cannot put down. From the very first page, you'll want to invest the rest of your day to reading this heart-wrenching story. This is the first time I've read a book by Katie McGarry and I'm so happy to say that I enjoyed every single moment of this book. Katie McGarry has a way of hooking you with fiery relationships, heavy baggage, and intimacy - both physical and emotional. I was in dire need of a contemporary novel with a classic heavy romance and this fulfilled just that. After finishing Crooked Kingdom, I needed something that was light and steamy, and while this was far from a happy-go-lucky story, it had me hooked from the beginning.

ARC Review: Heartless by Marissa Meyer

3.5/5 Stars

Published by Feiwel and Friends

Published November 8th, 2016

Synopsis: Long before she was the terror of Wonderland — the infamous Queen of Hearts — she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the yet-unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend and supply the Kingdom of Hearts with delectable pastries and confections. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next Queen.

At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the king's marriage proposal, she meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship.

Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

Hello friends!! I am so sorry for being so distant and out of touch with my blog recently, but college has gotten super stressful for me, and I felt like I should focus on my studies. With that said, I have finally found a little time between everything for me to try to get back in the swing of things and schedule some posts ahead of time. Without further ado, let's get on with the review!

Marissa Meyer is one of the greatest fairytale retelling writers I have ever had the pleasure of reading from. The Lunar Chronicles is one of the most enjoyable series I've read and sets her writing really high up on my radar. When I heard she was coming out with another fairytale retelling, I was immediately intrigued. After hearing it was a Queen of Hearts retelling, I was completely sold for the story. When I received an ARC of this from ALA, I was beyond thrilled. It was one of the happiest moments for me during that weekend. So getting started, Heartless was definitely a good book. The writing is just as amazing as TLC, just as intriguing and eloquent, but I felt that it was really slow at the beginning. Since this is an origin story, and an origin story that I'm sure not very many people are familiar with, it took a while for Marissa Meyer to set the story and develop the background. That is understandable. However, I was expecting so much more from this book, especially since it is a standalone.