Tag: ya romance

REVIEW: Counting Down with You by Tashi Bhuiyan

REVIEW: Counting Down with You by Tashi Bhuiyan

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Inkyard Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Karina’s parents are traveling for a month to Bangladesh to visit family, leaving her and her younger brother with their grandmother. And it’s just the break Karina needs. She never realized the anxiety she carries every day until she mentioned to her parents she might not want to go to medical school. She never even mentioned what she might study instead – English – before they completely freaked out. Their rules are plentiful and strict and not open for discussion.

Karina’s English teacher is her favorite, of course. So when she asks Karina to tutor another student, she agrees in order to not disappoint the woman. But she had no idea the student was Alistair Clyde. Ace is an enigma around school. His family is super rich, and his brother is super popular as well as being president of the student body. Ace on the other hand skips class and seems like a bad boy and a loner. Getting him to actually do any work in their tutoring sessions will take a miracle.

Karina has barely gotten Ace to engage in their study sessions when he announces to his family that they are dating. He doesn’t want anyone to know he needs a tutor. But if Karina’s parents find out she is spending any time with a boy, much less a white boy, they will explode. She will lose even the barest bit of freedom she currently has. She should just say no and make Ace deal with his family honestly. But she’s seen the dynamic with his dad and his brother. And she has a bit of understanding of what it’s like in a complicated family. So Karina agrees to go along with things until her parents get back. But as she counts down the days until their return, her heart doesn’t seem to remember that this is all supposed to be pretend.

Review

This. Was. FANTASTIC! Wow! I didn’t expect to be captivated by this so quickly. But the characters are phenomenal! One minute I wanted to hug all of them, but the next I wanted to just stand back and admire the heart and the strength and the fierceness of them.

The book ran me through the full range of emotions. There were tons of laugh-out-loud moments, but there were also tearful ones. And there was one piece that made me want to stand up and cheer. I am so in awe of this story. The minute I finished, I wanted to pick it up and start all over.

Karina and Ace are magical together. I can’t get enough of them. There are some tough family moments here – hurtful, devastating conversations. But as painful as those moments are – for Karina and for Ace – they also shine a spotlight on the inner strength of these teens. There’s a LOT to discuss here. This would be excellent for a book club or a discussion group.

Do not miss this story! (Language, TW: panic attacks, parental shaming)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥+++*

*♥♥♥♥♥+++ = Best of the best!

REVIEW: Five Ways to Fall Out of Love by Emily Martin

REVIEW: Five Ways to Fall Out of Love by Emily Martin

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Inkyard Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

When Webster stood Aubrey up for Homecoming, she was devastated. And the awful things he said to her that night only added to her hurt and confusion. It ruined their friendship much less any chance at it becoming something more.

Between Webster and the disaster that is her parents’ marriage, Aubrey has become pretty cynical when it comes to love. Even when she starts dating Webster’s cousin, Holland, she is always bracing for something to go wrong.

When Aubrey puts all of her energy into examining the ways love could go wrong – both in her life and in the relationships around her, it’s a way to try to manage her fears. But it’s also a great way to make sure everything that matters most to her blows up in her face.

Review

This was a hard story to enjoy. It’s well-written, with engaging characters. But it’s also painful. Aubrey is so young to be so cynical. Her fear and self-protectiveness are understandable, but they are also sad. And they make her a hard character to like. (Webster is hard to like, too.)

I appreciated Aubrey’s journey and the transparency of the novel. Readers may find their own stories and relationships and feelings reflected in Aubrey’s experience. And her story is a great sales pitch for the value of honest communication.

Readers looking for a serious story about romantic relationships in high school, especially seniors considering the next steps of college and career, should pick this one up. (Language, sex, LGBTQ+, drinking)

Rating: ♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥ = Solid/fine/good

REVIEW: You Have a Match by Emma Lord

REVIEW: You Have a Match by Emma Lord

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books/St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

When Abby takes a DNA test to be supportive of her best friend (and crush) Leo, she never expects it will shake every foundation of her life. But when the results come in, it says she has a sister. A full-blooded, older sister.

When Abby and Savvy meet up in secret, it’s obvious the results are accurate. The questions start piling up – why did Abby’s parents place Savvy for adoption? How are they connected to Savvy’s adoptive family? Why have they kept this secret from Abby her whole life?

Abby decides to meet Savvy at Camp Reynolds for the summer. It meets her parents’ insistence on academic recovery work, but it will also let the girls dig into this mystery and get to know one another for the first time.

Review

Emma Lord is now a must-read author for me. Last year I fell in love with her delightful debut, Tweet Cute. And now I have fallen again for Abby and Leo and Savvy and Mickey and Finn and the rest. This was a start-to-finish read for me. It’s funny, suspenseful, and emotionally touching. It’s everything I want when I sit down with a YA novel. I can’t wait to read it again. And again. (In fact, the minute I finished reading the ARC, I pre-ordered my own copy.)

The family story was the hook for me. There are other things happening in the story – Abby’s feelings for Leo, the pressures from her parents regarding school, the camp, her reluctance to share her photography with others, her grief over the loss of her grandfather, and her questions about the future. And every one of those pieces was beautifully handled and part of the joy that is this book. But I was all in on the relationship between Abby and Savvy and on finding out the truth of their story. And it was so satisfying! There were moments when I couldn’t read fast enough to take in everything as quickly as I wanted to.

“Comfort reads” are a real thing, especially in these weird days. These are the books you know you love and you go back to them over and over to enjoy sinking into a great story with great characters. I have many YA comfort reads – Tweet Cute, 10 Blind Dates, Prince in Disguise and more. And now You Have a Match. The writing, the characters, the story, the humor, the heart – all of it was fantastic. YA fans do not want to miss this one! (Language, LGBTQ+)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

REVIEW: Together, Apart

REVIEW: Together, Apart

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Delacorte Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary and Review

This is a collection of 9 romantic stories for young adults about love in the time of Covid and quarantine.

“Love, Delivered” by Erin A. Craig
A family’s move is accelerated due to the pandemic as Millie’s scientist parents are needed at their new jobs ASAP. Thanks to the pandemic, her folks have to report to work right away, but their groceries won’t be delivered for a few days. This leaves Millie ordering a lot of pizza from a local joint – and getting to know the delivery guy.

This was ADORABLE! So sweet. I thought it captured the early days of the pandemic well as people tried to adjust to new masking and distancing requirements. Loved this! ♥♥♥♥½

“The Socially Distant Dog-Walking Brigade” by Bill Konigsberg
After several awkward encounters with a group of dog walkers, a cute boy invites Kaz to join them.

This is a far more serious, angsty story than the first one. Kaz has been burned in relationships before. He’s introverted and shy to begin with, but now he’s also protective. But slowly Daxton gets him to warm up. This was good, although halfway through the book it became clear that the cozy, squishy stories were more my speed than the more serious ones in general. (Language, LGBTQ+, TW: Cutting) ♥♥♥

“One Day” by Sajni Patel
A girl in search of peace and quiet while in lockdown with her family in their apartment starts communicating with a boy playing guitar on his balcony, after she throws her shoe at him and he refuses to return it.

This was another cute, flirty story – right up my alley. I loved how all of these stories so far have taken a different angle on the lockdown, in this case, a small apartment with four people at home. ♥♥♥♥

“The Rules of Comedy” by Auriane Desombre
Harper gets her older sister’s help with a funny TikTok video to get her crush’s attention. But when it works, Harper thinks she’s not funny enough on her own to keep up with the conversation.

I enjoyed the relationship with the sisters here. For me that was the more interesting, and in the end, satisfying, relationship addressed in the story. Covid was the context for why Harper was connecting with Alyssa through devices rather than at school in person, but otherwise it wasn’t a big factor in this story. (LGBTQ+) ♥♥♥

“The New Boy Next Door” by Natasha Preston
Quinn’s new neighbor is gorgeous – and brooding. But she’s determined to break down his walls and get to know him – from a safe distance.

This was delightful! The flirty banter is exactly what I love in stories. I also enjoyed the glimpse at how the fictional neighborhood was dealing with Covid and staying connected. ♥♥♥♥½

“The Green Thumb War” by Brittney Morris
Two teens growing herbs on their balconies devise a contest to see who can do something amazing with them.

This starts with antagonists, not unlike “One Day,” although with a cat and dog fight as well as an injury instead of just a thrown shoe. But I enjoyed the awkward, quirky characters and their back-and-forth banter. The set up for this one was clever, as was the resolution. ♥♥♥♥½

“Stuck with Her” by Rachael Lippincott
Allie’s roommate, Mia, is making her crazy, eating all her food and playing loud music at 3am while they are stuck together in lockdown.

This may be the most relatable regarding Covid for me, reading this in December. This shows some of the wear and tear of constant togetherness, the question of whether things will ever get back to normal, etc. Allie’s coming out story is heartbreaking. The description of her panic attack felt realistic, and the way Mia cares for her and responds is endearing. The coming out story and panic attack could be triggering for some readers. (LGBTQ+) ♥♥♥♥½

“Masked” by Erin Hahn
When Covid cancels prom, Gray decides to use the material she bought to make her dream dress to make masks instead. She meets Jude on a neighborhood app when he reaches out to have her make masks for his uncle’s business.

This is my favorite story from the collection! Not a surprise because I already love the author. There’s a fun music component to this, like in a lot of her work. I was devastated for Gray to sacrifice her dress and her dreams for prom. I felt like the author did a great job demonstrating that piece of the early part of the pandemic. That she used her sewing skills and her precious material to do something to help others was endearing. And then she met Jude. *swoon* ♥♥♥♥♥

 

This whole collection is a delight. Don’t miss this one!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

REVIEW: Frozen 2: Dangerous Secrets by Mari Mancusi

REVIEW: Frozen 2: Dangerous Secrets by Mari Mancusi

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Disney Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

As Agnarr and Iduna, the King and Queen of Arendelle, sail through storms in the Dark Sea in search of answers for their oldest daughter, they share the true story of their first meeting. Their life together was built on many secrets, but now they own their truth.

Twenty-six years earlier, Iduna was a girl, playing with the Wind Spirit on the day the Northuldra and the Arendellians would be finalizing the pact between them. Hiding and skulking around the Arendellian camp, she sees a boy about her age and hears that his name is Agnarr. She also hears his father derisively dismiss the magic of the forest.

Induna missed what started the fighting. All she knows for sure is that the Spirits are enraged. As the fighting continues, Agnarr is injured. Initially Iduna is torn between finding her family and rescuing the boy who would likely die before anyone else found him. But once she saves Agnarr, Iduna is trapped, hiding in a wagon while Arendellian soldiers accuse her people of being traitors. She can’t reveal herself or get back to her home.

Whatever will happen to her now?

Review

{Possible SPOILERS for the Frozen movies!!}

In the movie, Frozen 2, we get to see Iduna rescue Agnarr. Eventually, we also find out what really happened that day in the Enchanted Forest. But this book focuses on what happens to Agnarr and Iduna when the Forest is engulfed in a magical mist and both teens have to leave family and friends trapped inside.

On its surface, this is the love story of a future king and an orphan girl with a secret past. This book shows how secrets and emotional choke-holds become common place in the palace. Elsa is not the first person told “Conceal. Don’t feel.”

My favorite parts were the hints and connections to the movies. The author does an excellent job of weaving these pieces in naturally to serve the story. Nothing felt forced or wedged in just to have an Easter Egg here and there.

The story carries the couple through all of the familiar moments from the movies, including their final quest for answers about Elsa’s powers. The book felt supremely satisfying for this Frozen fan. I highly recommend it!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

BONUS REVIEW: Chasing Lucky by Jenn Bennett

BONUS REVIEW: Chasing Lucky by Jenn Bennett

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Simon Pulse/Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Josie Saint-Martin was born in Beauty, Rhode Island, and lived there until she was 12. But then in one moment it went from her home to a place she avoided as much as possible. But now she’s back for her final year of high school. Josie’s grandmother and aunt have joined the Peace Corps, so Josie’s mom is running the family bookstore in Beauty until they return. It’s unclear who is dreading the return to Beauty more, Josie or her mom.

Josie comforts herself with the idea that this is temporary. One year. The plan is that Josie will finish high school, they will save money living rent-free above the store, and then they will move to sunny Florida. Except Josie has plans of her own – a photography apprenticeship with her biological father in LA. But she hasn’t told her mom, yet.

Lucky Karras is not part of Josie’s plan. Josie’s childhood best friend has grown into a brooding young man with a motorcycle, a leather jacket, and a reputation for trouble. They haven’t spoken since Josie left five years ago while Lucky was in the hospital. She braces herself for hostility or indifference. She never expects him to take the blame for a crime she commits.

Out of guilt, Josie looks for ways to help Lucky pay off the damage she caused. As the two start to spend more time together, the sparks between them are undeniable. But is a relationship with Lucky a good idea when Josie is just planning to leave again?

Review

What a delightful, romantic, RICH story! I loved this! The romance at the center of the book is excellent. I loved the rekindling of Josie and Lucky’s friendship. I loved how the two of them were with one another. This is my favorite sort of romantic couple – bruised but not broken, bantering, and completely compelling. It was “one more chapter, one more chapter” for me until I finished.

Come for the romance, but stay for the character exploration. There are some fascinating dynamics between the women in Josie’s family. Sure, some moments were pretty painful to walk through. But the growth in those relationships was like a bonus on top of the supremely satisfying romance. I’m not sure I could pick which piece I loved more. I would have happily kept reading to see what happens for everyone next.

Jenn Bennett fans will love what she’s done with these characters and this story. New readers will discover why she is at the top of every YA romance list. Don’t miss this story! I would read this one again. (Language, sex, TW: harassment, sexual misconduct)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved this! Would re-read.

REVIEW: Victor and Nora by Lauren Myracle

REVIEW: Victor and Nora by Lauren Myracle

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and DC Entertainment in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Victor is at the cemetery, visiting his brother’s grave when he meets Nora. She’s visiting her mother’s. But she’s also contemplating her own mortality. Her disease will progress until she’s not herself anymore. But she doesn’t tell Victor any of that.

Painfully shy, Victor slowly warms up to the vivacious Nora. When he’s not with her, he’s at his lab working on his freezing tech. Little does he know that his Nora could be in need of the very thing he is creating.

Review

This is an origin story for Victor Fries, aka Mr. Freeze, a villain from the Batman/Gotham universe. Here we see both his early work in cryogenics as well as his whirlwind romance with Nora (who, in other versions of the story, is his wife).

This is a dark story. Between the scenes with Nora and a bird attacking her like her disease eventually will, and her talk of ways to die with Victor when they first meet, there’s a lot of death hanging over this story. There are also hints at Victor’s tendency toward obsession and controlling behavior.

The Gotham universe has a lot of darkness to it anyway, and this graphic novel falls more on that side of things. And it’s darker than my usual preference. If I was rating this just on my enjoyment, I would give it two stars. It’s just not a great fit for me. But the story is well-written and the art well done, so I feel like I can recommend this to others who are more comfortable with the darkness of the story with a rating based on the story’s merits rather than my enjoyment. (Some language, talk of death, off page sex, TW: Suicide, grief and loss) You can read about other graphic novels from the DC universe here.

DC Entertainment has graciously shared some of the internal art with us. Here are some sample pages:

 

Rating: ♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥=Good/solid/fine

REVIEW: Say Yes Summer by Lindsey Roth Culli

REVIEW: Say Yes Summer by Lindsey Roth Culli

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Delacorte Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ]

Summary

It hit her in the middle of her speech. Rachel Walls, valedictorian, looked around at her graduating class and realized most of the people in front of her probably had no idea who she was.

Rachel’s high school years were focused. Determined. Disciplined. But what did she have to show for them besides this moment as valedictorian and her admission to her dream college? She has one friend at school. She knows her classmates from their social media accounts and hallway chatter and gossip, not from real life.

When her best friend leaves for a summer music program, Rachel’s “social life” dries up. Her big weekend plans include decluttering her room. That’s where she finds her grandmother’s book A Season of Yes! It looks and smells ancient, but the underlined passages catch Rachel’s eye.

What if, instead of isolation and self-preservation, Rachel started to say yes to the opportunities in front of her?

Yes to a party.
Yes to a friend.
Yes to a dip in the pool.
Yes to a roller coaster.
Yes to flirting.
Yes to Clayton Carville.

Review

This was cute and fun. I liked Rachel and her family and friends. I thought the identity crisis was perfect – Rachel’s ready for college, there are unknowns ahead. Graduation kicks off a season of reflection. And in this case, Rachel is second guessing her choices in life so far.

It’s also not uncommon for college students to try on a new identity. That’s what Rachel does here – she tries on the identity of a person who says yes. And it’s mostly good for her. She rediscovers an old friend. She has a couple small adventures. And she gets to explore some romantic possibilities.

The downside is that in her haste to say yes and change things up, Rachel forgets about wisdom and discernment. And that leads to trouble. And as in most great young adult literature, she starts to learn from it.

I enjoyed the journey with Rachel and her friends. Fans of contemporary YA, contemporary YA romance, and fans of love triangle stories should check this one out. (Language, underage drinking)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥