ARC Review: Amelia Westlake Was Never Here by Erin Gough

Good morning friends! Today's ARC review is Amelia Westlake Was Never Here by Erin Gough, I was totally surprised by this novel and how much I enjoyed it.

Publish Date: May 21st, 2019

RATING: 4.5 stars

Amelia Westlake is nobody, and yet, everyone wants to be her. After their swim coach's inappropriate behaviour is ignored, two girls make up Amelia to make some of the wrongdoings at their prestige school a little more known. Harriet Price, wealthy and top of the class, and Will Everhart, troublemaker, are unlikely allies, making them the perfect pair for Amelia, if they can pull it off. As secrets are made and lies are told, how long will it be before they caught? And catch up with their growing feelings for each other?


I adored this contemporary tale, filled with humour, romance, and girls taking a stand for justice - even if it was an uncommon method of doing so haha. The two main characters were interesting, and I liked that readers saw both POV's throughout the novel. Each character went through their own development, but Harriet's was more prominent for me. The writing pace was quick and kept it engaging.

The feminist and empowerment vibes were probably my favourite part of the book, they were strong and bold, and perfect for today's society. No one should be taught to tolerate that behaviour, and it was great to read about girls doing something about the way they were treated. There are also mentions of elitism, homophobia, and racism, but I thought it was presented and handled well by the author.

I am glad the characters found their right paths in the end, but I do wish the romance had started a bit earlier in the book. That would be my only negative, otherwise it was a great read. Overall, highly recommend this one to contemporary fans.

* Thank you HBG Canada for sending an advanced copy my way, in exchange for an honest review *

ARC Review: Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins

Good morning lovelies! It has been a busy month of reading, but more older books I had not gotten a chance to read yet. But I saw this one on my shelf and could not pass it up. I enjoyed the first and heard this one was even better.

Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins

RATING: 4.5 stars

Amelia (Millie) Quint is off to Scotland for boarding school for her final year of high school. Partly to get away from her best friend/maybe girlfriend who has been kissing someone else, but also to explore a new country at a prestige school. Her goal to become a geologist is her priority, until Flora, her new roommate, joins her. It is an interesting, and at times challenging, experience to room with the princess of Scotland, but soon their hatred turns into a budding relationship. But happily ever afters are just for fairy-tales... right?

This book was a cute contemporary with humour, romance, and fun. I absolutely adored the main character, Millie. She was smart, thought things through, and acted realistic for someone living abroad at a boarding school with royal history. Flora's character developed as well, learning about life and fun out of the palace, and how to be a great friend.

The book's diverse elements were one of my favourite aspects of it. It was very relaxed, and no finger pointing or huge set up as characters came out - very normalized. It was not overdone or forceful, which made it natural and easy to read.

For those who haven't read the first yet, this one follows different characters and it is not needed to love this novel. I highly recommend it!

It is out now in stores, so grab a copy haha!

* Thank you Penguin Teen Canada for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review *

Late April ARC/Book Reviews

Good afternoon! I am a bit behind on reviews so wanted to catch up on my ARCs. Here are my last 3 reads of April.

Last Voyage of Poe Blythe by Ally Condie

RATING: 4.25 stars

Dystopian fans will adore this bold novel, which follows Poe on a dangerous mission. She is captaining the Outpost's final mining voyage for gold, but her true motivation lies in dishing out cold-hearted revenge to the river raiders who killed Call - and along with him, her happiness. But as betrayals begin and blood sheds, she must learn how she can trust, and how to believe in herself, if she wants to make it out alive.

This novel was a pleasant surprise. The strong female lead was enjoyable, and the dystopian/pirate mix was unique.  Poe learned how to be a true leader, and the female empowerment element of that was great to read about. The novel was set at a good pace, and it was a quick read for the most part. I liked the plot twists, as I did not see some of them coming. I did hope for a more defined ending, but perhaps it could lead to a sequel later on haha.

* Thank you Penguin Teen Canada for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review *


The Sound of Drowning by Katherine Fleet

RATING: 4.5 stars

Meet Meredith Hall, a high school student who takes a ferry every night to visit her best friend, and first love, Ben. But after meeting Wyatt, a Texas newcomer with an accent and sweet heart, her heart begins to flutter for someone else. However, nothing is as it seems, and when secrets are revealed, Meredith's will have to fight for what she wants, and let the past go, if she wants to stay alive.

This novel is a whirlwind of emotions, with plot twists that keep coming. Contemporary fans will appreciate the romance in the novel, with a unique writing style that switches from past and present. The mental health in this novel was very well done, and offered a powerful voice in YA fiction regarding depression and other topics. I do not want to spoil anything, but I was so surprised with this novel, and highly recommend it.

* Thank you Manda Group for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review *


Merciful Crow by Margaret Owen

RATING: 4 stars

This bold fantasy novel follows Fie, a member of the lowest caste in her kingdom, on a high stakes vow to save the crown prince and his warrior bodyguard. But when things take a bloody turn, Fie's family, and the kingdom, are at stake.

I really enjoyed the mix of action, journey, and a hint of romance, as it can be an enticing combination for a variety of readers. I did find the first half to be a bit slow, but the second half of the story picked up in pace which I found more enjoyable. Tavin, the cunning and handsome bodyguard, was my favourite character actually, I liked his wits and humour, and he stood strong for what, and who, he believed in.

Overall, I think readers will be pleasantly surprised by this novel, especially high fantasy fans.

* Thank you FierceReads for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review *