Winter & Spring 2020 ARC Reviews

Finishing up my ARC reviews with these last two of 2019.  Some of the other ARCs I read during the last couple months are in my previous posts 😃

Verona Comics by Jennifer Dugan

RATING: 4.5 stars

REVIEW:

Jubilee balances preparing for an important cello audition for a prestigious summer program with working at her stepmom’s indie comic shop. Ridley's parents own the biggest comic-store chain in the country, but he cannot get them to notice him, unless he failing to meet their expectations. These two meet at a comic book convention prom, they cannot help falling for each other. But with feuding families and impossible to meet expectations, can love really conquer all?

I was very surprised by this one, as it was a lot deeper than I expected. It met my expectations of a cute romance story with some comedy, but it was more than that. Jubilee experiences some freedom from the high standards she forces herself to adhere too, but also the consequences of losing sight of what matters. In contrast, Ridley learns to fight for what, and who, he cares about, but also taking care of himself. The mental health challenges that Ridley deals with throughout were written well, and I liked how readers saw his point of view in the novel during the good times and the tough situations. 

Overall, I really liked this one, and definitely recommend it to YA contemporary fans. 

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

Review on Goodreads


Of Curses & Kisses by Sandhya Menon

RATING: 4 stars

REVIEW:

This contemporary Beauty & the Beast retelling is centered around Princess Jaya Rao and His Lordship Grey Emerson, and their feuding families. Jaya is ready to execute a revenge scheme against the Emerson's, after they targeted Jaya's little sister. Her plan: Make Grey fall in love with her and break his heart. Grey Emerson is more concerned about an ancient curse by a Rao matriarch, knowing he's doomed once he turns eighteen. While it feels like everyone is trying to pull them apart, Jaya and Grey cannot keep each other off their mind, as they learn what it takes for a happily ever after.

This was a cute read! It had some romance, some humour, and high-scool school drama - which was a bit more flashy since the setting was a high-end private school. While I found Jaya kind of annoying at times, I liked the supporting characters a lot. The retelling aspect was written well throughout the story, and the rose necklace was a great touch. Occasionally, I was bored with the plot, but I liked the conclusion of the story very much.

* Thank you Simon & Schuster Canada for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review *

Review on Goodreads

Winter 2020 ARC Reviews

Good afternoon lovelies! I am catching up on my book reviews before the year ends, and today I have 2 more winter 2020 ARC reviews to share with you.


Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen

RATING: 4.25 stars

REVIEW:

Ever Wong is in for a very memorable summer when her parents send her to Taiwan. To her surprise, Chien Tan is known for endless summer hook-ups, counselors turning a blind eye, and never ending nightlife parties. Not too mention, the cute guys that she is very interested in getting to know. It is definitely a summer Ever will never forget.

This novel turned out to be very different than I expected. The characters developed nicely, and I really enjoyed each one's different past. The writing I also enjoyed, and the author discussed various topics with maturity. The cultural awareness that Ever experienced was easy to relate too, and I expect many readers to connect with her. Her strict parents and their high expectations are evident, but Ever also learns to stand up for what she believes in.

Overall, it was a cute rom-com, perfect for fans of Sandhya Menon and Sarah Dessen.

* Thank you HCC Frenzy for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review *

Review on Goodreads


A Castle in the Clouds by Kerstin Gier

RATING: 4.25 stars

REVIEW:

This novel follows Sophie Spark, an intern at an old regal hotel in Europe. Between snooty guests, rambunctious children, and celebrities checking in, the upcoming holiday season is sure to be exciting. Not to mention, the cute co-workers who have caught her eye, and the guests who are not who they claim they are.

This was such a cute read! It started a bit slow, but turned out to be a fun and festive, read. Sophie was easy to relate to and I liked the classic hotel setting. It was a quick read, but perfect for contemporary fans. I did wish the conclusion was a bit longer, and the hint of danger began sooner to draw readers in quickly, but I enjoyed it.

* Thank you Fierce Reads for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review *

Review on Goodreads

January 2020 ARC Reviews

Good afternoon lovelies!

I am here with two reviews for YA novels releasing in January 2020, only a few weeks away!


Throw Like a Girl by Sarah Henning

RATING: 4.5 stars

REVIEW:

Liv, a softball pitcher, is starting her junior year at the local public school after losing her scholarship at a private school for punching another player. She was recruited for the boys football as a quarterback for her throwing abilities, and hopes her demonstration of teamwork will prove herself to the softball coach that she is a team player and ready for to join their softball team. It does not hurt that the current quarterback is the softball coach's son, and is so cute. Liv must learn to balance love, losing, and fighting for what you want on and off the field, in this adorable sports contemporary.

I absolutely loved this one. The mix of sports, romance, and high school drama was cute and fun. I love sports, and the emphasis in this novel regarding football and softball was great. Liv was strong and sassy, and ready to fight for what she wanted for herself and her family. The relationship between Grey and Liv flourished, and I was hooked on their connection. Liv's family and friends were supportive and amusing, increasing my enjoyment for the book. I absolutely recommend this one for fans of Abbi Glines and Morgan Matson. 

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

Goodreads review - click here


Rogue Princess by B.R. Myers

RATING: 4.25 stars

REVIEW:

As an overview, this novel is a sci-fi, gender-swapped, Cinderella retelling - and I was really excited for it. Delia feels trapped in an arranged marriage to save her failing planet. Aidan is more interested in a few palace trinkets that can provide him money and a bargaining chip off the planet. When their paths cross in a royal spaceship, their lives become intertwined. As the danger of a rebel uprising continues to threaten the palace, her budding relationship with Aidan threatens her stance on securing a marriage alliance.

I really liked this one. The mix of romance and science fiction was written well, and the quirky characters were witty and amusing - Shania in particular was great. There some plot twists I was not expecting, and those were exciting and drew me in further. I also loved the gender-swapped Cinderella retelling concept, that really intrigued me. In terms of things I personally was not a fan of, the plot had some lacking points for me - things were either rushed or feeling incomplete. I found the relationship  between the Delia and her mother a bit forced, and found both characters at points rather dumb or naive. 

Overall, the love story was cute, and I recommend this one for fans of the Lunar Chronicles and retellings.

* Thank you Fierce Reads for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review *

Goodreads review - click here

Late 2019 Reviews

It has been a bit, eh!? I am catching up with reviews now that school is done, so prepare for quite a few reviews coming up this week and next week, haha!

Hearts, Strings, and Other Breakable Things by Jacqueline Firkins

RATING: 4.5 stars

REVIEW:
Edie is stuck in Mansfield, Massachusetts, for her last summer before college. She wants to avoid her rich cousin's and their friends, and focus on applying for scholarships. But soon enough, two guys have caught her attention. Sebastian, Edie's childhood friend, is sweet and smart... and already taken. Henry, on the other hand, is a bad-boy and player, who should be off-limits. Even if his kisses are addicting.

This Jane Austen retelling was so cute! While I have not read the original Jane Austen novel, I think those who have will enjoy this one. I loved the witty characters and the love triangle trope I enjoyed more than I usually do. The slow-burn romance drew me in, and I could not put this one down. it was a fast read, and a cute teen read in general. Occasionally, I found Edie a bit immature, but overall, contemporary fans will enjoy this one very much!

* Thank you Raincoast Books for the advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review *

The Beautiful by Renee Ahdieh

RATING: 4.5 stars


REVIEW:
Based in New Orlean's, The Beautiful follows Celine as she adjusts to a new life after fleeing Paris. She becomes enthralled by the glitterin La Cour des Lions, but not everyone is pleased with her presence. A serial killer is on the loose, with sights set on Celine, and everyone she cares about could be in their deadly path.

I loved this spooky YA read, it really picked up! Once readers get past a slightly slow beginning, the mystery, magic, and slow-burn romance will engage and draw in everyone. I liked the characters, and especially the dynamic connection between Celine and Sebastien. Their immediate connection was evident, and I loved how it developed throughout the novel. The ending answered questions, but also led to more questions that definitely has me very excited for the next book in the series!

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