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