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
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