4.5 Stars for this sensitive, compassionate and emotional read on body image, eating disorders, self-worth and ultimately self-love and acceptance.

"Life was kind and full of chances. Sometimes we didn't take them. Sometimes we hid our truth and acted out of fear. Sometimes we turned away and closed the door."

For me, Kristan Higgin's Good Luck with That was an emotional read. Georgia, Marley & Emerson met at Camp Cooperbrook in their teens. This wasn't your typical summer camp - it was a weight loss camp. These three friends struggled with their weight throughout their lives and all the physical and emotional issues that go with that.

Higgins did not shy away from difficult topics here. She tackled body image, eating disorders, obesity and was honest and frank about the mental and physical health issues that play a role in them. Each of these women battled her own "demons" so to speak as they struggled with their weight. It was difficult not to identify with them in some way. I don't know anyone who hasn't looked in the mirror at some point and was plagued by insecurities, self-doubt and a litany of self-criticism.

The bulk of the book involves Marley and Georgia in the wake of Emerson's death due to obesity related health issues. Through Emerson's journal entries we get a peek at how she ended up morbidly obese and it was heart wrenching. It was too late for Emerson to make changes in her life, but she didn't want the same ending for her two best friends. So on her deathbed, Emerson gives Marley and Georgia a letter to be read after her funeral. Enclosed is a "Things We'll Do When We're Skinny" list they made during their final summer at Camp Cooperbrook. Emerson's dying wish is that her friends promise to complete this list. Why? They didn't see the point but because they had made a promise, they agree to try to see it through.

The list ends up being a life changing experience for Marley and Georgia. As they cross off items, they face fears, make peace with their pasts, learn to trust and love themselves and ultimately find that ever elusive feeling of self-acceptance.

"Good luck, I imagined the universe saying kindly, infusing the phrase with gentleness and faith. Good luck with everything."

For a book that was definitely emotionally heavy in what it covered, it left me feeling both positive and hopeful. Thank you Kristin Higgins for writing and sharing this compelling and emotional read.

A special thanks to Kristin Higgins, Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for sending me an advance copy for my honest review.

Horowitz and Hawthorne are perfection together! I can't get enough of this series. I love how the author has put himself into the story as the narrator - the Watson to Hawthorne's Holmes or as I like to think of them, the Felix Unger to his Oscar Madison. Horowitz comes off as honest, sympathetic, earnest and willing to poke fun at himself. Hawthorne is decidedly uncharming, brash, politically incorrect and I kinda have a soft spot for him. There is definitely a back story there and I am here for it! I'm looking forward to peeling back all those grumpy, secretive layers. I see you Hawthorne and there is definitely more than meets the eye!

In The Sentence is Death Hawthorne has once again been called in by the police to help investigate the murder of a high profile divorce attorney. He quickly recognizes this will be a perfect opportunity for Tony/Horowitz to write book #2. Although I did figure out the whodunnit early on I enjoyed the story immensely and how it tied so many people, places and things together. It definitely made me doubt myself a few times but in the end, I proved better at solving the crime than poor Tony - he never does seem to get it right. Thank goodness the police have Hawthorne! He may not be an active police officer but he sure keeps them from completely bumbling up all their high profile cases. Bring on case #3 Tony!

Thank you to Anthony Horowitz, Harper Collins Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an arc of this book. I can't wait for book #3!

"Some choose darkness, others are chosen by it."

It's 1979 and there's an auto-erotic serial killer on the loose. The Thief lives for the "rush" he gets from strangling his victims to death. He has managed to keep this part of him a secret from those closest to him... until now.

Forty years later, The Thief is up for parole. When his attorney dies unexpectedly the burden of his defense falls on Rory Moore, a silent/unofficial partner in her father's law firm who is also a forensic reconstructionist. Once involved in the case she quickly uncovers that her father had secrets, secrets he never wanted her to discover.

Although the story wasn't surprising, it was definitely dark and disturbing. I was fully engrossed by the main characters. I loved the two strong women who were the focus of the duel timelines - Rory and Angela. They were such complex characters. Donlea did an amazing job of developing them and writing about how autism has been viewed over time. It was so interesting to see how differently these women were treated over the span of 40 years.

This was my first Charlie Donlea book but it certainly won't be my last. I'm also hoping we get to see Rory in future books. She is definitely a character I would happily follow in a series. Special thanks to Charlie Donlea, Kensington Books and Netgalley for an arc of this book to read and review.

This YA mystery really surprised me! It was a bit dark with some mature themes and it proved to be one heck of a twisty, captivating page-turner.

Five years ago 5 cheerleaders wound up dead in the span of a few months. One of them was Jenn, Monica's older sister. Monica has never believed that her sister's death was a suicide and she is determined to connect the dots and find out what really happened to the Sunnybrook High cheerleaders.

This one definitely has that "suck you in" factor. I found myself wanting to crack the case as much as Monica did and was coming up with some crazy theories throughout! I was right about some things but others completely fooled me and I loved it! If you are looking for a fun, dark YA mystery - I definitely recommend picking up The Cheerleaders!

This was disturbing and yet so wickedly fun! Jane was the classic unreliable narrator with a dash of narcissist and a splash of sociopath thrown in for our reading pleasure. In other words - it was a wildly entertaining read!

Jane Harris is the kind of character you love to hate. She thinks, does & says the unthinkable and yet you just can't get enough of her. With each shake of my head, I found myself drawn in, furiously turning the pages to see what she'd do next.

I think having Jane speak to us directly was brilliant and oh so entertaining. I felt like such a gossip while I devoured every word. I'll be honest and say that while the book had some twists, there wasn't anything that I didn't see coming. Jane is definitely what made the book for me. I actually found myself both rolling my eyes and laughing out loud at times. In short - read this book, meet Jane & thank me later! 😉

🥰 The Bride Test is a sexy and sweet romance story with substance. 💖

Khai Diep is handsome, successful and autistic. He doesn't feel things like others and believes he is incapable of the emotion required for love. Khai's mother wants nothing more than to see her son married, even if it means going to Vietnam and finding his future bride herself!

Esme (My) is a hardworking, single mother who only wants to provide the best for her family. At her mother's urging, she accepts the offer to spend the summer in California with the intention of seducing Khai into marrying her.

Oh, how I loved the unfolding romance between Khai and Esme! I found myself smitten by them and was solidly rooting for them as a couple. Yes, I am not at all embarrassed to admit I am firmly #TeamKhaiandEsme! Hoang does such an amazing job of fleshing out her characters. They are flawed, genuine and each undergoing an emotional journey. I was genuinely invested in these characters and their story. I found myself desperately wanting Khai to realize that he is so much more than this autism. I was rooting for Esme to find her way, feel proud of who she is and see all she can become. And I may have become a tad smitten with Quan, Khai's older brother. I'm hoping we see more of him in a future story.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and then I read the author's note at the end. It added even more depth for me to the overall emotion of the story. Don't skip it! As I wait for Quan's story to hopefully come to life - I'll be going back to read The Kiss Quotient. I might be one of the few people that hasn't read it but I plan to remedy that soon Helen Hoang! 😉

A poignant story about the bonds of friendship, betrayal, secrets and second chances.

Laura and Casey met the summer before 9th grade and became inseparable. The beginning of the book chronicles their friendship and was delightful. Lazy summer days swimming and rowing on the lake. Picnics in secret spots, private talks, scavenger hunts and sleepovers every Saturday night. Doan did a wonderful job of immersing the reader into the lives of these two friends. They were exactly what the other needed and their bond was intense. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Laura and Casey's friendship.

Besides the friendship aspect of the book, it also focuses heavily on family. There is a great deal of emphasis on the mother-daughter relationships. Laura is adopted and yearns to know more about her birth mother. All she has is a handmade music box and lots of unanswered questions. Her adoptive mother is very religious, strict and not exactly emotionally demonstrative. She gravitates towards Casey's free-spirited mom who accepts her into their lives and home wholeheartedly.

Of course things are not always what they outwardly appear to be. Casey's mother, Alex, is hiding secrets. Secrets that end up tearing the girls' friendship apart and keep Laura away from her childhood home, her best friend and her first love for seventeen years.

After seventeen years away, Laura is tricked into a reunion with Casey by Alex who arranges one large scavenger hunt for the girls. The list of clues leads them on a trip down memory lane - reminiscent of their cherished summer memories together. The hunt also leads to the unraveling of long kept secrets and just might mean a second chance for Casey and Laura.

This was a slow simmering, beautiful story. It was definitely the perfect time for me to read (while I was on vacation) and appreciate this type of story. Having a strong group of female friends that I have known since elementary school, who are like family to me helped me open my heart to Laura and Casey. It left me feeling nostalgic for my teenage years and so grateful for the lifelong friendships I have.

Overall, this was a sweet and endearing tale of friendship that I recommend. I look forward to reading more from Amy Mason Doan in the future.

Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett was a fun, sweet contemporary YA/NA read.

Sometimes you just need a fun contemporary YA/NA (I say NA due to some sexual content) read to lighten things up. This book did just that for me. It was a perfect summer read - camping, hiking, stargazing and a friends-to-enemies-to-lovers plot between Zorie and Lennon. Throw in family strife stemming from secrets and parental infidelity and you have a story that was relatable and engrossing. Bennett's characters were very human and flawed.

I really enjoyed that Jenn Bennett focused on nontraditional families. Zorie's relationship with her stepmother Joy was wonderful. It was a relationship built on love, mutual respect and support. The scene where Joy reassures Zorie touched me. It was perfect.

"I am raising my own kid. You are mine. I didn't need to give birth to you to love you, sweet thing."

Admittedly, I'm kind of a sucker for a friends to lovers story. Especially when it involves the adorable boy/girl next door. What can I say - I'm a cheesy romantic at heart! Zorie & Lennon's love story was just that and it was adorable. Amidst all the teen angst, misunderstandings, secrets and camping mishaps you could just feel their chemistry. I was rooting for Lennon from page 20 when he first appeared in all his side swept spiky hair, anime loving, teen goth glory. He was so snarky, witty and sarcastic. Luckily, he was also good out in the wild which comes in handy when their so-called friends leave them stranded out in the wilderness without a car or a way of getting home after an argument. Zorie and Lennon's story was adorable to watch unfold. It wasn't surprising in the least - more like you know it's coming and you're simply looking forward to it finally happening.

"A map of us. It's years in the making, and it's messy and convoluted, some of it even tragic. But I wouldn't change the route, because we walked it together, even when we were apart. And the best part about it is that it's unfinished. Uncertainty isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes it can even be filled with extraordinary potential."

Zorie's dad - I have no words for him. He was despicable. Thankfully Zorie was surrounded by a strong support network with her stepmom Joy, her grandparents (Joy's parents), Lennon and Lennon's moms (yes moms - they were a lesbian couple!) and her friend Avani. Once again I have to mention how much I loved the strong family bonds presented, especially as they weren't related by blood but by choice.

4.5 compulsive, page turning stars ⭐️ for An Anonymous Girl

I must start off by simply saying I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I'm a fan of cat & mouse type thrillers and this played right into that captivating me from the start and never letting go!

"In every lifetime, there are pivot points that shape and eventually cement one's path."

Jessica is a make-up artist, living in NY, struggling to make ends meet. While working on a client she hears about a morality and ethics research study that pays its subjects lucratively. Knowing the client will not make her appointment Jess makes the decision to take her place. Not knowing much about the study, she walks in and becomes simply "Subject 52". The rules are simple: Be open and truthful, and avoid pivoting away from any embarrassment or pain the questions provoke. Soon Jess finds herself divulging her deepest secrets via questions posed on a computer screen.

Dr. Lydia Shields, the psychiatrist conducting the study is equally drawn in by Jess' responses to her questions. At the end of her two sessions, Jess is invited to expand her participation in the study for higher compensation but at what cost?

What ensues, told in alternating POV chapters between Dr. Shields and Jess was a fast-paced, twisty, scheme filled story that you simply won't be able to get enough of. It was like a guilty pleasure, walking in each of these women's minds. Every time you think you have it all figured out - a new piece of the puzzle is dropped into your lap.

"You can't judge someone's internal state by their external attributes."

This was my first book by Hendricks & Pekkanen but it certainly won't be my last. They know how to hook their readers and keep them wanting more. This book has made me a fan of this writing duo and I can't wait to see what else they create together.

Many thanks to Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an arc of this book.

At its core The Girl He Used to Know is a story of love, acceptance and second chances.

Annika and Jonathan come face to face in a grocery store...after 10 years. The two were college sweethearts and it is instantly apparent that the connection they shared is alive and well even after years of absence. Annika and Jonathan's love story was heartwarming, endearing and unique. I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold through the dual timelines both for the first time in 1991 and the second time in 2001.

Annika is beautiful, intelligent and quirky. She is also on the autism spectrum. Although she is considered to be high functioning, she suffers from social awkwardness. Through the course of her life this has led to people taking advantage of her, mistreating her and dismissing her. Yet, as we come to know Annika we realize she is strong, brave, caring, loyal and trusting to a fault. Graves did a phenomenal job developing Annika's character. I found myself rooting for her and wanting to be her friend.

Jonathan loved and accepted Annika for who she was. He was so sweet, gentle and understanding of her needs and quirks. They truly balanced each other out with their relationship. He was a sense of security for her. With him, Annika tried new things and discovered more than her usual routine was possible. In turn, she offered Jonathan a fierce and unyielding love.

Although Annika and Jonathan were the main characters Graves solidly built secondary characters that were an integral part of the story. I adored Annika's best friend Janice who was truly a light in her life. Janice helped Annika navigate the world socially. She acted as her translator, confidant, and guide. Their friendship was just so emotionally satisfying! I adored that Annika had this strong friend who accepted her and saw all she had to offer others.

The one negative I have for this amazing story was the ending. It felt rushed after the time spent building their relationship. I didn't see the traumatic event coming and while I felt a bit like it came out of left field, I was ok with it. I simply didn't appreciate the abrupt ending after everything Annika and Jonathan (and me!) had been through together.

This was a strong debut from Tracey Garvis Graves. Annika is the kind of character that will definitely remain strong in my memory and her story was well developed, emotional and left me feeling content.

Thank you Tracey Garvis Graves, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an arc of this book.