bookish_selkie's Reviews (2.14k)

Sadie and Seb have been competing since elementary school. While their families are friends, they remain fierce academic rivals. When Sadie begins her freshman year of college, she is shocked to see Seb there. Seb made it off the waitlist and is soon competing with Sadie for a spot on the school's beloved zine. As they experience freshman year together, they get closer than ever before. Can Sadie and Seb ever be more than rivals? 

The Rival is a sweet and hilarious rom-com. I especially loved Sadie! She feels very responsible for her family and freshman year is her chance to see who she is without managing others emotions. Seb is charming, though sometimes he and Sadie really misinterpret each other. Emma Lord includes so many fun details in this book from Alphabet parties, rainbow-sprinkle pancakes, and lots of new friends. I really enjoyed how Sadie and Seb went from rivals to friends to more.  

The Rival is perfect for readers who enjoy sweet rom-coms with hilarious dialogue. This book was as delicious as all the treats written about inside it! I can’t wait to see what Emma Lord writes next.

Thank you to Emma Lord, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Hammajang Luck is a fast-paced and compelling sci-fi heist. When Edie is released from prison, she vows to steer clear of crime. She’s already lost enough time with her family and only wants to provide for them. Too bad that her ex-friend Angel has different plans. Edie has no interest in Angel’s plans, especially since their last heist is what landed her in prison for eight years. Yet Angel is planning one last heist that will set all of them up for life. As Edie is persuaded to risk it all for an epic heist, will she be able to reconnect with Angel and provide for her family?   

I loved reading Hammajang Luck! I particularly love a good heist plot. Makana Yamamoto weaves in sci-fi elements and Hawaiian pidgin to create a compelling story. I appreciated the inclusion of pidgin and the traditions from Hawaiian culture. Edie is a fascinating character who has been forced to make difficult choices, but is finally prioritizing her family above all else. I loved the complex family dynamics, especially between Edie and her sister. The queer rep is incredible, from the sapphic romance at its heart to the excellent side characters. I loved the queer found family and how they all looked out for each other.

Hammajang Luck is perfect for readers seeking an epic sci-fi heist, queer found family, and witty banter. I’m looking forward to seeing what Makana Yamamoto writes next! 

Thank you to Makana Yamamoto, Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Breath of the Dragon is the action-packed young adult adventure from Shannon Lee (daughter of Bruce Lee) and Fonda Lee. As a young boy, Jun makes a tragic mistake that causes him to be banished along with his father to the West. Jun desperately hopes to reunite with his mother and twin, while passing the time by honing his skills in martial arts. When a once in a lifetime opportunity arises for him to showcase his skills, his father forbids him from entering the tournament. Will Jun obey or choose his own path? 

Readers who love martial arts action sequences and Bruce Lee will love this book! It is fast-paced, with a strong hero who makes the best choices he can in tough situations. Jun is deeply shaped by the separation that occurred when he was young and must deal with the disappointment of not having a special power to aid him in his fighting. Fonda Lee’s exquisite writing style and world-building shines through, although readers of her previous works should note that this is a young adult story. Breath of the Dragon took me a little bit to get into, but at a certain point I was hooked! I enjoyed the side characters, such as Ren and Yin. I’ll look forward to seeing how the story continues! 

Thank you to Shannon Lee, Fonda Lee, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Finished this out of spite because I was past the 50% mark when I wanted to bail 

The In-Between Bookstore is a heartfelt adult debut from Edward Underhill. Darby just got laid off and is struggling with the rent in NYC. On a whim, he decides to return home to IL. As a trans man returning to a small town, he wonders what he will find. Once there, he reconnects with his mom and is shocked to run into his old best friend, Michael. As Darby retraces his steps, he encounters a mysterious bookstore that invites self-reflection and perhaps a second chance. 

The In-Between Bookstore is such a thoughtful story. Edward Underhill writes about the melancholy allure of wondering what could have been. This is such a relatable experience in the queer community and it is beautifully portrayed. While most people don’t have access to a time-traveling bookstore, I think anyone can relate to thinking about “what if” only one thing had been different in their past. The ending was a little bittersweet, but also felt honest and realistic. Darby has an amazing group of found family and I was also glad to see him rekindle his connection with his supportive mom. 

Readers who seek found family, self-reflection, and magical bookstores will enjoy The In-Between Bookstore. 

Thank you to Edward Underhill, Avon, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.