Rosaline Palmer can’t believe it but she has somehow landed a spot on a national baking competition. With the prize money, she could stop relying on her parents and change her daughter’s life for the better. But the road to the finale is anything but easy- complicated by fellow bakers who become friends, lovers, and enemies. As Rosaline becomes enamored of one elegant baker, she also finds herself attracted to a shy electrician. When the competition intensifies, Rosaline won’t be able to win without being honest about what and who she truly wants.

Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake is a joyous celebration of baking and growth. I’m a huge fan of the Great British Bake Off, so the baking competition was simply delightful for me to read about! The descriptions of the food were mouth-watering. There is a strong emphasis throughout on found family and personal growth. One of my favorite parts of the book was seeing how much Rosaline grew in confidence and learned to believe in herself.

I related to Rosaline’s struggle to balance the advice of others with following her heart. Rosaline is bisexual and the rep was so good and inclusive it almost made me cry! I appreciated how well this was handled, particularly when she was in a relationship with a man. Amelie, Rosaline’s daughter, was a star of the book- so funny! It can be hard to pull off having kids in a romance, but Alexis Hall does it flawlessly. Another Alexis Hall book to add to my favorites!

This book is sweet, delicious, and not to be missed. I would highly recommend this book to anyone! Thank you so much to Alexis Hall, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5

Annie and Brendon have known each other since they were kids, but Brendon has always had a crush on her. Brendon loves love, while Annie is more skeptical. When Annie comes to visit Brendon’s sister in Seattle, they reunite before Annie moves to London for work. With big romantic gestures inspired from his favorite rom-coms, Brendon is determined to change Annie’s mind about love and staying in Seattle. But what happens if Annie doesn’t stay?

Hang the Moon is as sweet and relaxing as a favorite rom-com that you’ve memorized because you’ve rewatched it so many times. It is delightful to watch Annie and Brendon fall in love, though not quite as neatly as a rom-com movie script. Hang the Moon is a gentle and enchanting romance. Both Annie and Brendon grow along the way, discovering what romance and love truly mean in their own lives. Brendon’s relentless optimism and quest for romance is absolutely adorable.

The cameos from Elle and Darcy were delightful, though you do not need to have read Written in the Stars. If you love friend-to-lovers, there’s only one bed, and cheesy rom-com movies, then you need to check out this book! It will also make you want to rewatch all your favorite rom-com movies! Thank you so much to Alexandria Bellefleur, Avon, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was very excited to read this new graphic novel from Brandon Sanderson. Dark One follows Paul, an ordinary boy who has the ghost of a young woman following him around. When violent visions of another world begin, he is convinced he is experiencing mental illness. As the visions become stronger, it becomes clear that there is another world calling to Paul. Only Paul isn’t being called to be the hero, but the villain.

Dark One has a gripping and intense premise, with lots of action and high stakes. The artwork is very well done, with excellent attention paid to use of light. The overall story was intriguing, but I can tell that this volume is only scratching the surface of what promises to be a compelling graphic novel series. I would definitely be curious to see how the story continues! Thank you so much to Brandon Sanderson, Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, Diamond Book Distributors, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was very excited to start a new series by Cornelia Funke! Like many, I first fell in love with the Inkworld, but quickly found myself intrigued by the Mirrorworld. Reckless I: The Petrified Flesh, follows Jacob Reckless as he desperately seeks to undo a curse turning his younger brother’s skin to jade. With the help of Fox, a shapeshifter, Jacob races to find an impossible cure. For the Dark Fairy has seen Will in her dreams and she has plans for him…

This was a great introduction to the Mirrorworld! My favorite thing about the book is the expansive world-building, with a very thoughtful attention to detail. Jacob and Will battle not only to stop the curse, but to reconcile their past. The world is filled with dangerous whimsy, devious monsters, and creative magic. I would recommend this book for middle grade fans who love magical world-building, sibling stories, and fairytales with a bite. I look forward to seeing what happens in the next installment! Reckless I: The Petrified Flesh is available now. Thank you so much to Cornelia Funke, Pushkin Press, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.