The Takeover is the story of two high school rivals that meet again in adulthood. Only this time, Jae is trying to take over Nami’s beloved tech company. Sparks fly immediately as Nami tries to save the company (and the people) that mean everything to her. But soon, Jae and Nami find themselves connecting in a way they never have before. Can Nami and Jae have a romantic relationship, even as the future of Nami’s company remains unknown? 

The Takeover is a delightful romance between two people who have hated each other since high school- or so they thought. This story was so fun! It's the perfect lighthearted romance to break a book slump.  Nami and Jae had excellent banter and lots of romantic tension between them. I loved how Nami never gave up on protecting the people at her company. The supporting cast of characters were all funny and caring. In particular, the missing desk chair saga was hilarious! I appreciated how both Jae and Nami had complex relationships with their family. Cara Tanamachi incorporates beautiful descriptions of Chicago. I would recommend The Takeover to readers who love Cathy Yardley, Mazey Eddings, and Jackie Lau. 

Thank you to Cara Tanamachi, St. Martin’s Griffin, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Arya Khanna’s Bollywood Moment is a compelling and delightful coming-of-age story and romance. Arya Khanna has to balance college applications, her sister’s wedding/family drama, and coming in second to her arch-nemesis rival. Dean is the president of the student body and they constantly battle for the upper hand. When Dean and Arya are forced to work together for the good of the school, they discover a potential friendship. Arya must also try and help her sister Alina get ready for the wedding and hopes to mend the broken bond between her mother and sister. As Arya works to balance her many responsibilities, what will she do when her friendship with Dean turns into a romance? 

Arya is such a likable and relatable heroine. I really enjoyed her adventures in friendship, family, and romance. Arya has many obstacles along the way, including a tumultuous relationship with her older sister Alina. Alina is getting married, but the sisters have been separated for years. This leads to difficult conversations between them, but I loved the character growth from both sisters. Dean is a very sweet and charming love interest, who at first doesn’t quite know what to do with Arya when they aren’t fighting. Readers who enjoy powerful coming-of-age stories, rivals in love, and compelling characters will love this book. This is the perfect book for readers who love the tv show: Never Have I Ever. I’m looking forward to what Arushi Avachat writes next!  

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

The Getaway List is the story of two best friends who are reunited after high school graduation. Riley has never doubted Tom is her best friend, but they have somewhat fallen out of contact since he moved to New York City. When she graduates, she decides to take a trip to New York City and find Tom. The Tom she finds is a shadow of his former self. Riley resolves to reignite the connection they had and suggests they try to complete their “getaway list.” As they adventure through the city, Riley finds herself with strong feelings for Tom. Are Riley and Tom meant to be only best friends or something more? 

The Getaway List is such a fun and sweet YA. It’s a slowburn friends-to-lovers romance. Riley and Tom have such a solid friendship, but have fallen out of touch in very understandable ways. I loved seeing the growth in Riley’s relationship with her mom. Riley and her mom start out on a very tumultuous note, because Riley travels to NYC despite her mom's fears. Throughout the book, they work towards a stronger bond with deeper understanding. Tom and Riley have a beautiful friendship and relationship; I loved how they really grew together. The cast of friends was incredible and the perfect complement to their adventures through NYC. The Getaway List is a love letter to the magic and delicious baked goods of NYC and readers will feel like they’ve taken a vacation there. The Getaway List is an adventurous and hopeful romance that would be perfect for anyone who loves contemporary YA.

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

In Check & Mate, Mallory hasn't played chess in years. When she is given the opportunity to play in a tournament and take care of her family, she can't pass it up. As she rises in the ranks and goes head to head with Nolan, the two chess rivals start to get to know each other. 

Check & Mate was hilarious and heartfelt. I devoured this story! While I don’t know much about chess, I really enjoyed learning from Mallory and her knowledge shone through. I also related to Mallory being the older sibling who wants to help her family in any way she can.  Nolan is laser-focused on chess and finds himself shocked to be distracted by Mallory. Mallory and Nolan have a tension-filled relationship that makes it very difficult to put this book down. 

Ali Hazelwood is turning into an auto-buy author for me! I love her witty dialogue and lovable characters.  Check & Mate is perfect for readers who want a sweet yet tension-filled romance, action-packed chess scenes,  and lovable characters. I would highly recommend Check & Mate to anyone! 

Thank you to Ali Hazelwood and BookishFirst for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.