Gemma has just had a devastating break-up. With the help of her beloved aunt and sister, she tries a magic spell to forget her ex. The next morning, the consequences are beyond anything she could’ve imagined- including the removal of her best friend from her life. As Gemma retraces her steps and sees how life could’ve played out if she had never met her ex, she must choose whether to stay in this new world or return to her old one. 

It took me a little bit to get into this book. Once the spell was cast and Gemma had to navigate the alternate future, then I felt pretty hooked. Gemma is a fun heroine who is seeking love and has perhaps been missing what is right in front of her. I loved her close relationships with her sister and aunt. Even in an alternate universe, her family was there for her. Dax and Gemma have a nice and relatively straightforward romance in the alternate world. This Spells Love is a cozy, cute romance that deals with alternate worlds. 

This Spells Love would be perfect for fans of Ann Aguirre (The Only Purple House in Town), Sliding Doors, and romances with a what-if twist. 

Thank you to Kate Robb, Dial Press, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sweet and full of Crazy Rich Asian Vibes (except queer)! I enjoyed Fake Dates and Mooncakes, but it wasn’t quite what I was expecting. My favorite part was not the romance but Dylan’s bond with his family. I loved how they always looked out for and supported each other. I really liked the LGBTQ+ rep and this book felt relaxing- almost cozy. I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did an excellent job. I’m excited to read what Sher Lee writes next! 

The Art of Destiny is the action-packed sequel to The Art of Prophecy! Jian is the hero of prophecy, but what happens when it seems like the prophecy has made a mistake? Jian still needs to train with his masters and flee the various enemies he’s made through his journey. Qisami is infiltrating a noblewoman’s household and employing every trick she knows. Sali has been charged by her sister with fully investigating whether she can ever be healed from holding the last remaining piece of the Khan’s soul. What adventures will the three go on in the latest installment in this series? 

Wesley Chu’s style of writing is so compelling and hilarious. I love the witty banter, the subtle jokes, and blink-and-you’ll-miss-it comedy. The stakes are higher than ever! Jian is the same straightforward and sweet hero who is always doing his best. I loved Taishi’s character growth, learning about her background, and seeing how she chooses to fulfill her own personal destiny. Sali is impossible not to want the best for and goes on one of the most harrowing journeys- including travel by iceberg. I love Qisami so much and can’t wait to see where her story goes after that cliffhanger!! Her shadowkill powers were fascinating and I loved watching her navigate the complex politics of the court. 

The Art of Destiny is fast-paced and filled with cinematic scenes of martial arts battles. It is clear this is a huge passion of Wesley Chu’s and it comes across the page in vivid prose. I love how he took the traditional trope of the chosen one and creatively re-imagined it. The world-building encompasses intricate details and is also expansive. I can’t wait to see what happens next to all of these lovable characters!! Readers who enjoy action-packed fantasy, cinematic battles, witty prose, and heartwarming characters will love this book.    

Thank you so much to Wesley Chu, Del Rey, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Phoebe Matthews can’t believe it when she gets to be on the same soccer team as the legendary Grace Henderson. Not only did she grow up with a poster of Grace on her walls, she’s looked up to Grace as an athlete since forever. The thought of being teammates with benefits doesn’t even occur to her, until it does. No one gets under Grace’s skin like Phoebe. Surely if she gets Phoebe out of her system then she’ll be able to focus? When Grace is benched for an injury, Phoebe takes her place in a tournament. If forced to choose between their romance or competing for spots on the team, what will they choose? 

This was my first book from Meryl Wilsner, but definitely not my last- I loved it!! Readers who enjoyed A League of Their Own and the sapphic blend of romance and sports will love this book. Grace and Phoebe have incredible chemistry and very steamy scenes. Phoebe is such a fun-loving and warm character who matches up so well with Grace! Grace has needed to be serious about soccer for such a long time to accomplish her goals that she’s forgotten some of the joy. I liked the ADHD and autism rep and it seemed very well done. There was fantastic LGBTQ+ rep throughout the entire book! The dialogue was filled with witty banter. There was a strong supporting cast in the team that brought out the best in Phoebe and Grace. I loved their adventures touring New Orleans, the hair-braiding scenes (!!), and the scorching tension between them. 

I would highly recommend this book to anyone! Readers who loved Fly With Me (Andie Burke), Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail (Ashley Herring Blake), and Count Your Lucky Stars (Alexandria Bellefleur) will love Cleat Cute. Readers who enjoy sapphic sports romance, A League of Their Own, steamy scenes, and engaging characters will absolutely love this book! 

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

The Forest Grimm is a creative fairy tale filled with twisted secrets. Clara lives on the outskirts of the Forest Grimm, a magical forest that sealed itself off from her town after dark magic was used. People who enter the forest now become Lost and are unable to leave. Clara is determined to enter the forest and save her mother. With her friends Axel and Henni, Clara embarks on a quest to break the curse and save those who have been Lost. Once in the forest, she realizes that the time away has taken a terrible toll on the people who remained inside. Will Clara be able to rescue her mother or has the forest claimed her for good? 

The Forest Grimm is influenced by several fairy tales, but especially by Little Red Riding Hood. I really liked how Kathryn Purdie experimented with darker interpretations of classic fairy tales. Clara is a very determined and caring character. The forest has many dangers and traps that require Clara and her friends to work together to survive. Clara also has a physical disability, which makes her journey into the forest more difficult and requires her to wear a shoe with a special lift in it. Axel and Clara have a very sweet romance, which I’m excited to see explored more! The ending of the book made it seem like there’s more stories to be told in this world. I’m looking forward to returning to the Forest Grimm! Readers who enjoy Isabel Ibañez, Elizabeth Lim, and Rebecca Ross should check this book out! 

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

4.5 rounded up// 

The Phoenix King is an action-packed and captivating fantasy debut. Elena is the crown princess in the kingdom of Ravence, whose rulers are legendary for controlling the Eternal Fire- except she can’t wield it yet. If she can’t control her powers on the day of her coronation, she will not be accepted by her subjects. When the former assassin Yassen is added to her guard, Elena is suspicious. To secure an alliance, Elena agrees to marry Yassen’s friend Samson. Elena will have to accept his help and the alliances that come with it in order to survive the war looming on the horizon. Meanwhile, Elena’s father schemes behind the scenes to protect the kingdom. What type of queen will Elena be when she is put to the test? 

The Phoenix King is filled with high-stakes politics, dangerous magical powers, and morally gray characters. Yassen and Elena are compelling characters as they fight for their goals. Elena is a fierce and strong character who has had the goal of becoming queen her entire life. Yassen is a morally gray character who has been forced into unthinkable choices. I am so curious to see more of their relationship explored in future books!

 Elena’s journey to harnessing her powers is long and difficult. I enjoyed learning more about her mother’s journey and what led her to make the choices that she did. I also really liked Ferma’s powers and how she was able to use her hair during a fight. There is an incredibly detailed amount of world-building happening in this book. Readers who enjoyed Kaikeyi (Vaishnavi Patel), The Jasmine Throne (Tasha Suri), and The Jasad Heir (Sara Hashem) will love this book. I’m looking forward to the sequel! 

Thank you to Aparna Verma, Orbit Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Artifacts of An Ex is a sweet YA romance. When Chloe’s grandmother suffers a health scare, Chloe and her family move out to California to be with her. Unfortunately, this means Chloe and her boyfriend Jake are going long-distance. Then Jake sends a shoebox of Chloe’s belongings without warning. Heartbroken and confused, Chloe is inspired to create Heartifacts- an exhibit of items from broken-up couples. There she meets Daniel, who is filming his best friend’s reaction to his personal relationship box. As Chloe and Daniel pursue their artistic goals, what happens when Chloe begins to have feelings for Daniel? 

I really enjoyed Artifacts of An Ex! It was a lighthearted and enjoyable YA romance. Chloe is a driven and creative character who is determined to make art out of her heartbreak. Daniel is also very driven, but much more guarded due to past bad experiences where he was the second choice romantically. One of my favorite things was the relationship between Chloe and her grandma; it felt very realistic and loving. I only wish I could try some of the delicious pineapple cake that Chloe painstakingly recreates with her ahma! Chloe’s family was always supportive and encouraging of her art, which was great to see. Readers who enjoyed Rent A Boyfriend (Gloria Chao), I Love You So Mochi (Sarah Kuhn), and A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow (Laura Taylor Namey) will love this book.

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