Stars Collide is exactly what happens when singers Eden and Anna find themselves crossing paths. Of course, Eden is a much more well-known star who has been charming audiences since she was a teen. Anna is the younger star on the rise, who is honored to be asked to tour with Eden. Unbeknownst to Anna, Eden needs Anna to help sell out all the seats on her tour. As Eden and Anna become friends, is there potential for them to become something more? 

This is a lighthearted and relaxing sapphic romance. Eden and Anna’s romance would be perfect for those who enjoy the celebrity trope. There is excellent LGBTQ+ rep, Anna is pansexual and Eden goes on a journey to discover what label fits her best. Stars Collide is a very sweet and cute romance. I would recommend it for those who love sapphic romance, celebrity tropes, low angst,  and slow-burn romance.  

Thank you so much to Rachel Lacey, Montlake, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

In an Orchard Grown From Ash returns to the tangled world of the Argyros family. Twins Rhea and Lexos are torn apart after inherited power does manifest as expected and a betrayal occurs. The youngest brother Nitsos has an unexpected depth to his power and seeks strong allies. Chrysanthi will do anything for her siblings- but how much will her siblings ask of her? All four siblings will reckon with the price of their magic and must choose whether the cost is worth it. 

I enjoyed this sequel to In a Garden Burning Gold. This book took on a darker tone, with more tragedy woven into the plot. The Argyros siblings and the dynamics between them are fascinating. Chrysanthi and her journey was my favorite, as she was such a loyal sister who was also able to see the cracks in the foundation. Chrysanthi and her companion’s journey was one of my favorite threads to follow in this book. 

Rory Power makes it clear that magic always comes with a price and the characters must make difficult choices as the true cost and origin of their gifts are revealed. The new characters were gripping and insidious, especially Falka and Ettore. The world-building is intricate and stunning, such as the unusual library where they go to seek more information. I loved the creativity of the siblings' gifts, particularly Lexos’ gift of arranging the stars in the night sky. 

I would recommend this duology to anyone who enjoys vivid world-building, complex sibling stories, and cinematic dark high fantasy. This would be perfect for readers who enjoy Tara Sim (The City of Dusk), M.A. Carrick (The Mask of Mirrors), and Game of Thrones. 

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

Wow, this book stole and promptly destroyed my heart. Ander & Santi Were Here is one of my favorite books of 2023! Ander and Santi have a relationship filled with longing, so much love, and many real-life obstacles. It’s devastatingly romantic and filled with very real grief and pain. Ander & Santi Were Here is brimming with heart and beautiful writing that includes lots of Spanish (which is easy to understand based on context). This is a book that promises to make you cry, grin, and end up wanting to reread the whole thing over again. 

Ander & Santi Were Here is simply beautiful from the cover to the story inside. Once you read the story, you will have even more appreciation for the stunning cover. This is a book that is so moving, deeply romantic, and yet also incorporates real-life problems. I don’t see how anyone could read this story and not come away with a deeper understanding about how immigration laws in the US are horrifyingly cruel and tear families apart.

The queer representation was excellent; Ander is nonbinary and uses they/them/elle pronouns. Ander and Santi have an instant attraction, surrounded by Ander’s family. I loved how Ander’s family was so wonderful and involved in protecting Ander and especially Santi. Ander’s parents were so loving and accepting, while also calling them out when needed and trying to help them no matter what. Since a good portion of this book takes place at Ander’s family taquería, you absolutely cannot read this book without snacks because the descriptions of Mexican food are incredible. 

I would recommend this for readers who enjoy Edward Underhill (Always the Almost), Gabe Cole Novoa (The Wicked Bargain), and Sonora Reyes (The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School). I would truly recommend this to anyone, especially those who enjoy queer love stories that will take you on an emotional journey. I already can’t wait to read Jonny Garza Villa’s next book! 

Thank you so much to Jonny Garza Villa, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Sizzle Reel is the witty and charming story of Luna Roth. When Luna realizes that she is bisexual, the first people she tells are her best friends. Of course, not everyone has best friends who are assistants to celebrities. Luna becomes inexplicably connected to celebrity actress Valeria, whose sexuality is the subject of much speculation. Does Luna want to be with Valeria personally or professionally? Why is one of her best friends acting so weird? And will her boss ever give her a promotion? In Sizzle Reel, Luna learns what it means to be out, bisexual, and what attraction truly feels like. 

I flew through this book and couldn’t put it down! Luna is so relatable and funny. Regardless of how you identify, you will be able to find humor in and empathize with her experiences. I loved Luna’s queer found family with her friends. The dialogue was hilarious, with many witty remarks thrown in with a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it style. Luna, Val, and Romy feel like the type of characters that you wish you could hang out with with in real life. I loved seeing Luna's journey of learning about her sexuality, coming out on her terms, and deciding what matters most to her in a relationship. 

Sizzle Reel would be great for readers who love the dating-a-celebrity trope, sapphic stories, and steamy romance. I would also recommend this for readers who enjoy Ashley Herring Blake (Delilah Green Doesn’t Care), Alexandria Bellefleur (Written in the Stars), and Alison Cochrun (Kiss Her Once For Me). 

Thank you so much to Carlyn Greenwald, Vintage, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

I Like Me Better is the story of Zack and Chip- two high schoolers whose paths have never really crossed. When Zack ends up doing summer community service for a prank at the conservation center, Chip must reluctantly work with him. What Chip doesn’t know is that Zack is taking the blame for a teammate whose college future is on the line. As Zack and Chip get to know each other better, Zack tries to show Chip that he’s more than his reputation. 

I Like Me Better is a sweet and engaging coming-of-age story. As they slowly become friends, Zack and Chip have a lighthearted and hopeful romance. Much of the tension surrounds the soccer team, as in who will be captain next year and whether their previous captain was truly that great. Zack must learn to stand up for himself and have confidence in his choices. I loved the setting of the conservation center, especially Daisy the dolphin! I Like Me Better is a joyful and relaxing YA read that I would definitely recommend to anyone. 

I would especially recommend this for readers who enjoy Alice Oseman (Heartstopper), James Acker (The Long Run), and Julian Winters (As You Walk On By). 

Thank you so much to Robby Weber, Inkyard Press, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 
 

The Bone Shard War is the triumphant conclusion to The Drowning Empire trilogy.  In a world once built on a strong and unforgiving empire, a revolution against Lin simmers as she attempts to pick up the broken pieces of government that her father left her. Lin, Jovis, and their enemies will be forced to make impossible decisions and choose how much they will sacrifice for the empire.

The ossalens (especially Mephi) were one of my favorite parts!! Throughout the series, they were both the fantastic animal companions that everyone wishes they had growing up and still integral to the plot. I absolutely loved Jovis and Lin’s relationship; I felt unable to look away! Both of them have grown so much throughout the series, it was so satisfying to see them fight for what they believe in and decide what matters most.

It is not easy to sustain pacing and unfurl story threads at the exact right moment throughout an entire trilogy- yet Andrea Stewart does it gracefully. I was so invested in the stories being told, the intricate magic system, and poignant prose. The magic system is complex and shifts as the characters learn more about the roots behind the magic. I love the queer rep and Phalue & Ranami’s beautiful relationship. Stewart expertly depicts the emotions of her characters, so you’ll feel that you’re there with them as they make heartbreaking choices. 
 
The Bone Shard War is the perfect book (and trilogy) for readers who enjoy Fonda Lee (Jade City), Leigh Bardugo (Shadow & Bone), Jenn Lyons (A Chorus of Dragons), and Amélie Wen Zhao (Song of Silver, Flame Like Night). Readers who enjoy complex politics, intricate magic systems, and adorable animal companions must read this book! I would highly recommend this trilogy, either in book format or via the audiobook. Or, why not both? I can’t wait to read whatever Andrea Stewart writes next!!

Thank you so much to Andrea Stewart, Orbit Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.