The Stars Undying is a retelling of Cleopatra and Caesar, but it is so much more than that. The story takes place in space, where tech and religion war. Gracia (Cleopatra) is violently ousted from the throne by her twin sister and forced to ask Ceirran (Caesar) for help. Along with his intrepid captain Anita (Anthony), Gracia and Ceirran embark on an epic journey to reclaim the throne for Gracia. More than the throne, they must recover the Pearl of the Dead, a computer that holds the soul of Gracia’s god: Alekso. Loyalties will be tested and betrayal is inevitable as they seek to discover what it means to be a queen and a god.

This book has it all- romance, politics, action-packed battles, and reflections on what it means to be queen. Emery Robin writes such a creative and compelling take on Cleopatra in space. I couldn’t put it down! Gracia and Ceirran both prove to be slightly unreliable narrators and I was spellbound as the truth behind their story unravels. I loved Anita! Her scenes with Gracia were some of my favorites in the book. Emery Robin handles the dual narrator structure of the book so well and has excellent pacing. I would recommend this for fans of queer historical retellings who enjoy sci-fi/space operas. I hope that we get more books in this series! Thank you so much to Emery Robin, Orbit, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Children from the island nation of Nubia have always been considered climate refugees in New York. In a world where environmental disasters strike frequently, the higher up you can go to escape the floods, the better. The world looks down on the mythical Nubia, but Nubia has been hiding powerful secrets. Zuberi, Uzochi, and Lencho all must work to discover the mystery behind hidden powers manifesting in the Nubian community. Nubia: The Awakening is an action-packed and glorious adventure! It would be perfect for fans of Black Panther.

Nubia is a story that deals with fantastic powers, racism (especially relating to climate change), and belonging to a community. One of my favorite parts was the powers that the children deal with and how they band together to figure them out. I hope to see more nuance and depth in the characters as the story continues. I’m curious to see what comes next for these characters and how they will fight for their community. Nubia: The Awakening is an enjoyable and action-packed adventure! Thank you to Omar Epps, Clarence A. Haynes, Delacorte Press, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ex Appeal returns to Ponto Beach and the Nerd Herd! It follows Emily and Vinh, who once dated and now avoid each other like the plague. In the years that they’ve been apart, both their lives have changed drastically. When Vinh is trapped in a difficult situation at his company, he needs a hacker. It’s been years since he and Emily had a true conversation, but there’s only one person he can trust to help save his career. Emily has been dealing with money issues and the death of her father. Yet when Vinh offers to pay her to hack and find the true culprit, she can’t resist. Along the way, they discover the real reason they broke up. But is that enough to keep them together? 

I have been highly anticipating Emily and Vinh’s story and Cathy Yardley delivered. For the past two books, readers have seen the conflict and regret between Emily and Vinh. I was so curious to learn what broke these two apart! I enjoyed learning what happened between Emily and Vinh and seeing their romance get a second chance. The animals were a cute addition and made for an entertaining side plot. I appreciated the cameos from Lily and Tobin, as well as Tam and Josh. I love the camaraderie and joy of the Nerd Herd and hope we get to see more from this world. Thank you to Cathy Yardley, Montlake, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ocean’s Echo is a sci-fi adventure filled with action. I couldn’t put it down! In a world where there are readers and architects, both gifted with otherworldly manipulative powers, Tennal has always striven to do the opposite of whatever he’s supposed to be doing. It’s not his fault that his aunt is the legislator, one of the most powerful political leaders. When he is caught breaking the rules yet again, she finally conscripts him into the army. Tennal is slated to be bound to an architect, synced and under his control. 

Surit, the architect, is extremely principled and ethical. When Surit and Tennal realize that they are being forced together- they decide to fake it. As they journey to a mysterious patch of chaotic space, Tennal and Surit must work together or risk their lie being uncovered. It soon becomes clear that their assignment was no accident and someone has nefarious plans for both of them. 

Ocean’s Echo was such a fantastic adventure!! I loved both Surit and Tennal. Tennal was hilarious, yet has routinely been overlooked by the world and underestimated. He finds a perfect pair in Surit, who has the principles and steadiness to ground him. There is very little romance in the book, but the bond between Tennal and Surit was so satisfying. I also loved the fantastic LGBTQ+ rep, the way pronouns are communicated, and the inclusive writing/queer-norm worldbuilding. Everina Maxwell completely drew me into her world, unfurling a devastating and complicated political plot. I can’t wait to see what Maxwell writes next! Thank you to Everina Maxwell, Tor Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Paris Daillencourt Is About to Crumble follows anxiety-ridden Paris as he navigates a season of Bake Expectations. When his roommate enters him into the running for the baking show, Paris assumes he’ll never get in. When he does and starts to win, he is absolutely shocked. Almost as shocked as when the stunning contestant Tariq takes an interest in him. But Paris has been living with untreated anxiety for a long time now, and Bake Expectations creates the perfect storm. Will Paris be able to manage his anxiety as the pressure mounts? 

I absolutely love Alexis Hall and will read anything he writes. I’m also a fan of the real Great British Bake-Off, so I really enjoy this series. That said, Paris Daillencourt Is About to Crumble deals with very serious anxiety. It was so difficult to watch Paris self-sabotage and endlessly apologize for existing. Alexis Hall creates a good balance between the joy of baking, the newness of his connection with Tariq, and his difficult struggle with mental health. I was happy to see what Paris ended up deciding in the end and the resources he used. 

My favorite part was the descriptions of the baking competition and I wish there had been just a little more romance. However, I think it also makes sense that Paris cannot truly engage in romance or a relationship until he is able to take care of himself better. Alexis Hall is an incredibly witty and thoughtful writer. I can’t wait to see what Alexis Hall writes next and look forward to reading literally anything he writes…grocery lists included!! Thank you to Alexis Hall, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Kiss Her Once for Me is one of my favorite novels of 2022. I was spellbound by Jack and Ellie as they navigate a complicated holiday season. One year ago, Ellie met Jack on a snow day. They spent the day together and haven’t seen each other since. This year, Ellie gets roped into a scheme to help the beautiful Andrew collect his inheritance as his fake fiancée. Upon arrival at the family cabin for the holidays, Ellie is stunned to realize Andrew’s sister Jaqueline is actually Jack. Shenanigans ensue as Ellie and Jack uncover what truly happened on the snow day last year…

This is such a beautiful queer romance! I related so strongly to Ellie and loved the bi and demisexual rep. It felt extremely accurate and I loved how Ellie talked about her sexuality and how she feels attraction/love. Alison Cochrun was so artful in how she interspersed the flashbacks between then and now. I enjoyed how the story behind their first meeting slowly unspooled in tandem with their present day interactions. The romance between Jack and Ellie is searing hot, Cochrun nails the impact of every casual touch and stolen glance. Their reunion is aching and slowburn, filled with heat, and I couldn’t stop reading! Needless to say, I ship them and can’t wait to re-read Kiss Her Once for Me!

I could see and appreciate the references to When You Were Sleeping, but Kiss Her Once for Me is an original and clever romance. I would recommend this to anyone, but especially to fans of Casey McQuiston (One Last Stop) and Written in the Stars (Alexandria Bellefleur). Thank you to Alison Cochrun, Atria Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Built to Last is a second chance romance, set against the backdrop of a home renovation show. Shelby and Cameron grew up as child stars together and find themselves reunited in adulthood. While Shelby and Cameron have both pursued passions outside Hollywood, their third co-star Lyle is still firmly ensconced in the world of TV. With family depending on them, Shelby and Cam will need to avoid Lyle’s drama to make their show a success. And possibly rekindle love along the way? 

Built to Last was an enjoyable read. I appreciated how Erin Hahn wove in so much of their childhood history and the pressure of being child stars. Lyle was really annoying (as he was supposed to be!), but I loved that Shelby and Cam had good people surrounding them and supporting their dreams. I wish I could have seen photos of what they were doing to restore the house! Built to Last is perfect for people who love home renovation shows, a second chance plot, and slow burn romance. Thank you to Erin Hahn, St. Martin’s Griffin, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.