One thing about Sarah Dessen books is they tend to always have too many things to really focus and tie things up. There's a pretty big thing that happens and it's almost like it's brushed aside?

Owen and the music elements are great, though.

3 stars for Elle and the ending. I didn't completely buy into the romance until the end and wanted to see Elle doing her thing.

Who else is ALL IN for these time/interdimensional travel books we have going on? ME. ME. ME. Nancy first introduced me to Cold Summer when the cover first came out and I was hooked.

Love story? Yep.
Complicated by (uncontrollable) time travel? Yes, ma'am.
Set in WWII? Just put that book in my hands now pls.
Little known fact: I am fascinated by ground warfare. It was my favorite part of history class. I love that Gwen made it so real. One of my favorite parts of the book is how Kale carries his trauma between time periods.

"When I'm there...I feel needed. Wanted. I feel like I'm there for a purpose, even though I don't know what it is yet."

The relationship between Kale and Harper is such a slow, savoring burn. I did not want to rush what was happening between them.

I'm crossing into unknown territory with a reckless heart, ready to take a step toward something new.

This is not only the story of Kale and Harper but of their complicated family dynamics and what it means to find good in each other when their worlds don't reflect what their hearts are feeling.

Plus, Gwen's writing is the perfect blend of poetry within prose. This is one of those rare times where I wish there was a second book. Hint hint.

Uh so basically I'm never sleeping AGAIN.

See 5 reasons why you need The Duke in your life, from author Katie A. Nelson: https://youtu.be/-pVlGjDKRn8

This book has entered the #1 spot for this year. What an incredibly story that keeps the heart of Gatsby but sets it in today's mechanics.

Sometimes you just know. I'm talking about that special book that you read and know it's going to be your favorite of the year (and maybe a favorite of all time).

The Duke of Bannerman Prep is that book for me.

It all started with the Caraval launch, where Katie introduced herself. I love meeting new people and was excited to check out her Instagram. When I saw that she had a debut novel coming out, I was all, 😱😱😱. Even better, Duke is launching under Sky Pony and I've loved everything I've read from them!

Somewhere between my fangirling and now, Katie brought us snacks to go with our reading experience. SNACKS. In case you missed them, you can find them over at Sarah's blog.

Settling in with my milkshake and purple Laffy Taffy, I consumed The Duke of Bannerman Prep. I was completely sucked in from the time Tanner entered Bannerman and the Duke entered his life. You can't help but love these characters. Tanner completely embodies the Nick we know and love from Gatsby. He's smart but enamored by Duke, a good person but caught up in the lifestyle, good enough but unsure of himself. I loved his voice. I loved the dynamics between him and the Duke

"Be kind to him. You never know what he might be dealing with."

Oh, the Duke. Completely charming and impossible to not fall in love with. You know the track he's on and yet as the story goes on, the depth of his character grows and you're left with clutching your heart, gasping as the story progresses.

“Look. I know you’re all worked up. If you’ll just relax, we’ll be fine. You can recite the stats better than the Pledge of Allegiance. And I can talk my way out of anything. Trust me. We’ve got this.”

Even though you know you can't trust him, you do. Katie does not disappoint in creating a complex backstory for the Duke.

A better friend probably would have pressed the issue. A better friend would have stayed up and listened to him talk all night if he had to.

As someone who lives in the Bay Area, I can't express enough how perfect the setting of a (fictional) Bay Area prep school is to the overall tone and themes of Gatsby. For those who live here, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

At the 80% mark, I had a gut wrenching response. Love this world and the characters.

Everland is a steampunk retelling of Peter Pan, which is continued in Umberland - a book set in the world of Wonderland. Umberland is a journey book; the characters are past their first set of hurdles in book one and now have to figure out what's next for them. We are introduced to new characters, new settings, and new challenges. The virus has mutated and accelerated, hitting some very close people hard. It's up to the Duchess (Alice) and Maddox (Mad Hatter) to find a forbidden apple for Doc to extract the cure. But the labyrinth is a danger place where those who are sickest go to die in peace.

This book is full of twists and turns and OMG moments. Wendy really lets her characters run with their impulsive choices, reminding us that the teenage brain is still very much a formation in progress. I was hooked through the end and can't wait for book 3.

One of the best creative teams putting out a story full of feels and mostly nude Star-Lord. No complaints here.

5 beautiful stars to this book. For Daryn. For Gideon. For Daryn and Gideon (seriously, OTP). For Bas. For Real. For bonds and things not of this world.

I have a special connection to Riders, because it was the first ARC I ever received. Veronica moderated the Illuminae event here, where I had the opportunity to meet her right before I got married. When she learned I was about to wed, she gave me her last copy of Riders. I was hooked from there.

Evil is its own undoing.

As a Supernatural megafan, the world of Riders is right up my alley.

Cool characters who are bonded by circumstances beyond their control
A supernatural apocalypse
A sizzling romance 🔥
The Rift - which reminds me of purgatory
I love this little duology. It's the perfect taste of the characters and the dynamics set forth by Samreal and his team of demons.

She knows this is my greatest fear. That Gideon, Marcus, and Jode will blame me for what happened to Sebastian.

Riders leaves you on a major cliffhanger and Seeker drops you right back into the action, even though it's been a bit since the events of Riders. Daryn is faced with the guilt of losing Sebastian to the Rift and she will do anything to get him back. I can relate - waiting to know what happened to Bas has been torture!

You can't help but love these characters. Veronica brings them to life and gives you a complete visualization of their amazing weapons and companion horses. They each have a distinct voice and set of character traits, so even the dual POV in the book does not muddy their characters. There are several twisty parts in the story and I was biting my nails every time the team was in the Rift.

98. Letting go of regret. Embracing life, the future, love.

I'd be lying if I said anything but the kissing scenes were my favorite. Veronica was bringing the full force HEAT between Gideon and Daryn and I am all for OTP forever for those two.

Explosive. Unique. Addictive.

Sometimes you pick up a book and you're not really sure what you're getting yourself into. With Violet Grenade, you may think you know what you're getting into but nothing will prepare you for the ride you're in for.

He's my person. Not that I need one.

Domino has been through A LOT of shit. Victoria Scott did not shy away from her rough past and how that leads her to Cain, Madam Karina, and Wilson. And just when you think she's had enough, Victoria pushes her further. And further. And further. Grenade doesn't even begin to describe it. This book is one of the darkest romances (and possibly darkest book) I've read. With a satisfying ending, fans of Lost Girls will enjoy this book.

Interesting next step in the Program series...Missed the characters from the original series.

So, why should you pick it up?

-Series within a series. Each set of two books is a total story within the world of The Program. The Program and The Treatment center on one set of characters, The Remedy and The Epidemic center on another, and The Adjustment and The Complication have their own set of people. There is some crossover and having knowledge of the world is helpful, but not required. Suzanne sets up each duology so that you're not lost.
-Speaking of characters...OH BOY are these characters the kind you can't get enough of. Each of them has their own experience with The Program and the adults controlling the experiment. Plus there's some romance <3.
-Unputdownable. I sat in the sun so long while reading The Program that I had a sunburn! I didn't want to put it down! I also cleared my TBR for The Adjustment. Once you start, you can't stop. Good thing there's 5 of them so far.
-Relevant. Considering the suicide clusters within our country, The Program feels like something that could totally happen. Let's learn from the mistakes in the book so we don't have to go through what the characters in the stories go through,
-The Covers. Oh, how much do you love how matchy-matchy this series is?! I totally do.