Fair warning - this book is less of a romance and more of women's fiction. However that isn't to say that it didn't make me laugh out loud. From the peacocks to the penis hats, Katy Birchall delivers romcom worthy LOL moments. I loved Freya from the get-go, whether it be jilted at the altar or running down a hallway naked because of The Wedding Season Survival Guide. And don't get me started on the charming (and a bit crotchety) Jamie, our bearded brewery bro. I wish we could've seen more of Freya and Jamie together but still enjoyed the HFN direction this book went in.

*Thank you to St Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review*

We're in the final installment of The Rajes y'all! (Though I didn't read the first 2, so I'm blessed with the opportunity to go back to the beginning.)

I'm a little more familiar with Emma, which made this retelling even more enjoyable. I could be mistaken, but I think this one is genderbent! If not, her being named Knightlina is pure coincidence. I loved Naina and Vansh together, whether they be fighting homelessness or each other. I was also pleasantly surprised by the steam level - you get everything *but* the big event, but I didn't feel cheated at all. It was so interesting peering into the world of philanthropy with a start-up culture take. I also loved that we got to learn more about Esha! I did get annoyed with how the Rajes started treating Naina after the break-up with Yash, especially since Yash was complicit in the fake dating scheme... but it all works out in the end.

*Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review*

As someone who was told for years that I was "too much", this book speaks to me. Add in a reading competition, hand lettering, and all of the Disney vibes? Yeah, I'm in.

We follow Kavya, a rambunctious teenager who is *obsessed* with winning. When she finds herself going toe to toe with her rival Ian, we get to see how close hate and love can be. This book is perfect for summer and has all of the things I want in a book - LGBT rep, realistic conflict, and amaaaazing food. Plus Ian's favorite author is Rick Riordan, so clearly he has good taste. And there are SO many fairytale references between Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid, the parallels never end.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a cute YA romance, as well as fans of Sailor Moon, Disney movies, and fairytales.

*Thank you to Viking Books for Young Readers and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review*

Jessica Goodman's writing just gets better with time, I swear. Here we have a slow burn thriller where everyone (and no one) is a suspect, told in alternating timelines. What makes it feel unique is the sleepaway camp for the elite setting, where Goldie is the only townie. I made several guesses throughout of who the culprit would be (and regretably switched my pick at 80%), but I thought it was wonderful. The ending got a little rushed, but I ultimately loved the murder plot enough to ignore it. I loved Camp Alpine Lake and could imagine my camp experiences unfolding in the setting. This is the perfect YA thriller for summer, especially if you're camping!

*Thank you to Razorbill and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review*

While it took me awhile to finish, this was the book that I needed in my life. I'm a huge perfectionist and often find myself procrastinating to avoid failure, basing my self-worth off of my productivity for the day, and often overcommitting to a fault. There are so many topics within this book that there's certainly something for everyone. Plus if you can't get enough, there's also a podcast!

The biggest takeaway for me was the idea of routine and spontaneity. Routines can often become ruts and solely spontaneity can lead to chaos. But adding variety can make you feel more fulfilled in your life. I'm usually a big fan of routine, but I think I'm going to start mixing them up now.

*Thank you to PRH Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review*

This book is addictive, though I might be alone in that I'm completely uninterested in the smut. Also in that I hated the ending. (And it's not because of the cliffhanger)

But that being said, I really enjoyed the plot and the lore that we learn throughout. We also get to focus on characters who were left out of the first book, my favorites being Therian and Ithan. Some elements were predictable (like Day's identity), but I definitely didn't see a few of the twists coming. I enjoy the side characters much more than Bryce - with Ruhn being my favorite. However it definitely didn't need to be 805 pages.

I've never wanted ice cream so badly in my life. So be warned, you'll want to read this one with a spoon. We follow Chloe and Fallon, a pair of best friends to lovers to enemies to lovers (yes, it's a mouthful), as they navigate a road trip and their tumultuous relationship. While at times it read a bit immature, there was nuance to the conflict that initially tore their friendship apart. But I fell in love with the atmosphere - from the animatronic dinosaurs to the forest of mutilated teddies. It's the perfect summer road trip read!

*Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review*

This is so freaking CUTE!! I love a good sapphic romance, especially one focused on the ins and outs of high school football. Amber is loudly in the closet, and Jack is... well, jacked. But they have such good chemistry, you can't argue with it. I really enjoyed the different subplots - from reconciling with the death of a quarterback to the race for cheer squad captain. It all flowed together so nicely and had the quintessential high school *drama*. I also loved how each chapter had both of Amber and Jack's point of views, letting us get in each of their heads. I'd recommend this for fans of Friday Night Lights and anyone who loves queer cheerleaders.

*Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

Greek tragedies are depressing as is, but the Trojan War is something else entirely. And for those who listened to The Women of Troy or The Song of Achilles, the content isn't anything new. But she provides such a lyrical voice to Clytemnestra, Elektra, and Cassandra that you don't get to hear in most retellings. They have hopes and joys throughout all of the suffering. I also loved having 3 narrators, as it helped me distinguish between the characters. But this book is still *very* depressing to listen to due to its subject matter. Good on Jennifer Saint for making all of the rape and murder somewhat palatable though!

*Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*

I haven't read a literary fiction that I've actually enjoyed in a long time, but I'm pleased that this book delivered. Following a family so full of pain and trauma is certainly depressing, but it felt raw and REAL. We touch on topics of identity, addiction, and love all while the drama unfolds. I loved hearing about Morgan and Sadie's relationship, especially the detail of the ASMR YouTube channel. There weren't any real plot twists, but that's kind of how life goes. Overall a beautiful book that will make you hug your loved ones a little closer.

*Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*