As a huge math nerd and acting camp alum, I was so excited for this book. And it didn't fall short of those expectations! I loved reading about Bea's story, the obvious sexual tension with Nik, and how much she grows throughout the story. Bea is definitely coded as being on the autism spectrum, nothing is ever stated about it in the text and I absolutely loved that element. We get to focus on Bea herself, not any labels from a diagnosis that have been thrust on her. Mia and Nolan were exuberant and really helped lift Bea up throughout the story, without trying to change her. Bea's bluntness, humor, and tenacity are part of what makes her so compelling as a character. Add in a Shakespearean bet with a kiss on the line? It's solid.

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

This is a delightful contemporary version of Chang'e and Houyi full of magical realism and young love. Luna and Hunter are inexplicably drawn to each other, over and over again. And while that may seem cheesy in some books, it works for these (literally) star-crossed lovers. I enjoyed the retelling of the legend, with fun elements like Jadey the rabbit and the fireflies. I did sometimes get lost in the many points of view, but the narrators of the audiobook made it enjoyable nonetheless.

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

I really enjoyed this book overall - from the jetsetting nature of it to the juxtaposition of the djinni story, it all flowed really nicely. There were parts I wish we lingered on, like Sy's relationship with his father and the fallout of the breakup with Farouk, but it still manages to be a fun read despite all of the complicated issues it touches on. There's so much homophobia and islamophobia throughout this book (purposefully so), and we get to see how the Muslim community view the radical sects they're often generalized to. From LA to Marrakech, the book flies by on a private jet and I just wish we had more time with it.

*Thank you to Bloomsbury YA and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

A gorgeous YA that mixes the beauty of music and prose, all surrounded by the ambiance of Detroit. Pair this with the phenomenal performance of the audiobook narrators and you get a book that feels REAL. There's so much struggle built into this novel, be it sexual assault, parenthood, or being a primary caretaker for someone with chronic illness. Dani and Prince never seemed cliche or forced, rather imitating a normal (if not more mature) high school relationship. Adding in Prince's radio show on love was just GENIUS, though it was fun to see him flail when it came to Dani. I'd recommend this book to fans of Hitch or who just want to watch two teenagers fall in love.

*Thank you to Simon & Schuster Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review*

This book is HEAVY, both in physical weight and in the themes throughout. Kaikeyi is far from perfect - she can be megalomaniacal at times, and often puts her desires above the wellbeing of others. But she's interesting and that's what matters. The passion in her voice is so strongly conveyed through the narrator, and it makes you want to root for her. (That being said, it is a retelling of the Ramayana where Kaikeyi was less than gracious, but still...)

But outside of all of this, you get a delightful yet sorrowful epic story about the extents of a mother's love. With this comes a land of gods and magic, intricately woven into the tale of being a woman in historical times. I really REALLY enjoyed it and can't wait to read more from Vaishnavi Patel.

*Thank you to RedHook and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for my honest review*

I'm a bit conflicted about this book. On one hand, I couldn't put it down. On the other, I often found myself filled with rage listening to it. While I understand that terrible people exist in the world, this book felt more like a satire than a mystery/thriller. Molly felt more like a caricature than a compelling main character, and the mystery itself was somewhat predictable. The real surprise is from Molly's perspective, as she's not able to see what the reader can. That being said, the ending itself was quite good (though a bit unsatisfying). I feel like this book had such potential to be great, but was squandered with poor characterization.

So then the question is... would I read another? Quite possibly. The narration of the audiobook was spectacular, to a point where it almost made up for the quality of the text. Almost.

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

Talented children at a boarding school in 1800's Scotland? Uh yeah, I'm in.

While this book is no joke at a whopping 672 pages, I still enjoyed it. We have a diverse cast with upwards of 6 PoVs throughout the book, which at times could feel overwhelming. However we need it to truly understand the plot and character motivations. The lines of good and evil are blurred and we're often flitting from one chain of events to the next. Even so, it's an enjoyable romp that manages to merge historical fiction and fantasy into something entirely new.

(Oh and it's a trilogy that doesn't end on a massive cliffhanger, so that's HUGE)

*Thank you to Turn the Page Tours, Flatiron Books, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review*

Carrie Lawrence is at it again - but this time covering up her own crime rather than her sister's. It's so suspenseful throughout, though juxtaposed nicely with humor. There's something so absurd about Elaine Murphy's books that just makes you go "But why??", giggle, and then turn the page. I'd say that this book feels much lighter than the first, though I wouldn't recommend reading this one first. (I know, I know...)

But this is the perfect summer beach read for someone who wants a bit of suspense and humor, and overall super enjoyable.

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

Eliza finally got her book and I'm SO excited! While this installment is heavier on the romance than the 2 previous, I quite enjoyed it. The whole cult escapee aspect was a bit strange, but we make up for it with all of the adorable animal antics. Like seriously, Trent? I'm in love. The mix of an angsty hacker and a sunshine-y therapist was a great new flavor, but it also feels familiar with tropes like friends with benefits and age gaps. And the epilogue? THE EPILOGUE!!

I think that this is likely the final installment in the Say Everything series, and I'm happy to say that it stuck the landing.

*Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*