As usual, there's a lot going on. This book is less focused on the court politics and far more on battle and tactics, but it isn't at a detriment to the story. We see more of the love triangle (and an actual RESOLUTION, my heart!!), but we also get to see more of the *world*. The kingdoms are so fleshed out and vibrant and it was exciting to visit a few new ones. At times I felt like we could've done without a plot element or two, but they did all mesh quite well in the end. I particularly enjoyed this story's villain, in how vile and devious they were. It really made for a compelling story!

*Thank you to B2Weird, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

This is the cutest graphic novel for spooky season and you won't change my mind. It kind of reminded me of Gravity Falls with its whimsicality and humor, but the art style is something else entirely. It's simultaneously eerie and adorable. And what's even cooler is that it started as a webcomic! The entire cast of characters is compelling - between Planchette trying to exorcise her house, the crotchety detective Alice, the sassy Sun working the day away, and more, you're going to fall in love so quickly. I can't wait to read the next volume and see what happens next!

*Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

I have to start with this - the audiobook is just captivating. For me, tennis has just been one step above golf in terms of sports I'd want to watch, but this definitely changes things. Between the dynamic sports broadcasts and Carrie's inner dialogues during games, you can't help but be invested. Did I scream when it ended? Absolutely. But let's be clear - Carrie is not a particularly likable character. And maybe that's part of her charm - she doesn't CARE about being liked. I wish that we'd gotten to see more of Nicki and Bowe throughout, but the story overall worked very well as is. Plus Carrie just has so many good quotes, my favorite being "I will hold their beating hearts in my hands". What a boss ass bitch.

*Thank you to LibroFM for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*

You know a book is going to be good when the dedication makes you guffaw. I haven't laughed out loud because of a book in a LONG time, but Alisha Rai seriously nails it. You get humor, crime, escape rooms, and several matchmaking plots gone horribly wrong (and then right!). I loved following Mira and Naveen as they navigate this high-speed story and unravel the mysteries of her dad's crimes and of each other. It's a second chance romance with adventure, and nothing makes you want to bang like fearing for your lives. I'd recommend this for fans of Dial A for Aunties and cozy mysteries who want a little bit of added *steam*.

*Thank you to LibroFM for the gifted ALC*

Gorgeously written and narrated, and reminiscent of the glorious Spirited Away, what's not to like? It's immersive and draws on mythology I was unfamiliar with, while also creating a world of her own. Mina is brave in the face of so many obstacles - what with finding herself in a strange underworld, battling demons, and trying to reclaim her soul. It's a LOT. I do feel like I was confused at times on audio, but that's par for the course when I listen to fantasy. But I found the plot to be really enjoyable and immersive, perfect for a series of long walks.

I know absolutely zero about Much Ado About Nothing, but I do know that this was a really enjoyable read. The fake dating revenge plot reminded me of 10 Things I Hate About You and Do Revenge in a weird amalgum that just WORKS. And while the steam doesn't really hit until about 75% through the book, it is worth the wait. Jamie is going to be a book boyfriend for the ages and Bea is just so adorable. I love seeing neurodivergent pairings where the book doesn't necessarily focus on that divergence as a plot element, rather just as a character trait. The portrayal of anxiety and demisexuality hit home, as did the coping mechanisms from dealing with an emotionally abusive ex. This book made me feel creatively charged, warm and fuzzy, and just in love with their universe. I hope that we get to see books for Jules and Kate (because lord knows Christopher and Kate are secretly in love in the best enemies to lovers kind of way).

*Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

So freaking *CUTE*. From the snowy DC setting to an absolutely terrifying meet-cute, this book has it all. I loved reading about Shani and her passion for paleoichthyology, especially when she finds her foil in May. I found much of the college-age romance to be realistic, especially that of making your partner your personality. Like seriously, it's Cady Heron/Regina George levels. I kept waiting for something to go horribly wrong a la You've Reached Sam, but thankfully it's just pure and simple YA love and the complications that go along with that. But we still get fleshed out characters and true-to-life conflicts that excavated this cold dead heart.

*Thank you to BooksForward for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

This is a complicated character-focused book that has many triggers such as miscarriage, transphobia, and abuse. The plot meanders through Reese, Ames, and Katrina's lives (though significantly more focused on Reese and Ames), yet still forms a narrative that kept me engaged. I do think that if this book hadn't been written by a trans woman, it would've felt inauthentic and possibly even unrealistic. But knowing that this is an Own Voices book builds trust in what the characters are going through. I feel like we didn't get to know Katrina well enough, rather only seeing her through Reese and Ames's lenses, and saw her more as a plot device than a character. There's so much trauma and toxicity in these characters that you can't help but read it. They aren't necessarily "good" people, but their actions aren't glorified and you can't help but feel for them.

This book is thrilling chaos incarnate. While the Good Girl's Guide to Murder series felt intricately plotted, Five Survive feels like a good kind of messy. It's real and raw, as we watch 6 teens locked in an RV devolve Lord of the Flies style. While I predicted the main twist, there were so many others that I didn't see coming. And the suspense that Holly Jackson builds is next-level. As the hours tick down, the situation becomes more dire (and deadly) and you won't be able to put it down. Everyone has a secret and they're all coming out by the end of the night. (Though I'm still wondering why Red is so fixated on the curtains!?)

*Thank you to TBR and Beyond Tours, Delacorte Press, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

I honestly wasn't sure that The Dragon Pearl needed a sequel, though I do enjoy the scifi atmosphere and mythology. I just struggled to relate with Sebin as they navigates their familial and military obligations. I didn't quite understand their motivations and it felt like the plot was really rushed. I also must have been reading too fast because I totally missed the nonbinary rep until I was reading other people's reviews. But on the other hand, that could mean that it was just subtle enough and a *fact* rather than a plot point, which I enjoy far more. It's a great space opera YA, just not my favorite in the series thus far.