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2.51k reviews by:
popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received this book from BookSparks and HarperTeen. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2.5/5
Publication Date: February 12, 2019
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (rape, rape culture, drug intake, sexual assault, suicide, suicidal thoughts, abuse, language, violence, slight gore)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 400
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Roses are read, violets are blue, if you hurt us, we’re coming for you.
The deeply secretive Black Coats have been exacting vengeance on men who hurt girls and women for years. And Thea has just received an invitation to join them. This is the opportunity she’s been waiting for to finally get justice for her cousin Natalie, whose killer went free.
Thea dives head first into the group, training every day with other girls whose stories rival hers. Together they carry out Balancings—acts of revenge guaranteed to teach a lesson. With every predator threatened, every blackmailer exposed, and every date rapist punished, Thea can feel herself getting closer to avenging Natalie’s death.
But then the Balancings begin to escalate in brutality, and Thea discovers that the Black Coats are not all they seem to be. Thea must confront just how far she’s willing to go for justice—and what kind of justice Natalie, and Thea herself, deserve. Because when the line between justice and revenge is razor thin, it’s hard not to get cut.
Review: Okay so for the most part this was a good book. The book was well written and the characters were pretty well developed. The book was fast, so this would be an excellent book to read in one sitting. The plot was intriguing and if you’re a big fan of action/spy books then you would more than likely love this book.
However, I have some slight issues with this book. There is a rape scene about 4 pages into the book and from what I could see there’s no trigger warning in the beginning of the book. I feel this can upset or trigger some people reading it that are unaware of this. There are also suicidal thoughts and tendencies presented in the book as well as drug use, so be careful reading this one. The book is really unrealistic. There is almost no mention of parents or cops being around. The book is also really slow. I’m mainly worried about the use of revenge in this book. Vigilantism is a problem in criminal justice and it can get people killed or in trouble with the law themselves. The book uses revenge as a means to get justice via online bullying or other means. This could cause kids to seek out and perform the same things in the name of “justice”, but two wrongs don’t make a right. As someone who has a masters in criminal justice and who has worked with juvenile justice programs, the majority of kids who do really stupid things like fighting or bullying are often suffering from problems at home. They oftentimes live a rough home life where they are sometimes abused themselves. Their cry for help is to act out on others. To perform vigilante justice on these bullies that more than likely need help can cause some severe issues to happen. The way to heal from being bullied is to find retribution, not revenge. I’m also worried about how Adam Porter was excused for being a cop. The book acknowledges racism, but I didn’t like how it discarded the fact that a majority of cops in America are perpetrators of domestic violence. In fact, when reading this book I looked over at some news articles on my phone and saw three instances where cops displayed racism and/or deliberately covered up crimes to cover their own asses. Being a cop in this day and age doesn’t excuse you for anything anymore. Also there’s a slight plot hole where an adopted child is said to look so much like their adopted mother.
Verdict: A really action packed book, definitely for fans of Moxie. I feel like the book is amazing and did well to explain the racism that exists and will definitely empower people, but it might have missed the mark a bit.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2.5/5
Publication Date: February 12, 2019
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (rape, rape culture, drug intake, sexual assault, suicide, suicidal thoughts, abuse, language, violence, slight gore)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 400
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Roses are read, violets are blue, if you hurt us, we’re coming for you.
The deeply secretive Black Coats have been exacting vengeance on men who hurt girls and women for years. And Thea has just received an invitation to join them. This is the opportunity she’s been waiting for to finally get justice for her cousin Natalie, whose killer went free.
Thea dives head first into the group, training every day with other girls whose stories rival hers. Together they carry out Balancings—acts of revenge guaranteed to teach a lesson. With every predator threatened, every blackmailer exposed, and every date rapist punished, Thea can feel herself getting closer to avenging Natalie’s death.
But then the Balancings begin to escalate in brutality, and Thea discovers that the Black Coats are not all they seem to be. Thea must confront just how far she’s willing to go for justice—and what kind of justice Natalie, and Thea herself, deserve. Because when the line between justice and revenge is razor thin, it’s hard not to get cut.
Review: Okay so for the most part this was a good book. The book was well written and the characters were pretty well developed. The book was fast, so this would be an excellent book to read in one sitting. The plot was intriguing and if you’re a big fan of action/spy books then you would more than likely love this book.
However, I have some slight issues with this book. There is a rape scene about 4 pages into the book and from what I could see there’s no trigger warning in the beginning of the book. I feel this can upset or trigger some people reading it that are unaware of this. There are also suicidal thoughts and tendencies presented in the book as well as drug use, so be careful reading this one. The book is really unrealistic. There is almost no mention of parents or cops being around. The book is also really slow. I’m mainly worried about the use of revenge in this book. Vigilantism is a problem in criminal justice and it can get people killed or in trouble with the law themselves. The book uses revenge as a means to get justice via online bullying or other means. This could cause kids to seek out and perform the same things in the name of “justice”, but two wrongs don’t make a right. As someone who has a masters in criminal justice and who has worked with juvenile justice programs, the majority of kids who do really stupid things like fighting or bullying are often suffering from problems at home. They oftentimes live a rough home life where they are sometimes abused themselves. Their cry for help is to act out on others. To perform vigilante justice on these bullies that more than likely need help can cause some severe issues to happen. The way to heal from being bullied is to find retribution, not revenge. I’m also worried about how Adam Porter was excused for being a cop. The book acknowledges racism, but I didn’t like how it discarded the fact that a majority of cops in America are perpetrators of domestic violence. In fact, when reading this book I looked over at some news articles on my phone and saw three instances where cops displayed racism and/or deliberately covered up crimes to cover their own asses. Being a cop in this day and age doesn’t excuse you for anything anymore. Also there’s a slight plot hole where an adopted child is said to look so much like their adopted mother.
Verdict: A really action packed book, definitely for fans of Moxie. I feel like the book is amazing and did well to explain the racism that exists and will definitely empower people, but it might have missed the mark a bit.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: February 2, 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 17+ (violence, language)
Publisher: n/a
Pages: 283
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Humanity lies on the brink of disaster, but hidden in the shadows, another society's plight is even more desperate.
Beth and Ysabel are ageless, powerful, and losing hope. After waging war for over a century against the feral vampires stalking the land, the tide has turned against them.
Their only chance to save their people is an unlikely alliance with an ancient enemy – humans.
Captain Michael Beck is reeling from the fall out of a disastrous battle. Broken and unsure, he is called back to his duty and asked to do the impossible; lead a single unit of elite soldiers against a seemingly endless hoard of immortal foes.
His only help – an advisor who isn’t what she seems.
When the lines between enemy and ally are blurred, and the stakes become ever higher, how can they know which threats are real?
Review: I thought this was a good book. The character developments are really good and the pacing is good. I thought this book was unique and I liked the LGBT relationship. I also really liked the world building.
However, I feel that the story kind of fell flat. There was action, but it just kind of felt like a story my coworker was telling me. I felt it was predictable and that there wasn’t any hook to keep me interested after halfway through. I also feel that there were some small contradictory statements and plot holes in the book.
Verdict: Pretty good, just needs polishing.
Book Series: Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: February 2, 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 17+ (violence, language)
Publisher: n/a
Pages: 283
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Humanity lies on the brink of disaster, but hidden in the shadows, another society's plight is even more desperate.
Beth and Ysabel are ageless, powerful, and losing hope. After waging war for over a century against the feral vampires stalking the land, the tide has turned against them.
Their only chance to save their people is an unlikely alliance with an ancient enemy – humans.
Captain Michael Beck is reeling from the fall out of a disastrous battle. Broken and unsure, he is called back to his duty and asked to do the impossible; lead a single unit of elite soldiers against a seemingly endless hoard of immortal foes.
His only help – an advisor who isn’t what she seems.
When the lines between enemy and ally are blurred, and the stakes become ever higher, how can they know which threats are real?
Review: I thought this was a good book. The character developments are really good and the pacing is good. I thought this book was unique and I liked the LGBT relationship. I also really liked the world building.
However, I feel that the story kind of fell flat. There was action, but it just kind of felt like a story my coworker was telling me. I felt it was predictable and that there wasn’t any hook to keep me interested after halfway through. I also feel that there were some small contradictory statements and plot holes in the book.
Verdict: Pretty good, just needs polishing.
Disclaimer: I received this book from LBYR and The Novl! Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: April 23, 2019
Genre: YA Contemporary/Magical Realism
Recommended Age: 15+ (TW suicide, gore, TW rape, and language)
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Magpie Lewis started writing in her yellow notebook the day her family self-destructed. That was the night Eryn, Magpie's sister, skipped town and left her to fend for herself. That was the night of Brandon Phipp's party.
Now, Magpie is called a slut whenever she walks down the hallways of her high school, her former best friend won't speak to her, and she spends her lunch period with a group of misfits who've all been socially exiled like she has. And so, feeling trapped and forgotten, Magpie retreats to her notebook, dreaming up a place called Near.
Near is perfect--somewhere where her father never cheated, her mother never drank, and Magpie's own life never derailed so suddenly. She imagines Near so completely, so fully, that she writes it into existence, right in her own backyard. It's a place where she can have anything she wants...even revenge.
Review: I thought overall this was a very thought provoking book. It’s emotional and raw and it really encapsulates how divorce and family scandal and rape really affect a teenager. I really felt for Magpie and I wanted just to give her a hug. I feel like this book is well developed and the plot is interesting throughout the novel. The book is also well written.
However, I am so confused by what I just read about this book. I’m still thinking about whether it’s really a book about escapism or if it has moments of real magical realism. I feel like this book, which is supposedly set in the modern time, reaches a bit to remain modern. A lot of the issues could have been solved by simple new technological advancements. I also have a hard time believing that in a time period where kids are glued to their phones the liars are getting called out by simple things that can be solved by filming the event or photos. The ending is also sour, I feel like we were supposed to feel sympathy for this victim blamer and slut shamer because her life got a little hard, but not nearly as hard as the main character. I don’t know, I’m just overall confused.
Verdict: I’m still thinking about this book and I’m not sure if that’s good or bad.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: April 23, 2019
Genre: YA Contemporary/Magical Realism
Recommended Age: 15+ (TW suicide, gore, TW rape, and language)
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Magpie Lewis started writing in her yellow notebook the day her family self-destructed. That was the night Eryn, Magpie's sister, skipped town and left her to fend for herself. That was the night of Brandon Phipp's party.
Now, Magpie is called a slut whenever she walks down the hallways of her high school, her former best friend won't speak to her, and she spends her lunch period with a group of misfits who've all been socially exiled like she has. And so, feeling trapped and forgotten, Magpie retreats to her notebook, dreaming up a place called Near.
Near is perfect--somewhere where her father never cheated, her mother never drank, and Magpie's own life never derailed so suddenly. She imagines Near so completely, so fully, that she writes it into existence, right in her own backyard. It's a place where she can have anything she wants...even revenge.
Review: I thought overall this was a very thought provoking book. It’s emotional and raw and it really encapsulates how divorce and family scandal and rape really affect a teenager. I really felt for Magpie and I wanted just to give her a hug. I feel like this book is well developed and the plot is interesting throughout the novel. The book is also well written.
However, I am so confused by what I just read about this book. I’m still thinking about whether it’s really a book about escapism or if it has moments of real magical realism. I feel like this book, which is supposedly set in the modern time, reaches a bit to remain modern. A lot of the issues could have been solved by simple new technological advancements. I also have a hard time believing that in a time period where kids are glued to their phones the liars are getting called out by simple things that can be solved by filming the event or photos. The ending is also sour, I feel like we were supposed to feel sympathy for this victim blamer and slut shamer because her life got a little hard, but not nearly as hard as the main character. I don’t know, I’m just overall confused.
Verdict: I’m still thinking about this book and I’m not sure if that’s good or bad.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from Quirk Books and Netgalley! I got an e-arc from Netgalley and the physical from Quirk Books! Thank you guys so so much! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Once Upon a Con #2
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: April 2, 2019
Genre: YA Retelling/Contemporary Romance
Recommended Age: 13+ (slightly mature romance scenes, slight sexual assault, sexual harassment, some language, and a naked cat)
Publisher: Quirk Books
Pages: 320
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Prince and the Pauper gets a modern makeover in this adorable, witty, and heartwarming young adult novel set in the Geekerella universe by national bestselling author Ashley Poston.
Imogen Lovelace is an ordinary fangirl on an impossible mission: save her favorite character, Princess Amara, from being killed off from her favorite franchise, Starfield. The problem is, Jessica Stone—the actress who plays Princess Amara—wants nothing more than to leave the intense scrutiny of the fandom behind. If this year's ExcelsiCon isn't her last, she'll consider her career derailed.
When a case of mistaken identity throws look-a-likes Imogen and Jess together, they quickly become enemies. But when the script for the Starfield sequel leaks, and all signs point to Jess, she and Imogen must trade places to find the person responsible. That's easier said than done when the girls step into each other's shoes and discover new romantic possibilities, as well as the other side of intense fandom. As these "princesses" race to find the script-leaker, they must rescue themselves from their own expectations, and redefine what it means to live happily ever after.
Review: Holy cow Batman! How can I sum up how much I loved this side story/sequel to Geekerella? I loved it so freaking much. The story was well thought out and I loved how it was a Prince and the Pauper retelling. The writing was incredible, Ashley Poston is a force to be reckoned with, so watch out SJM! The characters were well developed and this book just made my little geek heart happy. I also loved how Poston drove home the injustice of fan-people when it comes any strong female character. It’s hard to be a female in the fandom world and I’ve read more than a dozen comments discussing the actress’ breast size and how she’d be better if she supported this male character and how the exact color of her hair does not match the characters and blah blah blah. But you remake Spiderman 40 times and no one complains (except me. I complain. Shameik Moore as Miles Morales is better than Tobey Maguire any day and don’t even get me started on how much we need a Gwen Stacey movie). I think the sexism among some of the fandoms is really sad. We can have the strong female character and the strong male character and the even stronger non-gender conforming character. We don’t need to have these archaic notions of what men can do compared to women and, in my opinion, if you choose to keep those beliefs then you won’t progress as a person in the future. The future is inclusive and we see success and strength in all, not just some.
If I had to choose a working point of this book I’d have to say that I think it’s great, but I wish that the relationships were expanded a bit more. Poston had enough material to go another 100 pages easily and I would have enjoyed them. As is the book is great, but I just want more of the couples.
Verdict: A definite must read!
Book Series: Once Upon a Con #2
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: April 2, 2019
Genre: YA Retelling/Contemporary Romance
Recommended Age: 13+ (slightly mature romance scenes, slight sexual assault, sexual harassment, some language, and a naked cat)
Publisher: Quirk Books
Pages: 320
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Prince and the Pauper gets a modern makeover in this adorable, witty, and heartwarming young adult novel set in the Geekerella universe by national bestselling author Ashley Poston.
Imogen Lovelace is an ordinary fangirl on an impossible mission: save her favorite character, Princess Amara, from being killed off from her favorite franchise, Starfield. The problem is, Jessica Stone—the actress who plays Princess Amara—wants nothing more than to leave the intense scrutiny of the fandom behind. If this year's ExcelsiCon isn't her last, she'll consider her career derailed.
When a case of mistaken identity throws look-a-likes Imogen and Jess together, they quickly become enemies. But when the script for the Starfield sequel leaks, and all signs point to Jess, she and Imogen must trade places to find the person responsible. That's easier said than done when the girls step into each other's shoes and discover new romantic possibilities, as well as the other side of intense fandom. As these "princesses" race to find the script-leaker, they must rescue themselves from their own expectations, and redefine what it means to live happily ever after.
Review: Holy cow Batman! How can I sum up how much I loved this side story/sequel to Geekerella? I loved it so freaking much. The story was well thought out and I loved how it was a Prince and the Pauper retelling. The writing was incredible, Ashley Poston is a force to be reckoned with, so watch out SJM! The characters were well developed and this book just made my little geek heart happy. I also loved how Poston drove home the injustice of fan-people when it comes any strong female character. It’s hard to be a female in the fandom world and I’ve read more than a dozen comments discussing the actress’ breast size and how she’d be better if she supported this male character and how the exact color of her hair does not match the characters and blah blah blah. But you remake Spiderman 40 times and no one complains (except me. I complain. Shameik Moore as Miles Morales is better than Tobey Maguire any day and don’t even get me started on how much we need a Gwen Stacey movie). I think the sexism among some of the fandoms is really sad. We can have the strong female character and the strong male character and the even stronger non-gender conforming character. We don’t need to have these archaic notions of what men can do compared to women and, in my opinion, if you choose to keep those beliefs then you won’t progress as a person in the future. The future is inclusive and we see success and strength in all, not just some.
If I had to choose a working point of this book I’d have to say that I think it’s great, but I wish that the relationships were expanded a bit more. Poston had enough material to go another 100 pages easily and I would have enjoyed them. As is the book is great, but I just want more of the couples.
Verdict: A definite must read!
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Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: The Spectral Inspector Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: April 5, 2019
Genre: Mystery/Paranormal
Recommended Age: 18+ (sex, sexual references, mature topics)
Publisher: Horror & Carnage Press
Pages: 354
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Once an exciting up-and-coming star of the burgeoning paranormal investigation TV genre, now Prudence Osgood finds herself as a barely functioning alcoholic living in daily pain, both physical, from a car accident nearly twenty years ago, and emotional, from the loss of Audrey Frost, her partner and best friend, over an ill-advised hoax. When a random and cryptic email shows up in her inbox, she must begin an investigation that is far more sinister than it initially seems, and far more connected to the last two decades of her own life than she could ever imagine.
Osgood As Gone cuts a trail from a lonely rest stop papered in missing posters, to a notebook full of symbols and sigils, to a band that could outsell The Beatles that vanished almost overnight. Can our intrepid hero Osgood follow the breadcrumbs, avoid texts from her one-night-stand Nora, make amends for the past, and still have a future? Find out in Osgood As Gone.
Review: The plot of this book sounds so interesting and it is for the most part! It’s like an adult version of Scooby Doo. It’s unique and there’s LGBT representation in this book. The book also has good pacing and it covers some topics that I don’t normally read in mysteries.
However, there was a problem with repetition. The writing was really confusing and the constant repeating was very stressing. It felt like the author wanted to include a lot of things in this book and while they did it felt like it was too much for one book.
Verdict: Good book for the most part, but a lot to weed through.
Book Series: The Spectral Inspector Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: April 5, 2019
Genre: Mystery/Paranormal
Recommended Age: 18+ (sex, sexual references, mature topics)
Publisher: Horror & Carnage Press
Pages: 354
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Once an exciting up-and-coming star of the burgeoning paranormal investigation TV genre, now Prudence Osgood finds herself as a barely functioning alcoholic living in daily pain, both physical, from a car accident nearly twenty years ago, and emotional, from the loss of Audrey Frost, her partner and best friend, over an ill-advised hoax. When a random and cryptic email shows up in her inbox, she must begin an investigation that is far more sinister than it initially seems, and far more connected to the last two decades of her own life than she could ever imagine.
Osgood As Gone cuts a trail from a lonely rest stop papered in missing posters, to a notebook full of symbols and sigils, to a band that could outsell The Beatles that vanished almost overnight. Can our intrepid hero Osgood follow the breadcrumbs, avoid texts from her one-night-stand Nora, make amends for the past, and still have a future? Find out in Osgood As Gone.
Review: The plot of this book sounds so interesting and it is for the most part! It’s like an adult version of Scooby Doo. It’s unique and there’s LGBT representation in this book. The book also has good pacing and it covers some topics that I don’t normally read in mysteries.
However, there was a problem with repetition. The writing was really confusing and the constant repeating was very stressing. It felt like the author wanted to include a lot of things in this book and while they did it felt like it was too much for one book.
Verdict: Good book for the most part, but a lot to weed through.
Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: September 26, 2017
Genre: Contemporary
Recommended Age: 17+ (self hate, abuse, victim blaming, and finding yourself)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 353
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A half-Japanese teen grapples with social anxiety and her narcissist mother in the wake of a crushing rejection from art school in this debut novel.
Kiko Himura has always had a hard time saying exactly what she’s thinking. With a mother who makes her feel unremarkable and a half-Japanese heritage she doesn’t quite understand, Kiko prefers to keep her head down, certain that once she makes it into her dream art school, Prism, her real life will begin.
But then Kiko doesn’t get into Prism, at the same time her abusive uncle moves back in with her family. So when she receives an invitation from her childhood friend to leave her small town and tour art schools on the west coast, Kiko jumps at the opportunity in spite of the anxieties and fears that attempt to hold her back. And now that she is finally free to be her own person outside the constricting walls of her home life, Kiko learns life-changing truths about herself, her past, and how to be brave.
From debut author Akemi Dawn Bowman comes a luminous, heartbreaking story of identity, family, and the beauty that emerges when we embrace our true selves.
A William C. Morris Award Finalist; A New York Public Library Best Book for Teens of 2017; A Junior Library Guild Selection
Review: For the most part I really liked this book. I enjoyed the art connections and the writing was amazing. I loved the dualness presented between the “what I want to say” and the “what I actually said”. The character development is good and the story, the setting, and the writing is so vivid that it bounces off screen. I feel that the book does good at describing the more intense scenes in a brutal, honest fashion too. The book is also diverse and I love how the main character tries to learn more about her Japanese side and the traditions and culture.
However, I thought there were some very unsettling things in this book. There was a passage in the book where the main character is victim blaming herself, which I feel can give a very bad impression to.. .well anyone. Victim blaming shouldn’t even be a thing, but unfortunately it is and I don’t like seeing it in books, especially ones where I feel younger audiences can get the wrong impression. The main characters development feels very dependent on the romance of the book and the mother’s development is sorely lacking. But generally I feel that this book is and can be very triggering to people who have experienced or are experiencing abuse. I had a hard time reading the book personally.
Verdict: It’s a hard read, but it could be worth it to someone.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: September 26, 2017
Genre: Contemporary
Recommended Age: 17+ (self hate, abuse, victim blaming, and finding yourself)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 353
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A half-Japanese teen grapples with social anxiety and her narcissist mother in the wake of a crushing rejection from art school in this debut novel.
Kiko Himura has always had a hard time saying exactly what she’s thinking. With a mother who makes her feel unremarkable and a half-Japanese heritage she doesn’t quite understand, Kiko prefers to keep her head down, certain that once she makes it into her dream art school, Prism, her real life will begin.
But then Kiko doesn’t get into Prism, at the same time her abusive uncle moves back in with her family. So when she receives an invitation from her childhood friend to leave her small town and tour art schools on the west coast, Kiko jumps at the opportunity in spite of the anxieties and fears that attempt to hold her back. And now that she is finally free to be her own person outside the constricting walls of her home life, Kiko learns life-changing truths about herself, her past, and how to be brave.
From debut author Akemi Dawn Bowman comes a luminous, heartbreaking story of identity, family, and the beauty that emerges when we embrace our true selves.
A William C. Morris Award Finalist; A New York Public Library Best Book for Teens of 2017; A Junior Library Guild Selection
Review: For the most part I really liked this book. I enjoyed the art connections and the writing was amazing. I loved the dualness presented between the “what I want to say” and the “what I actually said”. The character development is good and the story, the setting, and the writing is so vivid that it bounces off screen. I feel that the book does good at describing the more intense scenes in a brutal, honest fashion too. The book is also diverse and I love how the main character tries to learn more about her Japanese side and the traditions and culture.
However, I thought there were some very unsettling things in this book. There was a passage in the book where the main character is victim blaming herself, which I feel can give a very bad impression to.. .well anyone. Victim blaming shouldn’t even be a thing, but unfortunately it is and I don’t like seeing it in books, especially ones where I feel younger audiences can get the wrong impression. The main characters development feels very dependent on the romance of the book and the mother’s development is sorely lacking. But generally I feel that this book is and can be very triggering to people who have experienced or are experiencing abuse. I had a hard time reading the book personally.
Verdict: It’s a hard read, but it could be worth it to someone.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: I believe this will a standalone, but it might be a new series?
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: May 21, 2019
Genre: Romance
Recommended Age: 18+ (mature love scene, language)
Publisher: n/a
Pages: 359
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Ambitious graduate Marin Collins accepts a four-month internship at a prestigious public relations firm to work on a tech account, but her plans are derailed when she’s assigned to go on the road with touring rock band Kings Quarters, hailed by Rolling Stone as the next big thing.
Enter Brad Osterhauser, the reluctant rock star who would rather be coding computer games than penning Grammy-nominated songs.
Traveling by bus, city to city with a group of practical joking bandmates and a greedy manager, Marin and Brad forge a friendship and forbidden romance over a shared love of Seinfeld episodes, stolen moments and Red Vines.
But when Marin’s accused of betraying her company and the band, will Brad come to her defense or believe she was disloyal to him for the sake of her career?
Told in alternating perspectives of Marin and Brad, Starfish is a contemporary romance of unexpected love, the redemptive power of music and hogging the bed.
Review: I thought this book was beautifully written. Lisa has a talent for writing and she can really pull at your heart strings. I was hooked quickly on this book and I loved the romance and I loved how she built the tension. The world building was also really well done.
I thought the pacing was a bit slow for me, but it really helped with the tension of the romance. I also felt that some of the side characters could have been a bit more developed, but overall I liked this book!
Verdict: A book for the music lovers.
Book Series: I believe this will a standalone, but it might be a new series?
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: May 21, 2019
Genre: Romance
Recommended Age: 18+ (mature love scene, language)
Publisher: n/a
Pages: 359
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Ambitious graduate Marin Collins accepts a four-month internship at a prestigious public relations firm to work on a tech account, but her plans are derailed when she’s assigned to go on the road with touring rock band Kings Quarters, hailed by Rolling Stone as the next big thing.
Enter Brad Osterhauser, the reluctant rock star who would rather be coding computer games than penning Grammy-nominated songs.
Traveling by bus, city to city with a group of practical joking bandmates and a greedy manager, Marin and Brad forge a friendship and forbidden romance over a shared love of Seinfeld episodes, stolen moments and Red Vines.
But when Marin’s accused of betraying her company and the band, will Brad come to her defense or believe she was disloyal to him for the sake of her career?
Told in alternating perspectives of Marin and Brad, Starfish is a contemporary romance of unexpected love, the redemptive power of music and hogging the bed.
Review: I thought this book was beautifully written. Lisa has a talent for writing and she can really pull at your heart strings. I was hooked quickly on this book and I loved the romance and I loved how she built the tension. The world building was also really well done.
I thought the pacing was a bit slow for me, but it really helped with the tension of the romance. I also felt that some of the side characters could have been a bit more developed, but overall I liked this book!
Verdict: A book for the music lovers.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from Netgalley then bought my own copy. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Standalone?
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: May 7, 2019
Genre: Comic Book/Graphic Novel
Recommended Age: 15+ (TW for Animal Death and Violence and physical abuse; language)
Publisher: DC INK
Pages: 219
Amazon Link
Synopsis: When fourteen-year-old Selina Kyle, aka the future Catwoman, becomes homeless, she must confront questions of who she is and who she will become.
She rejects human cruelty, but sometimes it seems as though brute force is the only way to "win." And if Selina is to survive on the streets, she must be tough. Can she find her humanity and reconcile toughness with her desire for community ... and love?
Review: Oh my god guys this book was amazing! I loved the artwork and I loved the story. It was the perfect origin story for Catwoman and it wasn’t hard to sympathize with her at all. I really felt for Selina and I loved to see her develop. The character development was very amazing and I loved seeing it animated! The plot is also great, the story is written well, and the world building is fantastic.
However, I do wish that the relationship between Selene and Bruce was more developed as it wasn’t enough of a shock factor. Other than that, that’s my ONLY complaint! I’d read more books in this series by this author!
Verdict: Amazing. I definitely recommend.
Book Series: Standalone?
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: May 7, 2019
Genre: Comic Book/Graphic Novel
Recommended Age: 15+ (TW for Animal Death and Violence and physical abuse; language)
Publisher: DC INK
Pages: 219
Amazon Link
Synopsis: When fourteen-year-old Selina Kyle, aka the future Catwoman, becomes homeless, she must confront questions of who she is and who she will become.
She rejects human cruelty, but sometimes it seems as though brute force is the only way to "win." And if Selina is to survive on the streets, she must be tough. Can she find her humanity and reconcile toughness with her desire for community ... and love?
Review: Oh my god guys this book was amazing! I loved the artwork and I loved the story. It was the perfect origin story for Catwoman and it wasn’t hard to sympathize with her at all. I really felt for Selina and I loved to see her develop. The character development was very amazing and I loved seeing it animated! The plot is also great, the story is written well, and the world building is fantastic.
However, I do wish that the relationship between Selene and Bruce was more developed as it wasn’t enough of a shock factor. Other than that, that’s my ONLY complaint! I’d read more books in this series by this author!
Verdict: Amazing. I definitely recommend.
Disclaimer: I bought this on my own! Support your authors!
Book Series: To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: April 15, 2014
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 13+ (cliché romance and love triangles, also small cuss words)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Pages: 355
Amazon Link
Synopsis: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister's ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all.
Review: How adorable is this book?? I felt like the writing was like how you would write in a diary, very personal and very intimate. The book has a clear, distinct voice, and it’s not just a romance book. The book talks about families and sisterhood as well. The book also brought up good points about bullying, stigmatism, and slut shaming.
However, I felt like the book sort of ended abruptly and that it didn’t give the reader a chance to really understand what was going through Lara Jean’s head.
Verdict: I love Lara Jean.
Book Series: To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: April 15, 2014
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 13+ (cliché romance and love triangles, also small cuss words)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Pages: 355
Amazon Link
Synopsis: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister's ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all.
Review: How adorable is this book?? I felt like the writing was like how you would write in a diary, very personal and very intimate. The book has a clear, distinct voice, and it’s not just a romance book. The book talks about families and sisterhood as well. The book also brought up good points about bullying, stigmatism, and slut shaming.
However, I felt like the book sort of ended abruptly and that it didn’t give the reader a chance to really understand what was going through Lara Jean’s head.
Verdict: I love Lara Jean.
Disclaimer: I received this book in my Faecrate subscription. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Shadowfire Book 1
Rating: 2.5/5
Diversity: not any that I could remember but it has been a bit since I read it
Publication Date: October 30, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (mature love scenes and some violence)
Publisher: Boris Kos
Pages: 468
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A monster does not deserve the intimacy of a name
As if waking up in an unfamiliar world isn’t enough of a surprise, Ember gains a new title to her name. Savior.
Hunted by the Crescent Prince and his lethal shadows, she accepts a young Mage’s help to navigate the land of blood magic and its many illusions. But where Ada sees the good in her power, Ember discovers something else.
An icy darkness, designed to take lives, not save them.
The only thing worse than not being able to rely on her senses—or the reality she had once believed to be true—is knowing that she cannot trust her heart. Especially as it seems to draw her to the one person in whose hands she can never fall…
Will Ember escape the thrall of darkness or will she reign in it?
Review: Okay, so I feel like this can be a great book. The book is very well detailed and the writing is pretty good. You can tell this book is the set up for the later books in this series.
However, this book was a struggle to get through. The book is really slow paced and there is way too much information for this person to handle. I felt like I was reading a history book rather than a fantasy novel… and I like history! The characters are also so flat. They didn’t seem to have any rhyme or reason to their actions.
Verdict: Not my type of book but it might be for you!
Book Series: Shadowfire Book 1
Rating: 2.5/5
Diversity: not any that I could remember but it has been a bit since I read it
Publication Date: October 30, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (mature love scenes and some violence)
Publisher: Boris Kos
Pages: 468
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A monster does not deserve the intimacy of a name
As if waking up in an unfamiliar world isn’t enough of a surprise, Ember gains a new title to her name. Savior.
Hunted by the Crescent Prince and his lethal shadows, she accepts a young Mage’s help to navigate the land of blood magic and its many illusions. But where Ada sees the good in her power, Ember discovers something else.
An icy darkness, designed to take lives, not save them.
The only thing worse than not being able to rely on her senses—or the reality she had once believed to be true—is knowing that she cannot trust her heart. Especially as it seems to draw her to the one person in whose hands she can never fall…
Will Ember escape the thrall of darkness or will she reign in it?
Review: Okay, so I feel like this can be a great book. The book is very well detailed and the writing is pretty good. You can tell this book is the set up for the later books in this series.
However, this book was a struggle to get through. The book is really slow paced and there is way too much information for this person to handle. I felt like I was reading a history book rather than a fantasy novel… and I like history! The characters are also so flat. They didn’t seem to have any rhyme or reason to their actions.
Verdict: Not my type of book but it might be for you!