My Book Reviews

Category: LGBTQ

  • The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould

    The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould

    The Dead and the Dark

    The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould

    Release: August 3rd, 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Wednesday Books
    Source:  Netgalley
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo

    __

    __

    Courtney Gould’s thrilling YA debut, The Dead and the Dark, are about the things that lurk in dark corners, the parts of you that can’t remain hidden, and about finding a home in places—and people—you didn’t expect.

    The Dark has been waiting for far too long, and it won’t stay hidden any longer. 

    Something is wrong in Snakebite, Oregon. Teenagers are disappearing, some are turning up dead, the weather isn’t normal, and all fingers seem to point to TV’s most popular ghost hunters who have just returned to town. Logan Ortiz-Woodley, daughter of TV’s ParaSpectors, has never been to Snakebite before. Still, the moment she and her dads arrive, she starts to feel that there are more secrets buried here than they originally let on.

    Ashley Barton’s boyfriend was the first teen to go missing, and she’s felt his presence ever since. But now that the Ortiz-Woodleys is in town, his ghost follows her, and the only person Ashley can trust is the mysterious Logan. When Ashley and Logan team up to figure out who—or what—is haunting Snakebite, their investigation reveals truths about the town, their families, and themselves that neither of them is ready for. As the danger intensifies, they realize that their growing feelings for each other could be a light in the darkness.

    About the Author:

    Courtney Gould writes books about queer girls, ghosts, and things that go bump in the night. Her debut novel, THE DEAD, AND THE DARK, come out in Summer 2021 from Wednesday Books.

    She graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Publishing. Born and raised in Salem, OR, she now lives and works as a legal case manager in Tacoma, WA. She continues to write love letters to the Pacific Northwest’s inexplicable mysteries and rural, empty spaces. 

    Courtney is represented by Claire Friedman and Jessica Mileo at InkWell Management.

    The Dead and the Dark is her debut novel.

    Website | Twitter | Goodreads

    The Dead and the Dark Review:

    Gravedigging? Ghost hunters? LGBT-themed characters? “The Dead and the Dark” was simply out of this world, and I loved it!

    Click to view on Instagram

    Let’s start with the plot. I love mystery thrillers, and being that this was a paranormal-themed one, it made it so much better! I had no idea what was going to happen or who was being the killings. The author also throws a few convincing red-herrings when the reveal catches you off guard and makes the story memorable! Moreover, the story is fast-paced, where so much happens. I also loved how the author gave “The Dark” its perspective at the interludes.

    Coming to the characters, they are all amazing! I loved Ashley and Logan as individuals, and I loved them both together. Ashley mourns the loss of Tristan but still gives Logan a chance. Logan, on the other hand, knows she won’t fit in and wants to leave. The way they become friends is so fluid and gradual that you cannot help but love the pair. They drive the story so well. Some of the highlights were when they dig the grave or when Ashley sees Brandon’s footage.

    Similarly, even Brandon and Alejo are adorable in their manner. Brandon was surprisingly complex, and it was interesting to see the various emotions he goes through. On a side note, the author also adds humor to the tale, like when Logan brings Elexis and Nick with her to Ashley. I had a wonderful time reading this one.

    Overall, “The Dead and the Dark” is the perfect YA paranormal mystery thriller romance to pick up, and it won’t disappoint!

     

  • Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler

    Cool for the Summer

    Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler

    Release: May 11th, 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher:  Wednesday Books
    Source: Amazon
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo.

    __

    __

    Lara’s had eyes for exactly one person throughout her three years of high school: Chase Harding. He’s tall, strong, sweet, a football star, and frankly, stupid hot. Oh, and he’s talking to her now on purpose and everything. Maybe…flirting, even? No, wait, he’s definitely flirting, which is pretty much the sum of everything Lara’s wanted out of life.

    Except a memory haunts her. A memory of a confusing, romantic, strangely perfect summer spent with a girl named Jasmine. A memory that becomes a confusing, disorienting present when Jasmine herself walks through the school’s front doors to see Lara and Chase chatting it up in front of the lockers.

    Also, Lara has everything she ever wanted: a tight-knit group of friends, a job that borders on cool, and Chase, the boy of her literal dreams. But if she’s finally got the guy, why can’t she stop thinking about the girl?

    Cool for the Summer is a story of self-discovery and new love. It’s about the things we want and the things we need. And it’s about the people who will let us be who we are.

    About the Author:

    Dahlia Adler is an Editor of Mathematics by day, the overlord of LGBTQReads by night, and a contemporary YA and NA writer at every spare moment in between. Also, she’s the author of the Daylight Falls duology, Just Visiting, the Radleigh University series, and Cool for the Summer (Wednesday Books, 2021); a contributor to anthologies All Out, The Radical Element, and It’s a Whole Spiel; the editor of the anthologies His Hideous Heart and That Way Madness Lies (2021); and crafter of over five billion tweets as @MissDahlELama. She lives in New York with her husband, son, and overstuffed bookshelves.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Cool for the Summer Review:

    “Cool for the Summer” was so adorable and is the perfect book if you are looking for a light-hearted YA, contemporary romance.

    Click to view on Instagram

    I loved how the author wrote the main characters. Lara and Jasmine are so cute together. The author writes their friendship in an attractive manner that is gradual and realistic. For instance, I loved some of their moments where she has dinner with Jasmine’s mom or when Jasmine encourages her for the new hairstyle.

    Moreover, what’s nice about the tale is how accepting the characters are. Nobody makes fun of gay relationships or disrespects them. I loved all the supporting characters like Shannon, Chase, Kiki, and even Gia. Honestly, the only person having conflicting feelings is Lana. The author correctly wrote her feelings. She is confused and conflicted about her feelings with Jasmine and Chase. Also, I adored how Lana and Jasmine share a fondness for books and share memories in a bookstore.

    However, perhaps my only criticism is that the story is too short. While I loved everything about the story, I thought there was not enough time to get invested in the romance. The author spends more time with the present situation than the flashbacks, and I wish we had more scenes with Jasmine and Lara bonding. Furthermore, I thought Chase’s attraction towards Lara was a bit sudden, considering that they had known each other but never even friends before he made a move on her.

    Apart from that, I enjoyed the story! Overall, “Cool for the Summer” is a sweet YA romance that is worth reading.

     

  • Pixels of You by Ananth Hirsh, Yuko Ota

    Pixels of You by Ananth Hirsh, Yuko Ota

    Pixels of You by Ananth Hirsh, Yuko Ota

    Release: November 9th, 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Amulet Paperbacks
    Source: Amazon
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo.

    __

    __

    A human and human-presenting AI slowly become friends—and maybe more—in this moving YA graphic novel.

    Shortly, augmentation and AI changed everything and nothing. Indira is a human girl who has been cybernetically augmented after a tragic accident, and Fawn is one of the first human-presenting AI. They have the same internship at a gallery, but neither thinks much of the other’s photography. But after a huge public blowout, their mentor gives them an ultimatum: work together on a project or leave her gallery forever. Grudgingly, the two begin to collaborate, and what comes out of it is astounding and revealing for both of them. Pixels of You is about the slow transformation of a rivalry to a friendship to something more as Indira and Fawn navigate each other, the world around them—and what it means to be an artist and a person.

    About the Authors:

    Yuko Ota & Ananth Hirsh live in Brooklyn, NY. Yuko’s a cartoonist. Ananth’s a writer. They’ve done many books and worked with a lot of clients on books, freelance, and more!

    Yuko and Ananth post comics at johnnywander.com. Their latest project is titled BARBAROUS.

    Website | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr| Twitter | Instagram |Tumblr

    Pixels of You Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    I was lucky to receive an early advanced copy of this beautiful graphic novel. There was mostly no coloring, and the creators didn’t finalize a few sketches, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the story. The storyline is lovely, and I can imagine how gorgeous the book would look once finished.

    Firstly, the story was fresh and innovative. I am not an avid reader of science-fiction, but I loved the world-building. It is interesting to see a world where AI and humans live side-by-side, exchange ideas, and adapt. It is also refreshing to see how the creators portrayed the AI world positively, rather than a cliched doomed one. Some of the scenes are deep and philosophical, making you think of our existence in the world and what our future holds.

    Secondly, both the leads are raw yet charming. Fawn is bubbly and energetic, while Indira is quiet and moody. I loved them as individuals and their relationship, and they complement each other SO well. It is true what they say; love transcends boundaries. They share a beautiful friendship, and their chemistry sizzles on the pages. I loved the moments where Fawn comes to see Indira when she is resting or their initial meeting when they have to work with each other.

    However, some moments felt a bit confusing. For instance, there is a scene where Indira sees demonic-like figures due to her pain. I felt as though the story might take on a supernatural angle as well. However, as I read the uncorrected copy, I am unsure if this would look different in the final draft.

    Overall, “Pixels of You” is a very creative, futuristic YA romance that I would recommend reading!

     

  • White Trash Warlock by David R. Slayton

    White Trash Warlock by David R. Slayton

    White Trash Warlock

    White Trash Warlock by David R. Slayton

    Release: October 13th, 2020 
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
    Source: The writereads
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

    __

    __

    Not all magicians go to schools of magic.

    Adam Binder has the Sight. It’s a power that runs in his bloodline: the ability to see beyond this world and into another, a realm of magic populated by elves, gnomes, and spirits of every kind. But for much of Adam’s life, that power has been a curse, hindering friendships, worrying his backwoods family, and fueling his abusive father’s rage.

    Years after his brother, Bobby, had him committed to a psych ward, Adam is ready to come to grips with who he is, live his life on his terms, find love, and maybe even use his magic to do some good. While hoping to track down his missing father, Adam follows a trail of cursed artifacts to Denver, only to discover that an ancient and horrifying spirit has taken possession of Bobby’s wife.

    It isn’t long before Adam becomes the spirit’s next target. To survive the confrontation, save his sister-in-law, and learn the truth about his father, Adam will have to risk bargaining with very dangerous beings … including his first love.

    About the Author:

    David R. Slayton grew up in Guthrie, Oklahoma, where finding fantasy novels was pretty challenging and finding fantasy novels with diverse characters was downright impossible. Now he lives in Denver, Colorado, with his partner, Brian, and writes the books he always wanted to read. White Trash Warlock is his first novel. In 2015, David founded Trick or Read, an annual initiative to give out books along with candy to children on Halloween and uplift lesser-known authors or those from marginalized backgrounds. Find him online at www.DavidRSlayton.com.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    White Trash Warlock Review:

    “White Trash Warlock” is a very creative urban fantasy novel that had me turning the pages. 

    Click to view on Instagram

    I love reading fantasy novels, but I must say this book stands out because of the LGBTQ aspect. I loved how the author focused equal time on Adam’s relationships and his feelings. In quite a few fantasy novels, the focus is mainly on the plot and the world-building. However, in this book, the author gave equal importance to the action and character development. Whether it be Perak, Vic, or even Tanner (in a few scenes), the author realistically writes Adam’s feelings. 

    Similarly, Adam is a beautiful character with flaws but someone that connects with the reader. I loved his tense relationship with Robert. At times, I was not too fond of Robert for the way he treats Adam. However, towards the climax, I liked Robert too! I also enjoyed Adam’s relationship with Vic. It was somewhat different because their relationship was not a gradual one and forced under unusual circumstances. On a side note, I loved Sue, even if she only appeared for a few scenes. 

    Furthermore, the author also blended the world-building and fantasy elements nicely. I cannot believe that this is the author’s debut novel, because he did a terrific job! We have elves, leprechauns, giants, and dragons. The evil spirit, a creature that would probably give me nightmares, nevertheless, made the story very entertaining. I also loved the concept of “Spirit Walking.” As this is the first book in the series, I understand why some of the storylines were open-ended. 

    Overall, “White Trash Warlock” is an excellent start to the Adam Binder series, and I cannot wait to see how it continues! 

    Book Tour Schedule

    White Trash Warlock

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the White Trash Warlock by David R. Slayton Blog Tour hosted by The writereads. 

     

  • Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala

    Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala

    Be Dazzled

    Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala

    Release: January 5th, 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
    Source: Amazon
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N.

    __

    __

    Project Runway goes to Comic-Con in an epic queer love story about creativity, passion, and finding the courage to be your most authentic self.

    Raffy has a passion for bedazzling. Not just bedazzling, but sewing, stitching, draping, pattern making—for creation. His art was his first choice over everything and everyone else. He wants to excel at this year’s biggest cosplay competition. If he can wow there, he could get sponsorship for art school. And finally, he can earn real respect for his work. There’s only one small problem.  Raffy’s ex-boyfriend, Luca, is his main competition.

    Raffy tried to make it work with Luca. They almost made the perfect team last year after serendipitously meeting in the local craft store’s rhinestone aisle. At least Raffy thought they did. But Luca’s insecurities and Raffy’s insistence on crafting perfection crashed and burned their relationship. Now, Raffy is after the perfect comeback, one that Luca can’t ruin.

    But circumstances force  Raffy and  Luca to become partners on his most ambitious build yet. Now he’ll have to juggle his unresolved feelings for the boy who broke his heart and his own intense self-doubt to get everything and choosing his art, his way.

    About the Author:

    Ryan La Sala grew up in Connecticut, but only physically. Mentally, he spent most of his childhood in the worlds of Sailor Moon and Xena: Warrior Princess, which perhaps explains all the twirling. He studied Anthropology and Neuroscience at Northeastern University before becoming a project manager specialized in digital tools. Ryan technically lives in New York City but has actually transcended material reality and only takes up a human shell for special occasions, like brunch, and to watch anime. He is the author of Reverie and Be Dazzled. You can visit him at ryanlasala.com.

    Website | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Goodreads

    Be Dazzled Review:

    For the love of crafts and cosplay, “Be Dazzled” was amazing, and I loved reading it!

    Click to view on Instagram

    I had no idea about cosplay before reading this story. But now, I am excited to attend an event and see how awesome it would be. I loved the author’s style of writing. He writes the theme in such a personal and passionate manner that it makes you want to experiment with crafting and participate in cosplay events. As someone who loves art journaling and trying out new materials, I loved the concept of cosplay. Moreover, I also enjoyed how the story alternates between the past and the present. This style made the experience enjoyable and kept the story fresh.

    Similarly, the characters are also memorable! Luca and Raffy make a great team. What’s interesting is the shift in dynamic. In the beginning, I rooted for Raffy and felt that Luca took advantage of him. But, as the story progressed, I adored Luca and started finding faults in Raffy for his behavior. Luca turned out to be my favorite character in the whole story. I love it when the author makes the characters realistic and complex and makes the reader feel various emotions. Even Inaya and May make decent supporting roles. While you can consider Evie and Inaya to be negative characters, I could relate to them as well and could not stay mad at them for long. Honestly, the author just wrote the cast in such a charming manner that just put a smile on my face.

    Overall, “Be Dazzled” is creative, funny, charming, emotional, and very crafty! It’s a beautiful queer romance novel that I feel anyone would enjoy reading.

  • Lies Like Poison by Chelsea Pitcher

    Lies Like Poison by Chelsea Pitcher

    Lies Like Poison

    Lies Like Poison by Chelsea Pitcher

    Release: November 10th, 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
    Source: The Book Terminal
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Indiebound,

    __

    __

    Poppy, Lily, and Belladonna would do anything to protect their best friend, Raven. So when they discovered he was suffering abuse at the hands of his stepmother, they came up with a lethal plan: petals of poppy, belladonna, and lily in her evening tea, so she’d never been able to hurt Raven again. But someone got cold feet, the plot faded to a secret of the past, and the group fell apart.

    Three years later, on the eve of Raven’s seventeenth birthday, his stepmother turns up dead. But it’s only belladonna found in her tea, and it’s only Belladonna who’s carted off to jail. Desperate for help, Belle reaches out to her estranged friends to prove her innocence. They answer the call, but no one is prepared for what comes next.

    Now, everyone has something to lose, and something equally dangerous to hide. And when the tangled web of secrets and betrayal is finally unwound, what lies at its heart will change the group forever.

    About the Author:

    Chelsea Pitcher is a karaoke-singing, ocean-worshipping Oregonian with a penchant for twisty mysteries. She began gobbling up stories as soon as she could read and especially enjoys delving into the darker places to see if she can draw out some light. She is the author of THE S-WORD, THE LAST CHANGELING & THE LAST FAERIE QUEEN. THIS LIE WILL KILL YOU,
    Watch for her new YA thriller  LIES LIKE POISON  coming  November 10, 2020, from Simon & Schuster.

    Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

    Lies Like Poison Review:

    What a creative YA mystery this turned out to be! 

    Click to view on Instagram.

    Firstly, I enjoyed the four main characters. While Jack steals the show, I also liked Belle, Raven, and Lily. Each of them is unique in their manner. The author wonderfully highlighted the LGBT theme with queer and transgender people. It was interesting to see the characters develop over the mystery plot. Initially, it took a while for me to learn the gender role because of their names and relationships. However, once I got the hang of them, the story was so good! 

    It was also interesting to see who killed Raven’s mom, Evelyn. The story also alternates between different perspectives and makes it fresh and fascinating. I also loved the flashbacks that set the relationships between the characters. Some of my favorite moments were when Raven and Belle meet, and she is scared of telling Edwin, or when Jack and Belle talk about Jack’s abusive childhood. Similarly, all the characters have broken childhoods that connect them somehow. 

    I also loved the hints of the fairy tales that the author embeds in the storyline. From Jack and the Beanstalk to Snow White, the author seamlessly adds some of the classics to the storyline. Moreover, throughout the book, the author maintains a mystery level when you feel like you are slowly unraveling the truth behind all the secrets. 

    Surprisingly, the story took a turn that I did not expect. The climax threw me and was pretty good. Overall, “Lies like Poison” is very intriguing with a dynamic cast. 

    Lies Like Poison

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Lies Like Poison by Chelsea Pitcher Blog Tour hosted by The Book Terminal.

    Book Tour Schedule:

    Nov 5th

    Welcome Post

    The Book View – Review, Mood Board

    Rajiv’s Reviews – Review

    Nov 6th

    The Broke Book Blog – Review, Playlist

    Balancing Books and Beauties – Review, Favorite Quotes

    Storme Reads A Lot – Review

    Nov 7th

    Brianna’s Books and Randomness – Review, Playlist

    Lady Readsalot – Review

    Nov 8th

    Kait Plus Books – Interview

    Fantastically Bookish – Review

    Mahkjchi’s Not-So-Secret Books – Review

    Nov 9th

    The Clever Reader – Review

    Moonlight Rendezvous – Review, Favorite Quotes

    Nov 10th

    teatimelit – Review, Mood Board

    Lynn’s Tidbits – Guest Post

    Geekiemind – Review

  • I Hope You’re Listening by Tom Ryan

    I Hope You’re Listening by Tom Ryan

    I Hope You’re Listening

    I Hope You’re Listening by Tom Ryan

    Release: October 6th 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Aw Teen
    Source: TBR & Beyond Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, TBD, Indigo

    __

    __

    FOR ONE THING ,EVERY MISSING PERSON HAS A STORY.
    In her small town, seventeen-year-old Delia “Dee” Skinner is known as the girl who wasn’t taken. Not to mention, Ten years ago she witnessed the abduction of her best friend, Sibby.  And though she told the police everything she remembered, it wasn’t enough. Sibby was never seen again.

    Also at night, Dee deals with her guilt by becoming someone else: the Seeker, the voice behind the popular true crime podcast Radio Silent, which features missing persons cases and works with online sleuths to solve them. Nobody knows Dee’s the Seeker, and she plans to keep it that way.
    When another little girl in town goes missing, and the case is linked to Sibby’s disappearance, Dee has a chance to get answers with the help of her virtual detectives and the intriguing new girl at school. But how much of her own story is she willing to reveal in order to uncover the truth?

    About the Author:

    Tom Ryan is the award winning author of several acclaimed books for young readers. He has been nominated for multiple awards, and was the winner of the 2020 Arthur Ellis Award for Best YA Crime Book. Also Two of his books were Junior Library Guild selections, and three of his young adult novels, Way to Go, Tag Along, and Keep This to Yourself, were chosen for the ALA Rainbow List, in 2013, 2014 and 2020. He was a 2017 Lambda Literary Fellow in Young Adult Fiction.

    Tom, his husband and their dog currently divide their time between Ottawa and Nova Scotia.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    I Hope You’re Listening Review:

    I loved this story so much! This is easily one of the best YA mysteries I have read this year.

    Click to view on Instagram

    Where do I even begin? Do I talk about the gripping way the author constructs multiple missing cases in parallel? Or do I talk about what an amazing protagonist Dee is? How about the adorable romance between Dee and Sarah? There are just too many reasons to mention!

    The plot is the standout of the story. There is a LOT happening as the author introduces multiple missing cases of Sibby, Layla and Vanessa. He beautifully flashbacks between the past and present, and also changes the style to progresses Vanessa’s case through the podcasts. Okay, there are a few minor things in the story that I didn’t grasp, like how Sarah finds out the secret, or what happens to Burke and Dee in the end. But, the main plot is so engrossing that I did not mind this.

    Also, Dee is amazing in the lead. I loved the way she investigates Sibby’s disappearance while growing up with the secret of her podcast. Moreover, I also loved her romance with Sarah. I love the moments when they go to the Winter Carnival dance. I also adored the relationship Dee has with her parents. Similarly, the supporting characters are memorable too. Even if they only appear for a short time, Burke, Brianna, Quinlee, Jonathan, Terry, and everyone else add so well to the plot. Brianna and Quinlee are horrible characters that you despise.

    Overall, this was an unforgettable read and I finished it in one sitting because I could not put it down. I love this author and want to read all his books!

    Giveaway (US Only):

    Finished copy of I Hope You’re Listening. This giveaway is US only and ends on October 20th

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    I Hope You’re Listening

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the I Hope You’re Listening by Tom Ryan Blog Tour hosted by TBR & Beyond Tours.  Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

    Book Tour Schedule

    October 12th
    Justice For Readers – Review & Playlist
    Storme Reads A Lot – Review & Favourite Quotes
    Stocked Up on Starbooks – Promotional Post

    October 13th
    Sophie’s Reading Corner – Review & Playlist
    Unconventional Quirky Bibliophile – Review & Mood Board
    Her Book Thoughts – Review & Playlist

    October 14th
    The Belle Reads Too – Review, Favourite Quotes & Mood Board
    Yna the Mood Reader – Review & Favourite Quotes
    PopTheButterfly Reads – Review

    October 15th
    Bookishfairytail – Review, Favourite Quotes & Interview
    Kait Plus Books – Interview & Top Ten
    Lu’s books – Review & Favourite Quotes
    Mahkjchi’s Not-So-Secret Books – Review & Favourite Quotes
    Fangirl Pixie Blog – Review, Playlist & Book Look

    October 16th
    The Book View – Review & Mood Board
    Dinipandareads – Review & Favourite Quotes
    Laura’s Bookish Corner – Review
    Twirling Book Princess – Review & Favourite Quotes
    The Writer’s Alley – Review & Mood Board

    October 17th
    Confessions of a YA Reader – Review
    Rajiv’s Reviews – Review
    ShansShelves – Review & Mood Board
    Young at Heart Reader – Promotional Post
    The Book Dutchesses – Review & Favourite Quotes

    October 19th
    The Clever Reader – Review
    The Youngvamp’s Haven – Review & Mood Board
    Moonlight Rendezvous – Review & Favourite Quotes
    Thatslytherinreader – Interview

  • Forget This Ever Happened by Cassandra Rose Clarke

    Forget This Ever Happened by Cassandra Rose Clarke

    Forget This Ever Happened

    Forget This Ever Happened by Cassandra Rose Clarke

    Release: October 6, 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Holiday House
    Source: TBR & Beyond Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N,TBD, Indigo

    __

    __

    Sometimes there’s a town called Indianola.
    By the same token, sometimes there isn’t.
    Summer, 1993. Claire has been dumped in rural Indianola, Texas, to spend her whole vacation taking care of mean, sickly Grammy. There’s nothing too remarkable about Indianola: On the negative side, it’s run-down, shabby, and stifling hot, a pin-dot on the Gulf Coast.
    However, there is one remarkable thing, she discovers. Something which is outside her world.

    But if you leave Indianola, you forget about it. On the contrary, if you stay, you have to live with it every day.
    To put it in another way, there’s a confluence of energies at Indianola, a fissure in time and space, a gap in reality. Nothing looks as it seems. Claire can figure out this town, such as the talkative lizards under the pecan trees; the honey-sweet but terrifying girl next door and finally  the cute daughter of a powerful family, who would answer Claire’s questions if she had any answers. With  the pervasive sense of history coming unspooled, like a video tape, she might never leave.

    Featuring a mindbending plot, heartfelt queer romance, brilliant writing, and intricate worldbuilding, Forget This Ever Happened is a lush and thrilling genre-bender perfect for the Black Mirror generation without doubt

    About the Author:

    Cassandra Rose Clarke’s work has been nominated for the Philip K. Dick Award, the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, the Pushcart Prize, and YALSA’s Best Fiction for Young Adults. She grew up in south Texas and currently lives in Houston . She writes and serves as the associate director for Writespace, a literary arts nonprofit. Cassandra  holds an M.A. in creative writing from The University of Texas at Austin. In 2010 she attended the Clarion West Writer’s Workshop in Seattle. Her latest novel is Halo: Battle Born, out now from Scholastic.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads |Tumblr

    Forget This Ever Happened Review:

    This is probably one of the more bizarre, beautiful, and bewildering books I have read this year. It is simply amazing!

    Click to view on Instagram

    Immediately upon starting the story, I fell in love with the strange “Twin Peaks” like vibe it offered. Yes, I said Twin Peaks and not Stranger Things, because after all, the story IS set in the 90s! Weird monsters living in power plants and people losing their memories as they leave town? Take about creative!

    Moreover, the author paces the story in a mesmerizing manner that makes you fall in love with the setting and characters. Claire, Julie, Grammy and Audrey are dynamic as the key players and I wanted to know more about them. Moreover the author alternates the story between Claire and Julie’s perspective, so it was interesting seeing the plot from a native vs. a ‘tourist’ perspective. On a side note, I felt like I was back in my childhood days in the 90s of VCRs, and Video Games. The references to movies, music, everything was just perfect!

    One of my favorite scenes in the story is when Claire goes to see Audrey, and Audrey makes her play this strange maze game that makes her hypnotic and lost track of time. The scene is creepy and eerie and one of those scenes I won’t forget. Similarly, there is also the mystery element of who the monsters are, and what connection they have to the plot. Hence, as the story progresses, you slowly start to see how everything is connected.

    Oh, and let’s not forget the sweet friendship/romance between Claire and Julie. Both of them are just adorable and I could not get enough of them. Overall, I loved this story a lot and I did not want it to end.

    Giveaway (US Only):

    Finished copy of Forget This Ever Happened. The giveaway ends on October 12th.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Book Tour Schedule

    Forget This Ever Happened

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Forget This Ever Happened by Cassandra Rose Clarke Blog Tour hosted byTBR & Beyond Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

     

    October 5th
    TBR and Beyond – Welcome Post
    Rajiv’s Reviews – Review
    Kait Plus Books – Review, Favourite Quotes & Interview

    October 6th
    Yours A-fiction-ately – Review & Favourite Quotes
    Stocked Up on Starbooks – Review
    Storme Reads A Lot – Excerpt & Promotional Post
    Julie Anna’s Books – Review & Book Look

    October 7th
    The Tattooed Librarian – Review, Favorite Quotes & Playlist
    The Writer’s Alley – Review, Mood Board & Top 5 Reasons to Forget This Ever Happened
    Mahkjchi’s Not-So-Secret Books – Review & Favourite Quotes

    October 8th
    Justice For Readers – Review, Mood Board & Interview
    PopTheButterfly Reads – Review
    Manic Femme – Top 5 Reasons to Read Forget this Ever Happened

    October 9th
    Forthenovellovers – Review
    Fangirl Pixie Blog – Promotional Post
    Page by Paige Books – Review, Mood Board & Top 5 Reasons to Forget This Ever Happened
    Forever In A Story – Review, Favourite Quotes & Top 5 Reasons to Forget This Ever Happened

    October 10th
    Young at Heart Reader – Promo Post
    Moonlight Rendezvous – Review & Favourite Quotes
    Notes From a Paper Plane Nomad – Review, Favourite Quotes & Top 5 Reasons to Forget This Ever Happened
    Lizzy Writes Reviews – Review

    October 11th
    Enthralled Bookworm – Interview
    The Book Dutchesses – Promo Post
    Paperback Jedi – Review, Favourite Quotes & Playlist

  • The Year Shakespeare Ruined My Life by Dani Jansen

    The Year Shakespeare Ruined My Life by Dani Jansen

    The Year Shakespeare Ruined My Life

    The Year Shakespeare Ruined My Life by Dani Jansen

    Release: September 22, 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Second Story Press
    Source: TBR & Beyond Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, TBD, Indigo

    __

    __

    Alison Green, desperate valedictorian-wannabe, agrees to produce her school’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. That’s her first big mistake. The second is accidentally saying Yes to a date with her oldest friend, Jack, even though she’s crushing on Charlotte. However, Alison manages to stay positive, even when her best friend starts referring to the play as “Ye Olde Shakespearean Disaster.” Alison must cope with the misadventures that befall the play if she’s going to survive the year. She’ll also have to grapple with what it means to be “out” and what she might be willing to give up for love.

    About the Author:

    Dani Jansen is a teacher and writer who lives in Montreal. She should probably be embarrassed to admit that she has performed as part of her school’s Glee Club for eight years. Also, she should probably be ashamed to tell people that she named her cats after punctuation symbols (Ampersand and Em-Dash, in case you’re curious).

     Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Year Shakespeare Ruined My Life  Review:

    Reading this book was like getting a cozy, warm hug from a loved one; it lightens your mood and makes you feel good.

    Click to view on Instagram

    All the characters stand out in their own manner. Alison is wonderful in the lead. I loved her strive to be perfect in whatever she did. Similarly, I loved her family too. It was so endearing to read how supportive her parents and Annie are of her. Also, Charlotte is amazing and I loved her relationship with Alison. Moreover, the author develops some of the characters nicely that changed my perspective of them. For instance, I really disliked Ben in the beginning, but as the story progressed, I started to like him too.

    At the same time, the author also wrote the story in such a humorous, feel-good and quirky manner. I loved the overall theme to try your best, but it is OK if you are not perfect and make mistakes along the way. Similarly, here are so many moments that I just adored in the story. Jack and Alison sharing a date with Becca, Alison consoling Ben, the theater mafia, and of course the entire setup of the school play. I also laughed out loud during the warm up exercises.

    However, my only minor gripe is that there is a lot happening, so we don’t go deeper with the characters. For example, I thought Zach and Jenny were interesting, but they came only for a few minutes. Even Becca and Jack are prominent in the beginning, but are hardly seen in the second half. The story would have been perfect if the author focused more on the characters.

    Overall, I loved reading this book! It made me want to pick up A Midsummer Night’s Dream and read it.

    Giveaway (US/Canada Only):

    Two Finished Copies of The Year Shakespeare Ruined My Life. The giveaway ends on September 15th.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    The Year Shakespeare Ruined My Life

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the The Year Shakespeare Ruined My Life by Dani Jansen Blog Tour hosted by TBR & Beyond Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

    BOOK TOUR DATES-

    September 7th
    TBR and Beyond – Welcome Post
    Sophie’s Reading Corner – Review & Dreamcast
    The Writer’s Alley – Review & Playlist

    September 8th
    Unconventional Quirky Bibliophile – Review
    Between Folded Pages – Review
    The Book Dutchesses – Review & Favourite Quotes
    Colleen Is Booked – Review & Creative Post

    September 9th
    Nikkie Reads – Review
    Chapter Charms – Review & Creative Post
    Her Book Thoughts – Review & Playlist

    September 10th
    Yna the Mood Reader – Review & Favourite Quotes
    Rambling Mads – Review
    And On She Reads – Review & Playlist
    Wonder Struck – Review

    September 11th
    Kait Plus Books – Interview
    Rajiv’s Reviews – Review
    AlwaysReiding – Review & Creative Post

    September 12th
    Dini Panda Reads – Review
    Reading On A Star – Review
    Stocked Up on Starbooks – Review & Playlist
    Young at Heart Reader – Review & Moodboard

    September 13th
    Reading Robyn – Review
    Basement Bookcase – Review & Favourite Quotes
    Fangirl Pixie Blog – Review & Playlist

    September 14th
    Mel And Her Books – Review
    The Clever Reader – Review
    Belle’s Archive – Review & Interview

    BOOKSTAGRAM DATES-

    September 7th
    TBR and Beyond (Promo Post)
    Fictitious Wonderland (Review)
    Young at Heart Reader (Promo Post)
    The Writer’s Alley (Promo Post)
    The Clever Reader (Promo Post)

    September 8th
    Unconventional Quirky Bibliophile (Promo Post)
    Pagcturncr (Promo Post)
    Kathreadsya (Review)
    The Book Dutchesses (Promo Post)
    Colleen is Booked (Promo Post)
    Between Folded Pages (Promo Post)
    Fangirl Pixie Blog (Promo Post)

    September 9th
    Mixed_Matched_Socks (Review)
    Her Book Thoughts (Promo Post)
    Chapter Charms (Promo Post)
    Kait Plus Books (Promo Post)
    Dinipandareads (Promo Post)
    AlwaysReiding (Promo Post)

    September 10th
    Shelf Blame (Review)
    Sophie’s Reading Corner (Promo Post)
    Mel And Her Books (Promo Post)
    Rajiv’s Reviews (Promo Post)
    Wonder Struck (Promo Post)
    Yna the Mood Reader (Promo Post)
    And On She Reads (Promo Post)

  • Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

    Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

    Cemetery Boys

    Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

    Release: September 1st 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Swoon Reads
    Source: Xpresso Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon,B&N, iBooks, Kobo

    __

    __

    A trans boy determined to prove his gender to his traditional Latinx family summons a ghost who refuses to leave in Aiden Thomas’s paranormal YA debut Cemetery Boys.

    Yadriel has summoned a ghost, and now he can’t get rid of him.
    However, when his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his true gender, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself, and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free.
    However, the ghost he summons is actually Julian Diaz, the school’s resident bad boy, and Julian is not about to go quietly into death. He’s determined to find out what happened and tie off some loose ends before he leaves. Left with no choice, Yadriel agrees to help Julian, so that they can both get what they want. But the longer Yadriel spends with Julian, the less he wants to let him leave.

    About the Author:

    Aiden Thomas is a YA author with an MFA in Creative Writing from Mills College. Originally from Oakland, California, they now make their home in Portland, OR. As a queer, trans Latinx, Aiden advocates strongly for diverse representation in all media. Aiden’s special talents include: quoting The Office, Harry Potter trivia, Jenga, finishing sentences with “is my FAVORITE”, and killing spiders. Aiden is notorious for not being able to guess the endings of books and movies, and organizes their bookshelves by color.

    Website | Twitter | Tumblr | Instagram | Goodreads

    Cemetery Boys Review:

    This book is entertaining, yet important, because it covers so many key topics about sexuality, acceptance, and finding your voice.

    Firstly, the author covers SO many topics simultaneously that that there is never a dull moment. What I really loved about the story is the subject of identity. Yadriel is a gay trans Latinx boy who wants to be a Brujo, but his family is not supportive due to his orientation. Being accepted is one of the challenges many of us face, and I could really relate to Yadriel in terms of being accepted.

    Moreover, I loved Yadriel’s relationship with Julian. I am not a fan of slow burn romance, but I really enjoyed it in this story. Yadriel has low self esteem because of the way his family and society treat him. Hence, it was so amazing to see him open up and become confident under Julian’s influence. Similarly, Julian is this fireball of energy, where he is hilarious and all over the place, and doesn’t care what people think. They complement each other and are so dynamic together. On a side note, I also loved Maritza and thought she was an amazing supporting character!

    At the same time, the entire story takes place with the backdrop of a cemetery close to the Dia De Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival. This makes the book atmospheric, yet lively and engrossing. There is also this mystery element as Yadriel investigates on what happened to Miguel. I enjoyed the mystery element as well and could not guess the reason behind it.

    Overall, I don’t think I have ever read a book that emphasizes on culture, diversity, sexuality, acceptance on top of a mystery, set in a cemetery ever! This book was very entertaining and I enjoyed reading it.

    Giveaway:

    Tour-wide giveaway (US only)

    • Print copy of Cemetery Boys

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Cemetery Boys

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas Blog Tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours.Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

    Book Tour Schedule