Navigating Love: A Candid Review of 'The Revenge Game' by Jordyn Taylor

The Revenge Game by Jordyn Taylor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Year read: 2023

"The Revenge Game" by Jordyn Taylor is a mixed bag that delivers thought-provoking elements and frustrating dynamics. On the positive side, the book bravely tackles feminist themes, engaging in honest conversations about relationships, sex, and bodies while skillfully dismantling toxic masculinity. However, the characters Riggs and Alyson, flawed in their own ways, make it challenging to connect with or sympathize with them even as the narrative unfolds.

One significant drawback for me was the narrative structure. The foreshadowing of a future event from the beginning and intermittent updates weren’t engaging for me. Instead of building anticipation, it created a sense of detachment, making it difficult to immerse myself in the present story without constantly pondering the impending incident.

The predictability of the climax was disappointing, and despite my wishful thinking, the story unfolded as suspected. The "rescue" scene, while believable in terms of the rescuer and their actions, felt implausible in execution.

As a fan of YA fiction, this novel has left me hesitant about exploring more stories set in high school. While the book had its moments, character dynamics and narrative structure flaws impacted my overall enjoyment. "The Revenge Game" offers a unique blend of feminist exploration but falls short of delivering a genuinely satisfying and immersive reading experience.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are 100% my own.

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Charming Christmas Connections in 'Love in Winter Wonderland'

Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Year read: 2023

"Love in Winter Wonderland" by Abiola Bello is a heartwarming YA Christmas romance that I'd rate at four stars. The narrative revolves around two teenagers who join forces through social media to rescue a struggling Black-owned indie bookshop, delivering a heartwarming message of friendship, teamwork, and determination.

Ariel and Trey's chemistry was beautifully authentic, evolving from strangers to friends to a deeper, more romantic connection without any forced moments. Ariel, in particular, was a standout character with her multifaceted personality, dealing with weight issues, grief over her father's loss, scholarship applications to art school, and bullies, all while being a vital friend to Trey and helping save the bookshop.

However, while Ariel shone brightly, Trey's character was less likable. His actions in his relationship with Blair, like forgetting her birthday and dancing with another girl in front of her, made it hard to connect with him. Overall, "Love in Winter Wonderland" is a heartwarming read offering an enjoyable holiday-themed journey filled with friendship, love, and support for independent businesses.




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Heartfelt and Authentic: A Review of 'Girls Like Girls' by Hayley Kiyoko

Girls Like Girls by Hayley Kiyoko
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Year read: 2023

"Girls Like Girls" by Hayley Kiyoko takes readers on a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and love. At the heart of the story is Coley, a 17-year-old who finds herself grappling with the recent loss of her mother, thrusting her into a new environment and leaving her vulnerable and uncertain. Kiyoko's portrayal of Coley's emotional journey is incredibly poignant, allowing readers to connect deeply with her vulnerability and doubts.

When Coley crosses paths with Sonya, an immediate connection ignites. Kiyoko masterfully weaves their relationship, capturing the exhilaration, tenderness, and uncertainty of first love. Coley's doubts about her own worthiness of love and Sonya's journey as someone who has never been with a girl before adding layers of depth and authenticity to their evolving connection.

Set in a small town in Oregon, this book beautifully explores the challenges of teenage life and the courage it takes to embrace one's true self. With relatable characters and a celebration of LGBTQ+ experiences, Kiyoko's storytelling captures the essence of love and acceptance. "Girls Like Girls" was a captivating read.

Disclosure Statement:

I received a free Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my opinions or the content of my review. My feedback is voluntary and unbiased. My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an opportunity to read and review this book.

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Glitter, Guts, and Growth: A 5-Star Journey with "Pumpkin" by Julie Murphy

Pumpkin by Julie Murphy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Year read: 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Pumpkin" by Julie Murphy is an absolute gem and another five-star addition to her Dumplin' series. Julie Murphy's ability to create heartwarming stories with authentic characters is remarkable, and "Pumpkin" is no exception. This book brings Waylon's journey to life delightfully while seamlessly weaving the stories of Dumplin' and Puddin' into the background.

What sets Julie Murphy apart is her commitment to portraying youth with the depth and complexity they deserve. In "Pumpkin," Waylon is a refreshing protagonist—a fat, openly gay boy navigating the challenges of a small West Texas town. His journey towards self-acceptance and embracing his true self is redemptive and touching, making it a story that resonates with readers of all ages.

One of the standout features of "Pumpkin" is the authenticity with which Murphy writes her characters. Rather than resorting to stereotypes, she portrays today's youth as intelligent, self-assured, knowledgeable, and kind. This portrayal is refreshing and reflects the reality of our time's diverse and resilient youth.

Another aspect that deserves applause is how the author handles the high school bully character. Instead of giving him unnecessary page time, Murphy focuses on Waylon's personal growth and the positive aspects of his journey. This subtle yet effective approach allows the story to shine even brighter.

The publisher's description gives you a taste of the chaos that ensues when Waylon and Hannah are nominated for prom court. The mishaps, glitter, and the unexpected connection between Waylon and Tucker Watson add depth and humor to the narrative. It's a story that beautifully showcases the importance of living in the moment and embracing who you are, all while making us laugh and tear up.

In conclusion, "Pumpkin" is a must-read for fans of Julie Murphy's previous works and anyone who appreciates a heartwarming, authentic, and genuinely enjoyable story. It's a testament to the power of self-discovery, friendship, and the courage to be unapologetically yourself. I can't wait to see what Julie Murphy has for us next!




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American Royals (American Royals, #1) by Katharine McGee

American Royals by Katharine McGee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

American Royals by Katharine McGee had an interesting premise with the idea of an American monarchy, but it left me feeling somewhat unsatisfied. While I was excited about exploring an alternate universe perspective on American royalty, I found the characters to be hard to connect with or genuinely care about.

Throughout the book, the author invests a lot of time building various relationships, only to crush nearly all of them by the end. This left me feeling somewhat frustrated and wondering about the point of it all. The only character who consistently acted in a manner consistent with their personality was the villainous Daphne Deighton, which made her oddly intriguing in a story filled with characters who seemed to lack depth.

As I considered whether to continue with the series, I took a quick look at the reviews for the second book, and they didn't inspire confidence. It seems that my concerns about the characters and their development may persist in subsequent installments.

While American Royals had a promising concept, the execution didn't fully deliver for me. If you're looking for a more immersive exploration of an alternate American monarchy, you might be left wanting.

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If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy

 If the Shoe Fits (Meant To Be #1) by Julie Murphy 

Publisher: Hyperion Avenue

Publication date: 03 Aug 2021

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The link above is an affiliate link. If you make a purchase through it, I will receive a small amount of the sale, at no cost to you. It helps me make a little money to support my book reviewing hobby. Thank you! 

Publisher's description:

After having just graduated with a degree in shoe design, and trying to get her feet on the ground, Cindy is working for her stepmother, who happens to be the executive producer of America's favorite reality show, Before Midnight. When a spot on the show needs filling ASAP, Cindy volunteers, hoping it might help jump-start her fashion career, or at least give her something to do while her peers land jobs in the world of high fashion.

Turns out being the only plus-size woman on a reality dating competition makes a splash, and soon Cindy becomes a body positivity icon for women everywhere. What she doesn't expect? That she may just find inspiration - and love - in the process. Ultimately, Cindy learns that if the shoe doesn't fit, maybe it's time to design your own. 

My review:

I received a free copy of the ebook from Netgalley in exchange for my review. All opinions shared are 100% my own.

I just love Julie Murphy’s books. Her protagonists are funny, charming, vulnerable, and oh so real. Cindy does not disappoint. This delightful twist on the classic fairytale is just too perfect. I was pleasantly surprised by the “twist”... you all know there has to be one and I was legitimately dreading what I thought it would be. I was wrong! And it all worked so well for the story. I really loved that “Cinderella” was very close to her step-sisters and step-mother. There is some great LGBTQ representation in the book, including modeling good pronoun use. It’s (naturally) full of body positivity and authentic discussions of size and size discrimination (because, hello? - JULIE MURPHY!).  I love this author and this book did not disappoint. There were definite tears - of several varieties - throughout my reading. I want to see this movie! And I don’t even really watch movies. Henry Cavill as Henry?  I mean… he already has the right first name and everything. (Is that a coincidence or on purpose, Ms. Murphy?).

This is a delightful rom-com with a fun look into the behind-the-scenes nonsense of reality television. I don’t watch reality TV either but still enjoyed the book very much. It features good representation, addresses very real societal issues in very honest ways, and is just fun to read. 

About the author:

Julie Murphy lives in North Texas with her husband who loves her, her dog who adores her, and her cats who tolerate her. After several wonderful years in the library world, Julie now writes full-time. 

When she’s not writing or reliving her reference desk glory days, she can be found watching made-for-TV movies, hunting for the perfect slice of cheese pizza, and planning her next great travel adventure. 

She is also the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the young adult novels Dumplin’ (now a film on Netflix), Puddin’, Ramona Blue, and Side Effects May Vary. Dear Sweet Pea is her debut middle-grade novel.

Chasing The Taillights by Kate Larkindale

Chasing The Taillights by Kate Larkindale

Publisher: Evernight Teen

Publication date: 26 Feb 21

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The link above is an affiliate link. If you make a purchase through it, I will receive a small amount of the sale, at no cost to you. It helps me make a little money to support my book reviewing hobby. Thank you! 

Publisher's description:

Lucy and Tony share nothing except genes. Tony’s the champion diver destined for greatness. Lucy’s biggest concern is getting Cute Guy from the burger joint to ask her out.

After an accident kills their parents, the siblings are forced to rely on one another—and decide whether to reveal their secrets.

Lucy can’t tell Tony what she knows about the accident for fear of destroying the tentative bond between them. If she doesn’t confess, she might lose her mind. If she does, she might lose the only person she has left who loves her.

Tony has problems too. Between diving practice, classes, and concealing the crush he has on his best friend Jake, Tony needs to find room in his life for his sister, but his own stability dwindles with every passing day.

As the siblings struggle to overcome a lifetime of past conflicts and jealousies, they discover they might have more in common than a love of rock music

My review:

I received a free copy of the ebook from the author in exchange for my review. All opinions shared are 100% my own.

What a heartbreaking and compelling story. As a mom, I just wanted to scoop both of these kids up and hug them and just BE there for them. I also wanted to yell “You need counseling!!!” so many times. Who leaves a couple of children to not only fend for themselves physically but also emotionally and mentally, after both of their parents die?! Their lousy uncles, that’s who? 

This was a particularly heartbreaking story to me because I see my own two kids’ distance from one another as similar to Tony and Lucy. My kids are also four years apart, older brother/younger sister. It just makes me so sad when they argue and push each other away. Your sibling relationship will be the longest relationship you have in your life! It should be cherished. My sister and I - ten years apart in age - have always been there for one another. It gets better as they get older, right? 

While many questionable choices were made by different characters, all in all, the story of navigating grief, learning about love and family, and finding yourself shines through. It does feature some triggering situations (parental death, car accident, homophobia, alcoholism, deteriorating mental health) so I don’t think this book is for everyone, but it is a well-written and respectful handling of complex issues. 

Fun stuff:

Author’s blog: http://katelarkindale.blogspot.com/ 

About the author:

From the author’s blog: Author of CHASING THE TAILLIGHTS, AN UNSTILL LIFE, STUMPED and THE SIDEWALK'S REGRETS, I am a writer, marketing executive for a national film agency, film reviewer, and mother to two boys. As you can imagine, with all that going on, I don't sleep much.

Never Say Never by Justine Manzano

 

Never Say Never by Justine Manzano

Publisher: Sword and Silk Books

Publication date: 15 Jun 2021 

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The link above is an affiliate link. If you make a purchase through it, I will receive a small amount of the sale, at no cost to you. It helps me make a little money to support my book reviewing hobby. Thank you! 

Publisher's description:

Brynn Stark is NEVER going to fall in love.

After she walks in on her mom doing the horizontal mambo with a man that's decidedly not her dad, Brynn Stark swears to never fall in love. One of her friends—Val— reveals her true identity—Aphrodite, goddess of love, and promises to show Brynn why she shouldn't lose faith.

But when Brynn realizes she's beginning to fall for Adam, Aphrodite's boyfriend, Brynn's forced to decide if she'll choose her goddess-given fate, or risk it all for the wrong-but-right guy.

One thing's for sure. Love sucks. And it's all about to blow up in their faces.

My review:

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review. All opinions shared are 100% my own.

What happens when you find out your best friend’s foster sister is actually the Greek goddess, Aphrodite? And you’re falling in love with her boyfriend? That’s where Brynn finds herself during her senior year of high school. The more she tries to deny her feelings, the more circumstances keep putting her on a path with Adam and in conflict with Val/Aphrodite. 

It definitely takes some willful suspension of disbelief to buy into an ancient Greek goddess hanging out in high school, but overall, it’s a cute story about friendship, family, and the power of love. There are some tense moments (particularly when a certain high-powered “Dad” gets involved). It’s a fun ride though with a sweet ever-after ending. There is a lot of typical, high school drama that is all dealt with in mature, positive ways. A few potentially upsetting themes are parental divorce, a parent committing adultery, an asthma attack, and people being caught outside in a lightning storm. 

Fun stuff:

The author shares some fun extras, like a character interview and social media graphics on her website here: https://justinemanzano.com/never-say-never-extras/ 

About the author:

Justine Manzano is a YA author who prides herself on her ability to juggle motherhood, writing, editing, and the very serious businesses of fangirling and multiple forms of geekery. When she’s not flailing about her favorite characters and actors, she struggles to create her own characters with the hopes someone will flail about them one day. Her debut novel, The Order of the Key, a Young Adult Urban Fantasy, is available everywhere books are sold from Black Rose Writing. Reviews have called it “Season 5 of Buffy meets the X-Men,” and Justine will likely live happily off of that description alone for the rest of her days. It was a finalist in the 2020 IndiesToday Awards. 

Her sophomore release, Never Say Never, a Young Adult Contemporary Romance with Fantasy Elements, will be released on June 15, 2021.

Between Wild and Ruin by Jennifer G. Edelson

Between Wild and Ruin by Jennifer G. Edelson

Publisher: Bad Apple Books

Publication date: December 2020

My rating: 3 out of 5 stars

The link above is an affiliate link. If you make a purchase through it, I will receive a small amount of the sale, at no cost to you. It helps me make a little money to support my book reviewing hobby. Thank you! 

Publisher's description:

Truth, like love, isn’t always obvious.

Seventeen-year-old Ruby Brooks has never had a boyfriend. After moving to small-town La Luna, New Mexico following her mother’s untimely death, boys aren’t even on her radar. Ruby just wants to forget the last horrible year and blend in. But when she discovers an ancient pueblo ruin in the forest behind her house and meets Ezra, a bitter recluse whose once-perfect face was destroyed in an accident he won’t talk about; Angel, La Luna’s handsome sheriff’s deputy, and Leo, a stranger who only appears near the ruin, Ruby finds herself teetering between love, mystery, and other worlds. What happened to Ezra’s face? And why is she so attracted to the one boy in town everyone despises? As Ruby unravels her own connections to both Ezra and the pueblo ruin, she’ll learn surfaces are deceiving. Especially in the heart of New Mexico, where spirits and legends aren’t always just campfire stories.

About the author:

From the author’s website: In a Godzilla-sized nutshell, I grew up in Los Angeles, dropped out of high school, rebelled the hell out of my teens, and spent a couple of rocky years dabbling in everything from car stereo sales, to animal rescue, to scalping concert tickets, to waiting tables. After quickly learning that limitations suck, I went on to complete a B.A. in Fine Arts-Sculpture with a minor in Criminology at the University of Minnesota and later, a J.D. in law school.

My review:

I received a digital copy of this book from BookSirens. All opinions shared are 100% my own.

I have read other fantasy fiction set in the American Southwest (check out the Shards of History series by Rebecca Roland). For that reason, I wanted to love this book. With all the awards (see below) it has won, I had high hopes. I did enjoy looking up the landmarks mentioned throughout so I could get a sense of what the landscape looked like. Unfortunately, I did not love the book. The world-building was lacking and rushed. Relationships were shallow… and rushed. The main character was a series of opposite personality traits that didn’t really mesh. I don’t regret reading the book. I did consider reading the second in the series (though other reviews I read for it changed my mind on that front).  

While I didn’t love it, I didn’t hate it either. It is an interesting setup. I just wish it had been fleshed out more and less rushed when the “big reveal” came. Fantasy always asks us to suspend our disbelief but this took that suspension request a little too far. There are likable and loyal supporting characters and the history of the area is interesting. I would recommend it for anyone who loves the Southwest and magical realism (and doesn’t mind love triangles - another miss for me).  

Fun stuff:

** First Place Winner — Young Adult Fiction: 2020 Arizona/New Mexico Book Awards

** First Place Winner - Young Adult Fiction: 2020 National Federation Press Women

** Gold Medal Winner (First Place) - Young Adult Mythology/Folklore; 2020 Reader's Choice International  

** First Place Winner - Young Adult Fiction: 2020 New Mexico Women's Press 

Review: Dream Eater by K. Bird Lincoln

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if you make a purchase using these links. Thank you!

Dream Eater by K. Bird Lincoln

Publisher: World Weaver Press

Publication date: April 4, 2017

My rating: 3 stars out of 5

Publisher's description

Koi Pierce dreams other peoples' dreams.

Her whole life she's avoided other people. Any skin-to-skin contact--a hug from her sister, the hand of a barista at Stumptown coffee--transfers flashes of that person's most intense dreams. It's enough to make anyone a hermit.

But Koi's getting her act together. No matter what, this time she's going to finish her degree at Portland Community College and get a real life. Of course it's not going to be that easy. Her father, increasingly disturbed from Altzheimer's disease, a dream fragment of a dead girl from the casual brush of a creepy PCC professor's hand, and a mysterious stranger who speaks the same rare Northern Japanese dialect as Koi's father will force Koi to learn to trust in the help of others, as well as face the truth about herself.

My review

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions shared are 100% my own.

Dream Eater is based on ancient legends. While the legends of many different cultures are referenced, Japanese legends are most represented here along with some Pacific Northwest American legends.

Painting Life's Masterpiece: A Review of 'I'll Give You the Sun' by Jandy Nelson

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Year read: 2015

I started reading this book way back in March as part of the TBR Pile Reading Challenge at Bookish. That challenge features a read-along every other month with two sets of discussion questions - one on the 15th and one on the last day of the month. I got my first set of discussion questions in and posted them here. I set the book aside to read some other books and never got back to it. I have a copy from the library, so last week, when I saw I was running out of renewals, I decided I wanted to finish it before I had to return it. I'm so glad I did. While the first half of the book is engaging, due to the nature and enormity of the secrets being withheld, it is a bit confusing. There are so many unanswered questions. As the puzzle pieces fall into place in the second half, a rich story of family, fate, and finding your true self is built to a climactic - and happy - resolution.

Both Jude and Noah will, at times, endear you and annoy you. A terrible tragedy has separated these inseparable twins, and it will take an odd series of remarkable events to bring them back together. Most of the supporting cast, including a ghost or two, are well-developed and relatable. I felt that Oscar was overdrawn - all motorcycles, tattoos, checkered past with a James Dean swagger. While the character was a necessary part of the story, I think he could and should have been less of a caricature. That being said, the book is told from a first-person perspective, and we “see” this characterization of Oscar from Jude’s perspective. The author also does a pretty big disservice to another character nicknamed Zephyr. Again, I think this is the result of holding to Jude’s perspective, but it would have been nice to see Zephyr redeemed.

I really like the writing style - once I got used to it. Noah, in particular, writes in colors and art. His descriptions of everyday life are as if he were describing everything as artwork. He says he can see people’s souls - his mother’s is a massive sunflower so big there is hardly room for her organs. Most of his inner dialog is descriptive, and every scene in his life includes a note on how he would paint it: (Self-Portrait: Throwing Armfuls of Air into the Air). I would recommend this to anyone who likes art or is an artist and who enjoys young adult fiction. While there are sexual situations, nothing is graphic. For the average teenage reader, I would recommend grade 9 and up. I would let my advanced 12-year-old son read it, but he would not like it due to the smoochy stuff. (Yay! So happy about that. How long do I have?).

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