Tag: romance

The Otherwhere Post: Review

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About the Book:

Title: The Otherwhere Post

Author: Emily J. Taylor

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

Release Date: February 25, 2025

Pages: 400

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Romance

Synopsis:

The New York Times bestselling author of Hotel Magnifique returns with another glittering dark fantasy about a deadly mystery that spans worlds and a teenage girl who must risk everything to uncover the truth.

Seven years ago, Maeve Abenthy lost her world, her father, even her name. Desperate to escape the stain of her father’s crimes, she lives under a fake name, never staying in one place long enough to put down roots.

Then she receives a mysterious letter with four impossible words Your father was innocent.

To uncover the truth, she poses as an apprentice for the Otherwhere Post, where she’ll be trained in the art of scriptomancy—the dangerous magic that allows couriers to enchant letters and deliver them to other worlds. But looking into her father’s past draws more attention than she’d planned.

Her secretive, infuriatingly handsome mentor knows she’s lying about her identity, and time is running out to convince him to trust her. Worse, she begins to receive threatening letters, warning her to drop her investigation—or else. For Maeve to unravel the mystery of what happened seven years ago, she may have to forfeit her life.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher for review. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

Amazing sophomore novel by Emily J. Taylor! I was hooked from start to finish with this amazing fantasy, dark academia, with a script based magic system. I really enjoyed Emily’s debut, Hotel Magnifique but she brought her A game in this one, I loved it! She packed a lot into a standalone and it left me completely satisfied.

Highly recommend!

About the Author:

Emily was born and raised in California and has since refused to stay put. She’s lived in four states and two continents, all of which have conveniently given her an endless amount of story fodder. She currently works as a creative director in Minneapolis, where she spends the long winters dreaming up glittering worlds to spin into dark tales.

Follow Emily on Instagram @emilycanwrite
https://www.instagram.com/emilycanwrite/

A Bachelor’s Lessons in Love: Review

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About the Book:

Title: A Bachelor’s Lessons in Love

Author: Sally Britton 

Publisher: Pink Citrus Books LLC

Release Date: April 30, 2025

Pages: 287

Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency

Synopsis:

A reluctant guardian. A determined spinster. A battle of wits that might just end in love.

Former military officer Edward Halstead never imagined his quiet bachelor existence would be upended by the unexpected guardianship of a spirited young lady. When his late comrade’s daughter, Daphne Price, is placed in his care, Edward is faced with a challenge unlike any battlefield he has ever encountered, especially with her fiercely protective aunt, Felicity Price, staying in his home to ensure he doesn’t fail in his duty.

Felicity has dedicated her life to her beloved niece, and she has no intention of leaving Daphne in the hands of a gruff and emotionally distant bachelor. If Edward Halstead believes he can simply house, feed, and marry off her niece without regard for her well-being, he is sorely mistaken. Felicity will remain at Briarwood House as long as necessary to ensure Daphne’s future and to make certain Edward doesn’t ruin it. After all, she doesn’t want her niece to end up a spinster…like Felicity.

With Felicity and Edward at odds over Daphne’s upbringing, propriety, and the girl’s future, tension sparks and tempers flare. Yet, beneath the clashes and differences of opinion, an undeniable attraction grows. As Daphne’s entrance into Society looms and Edward’s past resurfaces in unexpected ways, Felicity and Edward must decide if their partnership is merely one of convenience or if love has been the lesson they’ve both been waiting to learn.

Perfect for fans of witty banter, slow-burn romance, and fiercely independent heroines, A Bachelor’s Lessons in Love is a Regency romance filled with heart, humor, and unexpected love. Part of the Bachelors of Blackstone’s series, the books may be read and enjoyed in any order.

Review:

*I received an e-arc from the author for review. Thank you for the opportunity! All thoughts are my own*

This was my second book I’ve read by Sally Britton and it did not disappoint. I loved A Bachelor’s Lessons in Love! If you enjoy a slow burn romance, witty banter and strong female characters set in the regency era, this one is for you! 

Bachelor Colonel Edward Halstead unexpectedly finds himself the guardian of his former comrade’s daughter. His ward, Daphne Price, is much older than he originally anticipated and is about to make her debut into society.  Her spirited Aunt, Felicity Price, has accompanied her to be sure that Halstead does not fail in his duties.

Felicity and Edward start out at odds and are continually arguing over Daphne’s upbringing, propriety and her future. They both have past experiences that have shaped their strong opinions. For the sake of Daphne, they decide to work as a team. The more they work together, an attraction sparks between them. 

Is their partnership simply one of circumstance, or something more?

I fell in love with Edward, Felicity and Daphne! Both Edward and Felicity took their roles as Daphne’s caretakers seriously and worked hard to help her make her debut. It was great watching Daphne’s relationships with both of these characters change and grow. It was also amazing watching the romance blossom between Edward and Felicity.  I found myself laughing out loud throughout the story, and I also cried at a couple of parts. Very heartwarming! 

I highly recommend! This beautiful story is out today.

About the Author:

Sally Britton is sixth generation Texan, received her BA in English forever ago, and reads voraciously. She started her writing journey at the tender age of fourteen on an electric typewriter, and she’s never looked back.

Sally lives in Oklahoma with her husband, four children, and their overly energetic Australian Shepherds, cat, and snake named Nancy. She loves researching, hiking, and eating too much chocolate.

 

Heartless Hunter (The Crimson Moth #1): Review

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About the Book:

Title: Heartless Hunter 

Author: Kristen Ciccarelli

Publisher: Wednesday Books 

Release Date: February 1, 2024

Pages: 424

Genre: YA Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy 

Synopsis:

A steamy game of cat and mouse between witch and witch-hunter, played out against a backdrop of opulence, secrets, and bloody history.

On the night Rune’s life changed forever, blood ran in the streets. Now, in the aftermath of a devastating revolution, witches have been diminished from powerful rulers to outcasts ruthlessly hunted due to their waning magic, and Rune must hide what she is.

Spending her days pretending to be nothing more than a vapid young socialite, Rune spends her nights as the Crimson Moth, a witch vigilante who rescues her kind from being purged. When a rescue goes wrong, she decides to throw the witch hunters off her scent and gain the intel she desperately needs by courting the handsome Gideon Sharpe – a notorious and unforgiving witch hunter loyal to the revolution – who she can’t help but find herself falling for.

Gideon loathes the decadence and superficiality Rune represents, but when he learns the Crimson Moth has been using Rune’s merchant ships to smuggle renegade witches out of the republic, he inserts himself into her social circles by pretending to court her right back. He soon realizes that beneath her beauty and shallow façade, is someone fiercely intelligent and tender who feels like his perfect match. Except, what if she’s the very villain he’s been hunting?

Kristen Ciccarelli’s Heartless Hunter is the thrilling start to a romantic fantasy duology where the only thing more treacherous than being a witch…is falling in love.

Review:

* I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

I wish I could have gotten to this book sooner rather than later, but life happens. Heartless Hunter was definitely worth the wait, and it lived up to all the hype! I just loved this one! It was fast paced, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. 

The chemistry between Rune and Gideon was sizzling. There was so much angst, and I was here for it! 

If you love enemies to lovers, a slow burn romance, magic, and a game of cat and mouse then this one is for you.

Highly recommend! I can’t wait for the sequel, Rebel Witch. I think Kristen is going to destroy me!

About the Author:

Kristen Ciccarelli grew up on a grape farm, dropped out of college, and worked various jobs before becoming an author. Some of her previous trades included: baker, potter, bookseller, and NGO worker. Kristen lives in Canada’s Niagara Peninsula with her husband and daughter. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller, Heartless Hunter (Book 1 in The Crimson Moth duology), as well as Edgewood, and the internationally bestselling Iskari series.

Ex Marks the Spot: Review

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About the Book:

Title: Ex Marks the Spot 

Author: Gloria Chao 

Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers

Release Date: December 31, 2024

Pages: 384

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance 

Synopsis:

A swoony rivals-to-lovers romance . . .
Family secrets that can’t stay buried . . .
A globe-spanning treasure hunt with puzzles to solve . . .212643715

This latest YA novel by acclaimed writer Gloria Chao takes readers on a soaring adventure through love, loss, and the lively streets of Taiwan.

For Gemma’s whole life, it has always been her and her mom against the world. As far as she knew, all her grandparents—and thus her ties to Taiwanese culture—were dead. Until one day when a mysterious man shows up at her door with two shocking the news that her grandfather has just recently passed, and the first clue to a treasure hunt that Gemma hopes will lead to her inheritance.

There’s just one major to complete the hunt, she has to go to her grandfather’s home in Taiwan. And the only way she can get there is by asking her ex and biggest high-school rival, Xander, for help. But after swallowing her pride, Gemma finds herself halfway across the world, ready to unearth her life-changing prize. Soon Gemma discovers that the treasure hunt is about much more than money—it’s about finally learning about her family, her cultural roots, and maybe even finding true love.

Filled with ingenious puzzles, a vibrant Taipei setting, and a delicious romance, Ex Marks the Spot is an exciting adventure by award-winning writer Gloria Chao, perfect for fans of Loveboat Taipei, The Inheritance Games, and Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes.

Review:

4

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and Viking Books. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

I have loved Gloria Chao since reading her debut, American Panda, so I am always anticipating her releases! I really enjoyed this one! If you like enemies to lovers, found family, and an epic adventure, this one is for you. 

Gemma Sun has grown up just her and her mom, thinking that her grandparents were dead. A mysterious man shows up at her door and lets her know that her grandfather has actually just passed, and she embarks on a trip to Taiwan to claim her inheritance. The only way that Gemma can manage to get there though is through begging her ex, Xander for help. 

As Gemma spends more time in Taiwan, she discovers that her treasure hunt is about more than money. It’s about learning about her family, her culture, and maybe about finding love.

I absolutely loved the setting of this story! The adventures that Gemma and Xander have made me want to see all these amazing places in Taiwan for myself. The romance is a super slow burn, and I probably would have been satisfied with Gemma just making new friends. I have to say that by the end though I did enjoy the romance, even though I wish there was more page time.

I loved the relationship that Gemma had with her mom and how much she came to really appreciate what they built together. 

I definitely recommend! This one it out today, so pick up a copy now! 

About the Author:

Gloria Chao is a screenwriter and the award-winning author of Ex Marks the Spot (forthcoming 12.31.24), The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club (forthcoming 6.24.25), When You Wish Upon a Lantern, Rent a Boyfriend, Our Wayward Fate, and American Panda. She graduated from MIT and became a dentist before realizing she’d rather spend her days in fictional characters’ heads instead of real people’s mouths. When she’s not writing, you can find her on the curling ice, where she and her husband are world-ranked in mixed doubles.Gloria-Chao-Author-Photo_web

Visit her tea-and-book-filled world at GloriaChao.Wordpress.com, and find her on Twitter and Instagram @GloriacChao.

A Sweet Sting of Salt: Review

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About the Book:

Title: A Sweet Sting of Salt 

Author: Rose Sutherland 

Publisher: Dell 

Release Date: April 9, 2024

Pages: 352

Genre: YA Fantasy 

Synopsis:

Once a young woman uncovers a dark secret about her neighbor and his mysterious new wife, she’ll have to fight to keep herself—and the woman she loves—safe in this stunning queer reimagining of the classic folktale The Selkie Wife.

When a sharp cry wakes Jean in the middle of the night during a terrible tempest, she’s convinced it must have been a dream. But when the cry comes again, Jean ventures outside and is shocked by what she discovers—a young woman in labor, already drenched to the bone in the freezing cold and barely able to speak a word of English.

Although Jean is the only midwife in the village and for miles around, she’s at a loss as to who this woman is or where she’s from; Jean can only assume she must be the new wife of the neighbor up the road, Tobias. And when Tobias does indeed arrive at her cabin in search of his wife, Muirin, Jean’s questions continue to grow. Why has he kept his wife’s pregnancy a secret? And why does Muirin’s open demeanor change completely the moment she’s in his presence?

Though Jean learned long ago that she should stay out of other people’s business, her growing concern—and growing feelings—for Muirin mean she can’t simply set her worries aside. But when the answers she finds are more harrowing than she ever could have imagined, she fears she may have endangered herself, Muirin, and the baby. Will she be able to put things right and save the woman she loves before it’s too late, or will someone have to pay for Jean’s actions with their life?

Review:

 

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and Dell. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

This was definitely a solid debut from author Rose Sutherland. A Sweet Sting of Salt is a sapphic retelling of “The Selkie Wife”. If you like historical fiction and retellings, I think you’ll really enjoy this one! 

Jean is a midwife in a small fishing village in Nova Scotia and lives on the outskirts of town. She is awakened in the middle of the night by crying during a terrible storm and thinks she may be dreaming. When she hears the cry again, she ventures outside and finds a woman in labor in the freezing cold, and she can barely speak a word of English.  Jean assumes that she is the new wife of her closest neighbor, Tobias. He does indeed show up in search of his wife, which has Jean questioning a lot of things. His wife, Muirin completely changes her demeanor when he’s around. 

Although Jean should stay out other people’s business, her growing concern and her growing feelings for Muirin won’t let her. The answers are more difficult than she ever could have imagined, and Jean is afraid that she may have put her life, Muirin’s and the baby in danger. Will Jean be able to set things, right?

I really loved Jean and Muirin and the journey they take in this story. Full of mystery, suspense, romance, and heartache. Definitely recommend! 

 

About the Author:

ROSE SUTHERLAND was born and raised a voracious reader of anything she could get her hands on in rural Nova Scotia. She has an overactive imagination, once fell off a roof trying to re-enact Anne of Green Gables, and has continued to be entertainingly foolhardy since, graduating theatre school in NYC, apprenticing at a pâtisserie in France, and moonlighting as an usher in Toronto. Her hobbies include yoga, sea-swimming, and making niche jokes about Victor Hugo on the internet. She is mildly obsessed with the idea of one day owning a large dog, several chickens… and maybe a goat.

Accidental Courtship with the Earl: Review

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About the Book:

Title: Accidental Courtship with the Earl 

Author: Samantha Hastings 

Publisher: Harlequin Historical 

Release Date: August 20, 2024

Pages: 272

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance 

Synopsis:

What happens when a grumpy earl meets a sunshine lady? Sparks are sure to fly in this lively Regency!

She’s falling for the earl…

When she’s already betrothed!

Mark, the Earl of Inverness, escapes to London to avoid his mother’s matchmaking, and the wounds of war that continue to haunt him. So, when a macaw flies into his garden, he’s intrigued by his new neighbor following behind…and the dazzling woman proves just the distraction he needs!

Lady Helen Stringham reluctantly agreed to a Season in exchange for becoming conveniently engaged to her childhood friend when she returns home. But after she encounters broodingly handsome Mark, who shares her passion for animals, she’s discovering what real attraction is… Just who should she be marrying?

Review:

*I received a copy from the author for review. All thoughts are my own*

I just love the Stringham family, so I jumped at the opportunity to read this one! They are such an eccentric, funny, loving family and it was wonderful to spend time with them again.

Lady Helen is the star in this one. She’s reluctantly agreed with her parents to a Season in the city in exchange for marriage to her childhood friend when she returns home. After she encounters the handsome and broody Mark, who also happens to share her passion for animals, she begins to discover what true attraction is. She starts to question her own betrothal, and who she should marry. 

Mark, the Earl of Inverness, has escaped to London to avoid his mother’s meddling matchmaking. He’s still haunted by the war and the wounds of his past as well. Meeting Lady Helen when her macaw flies into his garden turns out to be much more than he ever could have imagined.

I adored this couple so much! I loved watching their friendship grow into more, and the healing that happens for the both of them.

If you like the grumpy sunshine trope and regency romance, this one if for you! 

Highly recommend!

About the Author:

Samantha Hastings has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and the University of North Texas. She met her husband in a turkey-sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her kids. She writes cozy mysteries under Samantha Larsen.

De-Witched (Toil and Trouble, #2): Review

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About the Book:

Title: De-Witched 

Author: Sophie H. Morgan

Publisher: Harlequin Feature 

Release Date: August 20, 2024

Pages: 368

Genre: Romance, Paranormal Romance 

Synopsis:

All’s fair in love and warlocks …

Six weeks ago, Leah Turner snuck into a witch high-society masked ball and promised to abide by two

1. Don’t draw attention to yourself.

2. Don’t talk to anyone.

As a human, Leah took a huge risk by even attending—and by talking to the enigmatic warlock who had her wanting to rip off her mask. But this Cinderella had to leave the ball before anyone discovered her secret.

Gabriel Goodnight is everything a Higher family warlock should be. Powerful, responsible—to a fault, some might say. Still, before he can inherit his parents’ business, he’ll have to prove his merit to the board one final time…by living among humans, without his powers, for three months.

When Gabriel walks into Leah’s bar, she immediately recognizes him—but it’s obvious he has no idea who she is, and he definitely doesn’t know she knows about magic. This condescending, uptight man is hardly the Prince Charming she thought she knew…but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a little fun…

Toil and Trouble

Book 1: The Witch is Back
Book 2: De-Witched

Review:

*I received an arc from the author for review. All thoughts are my own*

I absolutely adored this second installment in the Toil and Trouble series! I loved meeting Leah in book one, so I needed her love story! 

Leah Turner is human, but she knows about magic. She knows she has to keep it a secret, but she is a part of this world thanks to her two best friends. She sneaks into a high society masked witch ball and meets a warlock whom she almost rips her mask off for. She quickly leaves the ball before anyone can discover her secret.

Gabriel Goodnight is a warlock that comes from a Higher family. He’s powerful and responsible, but he still needs to prove to the board that he is ready to inherit his parent’s business. His mission is to go and live among humans for three months without using his powers. 

Gabriel walks into Leah’s bar, and she recognizes him from the ball, but he has no idea who she is and that she knows about magic.

The grumpy Gabriel has no idea what’s in store for him with sunny Leah! 

If you enjoyed The Witch is Back, you’re definitely going to love his one! De-Witched could be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the first book. I can’t wait for more in this series! 

 

About the Author:

Sophie H. Morgan is a romance author, repped by Cole Lanahan. She lives in crazy worlds, some concocted by her, some ruled by her spaniel.

You can usually find her on Instagram (SophiehMorgan), on Twitter (@SophieHMorgan) or through her website.

The Crossover: Review

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About the Book:

Title: The Crossover 

Author: Sarah Ward 

Publisher: Independently published

Release Date: August 20, 2024

Pages: 345

Genre: Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

All bets are off when a headstrong college equestrian and carefree basketball player are forced together as workout partners. 213114496

Stella Williams has a full scholarship to Mountain Ridge University as a member of the equestrian team, and she’s not about to let anything—or anyone—prevent her from winning the conference championship. She’s sworn off relationships, determined to be the most accomplished student in her class by the time she graduates. Nothing is going to stop her in her tracks. That is, until she meets Owen Moore.

Owen is a transfer student on the basketball team and prides himself on being happy-go-lucky and the life of the party. Oh, and he’s never been interested in a serious relationship. When Owen gets paired up with Stella in their exercise science class, sparks fly immediately, and Owen begins to reconsider his outlook on dating. But despite their obvious chemistry, Stella isn’t interested, and Owen reluctantly agrees to be just friends.

As they spend more time in the gym together and the fire between them grows, remaining just friends becomes a nearly impossible task. With Owen’s spot on the basketball team and Stella’s future in the equestrian industry on the line, will they make the game-winning shot or fizzle out as the final buzzer sounds?

The Crossover is a New Adult sports romance with low spice, high feelings, and sizzling chemistry, perfect for fans of The Cheat Sheet and Icebreaker.

Review:

4

*I received an e-arc from the author for review. Thank you for the opportunity! All thoughts are my own*

I really enjoyed this super cute, sports romance! The main characters are adorable together! This was my first dive into the sports romance genre, and it did not disappoint. 

This is a closed-door romance between two college students, Stella and Owen. Stella is on a full scholarship to Mountain Ridge University as the member of the equestrian team. She is determined to win the conference championship and has no time for a relationship. Owen is a transfer student on the basketball team and needs to secure his spot. He considers himself the life of the party and not ready for a serious relationship. When Owen and Stella get paired up in their exercise science class, there’s definite chemistry. Owen begins to reconsider his outlook on dating, but Stella isn’t interested. They agree to just be friends. 

As they spend more time in the gym together, remaining “just friends” becomes more and more difficult. With both of their futures on the line, will they be able to make it work?

I definitely recommend to fans of romance and sports romance! Please give this one a try! 

About the Author:

Sarah Ward has been writing and telling stories for as long as she can remember. She lives in Georgia with her husband and dog. Her hobbies include daydreaming about dragons, watching baseball, and drinking copious amounts of hot chocolate. A former teacher and library assistant, Sarah writes stories for both children and adults. Her published books include The Crossover, a college sports romance, and her debut middle grade novel, Victory Gallop.thumbnail_102590D8-B3EA-4D8F-BABC-1E97E56B2CA3

The Mirror of Beasts (Silver in the Bone, #2): Review

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About the Book:

Title: The Mirror of Beasts

Author: Alexandra Bracken

Publisher: Hatchette Children’s Group

Release Date: July 30, 2024

Pages: 576

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Mythology

Synopsis:

With the dream of Avalon in ruins, Tamsin and her friends are all that stands in the way of Lord Death’s plans to unleash the horrors of Anwnn on the world of the living. As the Wild Hunt carves a bloody path across continents, Tamsin is mustering allies, tracking down powerful artifacts, and traversing into new otherlands in search of a way to stop him.57982343

Legend tells of a “Mirror of Beasts,” powerful enough to trap even Lord Death in its accursed glass, but the mirror is not all that it seems. Tamsin must confront her own darkest secrets if she hopes to tap the mirror’s strength to defeat her enemies.

Arthurian legend bleeds into contemporary action, and scars of the past are torn open anew by a star-crossed love that refuses to go quietly. This riveting conclusion to the Silver in the Bone duology will hold you in its thrall until the very last page.

Review:

5

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher, Hatchette Children’s Group. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

I thought this was a fantastic conclusion to the Silver in the Bone duology! After that cliffhanger from book one, I just had to find out what happened next and couldn’t wait to dive into this one. It did not disappoint.

There was a lot of angst, and I loved it! Give me all the angst! The friendships and found family are also further developed, and I really enjoyed that so much. There is action and adventure throughout, and you will want to keep turning the pages until the last.

I highly recommend to everyone that enjoyed the first book!

About the Author:

Alexandra Bracken is the #1 New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of The Darkest Minds series and Passenger. Born and raised in Arizona, she moved east to study English and History at The College of William & Mary in Virginia. After working in the publishing industry, she now writes full time. You can visit her online at http://www.alexandrabracken.com.6tl456v11bnl5e43geipdc4bdk._SX300_CR0,0,300,300_

Dungeons and Drama (Dungeons and Drama, #1): Review

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About the Book:

Title: Dungeons and Drama

Author: Kristy Boyce

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Release Date: January 9, 2024

Pages: 304

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance 

Synopsis:

When it comes to romance, sometimes it doesn’t hurt to play games. A fun YA romcom full of fake dating hijinks!160047094

Musical lover Riley has big aspirations to become a director on Broadway. Crucial to this plan is to bring back her high school’s spring musical, but when Riley takes her mom’s car without permission, she’s grounded and stuck with the worst punishment: spending her after-school hours working at her dad’s game shop.

Riley can’t waste her time working when she has a musical to save, so she convinces Nathan—a nerdy teen employee—to cover her shifts and, in exchange, she’ll flirt with him to make his gamer-girl crush jealous.

But Riley didn’t realize that meant joining Nathan’s Dungeons & Dragons game…or that role playing would be so fun. Soon, Riley starts to think that flirting with Nathan doesn’t require as much acting as she would’ve thought…

Review:

4

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley for review. Thank you to Delacorte for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

Kristy Boyce has become one of my auto-buy authors. This was so cute and such a fun read. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes and I loved learning more about DND! 

Riley has dreams about becoming a director on Broadway. That’s why she needs to bring back the school’s spring musical. When she gets caught driving her mom’s car without permission, she dreads her punishment. She must work at her dad’s game shop during her after-school hours. Her parents are divorced, and she and her dad aren’t really close.

Riley kind of panics, because she can’t spend her time working at the shop when she needs to save the musical. She convinces Nathan, a nerdy employee at the shop, to cover her shifts. She agrees to make the gamer-girl he has a crush on jealous in exchange. 

Riley didn’t realize she’d have to join Nathan’s Dungeons and Dragons game that’s held at the shop. She actually begins to find the role-playing fun.  She also starts to realize that flirting with Nathan doesn’t require a lot of her acting skills. She begins to understand her father more, the more time she spends at the shop.

I really enjoyed this one and I definitely recommend! I loved seeing Riley’s growth and character development. If you enjoy contemporary romance pick this one up! 

About the Author:

Kristy Boyce lives in Columbus, OH and teaches psychology as a senior lecturer at The Ohio State University.19976731._UX200_CR0,28,200,200_

When she’s not spending time with her husband and son, she’s usually writing, reading, putting together fairy gardens, or watching happy reality TV (The Great British Bake-Off and So You Think You Can Dance are perennial favorites).

Kristy is the social media coordinator for Central and Southern Ohio SCB.