Mini Book Reviews: Verity, Heroine, & You'd Be Mine

Verity by Colleen Hoover
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Am I a Colleen Hoover fan? Yes. Is this book like her other books? Nope. Did I love this book? Yes! Verity is for all of us thriller readers out there looking for their next can't-put-down read. If you want a book with a good twist filled with interesting and shady characters, one that has you feeling some strong emotions, one that you just can't put down, then Verity is for you.

Heroine by Mindy McGinnies
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This book was well-written and heartbreaking. Mickey is an all-star softball catcher, but a horrific car crash leaves screws in her hip, and getting back to top shape by the beginning of the season is all Mickey cares about. To get there she begins to rely on the painkillers prescribed by her doctor that not only take the pain away, but make her feel good. Heroine is a powerful look at the current opioid crisis our country is going through. Trigger Warning: Drug Abuse.

You'd Be Mine by Erin Hahn
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You'd Be Mine reads like a YA version of the movie A Star is Born. You'd Be Mine has an unforgettable love story, charming characters, and music that makes you feel all the feels. It really felt like I was at the concerts our main characters were performing. Not only did I find the main characters interesting, but their supporting cast of friends were my favorite! Trigger Warning: Drug Use. Suicide. Alcoholism.

Mini Reviews: Young Adult Edition

The Kingdom by Jess Rothenberg

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The Kingdom is a science fiction thriller that I pretty much read in one sitting. If you like the show Westworld, then this book will be right up your alley. The Kingdom is a futuristic theme park, and the princesses that live there are Fantasists, androids who are growing beyond their programming. The story is told in alternating chapters between the past and the present through Ana's point of view, the Fantasist on trial for murder of a park employee. Although somewhat predictable at times, this book is well-written, unsettling, and full of interesting takes on the themes of princesses, technology, and more. I can't wait to highlight this book at work so it can find itself in the hands of more readers. (I am a Teen Librarian.)

There's Something About Sweetie by Sandhya Menon

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Sandya Menon doesn't disappoint with her latest novel. As I was once a teen dealing with weight issues, I was very happy to see a book with a fat main character who was okay with her body, even if her mother wasn't. Sweetie is smart and kind and freaking awesome. Ashish was also a delight to read about as he was recovering from his first major heartbreak. The only reason I am giving this book four stars instead of five is because it was a little too perfect, and I think it could have benefited from some more conflict or have Sweetie have a few flaws. Otherwise, There's Something About Sweetie was a cute book that I think many will enjoy. Readalikes: To Be Honest by Maggie Ann Martin, Dumplin' by Julie Murphy, and If It Makes You Happy by Claire Kann.

Symptoms of a Heartbreak by Sona Charaipotra

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Symptoms of a Heartbreak is a 2019 version of Dougie Houzer. Saira is a 16 year old doctor dubbed the "girl genius" with a big family and a couple of complex friends. I had a really hard time getting into this novel. It was just too unbelievable for me, and I had a hard time following all the different characters at first which was kind of confusing. However, I liked the diverse characters, and how Saira had to figure out what it means to have an adult job, to be a friend, to have a first love, and some family drama. I do think teens will enjoy this one!

Mini Reviews: Romance Edition

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

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I adored this book! The Unhoneymooners features a enemies to lovers trope, a whole bunch of  sexual tension, and many awkward hilarious moments that will make you laugh. Olive's sister gets married and everyone at the wedding but herself and the groom's brother, Ethan, get sick from eating the free buffet. Olive's sister insists that she go on her honeymoon because she won the free trip and it can't be changed, and this means that although she gets a free trip to Hawaii, she has to pretend to be married to Ethan for 10 days. Let the fun begin! I loved Olive and Ethan with their quirky personality traits and their growing chemistry. Honestly, this whole book was just a whole lot of fun to read. It would make for a perfect beach read.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

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Red, White & Royal Blue is a story I wish was real. This romance novel is adorable, fun, and very steamy. The characters are wonderfully interesting and complex, and are my new favorite fictional characters of 2019. First Son Alex is trying to life his life in the spotlight while also being his true self, and when he is forced to have a friendship with the Prince of Wales, his enemy, he didn't expect what comes next. This book is for romance fans, those that like some politics in their books, or really just anyone that enjoys a fun read with memorable characters and a great story. The author's writing style took me a handful of pages to get used to, but then I was invested and couldn't stop reading. Red, White & Royal blue should be on everyone's summer TBR pile.

The Nanny Rules (August 12, 2019)

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The Nanny Rules was a quick and enjoyable read, but could have used a little more relationship growth between our main characters instead of just a whole lot of sexy time. I always enjoy a dual POV in my romance novels and this delivers on that front. The football player romantic interest is always a trope I enjoy. The nanny, Amelia, is sweet and kind while Brody, the football player, is interesting and complex. Overall, The Nanny Rules is a fun steamy romance novel with lovable characters that are a tad underdeveloped. Not a bad choice for a poolside read.