The Charade (Eden Falls Academy #1) by Judy Corry {Review}

The Charade (Eden Falls Academy #1) by Judy Corry

Kindle Edition, 402 pages
Publication May 17, 2021

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

 

 

My math tutor has one rule: he doesn’t date the girls he tutors at our private school.

But a fake relationship that’s beneficial to us both? That’s a different story.

Our agreement helps Carter get revenge on his ex while it helps me hide the real reason why we’re spending so much time together. Win-win.

Plus, flirting with the hottest guy at school is kind of fun.

As long as the feelings stay as fake as the show we’re putting on, there shouldn’t be a problem. Right?

The Charade is a forbidden romance about the new girl and the guy who everyone sees as untouchable.

 

   

 

My Review: 4.5 Stars

 

Eden Falls is a mystical place, especially when twins Ava and Elyse find themselves attending their senior year there at a boarding school. Lifelong secrets threaten to spill and a fake romance emerges. Told in alternating points-of-view, this story captured me and twisted my heart from start to finish, but especially when a love becomes forbidden. 

 

Corry is a talented genius when it comes to infusing the lighter parts of teen life with the heavy, angsty drama that is always lurking in the shadows. I love how she introduces real-life issues to her characters lives and allows the reader to wade through them with the protagonists, together. Her writing style is engaging, memorable, and raw, and I just can't devour her words fast enough. 

 

Though Ava and Elyse are both great characters, it's Ava's head the reader enters. She struggles with school, but works hard and has such a fun, sassy, flirty personality. We are also treated to Carter's point-of-view and he's a total contradiction. There are some themes and issues that seemed more adult than young adult in this book, but it did help me to know the characters were seniors in high school and some of them had even turned 18. I enjoyed meeting their new friends and classmates and I can't tell you how excited I am to delve into more of their lives in future books!

 

Content Warning: As I mentioned before, this story is real and raw, and while I know a lot of teens are sexually active, it's not something I'm a fan of in books. While the reader doesn't see it happen, it's talked about and implied. Otherwise, there's just kissing/making out.

My Twin Sister's Ex (Sweet Mountain High Year Two #6) by Cindy Ray Hale {Review}

My Twin Sister's Ex (Sweet Mountain High Year Two #6) by Cindy Ray Hale

Kindle Edition, 153 pages

Published May 1, 2021

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

Onstage with my twin sister’s ex.

What happens when the kissing scene turns real?

Jessilyn

I’ve dreamed of going to theater school for as long as I can remember. When my drama teacher announces a drama competition at our high school, I know it’s the perfect opportunity for me to beef up my college applications. An award like that could help me get into my dream school.

The last thing I was expecting was to get assigned a kissing scene with Bennett. Not only does he think drama is a joke, he used to date my identical twin sister, Jackilyn. Now my only choice is to convince Bennett to actually memorize his lines. I just wasn’t expecting to feel this strongly about him.

Bennett

I thought drama would be easy to pass. Who knew the teacher would be so tough? If I can’t get my grade up, I won’t be able to graduate. When I get paired with Jessilyn for the drama competition, the first thing I want to do is back out. How am I supposed to perform a kissing scene with my ex girlfriend’s insanely jealous twin?

It was one thing to date Jackilyn. She was one of the mean girls, a total rebel. But Jessilyn is a good girl. I can’t let myself fall for her. She deserves better than a bad boy like me. I’ve done things I’m not proud of. But I’m not sure I can stay away from her, and if I want to graduate, I need a good grade in drama. I’m not so sure I’ll make it out of this with my heart intact.

   

My Review: 4 Stars

My sister and I are really close in age and during high school, we often felt compared by friends and boys or even like people thought we were the same person. Jackilyn and Jessilyn are identical twins with completely contrasting personalities, yet somehow, they both have a brush with Bennett. Jackilyn is his ex and Jessilyn is his new drama partner, and while things could be completely sticky and messy with the complicated relationships, Hale writes this story in a way that is sweet and engaging.

I love a fluffy story, but a book with a message zaps me in the heart. The message I took away from this one is that you really can't judge someone only by what you see. People are complex and layered and the first impression that Bennett gives isn't favorable, but there are deep reasons why he appears as he does and I loved delving into his life. Bennett is pretty amazing, as is Jessilyn.

One thing I love about this series is it allows me to vicariously live through the good times of high school. I wish I would've taken theater, but there wasn't room in my schedule, yet I got to have a taste of that experience. Hale does a great job of creating realistic teens and real-life situations, and I really enjoyed it.

Content: mild romance

First Shift (The Wolves of Rock Falls) by AJ Skelly {Review}

First Shift (The Wolves of Rock Falls) by AJ Skelly

Paperback, First Edition

Published 2021 by Wild Rose Press, Inc 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

 

 

 

Sam Wolfe has been in love with Megan Carmichael for years. Too bad she's off-limits. She's human. He's not. When an accidental slip of his teeth endangers Megan and his entire werewolf pack, it's up to Sam to find a solution. Unbeknownst to them, Sam's bite has thrust Megan into the crosshairs of a killer. Sam and Megan must work together to find the threat, protect the pack, and maybe fall in love. But they better do it before the next full moon.  

 

   

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

It's a little cliche for a werewolf book to have a Wolfe family, but don't let that scare you off. Although this isn't my typical go-to genre, I found it to be interesting and entertaining. I love the world Skelly created, merging humans with werewolves. Although the main characters are teens, there are many moments of swoon, danger, and mystery swirling around them.

 

Sam and Megan are believable protagonists, acting their ages with the drama, jealousy, indecisiveness, and immaturity, but after a slowish accidental start, the growth that occurred within each of them and between them was as intense as the flourishing plot. I found myself deeply caring about what would happen and wondering how it would all resolve, especially when a few twists made their appearances. 

 

This isn't a one-and-done story, but is the start of something intriguing, and I'm looking forward to reading more to see how it will all come together. 

 

Content: moderate (PG-13) romance (passionate kissing, some innuendo, fade-to-black between a married couple, frank talk of sex); mild + (PG/PG-13) violence (wolf bites and fights/injuries); mild language

My After-School Tutor (Sweet Mountain High: Year Two #1) by Randi Rigby {Review}

My After-School Tutor (Sweet Mountain High: Year Two #1) by Randi Rigby

Kindle Edition, 157 pages

Published December 1st 2020 by Sweet Heart Books 

Source: Kindle Unlimited

 

 

 

Wanting to be someone's first choice is never enough...

Milla

It's like the universe dumped on me from day one. It wasn't enough that I had to put up with having Jasmine--a walking, talking, breathing Barbie doll--for a sister.

"Let's make Milla short, so she'll ALWAYS have to look up to her as well."

Fine. I'd never wanted anything of hers anyway.
Until a certain blue-eyed boy crossed my path, that is.
And he fell head over heels.
For my sister.
Of course he did.
How can I help Zayn with his studies and still escape with my heart intact?

Zayn

Getting a scholarship to play college football had been my dream since I first learned to throw a spiral as a kid. And I had the talent. Just not the grades. College programs expected their quarterbacks to not only pass their classes, but to do so by a comfortable margin. That was a skill set I needed to work on.

Maybe I needed more help than I thought.
I had an online tutor who wouldn't tell me who she was.
An ex-girlfriend I couldn't shake.
And the new girl, Milla, really didn't like me--everybody liked me. I'm a likable guy.

Whatever. I could take a hit. I'd just rather be run over by a charging defensive lineman than get on the wrong side of Milla Kent. Which I somehow managed to do. Girls.
Forget math. I needed a tutor for the opposite sex.

 

   

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

I loved high school. That doesn't mean I would want to go back, but I have good memories and this series transports me back to my past. I don't know a lot about football, but I loved going to the games and cheering my school on and in this first book of the new year at Sweet Mountain High, Milla becomes an assistant to the team and takes her job seriously. It would be hard to be a new student for your senior year, and I loved watching Milla figure her life out and thrive in her new environment.

Zayn doesn't make a good first impression, but his charm, animation, and sincerity made him grow on me very quickly. I loved how opposite they were from each other, yet how likable they both were. The tutor angle was a tiny bit strange, since it was anonymous, but that's kind of what made it so enjoyable. I liked the way Rigby switches back and forth between points of view and really gets into the characters heads.

If a cute high school romance is your cup of tea, be sure to check out this book and this series!

Content: mild romance; very mild violence (sports related)

The Promposal (The Ugly Stepsister #2) by Sariah Wilson {Review}

The Promposal (The Ugly Stepsister #2) by Sariah Wilson

Kindle Edition, 164 pages

Published May 15th 2018 by Kindle press 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

 

 

Now that life has finally given her everything she’s ever wanted, Mattie Lowe has one thing on her mind: Prom. Determined to throw the most epic prom ever, Mattie sets out to plan a memorable and magical event—one that would make the late John Hughes proud.

But when her gorgeous and perfect boyfriend, Jake Kingston hasn’t popped the most creative promposal of all time, Mattie starts to worry. Actually, Jake hasn’t asked her at all—he’s been distant and quiet. And Mattie isn’t about to go to her senior prom solo. Suddenly, it seems that everything is stacked against her and falling apart quickly. With rivals vowing to sabotage her event and her boyfriend’s odd behavior, Mattie’s convinced the night is headed toward ruin. Will the snarky, purple-haired manga artist lead her class to an unforgettable night of fun and frolic or will she go down in high school history as the worst president to run the school?

 

   

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

Oh, how I remember the high school days of prom. Most of the students at my school did the elaborate ways of asking and answering, but Malibu Prep took it to a whole new level. I loved the way this story transported me back to my that time of my life and Wilson did a great job of portraying the angst and character growth during the senior year of Mattie and her boyfriend, Jake. 

 

Mattie is snarky and quirky, but her heart of gold emerges as she goes through the stress and conflicts of high school. Jake is a keeper, but it drove me crazy with how distracted and clueless he was at times. Alas...it's typical for high school. 

 

I love it when a cover matches the book completely and this one is perfection. In a light-hearted and fun way, with plenty of nods to the 80s, Wilson carries out a delightfully sweet story. This is a great series and now I'm hoping for Ella, Mattie's stepsister) to find her happily ever after.

 

Content: mild romance  

Basketballs and Mistletoe by Julie L. Spencer {Review}

Basketballs and Mistletoe by Julie L. Spencer

Kindle Edition, 83 pages

Published November 17th 2019 

Source: Kindle Freebie

 

    

 

Too many basketballs and not enough kissing.

All Matt Bailey wants is to focus on his position as starting point guard for the varsity basketball team. When an epic kiss and a social media scandal forces him into the arms of the beautiful and spunky Trina Wynter, he finds himself in a fake relationship with a girl just crazy enough to think she can take on the world.

When Trina gets cut from the girls’ basketball team, she thinks her senior year is wasted, until a closetful of basketballs and two hundred sprigs of mistletoe bring every athlete in Grand Haven High School together for a good cause, and a great excuse for more kissing.

My Review: 3.5 Stars

I love basketball and basketball players, and what better to have them star in a holiday romance? Matt and Trina both have something in common with their dreams for senior year, but sometimes that's all dreams are--dreams. I loved the way Trina was able to think outside herself and turn her dream into a community-wide service opportunity.

I also love fake relationships, especially when they develop because of a spark of attraction and a misunderstanding situation, just as this one did. I loved the way this one played out, even in such a short amount of pages.

I did have a few mixed feelings. The story and characters were a little juvenile at times, but I can excuse that because it's YA, so of course they're true to the age. But there was a major issue thrown into the mix and although it was hinted at once or twice, I didn't feel that the full complication fit into a story so short.

Overall, this was a fun escape and these YA Christmas books are great because they always seem to take me back to a fun and memorable time in my life.

Content: mild romance

Don't Forget Me (Ridgewater High #2) by Judy Corry {Review}

Don't Forget Me (Ridgewater High #2) by Judy Corry

Kindle Edition, 314 pages

Published October 25th 2017 

Source: Audiobook

 

 

Eliana Costa has never kissed a guy. Her best guy friend, Jess, is more than willing to help her out. He has plenty of experience, since he finds a new girlfriend every other week. But when a practice kiss brings on feelings Eliana hadn't bargained for, her already messy life is thrown into a new level of chaos. 

Life is already more than she can handle after her dad's disappearance. Eliana worries that if she admits her feelings to Jess, she just might lose her best friend. And right now, a best friend is all she needs. But when another girl tries to date Jess, Eliana is forced to decide if taking a chance on love is worth the risk.

Don't Forget Me is a standalone novel in The Ridgewater High series, a collection of simmering YA contemporary romances. If you like sweet romance with ballad-worthy chemistry, and endearing characters then you'll love Judy Corry's latest romance series.

 

   

My Review: 4 Stars 

This series has rooted itself in a place in my heart and although I read the books out of order, they were each so good with a depth that always surprised me. In this story, Eliana and Jess are best friends who deal with a lot of blows to their long relationship, causing it to capsize in the storm of life. Eliana, especially, has a lot to deal with, as her personal life has blown up, changing everything she's known, yet she still remains the sweet, loyal, and kind person she's always been.

Honestly, Jess was pretty much a jerk for most of the book, allowing misunderstandings and pride to cloud his view. I was so worked up over him and it forced me to realize just how good of an author Ms. Corry is to evoke those strong emotions in me.

The relationships are complicated and tightly woven together in a tangled up ball of yarn, making it difficult, but not impossible, to unravel and I enjoyed the process. I love how these young adult stories have substance to them, yet aren't whiny and too angsty.

Content: mild romance; alcohol abuse, very mild physical abuse and neglect

My Second Chance (Ridgewater High #4) by Judy Corry {Review}

 

My Second Chance (Ridgewater High #4) by Judy Corry

Kindle Edition, 276 pages

Published October 12th 2018 

 

     

 

They broke the rules. He broke her heart. Does their love deserve a second chance?

Sixteen-year-old Juliette Cardini has been keeping a secret for months. Before she went to her semester abroad in Paris, she dated her best friend's older brother, Easton Stevens. What had started as a whirlwind romance filled with forbidden meetings, came to a crashing halt when they crossed a line together that neither of them could return from.

Now she's back in Ridgewater and has to face everyone she left behind. But there's one more secret she is afraid for anyone to discover. She's pregnant. And Easton is the father.

But she has a plan: go to her grandma's house in Buffalo for the next few months. Keep the baby a secret. No one will ever have to know. But when Juliette sees signs that Easton might want a second chance, she wonders if keeping everything to herself is the best choice.

Can a relationship built on such a rocky foundation have a chance at a happy ending? And what will Easton do if Juliette's secret comes out?

MY SECOND CHANCE is a standalone novel in The Ridgewater High series, a collection of simmering YA contemporary romances. If you like sweet romance with ballad-worthy chemistry, swoony kisses and endearing characters then you'll love Judy Corry's latest book.

**This is a clean romance with a positive message.

 

My Review: 4.5 Stars

 

This was a hard book for me to rate. On one hand, I absolutely loved it and the message it sent, but on the other hand, it was a tough topic to read about (or listen to, in my case). After listening to Book 1 in the series, I grabbed the others and this was the next one in line. I listened to the whole thing in less than a day because I just couldn't let it go. In some ways, it was like passing a car accident, all messy and concerning, but in other ways, it simply had a strong grasp on my emotions that just wouldn't release. I couldn't fathom what Juliette and Easton were going through and I could not imagine how things could possible resolve. I was more than invested in their lives for a time and I'm not mad about it.

 

Everyone makes mistakes in their lives--some just have more lasting consequences than others. The positive messages and vibes in this book were so encouraging, especially with the romantic tension oozing off the pages. One accident doesn't mean the game is over and lessons can be learned moving forward. I utterly loved these characters!

Corry does a fantastic job of tackling a modern, sensitive topic and portraying some pretty accurate emotions and reactions. Juliette and Easton are fantastic characters and I was riveted to their story.  

 

Content: moderate romance (kissing, teen pregnancy) 

It Was Always You (Ridgewater High #3) by Judy Corry {Review}

 It Was Always You (Ridgewater High #3) by Judy Corry

Kindle Edition, 292 pages

Published July 6th 2018 

Source: Audiobook

 

What’s the first rule when pretending to date your brother’s best friend? Don’t let feelings get involved.

Sixteen-year-old Lexi Stevens has never been kissed—never even been asked on a date. So when she humiliates herself in front of her crush and her brother’s best friend offers to be her fake boyfriend for the week to make her crush jealous, she doesn’t know if it’s the stupidest idea ever, or a dream come true.

When Noah Taylor’s abusive stepdad kicks him out of the house, the last thing he needs is for anyone at school to find out—not even his best friend. But when his new “girlfriend” discovers he’s homeless and lets him sleep in her closet, he starts to wonder if he’s found someone he can confide in after all.

Soon Noah and Lexi are putting on a big show in front of the whole school while sneaking around behind her overprotective father’s back. It isn’t long before feelings develop, and it becomes harder and harder to discern between what’s fake and what’s real.

     

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

This series has surprised me. I haven't read it in order and believe each installment can stand alone, yet there is a depth to the characters that can't be understood without delving into each story. Noah was a big, fat jerk in Book 1, but realizing his situation redeemed him. Why the surprise? I feel like most high school teen romances are fluffy and superficially deal with drama and angst, but this series digs deep into sensitive modern-day issues, and because of that, an unexpected depth is delivered.

 

Noah and Lexi began with a mutually beneficial fake relationship, but things quickly take unforeseen twists and turns that convey all the feels. Abuse is one of the hard issues addressed and it was hard to read about that as a parent, yet was written about in a realistic and tactful way.

 

This opposites attract, brother's best friend, fake romance, young adult romance stuck with me for awhile. The romance is a little heavier than I prefer for a teen romance, but it's reality and in all honesty, kind of swoony. Corry does a great job of playing on the reader's emotions in this series. While each story is super cute, they're real, raw, and believable.

Content: abuse (not graphic); mild-moderate romance (talk of sex and waiting, some innuendo, steamy clean kissing, implied teen relations)

Meet Me There (Ridgewater High #1) by Judy Corry {Review}

 

Meet Me There (Ridgewater High #1) by Judy Corry

Kindle Edition, 266 pages

Published March 6th 2018

 

  

 A dark Chemistry lab. A fake British accent. It's all fun and games until somebody falls in love.

When sixteen-year-old, Ashlyn Brooks, runs into a sweet British guy in the dark Chemistry lab, she has no idea she's actually sitting in the pitch black room with her longtime rival, Luke Davenport. She also doesn't know that she's stepped into another one of the football captain's pranks. It isn't long before she's sharing things she's never told anyone, and starting to fall for the mysterious guy with a sexy accent who seems to understand her in a way no one ever has before.

When Luke's mom dies the summer before his senior year, he turns to pranking Ashlyn to keep his mind off his loss. But the more he gets to know her, the more he regrets using his fake British accent in the first place. Soon Luke is walking the thin line of keeping his lies a secret and wishing he could tell her that the boy she's falling for is really him.

Meet Me There is a standalone novel in The Ridgewater High series, a collection of simmering YA contemporary romances. If you like sweet romance with ballad-worthy chemistry, swoony kisses and endearing characters then you'll love Judy Corry's latest book.

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

There's something so delicious about a secret identity romance and this one, set in a dark corner of a high school, was pure fun. Although I keep getting older, these teen romances will always hold a piece of my heart, catapulting me back to the good parts of my past.

 

Full of cuteness and fluff, I wasn't expecting the thick ribbon of depth that I found. I loved watching the story unravel, as the characters grew and matured. I loved feeling different emotions, without wading into too much angst, and the dancing scenes were an added bonus.

Content: mild romance (kisses); mild moments of seriousness (death, bullying, abuse, etc)

Moment of Truth by Kasie West {Review}

Moment of Truth by Kasie West

Hardcover, 320 pages

Published March 3rd 2020 by HarperTeen 

Source: Library

 

    

 

At sixteen, Hadley Moore knows exactly who she is—a swimmer who will earn a scholarship to college. Totally worth all the hard work, even if her aching shoulders don’t agree. So when a guy dressed as Hollywood’s latest action hero, Heath Hall, crashes her swim meet, she isn’t amused. Instead, she’s determined to make sure he doesn’t bother her again. Only she’s not sure exactly who he is.

The swim meet isn’t the first event the imposter has interrupted, but a little digging turns up a surprising number of people who could be Heath Hall, including Hadley's ex-boyfriend and her best friend’s crush. She soon finds herself getting caught up in the mysterious world of the fake Heath Hall.

As Hadley gets closer to uncovering the masked boy’s identity she also discovers some uncomfortable truths about herself—like she might resent the long shadow her late brother has cast over her family, that she isn’t as happy as she pretends to be with her life choices… and that she is falling for the last guy she ever thought she would like.

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

How many 16 year olds know exactly what they want in life? My guess is not a ton, but Hadley sure does. When a masked action hero crashes her swim meet, she finds herself smack in the middle of a mystery that won't leave her alone. 

 

I loved the dangling mystery element and the way Hadley sets out to solve it, but Kasie West is a genius at allowing her characters to struggle and grow. This coming-of-age story tugs at the heartstrings and takes the reader on a delightful journey of self-discovery, as the characters are brought to life. 

 

I really enjoyed this book and the way it all came together in both expected and unexpected ways. 

 

Content: mild romance 

Don't Kiss in Detention (Billionaire Academy YA Romance Book 2) by Erica Penrod {Review}

Don't Kiss in Detention (Billionaire Academy YA Romance Book 2)

Kindle Edition, 142 pages

Published April 15th 2020 by Gelato Publishing 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

So he was cute...

And smart...

That didn't mean I had to crush on him.

So why couldn't I stop?

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

My heart always goes out to the underdog and that's just how Jovi comes across. Her dad is a rock star who found fame again with a reality tv show, of which her family is a part of, but moving to a new school in a new town is hard and she's not as bratty or as tough as she seems.

 

I get that these characters are teenagers with sometimes fickle emotions, but I wanted to feel more consistency with this cast. Some of their behaviors and attitudes almost gave me some minor whiplash and it took me a minute to settle in with them and how I could expect them to behave for the rest of the book. 

 

That said, I am enjoying this academy and its students. I love that these teens seem like youth from any given high school and have problems and triumphs just like anyone. In this story in particular, it took some digging to discover who Jovi and Nile truly were to the core and found that--surprise!--I liked them. I love the lessons that emerged from this story and definitely enjoyed the sweet romance.  

Content: mild romance (kissing)

My Fake Boyfriend (Sweet Mountain High Book 3) by Lacy Andersen {Review}

My Fake Boyfriend (Sweet Mountain High, Book 3) by Lacy Andersen

Kindle Edition, 164 pages

Published April 23rd 2020 by Sweet Heart Books LLC 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

 

 

Faking romance is easy to do – but keeping my heart safe is a totally different matter.

Mia
All my life I’ve dreamed of becoming a famous journalist. Joining the school's newspaper is the first step toward that goal, but there's one catch—the only open spot is the relationship advice column. And without a boyfriend, I don’t qualify.

Until I catch Sweet Mountain’s bad boy, Jimmy Alston, burning down the school shed.

I could expose his criminal activities, or I could blackmail him into a fake relationship for the newspaper. Problem solved – that is, until Jimmy and his fake romance skills start to feel all too real.

Jimmy
Burning down that shed was an accident, but there’s no way I’ll get to keep my baseball scholarship if anyone finds out. It was my mom’s last wish to see me get out of this town and make something of myself. Nothing stands in my way—

Except for the beautiful and sharp-tongued Mia Jackson.

Now she’s got us faking a relationship together and fooling everyone at school. But maybe the biggest fool of them all is me, because I seem to keep forgetting that every touch, every look, and every kiss is fake. Together, we’re like fire and gasoline…and the school’s garden shed might not be the only thing heating up this year.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

I hope I never grow to old to enjoy a cute young adult story. This one is sweet and sassy and I couldn't get enough.

 

Mia is an aspiring journalist and when she stumbles upon a juicy story involving the school's bad boy, Jimmy, she just knows she's struck gold. But who knew it would be in the form of a blackmail quid pro quo type of deal. As these enemies learn to scratch each other's backs to get what they want, they realize their wants might not quite be accurate.

 

I adored these characters in so many ways. First of all, things aren't always as they seem, as they each come to realize. Secondly, sometimes truly getting to know a person can form unanticipated connections. Third, love knows no rhyme or reason and the sparks that ignited from this enemy-to-love story were threatening to spontaneously combust my kindle. 

 

I was ready to pack my bags and move into this story and enjoyed every single page. If you love sweet YA romance, you won't want to miss this one!

 

Content: mild violence/danger; mild romance (kissing, light innuendo) 

Seeking Jake Ryan (Dear Molly Book 1) by Jessica Bucher and M.F. Lorson {Review}

Seeking Jake Ryan (A Dear Molly Novel) by Jessica Bucher and M.F. Lorson

Kindle Edition, 204 pages

Published March 3rd 2020 

Source: Kindle Unlimited

 

       

 

An eighties girl in a modern world.

Sloane would rather curl up with a John Hughes movie than walk the halls of Grover High. However, all of that is about to change because on the first day of school she runs into none other than Mr. Sixteen Candles himself, Jake Ryan.

Okay, he's not really Jake Ryan, but Gabe has the khakis, sports car and trademark charm to fit the role.

Sloane hopes to pull a Molly Ringwald and win him over with her quirky sense of humor and even quirkier fashion sense, but what she doesn't know is that she and her seemingly untouchable celebrity crush have a lot more in common than they think.

Seeking Jake Ryan is the first in a series of romantic comedies centering around everybody's favorite eighties movies.

  

My Review: 4 Stars

 

I was a teen in the late 80s and just like most girls, had a thing for these John Hughes romances. Unless a reader is older (like me) or a huge 80s fan, I'm not sure if they'll get the references, but it's still a fun story and a great escape from what's going on in the world today.

 

The story opens with Sloane writing a letter to her teen idol, Molly Ringwald, but she seems to be a lot like Molly herself. With gorgeous red hair and an angsty, down-on-her-luck personality, a random first day of school meeting with the new high school heartthrob leaves her crushing on the one guy who is totally out of her reach. I love how dedicated Sloane is to her dreams, and especially love her intuitiveness when it comes to those around her and their thoughts and feelings.

 

Of course, Gabe is Jake Ryan reincarnated, right down to the last minute ending, but I wanted more build up with his character and the romantic chemistry. I expected more from Gabe and he fell a little flat for me, while still staying true to Jake Ryan, if that makes sense. I grew up and I expected Jake to grow up as well, and Gabe just wasn't as mature as I wanted him to be.

 

I loved how this story was modernized, while still pulling in the 80s allusions, throwing me back to a happy and simpler time of life. There's humor, swoon, teenage apprehension, growth, and more in this fun start to a new series, and I'll definitely be checking out the others as they release.

 

Content: mild romance (some innuendo, party scene, kissing) 

Don't Kiss Your Lab Partner by Lucy McConnell {Review}

Don't Kiss Your Lab Partner by Lucy McConnell
ebook, 244 pages
Published: March 20th 2020 by Orchard view Publishing LLC
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

   

I was ready to rock Sophomore year...

Until I got the party kid as a lab partner...

I've dreamed of winning the TACS Award since I could type. But, the school board decided we needed to learn to work well with others and gave us partners for the computer programming project. Lucky me, I assigned with John Herrington III, whose big idea is a dating app for teens.

I'm so flunking.

I'm also crushing on him--hard.

Jumping into the social lives of our fellow students backfires when the mean girl gets dumped because of our app. She sets out to sabotage our project and ruin the Homecoming Dance for anyone we matched.

There's only one way to salvage the project--but it will mean my first broken heart because I'll lose either the guy I love or my life-long dream.

My Review: 4 Stars

A private school for high school students whose parents are billionaires...intriguing... Honestly, in a real world of collegiate scandals and other various misdeeds, this student body doesn't come off as entitled in the least. Adelle has worked hard for years to achieve her dreams of coding, getting into a good college, and winning a prestigious award. Money doesn't give this student any advantages.

I loved watching Adelle and John develop their app right along with their friendship. Adelle's journey into normal teen life was hilarious and fun. But, just like any normal high school, this one has its ups and downs, and has the typical variety of students--mean girls, jocks, brainiacs, and more--and drama are present. The teenage drama adds to the flavor of the story and gives dimension to the app. Seriously--where was this app when I was in high school?! 

This sweet teenage romance was very enjoyable and worthy of a good escape.

Content: mild romance

My Summer Mistake by Anne-Marie Meyer {Review}

My Summer Mistake by Anne-Marie Meyer

Kindle Edition

Published March 2nd 2020 by Sweet Heart Books LLC 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

He’s the one person I don’t want around and yet, I can’t ask him to leave.

Bella

The summer is coming to an end, and I’m barely surviving. Dad’s gone. Mom spends more time passed out on the couch than doing anything else. Thankfully, I have school and soccer to keep me distracted. Until Logan Cartwright walks back into my life. He’s acting like his family didn’t ruin mine and confusing me more than ever. I’m supposed to hate him, but he’s nice and everywhere I don’t want him to be.

Logan

I’m back home in Sweet Mountain, ready to start my life sans my parents. They’re desperately trying to save the business they took from the Davenports and have abandoned me at my grandmother’s house while they come up with a plan. Which is fine with me. When I run into Bella, I’m trying to fight the desire to fix what our parents broke. She’s distant and vulnerable. My protective instincts take control. If only I could get her to trust me, she’d see how much I want to help, not hurt.

My Review: 4 Stars

 

Logan and Bella are reunited--but it's not a good thing. Their parents are mortal enemies, which bleeds down to this couple. Logan's parents screwed Bella's parents over in the past, but we don't really get details about what went down. All the reader is privy to is the aftermath that resulted from that back stab and let me just say, it's quite brutal for Bella to endure.

The sweet romance that develops between these enemies is reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet and delivers an enjoyable high school romance infused with a lot of drama. I'm looking forward to more of these series, because I really liked the setting and characters and hope to see glimpses of them in future books.

Content: mild romance

The Quarterback and the Ballerina by Anne-Marie Meyer and Maggie Dallen {Review}

The Quarterback and the Ballerina (The Ballerina Academy Series) by Anne-Marie Meyer and Maggie Dallen

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: March 7th 2020 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

He thought he knew what he wanted.
Turns out, all he wanted was her.
Collette

I’d kill to be the kind of dancer my mom wants me to be, but it’s just not in the cards. I’m sick of dieting. I'll never fit into the perfect ballerina mold and I’m tired of wishing that I could.

I’m over it. I’m done trying.

I’m perfectly content to dance alone in the dark while the rest of the school is sleeping.
Ethan

Coach says our football team needs discipline. That dancing alongside a bunch of prissy prima donnas is how we’ll learn our lesson.

Only problem?

I don’t have time for ballet. Not when I’m busting my butt to be the star quarterback, the dutiful son, and the perfect student…all so I can achieve my father’s dream.

When I meet Collette, I can’t help but take notice. She’s a vision of grace and beauty all wrapped up in snark and sass. And she helps me see that my own dreams aren’t so stupid after all.

I just wish she could see that in herself. But when I try to bring her out into the light, I can feel her slipping away. Her walls are built up so high, I fear they’ll never come down. I want to love her like she deserves—but that’s just the problem.

She doesn’t believe she deserves it.

For fans of Dumplin', To all the Boy's I've Loved Before, and The Kissing Booth, you'll love this brand new series by two Amazon best selling authors!

Fall in love today

My Review: 4.5 Stars

 

Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever grow too old to enjoy these clean teen romances and I sure hope that never happens, although sometimes I have no patience for the extreme drama. I always wanted to be a ballerina, but had no idea how brutal that world could be and after being planted firmly inside this story for a time, I'm kind of glad that competitive dancing wasn't a part of my coming-of-age.

 

Collette and Ethan have more in common than they first realize, especially as they each seem to come from such opposite worlds. I love finding hidden messages and meanings in stories and this one has some resemblances to Cinderella, in a modern and flipped way, yet again, both Collette and Ethan show those affinities to this beloved fairy tale.

 

I couldn't help it and was completely sucked into this story and into the lives and world of these characters. My heart ached for each of them, yet I was the front and center cheerleader for them, waving my inner pom-poms for their growth and victories. I absolutely loved how things weren't as they seemed and how self-awareness led to discoveries of self and others. And that epilogue was a perfect segue to the next book, which I can't wait for.  

Content: mild romance