If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang My rating: 5 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of If You Could See the Sun in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang is a smart, sharp, and emotionally grounded debut that brings something truly fresh to the young adult genre. Set in an elite Beijing international boarding school, the novel follows Alice Sun, a scholarship student who has always felt invisible—until she actually becomes invisible. What starts as a strange and terrifying discovery soon turns…
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The Soulmate
The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth My rating: 1 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Soulmate in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Sally Hepworth’s The Soulmate promises a suspenseful domestic thriller with emotional depth, but it struggles to deliver on both fronts. The premise is intriguing: Pippa and Gabe, a married couple, live in a house perched near a cliff where people often come to end their lives. Gabe has a reputation for talking people down—until one night, a woman falls. The mystery of her death drives the plot, but unfortunately, the…
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Salt and Sugar
Salt and Sugar by Rebecca Carvalho My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Salt and Sugar in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Salt and Sugar by Rebecca Carvalho tells a story about family, friendship, and finding yourself. The novel shines with its rich cultural details and heartfelt emotions. Carvalho writes with warmth, making it easy to connect with the characters and their journeys. The Details One of the best parts of the book is how it brings culture to life. Traditions, food, and family expectations all play a big role.…
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Seoulmates
Seoulmates by Susan Lee My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Seoulmates in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Seoulmates by Susan Lee is a sweet and sincere young adult romance with plenty of heart. It blends childhood friendship, K-drama glam, and questions of identity into a breezy coming-of-age story. At its best, the book feels like a warm summer drama—with just enough tension to keep you turning the pages. Still, it doesn’t always dig as deep as it could, and that keeps it from being truly unforgettable. The Details The…
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Rules of Arrangement
Rules of Arranagement by Maren Mackenzie My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Rules of Arrangement in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Rules of Arrangement by Maren Mackenzie is an addictively readable debut that blends romance and emotional tension with a twist of mystery. The story follows Adelaide Wright, a college senior juggling coursework, grief, and financial pressure. Her secret side hustle—writing papers for classmates—keeps her afloat, until Declan, a former flame and her art history TA, discovers the scheme. Instead of reporting her, he ropes her into a high-stakes…
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The Limitless Sky
The Limitless Sky by Christina Kilbourne My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Limitless Sky in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Limitless Sky by Christina Kilbourne is a gripping dystopian novel set in a future reshaped by climate catastrophe. At its heart are two teenagers, Rook and Gage, who come from opposite worlds—one underground, the other surviving on the surface. Though their lives begin separately, their stories slowly weave together in a way that keeps the reader engaged. The Details Kilbourne’s writing shines in how vividly she builds…
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Pride and Premeditation
Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price My rating: 1 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Pride and Premeditation in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Format: Advanced Listening Copy – Audiobook Edition The Gist I was intrigued by Pride and Premeditation, a YA murder mystery retelling of Pride and Prejudice. The story follows Lizzie Bennet as an aspiring solicitor trying to solve a murder case. Mr. Darcy appears as her legal rival. This genre mix has a lot of potential, especially for Austen fans who enjoy fresh twists on classic characters. The Details However, my…
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Fairies Ghosts King Arthur and Hounds from Hell
Fairies Ghosts King Arthur and Hounds from Hell by Robin Melrose My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Fairies Ghosts King Arthur and Hounds from Hell in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Robin Melrose’s Fairies Ghosts King Arthur and Hounds from Hell explores the deep origins of British folklore. Instead of retelling myths, Melrose uncovers where these stories began—and why they mattered. He argues that many figures, from black dogs to King Arthur, come from ancient belief systems. These tales aren’t just spooky or entertaining; they once carried spiritual meaning.…
