‘Long Story Short’ review: Serena Kaylor gives us a nerdy, Shakespearian love story

Serena Kaylor’s debut, Long Story Short, is a cute theater camp romp with fun characters, but an unconvincing romance. Despite its flaws, however, it’s the perfect read to end your summer.  A nerd enters the wild Beatrice Quinn has spent…

‘Some Mistakes Were Made’ review: Debut author Kristin Dwyer is guaranteed to make you cry

Debut author Kristin Dwyer describes her new novel, Some Mistakes Were Made, as a kissing book. But wrapped up in the outer layers of a kissing book is the powerful story of trying to break generational cycles of poverty and…

‘One True Loves’ review: Elise Bryant’s sophomore novel celebrates Black love and self discovery

In One True Loves, companion novel to her debut, Happily Ever After, Elise Bryant crafts a dreamy, escapist romance that leans into some tropes while cleverly twisting others.  A main character still finding herself  Leonore is a creative soul. In…

‘The Right Side of Reckless’ Review: Whitney D. Grandison uses classic tropes to tell a genuine story

In her sophomore novel, The Right Side of Reckless, Whitney D. Grandison offers a cute opposites-attract romance that still tackles real world issues. While this book uses the classic “bad boy good girl” trope and doesn’t have much plot, the…

‘Tokyo Ever After’ review: Emiko Jean’s royal tale delivers a relevant message about belonging

Emiko Jean’s latest YA offering feels like the older teenage sister of The Princess Diaries. Replace the kingdom of Genovia with modern day Japan, and add an attractive, grumpy bodyguard, and you have Tokyo Ever After.  At first glance, it…

‘Kate in Waiting’ review: Becky Albertalli’s latest offering gives us heartwarming friendship and drama queens

Becky Albertalli’s latest offering, Kate in Waiting, is full of geeky theatre kids and explores the nightmare scenario we all dread: what happens when you and your best friend fall in love with the same boy?  Kate Garfield and Anderson…

‘Kisses and Croissants’ review: Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau’s debut offers a magical Parisian escape

Reading Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau is like eating a French croissant—light, fluffy, and perfect. The past month has been particularly stressful for me, and this novel was the ideal escapism.  For her entire life, Mia Jenrow has wanted…