August 2020 – A Take from Two Cities

ANTICIPATED SEPTEMBER 2020 RELEASES

Each month, we’ll be putting together a list of our top most anticipated releases; from romance, to sci-fi, to fantasy, and everything in between. These releases might be ones we’re counting down the days for or ones we’ve already read and want you to read (and love!), too.

What you do need to bear in mind is that living on different continents we have different release dates. So as a general rule there might be some repeats from one month to the next.. it’s not that we’re just being weird. Though we can’t dismiss that totally out of turn.

Get ready, because September is a doozy in the best way!

For September, our hotly anticipated titles, in chronological order, are :

A ROGUE OF ONE’S OWN by Evie Dunmore is the follow up to last year’s BRINGING DOWN THE DUKE which was a huge favourite for us! We can’t wait for this next title in the A League of Extraordinary Women series, which is out September 1, 2020.

NONE SHALL SLEEP by Ellie Marney is pitched as “The Silence of the Lambs meets Sadie in this riveting psychological thriller about two teenagers teaming up with the FBI to track down juvenile serial killers,” and after what Marney did with her Sherlock Holmes retelling series? We can’t wait. NONE SHALL SLEEP is out September 1, 2020.

PUNCHING THE AIR by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam is a YA contemporary delving into wrongful incarceration from an personal experience. This story is told in verse with a poweful voice that will blow you away. Another epic September 1, 2020 release.

BLOOD & HONEY by Shelby Mahurin is a highly anticipated release for so many of our book buddies and the second instalment picks up after that almighty end to book one. Another epic read both in content and size, you’ll be wanting to pick this witches and hunters escapade up on September 1, 2020.

FABLE by Adrienne Young poses with that stunning cover and is the start of a new fantasy duology. A daughter of a poweful trader is abandoned on an island of danger and has to fight to survive. This one also releases on September 1, 2020.

AS THE SHADOW RISES by Katy Rose Pool is another September 1, 2020, release, and this is the sequel to THERE WILL COME A DARKNESS which we greatly enjoyed! Our review for book one is here.

THE LOST BOOK OF THE WHITE by Cassandra Clare & Wesley Chu is another September 1, 2020, release, and this is another sequel which follows this duo’s release of THE RED SCROLLS OF MAGIC, a sorta spinoff from The Mortal Instruments series which actually takes place alongside the main series.

Yet another sequel out September 1, 2020, is A DANCE WITH FATE by Juliet Marillier. This is a historical fantasy series that features warrior bards. How cool, right?

Have you ever wondered what happened after Charlotte from Pride & Prejudice married Mr Collins? CHARLOTTE by Helen Moffett takes that story and rolls with it in rather an unexpected way. It totally won Micky round on audio and it releases on September 3, 2020 in the UK.

IPPOS KING by Grace Draven is a hallejuah release for us. We have been waiting so long for the third installment in Draven’s Wraith Kings series. And the wait is finally over as of September 15, 2020. While we wait, though, this is the perfect time to start this unique paranormal romance series — if you haven’t already.

THE ROOMMATE by Rosie Danan is a title that has been getting a lot of buzz for a long time and it’s almost, finally, here! We here at the blog didn’t know it was anything more than an opposites attract romance but.. a wholesome pornstar love story? Yeah, hi. Come on September 15, 2020!

GROWN by Tiffany D. Jackson is out September 15, 2020. We’re new fans of this author so we were keen for this title regardless but after reading this? We need it. “Grown exposes the underbelly of a tough conversation, providing a searing examination of misogynoir, rape culture, and the vulnerability of young black girls. Groundbreaking, heart-wrenching, and essential reading for all in the #MeToo era.”

WHO I WAS WITH HER by Nita Tyndall is out on September 15, 2020. This book has themes of suicide and grief. Corinne finds her grief even more difficult to navigate because no-one knew she was in a relationship with Maggie. This lgbtqia+ read sounds difficult to read but worth the commitment.

TOOLS OF ENGAGEMENT by Tessa Bailey is the final (?) in her Hot and Hammered series and this is the match-up many have been waiting for since book one. This opposites attract/age gap/single parent romance is out September 22, 2020.

If you were won over by WELL MET, a romance set against a Renaissance faire, you’re definitely eyeballing September 22, 2020, when WELL PLAYED by Jen DeLuca finally comes out. Kilts, wenches, comedy, and that cheerful yellow cover? We needs it.

EARLY DEPARTURES by Justin A. Reynolds has such an uniquely strange concept that we’re loathe to spoil it for those that hate spoilers (hi, over here, us too!) but this speculative YA tackles “loss, grief, friendship, and love to form a wholly unique homage to the bonds that bring people together for life—and beyond,” and it’s out September 22, 2020.

The second in her Devil You Know series, ALL SCOT AND BOTHERED by Kerrigan Byrne is out September 29, 2020, and most of us only need to see the name Byrne for us to say yes and please.

We’re expecting to be all up in our emotions with ALL THIS TIME by Mikki Daughtry and Rachael Lippincott. After their FIVE FEET APART, we know to brace. This story follows a young couple after traumatic brain injury…grab your tissues for September 29, 2020.

BREATHLESS by Jennifer Niven brings another coming of age YA story where the protagonist’s parents go through a break-up, changing everything for this young woman. It sounds very relatable and is out on September 29, 2020.

DEAR JUSTYCE by Nic Stone follows on from the brilliant DEAR MARTIN, Quan who we met in that book is incarcerated and begins to write to Justyce this time. This is highly anticipated for Micky and it releases on September 29, 2020.

A hugely anticipated title worthy of the buzz is A DEADLY EDUCATION by Naomi Novik which features prophecies, dark sorceresses, and more. You’ll want to get your hands on this one on September 29, 2020.

FURIA by Yamile Saied Méndez is a feminist YA contemporary set in Argentina, the barrios in a backdrop of female soccer. It has a gritty story, coming of age and a rather gorgeous romance. This one comes out on September 29, 2020.

THE TOWER OF NERO by Rick Riordan is the fifth book, the finale, in the Trials of Apollo series, set within the main Percy Jackson world, which we honestly hope Riordan never stops writing about. This is likely to have all sorts of action and likely some feels, too, and it’s out September 29, 2020.

THE RETURN by Nicholas Sparks is the story of an army surgeon recouperating from injuries at his family’s cabin and local life has some pull in lots of ways. This story of love the Sparks way releases on September 29, 2020.

What titles are you looking forward to this month? Let us know in the comments below!

CHECK, PLEASE! BOOK 1 : #HOCKEY by Ngozi Ukazu

Helloooo, Internet Land. Bitty here!

Y’all… I might not be ready for this. I may be a former junior figure skating champion, vlogger extraordinaire, and very talented amateur pâtissier, but being a freshman on the Samwell University hockey team is a whole new challenge. It’s nothing like co-ed club hockey back in Georgia! First of all? There’s checking. And then, there is Jack—our very attractive but moody captain.

A collection of the first half of the megapopular webcomic series of the same name, Check, Please!: #Hockey is the first book of a hilarious and stirring two-volume coming-of-age story about hockey, bros, and trying to find yourself during the best four years of your life.

Title : Check, Please! Book One : #Hockey
Author : Ngozi Ukazu
Series : Check, Please! (book one/volumes one & two)
Format : eBook (overdrive)
Page Count : 288
Genre : YA LGBTQIA+ sports graphic novel
Publisher : First Second
Release Date : September 18, 2018

Reviewer : Hollis
Rating : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Hollis’ 5 star review

This rating isn’t much of a surprise for me, and maybe not for those who follow me on GR, as this was a reread and I already gushed about this back in 2018. I had initially read this via the author’s website, as it was (is?) being posted as a webcomic, but decided to reread this one as I prepare to read the most recent bundle/release now that my library has it.

And okay am I as gushy the second time around? Maybe not quite. But this is still the sweetest, purest, funniest, most adorable, graphic novel.. ever. This is everything hockey, everything pure and soft, but also very realistic, and watching Bitty become more of himself as he starts college, as he bakes, belts out Beyoncé, and maybe harbors a bit of a crush? Just a delight. The whole cast is, really.

If you want a fun feel good experience, look no further.

ALL THE STARS AND TEETH by Adalyn Grace

As princess of the island kingdom Visidia, Amora Montara has spent her entire life training to be High Animancer – the master of souls. The rest of the realm can choose their magic, but for Amora, it’s never been a choice. To secure her place as heir to the throne, she must prove her mastery of the monarchy’s dangerous soul magic.

When her demonstration goes awry, Amora is forced to flee. She strikes a deal with Bastian, a mysterious pirate: he’ll help her prove she’s fit to rule, if she’ll help him reclaim his stolen magic.

But sailing the kingdom holds more wonder – and more peril – than Amora anticipated. A destructive new magic is on the rise, and if Amora is to conquer it, she’ll need to face legendary monsters, cross paths with vengeful mermaids, and deal with a stow-away she never expected… or risk the fate of Visidia and lose the crown forever.

Title : All the Stars and Teeth
Author : Adalyn Grace
Series : All the Stars and Teeth #1
Format : Paperback
Page Count : 416
Genre : YA Fantasy
Publisher : Titan Books
Release Date : August 4, 2020

Reviewer : Micky
Rating : ★ ★ ★ ★ .5

Micky’s 4.5 star review

This book wowed me on a number of fronts, I found it a totally unexpected YA fantasy with very little resting on predictable tropes or plot directions. I thought Adalyn Grace was a fresh voice and I didn’t realise how much I was ready for that kind of palate cleansing until I read this.

ALL THE STARS AND TEETH was unapologetically gory and blood-thirsty in parts, there was no smoothing of the gritty and I embraced this world masked by secrets. The protagonist, Amora was the most un-princessy princess I’ve come across in a while. She was fiesty, uninterested in appearances, she wanted to be a fighter and a sailor. She also had serious wanderlust.

The start of the story had her world come crashing down and everything unleased from there, dark magic, sea monsters, a pirate, a mermaid and some very shady characters. The characters that became the crew of Keel Haul found their way into my heart, so that by the end I was so fond of them. Alongside Amora, Bastian was a great character, his secrets and magic were fascinating. The low-level romance was pitched just right.

One of the best things about this book was the feminist tone throughout. I’m about to drop a mild SPOILER in here, so skim on if you don’t want to read that. In the story, Amora had a very obvious period accident on her clothing…we do not read these things enough in books and I commend Adalyn Grace for including this and also for how she wrote the guys’ reactions to it. Everything about Amora was generally feminist and the male characters in the Keel Haul crew had feminist undertones too.

This gorgeous cover contained a great debut and series starter all rolled into one. I simply cannot wait to be back with these characters and read on with the series. This is definitely a 2020 read I’m going to remember.

Thank you to Titan Books for the review copy.

FIVE ON OUR TBRS

We’ve found that breaking down our TBRs can be something that inspires us to pick up reads hidden or briefly forgotten. ‘Five on my TBR’ is something that we have done a few times on bookstagram. We thought it’d be nice to have a running occasional feature where we pick five on our TBRs and you tell us yours.. and no doubt that will cause some adding to TBRs!

Check out our first post here.

Micky’s five

THE SHADOWS BETWEEN US by Tricia Levenseller
SUCH A FUN AGE by Kiley Reid
SEVEN DEVILS by Elizabeth May & Laura Lam
THE BEAR & THE NIGHTINGALE by Katherine Arden
SWEET BLACK WAVES by Kristina Perez

Let me just address the fact that I’ve only read one from my last 5 on our tbrs…and let’s move on. It’s a big deal for me to commit to BEAR as I am bruised from many sides with bookie friends poking me to read this one (Hollis needs me to do this, she’s only been asking for years). I want to, but I want to love it and I feel a little trepidation. I’m a recent fan of Laura Lam and so SEVEN DEVILS is a no-brainer for me.

Hollis’ five

SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO by Taylor Jenkins Reid
THE FIRST SISTER by Linden A. Lewis
SEVEN DEVILS by Laura Lam & Elizabeth May
THE OBELISK GATE by N. K. Jemisin
BLOODY ROSE by Nicholas Eames

Since our first post of this nature, I actually managed to read three (+ two as one was a series opener) of my original five and while I thought to leave the other two on this list, I’m only going to leave one — the TJR. Because I still don’t know what’s stopping me from reading that one. THE FIRST SISTER is a recommendation from my blog buddy extraordinaire, see her review here, SEVEN DEVILS because I want (need) feminist ensemble space opera in my life, THE OBELISK GATE because I finally read book one in The Broken Earth trilogy and loved it, and BLOODY ROSE because book one in The Band series was a fantastic fun and I’m hoping to buddy it with the friend I read KINGS OF THE WYLD with.

Tell us the top five books on your immediate TBR! Do any of ours make your lists?

AND THE STARS WERE BURNING BRIGHTLY by Danielle Jawando – double review!

even though Hollis’ additional review is greatly lacking when compared to Micky’s original thoughts, we’re still reblogging anyway as this book needs more attention!

A Take from Two Cities

An emotionally rich and current story of suicide, mental health, bullying, grief and growing up around social media.

When fifteen-year-old Nathan discovers that his older brother Al has taken his own life, his whole world is torn apart.
Al was special.
Al was talented.
Al was full of passion and light…so why did he do it?
Convinced that his brother was in trouble, Nathan begins to retrace his footsteps. And along the way, he meets Megan. Al’s former classmate, who burns with the same fire and hope, who is determined to keep Al’s memory alive. But when Nathan learns the horrifying truth behind his brother’s suicide, one question remains – how do you survive, when you’re growing up in the age of social media?

Title : And The Stars Were Burning Brightly
Author : Danielle Jawando
Series : And The Stars Were Burning Brightly #1
Format : Paperback ARC / eBook…

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WHERE DREAMS DESCEND by Janella Angeles

In a city covered in ice and ruin, a group of magicians face off in a daring game of magical feats to find the next headliner of the Conquering Circus, only to find themselves under the threat of an unseen danger striking behind the scenes.

As each act becomes more and more risky and the number of missing magicians piles up, three are forced to reckon with their secrets before the darkness comes for them next.

The Star: Kallia, a powerful showgirl out to prove she’s the best no matter the cost

The Master: Jack, the enigmatic keeper of the club, and more than one lie told

The Magician: Demarco, the brooding judge with a dark past he can no longer hide

Where Dreams Descend is the startling and romantic first book in Janella Angeles’ debut Kingdom of Cards fantasy duology where magic is both celebrated and feared, and no heart is left unscathed.

Title : Where Dreams Descend
Author : Janella Angeles
Series : Kingdom of Cards (book one)
Format : eARC
Page Count : 464
Genre : YA fantasy
Publisher : Wednesday Books
Release Date : August 25, 2020

Reviewer : Hollis
Rating : ★ ★ ★ ★ .5

Hollis’ 4.5 star review

Wow, so, like. I’m really mad at myself. I’ve had a copy of this ARC for so long and even before the release date was pushed back I just kept putting off reading it. I don’t know why. So I’m here to encourage you to not do what I did. Because this book? Fabulous.

It may have taken me about two and a half, maybe three, weeks to read because I’m (as most of us are) slumpy or just living that pandemic lyfe, but nonetheless every little bit I would read? Was great. The story stuck with me, enthralled me, even when I put it down to be distracted by my phone or Netflix or staring at the walls.

“I don’t have to prove a single thing to them. What matters most is what I prove to myself. Giving up would be an insult to everything I know I’m capable of.“

I am completely stunned this is a debut because though the story is fascinating and mysterious and compelling, the writing? It’s solid. It’s magical. It’s polished. And it’s all that while also having a very relevant dialogue about the double standards in society and the inequalities within most, if not all, fields, without feeling like it’s trying to force the topic to be relevant, y’know?

“Magician or not, we’ve always lived in a series of boys’ clubs we’re not allowed to enter. We’re told we’re simply lucky to be in the room, as long as we stay quiet. Make even a little murmur, and it’s like we’ve disturbed the order of life itself.”

As an added bonus, I could never quite see exactly where things were going. The teases were given, the little reveals, what you thought was true.. this was one story that was laced with the tiniest of breadcrumbs as opposed to smacking you in the face with what was coming next. I loved that.

If the comparisons to Moulin Rouge and Phantom of the Opera put you off because you worried it wouldn’t live up to one or the other or both; if you’ve been disillusioned by YA fantasies, particularly from debut authors one too many times; if you thought maybe would be just another NIGHT CIRCUS (even if you liked it, but especially if you didn’t!), I’m here to tell you.. yes. Just.. yes.

For too long she’d envisioned only herself on the stage, an image that always kept her going : basking in the spotlight, hearing her name and cheers over everything else. Strange how applause was just noise, when you were all alone.

My one complaint, even though it isn’t really, is that while I felt the mystery surrounding the setting of this book did a great job of sucking you in, the little glimpses we were given of the world outside just didn’t feel quite as fleshed out or real. Maybe that was to keep the focus on what was happening in the moment, which it did very well, but I would definitely like to know more of the world outside this pocket of events, too.

Either way, I can’t wait for more and I’m so excited for book two.

** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **

BOYFRIEND MATERIAL by Alexis Hall

Wanted:
One (fake) boyfriend
Practically perfect in every way

Luc O’Donnell is tangentially–and reluctantly–famous. His rock star parents split when he was young, and the father he’s never met spent the next twenty years cruising in and out of rehab. Now that his dad’s making a comeback, Luc’s back in the public eye, and one compromising photo is enough to ruin everything.

To clean up his image, Luc has to find a nice, normal relationship…and Oliver Blackwood is as nice and normal as they come. He’s a barrister, an ethical vegetarian, and he’s never inspired a moment of scandal in his life. In other words: perfect boyfriend material. Unfortunately apart from being gay, single, and really, really in need of a date for a big event, Luc and Oliver have nothing in common. So they strike a deal to be publicity-friendly (fake) boyfriends until the dust has settled. Then they can go their separate ways and pretend it never happened.

But the thing about fake-dating is that it can feel a lot like real-dating. And that’s when you get used to someone. Start falling for them. Don’t ever want to let them go.

Title : Boyfriend Material
Author : Alexis Hall
Narrator : Joe Jameson
Format : audiobook
Page Count : 13 hours 10 minutes
Genre : LGBTQIA+ contemporary romance
Publisher : Dreamscape Media
Release Date : July 7, 2020

Reviewer : Micky
Rating : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Micky’s 5 star review

This audio gave me all the feels, most of the time and there just isn’t anything better than a read that does that. Two guys, a few complications, lots of chemistry and a fake romance. Everything about this book worked for me, the story depth, the characterisation and the Bridget-Jones-ness of the whole feel.

Luc(ien) and Oliver were complete opposites and both a bit relationship-stunted. They both needed a relationship of convenience and their friends conspired to connect them for this purpose. There wasn’t a lot of common ground or like initally with these two but there was banter for days. I adored Oliver’s intelligence with ten slices of awkward and Luc’s foot in mouth tendencies and emotional ineptitude.

Their move to friendship was pretty gorgeous to witness. As they moved into feeling more connection, I had all sorts of swoon gifs running through my head. Behold…

…and that’s just from being on the sidelines.

There were some serious storylines running through. Luc’s dad and that story resonated very much with a personal experience and it felt wholly realistic to me. The friendship circle made me giggle with exasperation and fun but they were also there when it came to need.

The narration was simply perfection. The accents, dialogue and tonation raised this to exceptional and for me, this is the format for this book. Joe Jameson held the stage and I listened to every word. Alexis Hall has outdone himself with this story and I am off to purchase myself a physical copy as it’s become rather precious to me.

Hollis already read the eARC of this and we have a very chalky cheese experience! Her review is here.

Thank you to LibroFM for the ALC.

https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781662016738-boyfriend-material

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY – AUGUST 25, 2020

Happy “where’d all my money go?” new release Tuesday, everyone!

As you know, the most exciting day of the week in this community is the day that follows the one we all dread (Mondays for the nope) and today we’re going to highlight some of the new books chipping away at our bank accounts — but each one is so worth it.

EMERALD BLAZE by Ilona Andrews is out today and if you havent started this series yet.. you should. That’s all we’re saying (quiet chanting, one of us.. one of us..).

THE SUGARED GAME by KJ Charles isn’t out until tomorrow, August 26, 2020, but definitely needs to be on your radar so you can one-click in advance or be ready to check it out when it becomes available. This is book two in a historical mystery series with an m/m romance. It’s delightful.

WHERE DREAMS DESCEND by Janella Angeles is a Moulin Rouge and Phantom of the Opera mash-up while also being very much its own thing. This YA fantasy is the first in a duology and we can’t wait for more! Review to come later this week.

Are there any titles out today you’re excited for? Let us know in the comments below!

BETTER THAN PEOPLE by Roan Parrish

It’s not long before their pet-centric arrangement sparks a person-centric desire…

Simon Burke has always preferred animals to people. When the countdown to adopting his own dog is unexpectedly put on hold, Simon turns to the PetShare app to find the fluffy TLC he’s been missing. Meeting a grumpy children’s book illustrator who needs a dog walker isn’t easy for the man whose persistent anxiety has colored his whole life, but Jack Matheson’s menagerie is just what Simon needs.

Four dogs, three cats and counting. Jack’s pack of rescue pets is the only company he needs. But when a bad fall leaves him with a broken leg, Jack is forced to admit he needs help. That the help comes in the form of the most beautiful man he’s ever seen is a complicated, glorious surprise.

Being with Jack—talking, walking, making out—is a game changer for Simon. And Simon’s company certainly…eases the pain of recovery for Jack. But making a real relationship work once Jack’s cast comes off will mean compromise, understanding and lots of love.

Title : Better Than People
Author : Roan Parrish
Format : eARC
Page Count : 256
Genre : LGBTQIA+ romance
Publisher : Carina Adores
Release Date : August 25, 2020

Reviewer : Hollis
Rating : ★ ★ .5

Hollis’ 2.5 star review

I wish I had loved this one because pretty much everything about it should’ve worked. It’s a sweet m/m contemporary, features a lot of pets, and is authored by Parrish. But right from the get-go this was giving me some vague THE REMAKING OF CORBIN VALE vibes (and, spoiler, it’s set in the same ‘world’ I guess? as the self-titled character of said book is mentioned) and while I was utterly wowed by the writing in that book, it wasn’t my favourite by this author, either. I think I just prefer this author’s darker or angstier work? I don’t know what that says about me.

Not much really happens in BETTER THAN PEOPLE. One of our MCs breaks his leg, necessitating the need for a dog walker for his many dogs (and cats), and in walks the love interest. Simon is more than just shy, he has crippling anxiety, and yet somehow, and actually miraculously, considering Jack’s near constant grumpiness, they connect. I found the progression of that very sweet but it also transitions from tender and tentative to like.. (fire emoji fire emoji) very quick. Jack is seriously into Simon and he lets him know. Which, great! But, I don’t know, it almost didn’t fit the vibe?

Characterization-wise, I found Jack a little all over the place but he’s dealing with some setbacks, has stuff to navigate, however the dynamic with his brother just kind of baffled me. I felt like we saw his true colours when dealing with Charlie and it would sort take the sweetness out of the moments with Simon. I don’t know. In some ways this is very soft, with some real meat to some of the topics and issues needing to be navigated, but.. it wasn’t a book I could really lose myself in and maybe that was because of the characters. I could feel for them both but didn’t think they were a good fit, I guess? Mostly I was just wishing for better for Charlie. I hope he gets a book.

If you are a fan of THE REMAKING OF CORBIN WALE, I think you’ll love this (in fact, I think I actually liked that one more? the rating is definitely higher..). I think a lot of readers will love this. But it’s just not going to be a favourite.

** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **

NICK AND CHARLIE by Alice Oseman

A short novella based on the beloved characters from the graphic novel Heartstopper and Alice Oseman’s debut novel Solitaire, which was praised as ‘The Catcher in the Rye for the digital age’ by The Times.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?

CHARLIE: “I have been going out with Nick Nelson for two years. He likes rugby, Formula 1, dogs, the Marvel universe, the sound felt-tips make on paper, rain and drawing on shoes. He also likes me.”

NICK: “Things me and Charlie Spring do together include: Watch films. Sit in the same room on different laptops. Text each other from different rooms. Make out. Make food. Make drinks. Get drunk. Talk. Argue. Laugh. Maybe we’re kind of boring. But that’s fine with us.”

Everyone knows that Nick and Charlie are the perfect couple – that they’re inseparable. But now Nick is leaving for university, and Charlie will be left behind at Sixth Form. Everyone’s asking if they’re staying together, which is a stupid question – they’re ‘Nick and Charlie’ for God’s sake!

But as the time to say goodbye gets inevitably closer, both Nick and Charlie question whether their love is strong enough to survive being apart. Or are they delaying the inevitable? Because everyone knows that first loves rarely last forever …

Title : Nick and Charlie
Author : Alice Oseman
Series : Solitaire #1.5
Format : Paperback
Page Count : 176
Genre : Contemporary YA
Publisher : Harper Collins Childrens UK
Release Date : August 6, 2020

Reviewer : Micky
Rating : ★ ★ ★ ★

Micky’s 4 star review

Being back with these guys a little older, was a delight. Nick was 18 and Charlie 17; with University and long distances afoot, their relationship moved to a position of insecurity for the first time in a while. Their journey in this novella was a bit painful to read for fans, seeing them go through couple stuff was hard. It all felt super realistic to that age group.

That said, I loved reading about later teen life. Their routines, their coupledom and how they were perceived by others as a couple. The changes in their future unsettled Charlie the most and his anxiety seemed to become overwhelming. I appreciated the bits of insight we got into where Heartstopper 3 had left Charlie and his problems. I’m wondering if we’ll get more of this in focus in Heartstopper 4.

I don’t want to visit the plot too much and its a short novella so a shortish review is inevitable. This novella, these characters made me feel everything (not unexpected) and even though this wasn’t a graphic novel, I enjoyed it just as much. There were pages with some Alice Oseman classic illustrations though, which I really brought these guys to life, like always.

My fandom for Nick and Charlie continues and will probably never abate. This novella adds something special to the Heartstopper world. Seeing them older was everything.

Thank you to Harper Collins UK for the gifted copy.