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ANTICIPATED FEBRUARY 2021 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.


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


Much Ado About You by Samantha Young | February 2, 2021

At thirty-three-years old Evangeline Starling’s life in Chicago is missing that special something. And when she’s passed over for promotion at work, Evie realizes she needs to make a change. Some time away to regain perspective might be just the thing. In a burst of impulsivity, she plans a holiday in a quaint English village. The holiday package comes with a temporary position at Much Ado About Books, the bookstore located beneath her rental apartment. There’s no better dream vacation for the bookish Evie, a life-long Shakespeare lover.

Not only is Evie swept up in running the delightful store as soon as she arrives, she’s drawn into the lives, loves and drama of the friendly villagers. Including Roane Robson, the charismatic and sexy farmer who tempts Evie every day with his friendly flirtations. Evie is determined to keep him at bay because a holiday romance can only end in heartbreak, right? But Evie can’t deny their connection and longs to trust in her handsome farmer that their whirlwind romance could turn in to the forever kind of love.

All The Tides of Fate by Adalyn Grace | February 2, 2021

This is a sequel so read the synopsis at your own peril!

Through blood and sacrifice, Amora Montara has conquered a rebellion and taken her rightful place as queen of Visidia. Now, with the islands in turmoil and the people questioning her authority, Amora cannot allow anyone to see her weaknesses.

No one can know about the curse in her bloodline. No one can know that she’s lost her magic. No one can know the truth about the boy who holds the missing half of her soul.

To save herself and Visidia, Amora embarks on a desperate quest for a mythical artifact that could fix everything―but it comes at a terrible cost. As she tries to balance her loyalty to her people, her crew, and the desires of her heart, Amora will soon discover that the power to rule might destroy her.

Beneath the Keep by Erika Johansen | February 2, 2021

The story of a decadent kingdom descended into darkness, alliances forged under fire, and a battle over a prophecy that will change the course of history.

The Tearling has reverted to feudalism, a far cry from the utopia it was founded to be. As the gap between rich and poor widens and famine threatens the land, sparking unrest, rumors of a prophecy begin to spread: a great hope, a True Queen who will rise up and save the kingdom.

But rumors will not help Lazarus, a man raised to kill in the brutal clandestine underworld of the Creche, nor Aislinn, a farm girl who must reckon with her own role in the growing rebellion. In the Keep, the crown princess, Elyssa, finds herself torn between duty to the throne and the lure of the Blue Horizon, a group of fierce idealists who promise radical change . . . but Elyssa must choose quickly, before a nefarious witch and her shadowy master use dark magic to decide for her. It is only a matter of time before all three will be called into the service of something bigger than they have ever imagined: a fight for a better world.

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna | February 4, 2021

Sixteen-year-old Deka lives in fear and anticipation of the blood ceremony that will determine whether she will become a member of her village. Already different from everyone else because of her unnatural intuition, Deka prays for red blood so she can finally feel like she belongs.

But on the day of the ceremony, her blood runs gold, the color of impurity–and Deka knows she will face a consequence worse than death.

Then a mysterious woman comes to her with a choice: stay in the village and submit to her fate, or leave to fight for the emperor in an army of girls just like her. They are called alaki–near-immortals with rare gifts. And they are the only ones who can stop the empire’s greatest threat.

Knowing the dangers that lie ahead yet yearning for acceptance, Deka decides to leave the only life she’s ever known. But as she journeys to the capital to train for the biggest battle of her life, she will discover that the great walled city holds many surprises. Nothing and no one are quite what they seem to be–not even Deka herself. 

Parousia by Laura Lascarso | February 7, 2021

This is the series finale so read the synopsis at your own peril!

After months of imprisonment, Vincent is struggling to adapt to the outside world. His body and mind are strangers to him, and Henri, his one constant his entire life, doesn’t understand the man he’s become.

Henri wants Vincent to take time to heal, but the revolution is rapidly unfolding with the thirteen tribes amassing at their doorstep to plot the Imperium—and Azrael’s—demise. Vincent gets swept up in the conflict and in doing so, puts himself in harm’s way.

Parousia be damned, Henri will not to allow Vincent to become a martyr for the cause.

With his demoness mother at the helm of their campaign, Vincent must battle Lena’s ambitions and the other tribes’ gambits to usurp power if their revolution is to be successful. But he’ll never succeed with Henri obstructing him at every turn.

Both men are in love and at war with each other, but only one of them can rule.

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas | February 16, 2021

Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she’s struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can’t seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it.

The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre’s Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta’s orbit. But her temper isn’t the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other.

Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.

Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance-and healing-in each other’s arms.

Like Home by Louisa Onomé | February 23, 2021

Fans of Netflix’s On My Block, In the Heights, and readers of Elizabeth Acevedo and Ibi Zoboi will love this debut novel about a girl whose life is turned upside down after one local act of vandalism throws her relationships and even her neighborhood into turmoil. 

Chinelo, or Nelo as her best friend Kate calls her, is all about her neighborhood Ginger East. She loves its chill vibe, ride-or-die sense of community, and her memories of growing up there. Ginger East isn’t what it used to be, though. After a deadly incident at the local arcade, all her closest friends moved away, except for Kate. But as long as they have each other, Nelo’s good.

Only, Kate’s parents’ corner store is vandalized, leaving Nelo shaken to her core. The police and the media are quick to point fingers, and soon more of the outside world descends on Ginger East with promises to “fix” it. Suddenly, Nelo finds herself in the middle of a drama unfolding on a national scale. 

Worse yet, Kate is acting strange. She’s pushing Nelo away at the exact moment they need each other most. Nelo’s entire world is morphing into something she hates, and she must figure out how to get things back on track or risk losing everything⁠—and everyone⁠—she loves.

Make It Sweet by Kristen Callihan | February 23, 2021

Life for Emma isn’t good. The world knows her as Princess Anya on Dark Castle, but then her character gets the axe—literally. The cherry on top is finding her boyfriend in bed with another woman. She needs a break, and sanctuary comes in the form of Rosemont, a gorgeous estate in California promising rest and relaxation.

Then she meets the owner’s equally gorgeous grandson, ex–hockey player and current recluse Lucian Osmond, and she sees her own pain and yearning reflected in his eyes.

He’s charming when he wants to be but also secretive and gruff, with protective walls as thick as Emma’s own. Despite a growing attraction, they avoid each other.

But then there’s an impromptu nighttime skinny-dip, and Lucian’s luscious homemade tarts and cream cakes start arriving at Emma’s door, tempting her to taste life again…

In trying to stay apart, they only grow closer—and their broken pieces just might fit together and make them whole.

Love At First by Kate Clayborn | February 23, 2021

Sixteen years ago, a teenaged Will Sterling saw–or rather, heard–the girl of his dreams. Standing beneath an apartment building balcony, he shared a perfect moment with a lovely, warm-voiced stranger. It’s a memory that’s never faded, though he’s put so much of his past behind him. Now an unexpected inheritance has brought Will back to that same address, where he plans to offload his new property and get back to his regular life as an overworked doctor. Instead, he encounters a woman, two balconies above, who’s uncannily familiar...

No matter how surprised Nora Clarke is by her reaction to handsome, curious Will, or the whispered pre-dawn conversations they share, she won’t let his plans ruin her quirky, close-knit building. Bound by her loyalty to her adored grandmother, she sets out to foil his efforts with a little light sabotage. But beneath the surface of their feud is an undeniable connection. A balcony, a star-crossed couple, a fateful meeting–maybe it’s the kind of story that can’t work out in the end. Or maybe, it’s the perfect second chance.

The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting by KJ Charles | February 24, 2021

Robin Loxleigh and his sister Marianne are the hit of the Season, so attractive and delightful that nobody looks behind their pretty faces. 

Until Robin sets his sights on Sir John Hartlebury’s heiress niece. The notoriously graceless baronet isn’t impressed by good looks, or fooled by false charm. He’s sure Robin is a liar—a fortune hunter, a card sharp, and a heartless, greedy fraud—and he’ll protect his niece, whatever it takes.

Then, just when Hart thinks he has Robin at his mercy, things take a sharp left turn. And as the grumpy baronet and the glib fortune hunter start to understand each other, they also find themselves starting to care—more than either of them thought possible. 

But Robin’s cheated and lied and let people down for money. Can a professional rogue earn an honest happy ever after?


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

THE KISS OF DECEPTION by Mary E. Pearson

In a society steeped in tradition, Princess Lia’s life follows a preordained course. As First Daughter, she is expected to have the revered gift of sight—but she doesn’t—and she knows her parents are perpetrating a sham when they arrange her marriage to secure an alliance with a neighboring kingdom—to a prince she has never met.

On the morning of her wedding, Lia flees to a distant village. She settles into a new life, hopeful when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive—and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. Deception abounds, and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets—even as she finds herself falling in love. 


Title : The Kiss of Deception
Author : Mary E. Pearson
Series : The Remnant Chronicles (book one)
Format : physical
Page Count : 489
Genre : YA fantasy
Publisher : Henry Holt
Release Date : July 8, 2014

Reviewer : Hollis
Rating : ★ ★ ★ 


Hollis’ 3 star review

Starting off the year strong with not only a reread but a reread to kick off completing a series that has contributed to an unread-book-three-on-my-shelves problem. All this will also determine if said series is still worth having a spot on my shelf! YA hardbacks take up precious real estate, yo.

But anyway. Was this as good as I remembered it being? No. But it kept me turning pages. And the best part was seeing Lia’s transformation. Sure, much of that is due to the circumstances of hardship and loss but she starts the book running away from an arranged marriage to someone who could not be bothered to see her as a person. Not to mention her conflicted feelings over her role in the greater tradition of being a First Daughter and the gift that comes with that.

The fun in the telling of the story after that fact is she’s then caught in the orbit of two men; one of whom is the prince she was to marry and the other an assassin from another region who is to kill her. And as readers we don’t know which POV is which. It’s pretty clever storytelling and definitely keeps you turning pages. That said, the most enjoyable part of the story is definitely closer to the end when.. well, I’m not going to tell you, of course.

Because of the way the story is told, clever though it is, even with brief glimpses into other POVs, they don’t feel as strong. That said, I have vague recollections that book two changes that but I could be wrong and maybe it’s only wishful thinking. One POV in particular needs improvement as it was one of the main reasons I realize this is a little weaker than I think it otherwise should have been. That and, like, some of the more typically YA romance elements that I don’t really get on with anymore. But that’s because I’m old. Also 2014 feels like a long time ago, particularly considering the last twelve months have actually been twelve years, so.

I’m looking forward to the new direction, and setting! and stakes!, in book two. And I’m definitely excited to see Lia kick more ass. Because while there are little sprinklings of teasing around the worldbuilding and history, and where it seems to be heading is very interesting, the princess is definitely my favourite part of this world. So far.

WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING by Alyssa Cole

Sydney Green is Brooklyn born and raised, but her beloved neighborhood seems to change every time she blinks. Condos are sprouting like weeds, FOR SALE signs are popping up overnight, and the neighbors she’s known all her life are disappearing. To hold onto her community’s past and present, Sydney channels her frustration into a walking tour and finds an unlikely and unwanted assistant in one of the new arrivals to the block—her neighbor Theo.

But Sydney and Theo’s deep dive into history quickly becomes a dizzying descent into paranoia and fear. Their neighbors may not have moved to the suburbs after all, and the push to revitalize the community may be more deadly than advertised.

When does coincidence become conspiracy? Where do people go when gentrification pushes them out? Can Sydney and Theo trust each other—or themselves—long enough to find out before they too disappear?


Title : When No One Is Watching
Author : Alyssa Cole
Narrators : Susan Dalian & Jay Aaseng
Format : Audiobook
Length : 8 hours, 29 minutes
Genre : Thriller
Publisher : Harper Audio
Release Date : September 1, 2020

Reviewer : Micky
Rating  : ★ ★ ★


Micky’s 3 star review

Headlines:
Context of gentrification
Diverse characters
Highly unusual storyline
A little odd

I have mixed feelings about this story. It was unusual and that was definitely a strength but overall and as the height of the plot peaked, it felt pretty unrealistic. This isn’t fantasy or fairytale, so I need some realism in a thriller.

The context of gentrification of white people into a black community to the point of pushing others out was a superb central plot and I did like the chaotic main character of Sydney. Her situation was desperate, her stress levels were through the roof and I was feeling paranoid at every noise myself. I wasn’t as keen on Theo or their friendship to more.

The plot behind what was actually going on in the neighbourhood was the thing that brought this rating down. I felt disappointed at it, I didn’t get the trigger-happiness and there was some sweeping under the carpet.

The narration was excellent. It was dual POV and both narrators really captured their characters and Sydney’s narrator in particular, caught the atmosphere well.

Thank you to LibroFM and Harper Audio for the review copy.

FELIX EVER AFTER by Kacen Callender – double review

Felix Love has never been in love—and, yes, he’s painfully aware of the irony. He desperately wants to know what it’s like and why it seems so easy for everyone but him to find someone. What’s worse is that, even though he is proud of his identity, Felix also secretly fears that he’s one marginalization too many—Black, queer, and transgender—to ever get his own happily-ever-after.

When an anonymous student begins sending him transphobic messages—after publicly posting Felix’s deadname alongside images of him before he transitioned—Felix comes up with a plan for revenge. What he didn’t count on: his catfish scenario landing him in a quasi–love triangle….

But as he navigates his complicated feelings, Felix begins a journey of questioning and self-discovery that helps redefine his most important relationship: how he feels about himself.

Felix Ever After is an honest and layered story about identity, falling in love, and recognizing the love you deserve. 


Title : Felix Ever After
Author : Kacen Callender
Format : eBook (overdrive)
Page Count : 318
Genre : YA contemporary
Publisher : Balzer + Bray
Release Date : May 5, 2021

Reviewer : Hollis/Micky
Rating : ★ ★ ★ ★ / ★ ★ ★ ★ .5


Hollis’ 4 star review

I went into this read with some trepidation on two fronts; one, because I had read a book by this author before and absolutely hated it and two, so much hype. Almost all my friends unanimously loved this. So, yeah, I worried.

But pretty much from page one I was completely captivated.

There are a host of difficult themes, attitudes, and dialogue within this story. This isn’t just a tough coming out or coming of age contemporary. It’s self-discovery, sure. It’s battling prejuice, yes. It’s navigating life in all its ups and downs and ugly and messy and beautiful realities.

I’ll admit there are two bits or elements that are what keeps this from being a full five star read for me. Firstly I don’t enjoy catfishing plots, so that’s definitely a personal preference, but also I did just feel there was a lot of drama. Nothing really to the point where it felt manufactured just for the sake of it but, still, a lot of conflict.

Nevertheless, if you haven’t yet been convinced to take the leap and pick this book up, please let me be the one to nudge you over the edge. It won’t be easy but I hope you’ll find it worth it. I certainly did.


Micky’s 4.5 star review

Headlines:
Roller coaster emotions
A road to understanding
Journeys

This book packed a punch to my heart, my emotions and it also paved a way to learning. I feel like this book should be a high school must-read, to provide a space for identificaton for teens questioning but also to inform, teach and give the opportunity to walk for a little while in Felix’s shoes. I threw myself into this story, the characters and they educated me and I loved them.

There is a world of hurt in this read, be ready. Felix was the kind of endearing and relatable character, finding his way, himself and often a bit of loner apart from his bestie. The hurt from family quarters was something deep, the hurt that arose from actions in school nearly did me in, my jaw drop and I felt.

The story was so quintessential age 17 in lots of ways but through the lens of someone experiencing life in a way many of us will not. This isn’t an overtly educational book but it really did educate me about that thing I am most interested in – people’s lived experiences. There were so many lines in this book, often inner monologue that struck me and stayed with me. Here’s a few.

I guess it just feels like I have one marginalisation too many, sometimes.

“The pride march is in a couple of weeks,”
 they say.
“But sometimes, it can be difficult to find pride for ourselves.”

Read. This. Book.

Thank you to Pride Book Tours and Faber Books for the gifted copy.

EVERGREEN by Cari Z.

Soldiers. Explorers. Lovers.

Broken apart.

Cy Konstantin and Scottie Andrews are supposed to make Project Evergreen’s one-way trip to Mars together. A near-fatal accident during training knocks Cy into a coma for half a year, and out of Project Evergreen. He works his way back to Scottie’s side, but he can’t rejoin the mission. Once Scottie leaves, they’re destined to live millions of miles apart for the rest of their lives.

A deadly accident on Mars might spell the end of their distant romance, though—or be the thing that saves it.


Title : Evergreen
Author : Cari Z.
Format : eBook
Page Count : 59
Genre : LGBTQIA+ sci-fi romance
Publisher : indie
Release Date : January 13, 2020

Reviewer : Hollis
Rating : ★ ★ ★


Hollis’ 3 star review

I wanted something short and possibly sweet as I’m between reads right now and figured why not give this a try! Having arduously compiled all my unreads books on a spreadsheet, including all my eBooks, all that hard work paid off as my eyes immediately gravitated to it (after having long since forgotten about it), and boy am I glad I did.

Right off the hop I was enjoying the story and the narrative but wasn’t sure about the characters. We had members of a crew brought together to man a mission to Mars as a one-way trip and within said crew was the charming and gregarious American astronaut and the rather reserved Russian one and I though okay sure, here we go. But. But.

While we don’t see every moment of their evolving friendship into a romance, as this is a novella and we do skip around a bit, I was definitely sold before the end. And this goes in different directions than you might expect!

This might not be a new favourite but I’m pretty pleased I one-clicked this and was glad to have been entertained by it for a little while on this saturday evening. Additionally? Also very happy to knock it off the tbr and into the read pile.

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY – JANUARY 26, 2021

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.


The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon is a contemporary romance featuring dueling radio co-hosts on a segment about exes. We are prepared for some excellent tension and banter in this one!

A Vow So Bold and Deadly by Brigid Kemmerer is the final book in the Cursebreaker series. Have you been keeping up with this one or are you planning a full series binge?


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

THE EX TALK by Rachel Lynn Solomon – double review

Public radio co-hosts navigate mixed signals in Rachel Lynn Solomon’s sparkling romantic comedy debut.

Shay Goldstein has been a producer at her Seattle public radio station for nearly a decade, and she can’t imagine working anywhere else. But lately it’s been a constant clash between her and her newest colleague, Dominic Yun, who’s fresh off a journalism master’s program and convinced he knows everything about public radio.

When the struggling station needs a new concept, Shay proposes a show that her boss green-lights with excitement. On The Ex Talk, two exes will deliver relationship advice live, on air. Their boss decides Shay and Dominic are the perfect co-hosts, given how much they already despise each other. Neither loves the idea of lying to listeners, but it’s this or unemployment. Their audience gets invested fast, and it’s not long before The Ex Talk becomes a must-listen in Seattle and climbs podcast charts.

As the show gets bigger, so does their deception, especially when Shay and Dominic start to fall for each other. In an industry that values truth, getting caught could mean the end of more than just their careers. 



Title : The Ex Talk
Author : Rachel Lynn Solomon
Format : eARC/audio
Narrator : Emily Ellet
Page Count : 336/9 hours
Genre : contemporary romance
Publisher : Berkley/Books On Tape
Release Date : January 26, 2021

Reviewer : Hollis/Micky
Rating : ★ ★ ★ ★ .25/ ★ ★ ★ .5



Hollis’ 4.25 star review

I’ve had an ARC of this on my kindle for so long. Why did I put off reading this? Why.

I am eating Tater Tots with my former nemesis in a dive bar at eleven o’clock on a Monday night. My life has ceased to make sense.

If you’re looking for a hate/dislike style enemies-to-lovers contemporary romance set in the workplace to fill the hole created by stories like The Hating Game, while still very much being its own thing, you should absolutely pick this one up. Because this is such a unique concept, too, outside of that specfic flavour. You’ve heard of fake dating. But have you heard of fake exes?

I’m scrolling back to the beginning of his photos when tragedy strikes. My hand slips on my laptop and I accidentally hit the like button. On a really old photo of him and his ex-girlfriend. The only rational solution is to set myself and my laptop on fire.

It may have taken a chapter or two for me to sink my teeth into this but once I started flipping pages, I couldn’t stop. I devoured this. Parts of this had me outright howling with laughter and once the romance kicked in, hoo boy. Hi. Yes. More of that.

You have CDs?
Old car. That’s all it can handle.”
Besides, then she can act all hashtag retro.
I hate that CDs are retro.”

Solomon’s banter is so solid, the dynamic between these two lead characters so fun and a little flipped when you think of standard gender stereotypes, and all the little generational/age gap jokes were just hysterical (she’s just about thirty, he’s early twenties). Plus I’m not sure I have ever read a story set around public radio so that was really fun as a setting and we got little transcript bits, twitter feeds, and more to spice it all up and I always love that, too.

It’s ridiculous that there’s no cat lady equivalent for guys. Fucking misogyny.”
Cat man?
Sounds like a very gentle superhero.

Honestly the only thing I didn’t like was the public display/grand gesture/grovel (it’s not a spoiler, this is a romance, of course this happens) but I generally hate these big moments so I’m not really surprised I didn’t quite get on with it here, either. But that’s a very personal thing. Not really my jam.

I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a snappy, delicious, hilarious, sweet, sexy, and very fun time. And considering the year we’ve just had? We could all do with this. But this also touches on grief, on finding your way even if you think you have it all figured out, the trials of adulthood, and more. Pick this one up. I’ll definitely be trawling through Solomon’s backlist (though, just for information purposes, she’s been strictly YA up until this point) and I am so very excited for her next release. Whatever it might be.

** I received an ARC from the author in a giveaway (thank you!) and was under no obligation to review. **


Micky’s 3.5 star review

3.5 stars

Headlines
Easy listening (there’s a pun in there)
Annoyance to admiration
Fun plot

The Ex Talk was all easy listening with cuteness and an engaging plot. It didn’t blow me away but it certainly entertained me for a number of days while I listened. I feel like I haven’t read/listened to a book set around radio before and so that context was fresh and fun.

These MCs were all petty annoyance with one another and it felt for good reason on Shay’s front. Dominic loved lauding his masters degree and came in sweeping through an organisation built on subtle misogyny. While that wasn’t Dominic’s fault as such, it understandably got Shay wound up.

When these two found themselves hosting a show together, it was such a rush listening to their evolving confidence issues, a show that built to success but on shaky foundations but most of all, their chemistry. I did love these two together.

I think this is a perfect holiday/weekend read that isn’t taxing and will leave you satisfied. It had a great culmination and finshed on a strong point. The narration was good throughout.

THE GIRL WHO by Andreina Cordani

The girl who… survived
The girl who… inspires
The girl who… has something to hide

People can’t bring themselves to say what happened to her. They just describe her as ‘the girl who… you know…’. But nobody really knows, no one sees the real Leah.

Leah is the perfect survivor. She was seven years old when she saw her mother and sister killed by a troubled gang member. Her case hit the headlines and her bravery made her a national sweetheart: strong, courageous and forgiving.

But Leah is hiding a secret about their deaths. And now, ten years later, all she can think of is revenge.

When Leah’s dad meets a new partner, stepsister Ellie moves in. Sensing Leah isn’t quite the sweet girl she pretends to be, Ellie discovers that Leah has a plan, one she has been putting together ever since that fateful day. Now that the killer – and the only one who knows the truth – is being released from prison, time is running out for Ellie to discover how far Leah will go to silence her anger . . .


Title : The Girl Who
Author : Andreina Cordani
Format : Paperback
Page Count : 272
Genre : YA Thriller
Publisher : Atom, Little Brown UK
Release Date : January 14, 2021

Reviewer : Micky
Rating  : ★ ★ ★ ★


Micky’s 4 star review

This was a great YA thriller, a standalone, focused on a story that felt unusual but credible. It took the reader into the world of a creepy psychotic killer who had severe mental illness (there may be some triggers for people here). The book definitely whipped up some empathy from me for the killer and if you read it, I think you’ll understand why.

I thought it was clever to move forward in time to Leah, on the verge of adulthood, in a new blended family, plotting for something. Leah, although the victim, was super creepy at times and clearly understandably damaged by her experiences. Her new step sister Ellie brought the third POV (killer, Leah, Ellie) who ended up embroiled with things.

I had two hours to kill before I risked my life to save the stepsister who hated me, and nothing else but play Bubble Quest and stare out of the window.

David won the award for one of the most annoying parents, notwithstanding his own traumatic experiences. The way he handled Leah and the new additions to the family made me irritated. Claire wasn’t much better but did have some redeeming features.

This was a twisty, sometimes dark, sometimes creepy, sometimes predictable read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It had that page-turning feel and the need to get answers as the story played out. The Girl Who was a great debut from Andreina Cordani; I’ll definitely be looking out for a future release from her.

Thank you to Atom Books for the review copy.

MIDNIGHT SUN by Stephenie Meyer

When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella’s side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward’s version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun.

This unforgettable tale as told through Edward’s eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experienced in all his years as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward’s past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he justify following his heart if it means leading Bella into danger?


Title : Midnight Sun
Author : Stephenie Meyer
Series : Twlight #5
Format : Hardback
Page Count : 756
Genre : YA Fantasy
Publisher : Atom
Release Date : August 4, 2020

Reviewer : Micky
Rating  : ★ ★ ★


Micky’s 3 star review

Rounded up to 3 stars.

I started in August 2020 and finished in January 2021 (with a big gap of zero progress), basically this was half then and half recently. This tells you something of my experience; it wasn’t a page turner. It was slow, overly-detailed and yet I did want to read it and I did want to finish it.

Ultimately, this is a fan’s book. I’m definitely a fan of this series but I wouldn’t lump Midnight Sun as being part of my fandom. I didn’t love it but I got some new information…but not enough. The whole narrative was rather protracted introspection of Edward’s psyche and had he been this irritating in the original books, I wouldn’t have liked them as much. What was interesting was that Bella definitely came across as the one in relationship that had the upper hand and I didn’t get that from Twilight.

For me, this could have been about 200 pages shorter, without what felt like significant repetition. I would have enjoyed a more concise version much more and I would have loved more new information. There was just one significant new turn of events I hadn’t realised from the original books.

If Stephenie Meyer writes more from alternate POV, I can’t imagine I’ll be reading.

Thank you to Atom Books for the finished copy for review.

SECRETS OF THE STARCROSSED by Clara O’Connor

In a world where the Roman Empire never fell, two starcrossed lovers fight to ignite the spark of rebellion…

Londinium, the last stronghold of the Romans left in Britannia, remains in a delicate state of peace with the ancient kingdoms that surround it. As the only daughter of a powerful merchant, Cassandra is betrothed to Marcus, the most eligible bachelor in the city.

But then she meets Devyn, the boy with the strange midnight eyes searching for a girl with magic in her blood.

A boy who will make her believe in soulmates…

When a mysterious sickness starts to leech the life from citizens with Celtic power lying dormant in their veins, the imperial council sets their schemes in motion. And so Cassandra must make a choice: the Code or Chaos, science or sorcery, Marcus or Devyn?

Panem meets the Grishaverse in this explosive new YA trilogy perfect for readers of Marie Lu, Bella Forrest, and Cassandra Clare. 


Title : Secrets of the Starcrossed
Author : Clara O’Connor
Series : The Once and Future Queen #1
Format : Paperback/Audio
Page Count : 448
Genre : YA/NA Dystopian/Fantasy
Publisher : One More Chapter
Release Date : January 21, 2020

Reviewer : Micky
Rating  : ★ ★ ★


Micky’s 2.5 – 3 star review

I’ve rounded up my rating to 3 stars and I both read and listened to this story. The world created in Secrets of the Starcrossed was one of an elite alternate futuristic/contemporary society but also one with people less fortunate. I didn’t find the world building immediately easy to understand but over time it did get clearer.

There was a lot going on in this story. A number of characters vying for prominence and essentially, I didn’t particularly connect to Cassandra. That lack of connection with the MC played out further into a lack of feeling of chemistry between the characters. This was a pretty fast-paced read with a good tempo, however.

I do have mixed feelings about this book. It has something of an identity crisis; is it fantasy or dystopia, is the underpinning culture Roman or Celtic? It’s a mix of all of the above and I remain unsure how I feel about those elements. Added to this, the gorgeous cover definitely says Celtic fantasy to me but the reading of it doesn’t leave me with this.

With regards to the narration, I did struggle with the choice of narrator who sounded into her 50s or 60s by voice. The main characters whose POV this was told from, was a teenager. That disconnect isn’t ideal, however I did like being able to experience both formats in tandem.

So overall, I’ve ended this book a little unsure of how I felt about it and what I think about future installments. I do think the synopsis comparisons to other famous worlds are a little ambitious and often not that helpful to readers, I don’t want to make those comparisons and feel left short. This is a book that is definitely worth giving a try to see if you gel with the culture and world, especially if you like Celtic and British cultures and history colliding.

Thank you to One More Chapter for the early review copies.