Review: BIRTHDAY, by Meredith Russo

Meredith Russo's second novel, Birthday, does not disappoint. Quite simply, it is a beautiful story showing the growth of two characters, Morgan and Eric, over many years. Born on the same day in the same hospital, Morgan and Eric were friends from the start, remaining so even after their families drifted.

Eric struggles with finding his place in the world, torn between pleasing his family and pursuing his true interests. Morgan struggles as well, with both finding her own passions and living her life as a girl.

It is both heartwarming and heartbreaking to see Morgan's and Eric's journeys through their teenage years, floating closer together and farther apart. As the characters grow, the reader sees deeper and deeper into their personalities and can't help but root for them to be not just friends but also soulmates.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Teen readers who enjoy slow-build romances, self-discovery, and characters overcoming hardship at school and home.

Review: I WOULD NEVER...BUT IF I DID, by Maria Ann Green

I Would Never...But If I Did really grabbed me by the heart and didn't let go. In this story by Maria Ann Green, Taryn and Austin float in and out of each other's lives as they form a toxic pairing that feels both inevitable and impossible. Meanwhile, Taryn also finds comfort in Theo, Austin's best friend and Taryn's companion from a childhood in foster care. The reader is left guessing about the eventual result of this love triangle while witnessing the characters explore complicated emotions and scenarios. Green truly paints with her words, taking her reader on a roller coaster of emotions that resonates even after the final page. She continues to be one of my favorite authors!

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Anyone interested in stories containing complex relationships, love triangles, and characters overcoming grief.
Bonus points: Look at that amazing cover! My favorite part is the detailing of the tattoos.

CW: Pregnancy loss