Review: THE STAR-TOUCHED QUEEN, by Roshani Chokshi

The Star-Touched Queen is a beautiful piece of art that should not be missed. The lyrical tune of Roshani Chokshi's writing places her in the top of her field; it pulls the reader along like a song, allowing us to feast on a constellation of word choice. The plot is also striking and well-developed, with unexpected and clever twists. The author does a great job of immersing her readers into a unique and surreal setting that will not soon be forgotten.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: anyone interested in fantasy novels of non-Western cultures.

Cover Reveal: SIGNS OF ATTRACTION, by Laura Brown

I am VERY excited to reveal the cover of my dear friend Laura Brown's upcoming romance novel, SIGNS OF ATTRACTION. It is set to be released June 14, 2016, from Avon Impulse, but you can preorder now! I was graced with the opportunity to read one of the earliest versions of this story, and have watched it evolve in the time since. You don't want to miss this!

 

Do you know what hearing loss sounds like? I do.

All my life I've tried to be like you. I've failed.

So I keep it hidden.

But on the day my world crashed down around me, Reed was there.

He showed me just how loud and vibrant silence can be, even when I struggled to understand.

He's unlike anyone I've ever known. His soulful eyes and strong hands pulled me in before I knew what was happening.

And as I saw those hands sign, felt them sparking on me, I knew: imperfect could be perfect.

Reed makes me feel things I've never felt. It's exciting...and terrifying.

Because he sees me like no one else has, and I'm afraid of what he'll find if he looks too closely.

The only thing that scares me more than being with him? Letting him go.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher Available for pre-order!

About the Author

Laura Brown lives in Massachusetts with her quirky abnormal family. Her husband’s put up with her since high school, her young son keeps her on her toes, and her three cats think they deserve more scratches. Hearing loss is a big part of who she is, from her own Hard of Hearing ears, to the characters she creates.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Review: DEAD RINGER, by Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler

Just...wow. DEAD RINGER is addictive from beginning to end. If you're looking for a read with realistic characters and the perfect amount of erotica that toes the line between contemporary and historical, purchase this book! The writing is fantastic, and the plot is on point. I thoroughly enjoyed following the journey of both main characters, and couldn't help rooting for them from start to finish. I cannot wait to read more by Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler!

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Lovers of New Adult LGBT stories and well-written sex

Review: THE SCATTERED AND THE DEAD (BOOK 0.5), by Tim McBain and L.T. Vargus

I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, and believe me when I say I was beyond excited for the opportunity. The chance to read a book that I'd been anticipating anyway? Count me in.

L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain have done it again—they’ve created a unique world with the strangest unexpected twists. THE SCATTERED AND THE DEAD takes place in the pre-apocalypse, while life as we know it falls apart around the main character. The story is rather soft and action-less, though it’s clear big things are coming in the sequel; this quick read is only getting the audience’s toes wet. As usual, Vargus and McBain have a distinctly original voice that emanates from the pages, sucking the reader in. Though the story itself is impressive, it’s the writing that makes this book stand out. Always engaging and never apologetic, THE SCATTERED AND THE DEAD is not to be missed! I look forward to being the first in line to read the rest of this series.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Readers who love origin stories of the apocalypse (think: FEAR THE WALKING DEAD)

Review: OUT OF THE POCKET, by Bill Konigsberg

Let me start by saying I enjoyed OUT OF THE POCKET; the plot was intriguing and I'm happy with the message it presents. As usual, Bill Konigsberg does a great job of roping his readers in. However, I was disappointed to find that this book wasn't as good as OPENLY STRAIGHT and THE PORCUPINE OF TRUTH, which I read first. Though I applaud this story and will recommend it to others, the writing wasn't quite as tight as I would have expected.

Stars: 3.5/5
Recommended for: Anyone who enjoys sports stories

Review: CUT BOTH WAYS, by Carrie Mesrobian

CUT BOTH WAYS is addictive, emotional, and packed with layers. I had trouble putting this book down! It's easy to relate to the main character, Will, who has a touching and realistic perspective that will make any reader's heart break. Carrie Mesrobian has a way with narration, saying a lot with limited words. I was especially impressed with how she forces the reader to view each situation through the lens of the main character. I also strongly suggest reading the Author's Note at the end, which provides a lovely recap of Ms. Mesrobian's motivations.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for:  Lovers of realistic contemporaries and LGBTQ teen fiction

Review: WRITTEN IN THE STARS, by Aisha Saeed

WRITTEN IN THE STARS is an engaging and intense story set in present-day Florida and Pakistan. The plot was simultaneously heartbreaking and thrilling, which is indicative of Aisha Saeed's creative talent. Though the characters were vastly different from myself, I related to many of them in ways I hadn't expected. I experienced a wide range of emotions while reading, from anger to happiness to hesitation, then back again.

Stars: 4/5
Recommended for: Anyone interested in contemporary stories about teenagers straddling two cultures.