You’re walking through the forest, the breeze smells like pine trees and daisies. As you keep walking on the winding path, you hear a rustling above you. You look up but can’t seem to see what is making to rustling sound So you carry on walking. You hear the rustling again but do nothing about it this time. Suddenly, Stella pops into your view. She flies right up to you, and gives you a wave. “Hello, friend! It’s so nice to see you again! I was flying to deliver some book news but, I noticed you were walking home already so i came to surprise you! I hope I didn’t scare you! “I’m so excited to tell you what’s happening in the book world this week. There’s so much to tell you! But, first I’d like to tell you about this cool book, Daisy Jones & The Six, that I’m reading about at the moment! It’s about how a band that formed in 1970’s California grew to be a huge success. I’m finding it super interesting and I really like the format that it’s written in! It’s almost like its written like one of those music documentaries about old bands. It’s really fun and the cover is truly gorgeous! Now, on to the book news!
Welcome to Issue #1!
Hi, hi! I’m so excited to announce all the lovely books that have come out this past month as well as some lovely new and diverse books to keep an eye out for! I really loved putting this together and I can’t wait to see which books you guys are excited for, too!
Book Releases For May 7th – May 12th
With The Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo
With her daughter to care for and her abuela to help support, high school senior Emoni Santiago has to make the tough decisions, and do what must be done. The one place she can let her responsibilities go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Still, she knows she doesn’t have enough time for her school’s new culinary arts class, doesn’t have the money for the class’s trip to Spain — and shouldn’t still be dreaming of someday working in a real kitchen. But even with all the rules she has for her life — and all the rules everyone expects her to play by — once Emoni starts cooking, her only real choice is to let her talent break free. Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
I’m super excited for the release of With The Fire On High this week, since its (1) by a Latinx author, and I always love an own voices book! (yas, werk that representation!) (2) The cover is incredibly gorgeous! I don’t understand how something can physically be so beautiful, amazing and captivating but, wow I’m in love. (3) This book is about cooking and cooking equals food and food equals yummy scrummy writing which would feed my happy soul so much I need this book STAT!
Released on the 7th of May 2019. Add this book on Goodreads.
Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens by Tanya Boteju
Perpetually awkward Nima Kumara-Clark is bored with her insular community of Bridgeton, in love with her straight girlfriend, and trying to move past her mother’s unexpected departure. After a bewildering encounter at a local festival, Nima finds herself suddenly immersed in the drag scene on the other side of town. Macho drag kings, magical queens, new love interests, and surprising allies propel Nima both painfully and hilariously closer to a self she never knew she could be—one that can confidently express and accept love. But she’ll have to learn to accept lost love to get there. Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQIA+
What really caught my eye was the cover (like, wow, yes, cover buy alert!) and I really, really like this cover. It is just beautiful. Although I haven’t read this book yet, I think it suits the story very well and I am so excited to read this. I feel like I’m probably going to cry a lot (because it’ll make me so happy) but it’s going to be so worth it! A definite instant add to my TBR.
Released on the 7th of May 2019. Add this book on Goodreads.
Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo
10 00 p.m.: Lucky is the biggest K-pop star on the scene, and she’s just performed her hit song “Heartbeat” in Hong Kong to thousands of adoring fans. She’s about to debut on The Tonight Show in America, hopefully a breakout performance for her career. But right now? She’s in her fancy hotel, trying to fall asleep but dying for a hamburger. 11 00 p.m.: Jack is sneaking into a fancy hotel, on assignment for his tabloid job that he keeps secret from his parents. On his way out of the hotel, he runs into a girl wearing slippers, a girl who is single-mindedly determined to find a hamburger. She looks kind of familiar. She’s very cute. He’s maybe curious. 12:00 a.m.: Nothing will ever be the same. Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
This is everything I need from a synopsis. It’s so simple and yet, it makes me feel so excited and giddy! For me, it’s very reminiscent to When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon and The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon. Although I haven’t read The Sun Is Also A Star, I’ve watched the trailer for the movie (that’s coming out in less than a month. I’m so hyped!) recently and It’s so great so, yes, definitely adding this to my infinite TBR!
Released on the 7th of May 2019. Add this book on Goodreads.
Aurora Rising by Aimee Kauffman & Jay Kristoff
The year is 2380, and the graduating cadets of Aurora Academy are being assigned their first missions. Star pupil Tyler Jones is ready to recruit the squad of his dreams, but his own boneheaded heroism sees him stuck with the dregs nobody else in the Academy would touch… A cocky diplomat with a black belt in sarcasm A sociopath scientist with a fondness for shooting her bunkmates A smart-ass techwiz with the galaxy’s biggest chip on his shoulder An alien warrior with anger management issues A tomboy pilot who’s totally not into him, in case you were wondering And Ty’s squad isn’t even his biggest problem—that’d be Aurora Jie-Lin O’Malley, the girl he’s just rescued from interdimensional space. Trapped in cryo-sleep for two centuries, Auri is a girl out of time and out of her depth. But she could be the catalyst that starts a war millions of years in the making, and Tyler’s squad of losers, discipline-cases and misfits might just be the last hope for the entire galaxy. They’re not the heroes we deserve. They’re just the ones we could find. Nobody panic. Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
This book is going to break me in the best way possible. How do I know? because Illuminae broke me and I don’t know if I’ve healed completely since then. Jay Kristoff has a very conceptual way of writing. quite similar to the way Neal Schusterman writes and both of them are masters to conceptualism and making me think thoughts that are so deep they’re at the bottom of the ocean- Wowie! I had to take breaks reading Illuminae because I got so into the story. I loved everything about it, but, what I love even more about Aroura, is that it’s got a whole friend group sticking together and battling it out to fight or the greater good. I really love the sound of it and I can’t wait to read it!
Released on the 7th of May 2019. Add this book on Goodreads.
Nocturna by Maya Montayne
Set in a Latinx-inspired world, a face-changing thief and a risk-taking prince must team up to defeat a powerful evil they accidentally unleashed. To Finn Voy, magic is two things: a knife to hold under the chin of anyone who crosses her…and a disguise she shrugs on as easily as others pull on cloaks. As a talented faceshifter, it’s been years since Finn has seen her own face, and that’s exactly how she likes it. But when Finn gets caught by a powerful mobster, she’s forced into an impossible mission: steal a legendary treasure from Castallan’s royal palace or be stripped of her magic forever. After the murder of his older brother, Prince Alfehr is first in line for the Castallan throne. But Alfie can’t help but feel that he will never live up to his brother’s legacy. Riddled with grief, Alfie is obsessed with finding a way to bring his brother back, even if it means dabbling in forbidden magic. But when Finn and Alfie’s fates collide, they accidentally unlock a terrible, ancient power—which, if not contained, will devour the world. And with Castallan’s fate in their hands, Alfie and Finn must race to vanquish what they have unleashed, even if it means facing the deepest darkness in their pasts. Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
As soon as I finished reading the synopsis, I just had to take a breath because I was freaking out. A Latinx inspired world, Assassins in disguise and dark secrets? that’s the perfect combination I need this book in my hands right now. I really love that Nocturna is based in a Latinx world, especially since it’s a fantasy novel and I don’t think I’ve ever read a Latinx fantasy, (I could be wrong since i was guessing off the top of my head.) which is mostly on my part since I haven’ seen very many. I can’t wait to dive into this!
Released on the 7th of May 2019. Add this book on Goodreads.
Just South of Home by Karen Strong
Cousins Sarah and Janie unearth a tragic event in their small Southern town’s history in this witty middle grade debut novel that’s perfect for fans of Stella by Starlight, The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing, and As Brave as You. Twelve-year old Sarah is finally in charge. At last, she can spend her summer months reading her favorite science books and bossing around her younger brother, Ellis, instead of being worked to the bone by their overly strict grandmother, Mrs. Greene. But when their cousin, Janie, arrives for a visit, Sarah’s plans are completely squashed. Janie has a knack for getting into trouble and asks Sarah to take her to Creek Church: a landmark of their small town that she heard was haunted. It’s also off-limits. Janie’s sticky fingers lead Sarah, Ellis, and his best friend Jasper to uncover a deep-seated part of the town’s past. With a bit of luck, this foursome will heal the place they call home and the people within it they call family. Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Contemporary
How exciting does his sound? I love the whole entire premise of this story. Although, I’m not Middle Grade age, I really would love to read this as, of course, it’s a lighter mystery than YA or Adult novels but I’m going to be burrowing myself into this book when I get a chance to read it. It really sounds so fun- ah!
Released on the 7th of May 2019. Add this book on Goodreads.
Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins
Millie Quint is devastated when she discovers that her sort-of-best friend/sort-of-girlfriend has been kissing someone else. And because Millie cannot stand the thought of confronting her ex every day, she decides to apply for scholarships to boarding schools . . . the farther from Houston the better. Millie can’t believe her luck when she’s accepted into one of the world’s most exclusive schools, located in the rolling highlands of Scotland. Everything about Scotland is different: the country is misty and green; the school is gorgeous, and the students think Americans are cute. The only problem: Mille’s roommate Flora is a total princess. She’s also an actual princess. Of Scotland. At first, the girls can barely stand each other–Flora is both high-class and high-key–but before Millie knows it, she has another sort-of-best-friend/sort-of-girlfriend. Even though Princess Flora could be a new chapter in her love life, Millie knows the chances of happily ever afters are slim . . . after all, real life isn’t a fairy tale . . . or is it? Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, LGBTQIA+
Here’s a reenactment of my reaction when I read this: ASDFDHKDHDJKL THIS SOUNDS SO CUTE! Self-growth, royalty, a Hogwarts-esque school (I’m guessing as it’s set in a similar place to where Hogwarts was based, right?) and cute hate to love romance, I can’t wait. I absolutely need this book right now, please and thank you.
Released on the 7th of May 2019. Add this book on Goodreads.
The Bride Test by Helen Hoang
Khai Diep has no feelings. Well, he feels irritation when people move his things or contentment when ledgers balance down to the penny, but not big, important emotions—like grief. And love. He thinks he’s defective. His family knows better—that his autism means he just processes emotions differently. When he steadfastly avoids relationships, his mother takes matters into her own hands and returns to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride. As a mixed-race girl living in the slums of Ho Chi Minh City, Esme Tran has always felt out of place. When the opportunity arises to come to America and meet a potential husband, she can’t turn it down, thinking this could be the break her family needs. Seducing Khai, however, doesn’t go as planned. Esme’s lessons in love seem to be working…but only on herself. She’s hopelessly smitten with a man who’s convinced he can never return her affection. With Esme’s time in the United States dwindling, Khai is forced to understand he’s been wrong all along. And there’s more than one way to love.
Despite sharing my name with the MC in the first book, The Kiss Quotient, I haven’t read these books yet. but, I do plan on reading them this month! Hopefully, I will stick to my May TBR and actually read them. I feel like I will relate to this book as I am also mixed race and I sometimes don’t feel like I fit in because of it but, then I think I’m lucky because of it. I’m unique because of it. And I love it. I love that there are characters out there whom I can relate to and I can’t wait to read this ASAP!
Released on the 7th of May 2019. Add this book on Goodreads.
Book Releases Between May 13th – May 19th
Don’t Date Rosa Santos by Nina Moreno
Rosa Santos is cursed by the sea-at least, that’s what they say. Dating her is bad news, especially if you’re a boy with a boat. But Rosa feels more caught than cursed. Caught between cultures and choices. Between her abuela, a beloved healer and pillar of their community, and her mother, an artist who crashes in and out of her life like a hurricane. Between Port Coral, the quirky South Florida town they call home, and Cuba, the island her abuela refuses to talk about. As her college decision looms, Rosa collides – literally – with Alex Aquino, the mysterious boy with tattoos of the ocean whose family owns the marina. With her heart, her family, and her future on the line, can Rosa break a curse and find her place beyond the horizon? Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Oh, Wow. This book sounds amazing. Do I need it now? I think… Yes. Yesterday, I saw so many beautiful pictures of bloggers on twitter sharing their beautiful yellow outfits for the release of Don’t Date Rosa Santos and I was living!!! It was also just so adorable, wow. I can’t wait to get my hands on this book!
Released on the 14th of May 2019. Add this book on Goodreads.
I Wish You All The Best by Mason Deaver
But Ben’s attempts to survive the last half of senior year unnoticed are thwarted when Nathan Allan, a funny and charismatic student, decides to take Ben under his wing. As Ben and Nathan’s friendship grows, their feelings for each other begin to change, and what started as a disastrous turn of events looks like it might just be a chance to start a happier new life. Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQIA+
Wow, wow, wow. Hello, 911? How do I report a stolen heart? Yes, this book cover is the culprit. It’s just so cute and heartwarming. I really am so happy this book has been published since it represents another set of beautiful people on this beautiful planet. I’ve never read from the POV of a non-binary person since I’ve never seen any (mainstream) books telling their stories. And I’m really glad someone is because it’s about time! I really can’t wait to read this when I get the chance to pick it up. it’s going to be great, I just know it!
Released on the 14th of May 2019. Add this book on Goodreads.
Pie in the Sky by Remy Lai
When eleven-year-old Jingwen moves to a new country, he feels like he’s landed on Mars. School is torture, making friends is impossible since he doesn’t speak English, and he’s often stuck looking after his (extremely irritating) little brother, Yanghao. To distract himself from the loneliness, Jingwen daydreams about making all the cakes on the menu of Pie in the Sky, the bakery his father had planned to open before he unexpectedly passed away. The only problem is his mother has laid down one major rule: the brothers are not to use the oven while she’s at work. As Jingwen and Yanghao bake elaborate cakes, they’ll have to cook up elaborate excuses to keep the cake making a secret from Mama. Genre: Middle Grade
There’s someone I know who’s read this book and loved it with all of her heart but I just can’t seem to remember. Hmm… I wonder who it is? I think you all know that Xialong Loves this book A LOT. Her love for this beautiful book makes me want to read it even more than I ever have before. I can tell it’s going to be a great read because this story is just down-right adorable. and I need this book noooow!
Released on the 14th of May 2019. Add this book on Goodreads.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz is the closest thing to a prince this side of the Atlantic. With his intrepid sister and the Veep’s genius granddaughter, they’re the White House Trio, a beautiful millennial marketing strategy for his mother, President Ellen Claremont. International socialite duties do have downsides—namely, when photos of a confrontation with his longtime nemesis Prince Henry at a royal wedding leak to the tabloids and threaten American/British relations. The plan for damage control: staging a fake friendship between the First Son and the Prince. Alex is busy enough handling his mother’s bloodthirsty opponents and his own political ambitions without an uptight royal slowing him down. But beneath Henry’s Prince Charming veneer, there’s a soft-hearted eccentric with a dry sense of humor and more than one ghost haunting him. As President Claremont kicks off her reelection bid, Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret relationship with Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations. And Henry throws everything into question for Alex, an impulsive, charming guy who thought he knew everything: What is worth the sacrifice? How do you do all the good you can do? And, most importantly, how will history remember you? Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, LGBTQIA+
I personally think the synopsis should be changed to; “Two men in high political positions, one love story and Stella lying on the floor in a puddle of her tears because she is just so caught up in her feelings.” But, I guess they could use the original one too. I’m just kidding, but my feelings are no joke. I am so ready to read this book, it truly sounds amazing! So many people I know have already started reading it and they’ve said they love it a lot! So, If this book (or all the books) could become my Thor hammer so I could just reach out and grab it, that would be great, thanks.
Released on the 14th of May 2019. Add this book on Goodreads.
The Candle and the Flame by Nafiza Azad
Fatima lives in the city of Noor, a thriving stop along the Silk Road. There the music of myriad languages fills the air, and people of all faiths weave their lives together. However, the city bears scars of its recent past, when the chaotic tribe of Shayateen djinn slaughtered its entire population — except for Fatima and two other humans. Now ruled by a new maharajah, Noor is protected from the Shayateen by the Ifrit, djinn of order and reason, and by their commander, Zulfikar. But when one of the most potent of the Ifrit dies, Fatima is changed in ways she cannot fathom, ways that scare even those who love her. Oud in hand, Fatima is drawn into the intrigues of the maharajah and his sister, the affairs of Zulfikar and the djinn, and the dangers of a magical battlefield. Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Yes, yes, yes and yes. Fantasy is my kryptonite. I need this book as if there’s no tomorrow. You know when a dog gets super hyper and excited when they’re just about to go on a walk? That’s how I feel about this book. everything about it sounds amazing and I need in my bookshelf because it is just so gorgeous!
Released on the 14th of May 2019. Add this book on Goodreads.
The Lost Coast by Amy Rose Capetta
Danny didn’t know what she was looking for when she and her mother spread out a map of the United States and Danny put her finger down on Tempest, California. What she finds are the Grays: a group of friends who throw around terms like queer and witch like they’re ordinary and everyday, though they feel like an earthquake to Danny. But Danny didn’t just find the Grays. They cast a spell that calls her halfway across the country, because she has something they need: she can bring back Imogen, the most powerful of the Grays, missing since the summer night she wandered into the woods alone. But before Danny can find Imogen, she finds a dead boy with a redwood branch through his heart. Something is very wrong amid the trees and fog of the Lost Coast, and whatever it is, it can kill. Lush, eerie, and imaginative, Amy Rose Capetta’s tale overflows with the perils and power of discovery — and what it means to find your home, yourself, and your way forward. Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, LGBTQIA+
I actually gasped when I read this. Its sounds amazing. It makes me think of The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert a little bit? It was a really interesting read and I hope this read lives up to that or even more! It’s going to be so great when I read The Lost Coast!
Released on the 14th of May 2019. Add this book on Goodreads.
There’s Something About Sweetie by Sandhya Menon
Ashish Patel didn’t know love could be so…sucky. After he’s dumped by his ex-girlfriend, his mojo goes AWOL. Even worse, his parents are annoyingly, smugly confident they could find him a better match. So, in a moment of weakness, Ash challenges them to set him up. The Patels insist that Ashish date an Indian-American girl—under contract. Per subclause 1(a), he’ll be taking his date on “fun” excursions like visiting the Hindu temple and his eccentric Gita Auntie. Kill him now. How is this ever going to work? Sweetie Nair is many things: a formidable track athlete who can outrun most people in California, a loyal friend, a shower-singing champion. Oh, and she’s also fat. To Sweetie’s traditional parents, this last detail is the kiss of death. Sweetie loves her parents, but she’s so tired of being told she’s lacking because she’s fat. She decides it’s time to kick off the Sassy Sweetie Project, where she’ll show the world (and herself) what she’s really made of. Ashish and Sweetie both have something to prove. But with each date they realize there’s an unexpected magic growing between them. Can they find their true selves without losing each other? Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
There’s Something about Sweetie is probably going to be the death of me in the best way possible since it’s one of my most anticipated reads of the year. I cannot wait to read this book! It’s going to AMAZING I’ve loved Sandhya Menon’s other books with all of my soul. Ashish is an adorable little dumpling and I can tell I’m going to love Sweetie just as much. I love that there’s a fat girl on the cover of a book I’ve only seen two other books with fat girls on them in YA and it’s just so beautiful to see that representation IRL. I love it!
Released on the 14th of May 2019. Add this book on Goodreads.
We Contain Multitudes by Sarah Henstra
Jonathan Hopkirk and Adam “Kurl” Kurlansky are partnered in English class, writing letters to one another in a weekly pen pal assignment. With each letter, the two begin to develop a friendship that eventually grows into love. But with homophobia, bullying, and devastating family secrets, Jonathan and Kurl struggle to overcome their conflicts and hold onto their relationship…and each other. Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQIA+
We Contain Multitudes? More like, We Contain TEArS! This book is giving me major Simon V.S. vibes and I am not ready! I really can’t wait to read it! It’s going to be beautiful and amazing and y’all should get on this I’m-definitely-going-to-cry Train. Quick, before it leaves for the next stop, I-have-no-tears-left-in-my-body.
Released on the 14th of May 2019. Add this book on Goodreads.
We Hunt The Flame by Hafsah Faizal
Zafira is the Hunter, disguising herself as a man when she braves the cursed forest of the Arz to feed her people. Nasir is the Prince of Death, assassinating those foolish enough to defy his autocratic father, the king. If Zafira was exposed as a girl, all of her achievements would be rejected; if Nasir displayed his compassion, his father would punish him in the most brutal of ways. Both are legends in the kingdom of Arawiya—but neither wants to be. War is brewing, and the Arz sweeps closer with each passing day, engulfing the land in shadow. When Zafira embarks on a quest to uncover a lost artifact that can restore magic to her suffering world and stop the Arz, Nasir is sent by the king on a similar mission: retrieve the artifact and kill the Hunter. But an ancient evil stirs as their journey unfolds—and the prize they seek may pose a threat greater than either can imagine. Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
We Hunt The Flame is out in the world and ready to rumble! First of all, I gotta say WOW this cover is so beautiful. It definitely deserves to be up in a museum somewhere. It’s so beautiful! I also love how there are so many beautiful characters in this beautiful book. I don’t know if you’ve seen them, yet, but there are some beautiful pre-order cards out in the world and they are so gorgeous. I really am amazed. From what I’ve seen online (mostly quotes from WHTF) Hafsah has such a beautiful way of writing, I’m really excited to fully immerse myself in her mystical world of amazingness. it’s going to be great! AH!
Released on the 14th of May 2019. Add this book on Goodreads.
Book Releases Between May 20th – May 27th
Birthday by Meredith Russo
Two kids, Morgan and Eric, are bonded for life after being born on the same day at the same time. We meet them once a year on their shared birthday as they grow and change: as Eric figures out who he is and how he fits into the world, and as Morgan makes the difficult choice to live as her true self. Over the years, they will drift apart, come together, fight, make up, and break up—and ultimately, realize how inextricably they are a part of each other. Genre: Young Adult, Romance, LGBTQIA+
Happy early birthday to Birthday! This book looks so interesting! I’m ready for the friendship powers as well as the drama. This cover looks like something you’d see for an Indie film and I love that. I’ve seen so many good reviews from those who have read the ARCs so far and I’m loving it! as soon as I saw it on Goodreads, I just HAD to add it to my TBR. I hope it lives up to expectations!
Releases on the 21st of May 2019. Add this book on Goodreads.
Girl Gone Viral by Armin Ahmadi
For seventeen-year-old Opal Hopper, code is magic. She builds entire worlds from scratch: Mars craters, shimmering lakes, any virtual experience her heart desires. But she can’t code her dad back into her life. When he disappeared after her tenth birthday, leaving only a cryptic note, Opal tried desperately to find him. And when he never turned up, she enrolled at a boarding school for technical prodigies and tried to forget. Until now. Because WAVE, the world’s biggest virtual reality platform, has announced a contest where the winner gets to meet its billionaire founder. The same billionaire who worked closely with Opal’s dad. The one she always believed might know where he went. The one who maybe even murdered him. What begins as a small data hack to win the contest spirals out of control when Opal goes viral, digging her deeper into a hole of lies, hacks, and manipulation. How far will Opal go for the answers–or is it the attention–she’s wanted for years? Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Opal sounds like an amazing character and she’s a hacker? I love that. I really love that the author mixed a murder mystery with an intense gaming competition mixed with familial drama. It sounds so intense and I needed this yesterday. I really can’t wait to read it, It’s going to be great!
Releases on the 21st of May 2019. Add this book on Goodreads.
Going Off Script by Jen Wilde
Seventeen-year-old Bex is thrilled when she gets an internship on her favorite tv show, Silver Falls. Unfortunately, the internship isn’t quite what she expected… instead of sitting in a crowded writer’s room volleying ideas back and forth, Production Interns are stuck picking up the coffee. Determined to prove her worth as a writer, Bex drafts her own script and shares it with the head writer―who promptly reworks it and passes it off as his own! Bex is understandably furious, yet…maybe this is just how the industry works? But when they rewrite her proudly lesbian character as straight, that’s the last straw! It’s time for Bex and her crush to fight back. Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, LGBTQIA+
Bex: *changes the narrative* Annoying guy: *changes the narrative in the worst way possible* Bex: *changes the narrative again, but better* Me reading the synopsis: YES, BEX, GO YOU CAN DO IT. CHANGE THAT NARRATIVE LIKE THE QUEEN YOU ARE! Am I excited about this book? yes, Do I need it now? yes. Am I going to stop asking questions we all know the answer to? yes. I really, really want- no, need to read this book. This actually has happened a lot in Hollywood, which absolutely SUCKS! so, I really love that there’s now a story on how that happens as well as it being changed for the better. I feel like Bex is going to be such a great character. I can’t wait to learn more about her!
Releases on the 21st of May 2019. Add this book on Goodreads.
Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson
Biggie Smalls was right. Things done changed. But that doesn’t mean that Quadir and Jarrell are okay letting their best friend Steph’s tracks lie forgotten in his bedroom after he’s killed—not when his beats could turn any Bed-Stuy corner into a celebration, not after years of having each other’s backs. Enlisting the help of Steph’s younger sister, Jasmine, Quadir and Jarrell come up with a plan to promote Steph’s music under a new rap name: The Architect. Soon, everyone in Brooklyn is dancing to Steph’s voice. But then his mixtape catches the attention of a hotheaded music rep and—with just hours on the clock—the trio must race to prove Steph’s talent from beyond the grave. Now, as the pressure—and danger—of keeping their secret grows, Quadir, Jarrell, and Jasmine are forced to confront the truth about what happened to Steph. Only each has something to hide. And with everything riding on Steph’s fame, together they need to decide what they stand for before they lose everything they’ve worked so hard to hold on to—including each other. Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
This book is going to make me cry and I love that for me. I love any books to do with music. Music is such a powerful tool for expressionism. It’s one of my favourite things that humans have created, so far. I can’t imagine a world without it. So, with Tiffany D. Jackson blending my two favourite worlds, the book world and the music world together, she’s created something extraordinary. I don’t normally like mashed potatoes but this is the only exception.
Releases on the 21st of May 2019. Add this book on Goodreads.
Missing, Presumed Dead by Emma Berquist
With a touch, Lexi can sense how and when someone will die. Some say it’s a gift. But to Lexi it’s a curse—one that keeps her friendless and alone. All that changes when Lexi foresees the violent death of a young woman, Jane, outside a club. But Jane doesn’t go to the afterlife quietly. Her ghost remains behind, determined to hunt down her murderer, and she needs Lexi’s help. In life, Jane was everything Lexi is not—outgoing, happy, popular. But in death, all Jane wants is revenge. Lexi will do anything to help Jane, to make up for the fact that she didn’t—couldn’t—save Jane’s life, and to keep this beautiful ghost of a girl by her side for as long as possible. Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, LGBTQIA+
Oh, wow. I want to read this book so bad! The paranormal detective theme is excellent as well as a ghost girl and a mortal love falling in love whilst finding the ghost girls murderer? I love that. The cover is also so great I love how the neon lights create such a great contrast against the silhouette of the person on the cover. It makes me want to pick up my pen and draw more!
Releases on the 21st of May 2019. Add this book on Goodreads.
Practically Ever After by Isabel Bandeira
Ever practical Grace Correa has planned the perfect life. She has Leia, the perfect girlfriend, amazing friends, is part of Pine Central’s glitterati, and has been accepted into her first-choice university guaranteeing one of the best paying jobs in the country. To Grace, life is an equation where everything can be perfectly calculated to ensure maximum success and the perfect future. The problem is that life has a funny way of getting in the way of plans. With high school rushing to an end, Grace’s plans start falling apart. The “piece of cake” final design project is anything but easy, everyone seems to need everything from her, her schedule is a mess, and after a massive fight, all signs say that breaking up with Leia is the practical choice for both of them. Especially since long distance college relationships never seem to last. Except…Grace starts to wonder for the first time in her life if she messed up her calculations. What can a practical person do when love is the least practical choice? Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQIA+
I can definitely relate to grace in the sense that I tend to spread myself too thin because I really like helping people with things. Or that I want to do too many things at once. I love the sound of this book as I already said, I think I can relate to Grace as well as many other people. I think I’m going to really enjoy reading this. I love light contemporaries and I’m getting To All the boys I’ve Loved Before vibes and I just love that for me.
Releases on the 21st of May 2019. Add this book to Goodreads.
Symptoms of a Heartbreak by Sona Charaipotra
Fresh from med school, sixteen-year-old medical prodigy Saira arrives for her first day at her new job: treating children with cancer. She’s always had to balance family and friendships with her celebrity as the Girl Genius—but she’s never had to prove herself to skeptical adult co-workers while adjusting to real life-and-death stakes. And working in the same hospital as her mother certainly isn’t making things any easier. But life gets complicated when Saira finds herself falling in love with a patient: a cute teen boy who’s been diagnosed with cancer. And when she risks her brand new career to try to improve his chances, it could cost her everything. It turns out “heartbreak” is the one thing she still doesn’t know how to treat. Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
So, I’m going to break after reading this, for sure! I can’t wait to read this book but, oh my gosh, I really can’t handle this. How am I not going to cry? wow. If you need me I’ll be swimming in my swimming pool filled with my own tears. wow. I really can’t wait to read this.
Releases on the 21st of May 2019. Add this book to Goodreads.
Book News
Books news is everywhere and there is so much of it but here are some highlights of some new authors and books to keep a look out for!
The Silvered Serpents by Roshani Chokshi
https://twitter.com/Roshani_Chokshi/status/1126132893800128512 Read the official announcement/pre-order here! As soon as I read the news that The Silvered Serpents was coming out I actually gasped. And although, I haven’t finished reading The Gilded Wolves, yet, I just know I’m going to absolutely adore the rest of The Gilded Wolves! everything about it is so great and I love the diversity in it, so far!
Forest of Souls by Lori M. Lee
Read the official Announcement here! I have been waiting so, so long for Lori’s next book. I read her last book, The Infinite back in 2016 and I am just so excited to read her work again. She is so talented and I loved Gates of Thread and Stone A LOT! I can tell already that I’m going to love Forest of Souls just as much!
Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds
Read the official announcement here! I am so excited for look Both Ways! I haven’t read any of Jason’s books, yet, but, I have heard the most amazing things about his books. I love what he’s talked abut online, which makes me want to read his books even more!
Rent A Boyfriend by Gloria Chao
Read the official announcement here! This is so exciting! I absolutely love the sound of Rent A Boyfriend! contemporary’s like these always make me feel so giddy and excited! I really, really can’t wait!
Dark and Deepest Red by Anna-Marie Mclemore
Read the official announcement here! I actually gasped out loud when I was reading the description of this book. It sounds absolutely beautiful and I neeeeeeed this book now! is there a way you can pre-order pre-orders? because I need this book pronto, please!
Book Community Spotlight!
What makes the book community so special is the amazing people who make these great posts and share their love of books with the world. so, Here are a few lovely bloggers/booktubers/bookstagrammers you should definitely check out!
Bowties & Books: Booktuber
Jesse is a really great booktuber that I’m a really big fan of! I first found out about them when they hosted The Black-a-thon Readathon which they created back in March, this year. Their videos are so bright and bubbly and just make me feel so happy! I really like the way they format their videos in a very original way. Their latest upload on their booktube channel was their May TBR for the Asian Readathon You can also follow them on their Instagram, Twitter and Goodreads!
Inconsistentlyjules: Booktuber
Jules is one of my favourite booktubers who really does deserve a bigger audience! She’s so sweet and kind and I find her videos very calming after a long day. I found her channel when she and I were taking part in the Booktube Games back in March and I am so lucky to have become friends with her since then. Her latest Upload was her Monthly Reading Vlog for April and you can also check her out on her Twitter, Instagram and Goodreads.
Wanderlost.soul: Bookstagramer
Zshavette is one of my all-time favourite bookstagrammers out there. She could post a picture of a blank wall, and I’d still love it. It’s as if she’s got the Midas touch. I love watching her Instagram stories as she mixes her reading updates with fun polls to take part in as well. She also has a booktube channel where she has recently uploaded her May TBR for the Asian Readathon this year. You can also check out her Twitter and Goodreads.
Lyrical.reads: Bookstagrammer
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuuEMb7HLu6/
Sara is such a great photographer as well as her just being one of the most adorable human beings out there! I love her bookstagram account and how every time she posts she makes my day a little brighter. I found her account on Instagram via a mutual friend I instantly fell in love with her photos and we’re now both in Joan He’s Descendant of the Crane street team which is super fun as well!
You can also follow her on Twitter, Goodreads and her blog, too!
Star Is All Booked Up: Blogger
Star is such a great blogger. I really love how creative and genuine she is. Her blog posts contain book reviews, blog tour posts and really fun, yet, insightful posts! I really do love her blog! Her latest post was: We Hunt the Flame Mini Playlist and it’s great I can’t wait to listen to these songs and think of all the characters from We Hunt The Flame by Hafsah Faizal. You can also follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
The Books Buzz: Bloggers
The Books Buzz is run by Alexandria, Yingchao and Gabrielle. They predominantly blog about YA books in the diverse universe but also write about college life. The Books Buzz is such a great blog. I love reading their posts and they really inspire me to up my game when it comes to blogging and life in general, too! Their last post was: POC IN PUB PRESENTS: DIVERSITY IN DESIGN. You should definitely check it out, it was such a great read!
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The Quiet Pond 
I love this new feature on the blog! Can’t wait for the next update. Ahh so many amazing books released in May I want to read them all.
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Ahh what a lovely feature, this is so great, thank you so much for putting all of this together ❤ There are so many exciting releases this month, I can't wait to read so many of them. I have to say, I'm so, so impatient to get my copy of Red, White and Royal Blue 😀
Thank you so much for this wonderful post! Can't wait to see the other issues! 😀
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Thank you so much for reading, Marie! It makes me so happy that enjoyed this issue! 💛 I also, cant wait for RWRB to get here fast enough! It’s coming out later here in the UK and the pain of waiting for it is real! 😭 I cant wait for you to read all the other Book News issues! 😊💛
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Oh I get that, I’ve been waiting for my copy to arrive for ages, it’s so hard being an intl blogger ahah. I hope it will live up to the hype when we can finally read it 😀
And thank YOU for putting all of this together, really, it’s so wonderful ❤
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I love this feature so much, thank you for putting all this together, Stella! I adored The Kiss Quotient and The Bride Test, and Helen Hoang became a total autobuy author for me. There’s just something about her characters that makes them feel so real and lovable, and their emotions come through 1000%. We Contain Multitudes, We Hunt the Flame, I Wish You All the Best and The Candle and the Flame are all waiting (im)patiently to be read, and I’m so ready for them all. I also really need to buy Don’t Date Rosa Santos and Missing, Presumed Dead – both of those I’ve heard fantastic things about. 🙂
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I JUST downloaded the audiobook of With The Fire On High and I can’t wait! I listened to The Poet X via audiobook and it is definitely the way to go with Elizabeth Acevedo’s books since she narrates them herself.
I highly recommend Jason Reynold’s books! I got the chance to see him at a book festival earlier this year and hear him speak during an author spotlight. He is an absolutely fascinating man.
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Love this new feature so much, especially the round up of diverse releases & news. Going to check out the creators that you spotlighted now.
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