The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary

The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was absolutely adorable and had such a great premise with some unexpected depth. I really just wanted a tiny bit more oomph and a bit more development in the side characters. I guess I expected just a few more truly funny moments, and it went the sweet but serious route instead. That’s fine, too, but I was craving just a bit more lighthearted fun. Otherwise, I really enjoyed it.

I listened to the audiobook, which had 2 unique narrators that I thoroughly enjoyed.

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Marriage for One

Marriage for One by Ella Maise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a great, slow-burning “fake marriage” romance novel. I really enjoyed this one. It's full of kind, sweet, and heartfelt moments, which is lovely, but the two main characters still butt heads and bicker just a little bit, to help keep it realistic.

I listened to this on audiobook, and the narration was good. I couldn't stop listening, because I was addicted to this story.

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Alaska Wild by Helena Newbury

Alaska Wild by Helena Newbury
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a romantic suspense, with a strong crime thriller vibe. It’s still sexy enough that I would consider it a romance novel but suspenseful and tense enough, with a fast-moving plot, which means you could also call it a thriller with lots of sexy fun in the not almost dying moments. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but I’m also fascinated but what it takes to survive in the Alaskan wilderness.

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Love From A to Z by S.K. Ali

Love From A to Z by S.K. Ali
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I buzzed straight through this one, and it tugged at all my heartstrings. It has a way of being very informative, current, and relevant, but without feeling like you're being preached at or lectured. I guess what I'm saying is that it makes good points but doesn't hammer you over the head with them, which is good, as I usually find that to be disruptive to the story.

I think YA has a lot of great diversity these days (which I'm excited about), but the universe definitely needed this book. I especially liked the commentary on cultural appropriation, as I think that is something people definitely need to be more aware of and informed about. I also just enjoyed learning more about Muslim beliefs and customs. Some of the different aspects of the religion seem quite beautiful and appealing, and it made me curious to learn more.

Anyway, long story short, I'm happy that this book exists, and I hope that the current generation of teen readers grow up to become more informed, compassionate, and outspoken humans because this book exists.

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Random Collection of Short Reviews

Mother of Eden
by Chris Beckett

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Such a fascinating world, with so much to say about humanity, society, power, politics, etc. But it never says anything in an in-your-face sort of way. It just presents the world and people and lets you draw your own, educated conclusions, based on how things occur.

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Little Princes: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal

by Conor Grennan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so caught up in this that I stayed up until 2 AM on a work night to read is straight through.

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The Hating Game
by Sally Thorne

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book tackles a lot of common romance tropes in the most enjoyable fashion, including office place romance and enemies to lovers. It’s funny and quirky, which makes it stand out in the deep sea of romance.

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Children of Virtue and Vengeance
by Tomi Adeyemi

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is magnificent and emotionally brutal. I ugly cried not once, but twice while reading this story. I should write an entire novel about how much I enjoy this series, but I’m exhausted and wrecked. So this is all for now.

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The Astonishing Color of After
by Emily X.R. Pan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gorgeous writing. Difficult topic, handled well. Elements of magical realism. Lots of insight into Taiwanese culture. Overall, this was a good read with a unique format and a lot of moving parts, but it all came together beautifully in the end.

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Internment by Samira Ahmed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*still sobbing*

10 stars.

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After We Fell by Anna Todd

After We Fell by Anna Todd
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I hate to say it, but I just can’t do it anymore. That’s two really long books in a row now with no actual plot or interesting storyline, other than a lot of endless drama. I’ve even gotten bored with all the sex.

Gasp. Yes, I did say that, but it’s hard to enjoy the intimacy between the characters when their relationship lacks true intimacy. I can’t even seem to get caught up in their sexy times, because it’s usually just a way to stop fighting or set their problems aside for a few minutes before returning right to them. And that’s not sexy to me. It’s actually kind of sad and pathetic, as well as completely dysfunctional.

The cycle is pretty much the same with Hardin: controlling behaviors paired with rude and disrespectful commentary, epic arguments that always escalate, screaming hateful things at a woman he supposedly loves but can’t seem to even remotely respect, running away and drinking himself into a stupor, Seeing Tessa with another man (usually just a random guy or friend—nothing questionable), getting in physical fights and/or verbally assaulting the other man, returning pathetic and grouchy and desperate, having sex, and then promptly becoming hateful, controlling, and emotionally abusive all over again. And the whole cycle repeats ad nauseam.

I was hoping for some actual character growth and development in this book, but honestly, I think Hardin got worse and worse. I don’t even really like him anymore. He pissed me off so many times by being such a controlling and abusive bastard. It was just red flags every 5 pages with this book. I thought maybe these two would start to grow up and learn how to work together and respect each other, but clearly I was asking for too much. And Hardin makes no effort at all to help himself, such as by going to therapy. He does start confiding in family more, which helps a bit, but that only lasts for a matter of minutes before he reverts to the same bad behaviors.

I liked Hardin a lot, initially, but in this book, it’s just so very clear that he is immature, insecure, and has really low self-esteem, and the way he makes himself feel better is by controlling Tessa, bossing her around, and making her feel small, which is something I can’t accept or respect at all.

Granted, he’s dating someone who he knows is a cheater, so that alone tends to create trust issues in a relationship, but after 2,000+ pages, we shouldn’t be in the same spot that we were in back at the start of book 2. If he’s never going to afford her any trust and respect, then they both need to just let go of this co-dependent idiocy and get their own shit together before trying again in relationships with new people (or maybe not trying, in Hardin’s case).

Also super shitty is Tessa constantly blaming other people for upsetting Hardin, after he loses his effing mind and goes crazy breaking things and attacking people. This just happens over and over again, and every single time, it's someone else's fault for upsetting Hardin, rather than Hardin's fault for behaving so dramatically and aggressively, instead of controlling his temper and handling situations like a rational, non-violent adult who can communicate their feelings, issues, concerns, and emotions.

So yeah. From 5 stars to 2, because being crappy at relationships and not knowing how to be in one and make it work is one thing, but failing to learn and grow from past issues and mistakes is entirely another. Hardin seems to be incapable of growth, and I’m sick of it. And him. He’s a nasty bastard for most of this book, and there’s nothing charming, hot, or sexy about that. Then, there's Tessa, who is basically becoming the classic abused woman, putting all the blame on everyone and everything other than where the blame should be laid, which is at Hardin's feet.

I’m obviously not moving on to book 4. Clearly, this series is being drug on endlessly for the purpose of selling books, not because most of this shit is relevant to telling a good story about these two characters. It’s disappointing, but them’s the breaks. And I pretty much saw this conclusion coming while reading the last book, but I was holding on out of a desperate hope for something better. I wish I could have back the last 7 hours of my life.

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After We Collided by Anna Todd

After We Collided by Anna Todd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh, the drama. These two are complete idiots, but I’m kind of crazy about them. I don’t even understand why, because I would not be a fan of most of their behaviors in real life, which feels like a double standard. Regardless, I seem to be addicted.

This book isn’t quite as good as book one, because it drags on forever and doesn’t provide much that is actually new through the majority of the middle of the book. However, the characters start to show minor glimpses of personal growth here and there, which gives me hope for them.

If you like a lot of ridiculous and/or shocking drama, then this will be right up your alley, as it seems to be right up mine. I think it’s because some of the drama has real teeth. I’m usually put off by excessive surface level drama, but Todd does a decent job of making the drama feel deep and complex.


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After by Anna Todd

After by Anna Todd
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an interesting blend of BEAUTIFUL DISASTER and 50 SHADES OF GREY (without the BDSM) for me. It's really angsty, emotional, and there's a ton of poor decision-making occurring on everyone's part. Characters are so damaged by their pasts that they don't always behave lovingly, or as expected, in fact, they rarely manage to take a deep breath and figure out what is going on before overreacting.

Honestly, I thought this was going to be yet another boring NA that was so married to a common romance trope that it failed to be anything more, but I was wrong, as I was completely obsessed with this story and couldn't put it down. So long story short, I brought a lot of doubt and judgment into this read, and while there are behaviors I still don't condone, I was wrong on most counts about this being an interesting read. There's even a part of me that wants to go back and reread it with fresh eyes, after knowing how it all works out. But I can't do that, as I have already moved on to book 2 and need to know what happens next.

At the end of the day, I always prefer an emotional story with seriously flawed characters over a story that has flat characters and makes me feel nothing. Can I see some behaviors here that are red flags in a real relationship? Absolutely. But this is not a real relationship, and red flags don't always lead to crisis. Both characters know how to stand up for themselves, so nobody is being walked on, even if I don't always love and/or understand their decision-making during heated moments.

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Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit by Jaye Robin Brown

Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit by Jaye Robin Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I confess that, at first, I was not sure if I was going to like anyone in this story, as circumstances are rather rough at the beginning. However, I quickly came around on almost everyone, and I really enjoyed this one. There's a lot of change and growth, which all feels very realistic and honest. The romance elements are so sweet and hopeful.

The writing and storytelling are both fantastic, and the pacing seems to be spot on. Overall, this is a really solid YA Contemporary romance with a good amount of diversity that doesn't come only from the LGBT characters.

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Summer Series by Jenny Han

The Summer I Turned Pretty
by Jenny Han

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed revisiting this one. It’s such a great story of summer, growing up, firsts, and dealing with hardship. It’s deliciously angsty, and yet still so young and hopeful.

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It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Every time I read this series, it completely shreds my fragile heart, and yet I keep picking it back up to read it again, just for those brief moments that give me some hope that are tucked carefully inside all the corners of the sharp edges of grief.

So yeah. I like it. Just like people like paying taxes, which is not at all in the moment, but when you're driving across a safe bridge, picking up a new book at the library, or dialing 911 for some assistance in a terrible moment, then everything looks pretty different, and you kind of do like paying taxes. So yeah. I liked it like that--where it feels like there's nothing inside me but hurt and ache, and then I suddenly remember that there's some flashes of good inside all of the hurt that almost make it worth it.

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We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It ends well but almost feels too fast after everything I went through. I mean, everything the characters went through, of course. ;)

It has been fun revisiting this trilogy, or maybe fun is the wrong word. It has been emotionally overwhelming to reread this trilogy, but apparently, I like having all the stressful feels. If I'm not exhausted at the end of a book, then who even am I?

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The audiobook narrator (Jessica Almasy)for this series has a high pitch that took me some time to adjust to, but once I did, I really enjoyed her narration.

The Truth As He Knows It by A.M. Arthur

The Truth As He Knows It by A.M. Arthur
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The writing on this story is a bit rough around the edges, so much so that I frequently mixed the two men up in the beginning. However, I continued onward, as I enjoyed the two overall and wanted to see how it panned out.

The story and writing style weren't enough to convince me to read onward in the series. However, there are some nice, emotional moments in this book that made it worth seeing it through to the end. This has a glimmer. I just wanted it to develop into a full out shine, but it doesn't quite get there.

Honestly, I just read the book last week, and I couldn't remember what it was even about without looking it back up. Even then, I still don't remember how it ends. So it's not a story that's going to really stick with you or give you anything to think about, but it was a decent, mindless sort of read for when you want to try something new but don't have any huge expectations.

Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Watching some of these characters, who were supposedly nice and decent people, behave so poorly and stupidly and unkindly sort of really pissed me off, and yet at the same time, I just couldn't look away from it.

The start of this book is really rocky and poorly written, so I almost DNF'd this several times in the beginning. There's tons of really poor writing behaviors like lots of tedious telling and backstory, introducing characters poorly and so many characters at once that it is impossible to keep anyone straight, etc. However, if you just hang in there for a bit, the writing becomes significantly better, and I think why I enjoyed this so much is that the writing is extremely emotional. This will put all your emotions through the wringer. Twice. In every chapter.

At the end of the day, if I knew these people in real life, I would think them very selfish and be pretty disappointed in them. But I don't, which means I could just enjoy the benefits of their indiscretions without having to feel too poorly about who they hurt in the process.

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Effortless by S.C. Stephens
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was an exhausting read that went nowhere but in circles. It could have been about 1/4 this long. I almost quit the series here, because this book was largely pointless. However, I decided to continue on and give book 3 a try.

I really like the emotional storytelling. I just wish this had an actual plot or point.

Honestly, having finished the series, you could probably skip this book, go straight on to book 3 and be just fine. You won't miss that much.

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Reckless by S.C. Stephens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a major improvement over book 2 and probably the best of the 3 so far, though I'm glad it is the end of these two and their story, as I think the whole series was about 2 or 3 times as long as it really needed to be.

That being said, I'm absolutely picking up book 4, because GRIFFIN. Honestly, I wish every book in this series had been about a different set of characters. That would have been more interesting and made the series stronger, as well as helped develop side characters.

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Untamed by S.C. Stephens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG GRIFFIN. This book is by far the best in the series. It just has so much voice. I was obsessed. Now, I am extremely happy I got over my grumpiness near the start of the series and continued onward, or I would have never read this beauty.

For anyone who hasn't read the series, I'm totally onboard with you just reading book 4 as a stand alone. Technically, you shouldn't do that. There are things that it helps to know leading up to that point, but if you start the series and get sick of the 2Ks, then just skip to the end and read this one. It's fantastic.

I enjoyed watching the long spiral downward, and the way Griffin finally picked himself back up, got his shit together, and started to grow up.

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Serial Hottie by Kelly Oram

Serial Hottie by Kelly Oram
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

On some level, character behaviors in this story are absolutely unsafe and not at all social acceptable. The problem is, that's part of the premise of the story, which is why I now feel bad that those behaviors made me so uncomfortable, as it was how the concept came to be.

If that sounds confusing and convoluted, then now you have a better understanding of my mediocre rating, because my feelings about this are all sorts of mixed up. Some parts of it are good. Others are just absolutely unacceptable and maybe sending some scary messages to women about how they should expect to be treated by the men they love.

Long story short, it was interesting, just not always enjoyable and rewarding.

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Hashtag Serices by Cambria Hebert

#Nerd

by Cambria Hebert

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This has a bit of a One Tree Hill vibe that I enjoyed. But I’m a big sucker for the nerdy girl gets the hot guy trope.

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#Hater by Cambria Hebert
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

What a disappointing book 2. It completely fails to offer anything new, Including a solid story structure. Since I generally liked the characters in book one, it shouldn’t have been so difficult to keep my attention.

Unfortunately, this story is a lot of unnecessary melodrama that both starts and ends on a cliffhanger...but not the kind of cliffhanger that comes after some resolution. Don’t expect any resolution or growth for that matter. It’s just the same stuff over and over again, and I’m over it and stopping the series here.

And I’m bummed, because I liked these characters. Having more time with them should have been a good thing, but it was mostly meh.

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GearShark Series by Cambria Hebert

#Junkie by Cambria Hebert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I adore Trent and Drew, and this story has lots of heart. The only thing I don't like is the chopped off cliff-hanger ending that provides no resolution. It makes this feel like an incomplete story, which basically, it is. I guess there's a second thing that I don't like, and that's some of the stereotypes in this story. I could do without those, as well. Otherwise, it's a good read.

The narration is by Luke Itzvic and Guy Locke, both who do a great job.

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#Rev by Cambria Hebert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second half of Drew and Trent's story, and while I like it fine, I wish these first 2 books had been combined to create one better story. I don't think it all needed to be drug out for so long, especially considering that some things still weren't addressed very well. I think if this had been edited down to the heart of their story, then it could have easily been one book, which would have made it stronger overall.

Despite that, I still read and mostly enjoyed this story. There are some things I wish would have been handled better, but Drew and Trent are both so lovable that it pushed me to look past gaps in the storytelling. It's all pretty predictable, in terms of how things occur, so for needing 2 books to tell their story, I guess I just wished for something more.

This is a 3.5 for me, so I've rounded up to 4 stars.

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#Swag by Cambria Hebert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There are a lot of elements that I really loved with this story, including two outcasts coming together. It gave us an opportunity to see the softer sides of both. I also thought it was interesting that this addressed a lot of gender and sexism issues, though I do wish the female lead would have handled a few things differently along the way. Despite that, I really enjoyed this story. Things get heated quickly, and there's plenty of clashing.

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#Blur by Cambria Hebert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My favorite in the series so far. Lots of depth and emotional range, with two fantastic main characters.

Shacking Up Series Books 4 & 5

Making Up by Helena Hunting
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cosy and Griff are adorable. There's a bit of an age difference and plenty of humor in the way they meet up. A few things are a bit to convenient, but that is often the way with romance novels. I enjoyed this read. Side characters could have been more relevant and developed better, but overall, it is a decent and interesting read.

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Handle With Care by Helena Hunting
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really fun office romance. Linc and Wren totally won over my heart with their stubbornness and banter. There are lots of fun moments, paired up with plenty of drama and family issues.

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Coastal Elite by Kate Canterbary

Coastal Elite by Kate Canterbary
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I just don't think there was enough time to successfully flesh out a complex storyline.

I did like both the male and female lead and was initially interested in this story. So it started out a 4 for me, but by about the halfway point, I had significantly started to lose interest, and it ended up as more of a 2. I'm bridging the divide to give this 3 stars.

It's currently my least favorite Canterbary book, but I love the author's other works and highly suggest you give those a try.

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The Walshes Series by Kate Canterbary

Underneath It All by Kate Canterbary
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a racy, provocative read with lots of rough play and raw emotions, as well as a touch of humor. I pretty much wanted to bite Matthew about as much as he always wanted to constantly bite Lauren. Yum. Architect and school teacher. Nice combo (says the former school teacher who would like to meet a nerdy, intelligent architect).

This story has a strong, independent female lead (Lauren). It was a nice change of pace for Matthew to push for more with Lauren, while she was off busy conquering the world and pursuing her dreams. He also never asks or expects her to stop doing that, despite him wanting to have more of her in his life, which was refreshing.

The extended families were both interesting, so I look forward to getting to know them all even more in the next books.

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The Space Between by Kate Canterbary
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed Andy's open enthusiasm and determination, versus Patrick's growly, no nonsense nature. This was a strong pairing, and there's a lot of romantic tension that creates a feeling of impatience in the reader, despite the fact that this book delivers pretty quickly.

The narration for the whole series if by Christian Fox and Lucy Rivers. Lucy is excellent, easy to listen to and understand, with a vibrant and emotional voice. Christian Fox has a deep voice that is super sexy, but it comes across a bit growly and mumbly at times. However, I'm sure if you listen at regular speeds you will have no problem understanding him, whatsoever. I just have a brain that works fast, so I like to listen at faster speeds (between 2.5 and 3), which is a bit more difficult with Christian, especially if listening while driving. There's just enough of a low hum in his voice that blurs some of the words together if you aren't paying close attention. So either listen in easy to hear situations, and/or keep your speed at a more reasonable level than I do.

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Necessary Restorations by Kate Canterbary
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely adore Sam and would read more books about him, and Tiel was the perfect companion to ground him, while at the same time pushing his limits and bringing him out of his shell more. This was a complex, layered read, full of angst and conflicting emotions. Plus, it's both cuddly to the max and also still sensual.

Both characters had a lot of shit to deal with and get over, in order to successfully be together, but even when it was frustrating watching them get in their own way, it was also rewarding watching life prove some of their theories wrong and forcing them to grow together.

I need a Walsh in my life. These guys are so steamy, and I think I could be good friends with the ladies, as well. I'm enjoying seeing the family dynamics change and learning more about the other siblings. I can't wait until Riley has his story, as I think his siblings totally underestimate him and I expect some amazing things when he gets his turn at love.

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The Cornerstone by Kate Canterbary
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holy yum. This was full of fire, and I finally understand Shannon on a whole new level that just made me absolutely adore her. She so strong and tough, and I am happy she found an equal in Will. I also love how he sees her soft sides and wants to protect her, even when she doesn't need it. Super sweet.

I think with every new book that I read, I fall more in love with this whole family.

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Restored
by Kate Canterbary

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was really excited about a second book for Sam and Tiel, but I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as I expected. I still love them both and enjoyed having more time in their world, but it fell just a bit short of my expectations, for some reason.

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The Spire by Kate Canterbary
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved how unusual and nontraditional this romance story was. Making a long distance relationship work is difficult, so starting a relationship out followed by immediate distance for extended periods of time has to be even harder. Both literally and figuratively. ;)

I appreciated how patient Nick is. He never asks or expects Erin to be someone that she isn't, which is refreshing. She keeps her life, career, travels, and studies, while somehow, they learn to make it all work. While relationship is about compromise, sometimes it's also about letting both people get what they need and want and accepting some of the difficulties that come with that.

I really enjoyed this one. The male narration is still a bit too muffled for me, but otherwise a great read.

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Preservation by Kate Canterbary
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed Riley's story. It's fun and sexy, and it's nice getting inside his head, finally. Also, he's hung up on someone he shouldn't be, because she showed him some kindness during a dark point in his life. I can totally relate to that, and I'm glad when he comes out on the other end and sees things for what they are.

Initially, Riley was a bit of an underdog in this series, but I think he actually edged his way in above Sam in my affections.

Clashing Colors Series by Elin Peer

Violet by Elin Peer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the most bizarre series, which I'm really enjoying, and I am seriously a big fan of Elin Peer. She writes such interesting stories that don't feel repetitive of everything else I've read, which can be hard especially in the romance genre and because I read a lot.

Book one was kind of crazy, and book two took things in a whole different yet interesting direction. These 2 characters, at their core, have very different beliefs and values, so watching them try to reconcile that kept things tense and emotional.

What I like most is that when I open each new book in this series, I have absolutely no idea what to expect. Then, just once I think I'm settling into the story and know what's going on, there's always something throw in that takes me absolutely by surprise. I like that.

The narration for the audiobook is by Noelle Bridges and John Masterson, and they do an excellent job. I enjoy the contrast between the two readers.

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Green by Elin Peer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is another enjoyable opposites attract story in the Clashing Colors series. I occasionally wanted to smack the male lead, while also being amused and charmed by him. He was a handful, but also fun and sweet.

The female lead is feisty and emotional. My only one minor complaint is that they both wasted too much time bouncing around with other partners that weren't that well-developed, so I could have used less of that. Otherwise, it was a good read. I am really enjoying how different this series is from other contemporary romance.

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Blue by Elin Peer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this one! It's so funny, sexy, and sweet, another opposites attract situation. There's a theme of hidden identities, as well as some delicious Scottish yumminess. Plus, bonus phone sex between strangers, playing out sexual fantasies, a damaged hero, a psych major heroine determined to make a difference, and plenty of twin drama.

I gave this 4 stars originally, but I think it actually deserves 4.5, so I've gone ahead and rounded up. It was my favorite in the series so far.

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Yellow by Elin Peer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Such an unlikely couple, which made this an engaging read. I especially loved how this novel tied in the title, as well as the series title. It's like the whole thing came full circle, and I really enjoyed that.

This one has lots of drama and silly mix-ups, as well as a twin swap that amused me. Both characters had to reevaluate who they were and what they really wanted in life. It made for an interesting journey, though I do wish they had stayed in the woods longer.

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Happily ​Ever After by Kelly Oram

Happily ​Ever After by Kelly Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well, I'm just obsessed with Brian and Ella, so I really enjoyed having a bit more time in their world. This was a good addition that only made me want more books in this series. It also addressed a lot of issues, in regards to body image, in a healthy and real way, which I appreciated.

I really need to read more stuff by this author, as she does an excellent job showing how characters can grow. This story tugs at all of my emotions, and I appreciate the struggles paired with occasional wins.

The narration by Kirsten Leigh is clear and emotional.