The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

This book has it all. Mystery, suspense, romance, and a thriller aspect. Avery Grambs is a teenage girl, paving her own path and trying to graduate high school. She is insanely clever and always ready for a challenge. Her legal guardian is her half sister, Libby. They both share a father and Avery’s mother passed away from natural causes. Avery already had a very less than regular life before she got whisked off to her new reality. Tobias Hawthorne, a self made billionaire, recently passed away. And for some reason, Avery Kylie Grambs is left his entire fortune. Now this would make perfect sense if she knew him well and they were related. However, Avery has no idea who this man is and how she ended up going from dirt poor to a billionaire overnight. She travels to Mr. Hawthorne estate, or in this case her estate. Avery must live in Hawthorne Mansion for an entire year to inherit what was written in the will. Although, she’s not alone. The grandsons of Tobias Hawthorne lurk the hallways: Nash, Grayson, Jameson, and Xander. Each wicked in their own way, and each different. Avery quickly befriends the brothers, especially Grayson and Jameson. She doesn’t know anything about their ever so complicated family, but she won’t stop until she finds out. Secret passageways, flirtatious conversations, and self identity. This book is a perfect young adult mystery to lure you in. You will fall in love with the characters, and will find yourself pining over the Hawthorne brothers. While Avery’s situation might seem amazing, she has enemies lurking at every door, some from inside her life. Who can she trust? Who will help her unveil the secrets covered by Hawthorne Manor?

Nash is the oldest Hawthorne, then Grayson, Jameson, and Xander. Nash is the epitome of a cowboy with a savior complex. Grayson is stoic and business mannered, always looking out for his family. Jameson seems out of control and is cunning. Always ready to solve the next intricate riddle left by his Grandfather. Xander is playful and mischievous, with a big heart and an even bigger brain. Each of the brothers carry a piece of their grandfather in them, and each approach Avery Kylie Grambs differently. The famous philanthropist himself was a riddler, always leaving clues and games for his children and grandchildren to crack. They all grew up competing, and that doesn’t end yet. The greatest riddle of their life is on the board, as people team up to get to the end prize. Will the reward be worth the risk? Avery Kylie Grambs sure seems to think so as she stays close to Jameson and discovers new things about the Hawthorne family. Emily. Who is she? What did she mean to these boys? Why was she chosen? I recommend this book to anyone and everyone who is in the book market for a mystery filled with an enticing and well thought out plot. The author constructed this book masterfully and this book is age appropriate as well. I loved the buildup of this book and the many characters in it. This is not by any means a simple and understandable book, the plot is a little confusing at first but it straightens itself out. I personally love the family element of this story, and the moments between Avery and the brothers. I can’t say much without spoiling but be prepared for some plot twists and bitter sweet moments. Barnes does a great job of mixing the real world with a world of mystery and traumatic experiences. She weaves an amazing story that is definitely worth the read. Welcome to the first book of this heart stopping series, The Inheritance Games. If you enjoy this book as much as I did, read on to The Hawthorne Legacy and The Final Gambit. 

Amy Cherian (Gum Spring Library)

The Temporary Roomie by Sarah Adams

This is book two of Sarah Adams It Happened In Nashville Series. I lived, laughed, and loved this book. It follows the trope of an enemies to lovers young adult romance. Jessie is a pregnant, tiny, and feisty woman. She is so used to being a lone wolf, with her parents vacant in two very different ways, she was raised by her Granddaddy. Jessie adores him to pieces, but her difficult childhood built her personality and her walls. With her absentee baby Daddy, she has had her heart broken so many times she believes it’s permanently damaged. With a baby on the way, her house deals with some major setbacks which sends her to live with Lucy and Cooper. Her best friend and her husband along with their toddler, Levi. Jessie is the boss of Lucy at their workplace, a hair salon. Even though she loves Lucy to pieces, a pregnant lady needs her sleep, and her own space. Here enters Drew. The sister of Lucy, who married his best friend Cooper in the last book of this series. Andrew is a gynecologist. When he dangerously mentions the fact that he has a serious girlfriend to an interested colleague, she is excited to meet her. Drew has no idea where to find a fake date but his sister Lucy suggests Jessie. Drew knows Jessie hates him and can’t fathom her agreeing, but she needs something from him too. They strike a deal; a fake girlfriend dinner for a room and a place at his spacious house. A pregnant woman with raging hormones and a frustrated man together in the same living quarters. Hellfire rains down. Get ready to laugh at their hilariously juvenile pranks and fawn over their sweet moments.

What I loved about this book was how personified the characters’ hate was for each other. This wasn’t like other books with this trope. It carried through all the way to the end. Adams made the main characters vulnerable and unique, it was something I never read before. Their rivalry was so raw and laughable that the intimate moments were that much more important. The personal journey of Jessie is especially thought provoking, being faced with the scariest situation of her life she can either choose fight or flight. I personally loved the un-cliche thoughts Sarah Adams used and how she portrayed Jessie. This book is the perfect blend of adorable moments, tensioned air, and laughable pranks. It switches the point of view between Jessie and Drew and the plot of this book has a good flow. This book shows vulnerability from both of them and a beautiful story of family and second chances. In all honesty, I can’t think of anything serious I would change in this book. I really enjoyed it, although towards the end it did get very predictable like every other romance novel. Other than that, The Temporary Roomie was an amazing read I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a superb blend of comedic elements and romance. This book can also be read as a stand alone, and personally I enjoyed the second book of this series more than the first. 

Amy Cherian (Gum Spring Library)

Girl, Stolen by April Henry

Girl Stolen is a beautiful and thrilling young adult crime novel about a 16 year old female named Cheyenne. It all started in a car, on the brink of pneumonia, Cheyenne’s stepmother left her in the car to pick up prescription antibiotics. Cheyenne layed covered in the back and sick. In a flash, a person entered the car. They stole the car. The car she was laying in. A blind girl in a car, with a stranger. Girl, Stolen. 

Cheyenne is spunky, determined and brave. Her resilience and armor is built up strong and high against the world.  A story about an accidental kidnap, 2 teens trapped in lives they never wanted, and survival. Griffin, the boy with the gun in the front seat of the car. He didn’t know what he was doing, he ran scared all the way to his dad Roy. Roy can’t believe his son’s costly mistake, but then realizes it is a blessing. Cheyenne is the daughter of a rich company president. Rich meaning a ransom can be placed. Even better for Roy, she’s blind. There’s no way she can know what they look like or where she is, Roy is living every con artist’s dream. What happens when he wakes up?

Henry incorporates a thriller and eerie sense into this book. The reader is always on edge and waiting for the next moment. This book is a little bit slow in the beginning, but it picks up fast and furiously. There is some mild language and one sexual trigger scene, so be wary if rape is a trigger for you. Danger lurks at every corner for Cheyenne, but don’t ever underestimate this girl. She’s resourceful and the fact that her captors misjudge her gives her opportunities to succeed. I loved the way the main character was portrayed. There are many kidnap books out there, but this one was about a sick and blind girl. I loved how April Henry did not use this girl’s disabilities as a crutch to portray her as helpless and unable to free herself. Rather, she used it as an opportunity to show the strength of an individual with determination and sheer motivation. This book is inspirational and touching. One of my favorite parts was the friendship formed between Roy and Cheyenne. Although unconventional, their circumstances bring them closer together. Roy is a troubled character, searching for the affirmation of his father and wanting to get out of the situation that conflicts him. Cheyenne is his turning point. Now, who will stay alive and make it out? Even though this isn’t my usual book, it was enlightening. It is an incredible read and an empowering display of womanhood. I would recommend this book to any crime, suspense, and thriller enthusiasts. This book has a great plot and is worth the time investment. 

Amy Cherian (Gum Spring Library)

The Off Limits Rule by Sarah Adams

Are you looking for a quirky and lighthearted read? Sarah Adams portrays adulthood in a classic teenage trope of the brothers best friend. Lucy, a single mom in her 20’s tries to pave her own path in Atlanta. When it doesn’t go her way, she moves to her hometown Nashville and in with her older brother Drew. Here enters Cooper James, attractive, playful, but has a bad reputation with women. Lucy is wary from the start but can’t deny the pull she has to him. Lucy is an amazingly relatable character. She’s insecure, blabbers a lot, and is fun and quirky. She will make you die of secondhand embarrassment and salute her for her hard work in motherhood. Lucy has an adorable and pudgy 4 year old son, Levi. The father, Brent, is the root source of many of her insecurities. He may pay for child support and be a good father to Levi, but he has never been the family man Lucy wanted in her partner. Cooper is a business tycoon and is carrying the weight of a heartbreak. He always wanted to stop his casual flings, and only Lucy made it seem like it could actually happen. Discover the bonds of friendship between Cooper and Drew, sibling love between Drew and Lucy, and new found attraction between Lucy and Cooper. 

This story conveys the effect of self depreciation and how thoughts about yourself can become your reality. Usually, I hate overly insecure characters because the book then turns into a pity party and a girl looking for consolidation. This book was borderlining on being exactly that, but Lucy’s personality and love for her son trumps all. She’s honest and this story takes you through her battle with being a young mom. This might be the slight feminist in me, but I would’ve loved to see Lucy battle her insecurities on her own without a man. While compliments and pep talks may help in the moment, her insecurities will never be solved unless she has a heart to heart with herself. I didn’t like how this book just ended and deemed her body image issues solved with Cooper. Don’t get me wrong, Cooper James is sweet and not at all a chauvinist. Adams does a great job of conveying his attraction to Lucy and his internal battle to act. I did enjoy the dynamic relationships in this book. One that especially touched me was Lucy’s relationship with her mom. Living in a world where teen pregnancies have become more common, seeing moms shun their daughters is heartbreaking. This Nashville momma did nothing of the sort, and we can see the strong bond between mother and daughter through their brief discussions in this book. The family atmosphere is warm and hearty. I would recommend this book to any and all teens who love a good cute romance. Yes, this trope was a little cliche, but the characters make up for it. You will also find yourself identifying with Lucy throughout this book, especially us teen girls. This book is low steam with no intimate scene portrayed, just suggestions that it happened off page. I took away an important lesson from this book; our actions and how we treat people in friendships and relationships have lasting effects. Know that our words have the power to make someone feel small and to lift them up, be the person who lifts others up. Enjoy this eccentric read by Sarah Adams!

Amy Cherian  (Gum Spring Library)

Roomhate by Penelope Ward

This book is one of my favorite young adult romances that I have read. I just wish it came with a warning for the maturity level, for this book has many intimate scenes. Ward creates an atmosphere of old love, family, and connections that will never break. She shows us the vulnerability of a person as they deal with losing their best friend and having their life flipped upside down. Amelia Payne is left the will to her Grandmother’s beach house, which harbors many beautiful but tainted childhood memories. Aquidneck Island Beach house is where she practically grew up. What she comes to discover is her first love, which she thinks is unrequited, Justin is also included in possession of the house. The same boy she ran away from without explanation when she was 15. Her best friend, and her first and only love. Amelia goes to the beach house for serenity but comes face to face with the man of her life, well not technically, his girlfriend to be exact. Things just got a lot more complicated for Amelia as she weaves her way through awkward encounters, hate, love, and past memories. Justin has blossomed into an amazing musician and a handsome man. He loved Amelia, and she ripped out his heart and ran over it on her way out of town. He tries to focus on himself but fighting his attraction to his childhood best friend is not an easy feat. It’s funny how losing someone got them back together, and how getting back together makes them remember what they lost.

Penelope Ward is a fantastic writer and an amazing storyteller. It’s almost as if she was Amelia, her story is detailed and the character is well developed. I do advise this book to mature teens and young adults for there is sexual content in this book, and it is not made for younger audiences. I loved the plot of the book and the personal journey of both characters, it was realistic and not all happy endings. Justin worked on his aspiring artist dream and Amelia dealt with her own stones and launched her way. Their relationship and life was never conventional, but it was always wholesome and swoon worthy. This book plot caught me by surprise many times, and had circumstances that were very unique to this book. I loved the uniqueness of this book and the originality of the characters. My favorite part of this book is the flashbacks to their childhood together. Ward ties these wholesome moments to the story and incorporates pieces as the story goes. This story starts off as enemies and they used to be friends. They eventually become lovers and I personally love this trope and would recommend this book to any of you childhood lover enthusiasts. This book is angsty and highlights unbreakable bonds. Personally, I think you should be 18+ to read this book but for those who are mature enough, this is a great read! 

Amy Cherian (Gum Spring Library)

Good Girl Complex by Elle Kennedy

Elle Kennedy is one of the most well known authors for young adult romance novels like this. The Good Girl Complex is a story about family, breaking stereotypes, and lies. The story starts with the daughter of a senator from a cookie cutter Christmas card family, Mackenzie Cabot. She’s 20 years old and a thriving entrepreneur who created her own apps called Boyfriendfails and Girlfriendfails. Mackenzie is going to Garnet college against her wishes to please her parents’ vision for her life. Her whole existence and every decision she made was for her parents and their expectations of her. She may be rich, but she has more emotional trauma than you can imagine. When she moves to Avalon Bay, she doesn’t know what to expect. Mackenzie has a picture perfect long time relationship with her older boyfriend, Preston, and they both know what it’s like to live life in the spotlight. The only difference is it bothers Mac, Preston on the other hand is in his natural atmosphere. Throughout the book, Mackenzie develops herself and her craft. She wants to make a name for herself, and she finds an innovative way to do so with a new project involving an investment. Cooper Hartley is a town local, gangly around the edges, he fits the rugged stereotype. Cooper has a twin brother Evan and a confusing home life with a deceased father and a disconnected mother. Meanwhile he works hard every day to crawl out of depth he and his brother were left in. When embarrassed and fired from his job at a bar by none other than self proclaimed king- Preston, a plan is formed to get revenge. Steal the culprits girlfriend. That girlfriend is none other than Mackenzie Cabot, the Garnet clone. Cooper sets the plan into motion, secure the rich girl and embarrass Preston. 

This story is exactly what to expect from Elle Kennedy, author of the Off Campus series and the Briar U series. Lots of sexual tension, and a predictable plot. If you’re new to romance and angst filled books I would recommend, but for those who have read many romances like me, this book pattern can get old. The plot is good and the character development is phenomenal, I just wish the classic use the girl trope would disappear. If you read and enjoy a lot of Elle Kennedy books, this book has the same formatt. I personally didn’t enjoy this book as much since a lot of it was repetition. I also found that some moments were very stereotypical and cringey. Although I did like the supporting characters in this book, especially Evan and Cooper’s other friends. The friendships shown were toxic, but also very realistic. This book does have emotional moments and I did appreciate the switch in character point of view. It fits into the category of a tension filled plot, lovable characters and a young adult love story.I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a steamy read with a decent plot. If you enjoy this book, you will surely love the rest of Elle Kennedy’s books.  

Amy Cherian (Gum Spring Library)

Night by Elie Wiesel

This book is an autobiography written in the point of view of Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor. His journey is heart wrenching and filled with truth. His emotions are engraved into this book, giving you an honest and tear jerking view of the dangers of camps from a first person’s point of view. Elie is a part of a Jewish community and lives with his family of 3 sisters and his father and mother in Sighet. His journey starts when he is deported with his family to Auschwitz and makes the journey across terrain in cattle cars. Horrible living conditions with about 80 people per car, an unbearable space with no fresh air. He then is deported to the notorious camp of Birkenau where he is separated from his mother and sister. Birkenau is a section of Auschwitz which is illfamed for being the Nazi’s biggest mass-murder center. Elie also labors his way through sweat and tears in Buna, Gleiwitz, and Buchenwald. Elie and his father work in various different conditions; warehouses, death marches, and labor camps. The work is not the only struggle they face, as they lose many dear to them and deal with punishments. Just the things they see is enough to inflict lifelong trauma.  No food, water, baths, and cruel treatment. Nothing about this was humane, but reading this book will give you clarity. Respect and understand this time of history by paying homage to all the lives lost. Read this book with utmost regard and value in their lives. 

My review can not give this book justice for how beautifully crafted this story was. I admire Mr. Wiesel for his courage in sharing his story, as I didn’t truly understand the Holocaust until I read this book. I used to think the only struggle they persevered through was the concentration camps, but this book takes you from the beginning to the end of losing loved ones and personal battles. As you read this book you will find yourself asking, “Why don’t they just end their suffering?” As I drew near to the end of this book, I realized that giving up for these courageous people was never an option. It is through their bravery and sheer determination through affliction that we are able to understand this unforgivable era in our history. Mr. Wiesel’s tone was entirely sincere during this book, and his openness with every aspect of his journey shows you the strength of humanity in a person. However, I do not recommend this book to those who are sensitive to hearing about topics like this. Triggers in this book include, apt violence descriptions, death, sickness, and mass murder. In my opinion, it is important to read about history so it will never be repeated. Take into consideration your age while reading this book as I would not recommend this book to those younger than 12. To those interested in hearing more personal stories and enjoy autobiographies, this book is perfect. Also, for those who are doing research on the Holocaust, this book gives you many important details. Please read this book with maturity and dignity as you reflect on the lives lost and the lives lived. 

Amy Cherian (Gum Spring Library)

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Come into the fantasy world of the Kingdom of Illea. The Selection is the first book in a five part series of romance, self discovery, and family. 35 girls go head to head to capture the heart of Prince Maxon. America Singer is a vocalist and belongs to the fifth caste. She lived with her family before being entered into the selection by her mother against her knowledge. America is in an ever present love triangle between her childhood love and a prince whose attention she captured. Aspen was her first everything. First kiss, first touch, first love. Their romance was wholesome and also forbidden, for Aspen was a part of the sixth caste. America loved him, but had to leave her life in search of satisfying others. She battles with friendships, stubbornness, and the duty to herself and her family. Prince Maxon Schreave is everything you would expect from a boy next door. He’s cute, sweet, and looking for a wife. Both of these characters have enormous burdens they carry, and their responsibilities weave them together. 

Cass does a great job of spinning a tale and developing many incredible female characters. One thing I love about this book are the friendships formed and the differences between all the selection girls. Inclusivity and different personalities shine through. In a way, this book perfectly portrays the standards girls of this era have to live up to. Whether it be a competition to win over a man, or a social media fight over a guy, girls in every world need to learn how to support each other and survive for themselves. This book teaches self worth and real relationships, and it makes you realize just how flawed our system of life is. Keira Cass also depicts castes and creeds wonderfully, she takes our world now and applies it into visible boundaries of life. There are 8 castes in this book, and America Singer is on the rampage to break the social normalities. The romance in this book in my opinion was toxic and problematic, like every love triangle. America was portrayed as a woman seeking attention from her male conquests, and I didn’t like how the author used her beauty sometimes to make her seem vain. I would recommend this book to anyone who is in need of a nail biting series that keeps you eager to turn the page. There is never a dull moment in this book filled with social problems and emotional turmoil. For those who love enemies to friends to lovers trope, this hits all the boxes. You will want to scream at America but you will also want to hug a girl that has to live up to expectations from every corner of the world. You will find yourself identifying with her as you read this series. I personally recommend this book, and the four books that follow it to anyone who loves forbidden romance, and an easy read. If you love romance and realistic fantasy worlds of princes and princesses, this book is great for you.

Amy Cherian (Gum Spring Library)

Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody

Welcome to New Reynes, but better known as the City of Sin. Every corner lies a different secret, a different gang, and a different danger. Enne Salta is in desperate search for her adoptive mother Lordes, with only one hint, Levi Glaisyer. It’s safe to say Enne did not expect him to be a street lord. Levi is days away from being swallowed from debt. Enne has many questions but Levi has very few answers with his ticking time. Enne then offers him what he wants, compensation. The search is on through the City of Sin. New people and self discovery at every turn, Enne grows closer to Levi through their encounters with dangerous people. They juggle a dangerous donna, drug lords, and their own feelings. Will Enne find her mother, or will she unearth secrets that are better left untouched?

This adventure-filled book switches point of view every chapter between Levi and Enne. Foody does a great job of introducing the reader to a new and fantastical world filled with different words and atmospheres. Reading this book really transported me to the City of Sin. The word choice was very clever, and you will find yourself loving the way Enne progresses throughout this book. I would not recommend this book to those who are all into realistic fiction, for this book is filled with mystery and excitement. It is a little hard to follow at first, for there is a lot going on. I did like the structure of this book because the author wrote it in the days Enne was in New Reynes. I also appreciated the way Foody showed the Ennes personality change as the days went by. She shows the effect of the City of Sin on a person through metaphors and an eerie tone. One complaint I had about this novel was the lack of romance.I personally would love for this book to include more intimate moments with Levi and Enne. It is a fast paced adventure, so  if you like the attention more on the plot and not the people, this book does a good job of that. I would recommend this book to any of you street and crime enthusiasts. Also to those who enjoy a good plot and twists at every road. This book is a series so if you enjoy it make sure to keep going to “King of Fools” and “Queen of Volts”.

Amy Cherian (Gum Spring Library)

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

Elena Armas does a spectacular job of taking two very different people from different backgrounds and cultures and creating a heart throbbing romance. Catalina Martin is a spunky Spaniard who is stubborn and hard working. She prides herself on her work and paving her own way. Aaron Blackford practically oozes the stereotype of brooding workaholic. Catalina’s sister is getting married, and she spun a story about her boyfriend that her family is dying to meet. Aaron Blackford happens to be the man for the job. A trip to Spain that’s filled with drinks, dinners, and tension. Beautiful chemistry and sweet moments leave both and you wondering where pretending ends and real begins. 

This book is a five star read for me. Armas took an office power struggle and incorporated important aspects of the female lead’s life. You will fall in love with Catalina and her stubborn mind. She is a hardworking woman of color trying to pave her own path in a situation. Armas shows you the internal fight and battle between toxic masculinity and how Catalina, and other women can hold their own. IAaron Blackford is perfectly portrayed, and you will fall in love with him as well. I recommend this book to anyone who craves a heat filled romance that has an incredible amount of buildup. This book will get you screaming at the couple to make their move the entire way through. One thing I would have changed in this book is the conflict in Catalina’s life. I personally enjoy when a story goes in depth about personal problems of each character more. All in all, Elena Armas did a spectacular job and it is definitely worth the read! Although, if you are wary of intimate scenes, this book has a few to look out for. I would recommend this book to ages 16 and older, since it is a young adult book. 

Amy Cherian (Gum Spring Library)