Looking for a little tropical romance to spice up your bookshelf? Priscilla Oliveras’s new novel will do just the trick! Coming out April 28th, Island Affair kicks off Oliveras’s new Key of Love Series with a fake-dating plot and undeniable chemistry set in Key West, Florida.
     Sought-after social media influencer Sara Vance, in recovery from an eating disorder, is coming into her own, with a potential career expansion on the horizon. Despite the good news, her successful siblings (and their perfect spouses) have a way of making her feel like the odd one out. So, when her unreliable boyfriend is a no-show for a Florida family vacation, Sara recruits Luis Navarro—a firefighter paramedic and dive captain willing to play the part of her smitten fiancée. Luis’s big Cuban familia has been in Key West for generations, and his quiet strength feeds off the island’s laidback style. Though guarded after a deep betrayal, he’ll always help someone in need—especially a spunky beauty with a surprising knowledge of Spanish curse words. Soon, he and Sara have memorized their “how we met” story and are immersed in family dinners, bike tours, private snorkeling trips . . . sharing secrets, and slow, melting kisses. But when it’s time for Sara to return home, will their island romance last or fade with the stunning sunset?
     Luis and Sara’s plot to fool their families is equal parts funny and endearing. Their love story is hot, steamy, and overall everything you could want in an island romance! But Luis and Sara both have secrets they’re hiding. Luis’s past has caused a rift to form between him and his brother and, instead of healing himself, focuses on helping other people. Sara had always felt like the black sheep of the family and longs for a different kind of relationship with them along with their approval. Through their fake-dating scheme, both Luis and Sara help each other bridge the gaps in their family relationships and find forgiveness for both their families and themselves.
     In addition to the plot, all of the descriptions of the locations throughout the novel will make any reader swoon. It made me feel like I was vacationing in Key West along with the Vances. The food, the sights, and the tourists attractions made me want to hop on a plane to Florida immediately!
This novel shows the true power of family and love. As someone who is very close to her family, I found the spotlight and emphasis of family vacations, big family dinners, and not being able to hide much from your nosy relatives very relatable! 
     If you’re looking for a book that will help you escape from reality, feel like you’re part of a dysfunctional family, or if you’re just looking for a steamy, summery beach read, then you have to grab a copy of this book! I cannot wait to see what the Navarro Family gets up to next and explore more of Key West in the future!

*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

     How would you feel if all of a sudden you went from being a scrappy foster kid living in New York City to a lightning bolt-wielding prophecy? Have I got your attention yet? In Alane Adams’s new novel, The Eye of Zeus, our protagonist finds herself in this exact situation.
     Meet Phoebe Katz, a twelve-year-old foster kid from New York City who’s been bounced around the system her entire life. Things happen around Phoebe, but it’s not like they’re her fault! But when a statue of Athena comes to life, Phoebe gets the stunning news she’s the daughter of Zeus, has a twin brother named Perseus―and was sent away from ancient Greece as a baby to stop a terrible prophecy that predicted she would one day destroy Olympus. Athena warns Phoebe to stay in hiding, but when the vengeful god Ares kidnaps her beloved social worker, Phoebe has no choice―she has to travel back to ancient Greece and rescue him! There, Phoebe and her friends Angie and Damian discover a new prophecy, one that may fix everything. The catch: Phoebe has to collect talismans from six Greek monsters, including the fang from a nine-headed hydra, a talon from the Nemean lion, and a feather from the sphinx. No problem for a girl with the power to call up lightning bolts and change the weather! But can Phoebe collect them all and stop the prophecy before she destroys Olympus?
      This was a super cute and fun middle grade book! It was action packed and full of adventures that are pulled straight from the history books. The mixing of Greek Myths to form the plot of this story was really unique and fans of Greek mythology will love this book!
All of the characters were unique in their own ways and helped make this story so much fun to read. Between Phoebe’s determination, Damian’s intelligence, and Angie’s fierce loyalty, these characters are not only enjoyable to read about, but provide good role models for children who may be reading this book.
     I found the book to be very Percy Jackson-esque and brought back nostalgia from when I first read The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. While the two stories are very similar, a lot of readers will enjoy hearing about a new group of heroes who go on great adventures that will take you away from the mundaneness of real life. While this could be a fun stand-alone book, I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
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*I received a copy of the book from BookSparks in exchange for my honest opinion.

      When Laila Lalami’s debut novel, Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits, came out in 2005, it became a critically acclaimed novel and Lalami became one of the most influential writers of our time. Now in a stunning new cover, Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits has been rereleased by Algonquin Books and Lalami’s impact on the world continues to be spread.
    Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits evokes the grit and enduring grace that is modern Morocco. As four Moroccans illegally cross the Strait of Gibraltar in an inflatable boat headed for Spain, author Laila Lalami asks, What has driven them to risk their lives? And will the rewards prove to be worth the danger? There’s Murad, a gentle, unemployed man who’s been reduced to hustling tourists around Tangier; Halima, who’s fleeing her drunken husband and the slums of Casablanca; Aziz, who must leave behind his devoted wife in hope of securing work in Spain; and Faten, a student and religious fanatic whose faith is at odds with an influential man determined to destroy her future. Sensitively written with beauty and boldness, this is a gripping book about what propels people to risk their lives in search of a better future.
     It’s really easy to delve deep into these characters’ stories and Lalami weaves such a fluid tale of all of these different people living in Morocco and hoping to change their lives. These people don’t know each other and their stories don’t intersect very much, yet they all have more in common then it seems at first.
     This book wonderfully tells the story of four different people’s attempts at illegally emigrating from Morocco to Spain, but their stories become much more than that. We see how some people lose hope after trying to emigrate while others flourish. Each story is unique and Lalami gives a very real look at what it’s like to feel like you have no hope. On top of that, she also showcases what it’s like to only have hope left.
     There is no closure at the end of the book and I think that’s the whole point. These people’s lives aren’t over, in fact, for many of them their lives are just beginning. This novel not only shows what it’s like to hold onto hope, but has the reader holding on to hope at the end that these characters may find their way in life. If you’re looking for a true example of storytelling at its finest, then this is the book for you!

​*I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

     Tyler Feder’s debut graphic novel can be boiled down to “part poignant cancer memoir and part humorous reflection on a motherless life,” however it turns out to be a lot more than that. Dancing at the Pity Party chronicles Feder’s experiences before, during, and after her mother’s battle with cancer and shows a different, but realistic side to the grief process.
      From before her mother’s first oncology appointment through the stages of her cancer to the funeral, sitting shiva, and afterward, when she must try to make sense of her life as a motherless daughter, Tyler Feder tells her story in this graphic novel that is full of piercing–but also often funny–details. She shares the important post-death firsts, such as celebrating holidays without her mom, the utter despair of cleaning out her mom’s closet, ending old traditions and starting new ones, and the sting of having the “I’ve got to tell Mom about this” instinct and not being able to act on it. This memoir, bracingly candid and sweetly humorous, is for anyone struggling with loss who just wants someone to get it.
     This book is everything I didn't know I wanted from a graphic novel. It’s funny, endearing, and tear-jerking in the best ways possible. I loved the way the images in this graphic novel complement the text and all of the minute little details within the images. This book will have you laughing and crying at this raw and honest account of dealing with the death of a parent.
     The way that Feder doesn’t try to sugarcoat details or skip over the hard parts really lends itself to her raw and truthful way of storytelling. She is very honest in her explanation of her emotions during this time in her life and how it’s continued to change and affect her to this day. She shows readers that grief is not just something that happens and goes away; it is a process that changes your identity for the better and the worse.
     This moving and wonderful story will have readers laughing and crying at the memories Feder shares about her mom and how her mom has influenced her life and continues to do so. While death is a scary thing, readers can take comfort in reading Feder’s story in knowing that they are allowed to be scared and frustrated and sad. But to not lose the happiness and joy that your loved one brought into your life. This book is available for purchase today and I can’t recommend it enough! I am eager to see what Feder will wow us with next.

*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

      Sarah Hogle’s debut novel, You Deserve Each Other, is the rom-com novel you’ve been waiting for! Set to be released April 7, 2020, this fiancées-turned-enemies-to-lovers second-chance romance has that spark that make this a truly unforgettable novel.
     Naomi Westfield has the perfect fiancé: Nicholas Rose holds doors open for her, remembers her restaurant orders, and comes from the kind of upstanding society family any bride would love to be a part of. They never fight. They're preparing for their lavish wedding that's three months away. And she is miserably and utterly sick of him. Naomi wants out, but there's a catch: whoever ends the engagement will have to foot the nonrefundable wedding bill. When Naomi discovers that Nicholas, too, has been feigning contentment, the two of them go head-to-head in a battle of pranks, sabotage, and all-out emotional warfare. But with the countdown looming to the wedding that may or may not come to pass, Naomi finds her resolve slipping. Because now that they have nothing to lose, they're finally being themselves--and having fun with the last person they expect: each other.
      I will admit that at the beginning I was like “ugh just TALK to one another or break up” but once I got a third of the way in, I was HOOKED! This book had me literally laughing out loud! The pranks and shenanigans that Naomi and Nicholas pull are equal parts embarrassing and hysterical! Between dinner mishaps, stapled underwear, and overbearing mothers, this novel had me giggling to myself and I just couldn’t get enough of Naomi and Nicholas. However, these funny moments also lead to steamy imaginings and will have you itching for reconciliation between the fiancées.
     If I had one critique about this book it would be that I wished the book had alternating POVs. In the beginning, I found it a bit hard to connect to the characters and I think it’s because the reader only really sees Naomi’s side of things. Eventually, the reader sees bits and pieces of Nicholas which actually correlated to their actual relationship. Naomi is so wrapped up in her own feelings and loses interest in Nicholas that she neglects to pay attention to Nicholas’s loss of interest in her as well. As they start to reevaluate their love and their lives, Nicholas’s emotions are integrated more into the story (since Naomi is more aware of them) and shows that love takes patience and work.
       The message this story conveys about not giving up on your partner and rediscovering your love for one another is moving and beautiful. This novel shows that it’s not all butterflies and rainbows and that it takes time to build up a broken relationship. This realistic look at love gives hope to readers that only true love is worth fighting for and it will always find a way back into your life.
      The parallels that Hogle draws between Naomi and Nicholas’s relationship in the past and in the present proves that she is a storyteller to be reckoned with! These minute details help to weave an even more beautiful tale and show that Hogle’s storytelling abilities are on point. The added layer of details just sends this novel above all other stories and will leave an imprint on the reader.
    For any fans of romance, this book will be an addiction! It’s the perfect mix of enemies-to-lovers and second-chance romance that will have you wishing the book was double the length it actually is. I cannot wait to see what Hogle writes next, but in the meantime: GO READ THIS BOOK!

*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Hey everyone! How's everyone been?? Reading any good book since we're all pretty much stuck inside because of the coronavirus? I know for me staying inside hasn't been the most fun thing in the world, but thankfully I've got a bunch of books to keep me entertained!
It's been quite some time since I've posted a non-review on here! So couple that with the fact I just got some awesome book mail meant it was time to post a little mini ARC Book Haul! Below are the book summaries as well as the release dates and other information about each book!
 Without further ado, here’s what I got:

🌵Island Affair by Priscilla Oliveras
Pub Day: April 28th, 2020
Publisher: Kensington Books
      Sought-after social media influencer Sara Vance, in recovery from an eating disorder, is coming into her own, with a potential career expansion on the horizon. Despite the good news, her successful siblings (and their perfect spouses) have a way of making her feel like the odd one out. So, when her unreliable boyfriend is a no-show for a Florida family vacation, Sara recruits Luis Navarro—a firefighter paramedic and dive captain willing to play the part of her smitten fiancé...
     Luis’s big Cuban familia has been in Key West for generations, and his quiet strength feeds off the island’s laidback style. Though guarded after a deep betrayal, he’ll always help someone in need—especially a spunky beauty with a surprising knowledge of Spanish curse words. Soon, he and Sara have memorized their “how we met” story and are immersed in family dinners, bike tours, private snorkeling trips . . . sharing secrets, and slow, melting kisses. But when it’s time for Sara to return home, will their island romance last or fade with the stunning sunset?

🌵The Sunday Pot Luck Club by Melissa Storm
Pub Day: OUT NOW!
Publisher: Kensington Books
     New friends can be found in unexpected places. For Bridget and Amy, that place was the cancer ward of an Anchorage hospital. Now, as each struggles to overcome loss, they lean on each other for support—sharing suppers, laughter and tears.
    Bridget and Amy aren’t about to let hardship knock them down—Bridget plans to return to her veterinarian school studies, Amy to her position as a second-grade teacher—but neither feels quite ready. And so the Sunday Potluck Club is born, a way for Bridget, Amy, and other women who have lost a loved one to find solace and understanding. Savoring favorite dishes while sharing memories and the comfort of connection, the members of the Sunday Potluck Club nourish body and soul.
     As weeks go by and the group grows in unforeseen ways, both Bridget and Amy are inspired to find greater purpose. Amy reaches out to a student whose father bravely faces his own struggle. Bridget volunteers at the local animal shelter, rehabilitating dogs whose unconditional love will bring others a chance to heal. And with the help of a very special man, Amy is realizing that there’s always room at the table for love and rekindled joy...

🌵I’m Still Here: A Memoir by Martina Reaves
Pub Day: April 21st, 2020
Publisher: She Writes Press  (ARC Provided by Booksparks)
     In 1969, at age twenty, Martina moves to San Francisco. She lives in a commune, marries her hippie streetcar driver, and moves away from the city—first to Mendocino County, Oregon, and then to the Virgin Islands. In 1980, Martina comes out. She finds her life partner, Tanya, at work, and in 1986 they have a son, Cooper. 
     In 2008, Martina is diagnosed with serious tongue cancer. Her journey in the aftermath of this diagnosis is one of hope, fear, family, friendship, perseverance, and learning to live with a terminal diagnosis. 
   Reaves braids these strands of her life together in I’m Still Here, presenting readers with a nuanced, poignant exploration of what it means to live—and love—authentically.

🌵The Eye of Zeus by Alane Adams
Pub Day: April 7th, 2020
Publisher: SparkPress (ARC Provided by Booksparks)
     Meet Phoebe Katz, a twelve-year-old foster kid from New York City who’s been bounced around the system her entire life. Things happen around Phoebe, but it’s not like they’re her fault! But when a statue of Athena comes to life, Phoebe gets the stunning news she’s the daughter of Zeus, has a twin brother named Perseus―and was sent away from ancient Greece as a baby to stop a terrible prophecy that predicted she would one day destroy Olympus. Athena warns Phoebe to stay in hiding, but when the vengeful god Ares kidnaps her beloved social worker, Phoebe has no choice―she has to travel back to ancient Greece and rescue him! There, Phoebe and her friends Angie and Damian discover a new prophecy, one that may fix everything. The catch: Phoebe has to collect talismans from six Greek monsters, including the fang from a nine-headed hydra, a talon from the Nemean lion, and a feather from the sphinx. No problem for a girl with the power to call up lightning bolts and change the weather! But can Phoebe collect them all and stop the prophecy before she destroys Olympus?

Thank you so much to all of the publishers and authors who were generous enough to send me these books! I’ve already started Island Affair and I’m LOVING it!! I can’t wait to get to the rest of these fabulous new releases!

                                                                                                              -Elisa

     Chloe Liese has done it again! Best known for her Tough Love Series, Liese weaves together the same lovable tropes from her past stories into her newest novel, Only When It’s Us. Readers get to meet a whole new cast of characters in this first book in The Bergman Brothers series, which follows a delicious frenemies-to-lovers couple trying to open up to one another amidst times of change.
     When “silent, surly flannel-wearing mountain man” Ryder Bergman is forced to work on a group project with soccer star, Willa Sutter (a girl with “a temper that makes the devil seem friendly”), things do not get off to a good start. Silent death glares and ignoring each other leads to a prank war ensuing between the two. However, the prank war develops into a friendship and maybe something more? This new adult sports romance between a women’s soccer star and her surly lumbersexual classmate, complete with a matchmaking professor, juvenile pranks, and a smoking slow burn will leave you wanting more.
     This novel might be one of my favorites of Chloe Liese stories! Not only are Ryder and Willa both stubborn beyond belief, but both have soft sides that only really come out with the people they trust. The way that Ryder and Willa go through their hardships together is so beautiful to read about! The banter, pranks, and overall hatred that the two of them have for each other in the beginning will satisfy your enemies-to-lovers craving and have you hooked on every chapter. 
     I really liked the way that Willa and Ryder communicate and how it metaphorically relates to their relationship. Willa can hear, but can’t understand why Ryder would like her; Ryder can’t hear but listens to Willa in a way that no one else has. However, both overcome their flaws and faults to come together and trust each other in a way they’ve never known before.
     Only When It’s Us is such a fun story and if you love the enemies-to-lovers trope then this is a must read!! Fans of Liese’s Tough Love Series will fall in love with her writing all over again and really enjoy Willa and Ryder’s story! While this is a great stand-alone novel, I cannot wait for the next installment of the series and see what shenanigans the Bergman Brothers get up to next.

*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.