Most Anticipate Release Tuesday August 12, 2025

Here are the books I'm looking forward to this week!

For The Record by Emma Lord

I got to read this one early. I usually love Lord but this one was just ok for me. I listened and also read it. You can see my thoughts HERE.

Love At First Sighting by Mallory Marlowe

Another one I got to read early. This one was really quite cute. Check out my review HERE.

Warrior Princess Assassin by Brigid Kemmerer

This was a book I was so excited for. I love Kemmerer's other works. I couldn't wait to read her first adult book. I got it early and was very disappointed. You can see that one HERE.

Heartstrings by Ivy Fairbanks

I actually DNF'd the first book in this series. But I think it was the audio so I'm going to try it again in print because it really sounds like something I'd like. This is the second one and I hope it's good.

A Killer Getaway by Siena Sharpe

This one just looks cute. I love a good romance mystery/thriller!

What are you looking forward to releasing?

 

ARC Review: For the Record by Emma Lord

 

An electrifying rom com of rivalry and redemption, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Daisy Jones and the Six, from New York Times bestselling author Emma Lord.

Once the most notorious rivals in the music scene, pop princess Mackenzie Waters and punk rockstar Sam Blaze electrified audiences as their bands clashed on stage. But behind the scenes, their simmering tension grew into something more — until suddenly both bands fell apart, and the idea of Mackenzie and Sam did, too.

Two years later, Sam has traded the rockstar lifestyle for a quiet life raising the son he didn’t know about. Meanwhile, Mackenzie is dealing with a postoperative change in her voice by only singing under a pseudonym. The only way to revive their public careers? A joint comeback album.

With fans over the moon and their futures on the line, Sam and Mackenzie face their biggest challenge yet: giving up the old rivalry and learning to work together. But as old sparks fly and new secrets emerge, they set off a chain reaction neither of them could have anticipated — one that proves that sometimes, the greatest hits are the ones yet to be written.

Title: For the Record

Author: Emma Lord

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin/Macmillan Audio

Expected Publication Date: August 12, 2025

Review:

Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this  title to read/listen to and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I really enjoy Lord's writing and her stories. I love that she can write adult and young adult. Her stories are always authentic and make me feel good. I was excited to jump into this one.

When I saw the audio was Andrew Eiden and Jesse Vilinsky were the narrators for this story, I was super excited. Jesse narrates most if not all of Lord's young adults books as well and Lynn Painter's young adult books.  And I adore Eiden. And, while I really loved his voice for Sam, the MMC, I wasn't thrilled with Jesse for the FMC, Mackenzie. I just felt her voice was a bit too young for the age of the character. I'm not sure if it's because I know her to voice younger characters or if it just didn't fit for me, but it detracted from my enjoyment of the story.

Despite me not loving Jesse's voice for the FMC, I really connected with Mackenzie. She was very relatable and well developed. Her background and back story of her relationship with Sam really impacted how she went into her future. But Sam, he was so sweet. And you can see he's come into himself having become a dad and realizing he needed to change his bad boys ways. 

The second chance romance of this book was top notch. I loved the build in the chemistry between Sam and Mack. But also, their past heavily influenced them as a couple. Both working on trying to believe they were worthy of one another. Both finding they had similar feelings that neither of them wanted to act on or couldn't act on due to their contracts with the recording company.

There's a bit of spice in this book but not much. It was more the slow burn that endeared me to the characters. Plus the side characters were fun.

The pacing was well done with lots of scenes building to reach the tipping point; side stories that gave insight into the relationships between all the characters. I liked that there was no real third act break up. 

Overall it was a fun read but definitely not my favorite by this author. While I loved the music industry side of the story, I felt it was lacking in romance in many parts. There was just something in the execution that didn't sit right with me and thus lowered my rating. I won't rule out reading this author in the future and I'm hoping I'll like whatever she brings to the table next more than this one.

Author:

Emma Lord is an NYT bestselling author of rom coms for teens and adults, a BuzzFeed senior writer, and dessert gremlin living in New York City. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a major in psychology and a minor in how to tilt your computer screen so nobody will notice you updating your fan fiction from the back row. Her sun sign is Cancer and her moon sign is whatever Taylor Swift song is about to pop up on shuffle.

Weigh In Wednesday

 

Sometimes it's hard to figure out what to read once you've finished a book you love, right. Let's have some fun! Here are some book comparisons for you to ponder

If you liked The Lost Book Shop by Evie Woods, give The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer a try!

If you liked The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center, give The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord a try!

If you liked The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley, give The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave a try.

If you like Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, give The Courting of Bristol Keats by Mary E. Pearson a try!

If you liked The Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maher, give The Nightmare Before Christmas by Sarah Raasch a try!

If you liked Bride by Ali Hazelwood, give The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson a try!

If you liked Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison, give Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine a try!

If you like Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yaaros, give The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon a try!

Have you read any of these books?

Fat Stack Friday January 31, 2025

Happy Friday! Here are the books I got this week!

To Review from NetGalley/Edelweiss/Publisher Sent:

For The Record by Emma Lord

I love me some Emma Lord. While I love her YA stuff, I adore her adult stuff even more. I cannot wait to read this one!

The Thrashers by Julie Soto

I'm reading Not Another Love Song by this author now. I wasn't sure about it in the beginning but now I love it and I cannot wait to see what The Thrashers brings!

Time Loops & Meet Cutes by Jackie Lau

This one was sent to me as a widget from Atria. I had it on my potential request list so it was kizmet that sealed the deal.

Where You're Planted by Melanie Sweeney

I adored Take Me Home by this author. It really tugged at my heart strings. I can't wait to see how she hurts my heart and pieces it back together in this one.

Zomromcom by Olivia Dade

I've not read Dade before (though I do have one of her books in paperback) but I've heard great things. And I love that she uses plus sized FMCs!

Kindle:

The Art of Starting Over by Heidi Mclaughlin

Got this one as one of my freebies because of Prime. It looks like a good read.

The Scientis by Kristen B. Cole

I'll be honest and say I had seen this cover over and over again and it was just too beautiful. When someone posted in one of my book groups it was free, I jumped at the chance to get it.

There's SomethingAbout Mira by Sonali Dev

Another freebie due to my Prime membership. Looks adorable.

Libby/Hoopla:

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto

Listening to this one now. I wasn't sure at first but now I'm really into it. I love the how the author is using music in this one.

Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young

I tried this author's first book on audio and did not like it. I do have it on my Kindle so plan to go back and see if it's better that way. This one looked too cute to pass up so I put it on my list and it popped up to read.

The Hot Shot (Game On #4) by Kristen Callihan

I've actually read this one already, many years ago. I've been making my way back through this series. I finished this one yesterday and it was just ok, not as good as the others. 

What did you get this week?

 

Most Anticipated Releases Tuesday January 21, 2025

 

Here are my most anticipated releases for the week of January 21, 2025!

Onyx Story (The Empyrean #3) by Rebecca Yarros

I know this is probably on everyone's mind this week. I would definitely see it is the most anticipated release of 2025 for all my book friends in my book groups. THey won't stop talking about it. I've tried to stay away from any potential spoilery things as I know the story and ending were leaked. I did a re-read of the first two books on audio just to be prepared as I had forgotten quite a bit. I'm ready to put everything aside Tuesday to read it!

She Doesn't Have a Clue by Jenny Elder Moke

This one sounded really cute so I requested the audio ARC of it and was approved. I really enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would. The mystery trope was a little off for me but overall I had fun reading it. You can see my review HERE.

The Rival by Emma Lord

I really like Emma Lord's writing. Her YAs are cute and perfect for that age group. I got to read her adult book The Break-Up Pact as an early read and really loved that one so much. When I saw this one pop up on NetGalley I knew I had to read it. You can see my thoughts HERE.

Only In Your Dreams by Ellie K. Wilde

I'm am all about the brother's-best-friend romance trop and this one is packed with it. How do I know? I got to read it early. This one definitely lives up to the hype you might see about it. You can see my review HERE.

What books are you most anticipating this week?

Most Anticipated Releases Tuesday December 31, 2024

 

Last Tuesday of the year to show you what I'm excited about!

Better Than Revenge by Kasie West

I've been a West fan for a long time. Her books are cute, quirky, and just fun. I can't wait to get this one and dive in!

The Getaway List by Emma Lord

I really like Lord. I know this one was already published but I'm excited it was picked up by a traditional publisher. I can't wait to read this one!

What are you most looking forward to releasing this week?

ARC Review: The Rival by Emma Lord

 

Rivals-to-lovers gets an academic send-up in this charming and irresistible romantic comedy from Emma Lord, New York Times bestselling author of Tweet Cute and Begin Again.

At long last, Sadie has vanquished her lifelong academic rival — her irritatingly charming, whip smart next door neighbor, Seb — by getting the coveted, only spot to her dream college. Or at least, so she thinks. When Seb is unexpectedly pulled off the waitlist and admitted, Sadie has to compete with him all over again, this time to get a spot on the school’s famous zine. Now not only is she dealing with the mayhem of the lovable, chaotic family she hid her writing talents from, as well as her own self doubt, but she has to come to terms with some less-than-resentful feelings for Seb that are popping up along the way.

But the longer they compete, the more Sadie and Seb notice flaws in the school’s system that are much bigger than any competition between them. Somehow the two of them have to band together even as they’re trying to crush each other, only to discover they may have met their match in more ways than one.

Title: The Rival

Author: Emma Lord

Expected Publication Date: January 21, 2025

Publisher: St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books/Macmillan Audio

Edition: Kindle/Audio

Review:

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and Macmillan Audio for providing me with an egalley and audio galley of this book to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I've become a fan of Lord's work. She writes sweet, clean teen romance that is relatable with characters who are developed well and real. I was happy to be approved to read this most recent title from her.

Jesse Vilinsky, the narrator, is known to me. She has narrated quite a few Lynn Painter books. Her tone, inflection, and reactions to the part she speaks is spot on as long as they are teen parts. She has an easy cadence, as well. I cannot see that I would enjoy her for more mature narrations but she fits well as a voice for teens with some angst. I was fortunate to also get the kindle version of this book so I read along for the full immersion and it was surprisingly fun.

Sadie has always battled against her rival Sebastian. Their families have been friends since they were born, neighbors all their lives, and they have spent many vacations with each other. But it's always been a sticky type of relationship. Where they love the same things and compete to get them. Sadie is finally free as she starts her freshman year of college at Blue Ridge State and Seb is stuck at another school. But suddenly, Seb is on campus as his waitlisted spot has opened up. Now Sadie must once again worry he will be after the same coveted spot she is on the school new rag. But a twist of events where the funding for their paper is being pulled has Sadie and Seb researching the reasons together and forming an alliance. This only confuses their relationship even more as they are still competing for the same spot on the paper.

Sadie and Seb are really well done developmentally. I liked that Lord didn't leave out their flaws. It made them so much more real. You definitely get the sense they are freshmen in college who are trying to find their way. And it's obvious that they are more than just the friendly rivals Sadie makes them out to be. The book is told strictly from Sadie's POV. I kind of wish we would have had Seb's POV but I do understand the book is about Sadie's growth and her coming to terms with her feelings and with what she wants to do with her life as well as showing her breaking free of her family to try and become more independent. She's always been the rock that held her sisters and parents together and without her there, things fall apart a bit.. I really felt her struggle to try and keep Seb at a distance but at the same time be drawn to him and be confused by it all. It's hard to see your enemy as your lover. Though she does confess to having these same types of confusing feelings back in high school.

Lord writes great side characters who are diverse and fun. I enjoyed watching Sadie and Seb make friends as they managed their first year of college. It would be great to get some of the side character's stories in the future.

I will say, I expected a bit more academics for this book seeing as they are freshmen in college. There is a lot of emphasis put on the time they spend doing things for the paper and I found that a bit unrealistic. I needed to feel the pressure of classes, tests, papers, and all the other things that come along with learning to navigate academia as an 18 year old. 

This book was a great glance into university politics, becoming independent, and breaking away from family woes. If you're a fan of Lynn Painter's young adult works, you'll enjoy Lord's. If you're looking for a wholesome teen romance, this is a great choice!

Author:

Emma Lord is the NYT bestselling author of YOU HAVE A MATCH and TWEET CUTE, a BuzzFeed market editor, and dessert gremlin living in New York City, where she spends whatever time she isn’t writing either running or belting show tunes in community theater. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a major in psychology and a minor in how to tilt your computer screen so nobody will notice you updating your fan fiction from the back row. She was raised on glitter, a whole lot of love, and copious amounts of grilled cheese.

Fat Stack Friday December 20, 2024

 

Happy Friday December 20th, 2024. I'm excited about all my goodies I got this week. Take a look!

For Review NetGalley/Edelweiss:

The Rival by Emma Lord

I had a Kindle copy of this but then the audio popped up and I wanted to give that a try. I finished it today and it's a sweet teen read!

For My Kindle:

The Sixty/Forty Rule (Sunset Landing #1) by Ellie K. Wilde

I got a copy of Wilde's newest book early, Only In Your Dreams (Oakwood Bay #1), and flew through it. Review of that book to come but it's one of my 5 star reads this year. I can't wait for the second book! I liked it so much I got her other books to read.

The No-Judgement Zone (Sunset Landing #2) by Ellie K. Wilde

As above, I want to read all things from Wilde. She's up there for me with Elsie Silver and Abby Jimenez!

Wreck My Plans by Jillian Meadows

I'm hoping to get this one in over the weekend as a Christmas read. I got to read Meadow's book that re-launches in January as traditionally published, Give Me Butterflies (Oaks Sisters #1), and enjoyed it. You can see my review of that title HERE.

In The Mail:

The Night is Defying (Nytefall #2) by Chloe C. Penaranda

I won this on IG from the publisher. It's an early copy. I didn't read the first one but I'm hoping to get it for Christmas so then I can read it and dive into this one.

What did you get this week?

Fat Stack Friday: Friday October 11, 2024

Let me show you my book haul for this week!

From Libby:

Take Me Home by Melanie Sweeney

I've seen this one mentioned a few times in my book groups and really wanted to find out what all the hubbub was about. Fingers crossed it's a good one. I love both narrators for this book, Brittany Pressley and Zachary Webber, so I expect to enjoy it. I started it today!

Wicked Serve by Grace Reilly

Did I realize this was #4 in a series of sort of stand alones. Nope, I sure did not. Now I'm trying to decide if I want to read it or go back and start at the beginning.

In the mail:

For review NetGalley/Mail:

The Rival by Emma Lord

I've quickly become an Emma Lord fan. I really enjoy her characters and stories. I'm looking forward to reading this one for sure!

Wooing the Witch Queen (Queens of VillaIny #1) by Stephanie Burgis

Thanks Bramble for this ARC. I've not heard of this book but I'm excited to dive into it. Ogres, witches, magic and more. It sounds so good!

In the mail:

The ExVows by Jessica Joyce

This is one of my top reads this year. I absolutely adored this book that had me in such a choke hold. I was thankful to get an early egalley to read and review. You can see that review HERE. I got this hard copy as a friend and I are going on a girls book weekend in November and we're going to bedazzle our copies!

The Dagger and the Flame (The City of Fantome #1) by Catherine Doyle

This gorgeous copy is from my combined Adult/YA FairyLoot subscription. It's so pretty with the dagger and painted edges!

The Gods Below (The Hollow Covenant #1) by Andrea Stewart

The second book of my FaireyLoot subscription. Also gorgeous. I love the alternate covers that come with these books. And those jeweled edges are so pretty!

What did you get this week?