Once Ghosted, Twice Shy (Reluctant Royals #2.5) by Alyssa Cole

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Alyssa Cole returns with a fun, sexy romance novella in the Reluctant Royals series!

While her boss the prince was busy wooing his betrothed, Likotsi had her own love affair after swiping right on a dating app. But her romance had ended in heartbreak, and now, back in NYC again, she’s determined to rediscover her joy—so of course she runs into the woman who broke her heart.

When Likotsi and Fabiola meet again on a stalled subway train months later, Fab asks for just one cup of tea. Likotsi, hoping to know why she was unceremoniously dumped, agrees. Tea and food soon leads to them exploring the city together, and their past, with Fab slowly revealing why she let Likotsi go, and both of them wondering if they can turn this second chance into a happily ever after.

Source: advance e-galley provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

Alyssa Cole's delightful Reluctant Royals series has introduced amazing women and dashing men whose lives intersect unexpectedly. It's been great to read a romance about royalty that features people of colour who are creators of opportunity in their own lives.

Once Ghosted, Twice Shy - seriously cute title, by the way - brings back Likotsi, Prince Thabiso's most valued, most trusted advisor who has been by his side for what seems like forever. When she's not busy keeping the future king in line she manages to carve out a bit of time for herself to find love as well. Thanks to a dating app, she meets Fabiola who instantly knocks her off her feet. Likotsi has no intention of seeking anything long term and Fab seems like she's up for some fun, too. She even helps Likotsi loosen up a bit but then just as quickly as they hook up it's all over, and Fab simply disappears from her life. Until one day when she reappears out of nowhere and all the passion, the bitterness, the hurt is reignited. As they spend the day together wandering around New York and tip-toeing around each other they fall into a familiar pattern. But there's no way to move forward until they address the cause of their breakup. 

Even though it's a novella it doesn't deprive Litkosi and Fab of the time to tell their story. It's a delightful read from beginning to end and Cole invokes some gorgeous imagery that just makes the two of them come alive. It also made me want to visit New York again. And did you know that the book's cover features a real-life couple? I found that out before I started it and it made me feel even more gushy about Likotsi and Fab as I was reading it. Once Ghosted, Twice Shy was the something "sweet and fun" I wanted to read about genuinely good people deserving the good things coming their way.

~ Bel

What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera

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Arthur is only in New York for the summer, but if Broadway has taught him anything, it’s that the universe can deliver a showstopping romance when you least expect it.

Ben thinks the universe needs to mind its business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things.

But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them?

Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated.

Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited.

But what if they can’t quite nail a first date . . . or a second first date . . . or a third?

What if Arthur tries too hard to make it work . . . and Ben doesn’t try hard enough?

What if life really isn’t like a Broadway play?

But what if it is?

Source: advance e-galley provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review


Before I get going I want to put this out there: I am an ardent fan of both Albertalli and Silvera. I love them for all the warm fuzzies and waterworks that their books bring on, and that the two of them have combined their superpowers to write a book together is nothing short of magical!

What If It's Us starts with a meet-cute at a post office of all places. Arthur sees a hot boy walking in to the post office with a large box. For a good-looking guy Arthur is willing to take a little detour and so follows him inside and strikes up a conversation with him. The boy, Ben is returning his ex-boyfriend's belongings and this gives Arthur hope that maybe Ben will be interested in him. Now before you go thinking he's being stalkery, Arthur is the sweetest guy who has only recently come out. He's never had a boyfriend before but his willingness to put himself out there is so darn admirable. Ben who's dated before is the one who's hesitant. Arthur is the kind of guy who believes in fate but before things can go any further they're abruptly separated and all they have is the other's first name. They do eventually find each other (social media to the rescue!) and then they embark on a series of dates, some hits, some misses, getting to know each other along the way. They only have a limited amount of time as Arthur does have to head back to Georgia at the end of the summer. In the meantime, they're going to have the best summer ever.

The story that unfolds is definitely the best of both worlds with Albertalli and Silvera taking us on an adventure as Ben takes Arthur around New York and Arthur learns the ins and outs of dating. What's interesting, too is the parallel subplots happening with regards to their own friends. Arthur's wondering if his coming out has negatively impacted his once close friendships back home and Ben's trying to figure out his own friendships which may or may not include being amicable to his ex. 

There's so much joy in reading What If It's Us. I was expecting to cry because let's face it, Silvera has a history of doing that to us but that wasn't the case this time. This is a heartfelt, coming-of-age story and I was especially touched by the ending. I love it because only is it realistic, it offers such an open and optimistic view of love and life. Their time together in New York has changed them and you can witness that as Ben and Arthur mature into the impressive men they're becoming. You definitely need to add this to your reading list now!

~ Bel

Still Me (Me Before You #3) by Jojo Moyes

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Jojo Moyes, a new book featuring her iconic heroine of Me Before You and After You, Louisa Clark

Louisa Clark arrives in New York ready to start a new life, confident that she can embrace this new adventure and keep her relationship with Ambulance Sam alive across several thousand miles. She steps into the world of the superrich, working for Leonard Gopnik and his much younger second wife, Agnes. Lou is determined to get the most out of the experience and throws herself into her new job and New York life.

As she begins to mix in New York high society, Lou meets Joshua Ryan, a man who brings with him a whisper of her past. Before long, Lou finds herself torn between Fifth Avenue where she works and the treasure-filled vintage clothing store where she actually feels at home. And when matters come to a head, she has to ask herself: Who is Louisa Clark? And how do you reconcile a heart that lives in two places?

Funny, romantic, and poignant, Still Me follows Lou as she navigates how to stay true to herself, while pushing to live boldly in her brave new world. 

Source: advance copy received in exchange for an honest review


It becomes an extra special experience to crack open a book and revisit characters you've come to love. Something about them has grabbed onto you and made a little bit of space for themselves in your heart and that's exactly how I feel about Louisa Clark. Lou, the chirpy, looks-on-the-bright side kind of girl in Me Before You who filled the last few months of Will's life with joy that he hadn't experienced in years. Lou, whose grief stricken soul was so lost before finding love again in After You. But you knew that we weren't quite done joining her on her adventures. In Still Me, our Lou is as colourful and lively as ever as she makes her way to America. 

Lou is now an assistant to the very young wife of a very rich older man and she has a front row seat to the peculiarities of the New York upper crust. The thing I adore about Lou is that she doesn't seem to be too flummoxed by awkward situations. She takes those moments in stride and uses her humour to deflect any possible discomfort. The several new characters introduced vary from welcoming to kooky. Seriously, would we expect any less from Lou's interactions? They all add flavour to her New York adventure and ensure that there's not one moment of boredom. 

Everything about Still Me feels authentically Lou from her concerns for her family, her friends, her erratic employer and even the curmudgeonly neighbour because it's Lou, and Lou cares about everyone. As she settles in New York she still has ties that bring her back to her past, meaning Will. His loss doesn't hurt as badly but I was impressed by how Moyes demonstrates how grief can strike out of nowhere and catch you off guard. There'll always be a twinge of sadness for Will that'll stay with Lou. He'll just always be a part of her, his voice echoing in the background and I like that he isn't forgotten.

Me Before You devastated me. After You had me in anguish for most of it but calm by the end knowing that Lou was rebounding. Still Me is a mixture of both its predecessors, this time with a rosier outlook at its finish. I absolutely loved this story that was a sweet balance of pain and humour. This is Lou growing up and growing up in hard. Now at a crossroads in her life, she has to finally answer the question she hasn't yet contemplated: who is Lou? 

~ Bel

The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon

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Natasha: I’m a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I’m definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won’t be my story.

Daniel: I’ve always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store—for both of us.

The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?

Source: advance galley provided by Delacorte Press/Random House


Oh boy. Where do I even begin? This book lit me up, giving me so much to smile about and to be thankful for. It's an intense story that plays upon your emotions and curiosities. In between the frenzy there are thoughtful pauses where you learn something new. Okay, I'm rambling so let me do this better ...

Most of the story takes place in one day where one tiny act sets everything in motion. First thing in the morning, Natasha heads over to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to plead her family's case against deportation. By some stroke of luck, fluke or divine intervention, whatever you call it, she ends up meeting with a different agent who gives her the name of a lawyer who may be able to help. At the same time, Daniel is making his way across town to a college interview. They cross paths which ends up redirecting their day.

While Natasha and Daniel carry the bulk of the narrative, there are chapters interspersed throughout providing brief glimpses into the lives of various characters. Some of them figure prominently in Natasha and Daniel's worlds while others are simply fleeting encounters. There are also chapters devoted to cultural concepts or social history. Remember those thoughtful pauses I mentioned earlier? These chapters are unexpectedly fascinating, giving you an entirely new perspective on what you don't usually notice. I just ate it up. The overarching plot is that every one of the players in this story is somehow connected and that every event or incident has a purpose. This one day when the pragmatic and self-sufficient Natasha, meets the dreamer and idealistic Daniel, it's meant to happen. The bond they develop throughout this one day changes them irrevocably. 

TSIAAS is one of the most beautiful books I've read this year. I was just ready to fall in love with it and it's partly to do with Nicola Yoon. She taps into something so intrinsic and visceral about her characters. There are details about them that become so tangible, for example, how Natasha finds bliss when she's listening to her beloved 90's alternative music. Or how Daniel derives order through poetry. Even the ones who have only a chapter or two devoted to them come alive because she has this magic that enables you to feel what's at their core. Yoon also draws from the characters' Jamaican and Korean heritages. Natasha being a transplant from Jamaica and Daniel being a first generation American, bring their unique perspectives to their surroundings and experiences. 

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Nicola Yoon at a YA luncheon last year and was I ever the fangirl! She is pure delight and warmth - I swear she naturally radiates joy. See the picture? Isn't she just so adorable? I think all that joy infuses her work and that's why her writing means so much to me. You know how you wish you could wind back the clock and read something for the first time again? TSIAAS is that kind of a book. If you read Everything, Everything and fell under its spell then you'll be as equally enchanted by this one. If you're new to Nicola Yoon then you're in for a treat! 

~ Bel

Tiny Pretty Things by Sona Charaipotra & Dhonielle Clayton

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Black Swan meets Pretty Little Liars in this soapy, drama-packed novel featuring diverse characters who will do anything to be the prima at their elite ballet school.

Gigi, Bette, and June, three top students at an exclusive Manhattan ballet school, have seen their fair share of drama. Free-spirited new girl Gigi just wants to dance—but the very act might kill her. Privileged New Yorker Bette's desire to escape the shadow of her ballet star sister brings out a dangerous edge in her. And perfectionist June needs to land a lead role this year or her controlling mother will put an end to her dancing dreams forever. When every dancer is both friend and foe, the girls will sacrifice, manipulate, and backstab to be the best of the best.

Suspenseful and disconcerting. That’s how I sum up Tiny Pretty Things. Underneath the alluring cover and innocent title, is a sinister story about ambitious people who want to get ahead regardless of the price. In the process, they each lose a little bit of their soul.

Each character has a unique identity. Gigi is the vibrant, happy-go-lucky girl who revels in the pure joy of dancing. Bette, is the diva of the school who has everyone under her thumb. Her older sister's success pushes her to elevate her game which would be resorting to pranks, intimidation and manipulation. Gigi’s innocence and popularity are threats to her success. Then there’s June, whose stand-offish nature is her weapon. June doesn’t have friends. She has competition. She has a surgical approach in how she analyzes everyone to target their strengths and weaknesses. At times Gigi’s charismatic personality almost breaks down her iciness but June is exceptional at compartmentalizing. Despite their differences,  all three want the same thing: to be the lead in the next production.

These young people undergo intense auditions and grueling rehearsals. It's a sensational environment where things can often get fierce. As the story progresses, the characters become more distraught and desperate. The things they do to each other and to their bodies are horrifying. They make you wonder at what point they lost their moral compass to blur the line between right and wrong. I mean, do they still love the art of ballet, or performing or are they so deeply entrenched in its dark underbelly that they don't know anything else? I know I became more distressed with each chapter as “mishaps” and foul play became more serious. Gigi, who is the only genuine person there, appears to be the innocent lamb nestled deep in the lion’s den.

The feeling I had as I read Tiny Pretty Things was the same jittery feeling I had when watching the tv show Revenge - always on edge because you never know what the next surprise will be. I both cared about and despised these characters for all their heartache and their flaws. There are reasons why Bette and June are as vile as they are but even those don't erase the the truth that these girls are treacherous when it comes to achieving their dreams. At times they’re something to be feared and at others, they’re close to crumbling.

Charaipotra and Clayton have written an enthralling story about bloodthirsty ambition featuring dynamic and diverse characters from different backgrounds, even breaking some stereotypes.  The fact that these characters sway back and forth between being decent and wretched, leaves you guessing as to how things will turn out by the end. 

~ Bel

The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith

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Lucy and Owen meet somewhere between the tenth and eleventh floors of a New York City apartment building, on an elevator rendered useless by a citywide blackout. After they're rescued, they spend a single night together, wandering the darkened streets and marveling at the rare appearance of stars above Manhattan. But once the power is restored, so is reality. Lucy soon moves to Edinburgh with her parents, while Owen heads out west with his father.

Lucy and Owen's relationship plays out across the globe as they stay in touch through postcards, occasional e-mails, and -- finally -- a reunion in the city where they first met.

A carefully charted map of a long-distance relationship, Jennifer E. Smith's new novel shows that the center of the world isn't necessarily a place. It can be a person, too.

Ever have a random encounter with someone, hitting it off so well that when it comes time to part ways, it’s all awkward and you don’t know if it’s weird to want to stay in touch? That’s what the sweet, funny and enchanting, The Geography of You and Me is about.

In this instance, the chance encounter is in an elevator that's stuck between floors during a blackout, and our two heroes, Lucy and Owen instead of being petrified by the ordeal, find the situation rather comical. The two are kind of misfits but not in a negative way. Each is going through something – Owen and his dad are working through their grief after losing his mother. Lucy’s family dynamics are peculiar. Her older brothers are away at college and her parents travel all over Europe and never take her along. She’s left to her own devices.

What struck me was how self-reliant both of them are. They’re not perturbed by the blackout and make the best of it. When Lucy has to move, she does it gracefully and takes to her new surroundings nicely. Owen too, handles the almost nomadic way of life he and his dad explore as his dad attempts to look for jobs. But no matter where they end up in the world, their center remains that rooftop in New York. Somehow, despite being miles apart and on different continents, these two have taken up residence in each other’s consciousness.

There are so many lovely touches throughout the book such as the postcards. I mean, I now look at them differently. In a world reliant on texting and instant messaging, their one-line communication via postcards is such an endearing and personal gesture. I also admire the many quotes that I either copied down or marked throughout the story. They’re simple but speak volumes. Here are three of my favourites:

One of them is at the beginning of the book when Owen and Lucy are sharing ideas about where they’d like to travel to. This sets up the rest of the story marvelously.

“Sometimes it seemed as if his whole life was an exercise in waiting; not waiting to leave, exactly, but simply waiting to go.” (p.46)

I guess it's stuck with me because it’s such a positive thought as opposed to a get-me-the-heck-out-of-here mentality.

This next one, where Lucy ruminates on the night of the blackout, is perhaps my favourite quote because of the beautiful imagery in action:

“They were like a couple of asteroids that had collided, she and Owen, briefly sparking before ricocheting off again, a little chipped, maybe even a little scarred, but with miles and miles still to go. How long could a single night really be expected to last? How far could you stretch such a small collection of minutes? ” (p.139) 

And finally, during a conversation between Lucy and her mother, her mother brings up a very good point about why she’s never gotten to travel with her parents. I think that it also sums up the stalled state of her relationship with Owen as they begin to think about what exactly their relationship is.

“You can’t know the answer until you ask the question.”  (p.253)

Okay, I won’t give any more away so instead, I’ll just encourage you once again to read The Geography of You and Me. I enjoyed how the story progressed and how their POVs paralleled each other’s. I take away from this the heartwarming message that it's not just a place but a person too, that can be the center that you return to. This thought gives me warm fuzzies and I can see myself returning to this book again.

~ Bel