Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

High School Epic by Hannah R. Goodman is a coming-of-age novel set at the beginning of the 1990s. Through the sharp, observant voice of Danielle “Dani” Fetter, the story captures the messy, exciting, and often confusing experiences of being a teenager discovering her identity. Dani’s world starts with an attic box filled with memories of her absent father—a gray cardigan, books, scraps of handwriting—that grounds her as she begins her freshman year. Alongside her best friends, Tiff and Kris, she navigates the thrill of crushes, hallway hierarchies, family fractures, and the unspoken pressures of growing up. One of the strongest themes in the novel is Dani’s growing relationship with Kevin, a skater boy with quiet intensity. Their bond develops through awkward hallway glances, shared detentions, and long walks, unfolding with the tender uncertainty of first love.

Hannah R. Goodman skillfully combines humor and tenderness in depicting teenage friendship. Dani’s relationship with Tiff and Kris is filled with laughter, rituals, and occasional betrayals, illustrating the shifting alliances that characterize adolescence. The period details add a nostalgic touch and ground the story in a specific cultural era. Beneath the romance lies a deeper emotional current: the ache left by Dani’s father’s disappearance and the shifting foundation of her family. These shadows shape Dani’s identity just as much as the giddy highs of teenage life. Goodman captures this duality realistically. High School Epic is warm, sharp, and honest. It celebrates friendship, young love, and the search for identity without sentimentalizing it. Through Dani’s voice, Goodman reminds readers that the most ordinary high school moments often define us. High School Epic is an exceptional young adult story that deserves more than five stars.

Reviewed by Carmen Tenorio for Readers' Favorite

Falling Out by Lucinda Brant begins when twelve-year-old Deborah Cavendish is forced into a mysterious midnight marriage to a drunken young heir, the Marquis of Alston. Years later, Deborah has grown into a strong, independent woman living in Bath with her orphaned nephew, defying society’s rules and her brother’s control. Fate brings them together when Deborah rescues a handsome stranger wounded in a duel, without realizing that this proud and charming man is her long-lost husband. Their connection reignites old ties neither of them fully understands. Their unexpected reunion sparks both romance and chaos as old secrets resurface and social expectations close in. Deborah’s fiery spirit clashes with Alston’s arrogance, but beneath it all, there’s undeniable chemistry and unfinished destiny. As they navigate misunderstandings, jealousy, and family scandals, both must decide whether love can survive pride and past mistakes. Will they ever overcome their anger, heartbreak, and resentments and mature as wiser, more respectful, and responsible adults, or are they helplessly doomed by the dysfunctional circumstances that were unfortunately forced upon them?

Falling Out by Lucinda Brant is an engaging Georgian-era romance that blends elegance, emotion, and vivid historical detail. The descriptive writing combines the refinement of 18th-century literature with the accessibility and wit of modern storytelling. Her prose moves with balance; slow and thoughtful during moments of reflection, then quick and intense when passions or secrets ignite. The action alternates between duels, confrontations, and the quieter drama of self-discovery. The emotionally nuanced characters’ gestures, mood, and silences reveal as much as their words. Deborah’s journey from a vulnerable girl to a strong, independent woman is powerful and inspiring. Alston’s transformation from a reckless heir to a mature, devoted man adds balance and tenderness. The story intertwines mystery, misunderstanding, trust, forgiveness, redemption, and rediscovered love. It is a layered tale of transformation and emotional depth. The imagery of candlelight, silks, and masquerades fully immerses readers in Georgian society and culture. The design, with its elegant cover, font, paragraph dividers, and accompanying illustrations, evokes refinement, old-world charm, and tone. Written with humor, warmth, and sophistication, it combines historical grace with emotional realism. It’s an ideal read for teens and young adults who enjoy slow-burn romances with strong heroines, hidden identities, and classic fairy-tale charm.

Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite

May, a high schooler who goes by Garlic on the MMORPG Zenix Online, bumps into Finn, a high schooler from another school and a Rogue in the game, and they quickly become acquaintances. Garlic introduces Finn to Bodvar, an older player and Garlic’s friend, who urges Finn to join their group for quests. Bodvar realizes they all make a good team and forms a guild called Aegis. The more quests they do and the more time the guild spends together, the closer Finn and Garlic grow. Soon, Bodvar updates the guild about a huge upcoming change in the game. Players will be allowed to cross over to a new gaming world, where everything will be reset, including the current rules and player status. Most Aegis members want the move. However, Finn and Garlic are reluctant. When Finn learns that Garlic has accepted the move without informing him, he feels betrayed. He is about to shock Aegis with his next move. What exactly will Finn do? Find out in Mayfly by Nathan Roth.

If you are looking for a young adult gamelit novel flavored with teenage drama, adventure, fantasy, action, thrills, realism, and suspense, Mayfly by Nathan Roth is a perfect pick. Roth wastes no time introducing readers to the action in Zenix Online and the characters’ personal struggles. The narration moves at a steady pace, alternating moments of reflection, tension, and bursts of action. One moment, I would be watching May or Finn in the real world, dealing with friendship, relationships, and family situations. The next thing, I’d be following both in the game, accomplishing missions, connecting, and learning about each other. Many young readers will relate to May and Finn. They both love being online in the game because it is the only place they get to be themselves. Roth shows how video games and virtual immersive platforms help kids deal with real-world challenges and also form connections. I highly recommend reading the previous book to enjoy this enthralling read.

Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha for Readers' Favorite

Falling for a Star in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager follows Paige, a young woman navigating the highs and lows of her acting career and personal life in a bustling city. Paige is driven by her dreams of acting success and haunted by a recent breakup with Walker. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she starts an internship at a TV station, initially performing menial tasks but eventually impressing the sports department. Paige faces professional and emotional challenges, encountering Viktor, a hockey player, and seeing her ex, Walker, whose music career was inspired by their split. The story captures Paige's inner conflicts and resilience as she navigates her evolving relationships with Walker and Viktor, culminating in moments of personal growth and professional achievements. Falling for a Star in the City is rich with themes of love, career ambitions, and personal discovery.

Krysten Lindsay Hager carefully shows the ups and downs of Paige's feelings and choices, helping readers understand her successes and failures. The writing is both engaging and straightforward and the use of humor and introspection maintains intrigue and emotional resonance. The descriptive language and relatable dialogue enhance the characters and their experiences. The setting is the vibrant backdrop of the city, and the tone is a blend of lightheartedness and emotional depth; both capture the protagonist's optimistic yet sometimes uncertain outlook on her future. Paige is a well-rounded character. Her interactions with Walker and Viktor are key to the story, revealing different sides of her personality and helping her grow emotionally. The other characters, like her friends and coworkers, enrich the story by showing the importance of friendship and support. The title itself aptly captures the essence of the story. The word "star" hints at Paige's acting career and her romantic interests, giving the title an intriguing double meaning. This sets the stage for the themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery that unfold. The book also gives a clear message of resilience and being true to yourself. It highlights the importance of real connections and having the courage to chase your dreams, no matter the obstacles. Falling for a Star in the City is a compelling narrative that resonates with its authentic portrayal of personal growth and relationships.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

It's in the Contract by Jessica Flory follows Callie Carter, a high-school senior still reeling from a painful breakup and with zero intention of running for Homecoming Queen. But when her long-time rival, Brielle, gets Callie’s best friend unfairly disqualified, Callie snaps. Determined to win the crown and reclaim her confidence, Callie recruits Zeke Harris, a reclusive, YouTube-famous gamer whose huge online following could give her campaign the boost it desperately needs. They strike a strictly professional deal: Callie gets his subscribers and Zeke keeps his gaming privileges by proving he can socialize. But the more time they spend together, the more they fall for each other. Before she knew it, this new “relationship” was forcing Callie to confront her fears, her self-worth, and the possibility that she might be falling for the last guy she expected.

Author Jessica Flory strikes the perfect balance between humor and romance. Callie is an incredible protagonist whose insecurities and drive to prove herself feel authentic. I enjoyed her growth and how she slowly learns to value who she is rather than who others expect her to be. Zeke, on the other hand, is a refreshing character. He is a little awkward and very understanding. Their dynamic is both sweet and believable, and the “contract” premise provides fun tension without feeling clichéd. The narrative covers peer pressure in a very relatable way. Flory also excels at portraying the pressures of school hierarchy and social media culture with just the right blend of satire and sincerity. It's in the Contract is an exciting young adult romance that will keep readers entertained for hours! I will certainly read it again.

Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite

Pretend by Jennifer Conklin starts with Kyle going to the city to pick up Robin, who has been badly beaten up by her very abusive stepfather. Despite the horrible injuries, Robin refuses to be taken to the hospital, and instead, they go to Kyle’s home. Kyle is home alone, as his brother, who also happens to be Robin’s boyfriend, is away in Portugal with their mother. Kyle takes good care of Robin, and as summer progresses, they become very fond of each other. When his brother and mother return from their long trip, Kyle convinces them to allow Robin to stay with them, as she is homeless. This brings a lot of dilemmas, as Kyle and Robin have a thing for each other. How will things turn out for Robin as she tries to navigate her trauma and her connection to the two brothers?

Once you start reading Pretend by Jennifer Conklin, there is no putting it down. The writing was engaging and filled with well-crafted dialogue that brought the story and characters to life. I loved how the plot flowed seamlessly, leaving no room for confusion for the reader, and the vivid description of events and emotion helped create a mental picture of what was happening. The thought-provoking work also gets one thinking about gender violence and its overall impacts on society. Jennifer utilized easy-to-understand language, which makes the work accessible to all kinds of audiences, and the readers will also appreciate the excellent narration, which adds to the overall beauty of the book. I look forward to reading something else by Jennifer Conklin.

Reviewed by Jefto Pierre for Readers' Favorite

The Catalyst by Nat Bickel is a modern-day young adult romance that unfolds in the Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina. The lead character, Kelynn, has recently graduated from college and is wrestling with anxiety and mysterious blackouts. She uses a magical opal necklace as a coping mechanism. Kelynn's life undergoes a dynamic shift when she meets Clayton. He sincerely cares about her and wants her to succeed in everything she does. Clayton obtains Kelynn's opal necklace and uses it to uncover her innermost secret thoughts and desires. He uses this insight to construct favorable scenarios that enhance Kelynn's confidence. In so doing, he influences her to achieve her dreams. In retrospect, is this completely a blessing or a curse? Will Kelynn eventually learn to stand up on her own two feet?

The Catalyst is a moving and spellbinding novel that explores themes like self-discovery, self-belief, love, and prevailing over personal challenges. It will reverberate deeply with readers, particularly through its descriptive prose and empathetic characters. Nat Bickel has written a captivating tale that examines the intense power of love and devotion as seen through the eyes of its characters. The narrative switches between Kelynn's and Clayton's perspectives, adding acuity and intrigue to their distinct storylines. This dual point of view allows readers to traverse the different aspects of Kelynn's and Clayton's minds and better grasp their motives and reactions to the events unfolding in their relationship. Overall, The Catalyst magnificently captures the experience of falling in love and the hold love has on the people in that relationship. It is an irresistible read, especially for readers who appreciate heartfelt romances that feature its characters overcoming profound life challenges.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Some Species of Outsider-ness by Angela Grey and Paige Peterson is a poignant coming-of-age novel for young adult readers. Piper Quesenberry and Slater Hartmann are two teens who feel like outsiders for different reasons. Piper is battling bipolar disorder, and Slater is recovering from Guillain-Barré Syndrome, and they form an unlikely friendship in their small town. But when sinister activities begin to happen at the Whispering Hills Casino, the two teens are drawn into a dangerous mystery that forces them to rely on each other. As they navigate small-town gossip, health struggles, and emotional wounds, their bond strengthens, proving that even broken souls can find healing in each other.

Authors Angela Grey and Paige Peterson are a powerhouse pair who put their collective talents into a powerful portrayal of mental health struggles. The twin storylines are told with raw honesty and sensitivity, giving a voice to young people's experiences with illnesses that are age-appropriate for both the characters and the intended readership. There is, however, a lot of complexity and depth for adult fans of YA fiction, too. The characters’ vulnerabilities and resilience against their conditions create a deeply moving and relatable emotional journey that works on many levels and will certainly touch the heart of anyone who's ever struggled with chronic conditions. The mystery elements develop in interesting and natural ways. The small-town setting compounds the themes of isolation and belonging nicely to land some big atmospheric punches, especially in the latter part of the story, where the bond between our heroes is put to the test. Overall, Some Species of Outsider-ness is a highly recommended read for YA enthusiasts looking for a unique blend of mystery and emotional drama that keeps the pacing gripping and the stakes high.

Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite

Brianna MacMahon’s The Great Dempseys is a nuanced tale of ambition, privilege, and identity through the eyes of Audrey Nielsen, a teen thrust right into the middle of Manhattan’s elite. The setting takes readers back to 1980s New York, where Audrey, a scholarship student at the prestigious Great Gray High School, finds herself navigating a starkly different social sphere. Her life intertwines with Bobby Dempsey, heir to one of the nation’s most powerful corporations. Their relationship becomes a microcosm of class disparity and familial expectations, creating a heartfelt and thought-provoking exploration of societal boundaries. However, beneath the glamour and romance, the narrative veers into darker territory, revealing secrets that challenge Audrey and Bobby to define their futures in ways they never imagined.

Brianna MacMahon beautifully sets the tone for The Great Dempseys right away, highlighting Audrey’s complex relationship with her world—her deep bond with her father and her initial resistance to the overwhelming privilege of Great Gray. This richly detailed introduction not only grounds Audrey as a relatable protagonist but also establishes the subthemes of identity and belonging. The characters are meticulously developed, with Audrey’s internal struggles and Bobby’s search for self-determination driving an immersive plot. The pacing alternates between tender, self-reflective moments and sharp, dramatic turns, creating a balance that keeps readers connected and invested. Fans of new adult fiction will find much to admire in The Great Dempseys. Its blend of romance, social commentary, and suspense offers a multi-layered narrative with broad appeal. Brianna MacMahon does a skillful and creative job capturing the intensity of teenage relationships while probing deeper issues of privilege, legacy, and personal freedom, making this a poignant and unforgettable read.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

From The Sky by J. E. Nicassio is a riveting blend of romance, mystery, and interstellar intrigue that captivates readers from the first page. The story follows Samantha Hunter, whose life takes a dramatic turn after a miraculous escape from a deadly car crash. Little does she know, her savior is Lucien Foster, a mysterious boy with eyes like the cosmos, whose true nature and intentions remain shrouded in mystery. When Lucien and Samantha begin to nurture the attraction they feel for each other, they draw the attention of the MJ 12, a shadowy government organization that will stop at nothing to harness the power unleashed by their attraction. Heart-pounding action, tender romance, and spine-tingling suspense create a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

From the chaotic aftermath of the car crash to the clandestine pursuit by shadowy governmental forces, every scene is imbued with a sense of urgency and intrigue that propels the story forward. The characters are lovable and cleverly executed, and the plot is intriguing. Samantha's journey of self-discovery and grit is compellingly portrayed as she navigates the challenges of loss, love, and the unknown. Likewise, Lucien's enigmatic presence creates an atmosphere of mystery and danger. The romance between Samantha and Lucien is both tender and tumultuous. As they embrace their forbidden love amidst a universe-spanning conspiracy, their chemistry leaps off the page, drawing readers into their passionate and complex relationship. From The Sky blends different genres, effortlessly moving between moments of heart-pounding action and quiet introspection. Whether it's a brutal confrontation between Lucien and his brother Cassiel or a tender moment of intimacy between Samantha and Lucien, each scene is expertly crafted to evoke a range of emotions in the reader. I was invested in the characters, the beautiful worldbuilding, and the phenomenal conflict. Fans of I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore will be thrilled by this novel.