Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

Sometimes a book comes along that is so outstanding that words fail a reviewer. My Crunchy Life by Mia Kerick is one of those books. A quick glance at the cover might lead you to think this is just a fun book for teens. But you’d be wrong. While My Crunchy Life is indeed aimed at young adults, and much of the time is delivered with humor, its focus is very serious and addresses a key contemporary, actually timeless social issue: gender identity. At the center of this delightful and beautiful story are Kale and Julian. Mia Kerick alternates the narration between these two teens. They are good kids with loving parents, but caught up in their own issues, though Julian at least has been able to be fully open with his mom. Julian has known since he was a child that he is a girl in a male body. He hates it, has confided fully in his mother, and with her endless support is transitioning to a woman.

Kale is all male but confused. Could he be gay? He feels attracted to Julian, but doesn’t have a clue that Julian wants to be Julia. He avoids confronting his own issues by embracing different lifestyles: he tries to be a hippie, eat vegetarian only while his father serves up hot dogs and pulled pork, and has the hardest time being kind to his “brosin”, Hubie, his brother/cousin who lives with Kale and his dad after a troubled earlier life with his own mother. Kale is constantly doing mental gymnastics as he tries to sort through all his problems. Another contemporary teen issue which both Julian and Kale face is bullying from the unkind mouths of their schoolmates. Kerick does a superb job of capturing that nastiness, and the heartache it causes the victims in a language teens understand. Teens will find themselves reading My Crunchy Life and wondering if Kerick knows them personally: it’s that accurate. This is an author who sees deeply into the hearts and minds of people and is gifted at delivering all the accompanying emotions on paper.

Through incredibly witty plays on words, humour, and lots of empathy, Mia Kerick has written a book that is not just for young adults, but for parents who truly care about what their children might be struggling with, but are hesitant to discuss with anyone. My Crunchy Life opens doors to allow communication to begin. Kerick has written several books addressing important teen issues and won deserved awards for doing so. If these issues matter to you, this is an author you need to know about and whose books should be on your bucket list. Brilliant! I can't express how much I enjoyed this book.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

Tender and deeply moving, The LoveLock: A Suspenseful and Sensual Love Story by Eichin Chang-Lim is a love story about Violet and Dylan, two college sweethearts whose relationship is destroyed by a tragedy that tears them apart. As grown-ups, they have to face the challenges of life, each one alone. Violet will travel a very dark path, ending up as a stripper, while Dylan has his own demons to handle. But there is one moment that keeps them linked to each other in some mysterious way; the moment Dylan gave Violet the locket. The locket and the key have marked a symbolic moment in their relationship. When Dylan offered her the locket on a beach, he said he’d keep the key, symbolizing that he owned the key to Violet’s heart. For Violet, Dylan has the key to her heart, “in every sense,” but after all they have been through, can they go back to the moment to unlock the secret of happiness and meaning in each other’s heart?

This is a beautiful story, at times aching, and filled with compassion and pathos. Violet and Dylan are well-sculpted characters and they are flawed in a way that allows them to be human. There are very painful moments in the story and the author creates a strong sense of suspense which makes the story even more gripping — a real page-turner. You’ll feel for these characters and as you follow Violet, all innocent, being introduced to the rules of the strip club. The psychological games that are played on the key characters are something that the weak encounter every day. Eichin Chang-Lim injects a huge dose of realism into the narrative and makes the characters really believable. The LoveLock: A Suspenseful and Sensual Love Story is beautifully written.

Reviewed by Patricia Bell for Readers' Favorite

The Fountain by Suzy Vadori is the first book in The Fountain book series. It starts out with Ava Marshall on her first day at the new boarding school, St Augustus. Right from the start, Ava seems to hit it off wrong with Courtney, a girl on her swim team. For whatever reason, Courtney does not want Ava on the swim team and tries to get her disqualified. Ava, a nice girl, and not understanding why all this is happening to her, happens upon a wishing well in the west woods of the grounds, where she makes a wish that changes her life more than she’d bargained for. From the moment she realizes her wish has been granted, she begins trying to figure out how to undo it. She enlists the help of a new friend, Ethan, which serves to complicate her life even more.

Suzi Vadori has done it again! The Fountain was a splendid read from start to finish. As a matter of fact, once I started, I don’t think I set it down until it was finished. I love her characters. Ava is a sweet girl who has a soft heart. My kind of girl. The story did not end quite the way I expected it to, and that made it all the better. There were many unexpected turns throughout the book that left my mouth hanging open. The Fountain is a good read for tweens and teens and, as a parent, I would have no problem allowing my teens to read it. No sexual situations or harsh language, just good wholesome fun. Great job once again, Suzi!

Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite

The Trail Rules is the second book in The Rules teen romance series by Melanie Hooyenga. Sixteen-year-old Mikayla “Mike” Westin has great friends and a supportive boyfriend, but lacks confidence following some serious social drama at school last year. During summer break, her boyfriend Evan trained Mike in the sport of trail biking and their romance flourished. Or did it? As Mike starts the eleventh grade, she’s under pressure from her parents to focus on academics, but the drama continues at school. Mike breaks up with Evan and begins riding with a new group of biking enthusiasts, including Mica, a senior at another school. Will matters improve for Mike at home, at school, and on the bike trail? And is a new romance in her future?

In The Trail Rules, Hooyenga gives us an expertly-written, well-paced narrative and a fascinating and well-developed cast of teen and adult characters. On its surface, it’s a simple romance that incorporates high school social drama with personal growth through the physical, emotional, and mental challenge of a sport. Mike is a very likable teen who hasn’t yet found her own path or her inner courage. As she gains experience on the bike, she devises ten (plus one) “trail rules,” which also help her face the challenges of life. I especially enjoyed the inclusion of the Ethics class and teacher, and the sensitive way the strain between Mike and her parents is portrayed. Some readers (or their parents) may be concerned with the appropriateness of certain language or scenes, but that said, this is an extremely positive and engaging story told in a very beautiful way. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite

In Competing With The Star (The Star Series) (Volume 2) by Krysten Lindsay Hager, Hadley Daniels was living the life. She finally felt like she belonged. She had made some really good friends and things between her and Nick were finally moving in the right direction. Her new group was, however, not your everyday kind of friendship; it included Reagan (Nick's very beautiful ex-girlfriend), Morgan (a super mean girl with her fangs always aiming for Hadley), and Simone (a beautiful former teen TV star and also Nick's former major crush). The romantic bliss she was hoping to enjoy with Nick was therefore often interrupted by these friends and her resulting constant feelings of insecurity. The couple, however, had everything in common and a deep friendship too, and the moments they had, especially away from their friends, were so beautiful and so memorable. But in the face of all the baggage from Nick's past, will their bliss survive the drama that comes with teenage romance?

Competing With The Star is the continuation of Krysten Lindsay Hager's epic YA drama series, The Star Series. Through a captivating plot, amazing character development, and Krysten's flawless writing, the story captures the true essence of the drama, confusion, and emotional high that is teenage romance. It brings to life the beauty of YA romance with all its uncertainties and possibilities. In the midst of all the drama, confusion, and romance, the story also gives off a beautiful and serene sense of family. I especially loved how the book dived into the story right away, and captured the genuine feeling of the story down to details, language, and interaction between the characters. Lovers of YA romance will definitely love The Star Series.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Gold Rush by Jennifer Comeaux is a captivating romance for young adult readers, a story that speaks about the friction of falling in love and holding on to a dream. Can love and a dream be bundled together? What if that dream could mean everything? Liza Petrov’s eyes are set on winning the Olympic Goal Medal in skating. She is beautiful, disciplined, and utterly focused. But then Braden Patrick happens and, instead of following the discipline that has led her thus far, she is compelled to follow emotions and feelings she’d never felt before. The question is: Can she pursue this romance and still find the strength to keep up the pace in her pursuit of the gold medal?

I love watching skating and Blades of Glory has been one of my all-time favorite sporting movies. Gold Rush made me relive the same experience I have every time I watch this movie. It will come as a huge surprise if the author, Jennifer Comeaux, is not herself a hard-core skater because she has the gift of making the ice rink come alive with her characters. Her descriptions of the sport, the movements, and the overall science are the work of great research or experience, and the reader has the impression that she is a master in the sport.

That said, Gold Rush is masterfully written — no doubt about that — and the characters are well-imagined. From the very beginning, the author portrays the protagonist as anxious and determined, and the reader becomes keen to watch her progress. Jennifer Comeaux carefully builds suspense around the idea of the gold medal and the reader pays attention, reading feverishly, longing to see what happens at the end. Although the plot isn’t so complex, it is designed to keep the reader engaged as the story unfolds and as the different layers of the characters are unveiled. The story is as entertaining as the ice rink itself, and it is satisfying to watch as the characters evolve.

Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

Julie Hodgson’s All You Need is Love (And a Big Handbag) is hilariously adventuresome. What would you do for love? Would you be willing to hide under a bed in a run-down hotel and stake out your husband? That’s exactly what Maggie Spalding does. Do you believe in fairy tales, happy endings? Maggie did, but now she fears she must grow up and face reality. Maggie’s husband is acting weird, a little too strange. Their beautiful beginning now seems a distant memory. Alone and empty, she allows her imagination to take flight and thinks the worst. With her ever faithful, over stuffed Mary Poppins’ style handbag in her grasp, Maggie sets out to find some answers. She could have never imagined what she discovers...

All You Need is Love is outrageous! Julie Hodgson writes a comedy action adventure that is beyond entertaining. The narrative is cute, full of hilarious moments and outlandish escapades all surging at an adrenaline-fueled pace. Written in first person, the story takes you inside the mind of the heroine and places you smack dab in the action. Hodgson’s writing style is delightfully descriptive. The characters are fun, intelligent and likeable, except for the villain who is downright vicious. Hodgson creates a bizarre, polar opposite sidekick for the heroine. Their relationship is a comical, yet heartfelt bond that stretches the main character to do things outside her comfort zone. But, if truth be told, the real partner and lifelong companion of the heroine is her handbag. The plot transpires over a few hours; however, through flashback technique, years of memories are thrown into the mix. The action is fast and furious, humorous and dangerous. Definitely my kind of book!

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

The Slope Rules by Melanie Hooyenga is a great romance for young adult readers, a story that explores love, coming of age, and personal growth. During the holidays, Cally, a fifteen-year-old beauty meets Blake, a “hot snowboarder,” with whom she develops a strong connection. But this couldn’t last long. It is just something light, a thrill in the vacation. But fate brings them again together when her father opens a new business in another town and Cally finds herself in the same school with Blake. Only this time, Blake doesn’t want to have anything to do with her. He has become someone she never knew. Watch as she navigates her new terrain, deepening her trust in herself and self-knowledge while working to find her place in the new environment.

Both sporting fans and readers who love emotionally charged novels will adore The Slope Rules. Melanie Hooyenga creates memorable characters in her work. Cally is a well-rounded character and she demonstrates perfectly her age and what faces her as a young adult. She is the perfect image of what young adults go through as they traverse a critical phase in their lives, learning to trust their instincts and build meaningful relationships. The conflict is well-developed, especially the internal conflict, mostly experienced by Cally. Through the judicious use of stream of consciousness, the author unveils powerful thoughts in the protagonist and different layers of conflict. The Slope Rules is a fascinating story with an interesting plot, a novel that will arrest the attention of readers with its gorgeous characters and moving conflict.

Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite

Connor, one of the two main characters in Guyliner by J. Leigh Bailey, is a 17-year-old golden boy. He has a pretty girlfriend who thinks she hit the jackpot because he doesn't have the ONE thing on his mind all the time, he excels at sports, and is popular. Enter Graham: the new guy at school. He is different and wearing eye liner. It is clear right away that he is anything but straight. Connor and Graham get in trouble together and have to face the consequences. This leads to them discovering something about Connor's own preferences, and eventually it might ruin everything Connor had hoped for in his future.

Guyliner by J. Leigh Bailey is a lovely coming-of-age and coming out story that tells an exciting tale about a boy who needs to discover who he truly is and his own sexuality. I found the characters well developed; it was great that Graham had a proper back story and was not only the hot guy that turned up to show some other guy that he actually likes boys better than girls. The two young men go through a lot; they have to deal with family issues and with bullies at school. Not all of those challenges are easily solved, and I found it interesting to follow the story of Connor and Graham. The interactions between them and other characters in the book seemed realistic, and I enjoyed every single page of the story.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Seven Weeks to Forever is a young adult romantic paranormal fantasy written by Jennifer Farwell. Cassidy knows that she'll be dying yet again in another seven weeks. She's living in the house in Los Angeles that her parents left her, far from the Boston home she grew up in and the aunt and uncle who took her in as a small child many years before. Cassidy loves music and enjoys going to concerts. A particular pet peeve of hers is when a tall guy blocks her view of the stage like this one is doing. After all, she's rather diminutive in size, and he could easily let her stand in front. After she manages to get herself out of his shadow and the concert has ended, she notices something shiny on the ground. It's a student ID that just happens to belong to Riley, the blocker. Her Life-After handler, Noah, tells her that Riley is her assignment as a Second-Timer on earth and already she's annoyed with him.

Jennifer Farwell's young adult romantic paranormal fantasy, Seven Weeks to Forever, is a powerful and moving sweet romance. The author has fashioned a fascinating mythology about the afterlife that fuels the plot for her story. Cassidy loves the Life-After and is going through the movements as a Second-Timer, almost as if she's serving time, just waiting to be released and to be allowed to return. The reader is privy to her innermost thoughts and feelings as she works so hard to remain disengaged from life. Her unwilling romance with Riley, another damaged soul, is beautifully orchestrated as the two learn to trust and love again. Farwell's writing style is fluid and smooth. Once I began this compelling fantasy, I didn't want to stop until I had finished the story. It's a marvelous tale that should please both adult and young adult readers alike. Seven Weeks to Forever is most highly recommended.