Back again with another seasonal faves post :) These are the best books I’ve read, movies I’ve watched, music I’ve listened to, and other great things I’ve found so far this summer!
Books
Reminder: ALWAYS check trigger warnings before reading! I have many listed in each book’s individual section, but you can look here to find a more comprehensive list.
All summaries are shortened from the synopses on Goodreads.
Fantasy
Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury (14+)
After years of waiting for her Calling—a trial every witch must pass in order to come into their powers—the one thing Voya Thomas didn’t expect was to fail. When Voya’s ancestor gives her an unprecedented second chance to complete her Calling, she agrees—and then is horrified when her task is to kill her first love. And this time, failure means every Thomas witch will be stripped of their magic. The problem is, Voya has never been in love, so for her to succeed, she’ll first have to find the perfect guy—and fast. Fortunately, a genetic matchmaking program has just hit the market. Her plan is to join the program, fall in love, and complete her task before the deadline. What she doesn’t count on is being paired with the infuriating Luc—how can she fall in love with a guy who seemingly wants nothing to do with her?
Amazing representation and a really interesting futuristic element!
Enemies to lovers, “I hate everyone but you”
CW: whipping scene (within the context of slavery), gun/police violence, eating disorder, blood/gore/violence, death, substance abuse/addiction, mentions of child neglect
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim (14+)
Shiori, the only princess of Kiata, has a secret. Forbidden magic runs through her veins. Normally she conceals it well, but on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, Shiori loses control. At first, her mistake seems like a stroke of luck, forestalling the wedding she never wanted, but it also catches the attention of Raikama, her stepmother. Raikama has dark magic of her own, and she banishes the young princess, turning her brothers into cranes, and warning Shiori that she must speak of it to no one: for with every word that escapes her lips, one of her brothers will die. Penniless, voiceless, and alone, Shiori searches for her brothers, and, on her journey, uncovers a conspiracy to overtake the throne—a conspiracy more twisted and deceitful, more cunning and complex, than even Raikama's betrayal. Only Shiori can set the kingdom to rights, but to do so she must place her trust in the very boy she fought so hard not to marry. And she must embrace the magic she's been taught all her life to contain—no matter what it costs her.
Reimagining of Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Wild Swans” that incorporates Chinese folklore
Elizabeth Lim’s writing never fails to amaze me
CW: death, violence
Thank you NetGalley and Knopf for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! Six Crimson Cranes comes out July 6!
Contemporary
The Ghosts We Keep by Mason Deaver (13+)
When Liam Cooper's older brother Ethan is killed in a hit-and-run, Liam has to not only learn to face the world without one of the people he loved the most, but also face the fading relationship with his two best friends. Feeling more alone and isolated than ever, Liam finds themself sharing time with Marcus, Ethan's best friend, and through Marcus, Liam finds the one person that seems to know exactly what they're going through, for the better, and the worse.
Really well written, complex characters
No romance but an interesting friendship bond that forms between Marcus and Liam
Many LGBTQ+ side characters (along with a nonbinary, queer MC)
CW: death of love oned (car accident), grief, PTSD, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, brief mention of vomit, self harm and suicide ideation, misgendering
Love from A to Z by S.K. Ali (14+)
A marvel: something you find amazing. Even ordinary-amazing. An oddity: whatever gives you pause. Like the fact that there are hateful people in the world. Like Zayneb’s teacher, who won’t stop reminding the class how “bad” Muslims are. But Zayneb, the only Muslim in class, isn’t bad. She’s angry. When she gets suspended for confronting her teacher, and he begins investigating her activist friends, Zayneb heads to her aunt’s house in Doha, Qatar, for an early start to spring break. Fueled by the guilt of getting her friends in trouble, she resolves to try out a newer, “nicer” version of herself in a place where no one knows her.
Then her path crosses with Adam’s. Since he got diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in November, Adam’s stopped going to classes, intent, instead, on perfecting the making of things. Intent on keeping the memory of his mom alive for his little sister. Adam’s also intent on keeping his diagnosis a secret from his grieving father. Alone, Adam and Zayneb are playing roles for others, keeping their real thoughts locked away in their journals. Until a marvel and an oddity occurs…
Genuinely so beautiful please go read this book
CW: Islamophobia, death of loved ones (off-page), chronic illness, grief, mentions of war
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson (12+)
Liz Lighty has always believed she's too black, too poor, too awkward to shine in her small, rich, prom-obsessed midwestern town. But it's okay -- Liz has a plan to attend the elite Pennington College, play in their world-famous orchestra, and become a doctor. But when the financial aid she was counting on unexpectedly falls through, Liz's plans come crashing down . . . until she's reminded of her school's scholarship for prom king and queen. There's nothing Liz wants to do less than endure a gauntlet of social media trolls, catty competitors, and humiliating public events, but despite her devastating fear of the spotlight she's willing to do whatever it takes to get to Pennington. The only thing that makes it halfway bearable is the new girl in school, Mack. She's smart, funny, and just as much of an outsider as Liz. But Mack is also in the running for queen. Will falling for the competition keep Liz from her dreams . . . or make them come true?
Sapphic!! And so, so cute
Would make a great Netflix romcom
CW: anxiety, panic attack, homophobia, racism, forced outing, loved one with chronic illness, death of loved one
Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar (14+)
Everyone likes Hani Khan—she’s easy going and one of the most popular girls at school. But when she comes out to her friends as bisexual, they invalidate her identity, saying she can’t be bi if she’s only dated guys. Panicked, Hani blurts out that she’s in a relationship…with a girl her friends absolutely hate—Ishu Dey. Ishu is the complete opposite of Hani. She’s an academic overachiever who hopes that becoming head girl will set her on the right track for college. But Ishita agrees to help Hani, if Hani will help her become more popular so that she stands a chance of being elected head girl.
Sapphic fake dating!
Adiba Jaigirdar is the most wonderful human being ever please go support her
CW: racism, homophobia (biphobia/lesbophobia), Islamophobia, toxic friendship, gaslighting, parental abandonment
The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas (18+)
Four weeks wasn’t a lot of time to find someone willing to cross the Atlantic–from NYC and all the way to Spain–for a wedding. Let alone someone eager to pretend to be my boyfriend so my family doesn’t realize that I lied to them about having one. But that didn’t mean I was desperate enough to bring the 6’4 blue eyed pain in my ass standing before me. Aaron Blackford. The man whose main occupation was making my blood boil had just offered himself to be my date. Right after inserting his nose in my business, calling me delusional, and calling himself my best option. See? Outrageous. Aggravating. Blood boiling. And much to my total despair, also right. Which left me with a surly and extra large dilemma in my hands. Was it worth the suffering to bring my colleague and bane of my existence as my fake boyfriend to my sister’s wedding? Or was I better off coming clean and facing the consequences of my panic induced lie?
Enemies to lovers, office romance, slowburn+banter, one bed trope, fake dating
The chemistry between the MC and the love interest is off the charts
CW: misogyny, death of loved one, loved one with cancer
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood (18+)
As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn't believe in lasting romantic relationships--but her best friend does, and that's what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees. That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor--and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford's reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.
Fake dating, “i hate everyone but you”, grumpy/sunshine
Demisexual MC
Women in STEM!!!
THE BANTER. THE CHEMISTRY. THE JOKES. YESYESYES
CW: parental death due to cancer (in the past, off-page), sexual harassment in the workplace (on page)
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Books for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! The Love Hypothesis comes out September 14!
She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen (13+)
After losing spectacularly to her ex-girlfriend in their first game since their break up, Scottie Zajac gets into a fender bender with the worst possible person: her nemesis, Irene Abraham. Things only get worse when their moms get involved and the girls are forced to carpool together until Irene’s car gets out of the shop. But when an opportunity presents itself for Scottie to get back at her toxic ex (and climb her school’s social ladder at the same time), she bribes Irene into playing along.
Sapphic enemies to lovers, fake dating
Super cute and romantic, but also discusses identity and healing from a toxic relationship
CW: past toxic relationship, homophobia, underage drinking
Counting Down With You by Tashie Bhuiyan (13+)
Karina Ahmed has a plan. Keep her head down, get through high school without a fuss, and follow her parents’ rules—even if it means sacrificing her dreams. When her parents go abroad to Bangladesh for four weeks, Karina expects some peace and quiet. Instead, one simple lie unravels everything. Tutoring the school’s resident bad boy was already crossing a line. Pretending to date him? Out of the question. But Ace Clyde does everything right—he brings her coffee in the mornings, impresses her friends without trying, and even promises to buy her a dozen books (a week) if she goes along with his fake-dating facade. T-minus twenty-eight days until everything returns to normal—but what if Karina no longer wants it to?
Fake dating
A beautiful story that I felt so connected to, a lionhearted and relatable main character, the most thoughtful and wonderful book boy in the history of book boys, and a supportive friend group that makes your heart so happy
CW: anxiety, mentions of parental abuse (verbal and psychological)
If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich (16+)
Ruben Montez and Zach Knight are two members of the boy-band Saturday, one of the biggest acts in America. Along with their bandmates, Angel Phan and Jon Braxton, the four are teen heartbreakers in front of the cameras and best friends backstage. But privately, cracks are starting to form: their once-easy rapport is straining under the pressures of fame, and Ruben confides in Zach that he’s feeling smothered by management’s pressure to stay in the closet. On a whirlwind tour through Europe, Ruben and Zach come to rely on each other more and more, and their already close friendship evolves into a romance. But when they decide they’re ready to tell their fans and live freely, Zach and Ruben start to truly realize that they will never have the support of their management. How can they hold tight to each other when the whole world seems to want to come between them?
Friends to lovers
Such a wonderful story that gives a lot of insight into the music industry, invasive media and fans, and young stardom
Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! If This Gets Out comes out December 7th!
CW: substance abuse (drugs and alcohol), underage drinking, homophobia, forced closeting, parental abuse/neglect, talk of calories
Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu (12+)
Eric Bittle may be a former junior figure skating champion, vlogger extraordinaire, and very talented amateur pâtissier, but being a freshman on the Samwell University hockey team is a whole new challenge. It’s nothing like co-ed club hockey back in Georgia! First of all? There’s checking. And then, there is Jack—our very attractive but moody captain.
Such a cute queer graphic novel -- I read all four chapters in less than 12 hours
Read for free online at https://www.checkpleasecomic.com/
Perfect for lovers of Heartstopper by Alice Oseman!
My favorite grumpy/sunshine duo
CW: homophobia, alcohol
Mystery/Thriller
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (13+)
Avery Grambs has a plan for a better future: survive high school, win a scholarship, and get out. But her fortunes change in an instant when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery virtually his entire fortune. The catch? Avery has no idea why--or even who Tobias Hawthorne is. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into sprawling, secret passage-filled Hawthorne House, where every room bears the old man's touch--and his love of puzzles, riddles, and codes. Unfortunately for Avery, Hawthorne House is also occupied by the family that Tobias Hawthorne just dispossessed, including the four Hawthorne grandsons. Heir apparent Grayson Hawthorne is convinced that Avery must be a con-woman, and he's determined to take her down. His brother, Jameson, views her as their grandfather's last hurrah: a twisted riddle, a puzzle to be solved. Caught in a world of wealth and privilege, with danger around every turn, Avery will have to play the game herself just to survive.
Enemies to lovers, love triangle, hurt/comfort
Westing Game and Knives Out vibes
I was completely hooked and I’m so so excited for the sequel
CW: abusive relationship (emotional/physical), alcohol abuse (implied), cheating, death of loved one, gun violence, attempted murder
Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé (14+)
Welcome to Niveus Private Academy, where money paves the hallways, and the students are never less than perfect. Until now. Because an anonymous texter, Aces, is bringing two students' dark secrets to light. Talented musician Devon buries himself in rehearsals, but he can't escape the spotlight when his private photos go public. Head girl Chiamaka isn't afraid to get what she wants, but soon everyone will know the price she has paid for power. Someone is out to get them both. Someone who holds all the aces. And they're planning much more than a high-school game...
Pitched as Gossip Girl meets Get Out → in my eyes, this is the thriller of the year
Tackled institutionalized racism and educational barriers
Two Black and queer main characters
CW: racism, homophobia, flashbacks of death (car accident), murder, blackmailing, stalking, forced outing, physical violence, drugs, alcohol consumption, attempted suicide/suicidal ideation (mentioned)
Movies/TV Shows
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (Disney+ show): season 2 now streaming! Teen drama/musical starring the love of my life, Olivia Rodrigo
Music
“SOUR” - Olivia Rodrigo (my faves: happier, traitor, favorite crime, hope ur ok)
“the author” - Luz
“Pancakes for Dinner” - Lizzy McAlpine
“Soul Mate” - flora cash
“Could’ve Been Me” - The Struts
“change ur mind” - Sarcastic Sounds, Claire Rosinkranz, Clinton Kane
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