She never belonged in his world. He never thought he’d leave it.
When Weslie Fleet wins a golden ticket aboard the Boundless, humanity’s most opulent starliner, it’s a dream―and a danger. Raised in the dust-ridden ruins of Earth, she is thrust into the gleaming luxury of Mars’s elite, where every whispered word carries weight and every glance is a silent judgment. And none watch her closer than Jupiter, the golden boy of Mars’s high society, bound by duty, legacy, and a future he never chose.
Their reluctant partnership was supposed to be a one-off assignment. Instead, it becomes a battle of wills, a spark that ignites, and a love neither of them anticipated. But fate is as cruel as it is unpredictable, and when the Boundless veers off course, love won’t be enough to save them.
The ship is failing. The odds are impossible. And in the darkness of space, survival is the only thing that matters.
Bound by Stars is a Titantic inspired debut novel with a unique sci-fi twist. This book has a little bit of everything from class differences to a sweet, young adult romance to politics and family dynamics. And of course, I can’t forget about the ILSA bot. The ILSA bot stole the show with its witty banter and lifesaving capabilities.
The only real issue I really had with this book was the pacing. I do feel like it was a bit on the slow side, but I feel like that might be due to all of the world-building that had to take place.
All in all, Bound by Stars is a solid debut novel that will take readers on an unexpected journey. If you’re looking for a young adult novel filled with witty and entertaining banter, he falls first, action adventure; you won’t want to miss Bound by Stars.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review *
Vampires showed up, took over, and turned the whole planet into their personal all-you-can-drink buffet. The president? Bloodsucker. The government? Bloodsuckers. My social life? Absolutely nonexistent.
But hey, at least I had one thing going for me—slayer training. My twin sister, Ripley, and I were about to go pro, officially joining the ranks of the last people on earth who actually do something about the whole “undead overlords” situation.
And then X had to show up. The vampire boogeyman. The worst of the worst. And instead of killing Ripley, like any decent monster would, he turned her. Now she’s technically a vamp, but something tells me my sister is still in there. Which means I can’t slay her.
What can I do? Break every rule. Lie to my friends. Strike a deal with the most dangerous vampire on the X will protect Ripley from everyone else who wants her dead—like, really dead—until I can snag the cure for vampirism. The catch? Risking my own head to help him free his good-for-nothing BFF from the very slayers who taught me everything.
If I want Ripley back, I’m going to have to play nice with the thing that ruined my life. And the worst part?
The Ground That Devours Us is a fantastic debut young adult novel. This book is refreshing, well-written, and entertaining. I loved the unique plot and the vampire/dystopian combination. Add in some action, betrayal, and an unexpected romance, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for a good time.
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review *
For Liam Hunter, monster hunting is a way of life, but when campers are murdered in the woods, Liam has to face his most terrifying adversary yet. Meanwhile, Olivia Davis is determined to find her place in Hunterland and hone her newfound abilities. Together, Olivia and Liam must survive a deadly game of cat and mouse, or risk becoming victims in a world where the monsters are the hunters. Readers who enjoy fantasy adventures will want to devour Dana Claire’s new Young Adult Novel, Hunterlore, a forced proximity, paranormal romance.
Silver bullets aren’t enough to protect your heart.
For Liam Hunter, monster hunting is a way of life—a family tradition passed down for generations. But when campers are murdered in the woods, their hearts ripped from their chests, Liam finds himself facing his most terrifying adversary yet—his own mother turned monster. Her pack of werewolves will test Liam’s limits, and his connection with the girl who still has too large a claim on his heart.
Olivia Davis is determined to uncover her own place in Hunterland and hone her newfound abilities. But when Olivia has a terrifying vision, she’s faced with a much larger uncertainty: her feelings for the boy she let slip through her fingers.
Together, Olivia and Liam must survive the deadly game of cat and mouse, or else risk becoming victims in a world where the monsters are the hunters. The clock is ticking. The game is on. And the price of failure may be their humanity.
For readers who enjoy The Vampire Diaries by L. J. Smith, The Awakening by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, The Luminaries by Susan Denard, and the Teen Wolf and Supernatural TV series.
Once Doc and I were alone, he removed his reading glasses and placed them on the mahogany desk tucked against the righthand wall of the small gym. He leaned his hip against the edge.
“William, I know you care about Olivia, but your eagerness to safeguard her is exactly what will get her killed.”
“Excuse me?” I had thought he’d wanted to talk about the hunt, but this was about me? My conduct?
Doc remained calm. “I’ve never seen you like this.” He exhaled. “And as your closest thing to an uncle, I’m thrilled you found someone.” I attempted to object, but he held his finger up. “But you cannot protect her and be a supernatural hunter at the same time. It puts the lives of the humans you’re tasked with saving in jeopardy.”
Without thinking, I snapped back, “She doesn’t belong in our world.” My hands curled at my sides.
Doc shook his head like a disappointed parent. “If that were true, she wouldn’t have abilities. She not only belongs in our world, but she’s needed in it as well. If you can’t help her, then stay away from her. You’ll only hinder her growth.”
I barely heard him over the thudding in my ears. Did they all think I was the one putting her in danger? Anger festered in my gut. “What are you going to do about it?” I crossed my arms, challenging him. Did I sound like a child? Sure. Did I care? Hell no. Olivia’s safety was all that mattered.
Doc’s demeanor remained intact, but his tone turned authoritative. “Send you back to London. We could use a representative at the Hunterland Library to help Elizabeth.”
About Dana Claire
Dana Claire is an award-winning author whose stories explore identity, fate, and destiny at the crossroads of romance and adventure. Her love of romantic tension, the supernatural, and non- stop action has elicited positive feedback from many readers, as their online reviews reveal her flair for spine-tingling action and unforgettable characters. Dana is now sharing her stories through speaking events and book signings, introducing more readers to the worlds she created. She lives in Los Angeles, CA with her adoring husband living her dreams: writing books, telling stories, and changing the world, one reader at a time.
An epic survival-thriller about four teens who get lost in the Paris catacombs for days—a gripping and propulsive story of love, danger, betrayal, and hope… even when all seems lost.
“Tense and fast-moving, with a unique setting and compelling characters, Under the Surface is Diana Urban’s best yet.”—Karen M. McManus, #1 New York Times bestselling author of One of Us Is Lying
Ruby is terrified to cave to her feelings for Sean and risk him crushing her heart.
Sean is pumped to spend a week with Ruby in Paris on their senior class trip, and he’ll wait however long until she’s ready to take things further.
But when Ruby’s best friend sneaks out the first night to meet a mysterious French boy, Ruby goes after her with two classmates, but caves to another attending mystery boy’s exclusive party in the Paris catacombs, the intricate web of tunnels beneath the city, home to six million long-dead Parisians. Only they never reach the party.
Underground, as something sinister chases them, they get lost in the endless maze of bones, uncovering dark secrets about the catacombs…..and each other. And if they can’t find a way out, they’ll die in the dark beneath the City of Light.
Aboveground, Sean races to find the girl he loves as a media frenzy over the four missing teens begins.
From award-winning author and rising YA star Diana Urban comes a twisty tale of four teens lost in the dark beneath the City of Light and the race to find them.
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MY REVIEW
When Ruby’s best friend sneaks out to meet a mysterious French boy, Ruby and two of her classmates go after her. Instead of finding an exclusive party in the Paris catacombs, they get lost in the intricate web of tunnels beneath the city. Their lives forever changed as something sinister chases after them as they uncover secrets about the catacombs and each other. Meanwhile, above ground, Sean can’t wait to spend a week with Ruby in Paris. He’s crazy about her and hopes they can take their friendship to the next level. But, when Ruby and her friends go missing, Sean will stop at nothing to help find them…
Told from dual points of view, Under the Surface hit the ground running and never looked back. I was intrigued from the moment Ruby and Sean were introduced. I loved getting to see the darker side of Paris; the side that most don’t even think about. I loved Ruby’s devotion to her friends and how she tried to keep a level head despite all the reasons she should panic. I adored Sean. He would do anything for Ruby and it was his determination that forced the police to not give up and look for Ruby and her friends. Together, I enjoyed Sean and Ruby’s chemistry. You could tell there was something more building between them. I liked that the romance between them wasn’t the star of the story, yet added some much-needed relief from all of the suspenseful moments.
Under the Surface is the kind of story that will keep you up way past your bedtime reading. This story is filled with lots of twists and turns and the suspense will keep you on your toes. Under the Surface is a young adult thriller that will be enjoyed by teens and adults alike. If you’re looking for an unforgettable and thrilling story of survival, you won’t want to miss Under the Surface. This is my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via the publisher and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
A Thousand Broken Pieces by Tillie Cole is now live!
Can two broken hearts make a whole. . . ?
After losing her beloved sister three years ago, Savanna Litchfield has been living half a life. When Savannah’s therapist suggests joining a trip around the world for grieving teens she agrees to go clutching tightly to the unread journal her sister left behind.
Seventeen-year-old Cael Woods is angry. One year after losing his older brother his life has spiraled. Once the most promising hockey player in the junior league, Cael can no longer step onto the ice. When his parents sign him up for a trip abroad no part of him wants to go.
As Cael and Savannah embark on a journey they begin to find solace in each other. As they start to heal piece by broken piece, could this be the start of a love they never thought they’d feel again?
A Thousand Broken Pieces is a beautiful and life-affirming novel about grief, love and friendship.
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Tillie Cole hails from a small town in the North-East of England. She grew up on a farm with her English mother, Scottish father and older sister and a multitude of rescue animals. As soon as she could, Tillie left her rural roots for the bright lights of the big city.
After graduating from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Religious Studies, Tillie followed her Professional Rugby player husband around the world for a decade, becoming a teacher in between and thoroughly enjoyed teaching High School students Social Studies before putting pen to paper, and finishing her first novel.
After several years living in Italy, Canada and the USA, Tillie has now settled back in her hometown in England, with her husband and new son.
Tillie is both an independent and traditionally published author, and writes many genres including: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Young Adult and New Adult novels.
When she is not writing, Tillie enjoys nothing more than spending time with her little family, curling up on her couch watching movies, drinking far too much coffee, and convincing herself that she really doesn’t need that last square of chocolate.
Dark romance, high stakes, and plot twists abound in this paperback original YA thriller that’s perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover.
What you don’t know can hurt you….
It’s been months since the accident that killed Ella’s best friend, Hayley, and Ella can’t stop blaming herself. Now Ella is back at school, and everywhere she looks are reminders of her best friend—including Sawyer, Hayley’s boyfriend. Little by little, they grow closer, until Ella realizes something horrifying . . .
She’s in love with her dead best friend’s boyfriend.
Racked with guilt, Ella turns to Hayley’s journal, hoping she’ll find something in the pages that will make her feel better about what’s happening. Instead, she discovers that Sawyer has secrets of his own and that his relationship with Hayley wasn’t as picture-perfect as it seemed.
Ella knows she should stay away but finds herself inextricably drawn to him—and scared of everything she never knew about him. Perhaps it’s his grief. Or maybe his desires, cut short by tragedy. Or could it be something twisted only Hayley knew about?
A dark, romantic thriller perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover and Laura Nowlin, Everything We Never Said explores the secrets in even the best of friendships and asks how well you ever know the ones you love.
When I picked up Everything We Never Said, I was immediately drawn to the cover and was intrigued by the synopsis. I was hooked instantly and could not put this book down. It took me on one heck of a roller coaster ride with not one, but two crazy plot twists. I didn’t see this book coming.
The characters are messy and complex and I loved the connection between Sawyer and Ella. Their romance was anything but perfect with its fair share of bumps along the way, but I promise you, their story will keep you guessing right until the very end. And while this book does touch on some tough subject matter, it adds another layer of complexity to an already consuming story.
The only reason this book did not get a 5-star rating from me was because I struggled a little in the beginning. For me, the transitions were a little confusing. It wasn’t always clear if a moment was happening in the past or present.
Otherwise, I found myself completely invested and devoured this book. I was on the edge of my seat, dying to know what really happened and who the true villain of the story was. There were times I forgot that I was reading a young adult book. I was completely consumed by Ella & Sawyer’s story and did not want to put it down. Everything We Never Said completely exceeded my expectations and I can not wait to read more from this author in the future.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher & NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
Immense grief causes demigod Calli to do the unthinkable and use her powers to erase herself from the memories of her beloved Henrik. Calli rebuilds herself and her crew, only to be reunited with Henrick by order of the crown to stop Perseus and his accomplices before it’s too late. As remnants of their passion haunt their voyage, will their wounded hearts find their way back to each other, or will past choices stand in their way? Readers who love pirate adventures and Greek mythology with forced proximity and second-chance romances will want to devour Dana Claire’s new Young Adult Novel, War of the Mind.
His sacrifice could save humanity. Her revenge could turn it to stone.
When immense grief turns demigod Calli Bordeaux’s heart to vengeance, she does the unthinkable. Using her powers, she erases herself from the memories of her beloved, Henrik, so that he cannot join her hunt for the notorious pirate Captain Fredrick, Henrik’s savage father. Shattered, Calli rebuilds herself and the crew of her parent’s ship to vanquish her enemy, only to discover a piece of Henrik came with her after all.
Unaware that he lost the greatest love of his life, former pirate turned royal guard, Henrik, sets out with Cava’s navy to find a woman the gods forsook and the humans fear. Medusa. Her latest rampage of stony destruction is not mindless slaughter but self-preservation from pirate assassins. The demi-god Perseus has put a bounty on her severed head, seeking the power it possesses to slowly slaughter mankind.
United by order of the crown, Calli and Henrik must stop Perseus and his pirate accomplices before it’s too late. Echoes of their past passion haunt their voyage, tipping them into turmoil when humanity needs them most. Can their wounded hearts find their way back to each other in time? Or will the barriers constructed by past choices stand in the way as the world around them turns to stone?
My legs wobbled as I tiptoed into Henrik’s bedroom, careful to close the door behind me with a soft click. Moonlight streamed through the slightly parted curtains, casting a silvery trail on the floor that guided me across the carpet. I knelt by his bedside and watched his sleeping form, the gentle rise and fall of his bare chest—a chest I had stroked a hundred times but would never touch again. His lips fluttered, giving me pause. Lips I had kissed since I was thirteen and would miss as much as him. His mahogany locks fell over his forehead, a messed look that he never donned during the day but one I always loved to admire while he slept.
I lingered by his side, allowing the rhythm of my heart to slow, my eyes tracing over him, memorizing every visible detail for the final time. Gently, my fingers brushed the dimple of his chin, then slowly traced his cheeks, feeling the remnants of dried tears. They were not for his father but shed for me—for my pain. I couldn’t let him carry any more than he already had. I knew I was doing the right thing. He could go on to live a life full of promise, something I could no longer give him.
I’d ache for this: his face, the warmth of his companionship, the depth of our love. Yet, deep down, I knew I couldn’t offer him the future he deserved. Our dreams of marriage, of children playing along the seashore, of exploring the world together—those would remain unfulfilled fantasies. A heavy, uninvited burden had been thrust upon me, a path I had to walk alone. I couldn’t, wouldn’t, drag him into this dark journey and risk his soul to Hades.
Tears gathered at the corners of my eyes, threatening to spill over. “I love you,” I whispered, my voice a ghostly echo in the darkness. Gently, I lowered my lips to his, bestowing a final, fleeting kiss. I didn’t linger, couldn’t bear to, and our united lips parted too swiftly.
“I’ll never stop loving you. For all my days, you’ll have a sanctuary in my heart. In moments of despair or fury, I’ll delve into my memories of you. You’ll be my steadfast anchor, my unwavering light in the darkness. But I can’t return this love to you, not anymore.” My voice quivered as I inhaled sharply, steeling myself.
“You deserve a world of happiness, an eternal life of bliss.” With a heavy exhale, I placed my hands gently on the sides of his head. A surge of energy coursed through me, pulsating from my palms. The power within me awakened, vibrating with an intensity that resonated with the new, harsh shriek at the very core of my being.
His eyes blinked open, the dark green irises blending with his widened pupils, my name a faint sound on his lips. “Don’t.” He exhaled.
“I’m so sorry. It’s the only way.” My voice trembled. “I will see you again… in the afterlife.”
My arms shook under the strain, yet I maintained my hold, determined. One by one, I erased our shared moments from his mind: the laughter-filled day at the seaside festival, our playful sparring sessions, the intensity of our first kiss, the passion of our lovemaking, our bold adventures, and each time we’d defied the world with our love. Each memory, vivid and precious, slipped away from his consciousness. The essence of his thoughts, foreign to my senses, tasted of the ocean’s salt and the earthy musk of the woods. As I swallowed, they vanished from his mind, leaving a void where our love had once thrived.
When I stood, his eyelashes fluttered briefly before he settled back into a peaceful slumber. His cheek rested against the pillow, his breathing steady and calm. My hands trembled as I backed away, each step heavy with the weight of what I had done. Nausea churned in my stomach, the taste of guilt bitter in my mouth. I crept out of his room, closing the door behind me.
About Dana Claire
Dana Claire is an award-winning author whose stories explore identity, fate, and destiny at the crossroads of romance and adventure. Her love of romantic tension, the supernatural, and non- stop action has elicited positive feedback from many readers, as their online reviews reveal her flair for spine-tingling action and unforgettable characters. Dana is now sharing her stories through speaking events and book signings, introducing more readers to the worlds she created. She lives in Los Angeles, CA with her adoring husband living her dreams: writing books, telling stories, and changing the world, one reader at a time.
Immense grief causes demigod Calli to do the unthinkable and use her powers to erase herself from the memories of her beloved Henrik. Calli rebuilds herself and her crew, only to be reunited with Henrick by order of the crown to stop Perseus and his accomplices before it’s too late. As remnants of their passion haunt their voyage, will their wounded hearts find their way back to each other, or will past choices stand in their way? Readers who love pirate adventures and Greek mythology with forced proximity and second-chance romances will want to devour Dana Claire’s new Young Adult Novel, War of the Mind.
Blurb
His sacrifice could save humanity. Her revenge could turn it to stone.
When immense grief turns demigod Calli Bordeaux’s heart to vengeance, she does the unthinkable. Using her powers, she erases herself from the memories of her beloved, Henrik, so that he cannot join her hunt for the notorious pirate Captain Fredrick, Henrik’s savage father. Shattered, Calli rebuilds herself and the crew of her parent’s ship to vanquish her enemy, only to discover a piece of Henrik came with her after all.
Unaware that he lost the greatest love of his life, former pirate turned royal guard, Henrik, sets out with Cava’s navy to find a woman the gods forsook and the humans fear. Medusa. Her latest rampage of stony destruction is not mindless slaughter but self-preservation from pirate assassins. The demi-god Perseus has put a bounty on her severed head, seeking the power it possesses to slowly slaughter mankind.
United by order of the crown, Calli and Henrik must stop Perseus and his pirate accomplices before it’s too late. Echoes of their past passion haunt their voyage, tipping them into turmoil when humanity needs them most. Can their wounded hearts find their way back to each other in time? Or will the barriers constructed by past choices stand in the way as the world around them turns to stone?
My head snapped up. Hope fisted my heart. “My parents? You spoke to them? What did they—”
“I thought The Freedom was pursuing Captain Fredrick and The Black Hollow,” Henrik interrupted. He took the book from my grasp and thrust it into Savina’s beckoning fingers.
“No. I haven’t spoken to them.” Savina addressed me before returning her gaze to Henrik. “And yes. They were following your father—or they are.” Savina gripped the sides of the ledger, her knuckles whitening. “We don’t know any more than that. Captain Fredrick’s ship and Medusa were seen in Sottom at the same time. We think there is a connection. We thought The Freedom was trailing them, but we lost contact. I don’t know where either ship or Medusa is now. That’s why I’m waiting for Conleth to return with news.”
My arms trembled. Where in the underworld had my parents gone?
Savina pointed to the wingback chairs next to a pair of end tables. “Sit.”
Henrik guided me across the room. His calluses scratched the threads of my blouse as he coaxed me down with gentle pressure on my shoulders. My knees wobbled, and I flopped into the seat.
“Is that why Captain Niles took interest?” Henrik asked. “He has stacks of Jacarian maps marked up with circles around mountain sides and x’s laid in front of cave entrances.” He arched an eyebrow. “What is he looking for?”
Savina looked down at the leather-bound book, then back up to Henrik. “Is that where these came from?” Her voice built like a thunderclap, lifting her half out of her seat. “Did you two board The Serpent’s Snare by yourselves and steal this?”
Before Henrik or I could confirm or deny, the king’s voice boomed behind us. “Savina, are you in there?”
The door swung open. I twisted, and the look of raw devastation marring Conleth’s face spurred me to my feet. His black hair stood on end as if he’d been pulling it. Creases of worry marred his lips. Behind him, my great-uncle Hermes scoured the room like a man who’d wandered away from a shipwreck, brown eyes red-rimmed. I’d never seen either man cry. Not much could break them, but I knew the sort of bereavement that painted the windows to their soul’s crimson would sever my heart as well.
“Oh, my gods. What happened?” Savina rounded the desk, stopping before her husband. “Tell me, Conleth. Who’s dead?”
The second she asked, I knew. Their missing ship, my uncles’ dried tears, the silence. I dropped to my knees, a sob wracking my chest.
“No, no, no.” Impossible. My father was a demi-god born from Apollo and Calliope with the power to heal and bring men to their knees with his song; my mother, Lou, the fierce captain of the first all-female-crewed pirate ship, The Freedom. Together, they’d navigated the seas with the greatest warriors and battled amidst the waves like gods. Poseidon’s kingdom was their domain. No enemy could thwart them there.
“Cal?” Henrik called out, but Conleth quickly moved in front of him, blocking his path to me.
Hermes ignored everyone else. With an ease only my great-uncle possessed, he walked over and knelt to cradle my head in his hands.
I fought his embrace as my chest threatened to collapse and crush my heart. I refused to believe they were gone.
“Let me go!” Henrik shouted at Conleth, but I didn’t dare look at him.
“I’m so sorry,” my uncle whispered.
“My parents are dead. Are you sure?”
Hermes’s nod tore a sob from Savina. He rubbed his thumbs under my eyes, catching the droplets on his skin. Uncontrollable tears gushed like a river that escaped its bed.
I swallowed the giant knot that had twisted in my throat. “I don’t believe you. It can’t be.” My father grew up with sirens. He swam with them. His peers called him the Emperor of the Sea for a reason. How could he possibly die on the water? And my mother. She embodied the tides, the very salt-water air she breathed. How could she just be gone?
“It’s true.” My uncle reached for me.
I shook my head. None of this made sense. “My brother?” Adelphi had been on The Freedom as well. My parents would never let someone steal his soul away to the underworld. Not if they could help it.
“Also gone.” Hermes dropped his arms.
A burning fury surged through me, scorching my grief down to hot embers. “Who killed my family?”
My uncle looked away for the first time, his almond-shaped eyes darting over my head. Without meeting my gaze, he breathed, “Captain Fredrick of The Black Hollow.”
Dana Claire is an award-winning author whose stories explore identity, fate, and destiny at the crossroads of romance and adventure. Her love of romantic tension, the supernatural, and non- stop action has elicited positive feedback from many readers, as their online reviews reveal her flair for spine-tingling action and unforgettable characters. Dana is now sharing her stories through speaking events and book signings, introducing more readers to the worlds she created. She lives in Los Angeles, CA with her adoring husband living her dreams: writing books, telling stories, and changing the world, one reader at a time.
“Akhbari skillfully enmeshes myriad poetic styles with organic depictions of Iranian culture and food, and channels the insecurities of adolescence and the overlapping pressures of growing up to worthy effect in this promising debut.” –Publishers Weekly
“Just Another Epic Love Poem is both a beautiful queer love story and a poignant coming-of-age tale about healing and learning to forgive. With lyrical prose, stunning poetry, and unforgettable characters, Akhbari’s debut is a must-read.” – Adiba Jaigirdar, award-winning author of The Henna Wars
“The heartache and longing of witnessing a beloved character pine hopelessly over her best friend has never brought me this much unadulterated joy. My love for this never-ending epic love poem will truly never end!” –National Book Award Finalist Sonora Reyes, author of The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School
“Be prepared to be utterly charmed and have your heart stolen by Mitra and Bea and their story.” – Sara Farizan, author of Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel
Best friendship blossoms into something more in this gorgeously written queer literary romance.
Over the past five years, Mitra Esfahani has known two constants: her best friend Bea Ortega and The Book—a dogeared moleskin she and Bea have been filling with the stanzas of an epic, never-ending poem since they were 13.
For introverted Mitra, The Book is one of the few places she can open herself completely and where she gets to see all sides of brilliant and ebullient Bea. There, they can share everything—Mitra’s complicated feelings about her absent mother, Bea’s heartache over her most recent breakup—nothing too messy or complicated for The Book.
Nothing except the one thing with the power to change their entire friendship: the fact that Mitra is helplessly in love with Bea.
Told in lyrical, confessional prose and snippets of poetry Just Another Epic Love Poem takes readers on a journey that is equal parts joyful, heartbreaking, and funny as Mitra and Bea navigate the changing nature of I love you.
Parisa Akhbari is a writer and mental health therapist from Seattle, Washington. When not writing or therapizing, she can be found trying to replicate her grandmother’s drool-worthy Persian recipes, hanging out with disability community, and marathoning sci-fi movies with her partner and dogs. Just Another Epic Love Poem is her debut novel.
It’s that time of year again! As you know, there is nothing more that I love than challenging myself when it comes to the books I read. Whether it’s a new author, series, a genre that takes me out of my comfort zone or being able to tackle some books that have been on my tbr for far too long; I live for a good reading challenge. In the past few years, I stepped up my game not only with the books that I read but also by attempting to clear out that never-ending to-read list. As always, my challenges have been hard, but a ton of fun at the same time.
For 2024’s Reading Challenge, I really wanted to once again challenge myself and kick my never-ending to-read list’s butt!! And I am more than ready for the challenge……
A book by an author who is new to me Contemporary Romance Biker Romance Paranormal/fantasy Sports Romance Romantic Comedy Accidental Pregnancy Older Brother’s Best Friend A Holiday Romance Forbidden Romance Billionaire Romance Jilted bride Workplace Romance Fake relationship Marriage of Convenience Rock Star Romance Dark/Taboo Romance Mafia Romance Forced Proximity Historical Romance An Enemies to Lovers Romance Age Gap Romance Friends to Lovers Romance Diverse Romance Small Town Romance A book where one of the main characters is a First Responder Second Chance Romance Dystopian/Science Fiction Romance A Grumpy/Sunshine Romance Morally Gray Hero Redemption Romance Fated Mates Romance Single Parent Romance Insta-love Royal Romance A Fighter/MMA Book Bearded Man On Cover Bad Boy Romance Gothic Romance Favorite Trope A book everyone is talking about A book chosen for its cover A book with a one-word title A book with a setting in a different country than where you live A book with no people on the cover. A book where one of the main characters is/was in the military A Book with Pirates A Book with a number in the title A Debut Novel A Book that won an award A book with less than 1000 ratings on Goodreads 4 Books on my TBR 4 New Releases
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