Category Archives: Romance

Review: Until the Clock Strikes Midnight by Alechia Dow

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , , , , ,
Until the Clock Strikes Midnight by Alechia Dow

Until the Clock Strikes Midnight
Alechia Dow
Feiwel & Friends
Published February 3, 2026

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Until the Clock Strikes Midnight

The Good Place meets the Brandy version of Cinderella in Until the Clock Strikes Midnight, a cozy, romantic fantasy from award-winning author Alechia Dow.

Darling is the most talented—and unusual—Guardian to get a chance at winning the coveted once-in-a-generation Mortal Outcome Council mentorship. Getting the spot would mean having the opportunity to shape the future happiness of all mortal realms—if she succeeds at her first assignment, Lucy Addlesberg. Darling thinks it’ll be an easy razzle-dazzle job… until she actually meets Lucy. Her life is a complete mess, from her failing bookshop in her downtrodden village to her doomed flirtation with the princess of Lumina. But if there’s one thing Darling’s good at, it’s a makeover.

Calamity is the most talented—and arrogant—Misfortune of his class. It’s his job to save mortals from their own terrible decisions made in the pursuit of the mythical “Happily Ever After.” When Calam is granted a shot at the Mortal Outcome Council mentorship, he thinks his dreams are finally coming true. But first, he must pass the test. It should be easy—Lucy Addlesberg has been unfortunate for years. All he has to do is continue her string of bad luck so she can finally come to terms with reality and settle for a safer, more logical path in life. Yet when he arrives, he finds that Lucy has a Guardian assigned to her too—a chipper overachiever who is as colorful as the magic pouring from her glittery wand.

To thwart each other, Darling and Calam insert themselves into Lucy’s life posing as a betrothed couple. As they try to guide her down what they each see as the best path for her, they start questioning their roles and ultimately what they truly want for themselves… and if those feelings of loathing they have for each other might actually be something more like love.

My Review

Darling had me on page one. I found her so relatable and her perspective so much fun to read. The story is predominantly set in a bookshop – another win, as far as I’m concerned! I also enjoyed the chemistry between Darling and Calamity. It felt present without dominating the story. I liked watching them figure one another out. I loved how they both fell in love with the town and the bookstore.

Darling takes medication to manage her bipolar disorder. She is very aware of how missing her pill impacts her health. The author could have created a more magical treatment for Darling, but I actually really appreciate that she presented a daily pill right in the midst of this whimsical, magical story. It was like a quiet statement that taking medication doesn’t inhibit the magic. It was also a reminder to readers that taking medication doesn’t make someone deficient in some way. Even a fairy needs to take medicine to support her health.

I liked the pace of the romance in the book. I especially like the balance between Darling and Calamity’s developing feelings and Lucy and her love interest’s romantic arc.

If you’re looking for a mental health-positive fantasy packed with whimsy and drizzled with romance, definitely check this one out. I’ve enjoyed all of Dow’s books, so I’ll take this moment to say that if your taste runs more toward sci-fi than fantasy, be sure to check out her earlier books: The Sound of Stars, The Kindred, and A Song of Salvation.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Very infrequent use of profanity.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing. Reference to sex.

Spiritual Content
Darling and Calamity have the ability to do some magic. Fairies and other magical beings exist in this story world.

Violent Content
A few characters bully and/or try to manipulate others.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review: The Swan’s Daughter by Roshani Chokshi

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , , , , , ,

The Swan’s Daughter
Roshani Chokshi
Wednesday Books
Published January 6, 2026

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

The Swan’s Daughter

In this lush and romantic novel from New York Times bestselling author Roshani Chokshi, a prince is only as good as his beating heart and a maiden is only as good as her honest word. But when love and the truth become impossibly tangled, the two must figure out how to survive together, or fall completely apart.

To find love is a curse …

Prince Arris knows that marriage means murder. Thanks to a poorly worded wish to a sea witch, all one needs to rule the Isle of Malys is the heart and hand of the kingdom’s heir. Historically, this has been construed quite literally.

Thus, Arris expects that the day after his marriage and murder he will wake up as a sentient tree alongside the rest of his predecessors. His only chance at a long life is finding true and lasting love. When Arris’s parents announce a tournament of brides to compete for his hand and heart, a slew of eligible, lovely and (possibly murderous) bachelorettes make their way to Rathe Castle. Amidst glittering balls in ozorald caves, strolls through menageries of daydream trees and pearl crocodiles, tea time on glass boats and kisses that leave his head spinning, Arris cannot tell who is here out of love for him…or lust for power.

Until he meets Demelza.

As a veritas swan, Demelza’s song wrings out the truth. Forced into hiding, Demelza strikes a deal. Arris will provide her with safekeeping in exchange for her truth-telling song to sort through his potential brides.

While Arris is used to dodging death threats and Demelza is accustomed to fighting for her voice to be heard, to survive the tournament of brides requires a different kind of bravery. And perhaps the bravest thing one can do is not merely protect one’s life, but find the courage to chase a life worth living.

My Review

LOOK AT ME READING THE BOOK I PRE-ORDERED IN A TIMELY MANNER. I cannot believe I missed all announcements about this book last year. What rock was I living under? I’m glad I heard about it in time to pre-order a copy. I’ve been a fan of Roshani Chokshi’s books, especially her young adult titles, since her debut. Knowing she had a new young adult fantasy book coming out this year was super exciting.

The book starts out a little bit slowly, but don’t be fooled. The setup showing her parents’ romantic relationship does some heavy lifting in terms of immersing us in the whimsical story world. I loved all the weird magical elements and complex relationships. The story stays in a lighthearted fantasy tone, but it has some teeth to it, too.

I loved Demelza and Arris. She’s smart and anxious. He’s romantic and imaginative. I like that they stay true to those qualities even as they get to know one another. Part of the story is figuring out whether two people so different could have a sustainable romance. Demelza’s friends are great, too. I laughed so much at some of the things that happened with them.

Reading this book was a very welcome escape for me, which I really appreciated. If you are looking for a fairytale-like story that isn’t a retelling, definitely check this one out.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
List.

Romance/Sexual Content
List.

Spiritual Content
List.

Violent Content
List.

Drug Content
List.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I pre-ordered a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Review: There’s Always Next Year by Leah Johnson and George M. Johnson

Book Review and Content, Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , ,

There’s Always Next Year
Leah Johnson and George M. Johnson
Farrar, Straus, and Giroux
Published December 2, 2025

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About There’s Always Next Year

From New York Times-bestselling author George M. Johnson and USA Today-bestselling author Leah Johnson comes a revolutionary new holiday romcom for fans of Lynn Painter, Alice Oseman, and Nicola Yoon.

Andy was supposed to shed her too-serious student journalist persona and reinvent herself on New Year’s Eve. Instead, she puked on her crush, dropped her phone in a fish tank, and managed to get her car stolen. Now, she only has the first day of the year to stop the gentrification that’s threatening her family’s business right her wrongs from the night before, and figure out why she feels so drawn to the electric new-girl-next-door. How can Andy find her voice when everything’s being turned upside down?

Dominique is an influencer on the verge of securing a major brand deal that will ensure his future and family legacy. But when he runs into his former best friend, unresolved feelings emerge — and in a small town, there’s nowhere to hide. Not from his cousin, Andy, who has always seen him for his true self, not from his busybody manager, Kim, whose favorite color is money green, and certainly not from himself. When all the world’s a stage, can Dominique rise to superstardom without leaving the ones he loves behind?

There’s Always Next Year is a dual POV, double love story about what it means to nearly blow your life up, and race to put it back together before your time runs out. And if they fail? Well, there’s always next year.

My Review

I read George M. Johnson’s incredible memoir, All Boys Aren’t Blue, so I was excited to see his name on this book. I haven’t read anything by Leah Johnson, though I have a copy of You Should See Me in a Crown, and I’ve heard awesome things about it. This book made me sorry I’ve waited so long to read any of her books!

The opening scene is so much fun. Dominique is just getting off a plane, returning to his small town for the first time since he’s been living in New York as an influencer and model. He is prepared to be recognized as a local celebrity! I love how that scene plays out.

The story alternates between Andy and her cousin Dominique’s perspectives, telling two side-by-side holiday romance stories filled with hijinks and small-town drama. It’s got that perfect snow-covered holiday vibe, and it made a perfect upbeat read to break up the more serious books I’m often drawn to.

While this is a charming romance novel, it also highlights the harm that gentrification inflicts on small communities, destroying family businesses and driving residents from their homes and neighborhoods. The story balances this topic well with the development of the romance and the thawing of the estrangement between Dominique and his family and friends.

All in all, this is a perfect sweet romance to read this winter.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Strong language used occasionally throughout.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing.

Spiritual Content
Dominique visits his mom’s grave and speaks to her.

Violent Content
One character commits some destructive pranks.

Drug Content
In her first scene, Andy wakes up with a horrible hangover and embarrassing stories about what she did while drunk the night before.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review: Better Catch Up, Krishna Kumar by Anahita Karthik

Book Review and Content, Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , , , , ,

Better Catch Up, Krishna Kumar
Anahita Karthik
HarperCollins
Published January 27, 2026

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Better Catch Up, Krishna Kumar

“Come for the road trip of a lifetime. Stay for the kissing!”— Meg Cabot, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Princess Diaries series.

Buckle up for a wild ride with this cheeky and charming rom-com where one girl’s quest across India to seal her first kiss turns into finding first love in the most unexpected places. Perfect for fans of Axie Oh, Ann Liang, and Jenny Han!

Eighteen-year-old Krishna Kumar may have gotten into her dream college, but that doesn’t mean she’s stopped being a bi disaster. Even after spending her whole summer in India flirting with her gorgeous neighbor Amrit, she has nothing to show for it. And now, her fate is sealed: she’s destined to be the only freshman who’s never been kissed.

Then her flight home is delayed right as a distinctly flirty text from Amrit lights up her phone. Krishna is determined to seize her last chance at a perfect first kiss with her summer crush, even if it means asking her cousin-turned-nemesis, Priti, for help. Because Amrit is miles away at a family wedding—and Priti’s best friend, Rudra Desai, is the only one with a car.

The unlikely trio set off on a road trip to crash a wedding and save Krishna’s summer. But as she starts to fall for the quiet but irresistibly hot and charming Rudra, who everyone knows is unrequitedly in love with Priti, Krishna’s heart better catch up to her head before she skips right past her first kiss and falls directly into her first heartbreak.

My Review

I enjoyed the pacing of this road trip romance. Krishna is a fun narrator, taking readers with her through mishaps, awkwardly blurted comments, and her desperate attempts for a first kiss.

Though at its core, this is a romance, the story also highlights the relationship between Krishna and her cousin, Priti. Krishna doesn’t understand why her cousin became so distant after Krishna’s move to the States, and at first, she is kind of resigned that she’ll never get it. But the close proximity of the road trip forces Krishna to confront more surprising feelings than those she develops for Rudra. As she understands more about why Priti’s behavior changed, she sees a path to reconciliation and realizes how much she misses her cousin. I loved that.

I also loved the romance between Krishna and Rudra. Watching her fall for him and trying to figure him out was lots of fun. There’s one miscommunication toward the end that would have resolved quickly if the two actually talked to one another. Despite that stretch, I am super glad I read this one.

If you’re looking for a road trip romance, definitely check this one out.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 16 up.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Strong profanity used fairly frequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing and making out. References to arousal. Vage references to sex.

Spiritual Content
Krishna visits a holy site with a group. They remove their shoes before entering the site. They attend part of a wedding celebration. Some wedding traditions are briefly described.

Violent Content
In a couple of scenes, men eye Priti and Krishna or call out at them in a suggestive way.

Drug Content
Teens drink alcohol at a party and a nightclub. Whether they’re of legal drinking age isn’t discussed, but they could be. Several unfortunate things happen when a character drinks too much.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review: Her Name in the Sky by Kelly Quindlen

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , , , , , ,

Her Name in the Sky
Kelly Quindlen
Roaring Brook Press
Published January 27, 2026

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Her Name in the Sky

Hannah wants to spend her senior year of high school going to football games and Mardi Gras parties with her tight-knit group of friends.

The last thing she wants is to fall in love with a girl–especially when that girl is her best friend, Baker.

Hannah knows she should like Wally, the kind, earnest boy who asks her to prom. She should cheer on her friend Clay when he asks Baker to be his girlfriend. She should follow the rules of her conservative Louisiana community–the rules that have been ingrained in her since she was a child.

But Hannah longs to be with Baker, who cooks macaroni and cheese with Hannah late at night, who believes in the magic of books as much as Hannah does, and who challenges Hannah to be the best version of herself.

And Baker might want to be with Hannah, too–if both girls can embrace that world-shaking, yet wondrous, possibility.

My Review

This book originally came out in 2012 but is being re-released in 2026. This year, I read it for the first time. Kelly Quindlen is a new author for me as well. I’d heard of her books, but hadn’t read them before.

The thing that I think this book does absolutely brilliantly is to capture Hannah’s emotional and spiritual journey. We see her wrestle with her faith and her identity in heartbreaking, anguished scenes. I love that Quindlen shows this, not once, but as an ongoing process for Hannah.

I also like that the book shows characters with a spectrum of beliefs. Some support Hannah immediately, while others seem to want to opt out of responding to her at all, and others target her with cruel words.

The relationship between Hannah and Joanie, her sister, was really nicely done. Joanie absolutely had my heart by the end of the book. If there’s ever a spinoff novel about her, I need to read it. The way that she and Hannah navigate their estrangement and reconciliation felt so much like true sisterhood.

The only thing I struggled with was how much time the characters spent drinking alcohol. In fairness, some of those scenes weren’t really about casual drinking, but showed an unhealthy pattern that involved drinking or needing to be drunk in order to do certain things. So from a plot perspective, it was an integrated part of the story and evidence of some destructive behavior. (Mainly an attempt at shame-avoidance.)

There’s a scene toward the end where a dad confronts a man who’s saying some homophobic things, and I need more dads like this in young adult literature and everywhere. I cheered at how both parents handled one moment in the book.

Reading this book was such an emotional roller coaster, in all the ways it was meant to be. I feel like I bawled through almost half of the story. It’s really moving. Definitely grab you some tissues for this one.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 16 up.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Strong profanity used fairly frequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing. Brief descriptions of and references to sex.

Spiritual Content
The main characters attend a Catholic school. The school’s priest speaks about spiritual topics. Hannah wrestles with questions about whether her identity as a lesbian makes her bad and shameful. The priest’s teaching says it does. Another teacher tells her it doesn’t.

Violent Content
Some homophobic statements and behavior. A girl shoves another girl. Two boys get into a fistfight that starts a brawl.

Drug Content
Teens drink alcohol in several scenes. One teen drinks alcohol as part of a self-destructive spiral and nearly ends up hospitalized.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review: A Barista’s Guide to Love and Larceny by Caroline Bonin

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , , , ,

A Barista’s Guide to Love and Larceny
Caroline Bonin
Feiwel & Friends
Published January 13, 2026

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About A Barista’s Guide to Love and Larceny

This cozy fantasy romance combines magic, college life, and first love into a sweetly brewed and delicious read about a girl roped into investigating a company’s dangerous product!

Dani Lionet is no stranger to working hard. But now she’s attending her dream university, and must manage classes, shifts at the local cafe, and maintaining her partial scholarship—all while trying to keep her unique ability under wraps. That way, no one else can take advantage of it like her parents used to.

So when a visiting professor calls Dani out on her ability, she’s terrified. Yet, it seems Professor Silva just wants to pay her to use it to help investigate a soon-to-be-released lucid dreaming product with horrible side effects. Dani is hesitant, but she needs the money, and it would help her new friend who was part of the product’s clinical trials. Meanwhile, she has a swoony distraction in Kass, her endearingly cute new regular at work.

But then Silva’s plan evolves into stealing the formula. Can Dani help with this “group project,” learn to embrace her ability, and get to know Kass? Or will it all fall apart?

My Review

I really enjoyed the magical college atmosphere of this book. It’s set in the real world, but with magical abilities and disciplines. The main characters attend a magical college, which I love as a concept. Dani also works at a coffee shop, which added even more cozy vibes.

My favorite thing about the book is how well all the different elements integrate into the story. Truthfully, I’d call the romance part of the book more of a subplot compared to the heist/group project that Dani and her friends commit to. I love that Dani’s romantic relationship doesn’t eclipse her other friendships. The story strikes a great balance, showing Dani falling head over heels while still anchoring her in other relationships, in part because she’s on this heist team and they have a tight deadline.

Dani has an unusual magical gift, which she feels ashamed of early on in the story. As the book progresses, though, she learns to think about her ability differently. Her feelings were so relatable. How often do we have a weird talent that seems useless or embarrassing? It takes courage and effort to reframe how we feel about that stuff, and her journey with that was really cool.

I almost wish this book had come out in November, since the story wraps up at Christmas. It would have been a really fun one to read leading up to the holidays. That said, I think it works perfectly as a cozy story to read on a chilly day or evening while bundled up with a mug of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.

If you’re looking for a wintry, magical heist in a college setting with a strong romance subplot, definitely put A Barista’s Guide to Love and Larceny on your reading list.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 15 up.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Strong profanity used infrequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing.

Spiritual Content
Some characters can do magic. One character has fae ancestry.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. A few scenes show characters trapped in their nightmares, acting out what happens in their dreams.

Drug Content
Teens drink alcohol at a bar and at a party.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.