March was a very run reading month and includes a great list of beach reads! Let’s get started.
Muse by Brittany Cavallaro:
This book was billed as American Royals set during The World’s Fair which seemed like a really interesting premise for a book, given how much I loved American Royals.
Claire Emerson is the teen daughter of an inventor who has been put in charge of unveiling a special invention at The World’s Fair. However, she’s practically a prisoner to her father who believes she has magical powers. As she attempts to escape, she is held captive by Governor Remy Duchamp, the region’s young, untested ruler. There’s also a whole thing with Tesla.
I’m not going to get into this plot anymore, because you would think this book would be really awesome, and I cannot even begin to tell you how BORED I was reading it. It moves painfully slow. It’s Book 1 of a series and I will not be reading any more of them.
Overall grade: C
You Have a Match: Emma Lord
When high school senior Abby signs up for a DNA test as part of a school project, the last thing she expects is to find out she has a secret sister that she’s known nothing about. Her sister Savannah is an Instagram Star, and the two teens plot to attend a summer camp together to get to know each other and discover how Savannah ended up being raised by someone else.
Read this if you want some Parent Trap vibes.
Overall grade: B
How to Fail at Flirting: Denise Williams
Naya Turner is a professor at a University that is being plagued by budget cuts and her department may be on the chopping block. When she decides to let loose one night, she meets a handsome stranger at a bar. Sounds like a straightforward fling, but of course, nothing can be that easy.
TW: Gaslighting, emotional abuse
Overall grade: B/B+
This book has a lot of fun and sexy parts, but there is a looming element of abuse in Naya’s past relationships, so it can be a bit heavy at times.
Perfect on Paper: Sophie Gonzales
Darcy Phillips is a bisexual teen who has a massive crush on her best friend. She’s also an agony aunt/relationship guru in secret. When star athlete Alexander Broughman discovers her secret, he blackmails her into helping him win back his ex-girlfriend. Of course, not all secrets can stay hidden.
This book is super cute and offers some very positive LGBTQ teen storylines. It’s like a Sex Education (Netflix) x To All the Boys… (also Netflix).
Overall grade: A-
The Conspiracy of Us: Maggie Hall
Avery West is a lonely teen in a small town. While her mother is away for a work trip, she decides to attend prom with her crush, and finds herself kidnapped and whisked away to Paris. Soon she’s in the midst of an international conspiracy racing against the clock.
Think of this as Da Vinci Code x Gossip Girl x Princess Diaries.
It’s fast paced and instantly captured my attention - can’t wait to read continue with the other two books in the series!
Overall grade: A
Act Your Age, Eve Brown: Talia Hibbert
Eve Brown is a mess. She’s a 20-something who lives at home and doesn’t know what she wants with her life. When her parents issue an ultimatum she drives off and finds herself in the Lake District. A chance job posting leads to an interview, a small accident and a new job at a small B&B.
The B&B’s owner, Jacob, is the victim of the “small accident” and while he’s incredibly annoyed by Eve, he can’t help but notice their growing chemistry.
This romcom is so charming (and sexy) and I can’t recommend it enough!!! It was my favorite of the 3 Brown Sisters books, and while you don’t have to read the 2 preceding books to enjoy this one, it does have spoilers about the other 2. So if you plan to read the others and don’t like spoilers, plan ahead.
Overall grade: A+. If you’re planning Spring/Summer reads, this should be on your list!
Who’s That Girl: Mhairi McFarlane
When Edie is caught in a compromising position with the groom at her colleague’s wedding, she is quickly made the office pariah. When her boss gives her the opportunity to write the biography of the hottest new actor, Elliot Owen, she jumps at the chance to get out of London. Coincidentally, the assignment is in her hometown of Nottingham, giving her the opportunity to try and mend her relationship with her family.
This book reminded me a little bit of The Idea of You in the “famous person - normal person” pairing and the perils of fame.
Overall grade: A-. Very enjoyable, highly recommend.
That’s it for March!! What books are on your Spring/Summer list?