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Tag: ya rom-com

  • Romance Reviews: Samantha Joyce’s Not Today, Satan & H. Leighton Dickson’s Ship Of Spells

    THP’s book team has been booked and busy all season, but we’re not complaining! From fall roundups to romance recommendations, we’ve got everything you need and then some. Be sure to check out all of our latest book reviews here!

    If you’ve been looking for a pair of complementary new romance novels to crack open, we got you! These two books will go on sale on the same day: November 4th. (Convenient for when you load up your shopping cart!)

    Set in Hell, Samantha Joyce’s Not Today, Satan is a YA romance between the devil’s daughter and a newly minted sinner. While H. Leighton Dickson’s adult romantasy, Ship of Spells, takes us to the high seas aboard a magical ship. We loved both these books, and here’s why!

    Book Overview: Not Today, Satan

    Not Today, Satan by Samantha Joyce
    Image Source: Entangled Publishing

    Content warnings: death, murder, graphic violence, gore, torture, poisoning, stabbing, hospitalization, serious injuries, guns, weapons (Please read at your discretion!)

    Summary: Think your life is hell?

    Try being the Prince of Darkness’s only daughter―a seventeen-year-old born and raised in Hell, destined to inherit the throne, and constantly enduring the (literal) eternal moans and screams of souls who had it coming.

    The only thing worse than ruling the Underworld is working here. Day after day, it’s me, a bunch of demons who are too intimidated by my dad to befriend me, and an endless lineup of sinners. Until Nathan Reynolds shows up, with a smile that could turn brimstone to butterflies, claiming he’s innocent.

    I don’t question the system; it’s never wrong. But Nate’s pleading eyes have me doubting everything I’ve ever known.

    So, I’m going to do the one thing I’m not supposed to do: I’m going to help him break out. Even if it means showing Nate exactly who I am. Metaphorical horns and all.

    Because if we don’t make it out of here?

    We’re not just damned. We’re doomed.

    Our Review

    Fate works hard, but the devil’s daughter works harder! Samantha Joyce’s Not Today, Satan absolutely charmed us from the get-go. With Devica set to inherit the throne from her father Lucifer, she faces so many conflicting thoughts. After a shocking discovery, she sets out to find her mother…on Earth. And the only person who can help her is Nathan “Nate” Reynolds, a sinner who’s convinced his judgement was a mistake. Their journey to escape takes them through the realms of Hell, facing punishments, demons, and too many near-death experiences. Though technically, Nate already died.

    We loved the budding romance between Devica and Nate. Nate’s cheesiness is endearing, and his kind nature eventually wins over Devica. Hell’s Princess still has a heart, after all. Her character development primes her for the throne just in time. And though we have yet to meet the devil himself, the cliffhanger ending tells us we might well be introduced in the next installment. We’ll keep our eyes out in the meantime!

    Not Today, Satan by Samantha Joyce comes out November 4th, and you can order a copy of it here!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SAMANTHA JOYCE:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE

    Book Overview: Ship Of Spells

    Ship of Spells by H. Leighton Dickson
    Image Source: Entangled Publishing

    Content warnings: war, battle, perilous situations, blood, intense violence, brutal injuries, death, drowning, physical torture, and sexual activity (Please read at your discretion!)

    Summary: When Ensign Bluemage Honor Renn is rescued from the wreckage of her first naval post, she expects death or disgrace. Instead, she wakes aboard the Touchstone, a mythic vessel whispered of in dockside ballads and royal war rooms alike. With a crew of misfits. A mysterious, elven captain. And a mission tied to the Dreadwall, the crumbling barrier that has kept the Overland and Nethersea from open war for a hundred years.

    But the tragedy that sank her last ship didn’t just take lives―it left something behind.

    Now Renn carries a secret everyone wants. A magik that’s chimeric, arcane…and slowly killing her. But the captain’s mission may be her only chance to survive, even if he still doesn’t trust her.

    Caught between privateers, princes, and spies, Renn knows each choice could sink her future―or set the sea on fire.

    Our Review

    H. Leighton Dickson’s new adult romantic fantasy, Ship of Spells, completely transports us to the high seas! Aboard the Ship of Spells, or the Touchstone, mage-in-training Honor Renn must reluctantly sail under a captain who’s a sworn enemy of her and her people. She possesses a rare ability to channel an ancient magic, which she uses on a perilous mission to repair the Dreadwall.

    The Touchstone crew was one of our favorite things about Ship of Spells. From the kindhearted ship doctor Echo to the loudmouth quartermaster Smoke, we grew to love this found family of pirates. As for the romance of this book, it’s a super slow burn between Honor and Gavriel with so many “almost there” moments that get cut short. But the wait was worth it. The open ending got us good, and we can’t wait to read more about Honor and Gavriel’s nautical journey!

    Ship of Spells by H. Leighton Dickson comes out November 4th, and you can order a copy of it here!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT H. LEIGHTON DICKSON:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

    Did you enjoy our latest review duo? Which pair of books should we review next? Let us know on Twitter! You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram.

    Catch up on our latest audiobook recommendations here!

    Need some more book recs? We got them!

    Julie Dam

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  • Sweet Reads: New November Book Releases For Chilly Nights!

    With the weather getting colder, and the days getting darker, there is nothing better than curling up with a good book! Are you in the mood for a fairytale story? What about a good old-fashioned rom-com? Then you’ve come to the right place! Our latest Sweet Reads roundup has got it all!

    Content warning: The Honey POP encourages mindful reading and always checking the author’s website for any additional content warnings.

    The Secret Astronomers By Jessica Walker

    Image Source: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

    Do you like mixed media books with unique methods of storytelling? Then you have to check out The Secret Astronomers! On the pages of a real ancient astrophysics textbook, the author Jessica Walker draws on the pages to tell her story. It follows two girls who communicate with each other through an old textbook at their high school. One is dealing with the sudden death of her mother and moving to a new town, and the other has dreams of being a first-generation college student. The unlikely duo team up to solve a mystery at their school, and they might just learn something about friendship along the way.

    Release Date: November 4
    Order The Secret Astronomers here!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JESSICA WALKER:
    WEBSITE

    Deadly Ever After By Brittany Johnson

    November book: Deadly Ever After by Brittany Johnson
    Image Source: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

    Who doesn’t love a good fairytale retelling? Brittany Johnson has you covered! In Deadly Ever After, we follow a murdered princess who has always strived for perfection, and a warrior princess who dies on a mission for her brother. When they meet each other in a cursed forest, they’re given another chance to live their lives. All they need to do is find true love’s kiss…easy, right? Turns out it’s even more difficult when they find out that the wrong kiss could kill them. Together, they will face their lives and deaths, and find out that maybe what they were searching for had been in front of them the whole time.

    Release Date: November 4
    Order Deadly Ever After here!

    Content Warnings: death, emotional abuse, physical abuse, child abuse, mention of suicide

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BRITTANY JOHNSON:
    INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    The Fangirl Project By Beth Reekles

    Sweet reads: The Fangirl Project by Beth Reekles
    Image Source: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

    Our next November book release is for fans of The Kissing Booth! Bestselling author Beth Reekles is back with another cute rom-com! Desperate to get out of the friendzone with her crush, Jake, Cerys decides to learn about his favorite fantasy fandom. But after meeting his new dedicated cosplaying friend, Max, Cerys realizes she’s in trouble. She’s determined to become the biggest fangirl of the series, but what she doesn’t anticipate is how much she’d actually like it, and might like DMing a familiar fandom guy.

    Release Date: November 4
    Order The Fangirl Project here!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BETH REEKLES:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    Leave It On The Track By Margot Fisher

    November book: Leave it on the track by Margot Fisher
    Image Source: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

    Our last November book release is all about Moose, who is struggling with survivor’s guilt after escaping a fire that killed her fathers in their roller rink. Now sent to live with her half-sister, Eden, the two are off to a rough start. But Moose finds solace in a group of new friends in roller derby. Her team is supportive of her grief and her queer imposter syndrome. And, against the rules, she might even be falling for a teammate.

    Release Date: November 18
    Order Leave It On the Track here!

    Content Warnings: panic attacks, death of a parent, medical trauma, mention of suicide

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MARGOT FISHER:
    INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | WEBSITE

    Which of these November book releases is on your TBR? Let us know in the comments below or by tweeting us @TheHoneyPop! You can also visit us on Facebook and Instagram!

    Want more book recs? We’ve got just the thing!

    Paige Lobianco

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  • Our 3 Favorite Things About Seeing Stars By Candice Jalili

    Whew! It’s been a long time since we’ve felt this giddy about a new book, and we want to shout it so the world can hear. Candice Jalili’s new YA rom-com, Seeing Stars, needs to be your next read!

    Seeing Stars is a spin-off story to Finding Famous, the first book in Candice Jalili’s Mashad Family series. It follows Mona Mashad, a reality TV star and the youngest daughter of the famous Mashad family. She reluctantly navigates a fake relationship with the President’s all-too-charming son, Lucas Sterling.

    We got hooked as soon as an inkling of romance started to form between Mona and Lucas, and we hope you do too. Here are three of our favorite things about Seeing Stars by Candice Jalili!

    Seeing Stars by Candice Jalili
    Image Source: Penguin Random House

    Book Overview: Seeing Stars

    Content warnings: mention of parent deaths, gun violence, panic attacks, vomiting

    Summary: Mona Mashad grew up on camera, with millions of fans around the world tuning in to see her every move. Nothing was off-limits: not her first pimple, her first crush, and definitely not the death of her father, Mashad family patriarch and the best dad ever, Ali.

    After more than a decade on screen, Mona has discovered the key to being the most famous teenager on the planet: never let your guard down and never give your heart away (because if it breaks, the whole world will know).

    But she didn’t expect to meet Lucas Sterling, notorious heartthrob and only son of Jordana Sterling, the beloved President of the United States. Lucas sweeps Mona off her feet—he literally saves her when she falls down the stairs at the Met Gala—and for just one second Mona wants to let her walls come down. So, it hurts a lot when he betrays her, and even more when their moms demand they pretend to keep dating to appease their respective fan bases.

    Normally, a fake relationship would be manageable for Mona. After all, she’s used to playing a part for the camera. But pretending to fall in love with Lucas when she’s still furious with him is no easy feat. And things get extra complicated when she meets Kai. A (hot) surfer and all-around normal guy. For the first time in her life, she can forget the cameras and just be…Mona. Could he be the escape from this fake reality that Mona needs? Or will fake dating America’s most eligible bachelor lead to real feelings?

    Flirty Banter & Romantic Tension

    We, along with most people on BookTok, love to read banter between two characters. It’s the way into our hearts, and we immediately fell in love with Seeing Stars because of Lucas and Mona’s banter. We could feel the chemistry from their very first meeting. And even though Lucas has to make up for a lot during their fake relationship, he’s relentless in pursuing Mona. He’s also self-assured and effortlessly charming, and Mona held out on him a lot longer than we would’ve if we were her.

    Second-Lead Syndrome

    As with any good love triangle, Seeing Stars gives us the ultimate second-lead syndrome. Kai, AKA Hot Surfer, is a respectful, down-to-earth guy that gives Mona a taste of a normal teenage life. He’s easy to talk to and so earnest. Their surfing lessons are so intimate and brimming with tension of what could happen if either of them admitted their budding feelings. We were so stuck between Kai and Lucas and rooted for them both at one point. Alas, this novel is not a “why choose?” story.

    The Confessionals

    Another one of our favorite things about Seeing Stars is reading the filmed confessionals that are a staple to reality TV shows. These scenes take us out of the main story to get an in-depth look at each character’s reactions and thoughts on the events as we read about them. It adds a very meta layer to this novel. We especially love seeing Mona and Lucas’s differing opinions at various stages of their fake relationship. While Lucas was ready to be all in, Mona was still in denial.

    From flirty banter and fake dating to falling for the first (and second) lead, Candice Jalili’s Seeing Stars might be one of our favorite books this year!

    Seeing Stars by Candice Jalili comes out October 14th, and you can order a copy of it here!

    What do you think of Candice Jalili’s spin-off story, Seeing Stars? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

    Want to hear some of our audiobook recommendations? Here’s the latest!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CANDICE JALILI:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE

    Julie Dam

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  • Sweet Reads: Check Out These Thrilling October Book Releases!

    Looking for the perfect book to add to your TBR? These October book releases have got you covered! How about something spooky? Or maybe a fantasy that’ll whisk you away to a new world? We’ve even got a book for readers who just want it to be winter holidays already! It’s spooky out there. Take a book with you and let’s face our fears together!

    Content warning: The Honey POP encourages mindful reading and always checking the author’s website for any additional content warnings.

    Higher Magic By Courtney Floyd

    Image Source: Courtesy of HarperCollins

    Calling all dark academia fans! Our first October book release follows Dorothe, who has only one chance left to pass the Magic program’s qualifying exam, or else she’ll have to leave the university. Dealing with anxiety and an advisor who insists that she uses Digimancy, a combination of magic and technology, she accidentally creates Anne, a talking skull that narrates her inner thoughts. While trying to fix Anne with a mage candidate named James, they discover that magic students needing disability accommodations are disappearing. With no help from the school, Dorothe and James will have to rely on each other to find the missing students.

    Release Date: October 7
    Order here!

    Content Warnings: ableism, panic attacks, mentions of bullying and gaslighting

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT COURTNEY FLOYD:
    INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

    Mint To Be By Katie Cicatelli-Kuc

    Mint to Be by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc
    Image Source: Courtesy of Scholastic Inc

    Is Halloween not your thing? Then Mint to Be will get you in the holiday spirit! This rom-com is about Emma, who, after leaving her small town for boarding school, has returned for the holidays with her new boyfriend, Sam. But things are a bit cold between Emma and her best friend Aiden, whom she left without a goodbye. They used to do everything together, that is, until Emma got her acceptance letter and Aiden decided not to confess his growing feelings. Will these two be able to overcome the time apart?

    Release Date: October 7
    Order here!

    Content Warnings: none

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KATIE CICATELLI-KUC:
    INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

    The Uninvited By Nancy Banks

    The Uninvited by Nancy Banks
    Image Source: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

    Vampire lovers, this is your time to shine! This October book release takes place in Paris, where Tosh is exploring a new city, along with a local named Nick, who shows her all the hidden gems. Finally in a place where she feels she belongs, Tosh will have to face the dark side of her new home after brutal vampire attacks impact her friends. This sounds like the perfect spooky read for the season!

    Release Date: October 16
    Order here!

    Content Warnings: sexism, sexual assault, murder

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NANCY BANKS:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE

    Right Where We Belong By Farrah Penn

    Right Where We Belong by Farrah Penn
    Image Source: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

    Delaney is feeling unsure of her future, both after the passing of her father and after discovering that her beloved boarding school is about to close down. In a bit of desperation, Delaney makes a wish to find a way to save her school, and ends up with William Cromwell, a boy from nineteenth-century London. Hopeful at first, Delaney thinks William might help solve her problem, but soon discovers that there are consequences when William is away from his time. Unfortunately, the only person who can help is her brother’s annoying best friend Sumner. But can they figure things out before time runs out and the present is changed forever?

    Release Date: October 28
    Order here!

    Content Warnings: grief, mention of cancer

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FARRAH PENN:
    INSTAGRAM | THREADS | WEBSITE

    Which of these October book releases is on your TBR? Let us know in the comments below or by tweeting us @TheHoneyPop! You can also visit us on Facebook and Instagram!

    Want more book recs? We’ve got just the thing!

    Paige Lobianco

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  • Get Yourself An Order Of Love & Lattes By Beth Reekles!

    Get Yourself An Order Of Love & Lattes By Beth Reekles!

    We think everyone with an internet connection knows about Beth Reekles. You may know her from books like The Reunion and Love, Locked Down. And, of course, she’s the bestselling author of The Kissing Booth! Sound familiar yet?

    Love & Lattes is Beth Reekles’ new YA rom-com, also known as Sincerely Yours, Anna Sherwood in the UK! It follows Annalise Sherwood, a college student about to start a prestigious summer internship in London. But things go awry when she unknowingly kisses the son of the company CEO only nights before she starts interning.

    We’ve made Love & Lattes our latest obsession, and we don’t regret it! Here are three things we love about Love & Lattes by Beth Reekles.

    Cover: Love & Lattes by Beth Reekles
    Image Source: Penguin Random House

    Book Overview: Love & Lattes

    Content Warnings: deceased parent, mention of postpartum depression, divorce

    Summary: Annalise Sherwood has worked herself to the bone to get a place in a prestigious internship program, and nothing will stop her now. Work hard, play later, that’s her motto. She figures one night letting her guard down won’t hurt, though – especially when it ends with the best kiss of her life.

    But to Anna’s horror, she discovers that the mystery guy she kissed that night is none other than Lloyd, the company CEO’s son. Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he’s everyone’s favorite guy and a total charmer, swanning around like he owns the place. And from the moment they meet again, he rubs Anna up the wrong way.

    As the summer and the internship wane, Lloyd seems to be finding any excuse to annoy Anna, and she’s not afraid to return it to him. But when a lot of late-night work brings them unexpectedly closer, she wonders if there’s more to him than she initially thought.

    The Romance

    We wouldn’t be writing a proper book review of Love & Lattes without highlighting Anna and Lloyd’s push-pull romance! An intern dating the boss’s son is already enough of a scandal on its own. But no matter how hard Anna tries, she keeps letting her guard down around Lloyd. And Lloyd somehow gets Anna to open up about secrets she’s never told anyone else. Everything would be easier for our main characters if they could be honest about their feelings, but there’d be no plot and no fighting for love!

    Lloyd’s Charm

    Anna is so much stronger than us because we wouldn’t have been able to reject Lloyd as many times as she did in Love & Lattes. She has to put her career first, of course. Her professional reputation would be ruined if people started to think that she was using Lloyd to move up the corporate ladder. But Lloyd’s personality makes us fold every single time! He’s considerate, funny, and charismatic. He asks the right questions and wears his heart on his sleeve. Lloyd communicates so well and knows his self-worth. (Pop off, king!)

    The Supporting Cast

    Finally, we love Love & Lattes for its supporting characters. The other interns in Anna’s cohort are the types of friends we need in our lives. They invite you everywhere even though you have a busy schedule. They look after everyone who’s been drinking, which happens almost every weekend. And when someone tries to blackmail you and blast your personal life for the office to see, they help you clean up the mess. Monty, Dylan, and Elaine are just the realest.

    With a delightful will-they-won’t-they romance and a lovely supporting cast, we fell head over heels for Beth Reekles’ Love & Lattes!

    Love & Lattes by Beth Reekles comes out on October 22nd, and you can preorder a copy of it today!

    What do you think about Love & Lattes? Are you excited about Beth Reekles’ latest novel? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

    Want to hear some of our audiobook recommendations? Here’s the latest!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BETH REEKLES:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE

    Julie Dam

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  • Celebrate Pride Month With These 5 LGBTQ+ Books

    Celebrate Pride Month With These 5 LGBTQ+ Books

    June is Pride Month and to celebrate we’re recommending five LGBTQ+ books to read this month and all year long! Are you looking for a contemporary romance? What about a sports romance? Then you have to check out our list!

    Content warning: The Honey POP encourages mindful reading and always checking the author’s website for any additional content warnings.

    Playing For Keeps By Jennifer Dugan

    Image Source: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

    Who doesn’t love a good sports romance? In Playing for Keeps we follow June whose whole life revolves around baseball. Being the star player on her team has given her a big ego and when Ivy (a ref with dreams of officiating the major leagues) kicks her out of the game she’s less than thrilled. With an old injury acting up and the two of them getting closer, everything is on the line when someone threatens to expose the girls’ prohibited player-umpire relationship. With an enemies to friends to lovers plot line, this book will have you on the edge of your seat!

    Order here!

    Content Warnings: grief, death of a parent, cancer, sexism

    Wish You Weren’t Here By Erin Baldwin

    Image Source: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

    Our next Pride month book recommendation is Wish You Weren’t Here by Erin Baldwin! Juliette and Priya have come to an uneasy truce so that their dislike for one another doesn’t impact their lives in their small town. Juliette is sick of being around Priya’s seemingly perfect life, which is why she’s excited to go to Fogridge Sleepaway Camp. But when Priya arrives and turns out to be her cabinmate, everything goes wrong. Can Juliette see the bright side of her situation before she leaves the camp she loves forever?

    Order here!

    Content Warnings: bullying, cancer, death

    The Breakup Lists By Adib Khorram

    Image Source: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

    Jackson in The Breakup Lists loves a good list (who doesn’t?). After his parents’ divorce and seeing his sister Jasmine’s failed romance attempts, Jackson isn’t concerned with relationships. In fact, he spends most of his time making breakup lists for Jasmine, listing every reason why Jasmine should be happy to get rid of her exes. But when Jackson starts crushing on cute swim captain Liam, he’s surprised to find out that Jasmine has her eyes on him too. We can’t wait to see the drama unfold!

    Order here!

    Content Warnings: ableism, bullying, homophobia

    Every Time You Hear That Song By Jenna Voris

    Image Source: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

    Do you love country music? Then you need to check out our next Pride Month recommendation! Every Time You Hear That Song follows Darren, a journalist who loves country music star Decklee, and songwriter Mickenlee who left at the height of their fame. But when Decklee passes away and her time capsule is found to be empty, her fans scramble to join a scavenger hunt to win a cash prize. We also get a perspective from Decklee back in 1963 to understand just what caused their falling out. Follow Darren and her coworker Kendall as they go on a road trip to discover secrets of the past!

    Order here!

    Content Warnings: death, homophobia, cancer

    Cursed Boys And Broken Hearts By Adam Sass

    Image Source: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

    Our last recommendation is an upcoming release! Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts is all about Grant, who has been unlucky in love ever since he made a wish on his family’s Wishing Rose. Following an embarrassing breakup, Grant is working at his aunt and uncle’s vineyard and B&B where the Wishing Rose lies. But when he arrives the B&B looks worse for wear and his childhood crush Ben (also the boy who broke his heart) is also working there. As they reconnect over their shared goal of repairing the vineyard before the rose festival, will Grant be able to let someone into his heart again?

    Release Date: July 16
    Order here!

    Content Warnings: homophobia, panic attacks

    We hope you enjoyed our book recommendations for Pride Month! What books are you reading to celebrate Pride? Let us know in the comments below or by tweeting us @TheHoneyPop! You can also visit us on Facebook and Instagram!

    Want more book recs? We’ve got just the thing!

    Paige Lobianco

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