Contemporary book reviews on The Candid Cover YA Book Blog.
Places We’ve Never Been by Kasie West is a sweet story revolving around a summer RV trip between two families. Featuring childhood best friends who reconnect, a relatable main character, and family secrets, this book is a recipe for a heartwarming read. Fans of Kasie West will not be disappointed in her latest novel, and for the uninitiated, this is the perfect road trip book for those looking for a cute summer contemporary. Continue reading
Tokyo Dreaming by Emiko Jean is sweet story about staying true to yourself that revolves around the main character’s determination to give her parents a happily ever after. As a big fan of Tokyo Ever After, I was highly anticipating this sequel, and I was thrilled to see that Izumi is just as entertaining and relatable as I remembered. While I struggled with the love triangle and some of the plot points, I still enjoyed this upbeat story and the chance to return to Izumi’s world. Continue reading
Café Con Lychee by Emery Lee combines rival restaurants with secret scheming in a story of unlikely friendship and embracing one’s true self. As a fan of the enemies to lovers trope, I enjoyed the dynamic between Theo and Gabi as they come together to save their family restaurants, and the differing dynamics between both families are well-written. This book is both entertaining and heartbreaking, and it is perfect for those who enjoy a contemporary that delves into more serious themes. Continue reading
Breathe and Count Back from Ten by Natalia Sylvester is beautifully written contemporary about a girl with hip dysplasia who dreams of becoming a professional mermaid. With a complex main character who comes to reclaim her agency in her own life and a poetic writing style, this is a meaningful story that touches on several important topics. Those looking for a summer read with more serious themes–and realistic representation for disabilities–will not want to miss this one. Continue reading
Finding Her Edge by Jennifer Iacopelli is a Persuasion retelling set in the world of figure skating. As a fan of pretty much any sports book, I enjoyed the strong main character and the accessible way the author works in details about skating. While I struggled with some of the character dynamics, I still found this to be a cute sports romance that demonstrates Jennifer Iacopelli’s strength in writing the sports genre. Continue reading