The New Girl: First Crush: A Graphic Novel (The New Girl #2) Book 2 of 2: New Girl | by Cassandra Calin

 

Cassandra Calin has done it again! The 2nd book in the New Girl  series is a hit. The art work is creative and the storyline shows true struggles young women go through. 

Lia is navigating periods, crushes, family and friendships. She's learning how to be a friend and find herself. 

This is a perfect book for preteens and teens. It deals with acceptance, different perspectives and owning personal mistakes. This novel is believable and true to life. 

The artwork is beautiful and eye catching. I love each panel and how it highlights the story. 

A Beautiful, Terrible Thing: A Memoir of Marriage and Betrayal Book | By Jen Waite

Jen Waite's life is turned upside down when she comes to the realization that her husband and father of her child is a psychopath. Jen's memoir details her life with her husband in first person. It is raw, honest and heartbreaking. 

Waite shares the discovery of the email that leads to her uncovering the infidelity, betrayal and lies in her marriage. There are lies hidden under lies and the manipulation runs deep. 

Waite tells her story in before and after chapters. We learn about the first meeting, the courtship, the marriage and everything leading up to the end. 

This is a super easy and fast read. 

Caller Unknown | By Gillian McAllister

Publication Date: May 5, 2026

A vacation in Texas goes wrong for UK residents Simone and Lucy. 

Simone awakens to find that her daughter Lucy is gone. A ransom call instructs Simone to not call the police and to meet at a certain location. The demand is dangerous and revolves around illegal activities. 

There is evidence that Lucy is alive and Simone will do anything to get her daughter back. The demand for Lucy's return isn't money - it is something much more dangerous. Simone refuses to tell her husband where she is going and what the demand is. She instructs him to not call the police. Damien urges her to contact the police and Lucy choses to lie to him making things much more complicated.

Simone must commit a crime to get her daughter back but it could be costly.

Caller Unknown starts of strong. Slows down to a slow crawl and then builds back. It isn't the usual fast pace I expect from McAllister and the ending tied up way too neatly for me. There were too many moments that felt unreal however the story shows the length a mother's love will go save their child. 

** I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

The Happy Ever After Playlist (The Friend Zone #2) | By Abby Jimenez

 

A dash of golden fur rushes into the street. Sloan slams her brakes to avoid hitting the dog and to her surprise the dog jumps into her car via the sunroof and snuggles her with love. In an effort to return the dog to it's owner Sloan leaves message after message but doesn't hear back. 

Sloan quickly finds herself falling in love with Tucker. He is helping her get through the grief of losing her fiance by giving her purpose. She's finally leaving the house, going on walks and living. When Tucker's owner, Jason returns her call she makes arrangements to continue caring for him until Jason returns from Australia. 

Sloan keeps Jason updated on Tucker and they quickly build a bond. They have long conversations and flirt. They have a strong attraction for one another and when the meet sparks fly. 

Jason neglected to tell Sloan that is is the Jaxon Walters! A musician who is on the cusp of becoming internationally famous! Sloan and Jason need to decide what the future holds for them and Tucker.

The story unfolds beautifully. The build up of the relationship is sweet, sexy and fun. The character's  are well developed and interesting. Tucker is mischievous and loving. Jimenez has a way of bringing dogs to life on the pages of books. She makes you fall in lov

e with them.

I wasn't aware that this was the 2nd book in a series. It stands alone and you do NOT need to read the first book. This is a romance book you will enjoy reading. 

The Soulmate Project (YA Verse) The Soulmate Project (YA Verse) by Anna Lindwasser |

 

Expected Publication Date: June 26, 2026

The Soulmate Project is told in verse. I was surprised and impressed with how easy it made the read. It explores a variety of themes and have diverse characters. It's a fast read that can be done in under a few hours. 

This book is set in a dystopian future in which AI is used to connect 18 year olds with a romantic partner. The government assigns partners because people are no longer allowed to find love on their own. 

 Delphine thinks she can challenge the system and manipulate it so that her and her boyfriend Tobias can be matched to one another. 

When their plans fails and they are assigned to different people Delphine and Tobias began to question,  explore and discover who they are. 

If you love the Matched series by Ally Condie this book is for you. 

** I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Five by Ilona Bannister

 

Published May 5, 2026

In five minutes the lives of five strangers will change. Four will survive and one will die. They await the next train to London. 

We have Emma and her son Gideon. Mrs. Worth a 78 year old woman. Sonny a 27 year old who struggles with addiction and Liam a 50 something man. 

Each other their stories unfold giving readers insight into who they are as people and in life. None of the characters are particularly likable but their backgrounds are interesting.

 Sometimes you forget the clock is counting down to the death of one of them. Their stories are a stark reminder that we each have our own stories, our own judgments and moral compasses. You find yourself leaning towards the demise of one character more than the other which makes you question your own moral character.

Five is told in second and third person. Bannister pulls this feat off with ease and pulls the reader into the story. This book isn't a fast read or a typical thriller. It's more of an insight into the  psychological/sociological aspects of humanity. 

** I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

The Better Mother by Jennifer van der Kleut

After a brief fling Savannah Mitchell finds out she is pregnant. She informs Max and he tells her that he has reconciled with his ex, Madison. After speaking with Madison, Max lets Savannah know that Madison isn't upset - that she is excited and wants to help. 

Savannah is open to having a friendly co-parenting relationship but Madison soon starts to blur the lines and test boundaries. Madison shows up uninvited, makes demands of Savannah and starts to act as the baby is hers. Savannah brings her concerns up to Max but he makes excuse after excuse for Madisons unhinged behavior. Savannah is at her wits end and then things take a sinister turn and the intensity of the book is dialed up to 10.

This is a dark thriller full of sharp turns and character's you will  love to hate. The Better Mother is plot driven and will have you questioning everyone.