fanboyriot's reviews
789 reviews

Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts by Adam Sass

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

♡ Hurt/Comfort

♡ Summer Read

♡ Second Chances

Definitely a book you should read the author’s note too, it really makes the reading experience even better. The rom-com vibes in this were great, adding in some more relatable content as well. While it was mostly lighthearted, there are some more emotional parts; the main character works through a breakup, depression, and a rather cruel moment in eighth grade he was still hung up on. The relationship itself was a bit of a fast-paced read but their dynamics worked well, especially as more was revealed about their past.

The highlight for me was the setting, it was genuinely so amazing, the house, the vineyard, all the history behind it was so lovely and the little details made for a great read. While the ending seemed a bit rushed as it tied everything together it was still a really enjoyable book.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group, and Viking Books for Young Readers of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Spice Level: n/a

Angst Level: 💧(1/5)

POV: First Person

Release Date: 16, July 2024

Rep: LGBTQIA+ (Main and Side Characters) Depression

Content Warnings

We Shall Be Monsters by Tara Sim

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adventurous dark mysterious sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

♡ High Fantasy

♡ Dark Adventures

♡ Undead (Zombie) Dog

This story was adventurous and action packed. There was a lot going on but it was written it a way where it wasn’t overwhelming or confusing to understand. There was death, necromancy, and a rich history of the fantasy world the author created.

The mix of mythology from different cultures was so interesting to read. The author’s note pointing it all out even more and further explaining their own spin on things.

I feel like people who liked Frankenstein would love this more fantasy level book. It was complex with lovely world building and characters. Even including a dog that was brought back from the dead.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group, and Nancy Paulsen imprint for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Spice Level: n/a

Angst Level: 💧💧💧 (3/5)

POV: Third Person

Release Date: 25, June 2024

Rep: Non-Binary (Side Character)

Content Warnings

Come Out, Come Out by Natalie C. Parker

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

♡ Queer Horror

♡ Self-Acceptance

♡ Angst with a Happy Ending

I’m so happy to have read this. The hype was even better than I was expecting. The way this story was told was really enjoyable and the queerness was so fantastic in this book.

I loved how all the flashbacks to past memories were written and the character development was great. Seeing how the lines of reality and the horror aspect blurred—the main characters knowing they were different than the expectations their parents shoved at them and the main characters unlocking their past as they tried to avoid the nightmare of what their futures could be—it was written so well. It was tense and definitely angst with a happy ending vibe for sure.

This book touches on some topics such as religious bigotry, homophobia/lesbianphobia throughout, and several mentions of conversion therapy. It’s not pretty to read at some parts but it was written so well! The self-acceptance that finally took over near the ending felt so satisfying. It showed how the main characters became more themselves as the story progressed, finally fighting for their best life… quite literally.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Penguin Teen Influencer Program for an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Spice Level: n/a

Angst Level: 💧💧💧💧 (4/5)

POV: Duel, Third Person

Release Date: 27, August 2024

Rep: Gender-fluid (Main Character), Lesbian (Main Character), Gay (Side Character), LGBTQIA+ (Main and Side Characters)

Content Warnings

Honeybites by I.S. Belle

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lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

♡ Small Town

♡ Sapphic Vampires

♡ Secret Relationship

Super cute. This was a lovely fast-paced novella and I really enjoyed it. The setting was nice and the characters were as well. The plot kept me interested the whole time and I ended up reading this in one sitting.

Honey and Sadie were literally such lovable characters, the banter between them was hilarious and their dynamic worked so well together.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Book Funnel for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Spice Level: n/a

Angst Level: n/a

POV: Third Person

Release Date: 31, May 2024

Rep: LGBTQIA+ (Main and Side Characters)

Content Warnings

Two Sides to Every Murder by Danielle Valentine

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mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

♡ Summer Camp

♡ Sapphic Romance

♡ Plot Twist Family Edition

This was more of a quick pace than I was expecting but it still gave a great mystery/thriller vibe. The plot twists along the way were foreshadowed nicely.

It was a fun read filled with plot twists, drama, and even a dash of romance mixed in there as well. Uncovering more and more of what really happened the night of the Lost Lake murders and both Olivia and Reagan learning a few new things about their family along the way.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Penguin Teen Influencer Program for an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Spice Level: n/a

Angst Level:💧 (1/5)

POV: Multiple, First Person (Flashbacks: Third Person)

Release Date: 25, July 2024

Rep: LGBTQIA+ (Main and Side Characters)

Content Warnings

Luminous Beings by David Arnold

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adventurous funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

♡ Apocalyptic

♡ Lots of Adventure

♡ Wholesome Friendships

I loved the art and colors of this book so much. The spooky vibes and adventure really brought the plot together well. The character dynamics worked great together and the friendship between them was really nice to read. Having said that I found the plot difficult to follow and as if something was missing at several points. It was a bit random to the point it made no sense at all but just went with it anyway.

It was entertaining though, not a dull moment in sight.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Spice Level: n/a

Angst Level: 💧 (1/5)

POV: Graphic Novel

Release Date: 03, September 2024

Rep: BIPOC (Main and Side Characters)

Content Warnings

Rules For Ghosting by Shelly Jay Shore

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emotional funny lighthearted sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

♡ Spooky Vibes

♡ Funeral Home

♡ Angst with a Happy Ending

Went into this knowing nothing about it, and wow, it was so good. I loved the characters, the spooky atmosphere, and the plot. The trans rep was also fantastic and really enjoyable to read.

I loved this book so much! The characters were well thought out and the friendships were so wholesome. Ezra and Johnathan were so precious and I was rooting for them the whole time. And I loved the line: “You don't have to make up for needing to be loved.” (- Johnnathan; Chapter 35, Page 277 of the ebook edition) it was so powerful in that moment.

Overall this is a story about a trans dude who can see dead people and falls in love along the way which I mean if that doesn’t convince you then note there is a very adorable dog in this book as well.

Thank you to the author, Random House Publishing, Dell Imprint, and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️(2/5)

Angst Level: 💧💧💧(3/5)

POV: Third Person

Release Date: 20, August 2024

Rep: Bisexual Transmasc (Main Character), Transfem (Side Character), Asexual (Side Character), LGBTQIA+ (Main and Side Characters)

Content Warnings

Love, Creekwood by Becky Albertalli

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funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

♡ Emails

♡ Whole Friendships

♡ Everyone is Queer

This novella was really cute. All the emails made for such an adorable and interesting take on telling a story. Learning what happened to some of the lovely characters from this series. It was so funny and such a quick and lighthearted read. I really enjoyed it!

Spice Level: 🌶️ (1/5)

Angst Level: 💧💧 (2/5)

POV: Multiple Characters, Emails

Release Date: 30, June 2020

Rep: LGBTQIA+ (Main and Side Characters) BIPOC (Main Character)

Content Warnings

The Worst Perfect Moment by Shivaun Plozza

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emotional funny reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

♡ Afterlife

♡ Sapphic

♡ Chaotic Angel

This book was way better than I anticipated, definitely worth the hype I had for it. I really enjoyed the character development and how everything came together. The setting of this book was so good, all the details were amazing—from the tampon in the motel pool or the slimy mushrooms at breakfast, it was literally so well detailed!

The story was a good mix of humor and heartbreak, touching on more depressing moments as the main character coming to terms with being dead, that her heaven was a place she had some of the worst memories.

Also Zelda was amazing, I loved her so much.

This book talks about some heavy topics as well such as abandonment issues and neglect, failed friendships and childhood crushes, and of course death.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Spice Level: n/a

Angst Level: 💧💧💧 (5/5)

POV: First Person

Release Date: 14, May 2024

Rep: Lesbian (Main Character), Lesbian (Side Character), LGBTQIA+ (Main and Side Character)

Content Warnings

Home Field Advantage by Dahlia Adler

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

♡ Cute Ending

♡ Queer Sports Romance

♡ Cheerleader x Quarterback (sapphic edition)

I really enjoyed this book. I mean it’s a gay sports romance, of course I’m going to like it. The characters were cute and the ending was absolutely adorable. While yes, the characters decisions at some points get a little bit frustrating, I think it plays well with the YA vibe of the book.

There was a lot of talk about homophobia and dealing with people like that in a small town and not wanting to come out of the closet to the public in fear of losing friendships. However, both main characters are out at home and one even having a bisexual mom, which was a cool addition.

Overall, it was a quick read with a sapphic take on the cheerleader x quarterback trope.

Spice Level: 🌶️ (1/5)

Angst Level: n/a

POV: Duel, First Person

Release Date: 07, June 2022

Rep: Lesbian (Main Character), Polysexual (Main Character), Gay (Side Character), Bisexual (Side Character)

Content Warnings

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fanboyriot's reviews 789 reviews

fanboyriot's reviews
789 reviews