Just Ash by Sol Santana

 

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Ashley "Ash" Bishop has always known who he is: a guy who loves soccer, has a crush on his friend Michelle, and is fascinated by the gruesome history of his hometown―Salem, Massachusetts. He's also always known that he's intersex, born with both male and female genitalia. But it's never felt like a big deal until his junior year of high school, when Ash gets his first period in front of the entire boys' soccer team. Now his friends and teachers see him differently, and his own mother thinks he should "try being a girl."

As tensions mount with his parents and Ash feels more and more like an outcast, he can't help feeling a deeper kinship with his ancestor Bridget Bishop, who was executed for witchcraft. She didn't conform to her community's expectations either; she was different, and her neighbors felt threatened by her. And she paid the ultimate price. Ash is haunted by her last recorded words: You will keep silent.

Ash realizes that he needs to find a way to stand up for who he really is, or the cost of his silence might destroy his life, too.

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Just Ash is a wonderful young adult story about an intersex teen. This Sol Santana had me gripped from the start. 

Good god, Poor Ash. His body causes so much pain and heartache for him, just because of people being so damn judgmental. 

Omg, this book. There's so much going on for Ash, as puberty is changing his body. With his female parts starting to develop further, his family is pushing him to be a girl, both mentally and physically. 

Add in issues with his friend who he likes romantically, a whole lot of homophobia and racism, and the hits just keep coming. 

And it's all as emotional and intense as you'd expect.

I appreciate the way the author approaches this difficult subject matter. Everything is written with care and compassion. I enjoy the layers, mystery, and intrigue throughout. 

Just Ash is the perfect choice next time you're in the mood for a serious tale exploring the life of an intersex teen. 

RELEASE BLITZ - MF - A Scandal in Homeroom (Haddonfield High # 2) by S. Doyle

 

A SCANDAL IN HOMEROOM (Haddonfield High Book 2) by S. Doyle

Release Date: September 9th 

AVAILABLE NOW!!!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3eOVrWq

Add to Goodreads: 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58278120-a-scandal-in-homeroom

Nothing is as it seems at Haddonfield High.

Locke

Haddonfield High was full of intrigue. Nothing like I expected when I transferred from London. I realized very quickly the game was afoot.

The person teaching me the rules of that game: Irene Adler.

A cheerleader and the hottest girl in school, she was totally out of my league. I had no clue why she was talking to me until I realized she’d gotten herself into trouble with a shady character named Moriarty and needed my help.

Tough and sexy, sweet and vulnerable, and hiding a host of secrets, Irene quickly became the only puzzle I wanted to solve.

No joke, my romance writing career started when I was ten and realized that Leia and Han were the true couple in Star Wars.

It's been about thirty years and over forty books and I still love it.

Connect w/S. Doyle: 

Website: https://www.sdoylerw.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephDoyleRW

Twitter: https://twitter.com/StephDoyleRW

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sdoylebooks

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/998338.S_Doyle

Amazon: https://amzn.to/37d07lc

PRE-ORDER NOW - Obie Is Man Enough by Schuyler Bailar

 

COMING September 7, 2021

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Goodreads Link

A coming-of-age story about transgender tween Obie, who didn't think being himself would cause such a splash. For fans of Alex Gino's George and Lisa Bunker's Felix Yz.

Obie knew his transition would have ripple effects. He has to leave his swim coach, his pool, and his best friends. But it's time for Obie to find where he truly belongs.

As Obie dives into a new team, though, things are strange. Obie always felt at home in the water, but now he can't get his old coach out of his head. Even worse are the bullies that wait in the locker room and on the pool deck. Luckily, Obie has family behind him. And maybe some new friends too, including Charlie, his first crush. Obie is ready to prove he can be one of the fastest boys in the water--to his coach, his critics, and his biggest competition: himself. 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Obie is Man Enough is an wonderful coming of age story by Schuyler Bailar. 

This story follows Obie who's a transgender middle school student. His story is powerful, heart breaking, and also inspirational. In other words, this is not an easy read. 

The writing is fabulous. It's flows great and the storyline will keep you riveted. The author excels in addressing many issues involved with being a transgender child. And it's heart wrenching at times. The author writes with knowledge, care, and compassion. And also hope. 

I love this story. I wish it didn't have to be told, but damn, the world needs more stories like this. 

Obie's journey from being a kid with good friends and a great swimmer, to living his truth, and facing the consequences, is extremely heartfelt and honest. 

His experiences with an transphobic coach and his former friends had me wanting to just hug him and protect him. But through it all, Obie lives his truth. 

Not all trans kids have a lot of support, but Obie does have some, which is fabulous. His story is similar to a kid I know personally, but not everyone is lucky enough to have parents like Obie's.

This is a story I'd recommend to anyone looking to read about a transgender child's journey, or to learn more about the emotions involved with being trans. That said, although Obie's journey is tough and multi-layered, his parents are fully supportive. Obie's a child who was able to start on hormone blockers early on, and then adding T later. Not all parents are so wonderfully supportive. 

Thus, if you're looking for a story of a trans child who doesn't have support at home, skip this one. 

But if you're looking for a story about a trans child who's family is supportive, but the rest of his life is a struggle, this is for you. 

And, honestly, one of my favorite parts is the way the author explores how Obie's friends feel. It's horrible, trust me, but I appreciate the thoughts that drive the friends. 

I also appreciate the sports aspect. As we all know, there's a lot of controversy about trans students playing sports. It's a messy and long drawn out issue in the world today. I like that the author addresses this issue. 

Obie is Man Enough is truly a great read. Schuyler Bailar excels in capturing the pain involved with dealing with transphobia. This is one I highly recommend. 

MF - Broken Trust (Pacific Prep #1) by R.A. Smyth

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

My name is Hadley Parker, and today is the first day of the rest of my life.
Today I start school at Pacific Prep. This is my new lease on life, and I won’t be wasting it.
I need this, now, more than ever. I need the education, the promise of a future that I wouldn’t get anywhere else.
These rich kids don’t like me though.
When Hawk Davenport decides he doesn’t want me here, his friends back him.
Along with Hawk, Westley Warren, Cam Rutherford, and Mason Hayes rule this school and nobody dares go against them.

They don’t know the real me. I won’t back down.


***This book is a reverse harem, meaning the FMC will have three or more love interests.
The book also has trigger warnings for emotional/physical bullying, abuse, violent scenes, reference to self-harm and mature content/swearing, so please do not read if you are easily offended or have the mentioned triggers.
This book is intended for 18+

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Broken Trust is the first book in the Pacific Prep series by RA Smyth. 

Oh, this book is a tough one for me. It's everything I hate in a book. But I couldn't put it down. 

This is a young adult story that is disturbing and dark. It's messy, complicated, and not a sweet story. 

But the writing is full of suspense and intrigue, keeping me turning the pages quickly. I hate the different povs, as it isn't easy and clean. But again, I couldn't put it down.

This world of Pacific Prep is one hell of a messed up one. The boys rule the school and everyone does what they say. Until Hadley shows up. 

And then...things get strange. She bucks the system. She messes up everything for everyone. And nothing is as it seems. 

If you hate cliffhangers, stay clear of this book until the series is completed. 

Broken Trust is fun and hot. RA Smyth will keep you up late into the night with all the layers and twists and turns. And when it ends, I have absolutely no clue what is going on, with the author leaving me clueless about all the mysteries. Well done. But now I hate that I have to try to remember all the details until I get my hands on the next book. 

PRE-ORDER REVIEW - Just Ash by Sol Santana

 

 

COMING October 5, 2021!

PRE-ORDER NOW!

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Ashley "Ash" Bishop has always known who he is: a guy who loves soccer, has a crush on his friend Michelle, and is fascinated by the gruesome history of his hometown―Salem, Massachusetts. He's also always known that he's intersex, born with both male and female genitalia. But it's never felt like a big deal until his junior year of high school, when Ash gets his first period in front of the entire boys' soccer team. Now his friends and teachers see him differently, and his own mother thinks he should "try being a girl."

As tensions mount with his parents and Ash feels more and more like an outcast, he can't help feeling a deeper kinship with his ancestor Bridget Bishop, who was executed for witchcraft. She didn't conform to her community's expectations either; she was different, and her neighbors felt threatened by her. And she paid the ultimate price. Ash is haunted by her last recorded words: You will keep silent.

Ash realizes that he needs to find a way to stand up for who he really is, or the cost of his silence might destroy his life, too.

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Just Ash is a wonderful young adult story about an intersex teen. This Sol Santana had me gripped from the start. 

Good god, Poor Ash. His body causes so much pain and heartache for him, just because of people being so damn judgmental. 

Omg, this book. There's so much going on for Ash, as puberty is changing his body. With his female parts starting to develop further, his family is pushing him to be a girl, both mentally and physically. 

Add in issues with his friend who he likes romantically, a whole lot of homophobia and racism, and the hits just keep coming. 

And it's all as emotional and intense as you'd expect.

I appreciate the way the author approaches this difficult subject matter. Everything is written with care and compassion. I enjoy the layers, mystery, and intrigue throughout. 

Just Ash is the perfect choice next time you're in the mood for a serious tale exploring the life of an intersex teen. 

BLOG TOUR & REVIEW - MF - Tragic Lies (Rixon High #2) by L.A. Cotton

TRAGIC LIES (A Rixon High Novel) by L.A. Cotton

Release Date: June 8th

Genre/Tropes: Age gap, forbidden romance

He's not the hero of her story... no matter how much she wants him to be.

From bestselling author LA Cotton, comes a forbidden age-gap romance. Angst... drama... friendship... and football. Will you survive senior year?

TRAGIC LIES AVAILABLE NOW!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/33cotck

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3ufhAmC

Apple Books: https://apple.co/2Sol8oA

Nook: https://bit.ly/337MHV5

Google: https://bit.ly/3ccroXA

Universal: https://books2read.com/rixonhigh2

Check out the the other books in the Rixon High Series!

Blurred Lines available for FREE!

http://bit.ly/BlurredLinesFREEBIE

______________________________________________________

OFF-LIMITS AVAILABLE NOW!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2KXvqIX

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/3ocdk4f

Apple: http://apple.co/3b0yv5v 

Kobo: http://bit.ly/3rMtrrr 

Nook: https://bit.ly/3hB81Zz

Google:https://bit.ly/3rm1sxk

My Review

_________________________________________________________________

Add to Goodreads: 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51003698-tragic-lies

Peyton Myers has always been the life of the party.

But behind her smile and sass is a girl lost and alone, searching for her place in the world.

Xander Chase has always been on the outside looking in.

But behind his cool indifference and hard exterior is a guy afraid to open his heart to anyone.

 

When he saves Peyton from a tragic accident, their lives are entwined forever. But Xander's not the hero of her story... no matter how much she wants him to be.

She’s a girl with her whole life ahead of her.

He’s a guy who is drifting through life.

And although these two lost souls might be able to heal each other, there's one glaring problem.

She's still in high school...

And completely forbidden.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Tragic Lies is the second book in the Rixon High series. In classic LA Cotton magic, we're transported right back into this amazing world, where we first met the parents in the Rixon Raiders series, and now we are getting to know the next generation. 

Since reading Off Limits, I have been anxiously awaiting this story. We knew that Zander saved Peyton's life after tragedy struck her world. And we knew that meant a messy tale was coming. But, damn, this story is super messy and complicated. 

And I love it!!! 

I have to note that it comes super close to blurring a line I don't approve of. I don't want to give it away. But, damn, I am not in love with everything that happens to this two. That part is definitely not cool.

But, hell, these two are both broken and lost and their story shouldn't be clean and easy. 

I love this book. 

It's fucking hot, but again, I definitely struggle with her age here. 

Overall, Tragic Lies is a fabulous romance. LA Cotton brings all the emotions to this age gap tale. 

Author of over thirty mature young adult and new adult novels, LA COTTON is happiest writing the kind of books she loves to read: addictive stories full of teenage angst, tension, twists and turns.

Home is a small town in the middle of England where she currently juggles being a full-time writer with being a mother/referee to two little people. In her spare time (and when she’s not camped out in front of the laptop) you’ll most likely find LA immersed in a book, escaping the chaos that is life. 

Connect w/L.A. Cotton: 

Website: https://www.lacotton.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlacotton

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LACottonReadersGroup

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If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales & Cale Dietrich

 

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Goodreads Link

Eighteen-year-olds Ruben Montez and Zach Knight are two members of the boy-band Saturday, one of the biggest acts in America. Along with their bandmates, Angel Phan and Jon Braxton, the four are teen heartbreakers in front of the cameras and best friends backstage. But privately, cracks are starting to form: their once-easy rapport is straining under the pressures of fame, and Ruben confides in Zach that he’s feeling smothered by management’s pressure to stay in the closet.

On a whirlwind tour through Europe, with both an unrelenting schedule and minimal supervision, Ruben and Zach come to rely on each other more and more, and their already close friendship evolves into a romance. But when they decide they’re ready to tell their fans and live freely, Zach and Ruben start to truly realize that they will never have the support of their management. How can they hold tight to each other when the whole world seems to want to come between them?

“If This Gets Out is an absolute showstopper! Equal parts edgy and adorable, this bright, joyful book has everything I look for in a queer YA romance.” —Phil Stamper, bestselling author of The Gravity of Us 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

If This Gets Out is a fabulous young adult romance by Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich. 

Ruben and Zach are band members and long time friends. Zack is straight, until a kiss changes everything. 

I love boy bands so this book definitely had me intrigued. 

This is a sexual awakening as suddenly Zach is questioning his sexuality and dealing with his new feelings for his best friend.

Their tale includes the pitfalls of a boy band. Music they don't relate to. Being molded into a certain persona. Being the opposite of their public persona. Photo shoots. Fan signings. A troubled bandmember and drugs. I enjoy it all. 

Their story is full of tension, awkwardness, chemistry and emotional first times, and fade to black scenes. 

The writing is great, with two well developed characters and plenty of contributing side characters. The emotions are well explored and the story had me happy overall.

If This Gets Out is a great choice when you're in the mood for a boy band romance. These authors wonderfully bring the atmosphere surrounding this band to life, including all the troubling issues involved. I love all the feelings throughout.