I loved how Diane made the characters, particularly Shorty, so relatable in terms of her exploration of her sexuality and her coming out experience alongside her peers.
The book made me feel less alone, and the representation was something I would have loved as a teenager. The scene settings and imagery descriptions were so vivid and refreshing; it made me laugh and cry and the story had so much heart it was a joy to read.
Does Love Always Win is a sapphic coming of age young adult novel that explores coming out and understanding one's sexual orientation.
Sam "Shorty" Daniels has a plan for her senior year, but her romantic life being a hot mess was not part of the agenda. Shorty quickly discovers she's not attracted to her newest boyfriend and fellow marching band member Zack, despite her many hours of daydreaming of what it would be like to date him. Their previous flirting had been so intense that those feelings have to come back again, right?
I loved how Holly made such a hard-hitting, thought-provoking, evocative novel that explores friendships, gender, misogyny, self-esteem, beauty, and the pressures young girls face in society. The dystopian world-building and character-woven journeys had me hooked from the start and invested in Belle and Joni’s individual and joint narratives.
The novel had such pace and tension, which meant I couldn’t put the book down and was reading it into the night! I went through a range of emotions, and the book had me thinking for a long time afterward and discussing it with friends. It's an amazing read!
"If you loved the Barbie movie, you'll adore this." THE SUN "The Handmaid's Tale for the Insta generation." THE TIMES "Razor-sharp and compelling, it is essential reading for every teenage girl." THE OBSERVER "Holly Bourne is truly a one-in-a-million author." DAILY MIRROR "A searing exploration of beauty and its meaning for women and girls. Don't miss it." STYLIST "Ideal for fans of Louise O'Neill and Laura Bates." THE GUARDIAN
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I loved how Sophie wrote such a telling, compelling story about someone struggling to say no and being a people-pleaser in recovery, which I can relate to in my younger years, and I felt a deep kinship and connection to the story and Anna’s journey.
The story felt healing and wholesome for me; the characters all had such depth, warmth, and humour, and how the characters grew and developed during the story had me invested and hooked. I love reading stories about friendship dynamics, and Sophie did not disappoint!
Sixth-former Anna Campbell is the go-to girl when anyone needs anything. Teachers, friends, random strangers... It never occurred to her that she could say no. After all, Anna Campbell's always been too 'nice' to say no.
But Anna is sick of being that girl, the nice girl, and she's going to do something about it. Only, is she prepared to risk losing everything she cares about - even herself - along the way...?
A novel for anyone who's ever struggled to put themselves first.
Cassie, a rage-fueled girl who loves to bake, now works in the corporate afterlife, exacting revenge for clients, working up the ranks, to finally be given the name of her killer.
Working alongside her PA Eli and Doorkeeper Divya, an ex-love interest and a surprise arrival from a very hot but very much alive psychic, Cassie continues trying to find out who took her life. At the same time, making sure not to get in her boss Nem’s bad books and keeping the Miseria and the Board happy, Cassie remains cold, hard, and focused.
Along the way, struggling with her feelings and reconnecting with her old, happier self, Cassie learns about who she truly is and if revenge is what she seeks after all.
