The good news is I'm still trash for mysterious and indulgent campus (boarding school, university) set stories. The better news? THIS MAY BE MY FAVOURITE OF THE VARIETY. At least, since S.T.A.G.S. and Truly Devious. (Also, before you ask, yes I'm excited for the adaptation and the inevitable newly drawn obsession.) 

The Black Kids had me hooked immediately with its stunning cover and highly engaging synopsis. There was something about it that screamed 'READ ME' almost instantly and it's such a fantastic read. Trust me on this one, guys. The Black Kids is another must-read release of 2020.

We all know I love a good Arthurian Legend retelling--and Legendborn is one of the best since Once & Future. Get ready for Black Girl Magic and a well woven fantasy. Legendborn kept me on the edge of my seat and was the perfect retelling.

 

When Once Upon a Book Club reached out to send me their YA box last month, I nearly exploded in excitement. (And, yes, it is totally worth it. Not to be all Influencer, but use my code for 10% off: JESSICAB10!) Raybearer just might be my favourite fantasy of the year. 

 

Nina LaCour is one of those authors who writes such lyrical stories, she continues to outdo herself in the best ways possible. Naturally, Watch Over Me was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, and it definitely lived up to the hype! (Well, the hype I gave it.) 

Felix Ever After is the novel we all need in our lives. It's the young adult contemporary we've been waiting for! Needless to say, Kacen Callender did it AGAIN and delivered one of the best books of the year. Felix Ever After is must-read material and an instant classic. (Sorry in advanced if this post shows up weirdly formatted--no matter what I do, the new Blogger interface fails me.)

This story tackles a lot of heavy subject matter, jumps between genres, and gets under your skin in a similar way to My Dark Vanessa. (Although, these stories aren't the same. It's just a similar feeling and exploration.)

How many times have I exclaimed, in the purest form of excitement, that even though this year is not a good one, we've been seeing some exceptional releases in literature? I say it at least six times a month, I think, but that doesn't make it any less true--Lobizona is proof of that.

I was going to wait until a bit closer to its November, 2020, release date but I can't anymore. I have no self-control and this novel has had me grinning in memory of it for weeks. Written in the Stars is certifiably warm and fuzzy.

Everyone say thank you 2020 for doing one thing right: some really great books. The Secret of You and Me? ONE OF MY FAVOURITE WLW BOOKS OF THE YEAR.

Looking for an under-hyped gem to round out your summertime reading list? Destination Wedding is here to save the day!