YA Book Chat

Today I am chatting with my friend and author Victoria Koops about The Lies We Conjure by Sarah Henning. If you love magic, witches, The Inheritance Games, murder mysteries, and treasure hunts, this book is perfect for you! Take a listen as Victoria and I take a deep dive into all things magical and witchy! We chat about the characters, plot, witches, magic, scavenger hunts, murder, how our personalities relate to the lead characters, Renaissance festivals, and so much more! We had so much fun chatting about this fantastic book and I know you'll enjoy listening.  A little about The Lies We Conjure: Ruby and her sister, Wren, are normal, middle-class Colorado high school students working a summer job at the local Renaissance Fest to supplement their meager college savings.So when an eccentric old lady asks them to impersonate her long-absent grandchildren at a fancy dinner party at the jaw-dropping rate of two grand―each―for a single night… Wren insists it's a no-brainer. Make some cash, have some fun, do a good deed.But less than an hour into the evening at the mysterious Hegemony Manor, Ruby is sure she must have lost her mind to have agreed to this.The hostess is dead, the gates are locked, and a magical curse ensures no one can leave until they solve both her murder and the riddles she left behind―in just three days. Because everyone else at this party is a powerful witch. And if the witches realize Ruby and Wren are imposters? The sisters won't make it out of Hegemony Manor alive.Follow Victoria on social media: Instagram, FacebookCheck out her website.Purchase her book HERE or HERE.Send us a textHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Today I am chatting with NY Times Bestselling author Jason June! We are going to be chatting about his brand new holiday rom com, Flopping in a Winter Wonderland.Flopping in a Winter Wonderland is a deliciously fun YA Queer romance set during the Christmas season. It is reminiscent of all your favorite Hallmark Christmas movies, is full of all kinds of holiday antics, boasts a wonderful setting, and will give you all the feels! Join Jason June and me as we chat about his writing, Jason June's love for Christmas, his inspiration for Flopping in a Winter Wonderland, what it means to be a hopeless romantic, the fantastic characters in this book, the storyline, and so much more! A little about Flopping in a Winter Wonderland: All Aaron wants for Christmas is for his brother, Casey, to get over his ex, Raquel. He'd prefer not to be at Winter Wonderland, the island north of Alaska that's home to a year-round Christmas theme park. But Casey loves Christmas, so here they are. Unfortunately for Aaron, Casey's determined to do anything to win Raquel back.All Kris wants for Christmas is for his uncle to move back to Winter Wonderland to be the first gay Santa. To make that happen Kris needs to win the Race, his grade's annual competition to see who can get a guest to fall in love with them first. Winning means a trip to New York, where Kris would be able to plead his uncle's case to the founder of Winter Wonderland himself.After some slippery ice sends Aaron and Kris literally flopping into each other, Kris agrees to help Aaron with his plan to keep Casey single. But in all their scheming, both can't stop thinking about kissing the other, and it's not just because of the mistletoe around every corner. Too bad true love isn't on either of their Christmas lists. . . .I'd like to say a special thank you to Jason June for coming on the podcast and chatting with me today! And a special thank you to Martha Kiley for setting up the interview. Check out Jason June's websiteFollow Jason June on Instagram, and X.comPurchase Flopping in a Winter WonderlandSend us a textHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Today I am chatting with my friend Rebecca about YA magical realism novel, The Stones of Burren Bay, by Emily De Angelis. Take a listen as Rebecca and I chat about the plot, characters, Irish/Celtic spiritualism, Native American culture and spiritualism, grief/grieving, and more! The first fifteen minutes are spoiler free!A little about The Stones of Burren Bay: In a tragic car accident, 15-year-old Norie loses her deadbeat father while her distant mother is injured. Her prized possession, an antique artist's box that traveled from Ireland with her great-great-grandmother, is destroyed along with her deep connection to her art. As Norie grapples with her self-identity, obscured by grief and anger, she and her physically and emotionally fragile mother are forced to relocate. With no other relatives to rely on, they call on the kindness of her mother's oldest friend Dahlia and her daughter Wil, who run the Jolly Pot Tearoom and Burren Bay Lighthouse Museum on Manitoulin Island. Dahlia introduces Norie to ancient Irish Celtic spiritualism and opens the thin veil between the past and present where Norie encounters the echo of a century's old spirit, Oonagh. Through Oonagh's own story Norie comes to terms with her father's betrayal and death and rediscovers her passion for art. As her mother's emotional wounds reach a crisis, Norie realizes they must face their guilt and grief together in order to heal and become reunited as mother and daughter.Send us a textHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Today I am chatting with YA Heist Thriller author Kavion Lewis! Kavion previously joined me to chat about her debut novel, Thieves' Gambit, and today we are chatting about the second book in that duology, Heist Royale. Take a listen as Kavion and I chat all about the book, it's characters, the research necessary to write these amazing heists, how her characters have grown since book one, the fact that Thieves' Gambit is getting made into a movie (!!), how Kavion's brother played a small part in this book, and so much more! This is a super fun episode you won't want to miss! The entire episode is spoiler free!A little about Heist Royale: It's been six months since the end of the Gambit. Instead of winning an impossible wish, Ross has the threat of her family's execution hanging over her head. Devroe, the only person Ross thought she could trust, could wish the Quests into oblivion at any time. Shockingly, despite his betrayal, Devroe is still making a play for Ross's heart as the two work together pulling jobs for the Organization. But Ross has learned her lesson: A Quest can only trust another Quest.When Ross finds herself at the center of a power struggle within the Organization, she sees her chance to change her fortunes. As a new deadly Gambit develops for control of the criminal underworld, Ross strikes a risky deal to guarantee protection for herself and her family.In this final clash, Ross will square off against a ruthless opponent who will stop at nothing to seize power, and in their corner will be not only Devroe but his mother, who wants to destroy the Quests at any cost.The new Gambit takes Ross and her crew into the intoxicating casinos of Monte Carlo and across treacherous snow-covered slopes in Antarctica as Ross competes against Devroe in a fight for her life. Loyalties will be tested, backs stabbed, hearts broken. May the best thief win.A special thank you to Kavion Lewis for coming on the podcast today. And a special thank you to Audrey French at TvS Media Group for setting up the interview. Check out Kavion's websiteFollow Kavion on Instagram Purchase Thieves Gambit & Heist RoyaleSend us a textWellness Thru Reading Greetings and salutations book lovers. Welcome to Wellness Thru Reading. A podcast...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Today I am chatting with New York Times Bestselling author Ellen Hopkins about her new Young Adult novel, Sync. Written in verse, Sync is the story of twins Storm and Lake as they are shuffled through the foster care system and kept apart from each other. In this episode Ellen and I chat about her writing style, what it's been like being the author of multiple banned books, the foster care system, the plot of Sync, her characters, and more. The entire episode is spoiler free! A little about Sync: Seventeen-year-old twins Storm and Lake have always been in perfect sync. They faced the worst a parent could do and survived it together. In the wake of their mother's rejection, they've spent the last five years moving from foster home to foster home—sometimes placed together, sometimes apart.After being separated from his sister once again, Storm is devastated. He's the older brother and promised to always take care of Lake. But after a stint in juvie, his newest placement has him feeling almost hopeful. His foster dad is kind, and his girlfriend, Jaidyn, is the first person other than Lake he feels he can trust. But when Jaidyn is sexually assaulted by a violent ex, it pushes Storm over the edge. He retaliates and lands back in lockup—and he fears this time it will be for good. He wishes he could talk to Lake, but he doesn't know where she is, and he' s now feeling more alone and out of sync than ever before.Lake, like Storm, has found her own happiness in a relationship with someone new—her fellow foster, Parker. Life with Parker is never boring, but Parker has her own scars. She can be withdrawn and unpredictable, and that can be dangerous, especially after Parker convinces Lake to run away from their Bible-thumping fosters after they are caught in a compromising position. With no money, shelter, or ID, they're living on the streets. Lake thinks of Storm and his promise to take care of her, and wonders where he could be now.Told in dual perspectives through unsent letters, at turns heartbreaking and always honest, this latest novel in verse from #1 New York Times bestselling author Ellen Hopkins is a searing and unforgettable account of two teens caught in the teeth of the foster care system, fighting their way out and back to each other.A special thank you to Ellen Hopkins for coming on the podcast and chatting with me today. And a special thank you to Jenna Smith at Penguin Young Readers for setting up the interview.  Check out Ellen's websiteFollow Ellen on social media: Instagram, Twitter/XSend us a textHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Today I am chatting with award winning author, and fellow Princess Bride lover, Sarah Henning! Sarah is no stranger to YA Book Chat, as she has been here previously to discuss her Kingdoms of Sand and Sky series (The Princess Will Save You, The Queen Will Betray You, The King Will Kill You), and I have previously reviewed her book Sea Witch. Take a listen as Sarah and I chat all about her brand new YA standalone supernatural thriller, The Lies We Conjure. Hear about Sarah's writing process for this book, her magic system, what it was like to combine a murder mystery with magic, the fantastic characters and plot line, Sarah and my favorite Renaissance Festival foods (yes, it's applicable!), slow burn romance, and so much more! The entire episode is spoiler free!A little about The Lies We Conjure: Thirteen witches, a locked-room murder, and two non-magical sisters trapped in a deadly game of Clue.Ruby and her sister Wren are normal, middle-class Colorado high school students working a summer job at the local Renaissance Fest to supplement their meager college savings.So when an eccentric old lady asks them to impersonate her long-absent grandchildren at a fancy dinner party at the jaw-dropping rate of two grand—each—for a single night…Wren insists it's a no-brainer. Make some cash, have some fun, do a good deed.But less than an hour into the evening at the mysterious Hegemony Manor, Ruby is sure she must have lost her mind to have agreed to this.The hostess is dead, the gates are locked, and a magical curse ensures no one can leave until they solve both her murder and the riddles she left behind—in just three days. Because everyone else at this party is a powerful witch. And if the witches realize Ruby and Wren are imposters? The sisters won't make it out of Hegemony Manor alive.Special thanks to Sarah Henning for coming on the podcast and chatting with me today! And special thanks to Giselle Gonzalez at Tor Teen for setting up the interview! Check out Sarah's websiteFollow Sarah on social media: Instagram, Twittter/XPurchase The Lies We ConjureSend us a textHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Today I am chatting with author Nancy McCabe about her debut YA novel, Vaulting Through Time, a story that follows a teen gymnast as she travels through time to learn about her family and discover who she is.  Take a listen as Nancy and I chat about her writing style, what it's like being a gymnastics mom, the rules of time travel (we need Marty McFly!), the research that needs to be done for a book that spans multiple decades, adoption, character development, the Olympics, this creative story, and more!The entire episode is spoiler free! A little about Vaulting Through Time: Sixteen-year-old gymnast Elizabeth Arlington doesn't care that her mother is older than the other girls' moms or that she doesn't look anything like her parents. She has too much other stuff to worry about: an embarrassing crush on her ex-best-friend Zach, and changes in her body that affect her center of gravity and make vaulting and tumbling more terrifying than they used to be. But when she makes a discovery that throws her entire identity into question, she turns to Zach, who suggests a way for her to find the answers her mother won't give her: a time machine they found in an abandoned house.As Elizabeth catapults through time, she encounters a mysterious abandoned child, an elite gymnast preparing for Olympic Trials, and an enigmatic woman who seems to know more than she's revealing. Then when a thief makes off with an identical time machine, Elizabeth finds herself on a race to stop the thief before the world as she knows it—and her own future—are destroyed.A special thank you to Nancy McCabe for coming on the podcast and chatting with me. And a special thank you to Simone Jung at Books Forward PR for setting up the interview. Check out Nancy's website.Purchase Vaulting Through Time.Send us a textHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Today I am chatting with young adult author Rachel A. Greco! Rachel is no stranger to the podcast, as she has been on previously to discuss her first book, The Gift of Dragons. Today we are chatting about its sequel, The Hope of Dragons. Take a listen as Rachel and I chat all about her writing process, the complicated characters and their character arcs, world building, creating dragons who have fun personalities, finding hope in the darkness, and more! Please note: While most of this episode is spoiler free, there is one question where we discuss spoilers from The Gift of Dragons. But you will hear a warning before that happens. A little about The Hope of Dragons: In the aftermath of Adelaide's failed attempt to save her people and her beloved man-dragon, Klinhun is left vulnerable and on the brink of war with the neighboring country of Gyndilad. Determined to ensure her people's survival and secure lasting peace, Adelaide embarks on a perilous quest alongside her loyal hawk, Cyr, in search of the legendary dragons.However, the dragons prove to be less cooperative than Adelaide anticipated, placing the fate of Klinhun squarely on her shoulders. With the help of a small group of dragons, Adelaide, Cyr, and their newfound allies must confront the Gyndilians and protect their homeland. Yet, the weight of this responsibility threatens to overwhelm Adelaide, especially as she grapples with her own deadly dragon abilities.As Adelaide navigates the treacherous landscape of Gyndilad, she discovers a web of secrets that jeopardize everything she holds dear, including her closest friend, Gunter. Trapped amidst his enemies, Gunter must find a way back home while struggling to preserve his identity. Will he reunite with his loved ones, or will he lose himself in the clutches of the enemy?In the fiery sequel to The Gift of Dragons, Adelaide faces not only the formidable Gyndilians but also her own nagging doubts that threaten to consume her. To save the ones she cherishes, she must conquer her inner turmoil and confront the challenges that lie ahead once and for all.Check out Rachel's websiteFollow Rachel on social media: Instagram, Facebook Purchase Rachel's booksA special thank you to Rachel A. Greco for coming on the podcast and chatting with me today! Send us a textHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Today I'm chatting about a wonderful new YA Rom Com, All Roads Lead to Rome by Sabrina Fedel. Take a listen as my friend Dani and I chat all about the romance, hot Scottish guys, old Hollywood movies, trips to Italy, tropes we love like "he falls first," "normal girl falls for royalty," "European romance," "fake dating," and so much more!The first fifteen minutes are spoiler free!A little about All Roads Lead to Rome: Introverted, slightly anxious Astoria “Story” Herriot knows everything about Rome—her mom's an attorney here and the two of them are living la dolce vita… at least until Story's off to college in the fall.But when Story is in the wrong gelato shop at the right time, she's swept up in a fake dating scheme with Scottish heartthrob, Luca Kinnaird, to protect his relationship with a pop princess. There's something in it for her, too—Luca promises to help fund a scholarship in her dad's memory. Soon she's showing Luca the best cafés, sightseeing at the Mouth of Truth, and picnicking at the ruins of the Abbey of Santa Maria del Piano. Story's travel guide skills are 10/10, but what she knows about being a celebrity—or having feelings for one? Zero.Pretending to be Luca's guide—then his girlfriend—gets the paparazzi's attention . . . and what's true and what's fake gets blurry as their different worlds crash together. Sophisticated, hot, rich, and with the most charming accent ever, Luca is full of surprises. And maybe, too, is Story's perfectly planned future.It's a fairy-tale romance in the Eternal City…will it have a fairy tale ending?Send us a textHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Today I am chatting about The Dangerous Ones by Lauren Blackwood. Joining me to chat about this wonderful YA Historical Fantasy, is first time guest Rebecca Ahola. You'll want to take a listen to this episode because I have finally found a YA book with vampires in it that I LOVE! Vampires set in the Civil War...and it's sooooo good! Take a listen as Rebecca and I chat all about the plot, characters, the American civil war, slavery, the fabulous audiobook narrators, Lauren Blackwood's powerful and beautiful writing, gorgeous vampires, a hot power couple, a love for cute little snails, and more! Trigger warning: This episode does include talk of slavery, rape, death, and graphic visuals that are portrayed in the book.  A little about The Dangerous Ones: One vampire to kill. Another to love.War doesn't scare Jerusalem. She's a Saint. Thanks to powerful demigod-style reflexes, endurance, and strength, she's fearless. And she has one goal - revenge.But she never expects to team up with the handsome, arrogant Alexei to accomplish it. He's one of those Ancient Vampires. And ever since her family was enslaved and murdered by one, Jerusalem hates vampires.But in the year they've been fighting alongside one another against the Confederate Army and the vampires who benefitted off slavery, Alexei's never done anything but prove he's on the Union's side and hers. She may know the enemy better, hate the enemy more than anyone in her battalion, but so does he. And she'll use that to her advantage. Because if she can get her revenge by helping Black people gain freedom and equality without having to steal it for themselves like she had to, then all the better.Together, she and Alexei set out to change the course of the war, risking their hearts and themselves as they attempt to take down the vampire who destroyed everyone Jerusalem held dear. But for Jerusalem, it's about more than love and justice.It's about killing a god.Send us a Text Message.Have a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Today I am chatting about a fabulous YA Rom Com, The Breakup Artists, by Adriana Mather. Joining me today is my friend Morgan, lover of all things Rom Com.Take a listen as Morgan and I chat all about the plot, characters (including characters we love to hate), my obsession with the 1996 movie version of Romeo and Juliet, how there is a character with my name in this book, our favorite swoony moments, and so much more! First fifteen minutes are spoiler free!A little about The Breakup Artists: August and Valentine, seventeen-year-old best friends, run a business called Summer Love, Inc. They hire themselves out to unhappy parents whose kids are in bad relationships, adopting fake identities and going undercover to break up these relationships by any means necessary.Valentine, the brains of the operation, believes that they're making the world a better place by steering people away from a relationship precipice so they can someday find true love. But for August, every case is personal--another chance to prove that true love doesn't exist. He blames his sister's manipulative boyfriend for her death, and--unlike Valentine--he doesn't believe in soul mates. No, he thinks the idea of falling head over heels is ridiculous at any age.But then August meets Ella, who suddenly turns everything he thought he believed about love upside down. The problem is that she's their new case, which means that everything he's told her about himself is a lie--including his name.Send us a Text Message.Have a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Today I am chatting with debut author Amber Chen about her brand new YA Silkpunk Fantasy novel, Of Jade and Dragons. Take a listen as Amber and I chat about what it's like being a debut author, her journey from writing for Wattpad to being traditionally published, what Silkpunk fantasy is, the beautiful cover design, the world building, strong characters, plot line, and more! The entire episode is spoiler free! A little about Of Jade and Dragons: Eighteen-year-old Aihui Ying dreams of becoming a world-class engineer like her father, but after his sudden murder, her life falls apart. Left with only a journal of her father's engineering secrets and a jade pendant snatched from the assassin, a heartbroken Ying follows the trail to the capital and the prestigious Engineers Guild—a place that harbors her father's hidden past—determined to discover why anyone would threaten a man who ultimately chose a quiet life over fame and fortune.Disguised as her brother, Ying manages to infiltrate the guild's male-only apprenticeship trial with the help of an unlikely ally—Aogiya Ye-yang, the taciturn eighth prince of the High Command. With her father's renown placing a target firmly on her back, Ying must stay one step ahead of her fellow competitors, the jealous guild masters, and the killer still hunting for her father's journal. Complicating everything is her increasingly tangled relationship with the prince, who may have mysterious plans of his own.The secrets concealed within the guild can be as deadly as the weapons they build—and with her life and the future of her homeland at stake, Ying doesn't know who to trust. Can she avenge her father even if it means going against everything he stood for, or will she be next in the mastermind's line of fire?A special thank you to Amber Chen for coming on the podcast and chatting with me today. And thank you to Jenna Smith at Penguin Young Readers for setting up the interview. Follow Amber on social media: Instagram, X, TikTok Check out Amber's websitePurchase Of Jade and DragonsSend us a Text Message.Have a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Today I am chatting about The Infinite Noise by Lauren Shippen. This is the first book in her Bright Sessions novels. Joining me today is Priscilla from the Novel Feelings podcast. Take a listen as Priscilla and I chat all about what it would be like to be an empath who can feel the emotions of everyone around them, the characters, the plot, how I obsessed over a boy when I was in high school (yes, it's related), the friendship and love story between our main characters, and so much more! The first fifteen minutes are spoiler free!A little about The Infinite Noise: Caleb Michaels is a sixteen-year-old champion running back. Other than that his life is pretty normal. But when Caleb starts experiencing mood swings that are out of the ordinary for even a teenager, his life moves beyond “typical.”Caleb is an Atypical, an individual with enhanced abilities. Which sounds pretty cool except Caleb's ability is extreme empathy―he feels the emotions of everyone around him. Being an empath in high school would be hard enough, but Caleb's life becomes even more complicated when he keeps getting pulled into the emotional orbit of one of his classmates, Adam. Adam's feelings are big and all-consuming, but they fit together with Caleb's feelings in a way that he can't quite understand.Caleb's therapist, Dr. Bright, encourages Caleb to explore this connection by befriending Adam. As he and Adam grow closer, Caleb learns more about his ability, himself, his therapist―who seems to know a lot more than she lets on―and just how dangerous being an Atypical can be.Follow Novel Feelings Podcast on InstagramCheck out the Novel Feelings websiteListen to Novel Feelings PodcastSend us a Text Message.Have a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Today I am chatting with NY Times Bestselling author Marie Lu! We will be chatting all about her new book, Icon and Inferno; the sequel to Stars and Smoke. Take a listen as Marie and I chat about her writing process, what inspired her to take a break from writing fantasy and write a thriller instead (it'll surprise you!), the research she did for these two books, how Starbucks gift cards can be used as spy tech, the romance between Sydney and Winter, what's up next for Marie, and more! The entire episode is spoiler FREE!A little about Icon and Inferno: A year has passed since superstar Winter Young last saw secret agent Sydney Cossette. After barely surviving their first assignment together in London -- and their intense chemistry – the two haven't spoken at all. Though they're never far from the other's thoughts, or fantasies.So when Syndey shows up at Winter's studio one day with a new mission from Panacea, he has no choice but to accept. With the clock ticking, the duo prepares to head to Singapore to rescue an operative in danger -- only to learn he's none other than Sydney's ex, a rogue agent known as the Arsonist.Of course, nothing is ever simple when it comes to Winter and Sydney. Especially not with the glamorous Gavi Ginsburg, a globe-trotting socialite and Winter's one-time girlfriend, in the mix. Is she back for Winter's heart – or does she have her eye on another prize?The smoldering sequel to New York Times bestselling Stars and Smoke follows Winter and Sydney on yet another treacherous mission that grows more sinister with each twist and turn. To make it out alive, they'll have to figure out how to be partners again -- and if they can resist the burn of something more.Thank you so much to Marie Lu for being my guest today and thank you also to Tatiana Merced-Zarou at Macmillan for setting up the interview. Lastly, thank you to Macmillan audio for both the Stars and Smoke and Icon and Inferno audiobooks! Check out Marie Lu's website. Follow Marie Lu on social media: Instagram, Facebook, XPurchase Icon and Inferno.Send us a Text Message.Have a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Today I am chatting with debut author Trish Lundy about her brand new YA thriller, The One That Got Away With Murder.Join us as Trish and I chat all about our hometown of Rochester, NY, (Yes! We grew up in the same place!), what it's been like for Trish as a debut author, her writing process for writing a thriller/murder mystery, our main characters with a troubled past, and more!The entire episode is spoiler free!A little about The One That Got Away With Murder: Robbie and Trevor Cresmont have a body count―the killer kind. Handsome and privileged, the Crestmont brothers have enough wealth to ensure they'll never be found guilty of any wrongdoing, even if all of Happy Valley believes they're behind the deaths of their ex-girlfriends. First there was soccer star Victoria Moreno, Robbie's ex, who mysteriously drowned at the family lake house. Then, a year later, Trevor's girlfriend died of a suspicious overdose.But the Crestmonts aren't the only ones with secrets. Lauren O'Brian might be the new girl at school, but she's never been a good girl. With a dark past of her own, she's desperate for a fresh start. Except when she starts a no-strings-attached relationship with Robbie, her chance is put in jeopardy. During what's meant to be their last weekend together, Lauren stumbles across shocking evidence that just might implicate Robbie.With danger closing in, Lauren doesn't know who to trust. And after a third death rocks the town, she must decide whether to end things with Robbie or risk becoming another cautionary tale.Check out Trish's website!Follow Trish on Instagram!Purchase the book!A special thank you to Trish for chatting with me today! And thank you to Tatiana Merced-Zarou at Macmillan for setting up the interview!Send us a Text Message.Have a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Today I am chatting with my friend Dani about Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross.Divine Rivals is a beautiful fantasy set in an old fashioned war-torn world where two journalistic rivals form a connection that will be tried and tested. This book is a sweet enemies/rivals to lovers romance where are main characters are drawn together through writing letters. It's a book that could be considered Greek Mythology meets You've Got Mail, meets a Hallmark movie. It's sweet and timeless and will give you ALL the feels!Take a listen as Dani and I chat all about the plot, characters, Greek mythology, how men shouldn't start a war in order to get a woman's attention, and more! We might even discuss a little of the sequel, Ruthless Vows...just maybe... First 15 minutes are spoiler free!A little about Divine Rivals: After centuries of sleep, the gods are warring again. But eighteen-year-old Iris Winnow just wants to hold her family together. Her mother is suffering from addiction and her brother is missing from the front lines. Her best bet is to win the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette.To combat her worries, Iris writes letters to her brother and slips them beneath her wardrobe door, where they vanish―into the hands of Roman Kitt, her cold and handsome rival at the paper. When he anonymously writes Iris back, the two of them forge a connection that will follow Iris all the way to the front lines of battle: for her brother, the fate of mankind, and love.Send us a Text Message.Have a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Today I am chatting with NY Times Bestselling author of fiction for all ages, Jennifer Donnelly! Today Jennifer and I are chatting about her brand new fairy tale retelling, a gender swapped reimagining of Beauty and the Beast, Beastly Beauty. Beastly Beauty is Jennifer's third fairy tale retelling. Her others are Stepsister and Poisoned, which tell the tales of Cinderella's "ugly" stepsister, and Snow White.  Take a listen as Jennifer and I chat all about her writing style, her inspiration for these fairy tale reimagining's, the messages society sends young women and how we can combat them, pulling inspiration from Grimm's fairy tales, and so much more! You won't want to miss it!A little about Beastly Beauty: What makes a girl "beastly?" Is it having too much ambition? Being too proud? Taking up too much space? Or is it just wanting something, anything, too badly?That's the problem Arabella faces when she makes her debut in society. Her parents want her to be sweet and compliant so she can marry well, but try as she might, Arabella can't extinguish the fire burning inside her -- the source of her deepest wishes, her wildest dreams.When an attempt to suppress her emotions tragically backfires, a mysterious figure punishes Arabella with a curse, dooming her and everyone she cares about, trapping them in the castle. As the years pass, Arabella abandons hope. The curse is her fault -- after all, there's nothing more "beastly" than a girl who expresses her anger -- and the only way to break it is to find a boy who loves her for her true self: a cruel task for a girl who's been told she's impossible to love.When a handsome thief named Beau makes his way into the castle, the captive servants are thrilled, convinced he is the one to break the curse. But Beau -- spooked by the castle's strange and forbidding ladies-in-waiting, and by the malevolent presence that stalks its corridors at night -- only wants to escape. He learned long ago that love is only an illusion. If Beau and Arabella have any hope of breaking the curse, they must learn to trust their wounded hearts, and realize that the cruelest prisons of all are the ones we build for ourselves.A special thank you to Jennifer Donnelly for coming on the podcast and chatting with me today! And a special thank you to Amanda Trautmann at Scholastic, Inc. for setting up the interview!Moonkarta***The Guardian - Best Podcasts of the Week******Radio Times - Pick of the Best...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Today I am chatting with New York Times Bestselling author F. T. Lukens. Take a listen as F. T. and I chat all about their latest queer speculative fiction young adult novel, Otherworldly. You'll hear us chat not just about this fantastic supernatural story, but about F. T. Lukens' writing process, what it would be like to live in a never ending winter for five years, mythology, meet cutes vs. meet disasters, how M. Night Shyamalan  scared the heck out of both of us, and how both F. T. and I worked as dish washers at one point (just like our main character, Ellery). Otherworldly is a sweet cozy fantasy filled with magic, mythology, supernatural characters, and more! You'll travel into Ellery and Knox's worlds, discover their found family, hope along with them as they go on this incredible journey. And, while there are definitely creepy magical moments in this book, Otherworldly will leave you  feeling like you just received a warm hug. This is one young adult fantasy you don't want to miss!About Otherworldly:Seventeen-year-old Ellery is a non-believer in a region where people swear the supernatural is real. Sure, they've been stuck in a five-year winter, but there's got to be a scientific explanation. If goddesses were real, they wouldn't abandon their charges like this, leaving farmers like Ellery's family to scrape by.Knox is a familiar from the Other World, a magical assistant sent to help humans who have made crossroads bargains. But it's been years since he heard from his queen, and Knox is getting nervous about what he might find once he returns home. When the crossroads demons come to collect Knox, he panics and runs. A chance encounter down an alley finds Ellery coming to Knox's rescue, successfully fending off his would-be abductors.Ellery can't quite believe what they've seen. And they definitely don't believe the nonsense this unnervingly attractive guy spews about his paranormal origins. But Knox needs to make a deal with a human who can tether him to this realm, and Ellery needs to figure out how to stop this winter to help their family. Once their bargain is struck, there's no backing out, and the growing connection between the two might just change everything.Thank you to F. T. Lukens for coming on the podcast and chatting with me today! And a special thank you to Alex Kelleher at Simon and Schuster for setting up the interview. Check out F. T. Lukens websiteFollow F. T. Lukens on InstagramPurchase OtherworldlyHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Today I am chatting about These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong. Joining me as my guest is Rachel from the Barely Bookish podcast.  If you love the story of Romeo and Juliet, you will love this re-imagining of Shakespeare's classic story. Chloe Gong takes the story of Romeo and Juliet and plunges it into 1926 Shanghai. This story has it all; warring gangster families, a forbidden romance, war in the city, and a monster who wants to destroy them all. And in the midst of it all, is the classic star-crossed lovers story of Romeo and Juliet, complete with a vast amount of Easter eggs from Shakespeare's original story. Join Rachel and me as we chat all about the story, characters, Romeo and Juliet Easter eggs, 1926 Shanghai and U.S. fashion, monsters, and more!A little about These Violent Delights:The year is 1926, and Shanghai hums to the tune of debauchery.A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city helpless in the grip of chaos. At the heart of it all is eighteen-year-old Juliette Cai, a former flapper who has returned to assume her role as the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang—a network of criminals far above the law. Their only rivals in power are the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. And behind every move is their heir, Roma Montagov, Juliette's first love…and first betrayal.But when gangsters on both sides show signs of instability culminating in clawing their own throats out, the people start to whisper. Of a contagion, a madness. Of a monster in the shadows. As the deaths stack up, Juliette and Roma must set their guns—and grudges—aside and work together, for if they can't stop this mayhem, then there will be no city left for either to rule.Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple ThingsGet a six week suggestion box of things to note and notice this spring.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Today I am joined by debut author Emily Locker to chat about her YA Rom Com, Running Mates!Take a listen as Emily and I chat about her journey to becoming a traditionally published author, romance novels, our love for independent bookstores, the fantastic characters and plot line, our swoony cinnamon role love interest, youth activism, star-crossed love, and more! The entire episode is spoiler free!A little about Running Mates: In the quaint yet politically charged town of Edgartown, North Carolina, two worlds are about to collide. Meet Annabelle Morningstar, an impassioned, quirky high school activist raised by her news anchor and surgeon mothers, both champions of progressive ideals. Across town, there's Gabe Delgado, the quintessential all-American boy, molded by his conservative, Cuban senator father. Edgartown is a town literally divided―the Liberal East and the Conservative North coexisting as neighbors but rarely as friends. But what happens when the two sides meet in the least likely of places: a local bookstore?When employees at Annabelle's favorite literary haven decide to unionize, she finds her path unexpectedly crossing with Gabe's. And then they're tossed together weekly as they get special training help for their beloved cross-country competitions. With their worlds thrown into disarray, the two high schoolers must navigate their complex feelings for each other while wrestling with their polarized upbringings. Can love bloom in the crossfire of political discord?A special thank you to Emily for coming on the podcast today. And a special thank you to Kathleen Carter at Kathleen Carter Communications for setting up the interview. Check out Emily's websiteFollow Emily on InstagramPurchase Running MatesThe Happy Writer with Marissa MeyerAuthors, from debuts to bestsellers, chat about books, writing, publishing, and joy. Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Today I am joined by YA Indy author Abigail Morrison to chat about her YA adventure fantasy novel, The Yochni's Eye.Abigail is a self-published author, who has worked hard to create this amazing adventure story full of incredible world building, creatures, and important themes that explore revenge and redemption. Take a listen as Abigail and I chat all about the self-publishing world, her character creation, plot devices, writing style, world building, and so much more!Entire episode is spoiler free!A little about The Yochni's Eye: Every six hundred years, the yochni blinks, changing one thing about the world based on the wish of the last creature it sees. Sixteen-year-old dwarven champion Mira Goldfist wants nothing more than to wish the bogeys—the giant, dog-like race that has enslaved her people—out of existence. But when Kraven Monteyeaux, a magical arbiter and reluctant medic, forces Mira and Atlan Qierce, the high prince and heir to the bogey empire, into a magical contract to reach the yochni together, all three will have to overcome their prejudices and pride to stop an even deadlier wish.Check out Abigail's website.Purchase The Yochni's Eye.A special thank you to Abigail for coming on the podcast and chatting with me today.Have a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Today I am chatting with one of my best friends, Bethanie Finger, about her debut YA Historical Fantasy novel, More Than Life!Take a listen as Bethanie and I chat all about her journey to get her book traditionally published, her motivation behind writing this story, how writing this book helped her process the grief of losing her own father, the plot line, characters, world building, Taylor Swift, and more! The entire episode is spoiler free! A little about More Than Life:As the daughter of a high-ranking sea captain, nineteen-year-old Cordelia Kimbal lives a life of luxury in the sea faring kingdom of Mikiria. But when her father dies unexpectedly, she is stripped of her title and home, and forced to join the working class in order to survive.Determined to rise above her losses, Cordelia is eager to prove her worth and stand on her own. But four months after her father's passing, a mysterious letter arrives, revealing the secret location of the mythical island of Qualaris. Known for concealing the secrets of magic and eternal life, Qualaris is often dismissed as mere legend, but Jaspar, Cordelia's father's enigmatic apprentice, is convinced of its existence and is harboring its secrets—secrets that the dark enchanter, Janus would stop at nothing to obtain.For generations, Jaspar and his ancestors have pursued the discovery and rescue of Qualaris while battling a curse of nonexistence, and he believes that Cordelia is the island's true protector, the one who can save it and its people from Janus's impending threat.Faced with the daunting task of defending Qualaris and its people, Cordelia embarks on a quest to locate the island, embrace her birthright, and take on the darkest enchanter in history. If she doesn't, the island and its people won't be the only casualties of Janus's war.Join Cordelia on her journey as she navigates a world of magic, mystery, and danger, discovering her true self and the strength within her.A special thank you to Bethanie for chatting with me on the podcast today and sharing your story!Follow Bethanie on Instagram.Check out Bethanie's website.Purchase More Than Life!Have a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

To celebrate Valentine's Day I am chatting with my good friend Victoria Koops about the swoony YA Rom Com, The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway by Ashley Schumacher. This is such a fun book! If you enjoy Renaissance Festivals, Shakespearean things, Medieval Times, adorable singing bards (like Jaskier from The Witcher), a plus-sized protagonist, theatre, LGBTQ+ representation, and teen romance, this book is for you! Join Victoria and me as we chat all about Renaissance festivals, theatre kids/theatre life, the swoony romance between our two main characters, grief/grieving, relating to a plus-sized protagonist, believing in fate, our dream to quit our jobs and travel to all the Renaissance festivals in the States, and so much more! The first 30 minutes are spoiler free! A little about The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway:Since her mother's death, Madeline “Gwen” Hathaway has been determined that nothing in her life will change ever again. That's why she keeps extensive lists in journals, has had only one friend since childhood, and looks forward to the monotony of working the ren faire circuit with her father. Until she arrives at her mother's favorite end-of-tour stop to find the faire is under new management and completely changed.Meeting Arthur, the son of the new owners and an actual lute-playing bard, messes up Maddie's plans even more. For some reason, he wants to be her friend - and ropes her into becoming Princess of the Faire. Now Maddie is overseeing a faire dramatically changed from what her mother loved and going on road trips vastly different from the routine she used to rely on. Worst of all, she's kind of having fun.Ashley Schumacher's The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway is filled with a wise old magician who sells potion bottles, gallant knights who are afraid of horses and ride camels instead, kings with a fondness for theatrics, a lazy river castle moat with inflatable crocodile floaties, and a plus-sized heroine with a wide open heart... if only she just admits it.Check out Victoria's websitePurchase Victoria's debut novel: Who We Are in Real LifeHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Today I am interviewing a debut author who also happens to be one of my very dear friends. I am so excited for all of you to listen to today's episode, where I chat with my friend, and frequent podcast guest, Victoria Koops about her debut YA Rom Com novel, Who We Are In Real Life!Join Victoria and me as we chat all about this fantastic book and Victoria's writing process. You'll hear us dive into what it took in order to get the book published, the inspiration for the book (such a fun story!), the characters, queer representation, the swoony romance, Dungeons and Dragons, Victoria's advice for new writers trying to break into the world of publishing, teen relationships, and more! Whether you're a long-time listener who has come to love my episodes with Victoria, or a newcomer, you will enjoy this episode and Victoria's wonderful new book!Entire episode is spoiler free!A little about Who We Are In Real Life: IRL, Darcy has just moved to the small prairie town of Unity Creek with her two moms. It feels like she left everything good behind in the city. She misses her tabletop gaming friends and her boyfriend ― and is horrified by the homophobia her family faces in their new home. Then she meets kind, quiet Art, who invites her to join his Dungeons & Dragons game.Art is mostly happy fading into the background at school and only really coming alive during his friends' weekly D&D game ― until meeting Darcy pulls his life off-course in wonderful and alarming ways. Suddenly he has something worth fighting for. But what if that something puts him in conflict with his father, an influential and conservative figure in their town? Can Art stand up against his father's efforts to prevent Darcy and her friends from starting a queer-straight alliance at school?Meanwhile, in game, Darcy's and Art's D&D characters join forces to fight corruption as they grow closer in the homebrew world of Durgeon's Keep ― as fantasy and reality collide. A special thank you to Victoria Koops for chatting with me today, and to her publicist at Groundwood books for the ARC. Support the showHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Today I am chatting with author Lauren Munoz about her debut YA Murder Mystery novel, Suddenly A Murder. If you love a good murder mystery, you will love Suddenly A Murder! This story follows seven high school friends who are celebrating graduating from high school on a private island for a 1920s-themed getaway. But while there, one of them turns up dead. Take a listen as Lauren and I chat all about this suspenseful book! We chat about the characters, the 1920s theme, Agatha Christy novels, Lauren's writing style, writing from one character's POV vs. multiple in a murder mystery, the perils of living in Chicago in the winter, and so much more!The entire episode is spoiler-free!A little about Suddenly A Murder: Someone brought a knife to the party.To celebrate the end of high school, Izzy Morales joins her ride-or-die Kassidy and five friends on a 1920s–themed getaway at the glamorous Ashwood Manor. There, Izzy and her friends party in vintage dresses and expensive diamonds—until Kassidy's boyfriend turns up dead.Murdered, investigators declare when they arrive at the scene, and now every party guest is a suspect. There's the girlfriend, in love. The other girl, in despair. The old friend, forlorn. The new friend, distressed. The brooding enigma. And then, there's Izzy—the girl who brought the knife.To find the killer, everyone must undergo a grueling interrogation, all while locked in an estate where, suddenly, the greatest luxury is innocence.Check out Lauren's website.Follow Lauren on Instagram and Twitter (X).Purchase Suddenly A Murder.A special thank you to Lauren Munoz for being my guest today. And a special thank you to Jordana Kulak at Penguin Young Readers for setting up the interview.Support the showHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today I am chatting with NY Times Best Selling author Ayana Gray! Ayana and I will be chatting about her Beasts of Prey trilogy. We discuss all three books in the trilogy; Beasts of Prey, Beasts of Ruin, and the final book in the series (which publishes on January 16, 2024), Beasts of War. Take a listen as Ayana and I chat about the storyline of each book, her writing style, challenges she's faced in writing the series, the inclusion of African culture and history in each book, the characters, Ayana's world building, and more! The entire episode is spoiler-free!A little about Beasts of War:Once a prisoner to Fedu, the vengeful god of death, Koffi has regained her freedom, but she is far from safe. Fedu will stop at nothing to hunt her down and use her power to decimate the mortal world. Koffi knows when Fedu will strike: during the next Bonding, a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event. To survive, Koffi will have to find powerful new allies quickly, and convince them to help her in the terrible battle to come.Once a warrior-turned-runaway, Ekon has carved out a new life for himself outside Lkossa, but the shadows of his past still haunt him. Now, alongside unexpected friends, Ekon tries to focus on getting Koffi to the Kusonga Plains before the next Bonding. If he fails, Koffi will be consumed, either by her own dangerous power, or the terrible fate Ekon is doing everything he can to prevent. Ekon devotes himself to protecting Koffi, but the lingering threats from his own past are more urgent than he knows.As Koffi and Ekon race to the Kusonga Plains—and try to garner the help of Eshōza's ancient gods along the way—they must face a slew of dangerous beasts old and new. In the end, destiny may unite Koffi and Ekon for the last time—or tear them apart for good.I'd like to say a special thank you to Ayana Gray for coming on the podcast and chatting with me today. And a special thank you to Sierra Pregosin at Penguin Young Readers for setting up the interview. Check out Ayana's websiteFollow Ayana on InstagramPurchase Beasts of WarSupport the showHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today I am chatting with my friend Morgan about Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer. Take a listen as Morgan and I chat all about this hilarious grumpy vs. sunshine New Adult Fantasy Rom-Com! You'll hear us chat about how villains aren't supposed to be so attractive, a dragon tamer who's not good at taming dragons, how the villain is totally undone by his assistant, an adorable crown-wearing frog, an ogre who bakes, and more! This is such a fun episode and you won't want to miss it! And, be sure to check out my previous episode where I interviewed the author!A little about Assistant to the Villain:ASSISTANT WANTED: Notorious, high-ranking villain seeks loyal, levelheaded assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem and terror, and other Dark Things In General. Discretion a must. Excellent benefits.With ailing family to support, Evie Sage's employment status isn't just important, it's vital. So when a mishap with Rennedawn's most infamous Villain results in a job offer―naturally, she says yes. No job is perfect, of course, but even less so when you develop a teeny crush on your terrifying, temperamental, and undeniably hot boss. Don't find evil so attractive, Evie.But just when she's getting used to severed heads suspended from the ceiling and the odd squish of an errant eyeball beneath her heel, Evie suspects this dungeon has a huge rat…and not just the literal kind. Because something rotten is growing in the kingdom of Rennedawn, and someone wants to take the Villain―and his entire nefarious empire―out.Now Evie must not only resist drooling over her boss but also figure out exactly who is sabotaging his work…and ensure he makes them pay.Support the showHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today I am chatting with my friend Abigail about The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes.Join Abigail and me as we chat all about this enthralling book! We will not only be chatting about the plotline, but about all the characters (including those we love to hate), the Hawthorne family secrets, Hawthorne Manor, our favorite Hawthorne brothers, if we are Team Jamison or Team Grayson, and more! First 15 minutes are spoiler free!A little about The Inheritance Games:Avery Grambs has a plan for a better future: Survive high school, win a scholarship, and get out. But her fortunes change in an instant when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery virtually his entire fortune. The catch? Avery has no idea why - or even who Tobias Hawthorne is. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into sprawling, secret passage-filled Hawthorne House, where every room bears the old man's touch - and his love of puzzles, riddles, and codes. Unfortunately for Avery, Hawthorne House is also occupied by the family that Tobias Hawthorne just dispossessed. This includes the four Hawthorne grandsons: Dangerous, magnetic, brilliant boys who grew up with every expectation that one day, they would inherit billions. Heir apparent Grayson Hawthorne is convinced that Avery must be a con-woman, and he's determined to take her down. His brother, Jameson, views her as their grandfather's last hurrah: A twisted riddle, a puzzle to be solved. Caught in a world of wealth and privilege, with danger around every turn, Avery will have to play the game herself just to survive.Support the showHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today I am chatting with New York Times Bestselling author Susan Dennard! Susan is the author of the Witchlands series as well as The Luminaries series. Today,  Susan and I are chatting about book two in her Luminaries series, The Hunting Moon. Take a listen as Susan and I chat about Susan's writing process, world-building, character development, and all the Nightmares who live in Hemlock Falls...The entire episode is spoiler-free!A little about The Hunting Moon...Winnie Wednesday has gotten everything she thought she wanted. She passed the deadly hunter trials, her family has been welcomed back into the Luminaries, and overnight, she has become a local celebrity.The Girl Who Jumped. The Girl Who Got Bitten.Unfortunately, it all feels wrong. For one, nobody will believe her about the new nightmare called the Whisperer that's killing hunters each night. Everyone blames the werewolf, even though Winnie is certain the wolf is innocent.On top of that, following her dad's convoluted clues about the Dianas, their magic, and what happened in Hemlock Falls four years ago is leaving her with more questions than answers.Then to complicate it all, there is still only one person who can help her: Jay Friday, the boy with plenty of problems all his own.As bodies and secrets pile up around town, Winnie finds herself questioning what it means to be a true Wednesday and a true Luminary―and also where her fierce-hearted loyalties might ultimately have to lie.A special thank you to Susan Dennard for chatting with me today! And thank you also to Giselle Gonzalez at Tor Teen for setting up the interview!Check out Susan's websiteFollow Susan on Instagram, and Twitter (X)Check out Susan's monthly newsletter for writers!Support the showHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today I am chatting with Adult, Middle Grade, and Young Adult fiction author Kate Alice Marshall about her newest book, The Narrow.  The Narrow is a haunting ghost story that will give you chills down your spine...Join Kate and I as we chat about the challenges of writing a ghost story with a mystery element, the complicated characters, Kate's writing style, and the hauntingly dangerous river that inspired it all.The entire episode is spoiler free!A little about The Narrow:Everyone has heard the story of the Narrow. The river that runs behind the Atwood School is only a few feet across and seemingly placid, but beneath the surface, the waters are deep and vicious. It's said that no one who has fallen in has ever survived.Eden White knows that isn't true. Six years ago, she saw Delphine Fournier fall into the Narrow—and live.Delphine now lives in careful isolation, sealed off from the world. Even a single drop of unpurified water could be deadly to her, and no one but Eden has any idea why. Eden has never told anyone what she saw or spoken to Delphine since, but now, unable to cover her tuition, she has to make a deal: her expenses will be paid in return for serving as a live-in companion to Delphine.Eden finds herself drawn to the strange and mysterious girl, and the two of them begin to unravel each other's secrets. Then Eden discovers what happened to the last girl who lived with Delphine: she was found half-drowned on dry land. Suddenly Eden is waking up to wet footprints tracking to the end of her bed, the sound of rain on the windows when the skies are clear, and a ghostly silhouette in her doorway. Something is haunting Delphine—and now it's coming for Eden, too.A special thank you to Kate for chatting with me on the podcast today. And a special thank you to Kaitlin Kneafsey at Penguin Young Readers/Penguin Random House. Check out Kate's website.Follow Kate on Instagram and Goodreads.Support the showHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today I am interviewing YA author Kayvion Lewis about her brand new book Thieves' Gambit!Join Kayvion and me as we chat all about this heart-pounding, high-octane, thrill ride! You'll hear us talk about Kayvion's writing process, the fantastic characters, what you need to Google in order to write a book about a heist, gorgeous, thieving British men, and so much more! The entire episode is spoiler-free! A little about Thieves' Gambit:At only seventeen years old, Ross Quest is already a master thief, especially adept at escape plans. Until her plan to run away from her legendary family of thieves takes an unexpected turn, leaving her mother's life hanging in the balance.In a desperate bid, she enters the Thieves' Gambit, a series of dangerous, international heists where killing the competition isn't exactly off limits, but the grand prize is a wish for anything in the world—a wish that could save her mom. When she learns two of her competitors include her childhood nemesis and a handsome, smooth-talking guy who might also want to steal her heart, winning the Gambit becomes trickier than she imagined.Ross tries her best to stick to the family creed: trust no one whose last name isn't Quest. But with the stakes this high, Ross will have to decide who to con and who to trust before time runs out. After all, only one of them can win.A special thank you to Kayvion Lewis for being a guest on the podcast today! And a special thank you to Olivia Russo and Lizzie Gooddell at Penguin Young Readers/Penguin Random House for setting up the interview. Check out Kayvion's websiteFollow Kayvion on InstagramPurchase Thieves' GambitSupport the showHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today I am chatting with my friend, and YA Book Chat Patreon member, Abigail about Stars and Smoke, by Marie Lu.Join Abigail and me as we chat all about this exciting YA contemporary novel that follows a young pop star, as he's drawn into the world of being a spy and trying to take down a major criminal. In this episode we chat about hot young Asian men, pop stars, what it might be like for a 19-year-old to be a spy, family issues, what you should do if you have a fever (Yes, it's applicable to the book!), the plotline, the importance of Necco Wafers, and so much more! The first 15 minutes are spoiler-free!A little about Stars and Smoke: Meet Winter Young―Global pop sensation, with a voice like velvet and looks that could kill. His star power has smashed records, selling out stadiums from LA to London. His rabid fans would move heaven and earth for even a glimpse of him―just imagine what they'd do to become his latest fling.Meet Sydney Cossette―Part of an elite covert ops group, Sydney joined their ranks as their youngest spy with plans to become the best agent they've ever had. An ice queen with moves as dangerous as her comebacks, Sydney picks up languages just as quickly as she breaks hearts. She's fiery, no-nonsense, and has zero time for romance―especially with a shameless flirt more used to serving sass than taking orders.When a major crime boss gifts his daughter a private concert with Winter for her birthday, Sydney and Winter's lives suddenly collide. Tasked with infiltrating the crime organization's inner circle, Sydney is assigned as Winter's bodyguard with Winter tapped to join her on the mission of a lifetime as a new spy recruit. Sydney may be the only person alive impervious to Winter's charms, but as their mission brings them closer, she's forced to admit that there's more to Winter Young than just a handsome face . . .Follow Abigail Spaggiari on InstagramPurchase Abigail's bookRead more of Abigail's writing on Wattpad.The BEAM ChroniclesThere are no heroes. Fiction podcast/Superhero Audiobook by MJ DooneyListen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today I am chatting with my friend, and Patreon member, Sarah about the young adult contemporary fantasy The Cursebound Thief, by Megan O'Russell. This is the first book in the Fracture Pact series. The Cursebound Thief is a thrill ride from start to finish. With dynamic characters, a fantastic magic system, a heist to restore magic, and more, this book has something for everyone! Join Sarah and me as we chat all about it. The first 15 minutes are spoiler-free!A little about The Cursebound Thief:The world wants a hero. The curse needs a thief. The party of the decade stands between Jerek Holden and saving the people he would do anything to protect. After twelve years, he's finally found a way to break the curse that ripped all magic from the world and destroyed the peace that took generations to build. All he needs is one, simple artifact. But he can't steal the heliostone alone. A girl with a soul of fire.A vampire bound by a vow.A werewolf bent on revenge.A knight torn between honor and duty.A hacker to keep them all alive. The fate of magic lies in their hands―if they can survive long enough to pull off the heist of the century.Check out Megan O'Russell's website.Follow Megan on Instagram.Everything MattersEverything Matters is a weekly creepy fiction podcast set in a strange paranormal world. Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today I am chatting with Tiktoker and debut author Hannah Nicole Maehrer about her brand new book, Assistant to the Villain!Join Hannah and I as we chat all about how she turned her viral TikTok videos into a hilarious debut YA novel! Hannah and I also chat about her characters, world building, Grumpy vs. Sunshine trope, Villain gets the girl trope, and so much more. Assistant to the Villain is a laugh-out-loud YA fantasy rom-com you don't want to miss!A little about Assistant to the Villain: Once Upon a Time meets The Office in Hannah Maehrer's laugh-out-loud viral TikTok series turned novel, about the sunshine assistant to an Evil Villain…and their unexpected romance.ASSISTANT WANTED: Notorious, high-ranking villain seeks loyal, levelheaded assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem and terror, and other Dark Things In General. Discretion a must. Excellent benefits.With ailing family to support, Evie Sage's employment status isn't just important, it's vital. So when a mishap with Rennedawn's most infamous Villain results in a job offer―naturally, she says yes. No job is perfect, of course, but even less so when you develop a teeny crush on your terrifying, temperamental, and undeniably hot boss. Don't find evil so attractive, Evie.But just when she's getting used to severed heads suspended from the ceiling and the odd squish of an errant eyeball beneath her heel, Evie suspects this dungeon has a huge rat…and not just the literal kind. Because something rotten is growing in the kingdom of Rennedawn, and someone wants to take the Villain―and his entire nefarious empire―out.Now Evie must not only resist drooling over her boss but also figure out exactly who is sabotaging his work…and ensure he makes them pay.A special thank you to Hannah for chatting with me today! And thank you to Kaitlyn Kennedy at Kaye Publicity for setting up the interview! Follow Hannah on TikTok and InstagramPurchase Assistant to the VillainSupport the showHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today I am chatting with NY Times Bestselling author and NAACP Image Award Nominee J. Elle about her brand new YA Fantasy, House of Marionne!Take a listen as we chat about this spellbinding story, J. Elle's worldbuilding, her extensive magic system, representation in YA novels, how power corrupts, the amazing characters and plot, enemies to lovers, the world of social elites, how the idea for this story started with a tiara growing out of a head, and more! This is a YA fantasy like no other, and you won't want to miss it!Entire episode is spoiler free!A little about House of Marionne:17 year-old Quell has lived her entire life on the run. She and her mother have fled from city to city, in order to hide the deadly magic that flows through Quell's veins.Until someone discovers her dark secret.To hide from the assassin hunting her, and keep her mother out of harm's way, Quell reluctantly inducts into a debutante society of magical social elites called the Order that she never knew existed. If she can pass their three rites of membership, mastering their proper form of magic, she'll be able to secretly bury her forbidden magic forever.If caught, she will be killed.But becoming the perfect debutante is a lot harder than Quell imagined, especially when there's more than tutoring happening with Jordan, her brooding mentor and— assassin in training.When Quell uncovers the deadly lengths the Order will go to defend its wealth and power, she's forced to choose: embrace the dark magic she's been running from her entire life or risk losing everything, and everyone, she's grown to love.Still, she fears the most formidable monster she'll have to face is the one inside.A special thank you to J. Elle for coming on the podcast today! And a special thank you to Kaitlin Kneafsey and Jaleesa Davis at Penguin Random House/Penguin Young Readers for setting up the interview!Check out J. Elle's websiteFollow J. Elle on Instagram, TikTok, and TwitterPurchase House of MarionneSupport the showHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today I am chatting with debut author Jamison Shea about their brand new book, I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast is Me. Join Jamison and me as we chat about this thrilling dark horror story about a girl who  knows what she wants, and has to decide how far she will go to get it. Jamison and I dive into their writing style, research, character and world building, and more! If you love creepy horror stories, this is the one for you!Entire episode is 100% spoiler free!A little about I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast is Me:Laure Mesny is a perfectionist with an axe to grind. Despite being constantly overlooked in the elite and cutthroat world of the Parisian ballet, she will do anything to prove that a Black girl can take center stage. To level the playing field, Laure ventures deep into the depths of the Catacombs and strikes a deal with a pulsating river of blood.The primordial power Laure gains promises influence and adoration, everything she's dreamed of and worked toward. With retribution on her mind, she surpasses her bitter and privileged peers, leaving broken bodies behind her on her climb to stardom.But even as undeniable as she is, Laure is not the only monster around. And her vicious desires make her a perfect target for slaughter. As she descends into madness and the mystifying underworld beneath her, she is faced with the ultimate choice: continue to break herself for scraps of validation or succumb to the darkness that wants her exactly as she is―monstrous heart and all. That is, if the god-killer doesn't catch her first.From debut author Jamison Shea comes I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast Is Me, a slow-burn horror that lifts a veil on the institutions that profit on exclusion and the toll of giving everything to a world that will never love you back.Content Warning:Blood, gore, bones, corpses, ritualistic self-harm (with the purpose of summoning a nonhuman entity), body horror, an instance of body-shaming related to ballet, non-graphic torture, murder, vomit, and a very toxic relationship.There are also themes around classism, racism, parental neglect, and abandonment that are not graphically depicted but still permeate the work.Check out Jamison Shea's websiteFollow Jamison on Instagram, TikTok, and TwitterPurchase I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast is MeA special thank you to Jamison Shea for being my guest today! And thank you as well to Chantel Gersch at MacMillian Children's Publishing group (Fierce Reads) for setting up the interview!Support the showHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today my friend Morgan and I are chatting about Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray. Take a listen as Morgan and I rehash this fantastic YA fantasy filled with magic, secrets and lies, enemies to lovers, a dangerous forest filled with mythical creatures, the poor tragic life of one of our main characters, the celebration of Black excellence, and more! First 15 minutes are spoiler free!A little about Beasts of Prey:There's no such thing as magic in the broken city of Lkossa, especially for sixteen-year-old Koffi, who indentured to the notorious Night Zoo, knows the fearsome creatures in her care and paying off her family's debts to secure their eventual freedom can be her only focus. But the night those she loves are gravely threatened by the Zoo's cruel master, Koffi unleashes a power she doesn't fully understand, upending her life completely.As the second son of a decorated hero, Ekon is all but destined to become a Son of the Six—an elite warrior—and uphold a family legacy. But on the night of his final rite of passage, Ekon encounters not only the Shetani—a vicious monster that has plagued the city for nearly a century and stalks his nightmares—but Koffi who seems to have the power to ward off the beast. Koffi's power ultimately saves Ekon, but his choice to let her flee dooms his hopes of becoming a warrior.Desperate to redeem himself, Ekon vows to hunt the Shetani and end its reign of terror, but he can't do it alone. Koffi and Ekon form a tentative alliance and together enter the Greater Jungle, a world steeped in wild, frightening magic and untold dangers. The hunt begins. But it quickly becomes unclear whether they are the hunters or the hunted.Support the showHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today I am chatting with author Julie Wright about her brand new book, Swimming in a Sea of Stars.In this episode, Julie and I chat about her writing style, what it's like writing romance novels vs. a contemporary novel, why focusing on teen mental health is important, how one small act of kindness can change someone's life, and the hope that lies within us all. Entire episode is spoiler free!Join us!A little about Swimming in a Sea of Stars:Addison is no stranger to feeling stressed, insecure, and sad. Her therapist recommended she keep a journal to help her understand those feelings better, which she really needs today. It's her first day back to school, several weeks after she survived her suicide attempt. She knows there are rumors about why she did it: A lousy home life? Bullying? Heartbreak? None of them are true, but it doesn't matter because Addison still feels like she's drowning. She still holds secrets she's not ready to share.During the school day, Addison encounters four other students struggling with their own secrets:Booker is anxious about seeing Addison. They were sort of a couple until he tried to kiss her. She fled and then tried to end her life. Those two things couldn't be related, could they?Celia feels trapped by her mother's abusive boyfriend. She can guess why Addison did what she did.Damion is TikTok-famous and thinks befriending Addison could boost his followers. But what no one knows is he needs the world to remember him since his sick mom doesn't anymore.Avery is considered a loner and doesn't know Addison, but they have neighboring lockers. With Avery's older brother in jail for dealing drugs, Avery is desperate for meaningful human connection.Swimming in a Sea of Stars is a poignant and gripping novel about how we're all interconnected, like the stars in the night sky that form constellations and map out the universe, and if even one star goes missing, the effect is profound.Check out Julie's WebsiteFollow Julie on InstagramThank you so much to Julie Wright for coming on the podcast today and chatting with  me! And thank you to Kenny Vesey at Thatcher & Co. for setting up the interview!Support the showHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today I am chatting about the book City of Shattered Light by Claire Winn.Joining me today is my friend and Patreon member, Dani. Take a listen as Dani and I dive into this fast paced sci-fi novel! We discuss the fun storyline, fantastic characters, futuristic world building, love triangle and enemies to lovers tropes (Yes! Two love tropes!), our thoughts on what happens in the sequel, our fear of AI taking over the world...and more!First 15 minutes are spoiler free!Here's a little about City of Shattered Light:As darkness closes in on the city of shattered light, an heiress and an outlaw must decide whether to fend for themselves or fight for each other. As heiress to a powerful tech empire, seventeen-year-old Asa Almeida strives to prove she's more than her manipulative father's shadow. But when he uploads her rebellious sister's mind to an experimental brain, Asa will do anything to save her sister from reprogramming—including fleeing her predetermined future with her sister's digitized mind in tow. With a bounty on her head and a rogue AI hunting her, Asa's getaway ship crash-lands in the worst possible place: the neon-drenched outlaw paradise, Requiem. Gunslinging smuggler Riven Hawthorne is determined to claw her way up Requiem's underworld hierarchy. A runaway rich girl is exactly the bounty Riven needs—until a nasty computer virus spreads in Asa's wake, causing a citywide blackout and tech quarantine. To get the payout for Asa and save Requiem from the monster in its circuits, Riven must team up with her captive. Riven breaks skulls the way Asa breaks circuits, but their opponent is unlike anything they've ever seen. The AI exploits the girls' darkest memories and deepest secrets, threatening to shatter the fragile alliance they're both depending on. As one of Requiem's 154-hour nights grows darker, the girls must decide whether to fend for themselves or fight for each other before Riven's city and Asa's sister are snuffed out forever.Check out Dani's Bookstagram!Check out the sequel to City of Shattered Light: City of Vicious NightHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today I am chatting with my friends Abby and Mo from The Book Life Podcast about Made of Stars by Jenna Voris.Take a listen as we chat about this fantastic Bonnie and Clyde inspired sci-fi story! We chat all about the plotline, Bonnie and Clyde, Star Wars vs. Star Trek, and more! First 15 minutes are spoiler free! A little about Made of Stars:Shane and Ava are a team. He steals the aircraft, she charms their mark, and together they take what they need. Not even their distracting chemistry could get in the way. Until Shane was caught and left to rot on a prison moon. Now, freshly escaped from confinement and simmering with anger, he has his sights set on their biggest job yet.Cyrus just graduated from the flight academy with a shiny new position lined up reporting to a well-respected general. On his very first assignment, he stops the outlaws in their tracks—or he would have, if his annoyingly handsome copilot, Lark, hadn't fallen for Ava's deception.But when Shane uncovers a top-secret plot that would leave his and Ava's home world at the mercy of Cyrus's military leaders, he makes it his mission to thwart them at all costs. It isn't long before the two of them make interstellar headlines with each new heist. And thanks to a chance run-in with the rebels, Cyrus is caught between two versions of the truth. He must pick a side—and fast. Because Shane and Ava will bring the planet to its knees . . . or die trying.Follow The Book Life Podcast on InstagramCheck out The Book Life's PatreonHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today I am thrilled to be chatting with author Rebecca Mahoney about her new book, The Memory Eater. Take a listen as Rebecca and I chat all about The Memory Eater, Rebecca's first book, The Valley and the Flood, Rebecca's writing process (find out if she's a plotter or a pantser), Japanese ghost stories, horror movies, and so much more! Entire episode is spoiler free!A little about The Memory Eater:For generations, a monster called the Memory Eater has lived in the caves of Whistler Beach, Maine, surviving off the unhappy memories of those who want to forget. And for generations, the Harlows have been in charge of keeping her locked up—and keeping her fed.After her grandmother dies, seventeen-year-old Alana Harlow inherits the family business. But there's something Alana doesn't know: the strange gaps in her memory aren't from an accident. Her memories have been taken—eaten. And with them, she's lost the knowledge of how to keep the monster contained.Now the Memory Eater is loose. Alana's mistake could cost Whistler Beach everything—unless she can figure out how to retrieve her memories and recapture the monster. But as Alana delves deeper into her family's magic and the history of her town, she discovers a shocking secret at the center of the Harlow family business and learns that tampering with memories always comes at a price.A special thank you to Rebecca for coming on the podcast today! Thank you also to Layne Mandros at Books Forward for setting up the interview!Check out Rebecca's websiteFollow Rebecca on Instagram and TwitterPurchase a signed copy of The Memory Eater from Porter Square BooksHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today I am chatting with NYT Bestselling Author, Angeline Boulley. We will be talking about both her debut novel, Firekeeper's Daughter, and her brand new novel, Warrior Girl Unearthed. Also joining me today is my friend Victoria, who serves as my co-host for this special episode.Take a listen as we chat spoiler free about both books, the importance of representation in YA books for Native Americans, Native American culture, and so much more.A little about Warrior Girl Unearthed:Perry Firekeeper-Birch has always known who she is - the laidback twin, the troublemaker, the best fisher on Sugar Island. Her aspirations won't ever take her far from home, and she wouldn't have it any other way. But as the rising number of missing Indigenous women starts circling closer to home, as her family becomes embroiled in a high-profile murder investigation, and as greedy grave robbers seek to profit off of what belongs to her Anishinaabe tribe, Perry begins to question everything.In order to reclaim this inheritance for her people, Perry has no choice but to take matters into her own hands. She can only count on her friends and allies, including her overachieving twin and a charming new boy in town with unwavering morals. Old rivalries, sister secrets, and botched heists cannot - will not - stop her from uncovering the mystery before the ancestors and missing women are lost forever.Thank you to Angeline Boulley for chatting with me today! And a special thank you to Morgan Rath at MacMillan for setting up the interview!Check out Angeline Boulley's website for more information on her and her novels. Have a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Join me and my friend Victoria as we dive into The Luminaries, by Susan Dennard. If you enjoy books involving the forest, creepy monsters, redemption stories, trials involving surviving in a forest filled with nightmarish creatures, and friends to lovers, you will enjoy this book. Take a listen as Victoria and I talk all about it. You'll also hear why the teacher side of me really appreciated one particular line in the book. In addition, you'll learn about the incredible way the story for The Luminaries evolved. First 15 minutes are spoiler free!A little about The Luminaries: Hemlock Falls isn't like other towns. You won't find it on a map, your phone won't work here, and the forest outside town might just kill you.Winnie Wednesday wants nothing more than to join the Luminaries, the ancient order that protects Winnie's town―and the rest of humanity―from the monsters and nightmares that rise in the forest of Hemlock Falls every night.Ever since her father was exposed as a witch and a traitor, Winnie and her family have been shunned. But on her sixteenth birthday, she can take the deadly Luminary hunter trials and prove herself true and loyal―and restore her family's good name. Or die trying.But in order to survive, Winnie enlists the help of the one person who can help her train: Jay Friday, resident bad boy and Winnie's ex-best friend. While Jay might be the most promising new hunter in Hemlock Falls, he also seems to know more about the nightmares of the forest than he should. Together, he and Winnie will discover a danger lurking in the forest no one in Hemlock Falls is prepared for.Not all monsters can be slain, and not all nightmares are confined to the dark. A special thank you to Tor Teen for sending me an ARC, a finished hardcover copy, and laminated pin! Alexis and Annaliese, you are the best!Follow Victoria on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTokHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today I am chatting about Gloria Chao's brand new book When You Wish Upon A Lantern. Joining me is my friend Morgan. When You Wish Upon A Lantern is my favorite read of 2023 so far! It is the most adorable YA Contemporary Romance I have ever read! I couldn't stop gushing over it. The whole time I was reading this book I kept thinking, "Awww...that's so cute!"  So, join Morgan and me as we chat all about this swoon worthy book! You'll get to hear me pronounce Chinese names correctly for the first time ever. HA! And there's a very specific reason why I actually know how to pronounce these ones...take a listen to find out why! A little about When You Wish Upon A Lantern: Liya and Kai had been best friends since they were little kids, but all that changed when a humiliating incident sparked The Biggest Misunderstanding of All Time—and they haven't spoken since.Then Liya discovers her family's wishing lantern store is struggling, and she decides to resume a tradition she had with her beloved late grandmother: secretly fulfilling the wishes people write on the lanterns they send into the sky. It may boost sales and save the store, but she can't do it alone . . . and Kai is the only one who cares enough to help.While working on their covert missions, Liya and Kai rekindle their friendship—and maybe more. But when their feuding families and changing futures threaten to tear them apart again, can they find a way to make their own wishes come true?Follow Morgan on InstagramHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today I am chatting about Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa. Joining me is my friend Amanda from Fictional Hangover podcast. Take a listen as Amanda and I chat about the characters, plot line, crazy weird man-eating centipedes, hear Leah mispronounce pretty much every Japanese name and word in the story, and more! First 15 minutes are spoiler free!A little about Shadow of the Fox: Every millennium, whoever holds the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers has the power to call the great Kami Dragon from the sea and ask for one wish. The time is near...and the missing pieces of the scroll will be sought throughout the land of Iwagoto.When demons kill half-kitsune Yumeko's adoptive family, she's forced to flee her home with one part of the ancient scroll. Fate thrusts her into the path of mysterious samurai Kage Tatsumi, who is Yumeko's best hope for survival. But he's under orders to retrieve the scroll. An uneasy alliance forms, and Yumeko begins the deception of a lifetime, knowing her secrets are more than a matter of life or death―they're the key to the fate of the world.Check out Fictional HangoverFollow Fictional Hangover on Instagram, Twitter, and FacebookHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today I am chatting about the book Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. Joining me today is one of my fabulous Patreon members, Dani!Beautiful Creatures is the story of two star-crossed lovers, who meet and fall in love in a small southern town, where nothing exciting ever happens. But Lena Duchennes is about to change all of that...Join Dani and I as we chat all about the plot, the fun characters, the portrayal of southern life in the story, and more! A little about Beautiful Creatures...Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever. Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them. In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything. Have a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today I am chatting with NY Times Bestselling author Lauren Blackwood. Lauren is the author of Within These Wicked Walls, a Reese's Book Club Fall 2021 YA pick, and her newest book, Wildblood. Join us as we chat about what it was like for Lauren, hitting the bestseller list as a debut author, her writing process for Wildblood, the research she did, the magic system in the book, how Lauren weaved her Jamaican heritage into this book, and more!This entire episode is spoiler free!A little about Wildblood:Eighteen-year-old Victoria is a Wildblood. Since she was kidnapped at the age of six and manipulated by the Exotic Lands Touring Company, she's worked as a tour guide ever since with a team of fellow Wildbloods who take turns using their magic to protect travelers in a Jamaican jungle teeming with ghostly monsters.When the boss denies Victoria an earned promotion to team leader in favor of Dean, her backstabbing ex, she's determined to prove herself. Her magic may be the most powerful on the team, but she's not the image the boss wants to send their new client, Thorn, a renowned goldminer determined to reach an untouched gold supply deep in the jungle.Thorn is everything Victoria isn't - confident, impossibly kind, and so handsome he leaves her speechless. And when he entrusts the mission to her, kindness turns to mutual respect, turns to affection, turns to love. But the jungle is treacherous, and between hypnotic river spirits, soul-devouring women that shed their skin like snakes, and her ex out for revenge, Victoria has to decide - is promotion at a corrupt company really what she wants?Check out Lauren's websiteFollow Lauren on Instagram and TwitterThank you to Lauren for coming on the podcast and chatting with me! And thank you to Layne Mandros at Books Forward for setting up the interview!Have a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Join NY Times Bestselling Author Maureen Johnson and me as we chat about her brand new book, Nine Liars. Nine Liars follows Johnson's teen sleuth, Stevie Bell, as she tries to solve a cold case murder from 1995. In this episode, Maureen and I chat all about Maureen's writing process, what it was like bringing Stevie in for another book, life in college theatre, what it's like having an English husband who have friends with amazing English country homes, how to craft a murder mystery, and more! You'll even get to hear a little bit about Maureen's good friend and fellow author, Holly Black. Entire episode is spoiler free!About Nine Liars: Senior year at Ellingham Academy for Stevie Bell isn't going well. Her boyfriend, David, is studying in London. Her friends are obsessed with college applications. With the cold case of the century solved, Stevie is adrift. There is nothing to distract her from the questions pinging around her brain—questions about college, love, and life in general.Relief comes when David invites Stevie and her friends to join him for study abroad, and his new friend Izzy introduces her to a double-murder cold case. In 1995, nine friends from Cambridge University went to a country house and played a drunken game of hide-and-seek. Two were found in the woodshed the next day, murdered with an ax.The case was assumed to be a burglary gone wrong, but one of the remaining seven saw something she can't explain. This was no break-in. Someone's lying about what happened in the woodshed.Seven suspects. Two murders. One killer still playing a deadly game.*A special thank you to Maureen Johnson for coming on the podcast and chatting with me. And thank you to Megan Beatie at MB Communications for setting up the interview.Check out Maureen's websiteFollow Maureen on Instagram, Twitter, and FacebookHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today I am chatting about the final book in Holly Black's The Folk of the Air series, The Queen of Nothing. Joining me today is Elise from the Novel Feelings podcast.The Queen of Nothing wraps up Jude Duarte's story. We finally find out how her and Cardan truly feel about each other, discover if those rumors about him being nursed by a cat are true or not, find out what Jude's been up to in the human world, see what happens when a fae curse comes about, get immersed in faerie politics (again), and get to experience more of our favorite troublemaking faerie, Cardan. It's a fantastic ending to this great series! So, join Elise and I as we chat all about it!First 15 minutes are spoiler free!A little about The Queen of Nothing:Power is much easier to acquire than it is to hold onto. Jude learned this lesson when she released her control over the wicked king, Cardan, in exchange for immeasurable power.Now as the exiled mortal Queen of Faerie, Jude is powerless and left reeling from Cardan's betrayal. She bides her time determined to reclaim everything he took from her. Opportunity arrives in the form of her twin sister, Taryn, whose life is in peril.Jude must risk venturing back into the treacherous Faerie Court, and confront her lingering feelings for Cardan, if she wishes to save her sister. But Elfhame is not as she left it. War is brewing. As Jude slips deep within enemy lines she becomes ensnared in the conflict's bloody politics.And, when a dormant yet powerful curse is unleashed, panic spreads throughout the land, forcing her to choose between her ambition and her humanity . Find out more about Novel Feelings Pod HERECheck out Novel Feelings on InstagramHave a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today I am chatting with NY Times Bestselling author Ellie Marney about her latest crime thriller, The Killing Code. Ellie is multi-award-winning crime author who has gone behind the scenes at the Westminster Mortuary in London and interviewed forensic and technical specialists around the world in pursuit of just the right details for her brand of pulse-pounding thrillers. Her titles include The Killing Code, None Shall Sleep, the Every trilogy, No Limits, White Night and the Circus Hearts series.The Killing Code is set in Virginia, 1943; World War II is raging in Europe and on the Pacific front when Kit Sutherland is recruited to help the war effort as a codebreaker at Arlington Hall, a former girls' college now serving as the site of a secret US Signal Intelligence facility. Kit is soon involved in another kind of fight: Government girls are being brutally murdered in Washington DC, and when Kit stumbles onto a bloody homicide scene, she is drawn into the hunt for the killer.Join us as Ellie and I chat about what it was like for these women living during WWII, how code breakers helped change the war, these fabulous characters and plot line, Ellie's extensive research for this book, her writing process, and more!A special thank you to Ellie for coming on YA Book Chat today! And also thank you to Little Brown for Young Readers for setting up this interview!Check out all of Ellie's books on her website.Follow  Ellie on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.Have a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!

Today I am chatting with NY Times Bestselling author, Karen M. McManus about her latest YA thriller, Nothing More To Tell. Karen is the author of the highly acclaimed One of Us is Lying series, which is also now a television series on Peacock and Netflix. She is also the author of the standalone novels Two Can Keep a Secret, The Cousins, and You'll Be the Death of Me. Nothing More To Tell follows the story of teenager Brynn as she tries to solve the four year old murder of her favorite teacher at St. Ambrose School. Now that Brynn is moving home and starting her dream internship at a true-crime show, she's determined to find out what really happened. Join Karen and I as we chat about the plot of this thrilling story, the characters, Karen's writing process, and more!A special thank you to Karen for coming on YA Book Chat today. And thank you as well to Kathleen Dunn at Penguin Random House for setting up this interview.Find out more about Karen and her books on her website.Follow Karen on Instagram and Twitter. Have a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at yabookchat@gmail.comDon't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!Check out my Patreon! Join now for some great benefits and perks!