Hey there! So I don’t know about you, but have you ever read a book that you’re like “why didn’t I see more of this book before it released?”, “where was all the hype?” and “now, I have to tell the world about this book!” I’ve read quite a few books that I have loved so much that I was like “this deserved so much more notoriety than it got” & could’ve argued the publisher down as to why they dropped the ball on the publicity despite being smart enough to acquire it!
I’ve written several posts about other books that I’ve loved and mentioned that they weren’t hyped enough in the past. Since new books are constantly coming out, I’ve got a few more that I would like to add to that list! I think each of these books have something(s) in common when it comes to their humor and romance, now that I think about it. For me, books with great humor & some romance has been a saving grace for me (if I’m being honest, which I always am, with y’all). Anyways, here are four books that I loved and think deserved more PR & to be added to your TBR, if they aren’t already.
A Summer Between Bitter And Sweet by Jen Ferguson: When I began reading this book, I was instantly entranced. I couldn’t tell you what I expected when I started it but I just knew that I had a great feeling about it…and my bookish spidey sense was on point. I laughed A LOT, I got a little weepy at times but no matter what, I felt balanced emotionally the entire time. The sign of a great book, for ME, is that I experience the vast range of human emotions and that’s exactly what I got. The cast of characters were brilliant in their banter and the parts that they shared of themselves. I also appreciated seeing my people where I least expected them (one of the characters was Trinidadian and while we are everywhere, the specificity wasn’t lost on me & it meant a lot). This is a book that, while it takes place in the summer, can be read in any season and enjoyed all the same. Oh, and if you love ice cream, be prepared to crave it A LOT while reading!
Valiant Ladies by Melissa Grey: On one of my many netgalley raids, I saw this gorgeous cover & just knew that I had to read it. I absolutely judge books by their covers and this one definitely passed with flying colors. You all know that Dual POV’s are my jam and the moment I saw that that was part of what this book would give, I was elated! The characters were hysterical and incredibly badass. Though this book took place in the past, the humor felt current and not out of place. I also enjoyed the air of mystery (I do like playing detective while I read too) on top of their budding love story. This book is inspired by actual figures in history, which was like a cherry & whip cream on top of your favorite dessert (that’s the HistorNerd in me)!
The Lesbiana’s Guide To Catholic School by Sonora Reyes: This book was one that I received in a surprise box of ARCs from HarperCollins and it was my first time learning of this book. When I tell you I’ve recommended this book NUMEROUS times since I finished reading it, I kid you not, I really have! I’ve tweeted about it as well. I laughed so much while reading and just loved the way the MC’s mind worked along with the banter and dynamics with her brother and eventual love interest. There were a few moments where I felt a little weepy but overall, I felt so good reading that I didn’t want to put it down. I think anyone who reads this book, would really enjoy it, hence why I keep telling people to read it (that includes you too, clearly).
My Mechanical Romance by Alexene Farol Follmuth: This is a book I found on one of my netgalley comb throughs (to be honest, I still haven’t seen anything for this book and its been out a hot second) and this was a worth while approval. As someone who is a nerd, this book spoke to me as it was a dual POV between 2 nerds (I do so love when a book speaks nerdy to me). While their nerd-outs were different from mine (as implied by the title, it involves mechanics), I still appreciated how invested the characters were in their futures & interests. I laughed a lot during this read, the banter was great and it didn’t feel heavy, even when there was potential for it to be.
As I think about these books, I’m still trying to figure out why they didn’t get more hype without spoiling them & honoring them in the way they deserve. As I stated earlier, I clearly have a criteria in what I love in books (great banter, humor, [potential] romance & balance of heavy and light) and all of these more than met that. If you haven’t read any of these books, I implore you to change that.
Are there any books that you feel strongly weren’t hyped enough? Have you read any of the ones I’ve listed here? Let me know in the comments or on social media on Instagram @crystalyogi22 (since my bookstagram got hacked, I’m STILL emailing Instagram every free moment I think to (and they must be sick of me) in order to regain access to it. I have gotten it reactivated but am still having trouble getting these people to understand why I can’t log into it. *UGH* Please follow my OG account and if anyone has some helpful tips or knows someone who works for IG, please hit me up), Twitter @bookishgrlmagic and Clubhouse @bookishgrlmagic where you can find me mostly in book centered clubs/rooms (primarily on Tuesdays and Fridays). Also please subscribe to this blog if you haven’t already because it makes me feel like I’ve discovered more great reads that I want to talk incessantly about! Yet again, thank you so much for being here and hope you continue to be! As usual, I’m sending you tons of bookish love and wish you happy reading!
Bookish Girl Magic 