Category Archives: Inkyard Press

October 18, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: This Is Why We Lie by Gabriella Lepore

Title: This Is Why We Lie by Gabriella Lepore
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Everyone in Gardiners Bay has a secret.

When Jenna Dallas and Adam Cole find Colleen O’Dell’s body floating off the shore of their coastal town, the community of Gardiners Bay is shaken. But even more shocking is the fact that her drowning was no accident.

Once Jenna’s best friend becomes a key suspect, Jenna starts to look for answers on her own. As she uncovers scandals inside Preston Prep School leading back to Rookwood reform school, she knows she needs Adam on her side.

As a student at Rookwood, Adam is used to getting judgmental looks, but now his friends are being investigated by the police. Adam will do whatever he can to keep them safe, even if that means trusting Jenna.

As lies unravel, the truth starts to blur. Only one thing is certain: somebody must take the fall.

Review:

This Is Why We Lie by Gabriella Lepore is an intriguing young adult mystery.

Jenna Dallas lives with her  aunt Kate in Gardiners Bay. She attends Preston Prep School and her best friend is Hollie Braithewait. While on the beach early one morning, she notices Adam Cole struggling to bring a body out of the water. Jenna realizes Collen O’Dell is the victim and she later learns her classmate was murdered. Soon after, Detective Drew Felton begins interviewing Jenna’s circle of friends, Adam and his friends at Rookwood Boarding School.

After the police zero in on a suspect, Jenna knows they are looking at the wrong person. She decides to poke around in order to find Colleen’s killers. Their group of friends have been spending a lot of time with some of the Rookwood students. Jenna hopes that Adam will help her with her secret investigation, but he has secrets he would rather no one uncover.  Jenna quickly discovers Adam is not the only one with secrets, but who would kill to prevent the truth from being uncovered?

This Is Why We Lie is a perplexing young adult mystery with an engaging storyline. The narration seamlessly weaves back and forth between Jenna and Adam’s points of view. Interspersed with their chapters are police interviews with their classmates and local news stories. With Jenna edging closer to finding Colleen’s killer, another murder rocks the small town. With an absolutely shocking plot twist, Gabriella Lepore brings this suspenseful mystery to a dramatic, edge of the seat conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Gabriella Lepore, Inkyard Press, Mystery, Rated B+, Review, Suspense, This Is Why We Lie, Young Adult

January 4, 2021 · 11:57 pm

Review: One of the Good Ones by Maika Moulite & Maritza Moulite

Title: One of the Good Ones by Maika Moulite & Maritza Moulite
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Fiction
Length: 316 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A shockingly powerful exploration of the lasting impact of prejudice and the indomitable spirit of sisterhood that will have readers questioning what it truly means to be an ally, from sister-writer duo Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite, authors of Dear Haiti, Love Alaine.

ISN’T BEING HUMAN ENOUGH?

When teen social activist and history buff Kezi Smith is killed under mysterious circumstances after attending a social justice rally, her devastated sister Happi and their family are left reeling in the aftermath. As Kezi becomes another immortalized victim in the fight against police brutality, Happi begins to question the idealized way her sister is remembered. Perfect. Angelic.

One of the good ones.

Even as the phrase rings wrong in her mind—why are only certain people deemed worthy to be missed?—Happi and her sister Genny embark on a journey to honor Kezi in their own way, using an heirloom copy of The Negro Motorist Green Book as their guide. But there’s a twist to Kezi’s story that no one could’ve ever expected—one that will change everything all over again.

Review:

One of the Good Ones by Maika Moulite & Maritza Moulite is a poignant young adult novel.

After turning eighteen, Kezi Smith defies her parents when she takes her activism off the internet and into the streets. She and her best friend Ximena Levinson are protesting the recent murder of a Black man when Kezi is arrested. Upset and certain she is being wrongly detained, Kezi is manhandled while in police custody.  In the aftermath of chaos at the station, she is dead and her family is left grieving.

Kezi’s younger sister Happi deeply regrets their last exchange.  While Kezi’s short life is celebrated, Happi is left to deal with her conflicted feelings on her own.  But that changes when her older sister, Genny, convinces her to embark on the trip Kezi planned to take along Route 66 to commemorate the various stops from a treasured copy of The Negro Motorist Green Book. Although a reluctant companion on the journey, Happi unexpectedly finds peace both within herself and her sometimes turbulent relationship with Kezi.

Kezi is a star student with a bright future ahead of her after graduation. She is an extremely popular YouTube sensation with a huge following. She uses her platform to draw attention to social injustices and hopefully enact change.  Kezi does not like being at odds with her parents, but she refuses to give up the opportunity to join the protest. But she cannot foresee how much very wrong things will go as she comes to the aid of a fellow protester who is exercising his first amendment rights.

Happi is the complete opposite of her older sister. Although they were once very close, their relationship is a bit strained. Happi feel in love with acting and she is pursuing her dream of becoming an actress. She is prone to skipping school and partying just a little too hard on occasion. Her last interaction with Kezi haunts her as she tries to come to terms with the reality of Kezi’s death.

One of the Good Ones is thought-provoking young adult novel which deftly handles an all too frequent reality in America today. The characters are exquisitely developed with realistic human foibles and surprising strengths. Happi and Genny’s road trip turns intensely personal at one heartbreaking stop along their journey. With a very shocking plot twist,  Maika Moulite & Maritza Moulite bring this incredible novel to a very unexpected conclusion.  An educational and sometimes heartrending novel that I greatly enjoyed and HIGHLY recommend to older teen and adult readers.

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Filed under Contemporary, Fiction, Inkyard Press, Maika Moulite, Maritza Moulite, One of the Good Ones, Rated B, Review, Young Adult

January 3, 2021 · 11:58 pm

Review: Roman and Jewell by Dana L. Davis

Title: Roman and Jewell by Dana L. Davis
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

If Romeo and Juliet got the Hamilton treatment…who would play the leads? This vividly funny, honest, and charming romantic novel by Dana L. Davis is the story of a girl who thinks she has what it takes…and the world thinks so, too.

Jerzie Jhames will do anything to land the lead role in Broadway’s hottest new show, Roman and Jewel, a Romeo and Juliet inspired hip-hopera featuring a diverse cast and modern twists on the play. But her hopes are crushed when she learns mega-star Cinny won the lead…and Jerzie is her understudy.

Falling for male lead Zeppelin Reid is a terrible idea—especially once Jerzie learns Cinny wants him for herself. Star-crossed love always ends badly. But when a video of Jerzie and Zepp practicing goes viral and the entire world weighs in on who should play Jewel, Jerzie learns that while the price of fame is high, friendship, family, and love are priceless.

Review:

Roman and Jewell by Dana L. Davis is a captivating young adult novel.

Sixteen year old Jerzie Jones is excited about the prospect of starring in the Broadway retelling of Romeo and Juliet, Roman and Jewell. Needless to say, she is disappointed to be cast as the stand by for Cinny, who will be Jewell. Jerzie’s parents have always supported their daughter’s dream, so she is staying for the summer in New York with her Aunt Karla.

Things are looking up at rehearsal after Jerzie meets Zeppelin Reid, a rising star cast as Roman. Tension ensues when Cinny makes it clear that Jerzie needs to stay away from Zeppelin. But when she stands in for Cinny during practice, Jerzie and Zeppelin shine as Roman and Jewell. Their practice video goes viral and Jerzie is shocked to learn that Zepplin would very much like a real life romance with her.  Will Jerzie follow her heart or will she heed Cinny’s warning?

Jerzie loves all things Broadway and she is willing to put in the necessary work in order to achieve her goals.  But she is still a teenager so she can be a little angsty at times. Jerzie has a good head on her shoulders and she does not rebel against her parents’ efforts to keep their daughter safe. Her relationship with Aunt Karla is absolutely wonderful and they share many laugh out loud scenes together.

Zeppelin is fantastic boyfriend material. He is respectful and tries to keep Jerzie from making stupid mistakes.  Although Roman and Jewell is his first role, he is extremely talented. Zeppelin is a bit mysterious but once Jerzie accidentally learns about his past, he is willing to answer her questions.  They are a super cute couple but will their fledgling romance survive in the aftermath of an unexpected discovery?

Roman and Jewell is an engrossing young adult novel.  The storyline is fast-paced and engaging. The characters are well-developed and likable.  Despite a bit of an insta-love vibe,  Jerzie and Zeppelin’s romance is fun to watch unfold. With late in the story conflict, Dana L. Davis brings this charming young adult novel to a marvelous conclusion.  I highly recommend this wonderful novel to teenage and adult readers.

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Filed under Contemporary, Dana L. Davis, Inkyard Press, Rated B+, Review, Roman and Jewell, Young Adult

May 17, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: Breath Like Water by Anna Jarzab

Title: Breath Like Water by Anna Jarzab
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance
Length: 416 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Susannah Ramos has always loved the water. A swimmer whose early talent made her a world champion, Susannah was poised for greatness in a sport that demands so much of its young. But an inexplicable slowdown has put her dream in jeopardy, and Susannah is fighting to keep her career afloat when two important people enter her life: a new coach with a revolutionary training strategy, and a charming fellow swimmer named Harry Matthews.

As Susannah begins her long and painful climb back to the top, her friendship with Harry blossoms into passionate and supportive love. But Harry is facing challenges of his own, and even as their bond draws them closer together, other forces work to tear them apart. As she struggles to balance her needs with those of the people who matter most to her, Susannah will learn the cost—and the beauty—of trying to achieve something extraordinary.

Review:

Breath Like Water by Anna Jarzab is captivating young adult novel.

Sixteen year old Susannah Ramos is a swimmer who is working hard to earn a spot on the Olympic swim team. However, after a big win two years earlier, she is struggling following a growth spurt. Her coach, Dave, has essentially given up on her but she refuses to accept she will not achieve her dream.   When Dave hires a new assistant coach, Susannah is initially not receptive to accepting advice from her. Eventually changing her mind, Susannah’s goals are finally within her grasp, but will circumstances out of her control end her Olympic dreams?

Susannah lives and breathes swimming and she works hard to please Dave who is overbearing and manipulative. She is stubborn and tenacious so she is sometimes not open to advice. Susannah is so focused on her goals that she sometimes neglects her friends and family.  Under self-imposed pressure to succeed, the last thing she needs is a distraction but after Harry Matthews join the swim club, she cannot ignore how drawn she is to him.

Harry is a gifted athlete but he does not seem to take the swim team too seriously. He is playful and fun-loving  which is something that frustrates both Dave and Susannah.   Harry and Susannah strike up a friendship and begin to grow closer as Harry offers to give her some pointers.

In spite of Susannah’s reluctance to take their relationship further, a sweet romance soon blossoms between them. She and Harry are soon spending as much of their scarce free time together as possible. The two are close but Susannah begins to notice little things about Harry that are a bit troubling. Will their romance survive Harry’s unexpectedly serious issues and Susannah’s intense dedication to swimming?

Breath Like Water is an engrossing young adult novel that provides an in depth portrait of competitive swimming. The storyline is interesting and the cast of characters is diverse. Susannah and Harry are wonderfully drawn teenagers who are quite appealing. Anna Jarzab deftly handles sensitive subject matter in a forth-right manner. The novel’s conclusion is surprising yet realistic. A terrific young adult novel that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend to teenager and adult readers.

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Filed under Anna Jarzab, Breath Like Water, Contemporary, Inkyard Press, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Young Adult

September 8, 2019 · 11:58 pm

Review: Rebel Girls by Elizabeth Keenan

Title: Rebel Girls by Elizabeth Keenan
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Genre: Historical (’90s), Young Adult, Novel
Length: 432 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

“Echoing the punk-rock feminist movement of the early ’90s, debut author Keenan creates a timely narrative that will challenge teens to reflect on their personal values and engage in respectful discourse. A must-read.” –Kirkus, starred review

When it comes to being social, Athena Graves is far more comfortable creating a mixtape playlist than she is talking to cute boys—or anyone, for that matter. Plus her staunchly feminist views and love of punk rock aren’t exactly mainstream at St. Ann’s, her conservative Catholic high school.

Then a malicious rumor starts spreading through the halls…a rumor that her popular, pretty, pro-life sister had an abortion over the summer. A rumor that has the power to not only hurt Helen, but possibly see her expelled.

Despite their wildly contrasting views, Athena, Helen, and their friends must find a way to convince the student body and the administration that it doesn’t matter what Helen did or didn’t do…even if their riot grrrl protests result in the expulsion of their entire rebel girl gang.

Review:

Set in 1992, Rebel Girls by Elizabeth Keenan is a thought-provoking young adult novel with a topical, meaningful storyline.

Athena Graves is not like her fellow Catholic School peers. She is a pro-choice feminist and would-be riot grrrl. Her best friend Melissa Lemoine shares many of her viewpoints and in fact, she spent part of her summer working to protect patients at a local abortion clinic. School is now back in session and Athena’s pro-life beautiful fourteen year old sister Helen is beginning her freshman year. Athena is crushing on new student, Kyle Buchanan, but she is soon distracted when mean-girl Leah Sullivan and her sidekick Aimee stir up trouble by spreading vicious rumors about Helen. Although the sisters are on opposite sides on abortion, they team up with Melissa and Helen’s best friends Sara and Jennifer to prevent Helen from being expelled from school.

Athena tries to fly under the radar as she navigates the tricky high school waters. She is not part of the “in crowd” despite her lifelong friendship with popular football player Sean Mitchell. Athena has also managed to avoid becoming a target of Sean’s girlfriend Leah and she is wary of doing anything to cross her. She works hard to live up to the riot grrrl movement as she tries to be supportive of other girls. But will Athena be able to continue taking the high road when she discovers what Leah is doing to Helen?

Helen could not be more different than Athena. She is popular and well-liked with aspirations of becoming a model. The sisters are not close, so initially, Helen does not tell Athena about the rumors Leah is spreading about her. But once Athena learns the truth, will Helen accept her help in salvaging her reputation?

Athena, Helen, Melissa and Jennifer must figure out how to get justice without flouting any of the school rules. Their campaign is clever and although their success is limited at first, a vindictive incident aids their cause. Athena finds herself in the crosshairs of their guidance counselor (!) and she is faced with an almost untenable choice as their plan is reaching its denouement.

Rebel Girls is a wonderful young adult novel that offers an uplifting and positive portrayal of young women’s friendships and tackles both sides of the abortion issue.  The characters are diverse and most of them are three-dimensional and multi-faceted. The exceptions are Leah and Aimee who are  rather one dimensional since they are stereotypical mean girls. The storyline is engaging and well-researched with the time period springing vibrantly to life. Elizabeth Keenan brings this heartwarming novel to a satisfying and realistic conclusion.  I highly recommend this outstanding young adult novel to older teen and adult readers.

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Filed under Elizabeth Keenan, Historical, Historical (90s), Inkyard Press, Rated B+, Rebel Girls, Review, Young Adult

May 22, 2019 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Voice in My Head by Dana L. Davis

Title: The Voice in My Head by Dana L. Davis
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Fiction
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

She can feel sorry for herself.

Or she can listen…to the voice in her head.

For Indigo Phillips, life has always been about basking in the shadow of her identical twin, Violet—the perfectly dressed, gentle, popular sister. The only problem the girls had in their lives was the occasional chaos that came with being part of the Phillips family brood. But when Violet becomes terminally ill and plans to die on her own terms via medically assisted death, Indigo spirals into desperation in her efforts to cope. That’s when she begins to hear a mysterious voice—a voice claiming to be God. The Voice insists that if she takes Violet to a remote rock formation in the Arizona desert, her sister will live.

Incredibly, Violet agrees to go—if their dysfunctional family tags along for the ride. With all nine members stuffed into a wonky old paratransit bus, including their controlling older sister and distant mother, Indigo must find a way to face insecurities she’s spent a lifetime masking and step up to lead the trip. As she deals with outrageous mishaps, strange lodgings and even stranger folks along the way, Indigo will figure out how to come to terms with her sister, her family…and the voice in her head.

Review:

The Voice in My Head by Dana L. Davis is a poignant yet humorous young adult novel.

Indigo Phillips cannot imagine life without her terminally ill twin sister Violet who is on the verge of dying.  Just as she is about to jump from a building, Indigo hears, what she believes to be, the Voice of God.  In the hospital after her accidental fall, she persuades her parents, her much older sister Michelle and her younger brother Alfred that she is not suicidal. Now with the family gathering to read their last letters to Violet who is planning to die with dignity through medically assisted death, Indigo convinces everyone God told her they must go to Arizona. Despite everyone’s skepticism, the entire family, along with their New Age Pastor Jedidiah Barnabas, Michelle’s husband Drew and their two sons, embark on a road trip from Seattle to Coyote Bluffs where they must win a daily lottery so they can hike to The Wave.

Indigo is trying to come to terms with a plethora of issues in the face of Violet’s imminent death. Her sister is well-liked, easy-going and a rule follower. Since Indigo is none of those things, she cannot understand why she is the twin who is going to live.  Her relationship with her parents, especially her mom, is very complex and Indigo believes that while her mother loves her, she does not particularly like her. Indigo is also constantly butting heads with Michelle, who is very bossy and extremely outspoken. She is also very hurt and confused since Violet has distanced herself from her in the preceding months. Indigo is counting on this trip to somehow miraculously save Indigo, but are her and her family’s expectations unrealistic? And, is God really speaking to Indigo?

The Voice in My Head is an engaging, laugh out loud funny novel that also deals with very sensitive subject matter.  The Phillips’ family leans more toward the dysfunctional side so it is unsurprising that Indigo is flailing in the upcoming loss of her twin sister.  Although it takes a majority of the trip, many of the family members’ issues come to light which in turn forces them to face their problems head on.  Dana L. Davis brings this emotional, heartfelt novel to a surprisingly uplifting conclusion. An outstanding young adult novel that I highly recommend to older teenage and adult readers.

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Filed under Contemporary, Dana L. Davis, Fiction, Inkyard Press, Rated B+, Review, The Voice in My Head, Young Adult