Book Review: Close Enough to Burn by Daniela R. Morassutti

Close Enough to Burn by Daniela R. Morassutti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Engaging character-driven young adult story of personal ambition, determination, and maturing romance.

Close Enough to Burn by Daniela R. Morassutti is an engaging, character-driven young adult story of personal ambition, determination, and the singular focus to achieve one’s dreams. At the same time, a sweet childhood attraction grows into mature adult love, all set in the exciting world of formula car racing. A sister and a brother, along with their two lifelong friends, compete against each other at the entry level of the California F4 racing circuit, hoping to attract sponsors and an invitation to one of the European F3 training teams. But as they focus on achieving their goals, romantic entanglements threaten to derail one racer’s dream.

High school junior Isabella Rossi has wanted to be a Formula One racer like her father since her race against her brother and their friend, Marco. That desire has kept her on course ever since. She has also secretly longed to be more than just a friend to Marco. While never articulating her romantic yearning, her best friend and fellow racer, Matias, probably knows, as he seems to understand Isabella better than she does herself. However, Marco has always had his eyes on his future in racing and had a relationship with another girl, until the tension between him and Isabella became too great to ignore. When the smoldering feelings between Marco and Isabella finally ignite, their romance is sweet but fast-burning.

Morassutti’s young adult characters are intensely motivated, whether it is for racing success or, as in Matias’s case, acceptance into the college of his dreams: Caltech. However, Matias is more balanced and patient in his pursuits than either Marco or Isabella. The three main characters are able to analyze their feelings and actions well enough to follow up after conflicts appropriately; in fact, they are better at it than most adults. As a result, the story progresses with just the right amount of tension and angst without becoming bogged down in overly lengthy drama.

The story is more novella-length than novel, so the plot moves quickly. The racing scenes were thrilling and well-choreographed, especially the final Las Vegas race. I did encounter a little confusion at the beginning of the story when the characters were being introduced and their relationships established due to mixed up pronouns (i.e., Rocco is referred to as “his brother” rather than “her’ brother) and later when the name Matias is used when Marco was actually correct. Perhaps, this was an unconscious projection of Matias always being there for Isabella rather than Marco.

With its engaging, reflective young characters and unique formula racing setting, I recommend CLOSE ENOUGH TO BURN to readers of young adult fiction, especially those who enjoy stories of romance or have an interest in racecar driving.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.


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Book Review: Shadowed Skies by Haley Cavanagh

Shadowed Skies by Haley Cavanagh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Exciting YA dystopian tale with a sweet romance.

Shadowed Skies by Haley Cavanagh is an exciting young adult dystopian tale of a horrifying future, where the human population has been decimated by deadly viruses while leaving an enhanced, winged human hybrid race untouched. The surviving humans hunt the Evol-humans almost to extinction for their blood, whose properties can reverse the virus, saving its victims.

Told from the alternating points of view of the last two Evol-humans, River and Delene, the story grabbed my attention from the start, with both protagonists in dire situations. As they struggle to escape their human captors, the author deftly inserts the backstories of the two and how the world came to its current state.

The romantic subplot develops slowly and sweetly, making it suitable for most ages. I was relieved that there were at least two of their kind left and rooted for this sweet relationship from the beginning. The harsh settings and evil characters are well-drawn, providing real struggles for the characters to overcome. The compelling yet easy-to-read story made this one of my favorites in this genre.

I recommend SHADOWED SKIES to readers of young adult dystopian stories.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

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Book Tour & Giveaway: Insight (Insight, #1) by Jamie Magee

She’s marked by stars, hunted by shadows—
and destined for a love that spans worlds.

Insight

Insight Series Book 1

by Jamie Magee

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

"Spellbinding lyrically crafted fantasy series." Sarah Dodd

 

"Magic, action, and paranormal romance offer an escapism that will engross readers—the story stays with you, unforgettable." - M. Mass

Cursed with an empathic insight, Willow Haywood has lived her life as a proud introvert in a small town. Her world shatters when a nightmare brands her wrist with a star. The foreboding omen forces her family to unveil ancient secrets that bend the boundaries of reality, dreams, and dimensions.

In the chaos of this revelation, Willow focuses on the good dreams she had every night of her life. Her instinct promised her that the angel in them was real, that he was her soul mate, and together they would be an unbeatable force in the promised war of young gods.

The conflicted path to him was easier to face than the mystery, magic, and danger haunting the shadows of the cosmic storms on the horizon. With or without him… her nightmare would soon be her reality if she did not flee to the dimension her soul once roamed.

Guided by love, tormented by fear, and hunted by those who would twist her gifts for their sinister ends, Willow’s journey is one of self-discovery, sacrifice, and the relentless pull of destiny.

Insight is a spellbinding tale of love, prophecy, and the courage to find your true self. Perfect for fans of young adult fantasy and multidimensional adventures, it’s an unforgettable story that will stay with you long after the last page.

Are you ready to step into the storm? The journey begins here. 

"We lost ourselves in the teen angst of Fallen, and Hush, Hush. We found courage in the pages of Hunger Games and Divergent. Our imagination was on fire inside of Mortal Instruments, Throne of Glass, and The Red Queen. And now we have the compelling, enigmatic, character-driven thrill ride of the long-reaching contemporary fantasy series INSIGHT." Colleen Riley

 

**Get it FREE!! **

Amazon * Apple Books * B&N * Kobo * BookBub * Goodreads

Jamie Magee is not your average author—she’s also an astrologer and the host of Scheduling Fate, a podcast where insight meets inspiration. With over 22 published novels spanning Young Adult, New Adult, and Contemporary genres, Jamie has captivated readers with stories that stir the heart and awaken the soul.

Her passion for storytelling is matched by her love of astrology. Whether she’s guiding you through fictional dimensions or decoding the deeper meaning of life’s turning points, Jamie helps her audience align with purpose, embrace their own rhythm, and schedule fate with intention.

Website * Facebook * X (Twitter) 

Instagram * Bluesky * BookBub

Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Win A free 30 min astrology reading with the author,

or

$10 Amazon giftcard 

– 1 winner each! 

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Book Review: Royal Scandal (Royal Blood, #2) by Aimee Carter

Royal Scandal by Aimee Carter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s a full-on private war as someone in the royal circle is determined to destroy Evan and, perhaps, the monarchy itself!

Evan Bright, the illegitimate daughter of the king, is being targeted by a press corps fueled by the tasty yet false tidbits slipped to them by an anonymous source. Apparently, when the perpetrator is not satisfied with the social media chaos and family drama that results, Evan starts experiencing "accidents" that put her life and those around her in danger.

Royal Scandal is the second book in Aimée Carter’s exciting YA series, Royal Blood, and this time; it’s a full-on private war as someone in the royal circle leaking sensitive information to the media about the tumultuous goings on in the royal family. As relationships crumble and new alliances develop, Evan desperately tries to protect her family and loved ones from their hidden persecutor.

Evangeline “Evan” Bright, the illegitimate daughter of the king and much-maligned by the media, is still struggling to find her place in the royal family. I enjoy this fish-out-of-water character and her continued attempts to fit in, even with the family members who have been horrible to her. Because of her past, she’s socially awkward and clumsy but improving daily under the guidance of Kit, Tibby, Jenkins, and Maisie. I was glad to see the two sisters grow closer and establish an understanding of each other. Her nemesis, Benedict of York, had been banished from the royal presence due to his actions in book one, but family politics and the need to present a united front to the media soon saw him back in the fold to create more havoc.

The plot grows more complex as Evan’s mother, Laura, joins them at Christmas, and the adults in the immediate family decide to pursue the real loves of their lives. But as news of the new liaisons is leaked, the media has a field day. It is easy to compare the fictional tale to the history of Britain’s royal family and gain a more sympathetic view of what they endure on a day-to-day basis and for an entire lifetime.

As the story unfolds, there is one mishap involving Evan after another, and it is quickly determined that these are no mere accidents. Tension mounts as her unseen stalker multiplies his efforts to discredit her, and the attacks turn deadly. The story is one twist after another, and I did not want to put the book down. There is a cliffhanger ending that left me shocked that I wouldn’t have the much-needed resolution to the story! While this is the second book in the series, and there is some backstory given so that this book can be read on its own, I feel the two should be read in order.

With its action-packed plot and relatable main character, I recommend ROYAL SCANDAL to young adult fiction readers and fans of the previous novel in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through TBR and Beyond Book Tours.


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Borrow My Heart by Kasie West

Borrow My Heart by Kasie West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Appealing characters and lively interwoven plots made for compelling reading.

Wren Brady was in the coffee shop where her best friend, Kamala, worked as a barista when two cute guys came in. One had his phone out, filming the other and baiting him about meeting an online crush at the shop for a first date: he did not believe the girl actually existed and that his friend had been catfished. As the jokey taunting continued and the girl in question failed to arrive, Wren felt sorry for the apparent dupe. She impulsively decided to introduce herself as the no-show Gemma, with the intention of privately confessing her masquerade to the boy later and “breaking up.” But before she can gracefully admit her ploy, she starts to feel that she may want to get to know, for real, the lanky, appealing Asher, who surprisingly gives the best hugs ever.

Borrow My Heart is a wonderful new contemporary young adult romance that touches both the heart and the funny bone. The situation Wren puts herself in will strike a chord with the tender-hearted, the save-the-dayers, animal lovers, and social media users. Wren and Asher are a cute couple, each complementing the other while providing the warmth and support each one needs until a big misstep derails their journey to a HEA.

Wren is a sympathetic character who’s been hurt in the past and erected some big boundaries around her heart, spelled out by the “Rules for Dating” that head each new chapter. She has a best friend in Kamala, who really knows and understands why she is the way she is, and is a stable and safe voice of reason and support.

Two additional compelling storylines are woven into the main plot and hooked me: Wren and Asher’s mission to find the dog, Bean, a forever home, and Wren’s relationship with her mother and sister, Zoey. The couple’s efforts to market Bean’s desirability for adoption were creative and filled with fun and surprises. Though hopeful at the outset, Wren and Zoey’s visit with their mother at the Lake Tahoe commune proved to be a reality check. Unfortunately, both secondary storylines mirror circumstances that can be seen daily in real life, and the plots may resonate with many readers. Thankfully, there are some HEAs in the offing by the book’s end.

With its engaging characters and lively plot, I recommend BORROW MY HEART to readers who enjoy contemporary young adult romantic fiction.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author or publisher through TBR and Beyond Book Tours.

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