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Book Review: All the Feels

In Olivia Dade’s follow-up to her hit book Spoiler Alert, All the Feels follows Alex and Lauren as they traverse the world of Hollywood scandals and look at what it means to love someone despite their flaws. A fan-fiction filled romance complete with witty banter, steamy moments, and body positivity, All the Feels is a wonderful read that will have readers rooting for the heroes from beginning to end.

“Alexander Woodroe has a starring role as Cupid on TV’s biggest show, Gods of the Gates. But the showrunners have wrecked his character, he’s dogged by old demons, and his post-show future remains uncertain. When all that reckless emotion explodes into a bar fight, the tabloids and public agree: his star is falling. Enter Lauren Clegg, the former ER therapist hired to keep him in line. Watching over handsome but impulsive Alex shouldn’t be especially difficult, but the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to keep it professional, especially when she discovers the reasons behind his recklessness. When another scandal lands Alex in major hot water and costs Lauren her job, she’ll have to choose between protecting him and offering him what he really wants–her.” (SELCO Catalog)

Dade’s books are full of heart and honesty, and always end happily ever after. While this book doesn’t deep-dive into the issues surrounding body shaming and stereotyping, it does a good job of discussing the harm parents, partners, and family can have on people by negatively discussing body types. The body-love movement is slowly growing in the romance genre where authors like Dade are reclaiming their narratives and telling stories about plus-sized heroes. Everyone is worthy of love and acceptance, and books like All the Feels make sure that all body types are represented in the world of fiction.

Want to read the first book in this series? Check out Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade and get swept up in the swoon-worthy Hollywood romance.

Book Review: Poisoned

Poisoned is Jennifer Donnelly’s latest fairytale retelling, a new YA interpretation of Snow White.

Too kind to be a ruler, Princess Sophie has lived her life pretending to be cruel, like her stepmother. When Sophie has her heart cut-out by the huntsman, she is saved by seven brothers who give her a clockwork heart instead. But the clock won’t last forever. Now Sophie must find a way to save herself so she can save her kingdom from the cruelty of her stepmother.

With a swift writing style and entertaining plot, Donnelly has produced yet another exciting book. Filled with colorful characters, magical creatures, and friendship, Donnelly takes you across her fantastical kingdom and into the heart of social problems and disputes. Strung-through with morals and life lessons, Poisoned is a great read for everyone looking for a little hope in bleak times. Fans of fairy tales and adventure will adore this book and all of Donnelly’s works.

Book Review: Remote Control

Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor was a spectacular read. This poignant novella focusses on a young girl, Sankofa, whose encounter with an alien artifact has given her the ability to glow green and kill anyone her light touches. Sankofa is a resilient character and her story is both moving and heart wrenching as she travels across Ghana. Alone, aside from her fox, Sankofa journeys from town to town, learning more about humans as an outcast than she could as part of society. This story beautifully layers Ghanaian culture, futuristic elements, and mystery and is a must read for every sci-fi lover.

A Nigerian-American author, Okorafor’s works of science fiction and fantasy are an elegant blend of  African culture and fantastical elements.  Okorafor is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Hugo Award for Best Novella, Nebula Award for Best Novella, World Fantasy Award, and Macmillan Writers Prize for Africa.