YA Book Chat

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.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 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 MatesHave 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. 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 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.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 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 WarHave 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 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.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 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.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 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!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 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.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 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' GambitHave 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, 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.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, 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.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 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 VillainHave 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 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 MarionneHave 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 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.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 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!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!