ALC Book Review: Seek the Traitor’s Son (The Burning Empire #1) by Veronica Roth

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Dystopian Fantasy Romance
Length: 432 pages
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: Tor Books
Release Date: May 12th, 2026
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A new epic romantic, dystopian fantasy begins in Seek the Traitor’s Son, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth

Elegy Ahn did not ask for destiny to find her.

She is happy with her life as a soldier, defending her small country from the Talusar, a powerful nation who worships a deadly Fever. A fever that blesses half of its victims with mysterious gifts.

But then she’s summoned to hear a prophecy–her, and the most ruthless of Talusar generals, Rava Vidar. Brought face to face, they learn that one of them will lead their people to victory over the other…but they don’t know which. And at the center of both of their fates: a man. A man that, Elegy is told, she will fall in love with.

In just one day, Elegy’s old life–her job, her purpose, and her future–is over. She and Rava are destined to collide, with the fate of their nations hanging in the balance. And when they do, only one will be left standing.

Elegy intends to make sure it’s her.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the gifted audiobook.

WHO KNEW?

Reading a Veronica Roth book wasn’t on my 2026 bingo card because I swore to never read another after Allegiant. The power of friendship compelled me to try this one out and you know what? It went well. I will read the sequel. BUT IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN I QUIT FOREVER.

Anywho.

I loved the dystopian + magic vibes in this book. The fever idea was intriguing and the world building is grand. Some of it did get a bit confusing but hopefully that’ll shake out in the sequel. There were two POV’s that I’m unsure of why they were there? And that tends to bug me as a reader. I’m counting on a good explanation soon.

I did like the romance. The set-up felt more unique than the usual I’ve read and it’s got a good slow burn quality as well. The time jumps and flashback memories were a little meh for me. Actually the time jump didn’t bug me, the flashbacks did. I think that slowed down the pacing more than necessary in the dreaded middle zone.

The complicated relationships and character to character dynamics was the best part of this book. I like the non linear nature of these moments. Combining that with the dark world and intense clawing for survival and you’ve got a good book on your hands.

Also, the audiobook is great!! I love having multiple narrators for multiple POV’s and blessed be, that was here.

Overall audience notes:

  • Dystopian Romance
  • Language: moderate
  • Romance: 2ish vague open door
  • Violence: high
  • Content warnings: war themes, blood/gore, loss of loved ones, imprisonment, deadly viruses

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Book Review: Love Sick by Deidra Duncan

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Rating: ★★
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 336 pages
Author: Deidra Duncan
Publisher: Canary Street Press
Release Date: May 13th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

First year of residency is hell, and Grace Rose, a brilliant new OB-GYN resident, starts off in the deepest circle. Her social anxiety is on high alert after she discovers she’s battling a rumour that she slept her way into the program.

Um. False.

Grace sets the record straight by putting on her devil-red lipstick and putting her rude – and frustratingly handsome – co-resident, Julian Santini, in his place. But rumours take on a life of their own, and no amount of studiousness, or support from her co-residents, can course-correct her reputation. Ironic, given Grace hasn’t been physical with anyone since her ex broke her heart in med school.

Julian is exhausted from years of studying. Despite that, he’s determined to prove he deserves the residency position he narrowly landed. If only he could buckle down and concentrate. Instead, he’s preoccupied by the judgy girl grappling with an absurd rumour – a woman he unintentionally offended on day one.

Yeah, he put his foot in his mouth. But he has no interest in participating in the hospital’s frat house culture that continues to slut-shame Grace.

Stuck together as residents, Grace and Julian begrudgingly set aside their mutual hatred to focus on training, and as their attraction grows, the cracks in the thin ice between love and hate start to appear.

ABSOLUTELY NOT.

The only reason I finished this was because I was on a solo road trip and needed something to listen to and this did the trick of keeping me awake because I had to see what would make me angry next.

A small side quest to say that I was really excited to pick this up because it was a doctor romance and I feel like I don’t come across medical romances a lot. I did learn about residency programs and the drama that can happen in a hospital so all of that was fine. Oh, and I liked the MMC well enough.

ANY WHO LET’S GET STARTED.

All of the “banter” and “heated exchanges” between Julian and Grace were cringey. I did not feel any of that enemies/rivals charm and instead was gritting my teeth anytime they talked to each other. And much of the dialogue made it seem like these characters were closer to teenagers than late 20’s medical doctors.

I really wish that Grace had shown more character growth. That showing up at 95% through the book is not it. If there had been some key moments where she stopped acting weak (and this is coming from someone who has social anxiety too) and started standing up for herself and took some time to work through some of her past I could have gotten on board. And some of the trauma seemed thrown in for shock rather than naturally woven in.

DO NOT EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE THIRD ACT. ABSOLUTE NONSENSE.

I’m just not convinced these two ever made it to the epilogue.

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary Romance
  • Language: moderate
  • Romance: 2-3 open door
  • Violence: low
  • Content warnings: workplace bullying and gossip, slut shaming, abusive relationships (recounted), misogyny, miscarriage, birth trauma, attempted assault

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ARC Book Review: Rebel Heiress (The Diamonds #3) by Amalie Howard

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Historical Romance
Length: 384 pages
Author: Amalie Howard
Publisher: Joy Revolution
Release Date: May 19th, 2026
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A young heiress must disguise herself to attend a prestigious, all-male university, where she unexpectedly falls for her handsome tutor, in this swoony historical romance by the USA Today bestselling author of Queen Bee.

Lady Rosalin Chen has a secret—she isn’t as vapid as she pretends to be. In fact, she’s a computing genius and smarter than most of her peers in the ton, including her own cousin, Ansel. It’s a secret she’s kept for years, not that hiding her intelligence has done her any favors in the marriage department. 

In fact, after several dismal social seasons in London, she’s practically considered a spinster. With little to lose, she decides to set her sights on getting a proper education rather than finding a husband. Disguised as Ansel, who truly could be her twin, she attends Cambridge University while he galivants around Europe on a secret Grand Tour.

There Rosalin crosses quills with the Trinity College’s mathematics prodigy and her tutor Tarik St. Clair. For the first time in her life, Rosalin is genuinely intrigued by a boy. His mind seems to be as sharp as hers. Unfortunately, as a commoner, Tarik doesn’t fit her parents’ expectations. But what if he could? What if she concocted one more audacious plan that could raise his station and finally take her off the market? She just has to hope that her lies don’t catch up to her.

Thank you PRH Audio for the audiobook and Get Underlined for the gifted copy.

IT’S CUTE.

I don’t have a lot to say because it kind of went in one ear and out the other? But I also didn’t hate reading it so? I will say it’s another genuine teen friendly read and I always love when I find a book I can add to that list. It does a good job of feeling historical and also adding a touch of modern phrases. I don’t think it’s overdone and once again, makes it work for the age group.

I was worried with how this plot was going to play out and I ended up liking the way it was handled. The romantic aspects were able to play out on a different playing field and I liked the contrast. Rosalin and Tarik had great chemistry and I loved the way they discussed science and the stars and all the things they held common ground on.

Most of this I read via audiobook and I liked the narrator! It’s a good format to pick up if you want to try this series. It’s complete now!

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Historical Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses

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ARC/ALC Book Review: Spur of the Moment (Willow Creek #1) by Juliana Smith

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Contemporary Romance
Length: 384 pages
Author: Juliana Smith
Publisher: Bloom Books
Release Date: May 5th, 2026
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

This beautiful edition of Spur of the Moment will include spot gloss and a gorgeous inside cover design.

“This might just be my favorite summer yet at Willow Creek. Lottie doesn’t know it, but I’m determined to make it her favorite too.”

Seventeen-year-old Lottie Turner was born to ride bulls.

Rodeos, big dreams, dusty boots—bull-riding was her whole life. Until the accident. Until the diagnosis that changed epilepsy. Now her doctor and her family have grounded her for good. No bulls. No danger. No freedom.

Then Walker—her former best friend, first crush, and the boy who once knew every piece of her—returns to town for the summer. Walker’s supposed to be chasing stars with NASA, not mucking stalls, even if he really does want dirt, sweat, and saddles. He wants Lottie Turner and all of her wildness.

When Lottie makes a summer bucket list to find herself again, Walker’s the first to volunteer to do it with her. One item at a time, they tumble back into laughter, heat, and everything they left unsaid.

But as the sparks between them reignite, Lottie has to face the hardest truth of some risks can break you, but others are worth taking anyway.

Thank you Bloom Books for the gifted ARC and audiobook.

ADORABLE.

Alright Juliana Smith officially has my attention. I really liked this book and can’t wait to see what couple is next at Willow Creek! I loved the epilepsy rep and all of the conversations surrounding it. The loss of things you can no longer do, the worry for yourself, the worry from your loved ones, and so much more. It made the book have a real rawness to the emotions and journey a new diagnosis can take.

I loved seeing Lottie push, learn, and grow. Two things can be true, you can be upset and what’s happening and be hopeful for new opportunities on the horizon. I loved where she ended up and the lightness brought in.

The romance with Walker was filled with just the right amount of tension. I loved having his perspective too and seeing where he was coming from on the decisions he had to make as well. I thought Walker and Lottie were a beautifully match pair and the chemistry between them sang towards that young love in the summertime vibe.

🎧 The audiobook is duet narration and is wonderful! Absolutely loved it and recommend that format for a great read.

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Contemporary Romance
  • Language: low, infrequent
  • Romance: make-outs
  • Violence: low
  • Content warnings: epilepsy (mentions of seizures and one on page), distant parents, infidelity (FMC’s Dad)

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