Pleasant Nights

Title: The Block Party

Author: Jamie Day

Genre: thriller

Thank you, NetGalley, for this book.

I had never heard of this book or author but am so glad I read this tightly-written, excellent thriller. The story focuses on a cul-de-sac of families and how their lives intertwine with disastrous results.

A murder has happened at the annual block party. The story then shifts to one year before and describes what has happened to those families that led to this event. I loved how the story is told from multiple perspectives so you can see so many sides of the actual plot.

I had no idea who the murderer or victim were and because there were so many candidates (seriously, these families are a mess) it was a fun reveal to see just who was behind it all. I really enjoyed this book and will be reading more from this author for sure!

Title: Draw Down the Moon

Authors: P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Genre: YA fantasy

Thank you, NetGalley, for this book.

I’m usually not a fantasy fan, but this one is actually set in the real world, which is much easier for me to read. Typical YA with a love interest, the “chosen one” trope, and sassy best friend, this book isn’t exactly unique, but I still enjoyed it.

Wren’s parents are Moonstruck, meaning they are magickal. Wren isn’t, until her 18th birthday, when she feels the moon’s pull. With her best friends, Lee and Sam, they head off to the Moon Academy to learn about their powers.

This book really isn’t about their education, but more about discovering who they are, uncovering big secrets, and dodging danger from unexpected places. I liked this enough to want to read the sequel but not enough to say it’s outstanding. But it’s a solid, fun read.

Title: Rubi Ramos’s Recipe for Success

Author: Jessica Parra

Genre: YA

Thank you, NetGalley, for this book.

Super cute story of Rubi who loves baking but her parents expect her to be a lawyer. Though they are bakers and are proud, they want more for their only child. But Rubi is great at baking. Like really great. So when her town offers a “Bake Off,” Rubi can’t help but join.

The story follows Rubi trying to navigate her parents’ expectations, her love of baking, balance all her classwork, being captain of the Debate Team, and finding a new math tutor who might also be her boyfriend.

This book was so fun. Rubi is a great main character who knows what she wants but cares so much about her parents that she doesn’t want to let them down. She stands her ground at times, and you can’t help but cheer for her. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.