What a beautifully written, essential middle grade story!! This is going to resonate with so many young people and addresses essential topics I have yet to see so directly challenged in intermediate so far. It was highly stressful to read as an adult when shit hit the fan for these kids, but I know this is going to be an exemplary text for young readers learning about climate change, phone privacy, and "traditional" gender roles. It's also such a love letter to Seattle and its history!! Lots of research poured in yet still highlighting accessible city landmarks to visit for kids. I wanted a little bit more of a tie in with the tree storyline at the end, but it was truly so beautifully done. Can't wait to recommend this

My romance book club's January pick :) This was entertaining but quite flawed. The pacing was strange for a technically hybrid genre book, and there was never really any frightful tension happening in the mystery aspect. The reality tv setting was fun and I did feel like I was reading Total Drama Island LOL but that was likely because of how quickly character descriptions were skimmed over due to the sheer quantity of them, leading to caricature-esque depictions. So many of the choices from these side characters were not believable beyond the role they were filling on the show; I can't imagine half of the plot points happening in real life, reality tv show setting or not. There were also so many continuity issues and illogical choices?? Why was she in jeans and a sweatshirt some days on this tropical island, and other days the only one forced into a swimsuit? Some characters staying in cowboy boots even to swim?? be so for real. Idk it was a quick read and I did like the main couple & am a sucker for childhood "rivals" to lovers, but the rapid timeline made their connection less realistic. I'm giving this 3 stars for now but it might change the more I sit with this

WNBA sapphic romance of my dreams!! This was such a fun read and such a beautiful love letter to the sport & its league - the author's personal investment is clear. The chemistry was strong throughout and the fast pace suited the writing well. I'm already recommending this left and right and am sooo glad this had such strong tension AND plot. My criticisms: The MC was in my opinion too perfect; she always had well-thought out responses, even in crisis. She was embarrassed once and that was the only "mistake" she made- it was hard to connect to a character this unrealistically perfect. Also, the love interest was cocky and hot and that's GREAT but I needed slightly more emotional development. Anyways this was so fun to be consumed by for a few days and now I'm extra interested in reading more from the 831 series!!