Book Tour And Review: Chloe Vega And The Agents Of Magic by Leslie Adame

 

Title:  Chloe Vega and The Agents Of Magic 

Author: Leslie Adame

Genre:  YA Fantasy 

Publishing Date:  September 16, 2025

Publisher:  Harper Collins 

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About The Book

"A timely adventure filled with heart, magic, and the power of family." — Claribel A. Ortega, New York Times bestselling author of the Witchlings series

A new Latinx middle grade fantasy debut where a secret magical academy, an evil sorcerer, and a powerful, coveted gem awaits one girl in her quest to reunite her family. Perfect for fans of Claribel A. Ortega and B. B. Alston!

Twelve-year-old Chloe Vega’s biggest fear is that her undocumented parents will be detained by immigration. That is, until she learns that her parents are actually part of a secret magical society…and that the suspicious looking police officers who have been hanging around their block are henchmen for an evil sorcerer determined to settle a decades-old score.

Just when Chloe discovers that she has powers, too, her parents are kidnapped. In order to rescue them, she’ll need to harness her abilities at an elite academy, run by the very agency who exiled her parents from the magical world.

Finding herself in the center of a magical war that might destroy everything she has ever known, Chloe can’t shake the feeling that the Agents of Magic are hiding secrets. With her parents’ lives hanging in the balance, she must uncover who is truly on her side and fast to save her family—and the world itself.

My Thoughts

This was probably the most enjoyable, cutest book ive read in a while. Although some parts mimic real life, This story was an enjoyable experience, and this is coming from someone who is not a fantasy story fan. I absolutely loved Chloe's character, especially her strength, tenacity and her determination. Wonderful job with the story.   

I received a copy of the book via the publisher Harper Collins via NetGalley and an voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions 

About The Author 

Leslie Adame is a first-generation Mexican American and graduate of UCLA with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Film, Television, and Digital Media. She’s always enjoyed giving back and telling stories about characters not often found in books or films. Leslie grew up in the Inland Empire, specifically Ontario, California.

When she’s not writing, you can find Leslie scanning the aisles of your local bookstore, lovingly pestering her family, and catching a flight to explore a new place. She loves watching rom-coms, Disney movies, and trashy reality TV in her spare time, especially while cuddling with her cat.

Blog Tour: Everything She Never knew by Anette Chaves Micas

 

Title:  Everything She Never Knew

Author:  Annette Chavis Macias

Genre:  Women's Fiction 

Publisher:  Montilake Publishing

Publication Date:  September 16, 2025

Rating: 💥💥💥💥💥

About The Book

The author of When We Were Widows turns to life after betrayal in this emotional, heartwarming novel about a woman whose marriage and friendship collapse all at once.

As next-door neighbors and best friends, Claudia and Rachel share everything. But in Claudia’s mind, that means recipes and clothes—not husbands. So it’s a huge shock when Rachel runs off with hers.

If that weren’t enough, her mom shows up at her door with heavy suitcases in tow. She intends to stay until Claudia has pulled through this. But behaving like a typical mother or grandmother isn’t Gloria’s style, and Claudia wonders why she’s really there. She also wonders why she can’t stop thinking about Nick, the husband Rachel jilted for her own, who still lives in the next house over.

It’s all a bit much for Claudia, who, unlike her impulsive mother, has always prized the familiar comforts of stability and routine. Now that those have been snatched away, she’ll have to face her fears and take some risks—for herself and for her daughter.

My Thoughts

Well, Damn.  I was not expecting this story to go that route.  This story was full of dramaz tears and bits of laughter and encouragement.  And with a friend like Rachel and "husband" Like David, who needs enemies.  Both of them need their ssa kicked.  Claudia was a stronger woman then I could ever be.  I flew though this book and read it in one day.  That's how much I enjoyed it.  And the present events mixed with Claudia's diary of past events made me love her character all the more, and I understood her so much more.  She is one of my autobuy authors and not only did i immensely love this story,  I cant wait to see what she comes up with next. 

About The Author

Annette Chavez Macias writes stories about love, family, and following your dreams. She is proud of her Mexican American heritage, culture, and traditions, all of which can be found within the pages of her books. For readers wanting even more love stories and guaranteed happily ever afters, Annette also writes romance novels under the pen name Sabrina Sol. A Southern California native, Annette lives just outside Los Angeles with her husband, three children, and four dogs.

To learn more about Annette and her books, visit www.authorannette.com. Or follow her on Instagram at @authorannette.

Book Tour And Review: Split The Sky by Marie Arnold

 

Title:  Split The Sky

Author:  Marie Arnold

Genre:  YA Fiction 

Publication Date: September 9th, 2025

Publisher:  Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About The Book:

In this haunting story about family, legacy, and sacrifice, a young Black girl living in a Texas sundown town must find the courage to stand up for what’s right even when it means facing impossible choices—perfect for fans of Dear Martin and The Hate U Give.

Fifteen-year-old Lala Russell is doing a bad job at being a Black girl. She has social justice fatigue, and she doesn't want to join the Black Alliance Club at her school (even though she agrees with them). A gifted cellist, she’s focused on leaving her small town and accomplishing her goals and dreams. But Lala has also inherited another gift, her grandmother Sadie's gift of foresight. She has visions of the future—and they always come true.                             
 
In Davey, the Texas sundown town she lives in, there is growing tension, as a Black organization attempts to diversify the nearly all-white part of town. Amidst violent protests, Lala has a vision. In it, a Black teenage boy is shot in the chest by a white homeowner. Now Lala has a mission: find the boy and save him.
 
But Grandma Sadie has a vision too. After the boy's murder, a wave of protests breaks out. And the outrage over the casual and frequent slaying of unarmed Black children will result in unprecedented change. Change that won’t happen if the vision is altered. Lala is faced with an existential question—can she allow herself to sacrifice one life to, in turn, save many? And if so, whose life will she choose?

My Thoughts 

Wow.  I'm still processing what I just read, but this book was nothing short of spectacular.  It was educational, entertaining and at times, heartbreaking.  Although its geared for ya audiences, adults can benefit from the contents of this story.  My favorite thing about this story was LaLa, especially the fact that she plays a strong instrument (both of my brothers did as well, and that is not always common in Black families).  The author wrote her character so well, and I loved how she grew throughout the story.   I also lived how the author tackled some tough topics, including racism and sundown towns. The story is heavy at times, but its well worth the read.   This is one of those books I plan to read again someday.  

About The Author 

Marie Arnold was born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, and came to America at the age of seven. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York alongside her extended family. Marie enjoys creating stories full of adventure and wonder that center on girls of color. When she’s not writing, she’s adding to her insanely long Netflix queue and trying not to order pizza. She lives in Los Angeles, California. She is the author of The Year I Flew Away and I Rise.

Book Links:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210331616

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316582875/

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/split-the-sky-marie-arnold/1146045702

IndieBound: https://bookshop.org/p/books/jump-house-marie-arnold/21323241

Author Links:

Website: https://www.harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/marie-arnold-2022553757860

Twitter: https://x.com/mariearnoldbook

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19671679

Tour Schedule:

https://topplingstackstours.com/2025/08/08/tour-schedule-split-the-sky-by-marie-arnold/

Blog Tour and review: Banned Together

 

Title:  Banned Together 

Author: A Variety

Genre:  YA anthology

Publisher:  Holiday House

Publication Date:  March 4, 2025

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About The Book 

A dazzling YA anthology that spotlights the transformative power of books while equipping teens to fight for the freedom to read, featuring the voices of 15 diverse, award-winning authors and illustrators.

Books are disappearing from shelves across the country. 

What does this mean for authors, illustrators, and—most crucially—for young readers? 

This bold collection of fiction, memoir, poetry, graphic narratives, essays, and other genres explores book bans through various lenses, and empowers teens to fight back. From moving personal accounts to clever comebacks aimed at censorship, fifteen legendary YA authors and illustrators confront the high-stakes question of what is lost when books are kept from teens. 

Contributors include Elana K. Arnold, Nikki Grimes, Ellen Hopkins, Kelly Jensen, Brendan Kiely, Maia Kobabe, Bill Konigsberg, Kyle Lukoff, MariNaomi, Trung Lê Nguy?n, Ashley Hope Pérez, Isabel Quintero, Traci Sorell, Robin Stevenson, and Padma Venkatraman; the collection is a star-studded must-read that packs strength and power into every last word. 

Striking illustrations from Ignatz-nominated artist Debbie Fong pair perfectly with the searing, impactful narrative. Resources include tips from the Vandegrift Banned Book Club and other teen activists, as well as extensive recommended book lists, a How to Start Your Own Little Free Library flier, and more.

My Thoughts.  

Although it's geared for a young audience, alone who supports equality and our freedom to be able to choose what to read should get and read this book.  There are a variety of thoughts,  and not one of them with a bad take.  This is the perfect resource for anyone who is truly fighting for human rights.  And it uses a variety of graphics and essays for anyone and is powerful and educational. 

Book Review: A Sky Full Of Love by Lorna Lewis

 Title:  A Sky Full Of Love

Author:  Lorna Lewis

Genre:  Women's Fiction

Publisher:  Union Lake Station

Publication Date:  June 1, 2025

Rating: 💥💥💥💥💥

About The Book

Following a harrowing disappearance, a woman returns home to her family—and a life-changing secret in a powerful novel about betrayal, resilience, and love’s unbreakable bonds.

After fifteen years in captivity, Nova Lefleur is free, back home, and reunited with her Louisiana family. Through her ordeal, she never forgot them. They never forgot her either. But things have changed since Nova’s been gone.

Nova and her encouraging seventeen-year-old daughter, Skye, are getting to know each other for the first time. Her husband, Quinton, is rebuilding a relationship with a wife he thought was gone forever. And Nova’s sister, Leah, is overjoyed—and overwhelmed.

Leah shares a secret with Quinton neither can bear to tell the woman they cherish. Not yet. Five years ago, bonding over grief and finding a reason to smile again, Quinton and Leah were married. When it’s time for the truth to come out, they could lose Nova all over again.

As Nova is eased back into a life both familiar and unfamiliar, she and her family must confront their deepest fears, the choices they made, and the choices to come that will reshape each of their lives forever.

My Thoughts

After finishing this book, I don't know what the author put in this book, whether it was crack or some other kind of addictive substance, because this story was truly that addictive.  I did not want it to end nor did I want to put it down, although there were times I had no choice but to.  The story was mesmerizing and captivating and took me on a roller coaster ride like no other.  I was a complete emotional wreck.  I have been reading her books since the beginning of her career, and she just keeps getting better and better.  So exicted to see what she comes up with for her next book.

About The Author

Lorna is gifted at turning characters’ dreams into drama and crafting stories rich with emotion while exploring the complexities of real-life situations such as marriage, infidelity, fertility struggles, betrayal, and the power of forgiveness. In addition to being an author, Lorna is also an educator. She believes in using her creativity to inspire and teach others both in the classroom and through her writing. A native of Varnado, Louisiana, a small town much like the ones she loves bringing to life in her stories, Lorna’s southern roots influence the sense of community, culture, and warmth in her work. When she’s not writing her next novel, Lorna enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their two beautiful children, finding joy in family life, and drawing inspiration from her own experiences to enrich her writing.

Blog Tour and Review: Beneath The Sunshine by Smardline S.

 Title:  Beneath the Sunshine

Author:  Smardline S.  

Genre:  Billionaire Romance

Publication Date:  May 27, 2025

Rating: 💥💥💥💥💥

About The Book:

She ran from him once. Now, he’ll do anything to keep her.

Beautiful. Bold. Guarded.

Rylee Queen del Sol has spent years keeping her heart locked away, convinced love isn’t meant for her. But when she takes a dream job in Paris, she never expects her new French billionaire boss to be the man she ghosted a year ago-the only man who ever made her want more.

Charming. Rich. Possessive

Lucien Kingley has everything: wealth, power, control. Everything except her. So when the opportunity to bring her back into his life presents itself, he takes it. Hiring her as his new marketing director.

Lucien needs a wife to secure his CEO position before his 30th birthday. Rylee needs a way to gain custody of her sister.

A marriage of convenience is the perfect solution... until the lines between business and desire start to blur. The longer they pretend, the more real it becomes.

But when Lucien’s secrets come to light, Rylee is ready to walk away.

Now, he has to convince her to stay.

Because the only thing more important than his CEO role... is her.

My Thoughts

This is my second book from this author, and I am enjoying her stories more and more with each one.  Lucien and Rylee were perfect for each other. It has become one of my favorite billionaire stories.  And the chemistry they had for each other made me so happy and giddy.  And the supporting characters added so much to the story. Riley's strength made her one of my favorite FMC's.   I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the author's next story.  

About The Author:

Smardline is a passionate Black author with a passion for reading for as long as she can remember. She writes heartfelt stories with a touch of magic (because what’s life without a bit of wonder?), and she's planning to explore the fantasy genre soon. Nature holds a special place in her heart—especially waterfalls. Her dream? A cozy home in the countryside, ideally with a waterfall view, but she’d settle for a small river in the background. Add a garden, a few goats, and chickens, and she’d be living her best life.

Blog Tour and review: Out Of Step Into You by Ciera Burch

 Title:  Out Of Step Into You

Author:  Ciera Burch

Genre:  YA Sapphic 

Publisher:  Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Publication Date:  May 20, 2021

Rating: 💥💥💥💥

About The Book

You can’t outrun love.

Taylor and Marianna were each other’s whole world – best friends, running partners, practically sisters – until Marianna moved away and Taylor promptly ghosted her. When the former best friends turned rivals end up on the same cross-country team three years later, everything is a competition… and a reminder of old feelings, as well as blossoming new ones.

Marianna runs because she’s angry.The oldest child of a single mother, she knows all about responsibility – for her siblings, at her part-time job. She just has to stay focused and be faster than the past nipping at her heels if she wants to secure a new, brighter future. With or without Taylor.

Taylor runs to prove herself. The only child of a Divison 1 athlete, she’s no stranger to high expectations. With enough effort, she knows she can immortalize herself with a state record and make her parents proud. Then, she can discover her own passion. She definitely doesn’t have time to untangle her feelings towards Mari.

Can this pair figure out a way to work together before their past catches up with them?

My Thoughts

This was such an endering and emotional story.   The characters were authentic and i appreciated reading how they handled life's circumstances as well as the transition from enemies/rivals to lovers.  The Author did a great job with showing emotions from both characters.  I will be looking for more books from the author in the future.

Blog tour and review: Flying In Colors by Padma Prasad Reddeppa

 

Title:  Flying in Colors

Author: Padma Prasad Reddeppa

Genre: Middle School

Publisher: Lee and Low

Publication Date:  May 6, 2025

Rating:  💥💥💥💥

About The Book

Aunties tell nine-year-old Pavi that she's asking too many "big women" questions, but she's tired of grown-up secrets. How are babies born? And why do people die? A beautiful debut about family, tradition, and the healing that comes from finding the answers.

It's 1975, Tamil Nadu, South India, and nine-year-old Pavi is living a carefree life with her large intergenerational family. Everyday is an adventure. Why not steal 233 mangoes from the neighbor's tree? Or make up grand stories that take her to Jupiter? If only there wasn't a sadness lingering over the family. You see, her uncle Selva died just five months after she was born.

Pavi may have been just a baby when Selva died, but she feels close to him, as if he's watching over her, helping her when she needs it. But she has so many questions about Selva's death. And why does anyone die when they do?

The grown-ups in Pavi's life are hiding something. They dismiss her questions. For instance, when Pavi and her cousins ask about babies, all anyone says is "Little women are asking big women questions." And when she asks about Selva, there are no answers either. Why is talking about life and death so hard? Pavi is tired of grown-up secrets!

But what if those answers can hurt, or bad things happen? Can prayers and traditions really protect those we love? Pavi is determined to find out.

My Thoughts 

This was such an emotional and adorable read. TBH, This was me at 9, always asking questions then being told to stop talking or being "grown folks business". I do wish parents did better with those of us that happen to be inquisitive (or nosey, as some of the elders would say). I loved her character and some of the antics that she found herself involved in. Perfect read for those who have Littles in their lives

Blog Tour and Review: It's you every time by Charlene Thomas

 

Title:  Its You Every Time

Author:  Charlene Thomas

Genre:  YA Romance

Publisher:  Scholastic Press 

• Publication date: May 6, 2025
• 
  
• Rating:  💥💥💥💥

About The Book

A story about self-discovery, grief, and destiny that begs the question: How do you keep going when your world has stopped spinning?

When Sydney Michaels stops for breakfast in order to put off scholastic ruin a little longer, she never expected to-quite literally-bump into cute-boy stranger, Marcus Burke.

When Marcus invites her to have breakfast with him instead of going to class, she can't ignore the urge to get to know him better-or the fact that this charming new acquaintance seems just as interested in her.

After a magical day together in their hometown of New York City, Sydney is finally willing to believe that maybe-just maybe-after years of loss and heartache, she's finally reached the good part.

But when it comes time to say goodbye, as they linger in a crosswalk, something happens. An accident? Sydney isn't sure-all she knows is that, after screeching tires, blinding headlights, and a moment of searing pain, she opens her eyes and is back in her bed. On September 24-the morning of her big exam-again

My Thoughts 

This was a cute story with Groundhog Days vibes (The Movie).  It was fast paced and such an enjoyable read.  I loved the short chapters.  There are also themes of grief as well as lessons and social themes throughout the book.  And I enjoyed the dual POV..  I think my favorite part was their visit to one of my favorite cities.  The author showed the beauty of it that those of us that live there or near by see often.  And some parts brought straight tears to my eyes, with what they both had to endure.  Especially Marcus.  But the way the author handled their individual grief situations was nothing short of emotional.   I will be looking for future stories from this author 

About The Author

Charlene Thomas started writing when she was a little girl because she has a tendency to love telling stories just as much as she loves living them. She was sixteen when she wrote a manuscript that won the National Novel Silver Award from Scholastic Books, and went on to minor in creative writing at North Carolina State University. She writes books about the world we live in, inspired by her experiences growing up in Montgomery County, MD. She believes a lot in people and what all of us are capable of, and maybe that’s why she loves creating big characters who are steadfastly determined to change their own little parts of the world.

When Charlene isn't writing, she's also a marketer. She earned her MBA from Emory University, a Certificate in Digital Marketing from Cornell University, and a Certificate in Teaching Creative Writing from The University of Cambridge.

Blog Tour And Review: 52 Weeks, A Party Of One by Bianca Pensy Aba

 

Title:  52 Weeks A Party Of One

Author:  Bianca Pensy Aba

Genre: 

Publisher:  Bianca Pensy ABA

Publication Date:  April 23, 2025

Rating: 💣💣💣

About The Book

Aisha isn’t known to hold her tongue, but that’s until she finds out her boyfriend and her best friend are having an affair on New Year’s Eve. This sends her packing. She leaves Denver and moves to Dallas to have the time and space to process the betrayal.

Spending time alone also spotlights other issues she has been trying to conceal: her broken relationship with her mother, her growing apart from her brother, and the impact of her late absentee father on her life.

Aisha is overwhelmed by everything, so instead of using her time away to “do the work,” she spends weeks putting it off and indulging in every possible distraction—until she hits a wall.

Aisha will have to either confront the ghosts from her past before the year ends or continue to pretend they aren’t there and let them haunt her until the very end.

My Thoughts

NGL, the start of the book, had me excited to read the book, but after the first couple of chapters, I struggled with the story.   Although everyone's journey to helimg is different, the FMC didn't really take any step to actually start healing, in my opinion.  It did seem to become more enjoyable at the halfway mark.  I normally don't have a problem with slower paced stories, but this one felt much more slower and parts seemed to drag.  And Aisha's character frustrated me through the story.  But my feelings could be because I've been in and out of slumps recently.  I would still read future books from this author.

About The Author

BIANCA PENSY ABA was born on May 27, 1993, in Yaoundé, Cameroon. She lived in her native country until she turned eighteen. She graduated from Graceland University in 2017. She was a college athlete who played sports most of her life. Her second love was basketball. Her first was writing. She is the author of ACROSS BOTH SIDES OF THE MIRROR and 52 WEEKS A PARTY OF ONE. She lives in Allen, Texas, where she enjoys picnicking, reading, hiking, watching terrible dating shows, sipping a glass of wine on her balcony, and doing whatever else she is in the mood for

Blog Tour and Review: Pritty and Togetha by Keith F. Miller

 Title:  Pritty

Author:  Keith F. Miller

Genre:  LGBQIA+ YA

Publisher:  Harper Teen

Publication Date:  November 14, 2023

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About the Book

On the verge of summer before his senior year, Jay is a soft soul in a world of concrete. While his older brother is everything people expect a man to be—tough, athletic, and in charge—Jay simply blends into the background to everyone, except when it comes to Leroy.

Unsure of what he could have possibly done to catch the eye of the boy who could easily have anyone he wants, Jay isn’t about to ignore the surprising but welcome attention. But as everything in his world begins to heat up, especially with Leroy, whispered rumors over the murder of a young Black journalist and long-brewing territory tensions hang like a dark cloud over his neighborhood. And when Jay and Leroy find themselves caught in the crossfire, Leroy isn’t willing to be the reason Jay’s life is at risk.

Dragged into the world of the Black Diamonds—whose work to protect the Black neighborhoods of Savannah began with his father and now falls to his older brother—Leroy knows that finding out who attacked his brother is not only the key to protecting everyone he loves but also the only way he can ever be with Jay. Wading through a murky history of family trauma and regret, Leroy soon discovers that there’s no keeping Jay safe when Jay’s own family is in just as deep and fighting the undertow of danger just as hard.

Now Jay and Leroy must puzzle through secrets hiding in plain sight and scramble to uncover who is determined to eliminate the Black Diamonds before someone else gets hurt—even if the cost might be their own electric connection.

My Thoughts:  

This book was Poignant, heartbreaking and lyrical. If you’re looking for an emotional read, this one needs to be on your radar. I could not get enough of this story and it took me on an emotionally roller coaster ride from beginning to end. I could not put this book down. This is one of those books that needs more attention than it’s gotten. In the midst of heartbreak and tears, there is joy and healing. It is such a beautiful story and I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next.

Title:  Togetha

Author:  Keith F. Miller

Genre: LGBQIA+ YA

Publisher: Harper YA

Publication Date:  January 7, 2025

Rating: 💥💥💥💥💥

About The Book:

After finally reuniting, Jay and Leroy have never been in more danger. Caught in the crosshairs of the affluent Bainbridge family, who they’ve learned is determined to reshape Savannah in their own image, the duo has only just survived a series of near-death experiences before reaching the safety of the Black Diamonds. But the BDs’ ability to protect the Black neighborhoods of their city is slipping….

Missing the key piece of evidence that could have broken the Bainbridges’ hold over Savannah, everyone is scrambling for options. But when one of their own is kidnapped, Jay and Leroy realize they can’t rely on anyone but themselves to save them. Recruiting old friends, former enemies, and their most risky ally, Jay’s once-upon-a-time crush, Will, they set out to do the impossible: find the evidence they lost in order to finally expose the Bainbridges’ corruption to the world, by any means necessary.

But even as their plans bring them closer to revealing the Bainbridges’ treacherous endgame, Jay and Leroy’s own secrets from each other threaten to pull their love apart, just as old feelings between Jay and Will begin to blossom again. And as the battle for a brighter future boils over into the streets, to save their homes—and everyone they love—Jay, Leroy, and Will must decide: When the cost of justice might be each of their happiness, will they be able to make the sacrifice togetha? 

My Thoughts:

With returning characters from Pritty as well as some added new characters, Togetha gives us a conclusion like no other, and has the same emotional roller coaster ride of Pritty.  It had so many lessons throughout both stories, I might have to do a re read one of these days.  Without giving away too much, these were some of the most enjoyable Queer Books I've read this year, and I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.  They are now officially on my autobuy list.

About the Author

Keith F. Miller Jr. is an award-winning educator, artist, and researcher who studies healing literacies and their role in supporting BIPOC communities in healing, growing, and thriving through trauma. He is the founder of Healing By Any Means, LLC, which powers people, projects, and healing-centered research in service of systems and narrative change through the arts. He is an executive producer of Pritty: The Animation and an MFA degree candidate in creative writing at St. Francis College in New York City.