The Curse He Chose written by Sr. Allison Regina Gliot

Summary: The Curse He Chose "The Curse He Chose" is a captivating blend of urban fantasy and Christian drama, following the story of Elizabeth, whose world is turned upside down when she discovers an altercation between vampires. Elizabeth was already bummed out because her friends are leaving for college and she has to stay back to work and help her sister keep their household together after their parents died. Elizabeth finds herself on the run with Christopher, a vampire outcast. Together, they navigate a world filled with danger, relying on Elizabeth’s faith and Christopher’s impulsive protection. Their growing bond reveals Christopher's inner struggles, and Elizabeth must find a way to save both of them before it’s too late. This first installment of the In Aeternum trilogy intertwines suspense with themes of sin, grace, and redemption, creating a riveting narrative for readers.

Straight Talk for Librarians: I loved this book! It has a unique combination of vampire lore and elements of Catholic theology. The novel offers an authentic exploration of faith, grappling with complex emotions like anger and regret in the context of a thrilling supernatural adventure. The characters are richly developed, making it easy for readers to become emotionally invested. Both Elizabeth and Christopher have secrets that are weighing them down. They both face danger and have to take a deep look at the choices they make. In a school library, this book could serve as an engaging resource that encourages discussions on faith, morality, and personal growth, while also appealing to fans of fantasy and the paranormal. Its blend of action, spiritual inquiry, and relatable character dilemmas make it a great addition to any young adult collection.  A must for any Catholic high school library. The cover art is gorgeous. There is a useful glossary at the end.  Very Catholic focused that I think fills a void for readers looking for something like this.

The Cuffing Game written by Lyla Lee and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Mia Yoon, a driven freshman at a film school in California, dreams of producing her own reality dating show. Her plans take a twist when she must enlist Noah Cho, a popular senior and social media influencer, as a contestant. Despite their initial animosity, Mia and Noah create "The Cuffing Game," a dating show for straight and queer couples. As Noah participates in romantic dates on the show, Mia grapples with her own crush on him. The dynamic between the two evolves, leading to unexpected personal growth journey and romantic tension. With a diverse cast and an engaging plot, the story explores themes of ambition, identity, and love. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: YA readers will like the vibrant mix of romance, humor, and drama in "The Cuffing Game." The book offers a fresh take on the enemies-to-lovers trope, with relatable characters and a unique reality TV setting. Its inclusivity, featuring diverse gender identities and cultural backgrounds, provides diverse representation in this YA book. The dual perspectives of Mia and Noah allow readers to see both sides as they navigate personal challenges and relationships. With its engaging plot and heartfelt moments, this story is perfect for fans of romantic comedies, Kpop fans and reality TV drama.  This book would fit well on a winter themed book display, it would mostly be for fun reading.  It is possible to make some Korean/Kpop connections.  The characters in this book are college age, so there is some reference to drinking, but no explicit scenes. I think the story encourages readres to consider influencers online personalities vs. their real personalities.  It also gives readers an idea of what a film major's life consists of in terms of classes and projects. It's a fun choice for older high school students.