The lovely Ann Aguirre, NYT bestselling author of The Razorland Trilogy and MORTAL DANGER, is releasing a new contemporary romance. I was lucky enough to win an Advanced Reader Copy from her on Twitter! Yay for authors interacting with their fans online! I was such a fan of MORTAL DANGER, I just had to get my hands on her newest book.

In a tiny town in the middle of nowhere, Sage is trying to put together a perfect life. She’s a good student, volunteers, helps her aunt constantly, and tries to brighten everyone’s day. Specifically, she leaves bright post-it notes on one student’s locker each day. You have a nice smile, or You tell the best stories are just the type of notes that people in her school find motivational – or ridiculous. That is, after all, why everyone calls her Princess. Little-Miss-Perfect-Sage tries to be everyone’s friend.

And if Sage keeps it up, no one will look too deeply into her past, or see the turmoil that’s bubbling right beneath her squeaky-clean surface. Everything has to be perfect, or who knows what will happen to her. Her carefully constructed life just might crumble right before her eyes.

Then Shane appears in her Geometry class, all long hair and bright blue eyes, and Sage is hooked. She’s recently gone through a fake/real breakup with her best friend, and Shane seems like the perfect antidote. Not only is he incredibly hot, but he’s musically gifted and smart. But Shane has secrets too, and if they get out, he may have to leave their tiny town forever. This is his last chance at a normal life.

So when they get together, everything seems perfect. Until Sage’s secrets boil over, threatening to ruin both her and Shane’s lives. Will her horrible past ruin their chances together forever?

THE QUEEN OF BRIGHT AND SHINY THINGS is an excellent choice for fans of contemporary romance, including THE FAULT IN OUR STARS. As always, Aguirre is a masterful storyteller who captures Sage’s voice in a captivating narrative. And what a great gift idea for the romance-addict in your life!