2025 is kicking off with some really fun book releases, which is giving me high expectations for the pages we’ll be turning throughout the year.

When I saw Natalie C. Parker pop up on Colored Pages Tours’ list, I had to say yes since I’ve heard about her from like 20 different authors. I’m so glad that they were correct on multiple levels. Natalie is kicking off 2025 with The Assassin’s Guide to Babysitting [Buy Bookshop Amazon LibroFM] and it’s so much fun!

Our main character is Tru, and she’s been through it before the story even starts. Her parents were both murdered and she’s presumed dead as well. She’s been in hiding for years with a man her mom told her to go to, and he just so happens to be a notorious assassin. Logan killed ‘talented’ people, aka people with superpowers, who stepped out of line. But he gave that up to raise Tru and keep her safe.

After a bit of convincing, Logan lets Tru go with her best friend on a babysitting gig, but things go sideways when someone tries to take the baby. Tru and her friends end up on the run with a baby, learning more about the superpowered world they’re a part of and trying to keep some major secrets.

This is such a fun book. Once things get going, it’s high energy and tension all the way through. It’s a fun blend of superhero universe with reality, which I especially love because this is set in Kansas City and I know a lot of the landmarks mentioned. Even the little Western Auto sign on the cover made me smile. This also has a lot of heart, as Tru navigates several losses, friendships in spite of secrets, and a crush on her best friend’s sister.

Natalie told me that there is a book two coming and I cannot wait to see what adventures away Tru and the gang next in the caves of KC. Look for The Assassin’s Guide to Dating in 2026.

102: ROWANA MILLER: Secret societies, teen thrillers, and why kids make interesting writers – LiteraryHype Podcast

Send us a textThis week on LiteraryHype Podcast, we have a whole bunch of firsts! This is Rowana Miller's first interview! We're talking about her debut novel, Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls, which is being compared to Mona Awad's Bunny, but for teens. It's also Rowana's first time at New York Comic Con, so join us for some fun.FOLLOW ROWANABUY THE BOOKBookshopAmazonLibroFMSupport the showSupport the podcast by shopping:EtsyMy Bookshop.org listsLibroFM audiobooksTry Audible Plus Gift Audible Membership Glocusent LED Neck Reading LightTry Shameless Snacks10% Off at Once Upon a Bookclub10% off Goli VitaminsTWO FREE AUDIOBOOKS with new LibroFM Membership: Kindle Unlimited FREE FOR THREE MONTHS!Prime Television FREE TRIALJoin the fun!WebsiteInstagramTiktok…

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