Waiting on Wednesday (65)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases we can not wait to read! This meme is the perfect way to add books to your TBR list. Along with upcoming releases, I sometimes include books that I have not had the chance to read or buy even if they have already come out. 

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This Is Where It Ends
by Marieke Nijkamp

Release Date: January 5, 2016

From B&N:

10:00 a.m.

The principal of Opportunity, Alabama's high school finishes her speech, welcoming the entire student body to a new semester and encouraging them to excel and achieve.

10:02 a.m.

The students get up to leave the auditorium for their next class.

10:03

The auditorium doors won't open.

10:05

Someone starts shooting.

Told from four perspectives over the span of 54 harrowing minutes, terror reigns as one student's calculated revenge turns into the ultimate game of survival.

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I was ecstatic when I got approved for a Netgalley a few months ago, but haven't had the chance to read this yet--sounds fantastic and I can't wait. 

Review (76): Played by Liz Fichera

Played 

by Liz Fichera

Series: Hooked, #2

Other Reviewed Titles: Hooked 
Release Date: May 27, 2014

Publisher: Harlequin

Pages: 352

Format: Paperback

Source: Library

Author Website

My Thoughts: 

An unlikely friendship blossoms between Sam Tracy and Riley Berenger when Riley accidentally slips off the side of a mountain and Sam goes after her. The duo spend the night in a rainstorm, wrapped in each others arms to fend off the cold. Sure they are close to death, the two share their deepest, darkest secrets and, once rescued, Riley vows to help Sam win over the love of his life. Sam wants little to do with Riley and her persistent attention; he prefers to spend his time with his friends from the Rez and away from the rich suburban princess and her obnoxious older brother, Ryan. However, Riley has no intention of backing off until she has repaid Sam for saving her life. 

This was a cute follow up to Hooked--the first book in the series and the story of how Riley's older brother Ryan fell in love with a girl named Fred. I really enjoyed Hooked and therefore was excited about this one as well. However, I read it such a long time ago that I couldn't remember either Riley or Sam's part in the first story. It was great getting to know them again while also having the characters from the first book make an appearance. 

I thought the dynamic between Riley and Sam was pretty funny. Sam is so surly and standoffish, yet it does not seem to faze Riley (who he refers to as Pink Girl a few times) one bit. She literally follows him home one day after school so she can check out his wardrobe and make sure he has the appropriate attire to attract the girl of his dreams. Despite all his protests, he can’t seem to tell her no and goes along with all her crazy schemes. They could not be more different but it works completely.  Both were pretty oblivious about their feelings toward one another and it was a little frustrating how long it took them to finally admit that they actually liked one another.

My favorite part about this series though is the diversity of the characters. Both Fred (from Hooked) and Sam are Native Americans who live on the nearby reservation. We actually get an in-depth look into what life on the Rez is like and I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read another YA book with characters that have this type of background. Representation is so important and I’m glad to see YA books that don’t shy away from that. 

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Waiting on Wednesday (64)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases we can not wait to read! This meme is the perfect way to add books to your TBR list. Along with upcoming releases, I sometimes include books that I have not had the chance to read or buy even if they have already come out. 

_______________________________________________________________________

Thicker Than Water
by Kelly Fiore

Release Date: January 5, 2016

From B&N:

Perfect for fans of Ellen Hopkins—a heartbreaking tale of family tragedy and drug addiction where sometimes the best intentions lead to the worst possible outcomes.

Cecelia Price killed her brother. At least, that's what the police and the district attorney are saying. Although CeCe is now locked up and forced into treatment, she knows the story is much more complicated. Cyrus wasn't always a drug-addled monster. He used to be a successful athlete, but when an injury forced Cyrus off the soccer field and onto pain medication, his life became a blur of anger, addiction, and violence.

All CeCe could do was stand by and watch, until she realized an effective way to take away her brother's drugs while earning the money she needed for college: selling the pills. Only she never expected what happened next.

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Review (75): Rules of Seduction by Jenna Mullins

Rules of Seduction

by Jenna Mullins

Release Date: April 21, 2015

Publisher: The Studio

Format: eBook

Source: Netgalley

My Thoughts: 

Dani Young has just graduated college and is ready to start her screenwriting/directing career in Los Angeles. Her very first day in the City of Angels doesn't go as planned, but she reunites with her childhood best friend, Elise, who snags Dani a job on the set of Vamp Camp--a popular teen show where Elise's boyfriend (Tate Lawrence) just happens to be the star. Burned from a past relationship, Elise asks Dani to seduce Tate because she wants to be sure that he's a loyal boyfriend even when she's not around. Dani sees no harm in helping a friend out seeing as she has no intention of ever falling for a shallow and egotistical celebrity. However, Tate surprises her and she has no idea how to derail their growing friendship. 

This is written as a flashback--the main character, Dani, is getting her hair and makeup done and begins telling the story of how disastrous her first few months in LA turned out. We don't find out what she's getting ready for or who exactly she's talking to until the very end when everything is wrapped up. I thought this was a unique spin that added depth to the story. 

Overall though, I wasn't impressed. I felt like the dialogue was unrealistic and I didn't particularly like any of the characters except maybe Tate (who was a sweet, animal lover) and Dani's roommate, Brit (who was the most eccentric of the bunch and who was Dani’s only true friend in my opinion). Dani was a bit too snobbish for my taste and Elise was self-absorbed and annoyed me to no end. I thought that the drama between her and Dani ended a little too perfectly and conveniently to be believable. I also didn’t think that Dani and Tate had the best chemistry, but I did enjoy watching their friendship grow.

Even though this wasn’t one of my favorites, it is a quick, fun read and I think it might still be worth picking up if you like lighthearted new adult romances. 

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* Thank you to the author and publisher for an eARC in return for my honest review *

Waiting on Wednesday (63)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases we can not wait to read! This meme is the perfect way to add books to your TBR list. Along with upcoming releases, I sometimes include books that I have not had the chance to read or buy even if they have already come out. 

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What's Broken Between Us
by Alexis Bass

Release Date: December 29, 2015

From B&N:

From Alexis Bass, author of Love and Other Theories, comes her heartbreakingly beautiful second novel, perfect for fans of Gayle Forman and of Robyn Schneider’s The Beginning of Everything.

A year and a half ago, Amanda Tart’s brother got behind the wheel drunk, killed his best friend, and paralyzed his girlfriend. Today, he’s coming home from prison.

Amanda’s been the one living with the fallout, made worse by her brother’s recent unapologetic TV interview. People think he’s a monster. Still, she loves him. It’s her dark secret, until she starts getting close to Henry again—whose sister is paralyzed from the accident.

A year and a half ago, her brother destroyed his life. Now Amanda has to decide if she’ll let his choice destroy hers.

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This sounds heartbreaking.

Review (74): Ten Things Sloane Hates About Tru by Tera Lynn Childs

Ten Things Sloane Hates About Tru

by Tera Lynn Childs

Series: Creative HeArts, #1

Other Entangled Reviews: 

Daisy and the Front Man,  

Anya and the Shy Guy,
Finding Perfect

Release Date: September 14, 2015

Publisher: Entangled Teen: Crush

Pages: 199

Format: eBook

Source: Netgalley

Author Website

My Thoughts: 

After getting herself into quite a bit of trouble, Sloane’s parents decide she needs a change of scenery and to distance herself from the bad influences in her life--i.e. all of her New York City friends. The plan they come up with involves Sloane and her mom moving to Texas for the year while her brother and father stay behind in the Big Apple. To say she’s less than thrilled is an understatement, but she’s prepared to be on her best behavior if it means getting herself home early. The problem is that the troublemaker next door won’t seem to leave her alone. She promised her mom she’d stay away, but there’s just something about Tru that makes her almost forget how much she hates Texas. 

This was a quick, cute read. I really liked both Sloane and Tru. Sloane is outspoken and witty. She seems to be the black sheep of the family--the others don't completely understand her artistic side. I thought it was super cool that she had a secret online comic strip and was sort of jealous at the same time because I've always wanted that kind of artistic ability. 

Tru also has his fair share of family drama--more so than Sloane is some ways. But despite all that, he is very charming and was just a very likable goofball. I can definitely see why it was so hard for Sloane to resist him, and am glad that she didn't let other peoples prejudices about him decide their friendship.

I did think that the conflict in the plot was a little juvenile and unrealistic (I know this probably sounds vague until you actually read what happens, but obviously I'm not going to spoil it). I just honestly doubt something like this would happen in real life without someone taking notice early on. But overall I did enjoy the book and am glad it is part of a series; I'm excited to see what happens next with these two because they were both such great characters!

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* Thank you to the author and publisher for an eARC in return for my honest review *

Waiting on Wednesday (62)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases we can not wait to read! This meme is the perfect way to add books to your TBR list. Along with upcoming releases, I sometimes include books that I have not had the chance to read or buy even if they have already come out. 

_______________________________________________________________________

This Raging Light
by Estelle Laure

Release Date: December 22, 2015

From B&N:

Can the best thing happen at the worst time? 

Her dad went crazy. Her mom left town. She has bills to pay and a little sister to look after. Now is not the time for level-headed seventeen-year-old Lucille to fall in love. But love—messy, inconvenient love—is what she’s about to experience when she falls for Digby Jones, her best friend’s brother. With blazing longing that builds to a fever pitch, Estelle Laure’s soulful debut will keep readers hooked and hoping until the very last page.

| Goodreads | Barnes & Noble | Amazon |

I got a Netgalley of this so hopefully it's as interesting as it sounds.

Review (73): Finding Perfect by Kendra C. Highley

Finding Perfect

by Kendra C. Highley

Other Entangled Reviews: 

Daisy and the Front Man, 

Anya and the Shy Guy

Release Date: September 14, 2015

Publisher: Entangled Teen: Crush

Pages: 199

Format: eBook

Source: Netgalley

Author Website

My Thoughts: 

“Perfect Paige” has her life all planned out; graduate high school as one of the top 5 in her class, attend Stanford University, and go on to medical school so she can take over the family practice. However, after getting a D on her latest calculus test she has to figure out how to pass this ridiculous class or risk the chance of her plans—and her parents’ expectations—going up in flames. Enter Ben Franklin: the sweet, smart boy from the wrong side of town. He agrees to tutor Paige if only she helps turn him into the kind of guy her best friend, and most popular girl in school, will consider dating. Paige hesitates, but can’t argue that this is the perfect plan…until she realizes that she wishes Ben was working this hard for her attention instead of Zoey’s. 

First of all, how freakin’ adorable is that cover? I mean seriously so cute. Just like this story. I thought it was going to be the typical cliche love triangle, but it turned out to be so much more--honestly the perfect contemporary romance. Ben has had a crush on Zoey for as long as he can remember. Unfortunately for him--and every other guy at their high school--he just isn't someone she'd ever notice on her own which is why he enlists Paige's help. As expected the two fall for each other the more time they spend together because they just make so much more sense. 

The twist though came with Zoey. She turned out to be a lot less like your typical self-absorbed queen bee than I had initially expected. Her and Paige could not have been more different; Zoey is completely laid back while Paige is anything but. Yet their differences work well together and Zoey is actually an amazing friend to Paige. Paige is a bit too nice—she can’t seem to say no to anyone—but she grows so, so much throughout the story. Ben is ridiculously hardworking and so incredibly sweet. He pushes Paige to finally be honest about all the pressure she's been feeling towards her future and gives her the strength to come clean to her parents--especially her dad. He helps her discover that perfection is overrated and that nothing but her happiness is important at the end of the day. I usually have a favorite character but I genuinely liked all of them which made this that much more of an enjoyable read.

The ending left room for a sequel and I really hope that is the case because I am definitely going to be reading anything else written by Highley if she continues writing such great characters and I'm definitely interested in seeing how Zoey's story continues!

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* Thank you to the author and publisher for an eARC in return for my honest review *

Another amazing giveaway from Urban Epics

Hi guys! I just wanted to share another amazing giveaway being held over at UrbanEpics.com. It is for 10 more signed books by best selling authors (pictured below). 

Just look at all those beauties! Let me know if you enter.

Click HERE to enter!

Feature & Follow Friday (45) / Friday 56 (14)

Feature & Follow Friday is a meme hosted by Parajunkiee's View & Alison Can Read. Check out their blogs and the two Featured Bloggers of the week! This is great for finding amazing new blogs to follow and for gaining followers yourself!

This weeks question is: 

What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

I answered: 
Old Fashioned Butter Pecan, MMMM!

Follow

What about you? Leave your answer to this weeks question in the comments below.

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The Friday 56 is a meme hosted by Freda's Voice. Basically you flip to page 56 (or 56% in your eReader) of any book and post a sentence or two (more if you want) from that page without being too spoiler-y. This gives us a glimpse into what you are reading or have read, and may even prompt us to add your book to our TBR piles!

My teaser:

I thought back to the nasty words and I hoped Mary and Alicia and Sierra never read them, either. I imagined what it would be like for one of them to stumble across that post about being "bussed in," and I felt queasy all over again. I knew what it was like to be new, and something like that--well, that would make you want to crawl into a hole and nev
er come back to school.

Excerpt From: Elisa Ludwig. “Pretty Crooked.”

Guest Post: A YA Author’s Guide to Holiday Gift Giving by Sharon Huss Roat

Title: Between the Notes

Author: Sharon Huss Roat
Release Date: June 16, 2015
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages: 382

When Ivy Emerson’s family loses their house—complete with her beloved piano—the fear of what’s to come seizes her like a bad case of stage fright. Only this isn’t one of her single, terrifying performances. It’s her life.

And it isn’t pretty.

Ivy is forced to move with her family out of their affluent neighborhood to Lakeside, also known as “the wrong side of the tracks.” Hiding the truth from her friends—and the cute new guy in school, who may have secrets of his own—seems like a good idea at first. But when a bad boy next door threatens to ruin everything, Ivy’s carefully crafted lies begin to unravel . . . and there is no way to stop them.

As things get to the breaking point, Ivy turns to her music, some unlikely new friends, and the trusting heart of her disabled little brother. She may be surprised that not everyone is who she thought they were . . . including herself.

Debut author Sharon Huss Roat crafts a charming and timely story of what happens when life as you know it flips completely upside down.

| Goodreads | Barnes & Noble | Amazon | HarperCollins | Books-a-Million | IndieBound |

A YA Author’s Guide to Holiday Gift Giving

by Sharon Huss Roat

Books for everyone this year! (Seriously. Go to one store and find something for every single person on your list. How awesome is that?) To make your shopping easier, I’ve put together a few suggestions:

For teen girls who love to read: BETWEEN THE NOTES by Sharon Huss Roat (ahem, moi.) People are saying it’s “unputdownable” and “stunning” and “the best book you’ll ever read” (okay, I may have made up that last one). My neighbor really liked it, though, and she’s a teenage girl.

For teen boys who love to read: Also BETWEEN THE NOTES! Girls read about boys all the time, yet boys are somehow expected to read only “boy books?” That’s just wrong, folks. Boys need to read about girls, too. And they would if y’all would stop telling them, “That’s a girl book.” I am not the first to say it: There are no boy books or girl books, just books.

For teens who feel misunderstood: You’ll never believe this, but Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) actually suggested BETWEEN THE NOTES for just those readers. They wrote, “Teens who feel misunderstood by their parents or their friends, and feel slighted by the world at large, will find a true champion in Ivy.” What can I say? This is getting embarrassing. 

For anyone who likes music: Did you happen to notice the piano keys in the window on the cover of BETWEEN THE NOTES? In addition to playing the piano, Ivy also makes friends with a badass clarinet player, listens to Swedish death metal with the boy next door, and fights off an ‘80s playlist with Broadway show tunes! What more could a music-loving reader want?

If one book is not enough for the avid readers on your list, please be advised that BETWEEN THE NOTES pairs up nicely with any number of other YA novels. Here are few of my favorite reads of 2015 that would also make amazing gifts:

DENTON LITTLE’S DEATH DATE by Lance Rubin

THE ONE THING by Marci Lyn Curtis

A SENSE OF THE INFINITE by Hilary T. Smith

THE SACRED LIES OF MINNOW BLY by Stephanie Oakes

HONOR GIRL by Maggie Thrash

UNDER A PAINTED SKY by Stacey Lee

A WORK OF ART by Melody Maysonet

Happy holidays!

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About the Author:

Sharon Huss Roat lives in Delaware with her husband and two kids. When not writing books for young adults, you might find her reading (YA of course), planting vegetables in her backyard garden, or sewing costumes for a school musical. BETWEEN THE NOTES is her first novel.

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Waiting on Wednesday (61)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases we can not wait to read! This meme is the perfect way to add books to your TBR list. Along with upcoming releases, I sometimes include books that I have not had the chance to read or buy even if they have already come out. 

_______________________________________________________________________

This Raging Light
by Estelle Laure

Release Date: December 22, 2015

From B&N:
Can the best thing happen at the worst time?

Her dad went crazy. Her mom left town. She has bills to pay and a little sister to look after. Now is not the time for level-headed seventeen-year-old Lucille to fall in love. But love—messy, inconvenient love—is what she’s about to experience when she falls for Digby Jones, her best friend’s brother. With blazing longing that builds to a fever pitch, Estelle Laure’s soulful debut will keep readers hooked and hoping until the very last page.

| Goodreads | Barnes & Noble | Amazon |