New Releases: 6/30/13-7/6/13
July 2:
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
A Trick of the Light by Lois Metzger
A Trick of the LightBy: Lois Metzger
Released: June 18, 2013
Source: Publicist
Purchase the Book: Amazon
*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
"Mike Welles had everything under control. But that was before. Now things are rough at home, and they’re getting confusing at school. He’s losing his sense of direction, and he feels like he’s a mess. Then there’s a voice in his head. A friend, who’s trying to help him get control again. More than that—the voice can guide him to become faster and stronger than he was before, to rid his life of everything that’s holding him back. To figure out who he is again. If only Mike will listen." (Summary from goodreads.com)
A Trick of the Light was a different read for me and actually took me a few days to really form my opinions on this book.
This is the story of Mike who is struggling in several different aspects of his life, including his self-esteem. He eventually develops an eating disorder and the voice inside his head takes control.
This was a really quick read and I finished this book in one sitting. It was the first time that I've found a young adult book that deals with the topic of anorexia in boys. Eating disorders are a topic that I'm very familiar with and I believe it's a topic that should be discussed more because eating disorders don't only affect girls.
However, what took me a while to get used to with this book was the writing style and the narration. The narrator is anorexia and the writing style is similar to a play. It was a bit difficult to really get into this story at first, but as it progressed, I really appreciated the approach Metzger took to tell this story. It's freaky, but at the same time it really emphasizes how that little voice inside your head can impact your life. I also think that Metzger does a fantastic job handling a topic like anorexia and showing others just how it feels to be struggling with an eating disorder.
Overall I really enjoyed A Trick of the Light. It took me a couple of days to really wrap my mind around this story, but the more I think back on it, the more I realize how much this story has stuck with me.
My Rating:
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Waiting on Wednesday #107: Champion
Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.
By: Marie Lu
Release Date: November 5, 2013
"He is a Legend. She is a Prodigy. Who will be Champion? June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps Elect while Day has been assigned a high level military position. But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them once again. Just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything he has. With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion." (Summary from goodreads.com)
I can't wait for Champion! I love this series and I'm so excited to read what will happen in the end!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Fraction of Stone by Kelley Lynn
By: Kelley Lynn
Released: March 21, 2013
Source: Author
Purchase the Book: Amazon
*A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
"Wind tunnels, torrential rains and earthquakes tear apart Casden. The cause of the world’s imbalance is unknown, but the mounting occurrences suggest there’s little time before life ceases to exist. Rydan Gale and Akara Nazreth are the only humans with the ability to wield magic. The tattoo on their necks and the discovery of an ancient book, dictate they are the key to the world’s survival. But the greatest obstacle for saving mankind isn’t the bizarre creatures, extreme betrayals and magic-fearing men hunting them. It’s that Akara doesn’t believe the world is worth saving" (Summary from goodreads.com)
I really enjoyed Fraction of Stone. This story was definitely a refreshing read for me and I just loved the characters and setting.
Akara and Rydan both have the ability to do magic. They have both been living opposite lives, but find themselves trying to save the world together and find the Gia Stone. I just loved getting to know these characters because they were both so different. I quickly became attached to them. I especially liked learning more about Akara because she has lived such a difficult life. I also found that both of these characters, and their relationship, were developed very well through the course of the story.
The plot was exciting for the most part and the first few chapters immediately captured my attention. However, it did drag at some moments for me too, especially in the middle. Therefore, I found myself taking some extra time to read this one. My favorite aspect of this book was definitely the world that Lynn created though. It was just so fascinating and I really enjoyed travelling along with these characters. I loved learning all about the setting and the history.
Overall, I really enjoyed Fraction of Stone. Lynn has definitely left me curious about what will happen to these characters next.
My Rating:
Monday, June 24, 2013
Roman Holiday by Ashleyn Poston
Roman HolidayBy: Ashleyn Poston
Released: June 2013
Source: Author
*Note: This is a New Adult novel
*A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
"Eighteen-year-old Junie Baltimore is glad the band Roman Holiday is dead, done, so last year. She can finally take their wannabe rock songs off the jukebox in her late father's bar and introduce her simple-minded peers to real rock and roll. It's the perfect plan―until the bar falls into foreclosure. While on vacation with her mother and new step-father, she accidentally crosses paths with the estranged lead singer, Roman Montgomery, and finds herself oddly attracted to his quirky humor and guarded ivy eyes. He isn't half-bad, really. In fact, he likes rock and roll, too. The real kind. And he has a killer arm tat. Roman is in town to attend the one-year anniversary of his band mate’s death, and the reason the band disbanded. Rumor has it, he killed her, but the longer the week stretches on, the less Junie believes the rumor. The truth is buried somewhere under his guarded, sad eyes, but before she can find out she is thrust into the media spotlight. Now, a paparazzo hellbent on destroying Roman’s career forever offers Junie the chance to save her late father’s bar from foreclosure. All she has to do is lie, and damn Roman Montgomery to his rightful place… but the truth, if she can find it, will set Roman free. Who is she kidding? That's an easy choice... right?" (Summary from goodreads.com)
I really enjoyed reading Roman Holiday. It was just a really fun story to read and I finished this book rather quickly.
Junie is on vacation when she runs into Roman Montgomery, who is in the popular band Roman Holiday. Junie is far from being a fan of Roman Holiday and is instead sick of hearing their music on the radio. Junie is a radio heart and especially loves rock and roll. She was a likable character from the beginning and I loved her taste in music. Then there is Roman who I really enjoyed getting to know as the story progressed. He isn't what I expected. There were also several other fantastic characters, especially Junie's best friend Maggie.
The plot grabbed my attention right away and held it until the end. I especially loved that this was a different type of New Adult story. It was a fun story that had me laughing out loud at some moments. Junie finds herself in some funny and awkward situations. This book also had it's serious moments too though. The rumors are that Roman murdered his band mate and the paparazzi won't leave him alone. Then Junie's father's bar is in danger of foreclosure. Both characters are dealing with a lot.
Overall, I really enjoyed Roman Holiday and recommend it! This book was a fun and different type of New Adult story.
My Rating:
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Waiting on Wednesday #106: Crash Into You
Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.
Crash Into YouBy: Katie McGarry
Release Date: November 26, 2013
"The girl with straight As, designer clothes and the perfect life-that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private-school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy parents and overbearing brothers...and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker-a guy she has no business even talking to. But when the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind. Isaiah has secrets, too. About where he lives, and how he really feels about Rachel. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks-no matter how angelic she might look. But when their shared love of street racing puts both their lives in jeopardy, they have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other" (Summary from Goodreads.com)
I love this series so much! It's one of my top favorites and I can't wait for the next book! Also the Crash Into You cover is definitely my favorite in the series!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Camp Kiss by J.K. Rock
By: J.K. Rock
Released: March 26, 2013
Source: BEA
Read for Free: Spencer Hill Contemporary
*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
"The Camp Kiss That Started It All… Lauren Carlson, a fourteen-year-old expert on the cosmos, superheroes, and science fiction trivia has a crush on her longtime camp friend, Seth. Last summer she’d dreamed about upgrading their relationship to BF/GF status and this year she has a plan… if only her well-meaning cabin mates wouldn’t interfere before she’s ready. She hasn’t even adjusted to her new braces yet, let alone imagined kissing Seth with them. When a dare pushes her out of her comfort zone, will she and Seth rocket out of the friendzone at last? There’s only one way to find out…." (Summary from goodreads.com)
Camp Kiss is the prequel to Camp Boyfriend and I loved this novella! It gave the reader a great opportunity to get to know these characters before Camp Boyfriend comes out next month. Lauren is fourteen years old and spending her summer at camp. She has been crushing on Seth for years now and wants their friendship to become something more. However, a dare from her cabin mates might pressure her into making her move before she's ready.
Lauren is an excellent character and I already can't wait to read more of her story soon. She is your typical fourteen year old who finds herself in some awkward and embarrassing situations. I became a fan the moment she wore a Star Wars t-shirt, talked about X-Men, and talked about her love for astronomy. She reminded me a lot of myself as a teenager.
The plot itself was a fun and cute. Overall, I loved Camp Kiss and if anything it has just made me even more excited for Camp Boyfriend! I definitely recommend reading this novella!
My Rating:
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
A Little Too Far Cover Reveal
Have you ever gone just a little too far?
Lexie Banks has.
Yep. She just had mind-blowing sex with her stepbrother.In her defense, she was on the rebound, and it’s more of a my-dad-happened-to-marry-a-
Giveaway:
"I trace a finger along the lines of the tattoo over his heart—the kanji symbol for knowledge—as he grasps my thighs and rolls his hips underneath me."
a Rafflecopter giveaway
—"More than a ridiculously sexy, HOT read, Desrochers takes you on a wild ride of self-discovery and bittersweet romance." —Jennifer L. Armentrout (J. Lynn), New York Times bestselling author of Wait for You
Giveaway:
"I trace a finger along the lines of the tattoo over his heart—the kanji symbol for knowledge—as he grasps my thighs and rolls his hips underneath me."
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Waiting on Wednesday #105: 3:59
Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.
By: Gretchen McNeil
Release Date: September 17, 2013
"Josie Byrne's life is spiraling out of control. Her parents are divorcing, her boyfriend Nick has grown distant, and her physics teacher has it in for her. When she's betrayed by the two people she trusts most, Josie thinks things can't get worse. Until she starts having dreams about a girl named Jo. Every night at the same time—3:59 a.m. Jo's life is everything Josie wants: she's popular, her parents are happily married, and Nick adores her. It all seems real, but they're just dreams, right? Josie thinks so, until she wakes one night to a shadowy image of herself in the bedroom mirror – Jo. Josie and Jo realize that they are doppelgängers living in parallel universes that overlap every twelve hours at exactly 3:59. Fascinated by Jo's perfect world, Josie jumps at the chance to jump through the portal and switch places for a day. But Jo’s world is far from perfect. Not only is Nick not Jo's boyfriend, he hates her. Jo's mom is missing, possibly insane. And at night, shadowy creatures feed on human flesh. By the end of the day, Josie is desperate to return to her own life. But there’s a problem: Jo has sealed the portal, trapping Josie in this dangerous world. Can she figure out a way home before it’s too late? From master of suspense Gretchen McNeil comes a riveting and deliciously eerie story about the lives we wish we had – and how they just might kill you" (Summary from goodreads.com)
I'm a big fan of Gretchen McNeil's books and 3:59 sounds so good!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
One by Leigh Ann Kopans
By: Leigh Ann Kopans
Released: June 11, 2013
Source: From Author
Purchase the Book: Amazon
*A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
"When having two powers makes you a Super and having none makes you a Normal, having only one makes you a sad half-superpowered freak. It makes you a One. Sixteen-year-old Merrin Grey would love to be able to fly – too bad all she can do is hover. If she could just land an internship at the Biotech Hub, she might finally figure out how to fix herself. She busts her butt in AP Chem and salivates over the Hub’s research on the manifestation of superpowers, all in hopes of boosting her chances. Then she meets Elias VanDyne, another One, and all her carefully crafted plans fly out the window. Literally. When the two of them touch, their Ones combine to make them fly, and when they’re not soaring over the Nebraska cornfields, they’re busy falling for each other. Merrin's mad chemistry skills land her a spot on the Hub's internship short list, but as she gets closer to the life she always wanted, she discovers that the Hub’s purpose is more sinister than it has always seemed. Now it’s up to her to decide if it's more important to fly solo, or to save everything - and everyone - she loves" (Summary from goodreads.com)
From the moment that I read the synopsis for One, I was excited for this book. I love anything related to superheroes and sci-fi. As soon as I read chapter one of this book, I just loved the whole concept!
Merrin is a One because she only has one power. To be a Super she would need two powers and if she had no powers, she would be considered Normal. Instead Merrin is stuck in the middle as a One. She doesn't exactly fit in with the Supers or the Normals. However, everything changes when she meets Elias. Merrin was a great character who I thought was developed well. I just immediately liked her. I liked that she didn't give up on trying to get her second power.
Then there was Elias who I really liked getting to know. He is a One as well, but when he touches Merrin, their powers are combined. There is definitely chemistry there between Merrin and Elias too.
I loved the whole concept because it was different. It was my favorite aspect of this book and it's always refreshing to read a different type of story. I loved learning about the Ones, the Supers, and the Normals. I liked that Kopans immediately began explaining it in the beginning. I loved reading about the different types of powers too. Even though Merrin can only hover, I still think that is a pretty awesome power.
The plot was really interesting. For the most part it was exciting and flowed really well. At some parts in the middle, though, it did drag a bit, so it did take me some time to read this book. However, I especially loved the last half of the book. It left me really hoping for a sequel now. Overall though I really enjoyed One and definitely recommend this book to fans of Sci-fi!
My Rating:
Monday, June 10, 2013
Faking It By Cora Carmack
Faking It (Losing It #2)By: Cora Carmack
Released: June 4, 2013
Source: BEA
Purchase the Book: Amazon
*Note this is a New Adult title
*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
"Mackenzie “Max” Miller has a problem. Her parents have arrived in town for a surprise visit, and if they see her dyed hair, tattoos, and piercings, they just might disown her. Even worse, they’re expecting to meet a nice, wholesome boyfriend, not a guy named Mace who has a neck tattoo and plays in a band. All her lies are about to come crashing down around her, but then she meets Cade. Cade moved to Philadelphia to act and to leave his problems behind in Texas. So far though, he’s kept the problems and had very little opportunity to take the stage. When Max approaches him in a coffee shop with a crazy request to pretend to be her boyfriend, he agrees to play the part. But when Cade plays the role a little too well, they’re forced to keep the ruse going. And the more they fake the relationship, the more real it begins to feel" (Summary from Goodreads.com)
I really enjoyed Losing It, but I absolutely loved Faking It! Once I picked this book up, I couldn't put it down.
Max's parents make a surprise visit to town and she asks Cade to pretend to be her boyfriend. I think the characters were what I loved so much about Faking It. Max is hiding who she really is to please her parents. She covers up the tattoos, the piercings, her hair color, and the truth about her jobs to make her parents happy. However, Max isn't happy always pretending and changing who she really is for them. Max was just a fantastic character that is strongly developed through the course of this book. I also found her to be a character I could really relate to from the beginning.
Then there is Cade, or as Max calls him, "Golden Boy." Cade moved to Philadelphia and is trying to escape too. He still has feelings for a girl who is in love with another man. I just loved Cade because he was so sweet, but he wasn't perfect. Cade may not be the typical guy that Max would go for, but the chemistry was definitely there between them.
The plot was a good mix of drama and romance. I loved that this story alternated between Max and Cade's point of views. It just flowed really well from chapter to chapter. I also just loved how this story progressed and developed at a good pace.
Carmack's writing is gorgeous. I found myself writing down so many quotes from this book while reading. I definitely plan on rereading Faking It again soon. I also can't wait for the next book in this series. Overall, I loved Faking It and recommend it to any fans of New Adult books.
My Rating:
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Spotlight: Soul Taken by Katlyn Duncan
Soul Taken by Katlyn Duncan
Release date: June 4th, Carina UK
Genre: YA Paranormal
ISBN: 978-1-472-01709-3
Summary:
Maggie is a Soul Collector. It’s her job to transport souls from the Living Realm to the After – but during a mission to find a stolen soul, she ends up stuck in a teen mean girl’s body.
Trapped, Maggie’s soul is catapulted into Ally’s life – and the human world she hasn’t experienced for one hundred years. But, as a descendant of the most powerful beings in the After, Maggie must rescue Ally before the girl’s soul dies…
To survive, Maggie must uncover devastating secrets – because with one soul taken by a terrifying enemy, Maggie’s could be next!
About the Author
Katlyn Duncan was born and raised in a small town in western Massachusetts. Her overactive imagination involved invisible friends, wanting to be a Disney Princess and making up her own stories. Her bibliophile mom always encouraged her love of reading and that stayed with her since. Even though she works full time in the medical field Katlyn has always made time for books, whether she is reading or writing them.
Katlyn now lives in southern Connecticut with her husband and adorable Wheaten Terrier and she is thrilled to finally share her stories with the world.
Katlyn Duncan was born and raised in a small town in western Massachusetts. Her overactive imagination involved invisible friends, wanting to be a Disney Princess and making up her own stories. Her bibliophile mom always encouraged her love of reading and that stayed with her since. Even though she works full time in the medical field Katlyn has always made time for books, whether she is reading or writing them.
Katlyn now lives in southern Connecticut with her husband and adorable Wheaten Terrier and she is thrilled to finally share her stories with the world.
Buy Links
Add Soul Taken on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17839818-soul-taken
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Waiting on Wednesday #104: The Fall of Five
Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.
By: Pittacus Lore
Release Date: August 27, 2013
"The Garde are finally reunited, but do they have what it takes to win the war against the Mogadorians? John Smith—Number Four—thought that things would change once the Garde found each other. They would stop running. They would fight the Mogadorians. And they would win. But he was wrong. After facing off with the Mogadorian ruler and almost being annihilated, the Garde know they are drastically unprepared and hopelessly outgunned. Now they’re hiding out in Nine’s Chicago penthouse, trying to figure out their next move. The six of them are powerful, but they’re not strong enough yet to take on an entire army—even with the return of an old ally. To defeat their enemy, the Garde must master their Legacies and learn to work together as a team. More importantly, they’ll have to discover the truth about the Elders and their plan for the Loric survivors. And when the Garde receive a sign from Number Five—a crop circle in the shape of a Loric symbol—they know they are so close to being reunited. But could it be a trap? Time is running out, and the only thing they know for certain is that they have to get to Five before it’s too late. The Garde may have lost battles, but they will not lose this war. Lorien will rise again" (Summary from goodreads.com)
I just love this whole series and I can't wait to read where it will go next!
Monday, June 3, 2013
BEA Recap
Teen Author Carnival:
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| TAC: Heroes and Heartthrobs Panel |
The night before BEA began I attended the Teen Author Carnival where several YA authors spoke at panels and signed books afterwards. Before the event began though I attended a great dinner with the wonderful Taryn, Dahlia, Ghenet, Alison, and Jennifer. At the TAC I attended the World Play panel and Heroes and Heartthrobs panel. At the World Play panel, authors Sarah J. Maas and Susan Dennard were absolutely hilarious! I also really liked hearing the story about the cover for Two Boys Kissing that David Levithan told during the Heroes and Heartthrobs panel.
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| Kami Garcia Signing |
On the first day of BEA, I met authors Kendare Blake, Kami Garcia, and Abbi Glines. All three authors were so incredibly sweet and I loved chatting with them. I was so excited to finally meet Kami Garcia because I have missed a couple of her previous signings and I'm really looking forward to her new book Unbreakable. I also watched the cover reveal for Sing Sweet Nightingale by Erica Cameron at the Spencer Hill Press booth. The cover looks so gorgeous and author Erica Cameron is a sweetheart! I loved having the chance to run into some bloggers again too, like Grace, Nicole, Julie and so many more.
Day 2:
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| The gorgeous cover reveal for Sing Sweet Nightingale |
On the second day of BEA, I met authors Cassandra Clare, Dawn Metcalf, Amanda Sun, Katie McGarry, J.K. Rock, Elizabeth Scott, Julie Kagawa, Sarah Guillory and Paula Deen. I attended the Harlequin Teen Hour Signing and that is where I met Katie McGarry, Elizabeth Scott, Julie Kagawa, and Amanda Sun. I was so excited to meet Katie McGarry because Pushing the Limits and Dare You To are two of my top favorite books. Then author Elizabeth Scott was so nice too and gave me a hug when I told her about how much I enjoyed her previous book As I Wake. After that signing, I spent an hour running around as the Spencer Hill Press swag fairy, which was so much fun. I got to dress up as a fairy and hand out swag.
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| Cassandra Clare Signing |
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| Swag Fairy |
Later in the day I met Cassandra Clare and it was one of the top highlights of BEA. I chatted with Cassandra about the movie and we were both so excited that the movie was moved up by two days. Afterwards, I got in the line to meet Paula Deen because the line was short and my mom is such a huge fan. Paula was such a sweetheart and signed a recipe for my mom. Lastly for the day, I attended the YA Contemp. signing at the Spencer Hill Press booth. I met J.K Rock, the authors of Camp Boyfriend, and Sarah Guillory, the author of Reclaimed. Joanne, Karen, and Sarah are so sweet and I was so happy to finally meet them in person! I'm so excited for both of their books too!
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| Paula Deen Signing |
Day 3:
I began the final day as the Swag Fairy and had so much fun running around handing out swag again. Afterwards I went to meet Sarah Dessen which was another major highlight of BEA because I adore her books. On the final day I also got to meet the wonderful Carli (@emberchyld) and one of my favorite bloggers Teresa (readerslive1000lives.com).
There really are no other words to express what an amazing experience BEA was this year! I feel so lucky and thankful for the opportunity to attend the event. A huge thank you to all of the publishers and authors for being so amazing! Also another major thank you to Spencer Hill Press for bringing me along this year! I had the greatest time hanging out with the team and my fellow EA's; Britta, Briana, Lauren, Anna, and Taryn! I have made so many wonderful memories and shared so many laughs.(Note: I'm not going to do a full post of what books I got at BEA, but I will post the two books that I'm most excited about.)
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| The Dream Thieves and Wild Cards |
Now the only way to finish this post is with some Grumpy Cat...
Now the only way to finish this post is with some Grumpy Cat...
Sunday, June 2, 2013
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