*Review* The Elite by Kiera Cass June 30, 2014

***As always mild spoilers may follow***

Rating: 4 stars
Pub date: 23 April 2013
Publisher: HarperCollins, HarperTeen
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Romance
Format: hardcover via library
Status: Book two of The Selection trilogy

Summary:
The hotly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller The Selection.

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

 

My thoughts:

Wow. Once again I was completely sucked into America’s world. The Elite was even better than The Selection. I can see how people are frustrated by this series. Two incredible guys vying for your affections? One seems like the perfect choice then does something completely harebrained. If you aren’t into the story, it could quickly turn you off. I, however, do like the story, but I won’t hate on those who don’t!

The action picks right up from The Selection. By action, I do mean action as well as a lot of drama. I HATE real life drama, but the drama in The Selection series is so fantastic! The complexity of the world increases a bit, so the intrigue ramps up. This still isn’t an overly complex world though and that still doesn’t bother me. More of the history is revealed and things start to make  more sense. The victors write the history is definitely a theme that must be remembered while reading! The populace doesn’t know the full history of their nation and that’s the point. I’m confident even more of the history will be revealed in The One!

At the end of The Selection, I was Team Neutral over the boys. After The Prince, I was leaning more to Maxon. Through all of The Elite, I flipped back and forth. Kiera does a great job keeping the characters human. The guys screw up, America screws up, circumstances screw things up.

America continues to fight to stay true to herself, which is more than some of the other girls can say. She’s definitely not one to take things lying down.

Marlee — oh Marlee.I so almost lost it over Marlee. She’s definitely another girl with a backbone and sticks to her heart’s desire.

I was very happy to get to see more of the queen. It makes me more excited about her upcoming novella! I hope to see even more of her in The One.

Things I kind had an assumption about in The Prince totally turned out to be true and it absolutely broke my heart! I just don’t see how — ugh! SPOILER. UGH! Just no. No. No. No. No. For shame. >.<

The attacks are ramping up and so are my nerves. The more things happen between Aspen and America, the more nervous I am about Maxon’s reaction. You know THAT has to hit the fan before the end!

Very well written like The Selection, even if it’s focused more on the romance than the dystopian aspect. I’m still completely okay with that. I breezed through much like I did The Selection. I’m excited to read The Guard and see how it all goes down in The One. Who will she choose? Will the caste system end? So many things I must know NOW. All in all, a good and entertaining read. I recommend it more to romance readers than strict dystopian readers, but still a good dystopian even if it’s not as dark!

About the author:

100 Things I Love:

Being married. Cake. The smell of Autumn. Motherhood. Books. Elephants. Back rubs. On demand movies. Actually going out to movies. Faith. Cinnamon rolls. My family. Butterflies. When my kitchen is clean. Crayons. Pink. Tote bags. Dancing. Organizing via color coordination. That my wedding dress was tea length, not floor. Baking. My house. Writing utensils. Paper. India. The sound of water. Making videos. Buttons. The word Episcopalian. Making people laugh. Layering clothes. British accents. Pinterest. Animation. Fireworks. The smell of the Ocean. My wedding rings. Aprons. Reasons to get dressed up. Sex. Pop music. Stars. Taking walks. Daydreaming. Stickers. School Spirit. My friends. Living in a small town. Japan. Singing. Painting my toenails. Pranks/ practical jokes. Painting. Stretch canvas. Costumes. Dipping my fingers in melted wax. Style. Soda. Spending an hour typing at a coffee shop. Musicals. Back to school season. Mopeds. Good hair days. Naps. Not walking up but looking at a beautiful staircase. Driving alone. My ankles. Playlists. Spending entire days in pajamas. Holidays. Telling stories. Spontaneity. Theme parks. Bookshelves. The word copacetic. Boxes. Empty journals. Surprises. Doing things in groups. Doing things alone. Getting real mail. Decorating. Small forks. A good hug. Gift cards. New Years Goals. Going out to dinner. When someone else remembers some great story about me/us that I’ve forgotten. Toy stores. Fireplaces. Breakfast foods. Journaling. Crying for a good reason. Doorbells. Pointless adventures. Voting. My birthday. Reasons to make wishes. Recycling

http://www.kieracass.com/

*Review* The Selection by Kiera Cass June 29, 2014

***As always mild spoilers may follow***

Rating: 4 stars
Pub date: 24 April 2012 
Publisher: HarperCollins, HarperTeen
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Romance
Format: hardcover via library
Status: Book one of The Selection trilogy

Summary:
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn’t want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she’s made for herself—and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

 

My thoughts:

Okay. Let me start this off by saying I went into The Selection with virtually no expectations and an open mind. I know The Selection is a very polarising book. It’s very divided on if you like it or not. It’s very divided between the two boys vying for America’s affection. That’s virtually all I knew going in. The Selection was recommended to me by Mary. (As usual, right? haha) I decided to wait until The One came out so I could binge the whole series. As I do. We didn’t really discuss it more than that. We have a good spoiler free relationship. She tells me I should read and eventually I do. Usually much later than I should haha. I didn’t read any reviews beforehand. I didn’t want to be swayed in anyway. Okay. Now I have that off my chest. (:

I really enjoyed The Selection. My first impression was similarity to The Hunger Games due to the eligible girls putting their names in to be drawn mixed with The Bachelor. (I’ve never actually seen an episode, but I get the gist.) The Selection came out first, but I also felt a pull to Pawn by Aimee Carter with the caste system.

I foundhow Kiera revealed info slowly was well done. In first person through America, we learn things as she does and through her musings. The dystopian world could’ve allowed for a massive info dump, but Kiera does a great job revealing as you go. I still have unanswered questions, but there are two more books and two novellas, so I’m not concerned by that yet. I much rather have things revealed slowly than info dumps.

I was surprised by how quick of a read The Selection was. I picked it up Saturday morning and was done by Sunday afternoon. Part of that was a few glorious hours of uninterrupted reading time on Mother’s Day. My hubby is the best for that! ❤

I very quickly related to America which is always a biggie for me. If I don’t like a character, it’s hard to get into the story. I could see a lot of myself in America so that made reading all the more enjoyable. She’s stubborn, independent, and musical. She starts off strong and continues to grow. She realises assumptions based on rank don’t always hold true. She’s also realising friendship can develop into romantic feelings, which to me, is the best kind of love. Her determination to help her family is inspiring.

As far as the other Selected girls go, I only really liked Marlee. She seems like such a kind and loyal friend. I absolutely hated Celeste. That list on reasons why could go on forever.

On the boy front, I can say I’m still Team Undecided. Both boys have impressed me and made me want to smack him upside the head. I do think I am leaning a smidge toward Maxon over Aspen though. That freaking ego issue. UGH. No. JUST NO.

I have to say my favourite parts of The Selection were the scenes with Maxon and America. I think they make the best of friends and I can see that blossoming into romance. I still feel on the fence about Maxon though. He did win major points with that first kiss scene though. ADORABLE.

I’m very excited to continue with my binge of this series. I recommend this to dystopian lovers. It’s not as dark on any level (so far) as The Hunger Games, Divergent or Chemical Garden, but it’s a great read. Even if you don’t love it, I believe it’s still an entertaining read.

About the author:

100 Things I Love:

Being married. Cake. The smell of Autumn. Motherhood. Books. Elephants. Back rubs. On demand movies. Actually going out to movies. Faith. Cinnamon rolls. My family. Butterflies. When my kitchen is clean. Crayons. Pink. Tote bags. Dancing. Organizing via color coordination. That my wedding dress was tea length, not floor. Baking. My house. Writing utensils. Paper. India. The sound of water. Making videos. Buttons. The word Episcopalian. Making people laugh. Layering clothes. British accents. Pinterest. Animation. Fireworks. The smell of the Ocean. My wedding rings. Aprons. Reasons to get dressed up. Sex. Pop music. Stars. Taking walks. Daydreaming. Stickers. School Spirit. My friends. Living in a small town. Japan. Singing. Painting my toenails. Pranks/ practical jokes. Painting. Stretch canvas. Costumes. Dipping my fingers in melted wax. Style. Soda. Spending an hour typing at a coffee shop. Musicals. Back to school season. Mopeds. Good hair days. Naps. Not walking up but looking at a beautiful staircase. Driving alone. My ankles. Playlists. Spending entire days in pajamas. Holidays. Telling stories. Spontaneity. Theme parks. Bookshelves. The word copacetic. Boxes. Empty journals. Surprises. Doing things in groups. Doing things alone. Getting real mail. Decorating. Small forks. A good hug. Gift cards. New Years Goals. Going out to dinner. When someone else remembers some great story about me/us that I’ve forgotten. Toy stores. Fireplaces. Breakfast foods. Journaling. Crying for a good reason. Doorbells. Pointless adventures. Voting. My birthday. Reasons to make wishes. Recycling

http://www.kieracass.com/

Please Be Kind, Rewind: 15-28 June 2014 June 28, 2014

Started last week behind schedule and have worked my butt off to get back ahead of schedule. Alas, that didn’t completely happen. Camping trips with no internet access can do that. Plus, we lost my great-uncle at the beginning of this week. It’s been a hard week. Lots of time with the family, but not under the best circumstances. It was also my mom’s birthday this week! (: We’re having a birthday cookout at my grandparents’ today for her. I am working to get ahead again, though! Hubby is home now, so the kiddos aren’t as wild. Things are getting accomplished! Also rearranged some bookshelves. I’ll post before and after pictures once I’m done rearranging. I just got some new books this week, have some returning from Mary, and have won a few giveaways! (:

Completed:

Taken by Erin Bowman

Stolen by Erin Bowman

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (paperback & audiobook) 

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

The Tailor by Leigh Bardugo

The Witch of Duva by Leigh Bardugo

 

Currently Reading:

The Everything Mother Goose Book by June Rifkin (yes, we’re still working on it!)

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare (paperback & audiobook) 

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling (audiobook)

Siege & Storm by Leigh Bardugo

 

Read to the Kiddos:

Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes

Pete the Cat Pete’s Big Lunch

Pete the Cat Old MacDonald Had a Farm

Pete the Cat Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons

Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses

Pete the Cat A Pet for Pete

The Itsy Bitsy Spider

That’s Not My Tiger by Fiona Watt

That’s Not My Train  by Fiona Watt

New to my shelf:

Seamonster by Amalie Howard (e-novella)

WARP The Reluctant Assassin by Eoin Colfer (e-book, on SALE!) 

Pete the Cat Pete at the Beach by James Dean (I promised Punk some new Pete books for the kindle for his birthday once daddy got home!)

Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses by James Dean

The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray (prepping for YALLFEST!)

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer (replacing my missing for over a year one)

The Selection by Kiera Cass (YALLFEST prep!)

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray (YALLFEST prep!)

Ruin & Rising by Leigh Bardugo (Binge and YALLFEST prep!)

The Almost Girl by Amalie Howard (personal copy & future giveaway! Strange Chem isn’t going to be printing anymore so get your copies NOW!)

From the library:

as usual, more audiobooks! (:

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell 

Gilt by Katherine Longshore

Siege & Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Waiting on Wednesday #36: A Cold Legacy by Megan Shepherd June 25, 2014

“Waiting on Wednesday” is a weekly event hosted by Jill at the Breaking The Spine. It showcases upcoming releases we’re anticipating!

 

 My pick of the week is:

A Cold Legacy (Madman’s Daughter #3)

 By: Megan Shepherd

 Coming: 27 January 2015

 Publisher: Balzer+Bray, HarperCollins, HarperTeen

 

 Summary:
After killing the men who tried to steal her father’s research, Juliet—along with Montgomery, Lucy, Balthazar, and a deathly ill Edward—has escaped to a remote estate on the Scottish moors. Owned by the enigmatic Elizabeth von Stein, the mansion is full of mysteries and unexplained oddities: dead bodies in the basement, secret passages, and fortune-tellers who seem to know Juliet’s secrets. Though it appears to be a safe haven, Juliet fears new dangers may be present within the manor’s own walls.

Then Juliet uncovers the truth about the manor’s long history of scientific experimentation—and her own intended role in it—forcing her to determine where the line falls between right and wrong, life and death, magic and science, and promises and secrets. And she must decide if she’ll follow her father’s dark footsteps or her mother’s tragic ones, or whether she’ll make her own.

With inspiration from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, this breathless conclusion to the Madman’s Daughter trilogy is about the things we’ll sacrifice to save those we love—even our own humanity.

 

Why I’m excited:

 

Continuing with the cover reveal love, today I’m impatiently waiting for this beauty. The cover was revealed last week, but I already had decided to swoon over The Orphan Queen. This week, was decided to be dedicated to another favourite author I love. Megan is such a sweetheart. I got to meet her back in the fall when she came to a neighbouring city’s library. She was entertained with Punk’s “dancing” skills after being cooped up in the car driving home from the beach. I think someone developed a crush on Megan that day! I devoured Madman’s Daughter in preparation for the signing. Then when Her Dark Curiosity came up on EW, I KNEW I had to get my hands on it. I blew through it too. I just love Megan’s retellings. I even got my sister in law to read Madman’s Daughter and she loved it! (: *does happy dance*

 

Why I need you to be excited:

 

Again. Like last week, just look at the cover. Look at the covers for the whole trilogy. They’re GORGEOUS. Megan is a spectacular writer and the first two books leave you thirsty for more. I am so excited to see how things are going to go. Plus? It’s set in Scotland. You know how I love Scotland. It’s going to be an amazing ending, I just know! Get excited and get ready for the excitement!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Review* My Not So Super Sweet Life by Rachel Harris June 24, 2014

***I was given a ebook copy to celebrate the book release in exchange for an honest review & to help boost sales. Thanks, Rachel!***   

***As always mild spoilers may follow***

Rating: 4 stars
Pub date: 21 April 2014
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Format: ebook provided by the author
Status: companion in the My Sweet Sixteenth Century series

Summary:
Cat Crawford just wants to be normal—or at least as normal as a daughter of Hollywood royalty can be. And it looks like fate is granting her wish: she’s got an amazing boyfriend, Lucas; her fabulous cousin, Alessandra, living with her; and her dad planning his second marriage to a great future stepmom. That is, until her prodigal mother reveals on national television that she has something important to tell her daughter…causing a media frenzy.

Lucas Capelli knows his fate is to be with Cat, and he’s worked hard to win her over once and for all. Unfortunately, Lucas has his own issues to deal with, including a scandal that could take him away from the first place he’s truly belonged.

As secrets are revealed, rumors explode, and the world watches, Cat and Lucas discover it’s not fate they have to fight if they want to stay together…this time, it’s their own insecurities.

Well, and the stalkerazzi.

 

My thoughts:
While I really enjoyed My Not So Super Sweet Life, it didn’t fully capture me the way My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century and A Tale of Two Centuries did. I was excited to see the romance bloom between Lucas and Cat. Rachel, once again, did a spectacular job showing the ups and downs of young love. Young love is never easy and Rachel shows it that beautifully. She also does a great job balancing the you never forget your first love with moving on and growing up romantically.

What killed it for me was Cat’s behaviour. All her life she’s watched her mother only do things that were great for her. Suddenly she’s interested in being mother of the year? It may be the age and no tolerance for BS talking, but Cat’s reactions really got under my skin. It really upset me with how she started treating Jenna once mommy dearest reappeared too. Jenna had been more of a mother in a few months than Cat’s biological mother her whole life. Just no. You don’t do someone like that. I chalk it up to being a teenager. We all do crazy things in one way or another. Rachel did a great job on keeping the emotions running high over the mama drama though! Rachel’s writing was still spot on, the displeasure was entirely on character actions for this!

I liked the addition of Ransom, but he definitely didn’t feel as fleshed out as he could have been. Here’s to hoping for his own companion book. *hint hint* Rachel *hint hint*

For some reason, the pacing seemed a bit erratic compared to My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century and A Tale of Two Centuries. I would’ve liked the pace to be more consistent and a longer book. Something just felt off with the pacing and length. (Rachel just told me it was more of an extended novella than novel, so that makes more sense now. I still would like more though! (; lol)

I was sorely disappointed with not seeing more of Less. With their relationship, I would’ve pegged it as perfection for Cat to turn to Less as well as Lucas. I was hoping for a little double date action, too! Rats! I also think more interaction with Less would’ve solved the length issue. It just felt weird to have her disappear after fighting so hard to stick around.

I liked getting to see in Lucas’ head. I enjoy getting a guy’s perspective every now and then! Especially in a drama filled book like My Not So Super Sweet Life! I know how a girl thinks, it’s nice to see how a guy thinks/reacts to situations. (: Lucas’ perspective was refreshing.

Overall, I enjoyed My Not So Super Sweet Life and it was a quick read. It wasn’t Rachel’s best, but I always know I’m in for a treat when her name is attached to the writing! Witty snarkiness and swoony guy action, really, what more do you need in a fun, quick read? (:

About the author:

Award-winning and Bestselling author Rachel Harris writes humorous love stories about sassy girls next door and the hot guys that make them swoon. Emotion, vibrant settings, and strong relationships are a staple in each of her books…and kissing. Lots of kissing.

An admitted Diet Mountain Dew addict and homeschool mom, she gets through each day by laughing at herself, hugging her kids, and watching way too much Food Network with her husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romance, and LOVES talking with readers.

Website: www.RachelHarrisWrites.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelHarrisBks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelHarris…
Street Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Flirt…
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/olH75

GIVEAWAY!!

This giveaway is open to US only (Sorry international readers! I promise I will one day have giveaways for you too!) Entrants must be 13 years old to enter. Those entrants under 18 MUST have parental consent. Giveaway is open June 24th 2014 (12am EST) through July 8th 2014 (12am EST). I reserve the right to disqualify entries in violation of my giveaway policies. All entries WILL be verified. Good luck. May the odds be ever in your favor! (: For every 100 entries, I will add another copy to be given away!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday #35: The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows June 18, 2014

“Waiting on Wednesday” is a weekly event hosted by Jill at the Breaking The Spine. It showcases upcoming releases we’re anticipating!

 

 

My pick of the week is:

 

The Orphan Queen (Orphan Queen #1)

 

By: Jodi Meadows

 

Coming: March 2015 (expected)

 

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books, HarperCollins, HarperTeen

 

Summary:
Wilhelmina has a hundred identities.

She is a princess. When the Indigo Kingdom conquered her homeland, Wilhelmina and other orphaned children of nobility were taken to Skyvale, the Indigo Kingdom’s capital. Ten years later, they are the Ospreys, experts at stealth and theft. With them, Wilhelmina means to take back her throne.

She is a spy. Wil and her best friend, Melanie, infiltrate Skyvale Palace to study their foes. They assume the identities of nobles from a wraith-fallen kingdom, but enemies fill the palace, and Melanie’s behavior grows suspicious. With Osprey missions becoming increasingly dangerous and their leader more unstable, Wil can’t trust anyone.

She is a threat. Wraith is the toxic by-product of magic, and for a century using magic has been forbidden. Still the wraith pours across the continent, reshaping the land and animals into fresh horrors. Soon it will reach the Indigo Kingdom. Wilhelmina’s magic might be the key to stopping the wraith, but if the vigilante Black Knife discovers Wil’s magic, she will vanish like all the others

Jodi Meadows introduces a vivid new fantasy full of intrigue, romance, dangerous magic, and one girl’s battle to reclaim her place in the world.

Why I’m excited:

I am so excited about Orphan Queen. Ridiculously excited. I helped spread the word Monday about the cover reveal. Jodi’s post was so awesome. I loved the question segment! I was so excited and in love with the cover, I HAD to do it as my WoW for today. It was originally scheduled MUCH closer to publication, but let’s face it, if you read my blog or check my twitter, you WON’T forget that Orphan Queen is coming. I loved Jodi’s Incarnate world, and I am so flipping excited so see the new world she’s created. I keep threatening to sneak into her house to read it. (: I’m crossing ALL my fingers and toes that I can score an ARC of this beauty. It’s gonna be a super awesome read. I hope there is a swoon worthy guy just like Cris. (: Cris still needs his story told, Jodi!

Why I need you to be excited:

Um, it’s by Jodi Meadows. Do you really need any other reasons? Yes? Well, here you go! LOOK AT THE COVER. It is GORGEOUS. It has MAGIC. C’mon. You know you love magic! Jodi’s been learning calligraphy cause Wil likes it. She’s doing a great job and you should check out her Instagram to see some of her writing! It has SPIES! I love spies! You should love spies! (In stories, not necessarily in real life!) GET EXCITED!

Top Ten Tuesday #43: Summer TBR June 17, 2014

Each week, the girls over at The Broke and the Bookish think up a fun theme for the week and participating bloggers around the net join in. The theme for this week is:

Top Ten Books on My Summer TBR

I’m starting to do better about my TBR lists (Winter 6/10Fall3/10)! I read 6/11 books from my Spring TBR. I’m such a mood driven reader that it sometimes proves difficult to stick to a reading plan. I think I have a good mix of books for this summer so hopefully I can get closer to actually finishing this time! (:

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. I think it’s time to read it. I stumbled across a spoiler, but I think I’m in a mindset to handle it.

Frozen by Erin Bowman (I actually started this yesterday so GO ME!) I received an ARC of this and a finished set of Taken and Frozen from HarperCollins. I HATE that I put it off until now. LOVE.

Panic by Lauren Oliver. Another season TBR for this… hopefully summer is the time! 

As You Turn Away by Molli Moran. Ugh. It keeps slipping through the cracks. MUST READ.

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry. I’ve been sorta in a mood for contemporaries so Katie and Jennifer Echols are on the radar.

On the Fence by Kasie West. I have an ARC and like I said above, kinda in a contemporary mood.

The Murder Complex by Lindsay Cummings. I KNOW. This should’ve been read age go, but ya know. 

Oceanborn by Amalie Howard. Amalie told me to check the acknowledgements, so I’m super intrigued. Plus, Lo. I neeeeeeds him.

Deception by CJ Redwine. CJ sent me a signed copy, and I’m so excited to read it and my ARC of Deliverance in one go. Mmmm Logan.

Rites of Passage by Joy Hensley. I sent this to my kindle THE DAY it went up and then haven’t read it yet. *sigh* Now would be the perfect time to read it while hubby’s at a military school himself haha! (: LOVE Joy!

Tell me, what’s on your Summer TBR? In case you’re interested, these are the reviews to the books I completed from my Spring TBR: Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein, Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein, Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman, After the End by Amy Plum, Frozen by Melissa de la Cruz & Michael Johnston, and The Falconer by Elizabeth May

*Book Blast* This Summer by Katlyn Duncan June 16, 2014

I’m happy to be a part of the trailer reveal for Katlyn Duncan’s This Summer. It releases 9 July 2014!

With the trailer reveal comes a guest post from characters Hadley and Lily who are sharing their Top “Summer to Remember” Must Haves.

If you haven’t yet heard of this upcoming New Adult release from Author Katlyn Duncan, the book’s description is below. And if you haven’t yet “met” the author, her details and places to find her online are also below.

But first, here is the THIS SUMMER Trailer. What do you think?

 

 

Hadley and Lily’s Top ‘Summer to Remember’ Must HavesHadley: Hey everyone. My best friend, Lily, and me are going to tell you our top must haves for this summer.

Lily: This girl is headed to college in the Fall and it’s our last summer together before “growing up”. I’ll start! My number one is boys.

Hadley: (eye roll)

Lily: What? Boys are important for a summer to remember. And now that we’re both single we can have a little fun with them.

Hadley: Are you done?

Lily: Fine. What’s your number one?

Hadley: (grins) My best friend.

Lily: Oh! And a job working with your best friend.

Hadley: Yes that too.

Lily: (pauses dramatically) And on a serious note…sunscreen.

Hadley: UV protection is important.

Lily: I was thinking more along the lines of awful tan lines.

Hadley: Okay…

Lily: Next is…parties. And oh! Older brothers who can get supplies for parties, if you know what I mean.

Hadley: Oh my God…

Lily: So we have boys, best friends, a job WITH a best friend, sunscreen, parties, brothers, what else?

Hadley: Camp!

Lily: That counts as a job with your best friend.

Hadley: Camp should be a category of its own—

Lily: Here we go…

Hadley: But without camp we wouldn’t have had the best summers of our lives. And we will be a part of making that happen for the kids.

Lily: Yeah. I’m still sticking with boys.
Hadley: You’re hopeless, but I do love you! Well that does it, everyone. Be sure to make this summer, a summer to remember. And comment below with your must haves I’d love to hear them!

About THIS SUMMER

Release date: July 9, 2014

Publisher: Carina UK
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
ISBN: 9781472096449

Summary

Before college, before responsibilities, Hadley Beauman and best friend Lily are determined to have a summer to remember. There will be all the usual dramas – ex-boyfriends who don’t seem to know what ‘ex’ means, pesky younger brothers with unrequited crushes, but what Hadley didn’t anticipate was the out-of-the-blue return of the seriously hot boy-next-door, Will Carson. The boy who broke her heart when he skipped town two years ago.

Will may have shot up a foot and filled out (oh yes), but inside he carries the weight of guilt – for leaving, for coming back… Now he’s just passing through to tie up loose ends but it’s clear the old chemistry still crackles between him and Hadley. Trouble is, it’s built on two years of lies…

This summer might just be the best time of their lives, but is Hadley ready for everything to change – again?

Find it at…

AMAZON | AMAZON UK | GOODREADS

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.

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*CoverReveal* The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows!

Today, Jodi revealed the cover to her newest novel, The Orphan Queen. I was SO excited to see it that I HAD to put up a post about it! You all know how much I love Jodi and the Incarnate trilogy. I CANNOT wait to get my hands on The Orphan Queen. I need it now and I need it quite badly! (: Here it is!

 

Isn’t it GORGEOUS?! AH! I’m so excited and jittery. I showed it to Punk (who adores Miss Jodi) and he said, “WHOA!” I’ve read bits and pieces of the Incarnate trilogy and a large chunk of Phoenix Overture to him. He loves his Ana and grudgingly thinks Sam is cool.

Click on the cover to head over to Jodi’s page to see the summary and see some questions answered about the series! Closer to release date, keep an eye out for a giveaway! (: What do you think of the cover? (: 

 

Happy Father’s Day! June 15, 2014

Happy Father’s Day to all the incredible men in my life and my children’s lives. My daddy, who has been there from day one! You’re an amazing dad and a great Papaw! My stepdad, Larry, who cared for me like I was his own and has stepped up to the role of Skipper for Punk and Bug. David who just recently came into our lives through his relationship with my mom. Punk and Bug love you so much already! My incredible husband, Tim. You are the best husband and father I could ever hope for our lives. Thank you for everything you do and we can’t wait until you come home! My father-in-law, Tim, who is a great man and Pa. Punk’s DYING to go fishing with his Pa! My Grandad, while we don’t always see eye to eye has always been one of the strongest presences in my life and I love him dearly. My step-grandfather, Larry, a loving and caring man who loves us like we were his blood! My grandfathers-in-law, two incredibly loving and special men. My step-great-grandfather, Pa Clark, such a sweet and loving man. And remembering today, my Papaw Wilson, who I didn’t get to know well, but enjoyed the time we did have and my Grandaddy Clark who was one of the best men I’ve ever known and named my son after. I have been blessed with great men in my life. Punk certainly has a lot of male role models in his life and I am so thankful for that. Any man can be a father, but it takes a special man to be a Dad. I hope you all have a wonderful day!

 

Now for a bit of bookishness on this Father’s Day! Some of my favourite literary dads/father figures!

Atticus Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird

Remus Lupin, Harry Potter

Arthur Weasley, Harry Potter

Luke Garroway, The Mortal Instruments

Charles Force, Blue Bloods

Sirius Black, Harry Potter

Andy Kincain, The Impossible Knife of Memory

Sir, Snow Like Ashes