Tuesday 31 July 2012

Girl Hearts Boy: Vlog #5

Check out Sarah's next vlog!



Don't forget you can get involved an comment over at the Girl Heart Boy You Tube Channel.

You can find out more about the series here.

And the first book in the series is published in paperback 4 August 2012.

Sunday 29 July 2012

1.4 by Mike Lancaster

For Review: Egmont
Published: 7 May 2012

From Goodreads: In the far future, people no longer know what to believe...Did Kyle Straker ever exist? Or were his prophecies of human upgrades nothing more than a hoax?

Peter Vincent is nearly 16, and has never thought about the things that Strakerites believe. His father — David Vincent, creator of the artificial bees that saved the world's crops — made sure of that.

When the Strakerites pronounce that another upgrade is imminent, Peter starts to uncover a conspiracy amongst the leaders of the establishment, a conspiracy that puts him into direct conflict with his father. But it's not a good idea to pick a fight with someone who controls all the artificial bees in the world.


1.4 is the next book in the Point 4 series but it could easily be read on its own as a standalone.  It's clever, kind of creepy and definitely a book I would recommend!

Set far into the future, where some believe the Kyle Straker tapes to be a thing of fiction and some a reality, Peter Vincent doesn't know what to think when he starts to uncover a possible conspiracy...

Mike Lancaster has a really assessable style of writing which drew me straight into the story.  Despite the 'futuristic' nature of the book I still completely identified with the characters - I was bit worried at first I wouldn't. But I really liked Peter and Alpha and love the way they fight for what they think is important. 

Again, as with 0.4, I'm finding it hard to know what to say without giving away too many spoilers. Those of you who have read O.4 will have a good idea what to expect with this one - it has a very similar vibe to 0.4. I wasn't sure the author would be able to match the first story's intensity but he does. The ideas behind this one are really clever and I really enjoyed the way it all unfolds.

Completely compelling - this is the perfect blend of science fiction and thriller. I can't wait to read more by this author!

Saturday 28 July 2012

I want to read that...

Going Vintage by Lindsay Leavitt

From Goodreads: The story of a girl figuring out the truths and illusions of life and love, both in the nostalgic past and in the very real now. Laugh-out-loud humor combines with a hint of romance in this delightful contemporary novel.

The cure for a broken heart? Go vintage and live like it’s 1962!


Mallory’s boyfriend, Jeremy, isn’t just cheating on her. He’s cheating with an online girlfriend. So Mallory decides to swear off boys and modern technology. Inspired by a list of goals her grandmother made in 1962, Mallory decides to “go vintage” and return to a simpler time. She sets out to complete grandma’s list: run for pep club secretary, host a dinner party, sew a homecoming dress, find a steady, do something dangerous.

The list proves to be trickier than it looks. Obviously finding a steady is out . . . no matter how intriguing she finds Oliver (er, Jeremy's cousin). But with the help of her sister, Mallory will finish the list and find peace. Somehow.


I really enjoyed Sean Griswold's Head so I'm looking forward to reading more by Lindsay Leavitt - and this sounds soooooo good! Plus how much do I love that cover?!!

It's published March 2013. Can't wait :D

Friday 27 July 2012

Adorkable by Sarra Manning

For Review: Atom
Published: 24 May 2012


From Goodreads: Jeane Smith is seventeen and has turned her self-styled dorkiness into an art form, a lifestyle choice and a profitable website and consultancy business. She writes a style column for a Japanese teen magazine and came number seven in The Guardian's 30 People Under 30 Who Are Changing The World. And yet, in spite of the accolades, hundreds of Internet friendships and a cool boyfriend, she feels inexplicably lonely, a situation made infinitely worse when Michael Lee, the most mass-market, popular and predictably all-rounded boy at school tells Jeane of his suspicion that Jeane's boyfriend is secretly seeing his girlfriend. Michael and Jeane have NOTHING in common - she is cool and individual; he is the golden boy in an Abercrombie & Fitch T-shirt. So why can't she stop talking to him?

Adorkable is the first Sarra Manning book I've read and I have to say I really enjoyed it! Quirky and fun, it's my kind of read!

I really liked Jeane. I think she's a marmite character though, you are either going to warm to her or just hate her on sight. I loved her quirkiness and addiction to her social networking - but more than that I really enjoyed having her layers stripped away during the course of the story - to see the real Jeane.

Michael was likeable too. On the outside he seems the typical popular boy but once you get to know him you see there is more to him than that.   I liked the dual narrative so we got to know them both - I've said many times I love this style of story telling and I'll say it again now - it really works to give both characters more depth. And I loved how the romance between Jeane and Michael progresses - there is definitely a thin line between love and hate with these two!

Really funny (the bike scene had me laughing out loud), charming and Jeane and Michael make the perfect oddball couple! On the basis of this one I'll be picking up many more books by Sarra Manning!

Thursday 26 July 2012

Whisper Blog Tour (Guest Post & Giveaway)

I'm really excited to be part of the blog tour for Whisper by Chrissie Keighery. I loved the book (you can read my review here) and it really made me think about things I hadn't considered before.  One of the things I was really interested in was hearing about the research Chrissie did for the novel and the things she found that really surprised her.

So, Chrissie has kindly stopped by today to talk about the research she did for Whisper...
---

I first started research for Whisper by accessing blog sites on the net. There was amazing diversity. The arc went from people who felt completely isolated and disengaged because of their deafness, to those who felt empowered and connected being part of the Deaf community. Some of the extremes were fascinating to me. Some deaf couples hoped their offspring would be deaf too. At first, this seemed astonishing to me...but that was because I didn’t understand the idea of deafness as a culture at the beginning. Stella’s character came mainly from thinking about the extreme positions some people take in terms of Deaf Community.

After doing net research, I contacted the Victorian College for the Deaf. I found that the doors were wide open for me. In fact, I was given such freedom there that I was able to just turn up, attend classes and hang out in the grounds.

My visits to VCD were a real eye opener. I spent the largest amount of time with a group of kids who would have been Demi’s peers. The first few days were overwhelming. There were so many behaviours amongst the students that struck me as very strange. Waving hands in front of people’s faces. The switching on and off of lights. The drumming of shoes on the floor. Simultaneously, though, I was also struck by the sameness of these teens. Via a teacher interpreter, I was privy to their conversations..which were about the opposite sex, parties, alcohol etc. I have a 16 year old daughter, so I’m very aware that these topics are prevalent in the hearing world for that age group as well. It was there I learned about sign names...about the idea of a deaf version of the whisper (hands under school jumpers, hidden from plain sight) and so much more.

I also made a very strange, cold call to Vic Deaf. On the other end of the phone was a young woman called Lidia Risicato. She is the hearing child of two deaf parents...and an avid reader. I accosted Lidia time and time again, trying to confirm and validate my characters actions. Not only was she fabulously informative, she totally got what I was trying to achieve. Lidia was my fact checker, but also, a great inspiration.

Normally, when I have an idea for a book, (I’ve written 39 now) I begin planning and writing straight away. This wasn’t the case with Whisper. I had my L plates on for three months before I dared to start. From woe to go, Whisper took me 18 months. It’s a lot of time, but it’s been so worthwhile. I pinch myself when I look at the beautiful trailer Templar Publishing has created and I’m absolutely stoked that my book is now out in the UK.
---
Thanks Chrissie!

The next stop on the tour is over at WHNBSIHWSOFT tomorrow.

You can find Chrissie on her Website

Thanks to the lovely team at Templer I also have a copy of Whisper to give away!  The giveaway is open to UK only and the closing date is 1 August 2012.  Just fill in the form below.  Good luck:D

Whisper by Chrissie Keighery

For Review: Templar
Published: July 2012


From Goodreads: Fifteen-year-old Demi's world is shattered when she is left profoundly deaf by a sudden illness. Everything is different now, and Demi must learn to adapt to a new school, new friends and even learn a whole new language.

Whisper is a coming-of-age tale, about discovering who you are and where you fit in life. About friendships and first love and, most of all, learning to love the person you are.


I had a feeling I would enjoy reading this story, but it was also a complete eye-opener for me. It really made me think about how much I take for granted.

The story follows Demi and her life after starting a new school. It looks at her friendships - both new and old - and has a really sweet romantic aspect to it too (I really liked Ethan). I also really enjoyed the focus on her home life - how her parents have reacted to her being deaf, as well as the storyline involving Demi's sister. And I LOVED her nephew! His line at the end is the absolute best! 

The story really shows a journey for Demi. Her decision to attend an all deaf school proves to be the right thing for her as she really grows and becomes more confident in herself - it's great to see!

As I said earlier this story was a complete eye-opener for me. In my mind I had a picture of what I imagined being deaf to be like, but this completely shattered that image. There were just so many things I hadn't considered. The simple act of the lights going out - and how much we rely on our hearing when that happens. Or being in the house alone with no way of using the telephone to call the emergency services if need be? How you have to learn to read someones body language because you can't hear their tone of voice to determine the true meaning of what they are saying?  It all added up to so much more than just not being able to hear.

The other aspect to the story that surprised me was Stella's character. As someone coming from an all deaf family she has a problem with the hearing community in general. She's a hard character to like at times but at the same time I could see where she was coming from. I think what Demi says to her in the end though is spot on and I really admired her for saying it.

A really moving and involving story. I loved how it was written and how I was instantly drawn into the story. Highly recommended.

Tuesday 24 July 2012

Girl Heart Boy: Vlog #4

Here's is the next Girl Heart Boy vlog by Sarah.  This time she talks about getting a guy to notice you...



For more information on the Girl Heart Boy Series by Ali Cronin check out this post.  And don't forget to get involved over at the Girl Heart Boy You Tube Page.

Thursday 19 July 2012

I want to read that...

Seconds Away by Harlan Coben

From Goodreads: Debuting on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists, Shelter, Harlan Coben’s first novel in the Mickey Bolitar series, has sparked enthusiasm around the world as his fans wait for the next installment in this action-packed series.

Having ended the Edgar-Award-nominated Shelter with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger, Coben picks up Mickey’s story right where it left off in this suspenseful new adventure. Mickey and his loyal new friends, sharp-witted Ema and adorkably charming Spoon, once again find themselves in over their heads on the hunt for missing pieces to a puzzle they have yet to understand. As the mystery surrounding Mickey’s dad’s death unfolds, he soon learns that they may be in more danger than they could have ever imagined.


I LOVED Shelter (and every Harlan Coben book I've read!) so I am dying to read this!!!  I can't wait to catch up with Mickey.

It's published October 2012.

Wednesday 18 July 2012

A Sprinkle of Luv (Flutter of Luv Blog Tour)

As part of the blog tour for her new ebook, Flutter of Luv, L M Preston has stopped by to talk about romance and YA...

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A Sprinkle Of Luv

Most Young Adult novels have a sprinkle of a crush, love and attraction. With a majority female audience it’s perceived that love and attraction is a strong part of youth. And lets face it – it is.

WHY PUT SOME IN

Because it appeals to both male and female readers as long as it doesn’t consume the type of book when writing a Young Adult book that isn’t specifically a romance. I get many beta readers for my books, both male and female requested a bit of a love interest. It adds another dimension to the plot.

A SPRINKLE without SEX is good too

I personally don’t believe sex is necessary in a Young Adult book to such graphic detail unless it moves the plot. Adding a love interest, sex, physical aspect can turn off young readers. Writers should focus on the story they are trying to tell and not on how they describe sex in a scene for shock value. Readers can pick it up and may be turned off.

HIGH Emotion can LEAD to ATTRACTION

When writing a Young Adult book with a sprinkle of romance, there is no need to throw it in the readers face. Let it develop, do it with style, and make sure that your readers fall in love – as the characters are falling in love.

DON’T Count ON LOVE TO SAVE YOUR NOVEL

If you are not writing a Young Adult Romance, and you are putting in your sprinkle of love, don’t expect that to make your novel appeal to the young adult crowd. These readers want it all. They crave adventure, drama, mystery, love, and great pacing. So when you mix up your recipe to deliver a masterpiece for your willing and eager YA audience, make sure you don’t sell them short on depth and a great plot.

by: LM Preston,

Amazon Link:
US:

UK:

Twitter Party:
Friday, July 27th, 5pm - 6pm, use hashtag #FlutterOfLuv and follow @Lm_Preston

Facebook Party:
Saturday, July 28th, 12pm-9pm EST

Blog Tour Stops:

ini Blog Tour:

LM Preston’s Ramblings - 7/13/2012

Indies Unlimited - 7/13/2012

A Little Bit Of R&R - 7/13/2012

Doreen McGettigan - 7/17/2012

Writer’s Alley - 7/17/2012

I Want To Read That - 7/18/2012

Cheryl Rainfield - 7/18/2012

The Daily Harrell - 7/19/2012

Word Forge Books - 7/20/2012

Searching For An Escape - 7/21/2012

The Write Game - 7/23/2012

Stephen Penner - 7/24/2012

Black Words White Pages - 7/26/2012

Curiosity Key - 7/27/2012

SomeoneWhoActuallyCares - 7/27/2012

LM Preston’s Ramblings - 7/28/2012

Tribute Books Reviews & Giveaways - 7/23/2012

Tribute Books Mama - 7/24/2012

The Character Connection - 7/25/2012

The Plot Thickens - 7/26/2012

City Girl Who Loved To Read - 7/27/2012

Twitter Release Party! - 5pm-6pm use hashtag #FlutterOfLuv

FACEBOOK Release Party! - 7/28/2012

Tuesday 17 July 2012

Girl Heart Boy Vlog #3

Here is the next vlog from Sarah. This time it's about reading the signs...



A new vlog goes up each Tuesday at 5pm - I'll be re-posting them here too.

For more information about the Girl Heart Boy Series check out this post. And you can follow all of the vlogs on the Girl Heart Boy You Tube page.  And don't forget you can join in and comment over on the You Tube page.

Top Ten Books For People Who Like Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles


Top Ten Tuesday is a feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish every Tuesday. This week's topic is 'Top Ten Books For People Who Like X Book (Pick a book and pick 10 readalikes)' so I picked Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles.


I always find picking readalikes hard. Surprising since I do it every day in my job, but I find it works better one on one. People like a book for different reasons and finding a good readalike is dependant on finding out why someone likes the book in the first place.

For me Perfect Chemistry was an awesome romance! Plus it rocks with it's dual narrative. My ten picks are going to be based on these two things - books that have a great romance and (in most cases) a dual narrative.  All links go to Goodreads.

So first up, and the most obvious choice, are Simone Elkeles other books. Rules of Attraction and Chain Reaction are the perfect picks to be honest! Her other novels Leaving Paradise and Return to Paradise are fantastic too, and they also have the dual narrative.


Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry is published in August and it is absolutely brilliant! I have been raving about this book since I read it and I think it would be perfect for fans of Perfect Chemistry. Bad boy (check), epic romance (check), dual narrative (check) ... and the list goes on! Read it and you will see what I mean.

You Against Me by Jenny Downham again has the dual narrative and pushes two people together in a way that you don't expect a romance between them to develop. Brilliantly written too.


Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt is a book I love and I think it's good for readers of Perfect Chemistry who loved the romance element of the story. Again it has the dual narrative, and while the romance is possible not as 'epic' it is sweet and endearing. You can't help but root for Courtney and Jordan!

Skin Deep by Laura Jarrett is a great book too. It has the dual narrative and the romance between two people from different backgrounds. It also focuses on deeper issues.


Jenny Han's Summer Series is great for fans of the romance! This one spans three books and over the course of those books is told from all three of the characters point of view. If you love romance triangles, and the whole 'who will she pick' thing this is definitely the series for you!

My next choice is a bit different in the sense it's a verse novel, but it does have the dual narration, a gorgeous romance element and is just brilliant overall. And that's pick is Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder.


The rest of my picks (and I believe I have gone over ten, but never mind) don't have the dual narration but are definitely right up there in the romance department.  They include Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols. I freaking LOVE this book - it has one of my favourite male leads in it! I'd also pick My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick as it has the romance between two characters who pretty much have very different upbringings despite living next door to each other. Plus it's just full of awesomeness!

The Education of Hailey Kendrick by Eileen Cook has the romance with a 'bad boy' element but is also a really sweet and fun story. And Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler is really, really good.

So those are my picks! Have I missed anything you think is the perfect read for fans of Perfect Chemistry? Let me know in the comments:)

Sunday 15 July 2012

Giveaway: Full Set of Bad Tuesdays Books by Benjamin J. Myers.



The six and final book in the Bad Tuesdays Series by Benjamin J. Myers (The Spiral Horizon) is being published 2 August 2012. To celebrate it's release Orion books have kindly given me the opportunity to offer you a chance to win a full set of all six books!

So you can win Twisted Symmetry, Strange Energy, Blood Alchemy, The Nonsuch King, A Crystal Horseman, and The Spiral Horizon.

The contest is open to UK entrants only and the closing date for the giveaway is 22 July 2012.

Just fill in the form below to enter. Good Luck:D

This Giveaway is now closed.

Saturday 14 July 2012

Before I Wake Blog Tour (Cover Wars)

I'm really excited to be part of the blog tour for Rachel Vincent's new Soul Screamers novel Before I Wake.  If you haven't read this series yet you really should -  they are seriously awesome!  My review for Before I Wake is here and you can read my reviews for all the books here.

For her stop today, Rachel has kindly answered some questions, put together by Mira Ink, on the covers of her books...
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1) How much influence do you have in terms of the book jackets?

Rachel: Um…not a lot, actually. There’s this big, multi-page form I fill out, which contains details about the story, the themes, the characters, and any big scenes I might like to see depicted, but after that, it’s up to the art department to work its magic. For the US edition, I did ask for a specific color for the last Soul Screamers novel (With All My Soul) and I got it! And it’s beautiful, for which I’m forever grateful to the Harlequin art department. ;) But I usually don’t see the UK covers until they appear on the internet. Fortunately, they’ve all been beautiful!

[US Covers]

2) Are you happy with the jackets so far, do you feel like they are an accurate reflection of the series?

That’s kind of a two-part question, since the US and the UK each used different covers. So here goes:

I think the US covers don’t really reflect much about the actual stories. For instance, in the entire series, Kaylee has only worn one formal dress, but she’s in a dress on every cover. But I do want to point out that a cover’s job isn’t to illustrate an actual, literal moment from the story (though they can, and some do). A cover’s job is to attract the right readers for the book, and sometimes that means reflecting the tone or feel of the story, rather than the plot or characters themselves. And I think/hope that the US covers do that, for the US audience.

A couple of the UK covers—particularly the first, with Kaylee screaming—have represented the actual story a little better. I love the fog, which is actually in the books! Again, there are no butterflies or dragonflies in the stories, but again, it’s the tone the covers are trying to convey, not literal events. And all of them are beautiful, and they stand out from the other, darker covers on the shelves, so I’d say they’re doing their job!

[UK Covers]

3) Do you prefer the US or UK covers (if you don’t mind saying!)?

My favorites vary, and I actually like them all. But I like the UK cover for MSTTake a little better (Kaylee’s screaming) and I love what the French art department has done with that same art for their cover of If I Die. I like the UK cover for If I Die better than the US, because I don’t really care for the style of that green dress, but I love the symbolism of the US version, with Kaylee turning away from Nash, and him reaching for her. And I love the pattern of brightly colored dresses on the US covers, which makes for a stunning collection, when you see them all together!

4) If you had to choose one of the covers as your all-time favourite, which would it be?

So far, my favourite is the cover of the Volume Two omnibus (US), which shows Kaylee in motion in a beautiful black dress. It’s the inverse of the Vol 1 cover, which had a white dress on a black background. Which was my editor’s idea, I believe. And it’s beautiful!

For the record, I haven’t seen the final-final US cover for With All My Soul, nor have I seen the UK version, so those may very well wind up my favorites. ;)



---
Thanks Rachel! 

I also love both the US and UK covers. The US ones are really beautiful and I do believe they definitely attract people to pick them up.  But for me the UK ones just have the edge - I feel they 'fit' the story just that little bit more as well as being appealing to look at.  I especially love the first book in the series - with Kaylee screaming!

Do you have a preference over US or UK?  And do you have a favourite cover from the series?

Before I Wake by Rachel Vincent

For Review: Mira Ink
Published: 6 July 2012


From Goodreads: I died on a Thursday—killed by a monster intent on stealing my soul.
The good news? He didn’t get it.
The bad news? Turns out not even death will get you out of high school…

Covering up her own murder was one thing, but faking life is much
harder than Kaylee Cavanaugh expected. After weeks spent
“recovering,” she’s back in school, fighting to stay visible to the human world, struggling to fit in with her friends and planning time alone with her new reaper boyfriend.

But to earn her keep in the human world, Kaylee must reclaim
stolen souls, and when her first assignment brings her face-to-face with an old foe, she knows the game has changed. Her immortal status won’t keep her safe. And this time Kaylee isn’t just gambling with her own life….


Honestly, I freaking love this series! I have no idea what I am going to do with myself after With All My Soul is published!

The story picks up from where we left it in If I Die. Kaylee is struggling to adapt to her afterlife, Nash is still holding a grudge and an old enemy returns to reek havoc...

One of the things I really admire about Rachel Vincent's writing and her stories is that there are always consequences and everything that happens is earned. There is no 'miracle switch' that she uses to make things easier for the characters - they go through what they should go through in the circumstances. I loved that Kaylee struggled with her afterlife. Of course I want to see her happy, but I felt that wouldn't be believable.  She has had to make a lot of sacrifices and she needs to adapt to that.

As for the storyline, things just got scary!. As much as I admire Vincent's willingness to take risks it does mean that my favourite characters are not always safe (you only need to be a fan of her Shifter's series to know that!) Things change in this one - I won't say any more than that - but I am crossing my fingers in hope that all these characters will get their happy ending!

Also, if I had any doubts of my love for Tod (I didn't, but still...) this book has truly cemented those feelings. I love him - he is so nice and kind to Kaylee. I adore the two of them as a couple.

As for Nash I really hope he sees the light soon. At the risk of being attacked (please don't hurt me...) I really like the idea of him and Sabine together. She has really grown as a character for me - I like how perceptive she is. And I do think she is mellowing! He also needs to sort out his relationship with Tod - I have a feeling that if he discovers the truth behind Tod's death he will realise what he has actually been given and stop wasting it.

So yes, I can't wait for With All My Soul. It promises to be EPIC!


Check back later - Rachel is stopping by to talk about her book covers!

Thursday 12 July 2012

I want to read that...


The Forsaken by Lisa Stasse

From Goodreads: Alenna Shawcross is a sixteen-year-old orphan growing up in a police state formed from the ashes of Canada, the US and Mexico after a global economic meltdown.

But when she unexpectedly fails ‘the test’ - a government initiative which supposedly identifies teens destined to be criminals - she wakes up alone on a remote island reserved for the criminally insane.

Terrified and confused, she soon encounters a group of other teen survivors battling to stay alive, including Liam, a boy who will become her love... and her lifeline.

Soon Alenna makes the terrifying discovery that there’s more to the island (and her past) than she could ever have guessed... But who can she trust? And can she ever escape?


This sounds good right?  I find it interesting how different the US and UK covers are as well!  They give it a very different feel don't you think? 

Either way I want to read it!

Check out the trailer for it:



It's published July 2012 (US) and August 2012 (UK)

Wednesday 11 July 2012

Shattered Dreams by Ellie James

For Review: Quercus
Published: 5 July 2012

From Goodreads: Upon the death of her grandmother, Trinity arrives on her aunt's doorstep in New Orleans with virtually no knowledge of her mysterious heritage. Dropped into high school, she is trying her best to fit in, but there is something about her, connected to the mysterious city and her parents death, that makes her different.

When a game of truth or dare in a deserted New Orleans house gets out of control, Trinity starts to see things; twisted visions of the future that she tries to suppress. But all too quickly the dreams accelerate – terrifying images of a girl locked in a dark room. And when the head cheerleader goes missing, Trinity has to decide whether to step forward with what she's seen: a tough choice when the police are desperate for a suspect and she's falling in love with the missing girl's boyfriend.

Nothing prepares her for the dark odyssey that ensues, the surprising romance she finds along the way, or the shocking truths she learns. Not just about the girl who has gone missing, but the past that has been hidden from her, and the future that awaits.


I love stories surrounding psychic abilities so it's no surprise to me that I enjoyed this.  Set in New Orleans the story has a very dark, atmospheric feel.  As readers we are piecing together what is happening along side Trinity - and I have to say I had no idea what was going on most of the time.  But I kind of liked it!

Having been raised by her grandmother Trinity is forced to move to New Orleans to live with her aunt when her grandmother dies.  We first meet Trinity during a game of Truth or Dare - one which ends up with Trinity having terrible visions.  When a girl goes missing Trinity has to decide whether to step forward and reveal her ability...

I really like the way this story is kind of part crime thriller, part supernatural, part romance.  It's a good mix and I'm very intrigued to see where the author is planning on taking the series.  I really liked Trinity and her Aunt.   Chase was nice but I must admit I didn't love him.  I did like him though.  It's just a certain character named Dylan kind of stole each scene he was in! I really hope we see more of him in further instalments.

I loved the setting too.  New Orleans, setting it post Katrina.  It felt as if it had it's own mystery and added to the atmosphere of the story.

I think the choice of telling the story from Trinity's perspective might be a love or hate it thing.  Since Trinity wasn't sure what was real and what was not, sometimes it was hard as a reader to know what was going on too.  Most of the time I think this worked really well - especially during the visions - where it gives the story a dark and atmospheric feel.  Plus it gave us a great insight into how Trinity must feel - the confusion and fear - and the impact her visions had on her day to day life. But there were a few times when I was just confused because I wasn't completely sure I understood what was happening, or what had just happened.  But overall I think it added to the story - I liked feeling as if I were in Trinity's shoes experiencing the confusion with her.

I'll definitely be reading the next book.  I'm really invested in Trinity's story and I want to find out more. I have a feeling there is more to Trinity than we think.   Plus I really want a Dylan fix!

Tuesday 10 July 2012

Girl Heart Boy: Vlog #2

Last week I mentioned the new series Girl Heart Boy by Ali Cronin (you can read my post here).

Here is Sarah's second vlog on the ideal guy. 



Remember a new vlog goes up every Tuesday at 5pm - I shall be re-posting them here.  And don't forget you can join in too and comment over on the Girl Heart Boy You Tube page.

I'm getting really excited about reading this series!

And my ideal guy... Dean Winchester (if we can have someone fictional!)... gotta love him!

Saturday 7 July 2012

My Month in Books: June

I decided rather than do a weekly IMM I wanted to create a monthly post that combines the books I receive with a look back on the month. A post to talk about everything that has happened book wise - so any books I receive for review or buy, any bookish events I attend, what I've read, reviewed and so on.

So this is My Month in Books for June

Read in June:

I had a massive contemporary kick in June! Here are my highlights:



Kody Keplinger! I read The Duff and absolutely loved it. On the back of that I read both Shut Out and A Midsummer's Nightmare - both are ace, especially A Midsummer's Nightmare - I think that's my favourite so far!



Whisper by Chrissie Keighery

This is so good!  I got completely lost in Demi's story!  I will be part of the Blog Tour for it in July so keep an eye out for that.



My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Can I live with the Garretts please? I love that family. Definitely a book worth checking out - I loved it!



Something Like Normal by Trish Dollar.

I should hopefully have a review up for this soon but I just wanted to point out that it's really, really good!


Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone

This was an advance proof - it's not due out until October - but add it to your wish lists. Comparisons have been made to A Time Traveller's Wife and I'd say they were spot on.



Timepiece by Mrya McIntire

I'm a big fan of this series and this didn't disappoint.  And oh boy do I love Kaleb!

You can see (if you so desire) what I read in June here.

Reviewed in June:

Saving June by Hannah Harrington (includes a Q&A)
This Is Not A Test by Courtney Summer
Priscilla The Great: Too Little Too Late by Sybil Nelson
Priscilla The Great: Bring The Pain by Sybil Nelson
Priscilla The Great: The Time Travelling Bullet by Sybil Nelson
Shine by Jeri Ready-Smith
Unravelling by Elizabeth Norris

Events:

 [photography taken by Random House]

Random House Bloggers's Brunch

I was invited to Random House for a blogger's brunch where we got to see there highlights for the rest of 2012. They have some seriously good titles coming up! We also saw a presentation on how the book covers were made for Crusher by Niall Leonard and the Flapper's series by Jillian Larkin. Very interesting! I love book covers and found it fascinating seeing how they go about designing them. We also had a presentation about the new Vintage Children's classics that are coming out later in the year and met the absolutely lovely Laura Dockrill who's new tween series Darcy Burdock is out next year. She did a reading and it sounds soooo good! She is on twitter @LauraDockrill.

For more info on the Vintage Children's Classics you can check out their website page and more information on the launch list can be found here.  Check out this brilliant animated trailer for the launch list (I love it!):


We also got given these goodies:


Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone
Now is Good by Jenny Downham
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Caroll
Muddle and Win by John Dickinson
Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick

Massive thanks to Random House for such a great event.  :D


Hot Key Books Launch Party.

I also went to the Hot Key Books launch party were we got to see the titles they are planning to launch, as well as to meet and talk to some of the authors. We met Sally Gardner, Sarah Mussi and Lydia Syson

Plus we were all given a goodie bag containing these lovelies:


Insignia by S J Kincade
A World Between Us by Lydia Syson
Maggot Moon by Sally Gardner
Jepp, Who Defied the Stars by Katherine Marsh

For a look at their launch list follow this link.

Big thanks to Hot Key Books - it was a such great day!

And the books for June:

Review:


Before I Wake by Rachel Vincent
Love at Second Sight by Cathy Hopkins
Blood Moon by Alyxandra Harvey
Snow White and the Huntsman by Lily Blake
Losing Lila by Sarah Alderson
Neptunes Tears by Susan Waggoner
Hades by Alexandra Adornetto
Summer's Dream by Cassie Cassidy
Wereworld: Nest of Serpents by Curtis Jobling
Alice in the Spotlight by Chris Higgins
Angel Dust by Sarah Mussi
Tempest Fury by Nicole Peeler
God Save The Queen by Kate Lock
Whisper by Chrissie Keighery
How We Broke Up by Daniel Handler
Grymm by Keith Austin
Lance of Truth by Katherine Roberts

Massive thanks to all the publishers who sent books for review:)

Bought:


Miracle by Elizabeth Scott
From What I Remember by Stacy Kramer & Valerie Thomas
Surrender by Elana Johnson
A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger
Slated by Teri Terry
Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
Timepiece by Myra McIntyre
All These Lives by Sarah Wylie
Something Like Normal by Trish Dollar
My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
My Life in Black and White by Natasha Friend
Siren's Storm by Lisa Papademetriou
Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris
The Off Season by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Front and Center by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard
The Highgate Vampire by Asa Bailey
This Is Not A Test by Courtney Summers
Blind Sight by Terri Persons

Hope you all had a great month for books:D

Friday 6 July 2012

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

For Review: Simon & Schuster
Published: 7 June 2012

From Goodreads: From the Flying Start author of Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour, a powerful novel about hope in the face of heartbreak.

Taylor Edwards’ family might not be the closest-knit—everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled—but for the most part, they get along just fine. Then Taylor’s dad gets devastating news, and her parents decide that the family will spend one last summer all together at their old lake house in the Pocono Mountains.

Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven’t actually gone anywhere. Her former best friend is still around, as is her first boyfriend…and he’s much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.

As the summer progresses and the Edwards become more of a family, they’re more aware than ever that they’re battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance—with family, with friends, and with love.


I really enjoyed Amy and Roger's Epic Detour when I read it last year so this was a definite on my lists of books I really wanted to read. It sounded so good - sad obviously - but it hooked my interest. And all I can say is WOW! I absolutely loved it.

Taylor is one of those characters I just instantly loved. She has flaws - she doesn't do the perfect thing. In fact most of the time she runs in the other direction but I loved that. And she goes on a journey in this story. She's forced to face a situation she ran away from when she was 12 and she'd forced to deal with what is happening in her family. That is not something she can run from - and that makes her have to look inside herself and decide who she wants to be.

The storyline with Lucy and Henry was sweet. I could understand why it still played such a big role in her life - even with everything else going on. Plus I loved Henry - I'm really liking this tendency for stories to have nice male characters as opposed to the bad boy, treat them mean kind. Henry is sweet and very understanding of Taylor and what she is going through. A great friend who could make a really great boyfriend!

The true brilliance of this story though is the family dynamic and Taylor's relationship with her dad. There is a section of the book titled 'The Best of Times, the Worst of Times' and what happens that summer just completely embraces what that means. I imagine it would have been the hardest thing they have ever had to face but at the same time there would be so many memories from that summer that the whole family would treasure.

I loved her dad. I loved their breakfasts together - the way he allowed Taylor to really get to know him. The way he reached out to all his children despite the pain he must have been going through. I tear up even writing this review because I was so invested in their story that I cried my eyes out at the end. The whole 'I love you daddy'! Honestly! Thank the heavens I was reading it at home and not in public!

I don't know what else to say, except it's beautifully written and a story that will capture your heart. I can't praise it enough. Seriously brilliant!

Thursday 5 July 2012

Girl Heart Boy Series by Ali Cronin

From the publisher: Meet four girls, three boys, all turning 18 and get set to follow their eventful final year at school. Cass is known as Ms. Monogamy, Ashley is a player, Donna is a party girl. But what about Sarah? Her friends tease her for being uptight, but she's waiting for The One. Now she's found him, but is he forever - or is Sarah just his summer fling?

Girl Hearts Boy by Ali Cronin is described as the 'hottest, sexiest, teen romance series coming this summer' The press release goes on to describe it as 'Skins meets The OC in the hottest new teen sensation – you won’t want to put these books down! Girl Heart Boy is guaranteed to be this summer’s hottest read.'

 And that's not all! You can also engage with the characters as there are books,  ebooks with exclusive x-rated scenes and even video blogs. Yes - every Tuesday Sarah will post a vlog - so be sure to check them out and keep up with all the antics!

And this is the first vlog:



I don't know about you guys but I am LOVING Sarah!

You can follow this series on:

BeChilled TV
Facebook
Twitter: @girlheartboy #girlheartboy

Girl Hearts Boy: No Such Thing As Forever is available now in ebook.  The paperback will be published 2 August 2012. 

The first exclusive ebook is available 5 July and is called Girl's Night In.  Following that in August is the second novel (in ebook - the paperback will be available in October 2012) and the second exclusive ebook Forget Me Not is coming September 2012.

Wednesday 4 July 2012

Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey

For Review: Bloomsbury
Published: January 2012

From Goodreads: For seventeen years, Eloise Hart had no idea the world of Faery even existed. Now she has been abducted and trapped in the Rath of Lord Strahan, King of Faery. Strahan was only meant to rule for seven years, as Faery tradition dictates, and then give up his crown to another. But he won't comply, and now chaos threatens both worlds.

The only one who can break his stranglehold on the Faery court is his wife. . . Eloise's aunt Antonia. Using Eloise to lure Antonia, Strahan captures his wife, desperate to end the only threat to his reign. Now Eloise must become the rescuer. Together with her best friends Jo and Devin, she must forge alliances with other Fae, including a gorgeous protector named Lucas, and Strahan's mysterious son, Eldric—who may or may not betray them.


I'm a big fan of Alyxandra Harvey's Drake Chronicles so I was really excited to read her take on Fae. And as with her previous novels, there is much to enjoy here.

There is such fun, and humour in Harvey's novels that I can't help but really like them. This one does, however, feel as if it would work better as a series. As a standalone it felt over too quickly - I just want to get back into the world and learn more about it and spend more time with the characters. I think it's a testament to Harvey's talent as a writer that I am left wanting more though.

I did really love her take on Fae. I really liked the characters - Eloise, Jo and Devin (loved him!) and enjoyed the romance element of the story. Lucas and Eldric are awesome! I thought the mythology behind it was really good too - another reason for me to want to get back into the world! Harvey also manages to rock the dual narrative again - giving us the story from both Eloise and Jo's point of view.  I love this and it works brilliantly.

Another really enjoyable novel from Harvey. While I didn't love it quite as much as the Drake Chronicles I'm sure that would change if this were to become a series.

Tuesday 3 July 2012

I want to read that...


Nobody Like Us by Kristin Halbrook

From Goodreads: Bonnie and Clyde meets Simone Elkeles in this addictively heart-wrenching story of two desperate teenagers on the run from their pasts.

They’re young. They’re in love. They’re on the run.

Zoe wants to save Will as much as Will wants to save Zoe. When Will turns eighteen, they decide to run away together. But they never expected their escape to be so fraught with danger....

When the whole world is after you, sometimes it seems like you can’t run fast enough.

Nobody But Us, told in alternating perspectives from Will and Zoe, is an unflinching novel, in turns heartbreaking and hopeful, about survival, choices, and love...and how having love doesn’t always mean that you get a happy ending. Described as “beautiful, heartbreaking, and exhilarating” by Kody Keplinger, author of The DUFF, Nobody But Us will prove irresistible to fans of Nina Lacour, Jenny Han, and Sara Zarr.


Comparisons to Simone Elkeles, Nina Lacour, Jenny Han and Sara Zarr? COUNT ME IN! It sounds absolutely brilliant!

It's published January 2013.

Sunday 1 July 2012

My Month in Books: May (and a bit of April...)

I decided rather than do a weekly IMM I wanted to create a monthly post that combines the books I receive with a look back on the month. A post to talk about everything that has happened book wise - so any books I receive for review or buy, any bookish events I attend, what I've read, reviewed and so on.

So this is My Month in Books for May (and a little bit of April...)

Read in May:

May was a really good month reading wise and I read some great books! I actually (gasp!) read some adults books too! You can see (if you so desire) what I read here.

Reading highlights for the month include:


The Body Finder Series by Kimberley Derting.  I read these back to back and really enjoyed them.  LOVE Jay!


7 Clues to Winning You by Kristin Walker.  I really need to get my review written for this - it is soooo funny! 


Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson.  ABSOLUTELY LOVED this one!  My review will be posted soon but it's definitely up there as one of my favourite books.

And I have rediscovered my love for adult books!!!  I blame Sarah from Feeling Fictional for this and her insistence that I read the Fifty Shades Trilogy (which I am ashamed to say I really enjoyed..)  New authors I've discovered are Chloe Neill and Jeaniene Frost.  Love both their series!

Reviewed in May:

Divergent by Veronica Roth
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
The Hunt by Andrew Fukada
Endure by Carrie Jones
New Girl by Paige Harbison (includes Q&A)
Geekhood by Andy Robb (and you can read an interview with Andy here.  Plus there a chance to win a signed copy of Geekhood here.

Events:



Simon & Schuster organised a Ghost Walk in London with Michelle Harrison to celebrate the release of her new novel Unrest.  It was a really fun event and I enjoyed hearing about all the different ghost stories!  I'd recommend going on a ghost walk if you are ever near London!  For more info about the event check out Sarah's event report over at Feeling Fictional

Thanks to Simon & Schuster for organising the event and to Michelle Harrison for being great company and for signing my copy of Unrest :D


I also went to Foyles Creative Voices (with Cat Clarke, Kimberly Derting, James Dawson & Tanya Byrne)  It was such a great event.  We got to hear how the authors got started, ask questions and they all did a reading from their novels.

After the Foyles event some of us went for afternoon tea with Kimberly Derting.  This was organised by Headline and was at the lovely Drink Shop Do.  Lots of great teas and the most gorgeous scones!  Plus we got to chat with Kimberly Derting (I tried very hard to get info on Jay and Rafe...) It was a fab afternoon - a massive thanks to Headline for organising it :)


Photographs were taken by the lovely Sarah at Feeling Fictional.  Her event report for Creative Voices and Afternoon tea is here.

And last, but not least, here are the books.  This also includes the last week of April:


Review:

Pop by Catherine Bruton
The Selection by Kiera Cass
Destined by Aprilynne Pike
Changeling by Philippa Gregory
The Spook's Blood by Joseph Delaney
Shift by Kim Curran
Blackwood by Gwenda Bond
Wintercraft: Legacy by Jenna Burtonshaw
1.4 by Mike Lancaster
New Girl by Paige Harbison
Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen
Dissing You Already by Kate Kingsley
Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready
Posion Princess by Kresley Cole
Deadly Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock
Monster High: Back and Deader Than Ever by Lisi Harrison
Goddess Girls: Athena The Brain by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams
Goddess Girls: Persephone The Phony by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams
Dads, Geeks and Blue Haired Freaks by Ellie Phillips
Adorkable by Sarra Manning
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
Alchemy by K J Wignall
Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts
Shattered Dreams by Ellie James
My Family and Other Freaks by Carol Midgley
MetaWars by Jeff Norton
Serpent's Kiss by Melissa De La Cruz

Massive thanks to all the publishers who sent books for review:)

Bought

I appear to have gone overboard with the book buying again this month! But they all look sooooo good so it's really hard to resist...

Plus it was my birthday in April and I had some birthday money to spend (well that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it...:D)



The Princesses of Iowa by M Molly Backes
In Honor by Jessi Kirby
Vanish by Sophie Jordon
Underworld by Meg Cabot
So Much Closer by Susane Colasanti
Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep
Dark Frost by Jennifer Estep
Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland
Last Rite by Lisa Desrochers
Social Suicide by Gemma Halliday
Shift by Em Bailey
7 Clues To Winning You by Kristin Walker
Taken at Dusk by C C Hunter
The Anti Prom by Abby MacDonald
We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis
The Temptation by Alisa Valdes
Obsidian by Jennifer L Armentrout
Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf
Broken Illusions by Ellie James
Glimpse by Carol Lynch Williams
Queen of the Dead by Stacey Kade
Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
Emma Hearts LA by Keris Stainton
Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
Dear George Clooney: Please Marry My Mom by Susin Nielson
Awkward by Marni Bates
You Are Here by Jennifer E Smith
One Perfect Summer by Paige Toon
Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
At Graves End by Jeaniene Frost
Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost
This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost
Angel's Blood by Nalini Singh
Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill
Hard Bitten by Chloe Neill
Drink Deep by Chloe Neill
Grave Witch by Kalayna Price
Grave Dance by Kalayna Price
Fifty Shades Darker by E L James
Fifty Shades Freed by E L James
Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews


...and yes, I did bankrupt myself...

Hope you had a great month for books:D

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