Author Archives:
Mailbox Monday #49
Mailbox Monday is a weekly event where we share our latest book arrivals. Join in to share your book loot and discover some new book blogs. Drop by 4 the Love of Books to link up for May.
School’s out this week, it’s almost Memorial Day- how time flies! Hope your May is going great so far.
Books Received:
Looking for Me by Beth Hoffman from Penguin Audio
A Conspiracy of Faith by Jussi Adler-Olson from Penguin Audio
Dear Cassie by Lisa Burstein ordered from Grass Roots Books (signed!)
First Comes Love and Second Chance by Katie Kacvinsky ordered from Grass Roots Books (signed!)
The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr won from DEBtastic Reads and signed! Thanks so much Debbi!
Winger by Andrew Smith purchase
Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt from the library
Dr. Bird’s Advice for Sad Poets by Evan Roskos from the library
Digital e-books and audiobooks:
Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker audiobook for review from Simon & Schuster Audio
Wallbanger by Alice Clayton audiobook for review from Simon & Schuster Audio
The Sweet Dead Life by Joy Preble audiobook for review from Audiobook Jukebox and AudioGo
Leap of Faith by Jamie Blair for review from Simon & Schuster via Edelweiss
To Be Perfectly Honest by Sonya Sones for review from Simon & Schuster via Edelweiss
Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight – Purchased on my sister’s recommendation. She says this is a good Gone Girl type book and it does sound awesome.
Kindle Deals:
The Madman’s Daughter by Megan Shepherd – kindle daily deal for $1.99
Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger – kindle deal for $2.99, still on sale
The Story of Us by Deb Caletti – kindle deal for $3.79
Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley – kindle deal for $1.99, still on sale
Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah Strohmeyer – kindle deal for $1.99, still on sale
Let me know what you’re reading in the comments. Have a good week!
Karice Bolton Blog Tour: New Adult Paranormal Guest Post
I’m excited to welcome author Karice Bolton to the blog today. Karice is the author of a New Adult paranormal series centered around witches called Witch Avenue, and she also has a current YA book out called The Camp. I’m a big fan of NA, but haven’t read a lot of Paranormal NA, so I asked if she could talk a little about the genre with us.
And hey, don’t forget to pick up an ebook of Lonely Souls, the first book in the Witch Avenue series. It’s FREE for kindle right now! And The Camp is Karice’s newest YA release, and it’s only $0.99.
Witch Avenue #1: Lonely Souls
Devastated by the loss of her mother, Triss throws herself into uncovering clues surrounding her mother’s disappearance. When the Witch Avenue Coven turns their back on Triss, she realizes she’s caught in a world that is ruled by Lonely Souls. But who is controlling them?
Recognizing the herbal lore she grew up learning will do little to fight against the underworld, she is relieved when her best friend from childhood, Logan, returns to help her find answers. When they begin uncovering secrets from her family’s past, she learns her mother might not have been the only target.
But as Triss falls deeply for Logan, she discovers her family isn’t the only one with secrets and his may be deadly.
The Camp
Emma has always tried to be perfect in her almost eighteen years of existence, but it has never been good enough. As she finds herself counting the days until she’s officially free from her parents’ reins, her stepfather hands her a plane ticket explaining that she must attend the Re-Boot Camp in the wilds of Alaska.
Once she lands in the middle of nowhere, she realizes the camp is nothing like she imagined, and she wants out immediately. That is until she meets Liam.
The camp is full of teens with dark pasts, but she finds herself drawn to Liam’s ability to see who she really is and who she wants to become. While Emma and Liam begin adjusting to a place neither wants to be, frightening events begin to unfold. When people begin disappearing, it becomes apparent they can only trust one another as they fight for survival.
Welcome, Karice! Thanks for talking to us about the world of Paranormal NA today!
Thank you so much for having me on the Reading Date to discuss NA paranormal!! A big hi *waves* to everyone! New Adult paranormal is a genre that is definitely finding its way in the reading world, and I’m excited to be a part of it as it grows.
The first New Adult paranormal romance series I wrote was The Watchers Trilogy (Awakening, Legions, and Cataclysm). Since the characters were a little older than typical YA, it allowed more freedom to explore emotions and situations that the 18+ crowd might experience. And if I wanted the characters to sit in a pub and have a beer, it wasn’t like the end of the world, which was nice!
I think what’s awesome about New Adult is that the stakes are often raised because the characters are free from the constraints that an existing parental unit creates. The age still provides ample opportunity for exploring new experiences and allowing the characters to evolve, which is really fun to write about. The freshness of Young Adult life can be captured during this age, while tackling a wide range of subject matter. Add in paranormal and the sky is the limit! Angels, Witches, or Fairies just make it even more magical.
These aren’t necessarily New Adult and/or paranormal, but some books that I’ve recently read and enjoyed are On Dublin Street by S. Young, Julie Kagawa’s The Immortal Rules, Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill, and Tempting the Best Man by J. Lynn. Super fun reads for the summer!
Oh, I loved Gone Girl and On Dublin Street. Thanks for the great recs! I agree that the 18+age range does allow more freedom and variety for NA characters. I have my kindle loaded up with a few of your books and I’m looking forward to checking them out!
Thanks again, Karice!
May 15 | http://www.memyshelfandi.com/ | @myshelfandi
May 19 | http://kaidansseduction.blogspot.com
The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey Audiobook Review
Book: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey, Penguin Audio, May 7, 2013
Book Info: YA Sci-Fi/Dystopian, Audiobook received for review from Penguin Audio. Running time: 12 hrs, 41 mins. Read by: Phoebe Strole and Brandon Espinoza. Also available in HC, 457 pages (I bought it) from G.P. Putnam’s Sons.
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
More Info: Goodreads | Audible | Amazon | Official Site
The 5th Wave is impossible to ignore right now, and arguably the hottest YA book of the summer. I don’t read a lot of science fiction so I was wary about an alien invasion book described as The Passage meets Ender’s Game. But, all the rave reviews and Hunger Games comparisons got to me and soon I had the 5th Wave fever. The 5th Wave is thrilling like a rollercoaster and fun like a summer popcorn movie. And I think it’s accessible enough for the casual sci-fi fan and very much a human story. It’s one I picked up in hardcover because I know it’s going to be a book I can loan out to a wide variety of readers.
In Rick Yancey’s The 5th Wave, civilization as we know it has been wiped out by alien invaders in four devastating waves. The aliens want to get rid of the humans but leave the earth in good shape for themselves. These aliens are smart and have done their homework on how to exterminate the human race. Cassie is a teen who miraculously survived the first four waves with most of her family intact. She gets separated from her younger brother Sammy though, and the goal to get him back is what’s keeping her alive. Meanwhile she’s dodging aliens (nicknamed “the Others”) and hoping there won’t be a fifth wave.
In addition to Cassie and her brother Sam, we meet a character referred to as “Zombie”, and the mysterious Evan Walker who gives shelter to Cassie when she’s on the run. The story kicks off with Cassie’s POV but changes setting and characters with Zombie’s perspective. I clicked more with Cassie’s story and preferred being in her head, but the dual POV does give the reader a wider view of all the happenings. One drawback for me is that with the change in perspective I felt a little detached from the characters. Ideally, I would prefer the book was only from Cassie’s POV even though I get it from a storytelling perspective.
The chapters are short and action packed. The story drew me in quickly and I could feel the hopelessness and desperation the characters faced. It’s a scary story; partly because it seemed so realistic I could buy into the terror of it all.
I mentioned there are two guys in the story, right? So, yes there is some romance and it’s not without its complications. I liked that the romance doesn’t take over the book but it is there to break up some of the tension of the alien attack. I wouldn’t call this an alien romance exactly in the vein of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Lux series, but it is there and I’m curious to see where it goes.
I listened to the audiobook read by Phoebe Strole and Brandon Espinoza, both new-to-me narrators. I’m happy that I listened to the audiobook because it was easier to keep track of the different perspectives with different male and female narrators. Phoebe Strole’s voice reminds me of narrator Emma Galvin (Divergent) combined with Sarah Drew (Delirium). She sounds age appropriate for sixteen-year-old Cassie and conveys her toughness & sarcasm as well as her vulnerability. I liked her quite a lot. Brandon Espinoza also does a fine job with the male voices, and he in particular has to voice a variety of ages and personalities. Both read with a pace to my liking and increased the intensity as the story dictated. I’d recommend listening to the audiobook of this one to really let you escape into the story. I’m going to read it in print to get that experience as well.
I do think this book is a natural sell to Divergent and Hunger Games fans and has crossover appeal for any type of reader. The ending really makes me eager for the next book in the series, though we have a long wait on our hands. Bring on the movie!
Click to Subscribe by L.M. Augustine Book Review
Click to Subscribe by L.M. Augustine, published May 9, 2013
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Source: Review copy provided by the author
e-Book, 252 pages
Rating: 4/5 stars
Book Summary:
1,135,789. That’s how many subscribers sixteen-year-old West Ryder has on his web vlog series. But he only has eyes for one of them.
As one of the internet’s most prestigious video bloggers, West talks about high school relationships under the name “Sam Green.” As far as he knows, no one from school, not even his best friend, Cat, has seen his videos. But the highlight of the whole thing is Harper Knight, who comments every day at exactly 2:02 in the afternoon. He doesn’t know anything about her aside from the occasional deep philosophical messaging on why pizza tastes so delicious, but as stupid as it sounds, he might be falling for her. So when they finally agree to meet in real life, West’s hope for romance seems more and more in reach. But that all changes as soon as he arrives at their meeting spot and sees Cat walking toward him, wearing the same “I <3 Sam Green” T-shirt Harper promised she’d have on.
To his alarm, West realizes he is falling in love with the best friend who has always been a sister to him.
Click to Subscribe is such a fun comfort read, perfect when you’re looking for something light. What intrigued me about it first of all was that it’s about someone who has a vlog. I think that’s such a unique set up for the story. The vlog helps West when he’s having a tough time in his personal life and also is the catalyst for romance with one of his vlog followers.
This book has a male POV only, which is kind of refreshing when the trend is dual POV. West has a fresh voice and is an interesting character. I couldn’t imagine how someone who’s such a popular vlogger, even though he has a pseudonym (Sam Green), could be anonymous at school. It’s like he lives a double life. West is a nice guy, a little clueless at times, but endearing. And he bakes a mean birthday cake!
West has a best friend named Cat who totally gets him and has his back. She is fun-loving, snarky and awkward in a good way. They can be silly together, fight, laugh, eat ice cream and pizza endlessly and talk about the tough stuff. They call each other out on their bullshit, and converse like only best friends do. But what happens to the friendship when Cat wants to take it to the next level?
Though the tone of the book is overall quick and fluffy, there is some sorrow in West’s life. The vlog is therapeutic for West, who recently lost his mom. West’s family life is problematic; his dad is a mess and not really there for him. The vlog helps keep West busy and is a safe place to get his thoughts out there. West relies so much on Cat’s friendship I can understand his hesitation to add romance to the mix, even though the reader can see they’re perfect for each other.
Augustine inserts some fun into the story with haiku email exchanges, emoticons, and Harry Potter and Star Wars references. And the junk food! West and Cat are a pair of sugar addicts – best to keep some ice cream with rainbow sprinkles handy when you read this one.
This book is a quick read at just over 250 pages, but it doesn’t feel rushed at all. It’s a fun and relatable book about friendships and life. I could feel the chemistry between the characters and enjoyed watching the friendship evolve. Click to Subscribe gave me the warm fuzzies and is an entertaining debut.
About the Author:
L.M. Augustine is a YA romance author who is obsessed with writing about dorky teenagers, love, and happy endings. He currently lives in New England, where he spends far too much time reading books and screaming at his computer, and he believes that the solution to the world’s problems can be found in chocolate cake. Click To Subscribe is his first novel, but it won’t be his last.
Find L.M. on Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Blog
Click to Subscribe is on sale now for $2.99: Amazon | B&N | Smashwords
Giveaway! Enter the rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win an e-book of your choice and a $10 Amazon gift card.
Read other reviews by following along on the Click to Subscribe blog tour!
Top Ten Books Dealing with Tough Subjects
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature from The Broke and the Bookish. Last week’s subject was light reads and this week we’re going to the dark side. Surprisingly, this week’s topic was easier for me than last weeks! I’ve been gravitating towards lighter books lately, though I’ve certainly read my share of tough subject books.
These books deal with the tough stuff:
1. Miracle by Elizabeth Scott - Miracle takes on the aftermath of a plane crash and PTSD. Living Dead Girl by Scott could also easily be on this list- it still haunts me to this day.
2. Live Through This by Mindy Scott – Live Through This is a gripping novel about abuse.
3. If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch – If You Find Me is a tale about abuse, and survival.
4. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson – Wintergirls is a chilling book about anorexia. Anderson’s Speak should easily be on this list as well.
5. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky – I tend to think of this book being about depression and grief for the most part, but there are other tough issues explored as well.
6. Hold Still by Nina LaCour – This book centers on the aftermath of suicide.
7. Speechless by Hannah Harrington- Speechless is about a bully who becomes bullied herself.
8. Don’t Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala – Takes you inside the life of a runaway trying to survive on the streets.
9. The Survival Kit by Donna Freitas - Loved this book about grieving and healing after losing a mother, but after going through this myself this is the kind of book I avoid now. It’s so interesting how personal experience shapes our book choices.
10. Something Like Normal by Trish Doller – Male POV about a soldier experiencing PTSD on his return home from Afghanistan.
Do you prefer to read lighter books or those dealing with tough subjects? Are there any tough subject matters you avoid?
Bout of Books 7.0 Starting Line
It’s read-a-thon time! Here’s my game plan:
The Books:
Finish my books in progress- The 5th Wave and Click to Subscribe
Listen to 1-2 more review audiobooks – Down London Road and Ten Tiny Breaths or something else TBD
Read 1-2 other ARC’s – potentially Golden and The Language Inside
Be social:
Cheer on other blog participants
Participate in challenges and at least one #boutofbooks chat
Don’t stress if I don’t get through everything- just have fun
I’ll do a wrap-up post at the conclusion of the read-a-thon!
Happy readathoning!
Mailbox Monday #48
Mailbox Monday is a weekly event where we share our latest book arrivals. Join in to share your book loot and discover some new book blogs. Drop by 4 the Love of Books to link up for May.
Hope you all had a nice weekend and happy mother’s day. My family gifted me with a new kindle paperwhite so I’m pretty excited to get that set up. My current kindle 2 is on its last legs.
We are having triple digit heat in my neck of the woods so it was hard to concentrate on reading this weekend. Summer is here early!
May is shaping up to be quite a big book month! It’s a little intimidating to be honest. Good thing Bout of Books readathon is going on. What books are you excited to read this month?
Books Received:
Purchased:
The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey – Yep, the hype got to me. It’s really good so far.
Invisibility by David Levithan & Andrea Cremer – My daughter is a total David Levithan fangirl so had to grab this one.
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein – New to paperback
What We Lost by Sara Zarr – New paperback cover and title (previously called Once Was Lost)
Digital- not pictured:
If I Should Die by Amy Plum – kindle edition
The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr – audiobook
Won:
Don’t Let Me Go & Where You Are by J.H. Trumble – Won from Brigid Kemmerer in her Breathless Release Week celebration. I loved Where You Are and I’m happy to own a copy, and to check out the first book in the series.
Review:
The Keep by Veronica Wolff – The Watchers book 4 from NAL Trade.
Audiobooks from Penguin Audio:
The Black Country by Alex Grecian
The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindel
And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success by Phil Jackson and Hugh Delahanty
Silken Prey by John Sandford
A Delicate Truth by John Le Carre
Digital Review Books:
The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey (audio received after I bought the book, so I can compare reading experiences! The narration is fantastic)
Down London Road by Samantha Young (audio)
Just What Kind of Mother Are You? by Paula Daly
Gated by Amy Christine Parker
How to Love by Katie Cotugno
Once We Were by Kat Zhang
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
OCD Love Story by Corey Ann Haydu
The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller
The Hazards of Skinny Dipping by Alyssa Rose Ivy
Let me know what you’re reading in the comments. Have a good week!
