Thursday, June 18, 2015

Book Review: One Tiny Lie by KA Tucker

One Tiny Lie (Ten Tiny Breaths #2)
By KA Tucker
Release Date: June 14, 2014
Source: Own Copy 
Summary: Livie has always been the stable one of the two Cleary sisters, handling her parents' tragic death and Kacey's self-destructive phase with strength and maturity. But underneath that exterior is a little girl hanging onto the last words her father ever spoke to her. “Make me proud,” he had said. She promised she would...and she’s done her best over the past seven years with every choice, with every word, with every action.

Livie walks into Princeton with a solid plan, and she’s dead set on delivering on it: Rock her classes, set herself up for medical school, and meet a good, respectable guy that she’s going to someday marry. What isn’t part of her plan are Jell-O shots, a lovable, party animal roommate she can’t say ‘no’ to, and Ashton, the gorgeous captain of the men’s rowing team. Definitely him. He’s an arrogant ass who makes Livie’s usually non-existent temper flare and everything she doesn’t want in a guy. Worse, he’s best friends and roommates with Connor, who happens to fits Livie’s criteria perfectly. So why does she keep thinking about Ashton?

As Livie finds herself facing mediocre grades, career aspirations she no longer thinks she can handle, and feelings for Ashton that she shouldn’t have, she’s forced to let go of her last promise to her father and, with it, the only identity that she knows.

Review: After reading Ten Tiny Breaths last summer, I fell in love with KA Tucker's storytelling and the intense emotions she brings to her characters. I couldn't wait to read Livie's story and watch her find her own happily ever after as well. 

Ever since her parents died, Livie has lived her life determined to make her father proud. She worked hard throughout school and finally got into Princeton where she could study and then go to medical school. What she doesn't expect, though, is one crazy night out with her sister to introduce her to Ashton, the captain of the men's rowing team who also happens to be quite notorious with the ladies. Ashton is the last person Livie wants to be attracted to, especially when she kind of sort of starts seeing Ashton's best friend, Connor, who is someone who should be perfect for her. Livie is forced to face the reality of what she really wants out of life and decide who she wants to live her life for. 

Oh boy. I loved Kacey's story in the first book, but Kacey is so different from Livie, so I wasn't sure how much I would like Livie. I'm happy to say that I ended up loving Livie's story and connecting with her just as much as I connected with Kacey. Livie is a good girl who has pretty much no experience when it comes to guys. I loved how her first male interaction in college was with Ashton and how she couldn't get him out of her head. Ashton is definitely someone you should NOT fall for because of his reputation and background. There's such intense chemistry between Livie and Ashton, though, that you can't help but root for them to get together. Sure, Connor was cute and seemed like the "perfect" fit for Livie's life, but sometimes what seems perfect isn't actually perfect for you. 

Ashton was definitely yummy and one of my favorite parts of this book, but I also loved Livie's roommate Reagan and her relationship with another guy on the rowing team. Kacey made some appearances, which I loved, but Livie was living on her own and had to try and handle the world without her big sister. While I wasn't a huge fan of how Livie completely changed in college when it came to partying and drinking, I enjoyed watching Livie change and discover more about herself and what she wants out of life. There were definitely jaw dropping moments when it came to her and Ashton's relationship and secrets he was keeping, which made me freak out and furiously turn the pages to figure out what would happen next. I just couldn't put this book down! 

It comes to no surprise that I loved this second book in KA Tucker's Ten Tiny Breaths series. I absolutely loved Livie's character and how she fell for the last guy she wanted to fall for. The emotions were raw and the characters were challenged to take a good look at what they wanted in life. I am already dying to read Four Seconds to Lose so that I can lose myself in yet another fantastic story from KA Tucker.


Wednesday, June 17, 2015

When You Are Mine Debutversary Blitz + Giveaway

Debutversary-Graphic-2

We are pleased to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Kennedy Ryan's debut, WHEN YOU ARE MINE!
Make sure to check out the rafflecopter giveaway!
AND...only if you've read WYAM, click at the very bottom of the post to catch up with where the characters are now! ***Spoilers if you haven't read!!!***
Happy Debutversary!

“Ryan’s debut is rife with sexual tension, while her easy style and likable characters bring this unpredictable love triangle to life.” —Karina Halle, NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author of The Pact “When You Are Mine is exactly what I look for in a romance! Achingly beautiful with palpable, real characters, you cannot help but completely fall in love with. I cannot wait for more!” –A.L. Jackson, NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author of Take This Regret and Lost to You "Holy hot love triangle! When You Are Mine is a beautiful, yet tragic, intense yet gentle story that grabs you immediately and does not release until the very end. I know a lot of readers get turned off by a love-triangle, but rest assured this one just works perfectly." –Brandi, Talk Books To Me "You know the writing is suburb when you can laugh and cry and get so angry at the characters...My hands were shaking when I started writing this. I screamed at the ending. Going to end with BLOWN AWAY!!!" –Nelle, Nelle's Nightstand


WYAM10.1


Forever is a heartbeat away . . .Kerris Moreton knows how to make things work. Bounced from foster home to foster home as a kid, she adapted; when opportunity arose, she thrived. Now, about to open her own business and accept a marriage proposal, Kerris is ready to build the life she's always wanted. The only thing missing? A passionate connection with her would-be fiancé, Cam. Kerris wants to believe that sparks are overrated-until Walsh Bennett lights her up like the Fourth of July ...but what about love? As one of the East Coast's most eligible bachelors, Walsh enjoys financial independence, fulfilling work with his family's nonprofit, and plenty of female attention. But lately he's been distracted by the one woman he can't have. Lovely to look at and even sweeter to know, Kerris is the soul mate Walsh never thought he would find. The problem is, his best friend found her first . . .

HaveHerKeepHer

Click HERE for update on where life is now...MAJOR SPOILERS!!! Bonus material only for those who have read books 1 and 2!!!

LOVING YOU ALWAYS Available Now
 
BE MINE FOREVER Available Now
Giveaway
Stalk Kennedy! 

Kennedy Ryan always give her characters their happily ever after, but loves to make them work for it! It's a long road to love, so sit back and enjoy the ride. In an alternative universe, she is a wife to the love of her life, mom to a special, beautiful son, and a friend to those living with autism through her foundation serving Georgia families. Her writings on Autism have appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul, and she has been featured on the Montel Williams Show, NPR, Headline News and others. Ryan is donating a portion of her proceeds to her own foundation and to her charitable partner, Talk About Curing Autism (TACA).
Her interview series MOMMIES DO THE MOST AMAZING THINGS is featured each month in Brooke Burke's online magazine Modern Mom.

Waiting on Wednesday (198)


This is a meme hosted by Breaking the Spine where every Wednesday bloggers highlight a book that they are eagerly anticipating the release of! 

The Trouble with Destiny
By Lauren Morrill 
Release Date: December 8, 2015
Summary: It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey... 

With her trusty baton and six insanely organized clipboards, drum major Liza Sanders is about to take Destiny by storm—the boat, that is. When Liza discovered that her beloved band was losing funding, she found Destiny, a luxury cruise ship complete with pools, midnight chocolate buffets, and a $25,000 spring break talent show prize. 

Liza can’t imagine senior year without the band, and nothing will distract her from achieving victory. She’s therefore not interested when her old camp crush, Lenny, shows up on board, looking shockingly hipster-hot. And she’s especially not interested in Russ, the probably-as-dumb-as-he-is-cute prankster jock whose ex, Demi, happens be Liza’s ex–best friend and leader of the Athenas, a show choir that’s the band’s greatest competition.

But it’s not going to be smooth sailing. After the Destiny breaks down, all of Liza’s best-laid plans start to go awry. Liza likes to think of herself as an expert at almost everything, but when it comes to love, she’s about to find herself lost at sea.


-------------------------------------------

Yay! Another Lauren Morrill novel!!! I am so excited! First, this cover is so cute. Who would not want to pick this one up? Reading this summery, the relationships in Liza's life sound so complicated. There's an old crush, ex-best friend, and her ex-best friend's ex-boyfriend. And who doesn't love a YA romance on a cruise? I can't wait for this one!! 

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Top Ten Tuesday: Books on My TBR for Summer 2015

This is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish where each week bloggers share a list of books for the prompt given. So hopefully I'll have a new list to share with you all each week!

This Week's Topic: Top Ten Books on My TBR for Summer

Since I went on vacation a couple of weeks ago, I already knocked out a good chunk of the books I wanted to read this summer. However, that doesn't mean that I don't have another load of books that I'm dying to read. As all of you can probably relate to, my TBR pile is never ending! So here are the top ten books I really really really want to read this summer. 


1. Confess by Colleen Hoover
2. Broken Juliet by Leisa Rayven
3. All Broke Down by Cora Carmack


4. Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson
5. #scandal by Sarah Ockler
6. Boomerang by Noelle August 


7. Four Seconds to Lose by KA Tucker
8. Saving Quinton by Jessica Sorensen 
9. Wait for You by J Lynn 


10. I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson 

Monday, June 15, 2015

Blog Tour + Review/Giveaway: Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella

Finding Audrey
By Sophie Kinsella 
Release Date: June 9, 2015
Source: Publisher
Summary: From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Shopaholic series comes a terrific blend of comedy, romance, and psychological recovery in a contemporary YA novel sure to inspire and entertain.

An anxiety disorder disrupts fourteen-year-old Audrey’s daily life. She has been making slow but steady progress with Dr. Sarah, but when Audrey meets Linus, her brother’s gaming teammate, she is energized. She connects with him. Audrey can talk through her fears with Linus in a way she’s never been able to do with anyone before. As their friendship deepens and her recovery gains momentum, a sweet romantic connection develops, one that helps not just Audrey but also her entire family.


Review: I love love love Sophie Kinsella. Her books are so adorable and I can't get enough of them. When I found out that she had a YA book coming out, I knew that I had to get my hands on it. And, come on, how adorable is that cover? Who could resist? 

After being betrayed by her friends, Audrey is hindered by an anxiety disorder that forces her to stay inside of her house and avoid eye contact at all costs. In order to protect herself, Audrey wears sunglasses and refuses to leave the safety of her home. She begins to make slow progress with Dr. Sarah, but the moment Linus walks into the door of her home and speaks to her in a way that makes her feel excited instead of scared, Audrey has finally found someone she can connect with. As her relationship with Linus progresses and he challenges her to push herself to new limits, Audrey discovers much more about herself and who she really wants to be. 

There's one word that comes to mind after reading this book: Adorable. Starting with Audrey's character, she was so much fun to follow and learn more about. She has an anxiety disorder and cannot look people in the eye. From the first page, I understood her character and could feel her moments of anxiety, her fear of what other people are thinking and how she's a failure at life. I just wanted to give the girl a hug and tell her it was all okay. But I didn't have to worry because Linus came in and did that job! Oh, Linus. What a cutie pie. I loved how he wasn't weirded out by Audrey and was so patient with her in developing their relationship. He tried to encourage her and their "crazy challenges" were light hearted moments to contrast the heavy reality of Audrey's anxiety. I could not have asked for a better guy to help Audrey grow and develop as our main character. 

While this book dealt with the serious topic of social anxiety disorders, Sophie Kinsella was able to write in such a whimsical, fun way that made this book a joy to read. The parts written as a script were so fun and I loved how they captured her family perfectly. Her family was definitely a shining star in this book, too. Whether it was her crazy mom, her gaming-obsessed brother, or her silly 4-year-old brother, Audrey's family was there to provide some entertainment and prove that Audrey's condition was not the craziest thing in the world. My only issue with this book was that we never figured out what exactly had happened to Audrey that completely changed her life and ability to socially interact. All we know is that a group of girls at high school did something to her. WHAT WAS IT?!?! I wanted to know so badly, but the book ended and it was never fully explained. 

Every single thing about this book was adorable and lovable. While I was disappointed that we were not given a full explanation of Audrey's past, this book was just too perfect not to love. I flew through this story and fell in love with the quirkiness of all of the characters and how Audrey was pushed to face her fears and learn to trust herself again.


Giveaway
One winner will receive a copy of Finding Audrey and a coffee sleeve! US ONLY Ends 6/22
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the Tour
June 1st:
June 2nd:
June 3rd:
June 4th:
June 5th:
June 6th:
The Reader Bee
June 7th:
June 8th:
Jenn's Bookshelves
June 9th:
June 10th:
June 11th:
June 12th:
June 13th:
June 14th:
June 15th:
             Peace.Love.Books              
June 13th:

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Stacking the Shelves (148)

Stacking the Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where bloggers share what they got throughout the week!

From Publisher

So many goodies have come for me over the last two weeks and I could not be more excited. I mean, I have new books from Maya Banks, K Bromberg, and Kim Karr! How could I not be excited?! I've got a lot of great reading ahead of me! 

From Giveaway
I won a fabulous giveaway from Liza Wiemer that included a signed ARC of A Court of Thorns and Roses, a signed hardback of Saint Anything, and a signed ARC of her novel Hello?. I can't believe I won such amazing books! Thanks, Liza! 

From Library
I decided to reserve from books from the library that were too expensive for me to buy online. At around $10 per book on amazon, I could not justify spending $30 on books that I could just get from the library…and they came in much quicker than they would have if I ordered them online. So I have these beauties at home and can't wait to read them! Especially Broken Juliet! That ending of Bad Romeo killed me and I'm dying for more! 



That's it for me! What did you add to your shelves this week? 

Friday, June 12, 2015

Book Review: Because You'll Never Meet Me by Leah Thomas

Because You'll Never Meet Me
By Leah Thomas
Release Date: June 2, 2015
Source: Publisher
Summary: Ollie and Moritz are best friends, but they can never meet. Ollie is allergic to electricity. Contact with it causes debilitating seizures. Moritz’s weak heart is kept pumping by an electronic pacemaker. If they ever did meet, Ollie would seize. But Moritz would die without his pacemaker. Both hermits from society, the boys develop a fierce bond through letters that become a lifeline during dark times—as Ollie loses his only friend, Liz, to the normalcy of high school and Moritz deals with a bully set on destroying him.

A story of impossible friendship and hope under strange circumstances, this debut is powerful, dark and humorous in equal measure. These extraordinary voices bring readers into the hearts and minds of two special boys who, like many teens, are just waiting for their moment to shine.

Review: If you know anything about me, it's that I love my romances. That being said, I rarely ever read anything that's not a romance. When I picked up Because You'll Never Meet Me, I wasn't so sure about this story about two boys with very different problems who strike up a strange friendship. I decided to give this one a try anyways and I was definitely in for an interesting story! 

From the moment Ollie decides to write Moritz, they strike up a friendship and confide their insecurities, hopes, and problems to each other through letters. They soon become best friends, but know that they can never meet. Ollie is severely allergic to electricity and Moritz must use a pacemaker to live. If they ever meet, Ollie would seize. Moritz and Ollie bond over their inability to blend with society, but end up pushing each other to face their fears and find their place in the world. 

Wow, this book was definitely unlike anything I've ever read before. Ollie and Moritz are two very unique characters with quite distinct personalities. I loved how this book was written in letter format so that we actually heard the voices of the characters. Ollie was hilarious and I loved his sarcasm. Moritz was definitely a pessimist but his letters contrasted Ollie's perfectly. Of course, they were very hesitant trusting each other at first, but their letters slowly became more open and trusting, so a lot of secret insecurities and background information were revealed to the reader as the novel went on. While it was written in letter format, the story still flowed very well, showed major character development with both Ollie and Moritz, and really kept my attention. 

While Ollie and Moritz were the ones writing the letters, there were so many more vibrant characters in the story. Moritz slowly made some new friends while Ollie had his mom, doctor, and Liz, who was his only friend out in the real world. And what I didn't expect from this book were the emotions I felt. Both Ollie and Moritz were bullied in some form and it was heartbreaking to hear them tell each other about it. I was cheering them on the whole time to finally accept themselves and try to put themselves out there in the world instead of hiding from it. 

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Some parts were a little bit slower than others and I definitely did not pick up on something about Moritz, so I think that was a bit forced about his character. Other than that, though, this was definitely a great, unique read from an excellent debut author!


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...