Thursday 31 July 2014

Teaching Roman Blog Tour: Guest Post - Dating 101!!

Today I have an extra special treat for you! I was super lucky to be a part of the TEACHING ROMAN Blog Tour, and I've got a lovely guest post from the amazing Gennifer Albin to share with you all! So, here it is! :D



Dating 101: First comes love...

I had the rather unusual experience of meeting my husband in high school, having a very dramatic (and public) breakup, and then getting back together with him in college. So my dating experience was pretty limited, although there were a few guys. And as for my dating experience?

Let’s just say, I definitely borrowed some scenes from real life ;)

Of course, I learned a lot from watching my sorority sisters date.

Yeah, some people meet the love of their life in college. Maybe it was a symptom of going to school in the Midwest, but every spring I attended dozens of weddings for graduating seniors. I myself got married a year after I graduated. BUT, and this is really important, there’s no time limit.

On dorm move-in day, my whole floor met for a meeting where we all introduced ourselves and said why we came to school here. Without missing a beat, I said “to find a husband.” Then I burst out laughing. You can imagine the initial reaction. It was the year 2000! Fast forward three years and I’m having dinner with a sorority sister who announces to us that if her boyfriend doesn’t propose my Christmas, she’s dumping him, because that will give her a year to find someone to marry. Yeah, that actually happened...in the 21st century.

My point? It’s awesome if you find the person you want to marry in college. It’s cool if you don’t.

If there’s one recurring theme in New Adult lit, it’s that you often fall in love when you least expect it. And if I could give new college students one piece of advice, it would be to walk into your freshman floor meeting and announce you’re there to find a husband.

That joke never gets old.


TEACHING ROMAN 
(Good Girls Don't #2)
 by Gennifer Albin

BOOK SUMMARY:

Jessica Stone has her life in perfect order until her perfectly boring boyfriend Brett puts things in perspective. So when she receives a call to action from her heartbroken best friend Cassie, she ditches her plans for Winter Break in gloomy Olympic Falls and sets off to Mexico for some fun in the sun.

Determined to use her oceanview to prep for her MCATS, she doesn't plan to run into anyone from Olympic State, least of all the cute communications prof she's been crushing on for a year. When he unexpectedly saves the day, the two are thrown together in a distinctly extracurricular activity.

Roman Markson doesn’t expect to run into anyone he knows from Olympic Falls while visiting his family in Puerto Vallarta, especially not a former student. Although Jess Stone has a way of catching men’s attention, a relationship with her is strictly off-limits. However, the rules feel less strict in Mexico, so they agree to a plan: one week in paradise and nothing more.

But avoiding each other back on campus is harder than they anticipated, especially when they can’t stay away from one another. Neither is sure what they have to learn—and lose—before life teaches them a lesson they’ll never forget.

Goodreads link:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18157895-teaching-roman
Buy Links:  Amazon | B&N

About GENNIFER ALBIN

Gennifer Albin holds a Masters degree in English Literature from the University of Missouri. A recovering academic, she turned to writing her own books.  In her free time she sits on the National Novel Writing Month Advisory Board, laughs (and cries) with her mom writers group, and watches too much Doctor Who (if that's possible). Gennifer lives in Poulsbo Washington with her family. (Bio from Website.)

Author Links: Website | Facebook Fan Page | Twitter | Goodreads
This blog tour was brought to you by:
haha I absolutely LOVED Gennifer's guest post!!! :D It definitely made me chuckle and think! I definitely missed some great opportunities to make jokes about getting a husband when I started post-secondary! haha :P 

What did you think of Gennifer's guest post?
Does Teaching Roman sound like a book you'd like to read?
And if you have read it, what did you think?

Cover Reveal: Cinder & Ella by Kelly Oram! #TeaserExcerpt #Giveaway #CoverReveal

Have you heard? 

Kelly Oram has a new book coming out...and I don't know about you, but I am super duper excited to read it! It's a YA/NA Contemporary retelling of Cinderella called Cinder & Ella!

The release date is set for OCTOBER 1, 2014
And without further ado, here is the adorable cover for Cinder & Ella!

CINDER & ELLA
by Kelly Oram



Book Description:

It’s been almost a year since eighteen-year-old Ella Rodriguez was in a car accident that left her crippled, scarred, and without a mother. After a very difficult recovery, she’s been uprooted across the country and forced into the custody of a father that abandoned her when she was a young child. If Ella wants to escape her father’s home and her awful new stepfamily, she must convince her doctors that she’s capable, both physically and emotionally, of living on her own. The problem is, she’s not ready yet. The only way she can think of to start healing is by reconnecting with the one person left in the world who’s ever meant anything to her—her anonymous Internet best friend, Cinder. 

… 

Hollywood sensation Brian Oliver has a reputation for being trouble. There’s major buzz around his performance in his upcoming film The Druid Prince, but his management team says he won’t make the transition from teen heartthrob to serious A-list actor unless he can prove he’s left his wild days behind and become a mature adult. In order to douse the flames on Brian’s bad-boy reputation, his management stages a fake engagement for him to his co-star Kaylee. Brian isn’t thrilled with the arrangement—or his fake fiancée—but decides he’ll suffer through it if it means he’ll get an Oscar nomination. Then a surprise email from an old Internet friend changes everything.


TEASER EXCERPT:

You do have someone who cares, he said softly. No matter how bad things are at home or at school or whatever, you have me. Youre my best friend, too. You have my number now. Save it in your phone and call it anytimeday, night, the witching hourit doesnt matter. Okay?
It took me a momentand a series of deep breathsbefore I could respond. Okay.
Promise?
I promise. As long as I always have you, Ill be fine. I kicked myself internally and laughed. Wow, that sounded really cheesy. You see? Thats why I didnt want to call you. I can filter my stupid mouth so much better when I have to type out my thoughts.
Cinder laughed again. Ah, but then you would miss out on all the sweet nothings I plan to whisper in your ear now that I know how much you like my ultra-sexy voice.
I blushed but refused to let him know that his flirting rattled me. I never said ultra, you egomaniac. But you should definitely consider recording audiobooks for a living.
Hmm. Thats not a bad idea. Cinders voice dropped to that slow, seductive purr again as he asked, Would you like me to read to you, Ellamara?
I thrilled at the thought and couldnt quite mask my excitement. Seriously?
Why not? Before you called, I was getting ready to have a Top Gear marathon all by my lonesome.
You are such a liar. Tonight is Friday night, and its Halloween. There is no way you dont have plans.
I dont have important ones. Its just a stupid party that my sort-of girlfriend wants me to go to.
Your sort-of girlfriend?
Yeah. Cinder stretched the word out in a long breath. Its a long story, but Im not that into her. Id much rather stay home and read with you. Besides, I cant hang up on you when youve had the worst day ever. What kind of best friend would that make me?
I almost cried again. The offer was so sweet. And thoughtful. Reading was a passion Cinder and I shared. We read and discussed books all the time. Wed even decided to read the same book at the same time before, but wed never read one together. Cinder had to know how much that would mean to me.
It has to be The Druid Prince, I said.
Cinder laughed. Its already in my hands.
About Kelly Oram
Kelly Oram wrote her first novel at age fifteen–a fan fiction about her favorite music group, The Backstreet Boys, for which family and friends still tease her. She's obsessed with reading, talks way too much, and loves to eat frosting by the spoonful. She lives outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and four children.


For this awesome cover reveal Kelly is also hosting a giveaway for a $15 Amazon giftcard! 

TO ENTER FILL OUT THE RAFFLECOPTER BELOW: 

I absolutely LOVE the cover for Cinder & Ella, and the teaser excerpt was soooo good! I really can't wait to read this book! 

What do you think?
Do you like the cover?
And what did you think of the excerpt?
Also, who else absolutely LOVES fairytale retellings? ;D

Wednesday 30 July 2014

Waiting on Wednesday (21): The Young Elites!!

 
"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It gives us the chance to fangirl over all of the books that we can't wait to read!

THE YOUNG ELITES (The Young Elites #1) by Marie Lu

Hitting the shelves on October 7, 2014 from Putnam Juvenile

I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.
Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.

MY THOUGHTS

Eeek!! The Young Elites sounds like an AMAZING story!!! I still have to read Marie Lu's Legend Trilogy, but I really CANNOT wait to read this one. It sounds like a wonderful blend of fantasy and dystopian, and I'm really intrigued by the description! :D

Who else can't wait to read The Young Elites?
And what are you waiting for this Wednesday?

Friday 25 July 2014

This Summer Blog Tour: GUEST POST - What's the Appeal of Summer Romances? #GuestPost #Giveaway

Today I have Katlyn Duncan here with a guest post for the blog tour for her book THIS SUMMER! :)

I asked her, "What's the Appeal of Summer Romances?" and here's what she had to say:
I love a good summer romance, mostly because I think there is something so magical about those two-three months in a year that can truly be special, especially as a teen. There is a sense of urgency when you are a kid, at that time there are no responsibilities and fun is in order for each day. And without the pressure of school and keeping up appearances, romance has a chance to bloom where it might not have elsewhere.

I truly enjoy reading books taking place over the summer. There is lightness to everyone’s emotions and a carefree nature, which allows character to really get to know each other as a whole. I especially love those that have settings at the beach or on vacation. There is a chance to meet someone new and really make a vacation one to remember.

I hope ‘This Summer’ helps readers disappear from real-life for a little while to experience the magic of summer.



About THIS SUMMER

Release date: July 9, 2014
Publisher: Carina UK
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
ISBN: 9781472096449

Description…

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…




About Katlyn Duncan

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.


THE GIVEAWAY

The author is offering up for giveaway a $50 Amazon US or UK gift card.

TO ENTER FILL OUT THE RAFFLECOPTER BELOW

Follow the rest of the THIS SUMMER Blog Tour



What do you think about summer romances?
And does THIS SUMMER sound like a book you'd like to read?

Release Day: GAME CHANGER by Collette West!!!

I absolutely loved Collette West's first book, so I'm extremely excited to celebrate the release of her second book, GAME CHANGER!!! :D I've got an excerpt, and a giveaway to share with you all, so keep reading!!! :D

HAPPY RELEASE DAY COLLETTE WEST!

Collette West & IMR Promotions are excited to bring you the Release Day Event of Game Changer!

This is a novel for all the Sports Romance lovers out there!
Below you will find buy links, an excerpt and a Giveaway for your pleasure!
We hope you all give this novel a chance!


Game Changer
Author: Collette West
Publish Date: July 25, 2014
Purchase Game Changer:
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | SW | iBooks
Young, rich, and unaware of how seriously hot he is, Brooks Davison is tearing it up as the latest shortstop for the New York Kings, despite his tendency to blush whenever girls scream his name.


When a health scare forces his best friend, Kyle Roberts, off the team, no one can stomach the thought of replacing him, especially so close to the playoffs.


Until Kyle's sister, Sasha, steps in, convincing management to let her take his place. The idea of signing the first female player in Major League history proves too tempting for the Kings to resist.


Nevertheless, Brooks doesn't want any part of it. Sasha is Kyle's little sister, not some sideshow.


Yet when Kyle takes a turn for the worse, Brooks promises to do everything in his power to help Sasha win a championship for him. Because there's no way he's letting either of them down. Not now, not ever.


Connect with Collette West:

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter
Collette West grew up as somewhat of a jock-nerd hybrid. Entering the world three weeks premature, her dad nearly missed her birth because he had seats behind the dugout for a sold-out, highly-anticipated match-up between two of baseball's biggest rivals. Not to be outdone, her book-loving mom taught her how to read by the time she was three. A love of the game coupled with an appreciation for the written word were instilled in Collette's impressionable brain from a young age. No wonder her characters believe in the philosophy: sports + romance = a little slice of heaven.


Splitting her time between the Pocono Mountains and Manhattan, Collette indulges her inner fangirl by going to as many games as she can from hockey to baseball and downloading every sports romance novel in existence onto her iPad. When she's not clicking away on her laptop, she enjoys walking her dog in Central Park, satisfying her caffeine craving at the Starbucks on Broadway and keeping an eye out for Mr. Right. But above all, she loves dishing with her readers. Email her at collette_west@yahoo.com.


She is the author of NIGHT GAMES and GAME CHANGER.


Excerpt from Game Changer


“I’ll take care of her, bro.” I put myself out there, waiting for the inevitable backlash. When he doesn’t say anything, I give him a message he’s sure to understand. “I give you my word.”


Kyle raises his eyes to my face, studying me. He knows that’s the same oath I swore when he asked me not to date his sister, and I’m not someone who goes back on my word. Something Kyle’s well aware of.


 “You two knuckleheads are driving me crazy,” Sasha sighs, resting a hand against the side of her head. “I already told you. I don’t need anyone to look out for me.”


I bristle a little at her remark, but I do my best not to show it. I thought she’d be glad to spend some time with me. Guess not.


 “Well, it’s not like I have a choice,” I counter, watching her intently. “Since I live next door and all.”


For a split second, I see a flicker of excitement dance in her eyes, before it’s quickly extinguished. So many mixed signals are crossing between us that I can’t make heads or tails of how she really feels about me after all this time apart. Kyle is screwing up our reunion, big time. Under any other circumstances, I would do everything in my power to win her back, but not when my best friend is waiting for some anonymous donor to save his life. I just can’t do that to him. Not now.


 “Fine. If no one’s going to give me a choice, then let’s blow this popsicle stand,” Sasha declares, walking by me, her arm brushing lightly against my shoulder.


And I know that having her on the other side of my bedroom wall—and not being able to do a thing about it—is going to be way more challenging than having to hit a homer with the bases loaded
.



Giveaway:

Collette West has graciously offered to give away a $10 Amazon gift card & signed paperback of GAME CHANGER. To enter - simply fill out the rafflecopter below!


GOOD LUCK!!! :D

I've already got my copy of Game Changer, and I can't wait to read it!
Who else is excited for it? :)

Wednesday 23 July 2014

Waiting on Wednesday (20): Storm Siren!!

 
"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It gives us the chance to fangirl over all of the books that we can't wait to read!

STORM SIREN (Storm Siren #1) by Mary Weber

Hitting the shelves on August 19, 2014 from Thomas Nelson

" I raise my chin as the buyers stare. Yes. Look. You don't want me. Because, eventually, accidentally, I will destroy you. "

In a world at war, a slave girl's lethal curse could become one kingdom's weapon of salvation. If the curse and the girl can be controlled.

As a slave in the war-weary kingdom of Faelen, seventeen-year-old Nym isn't merely devoid of rights, her Elemental kind are only born male and always killed at birth meaning, she shouldn't even exist.

Standing on the auction block beneath smoke-drenched mountains, Nym faces her fifteenth sell. But when her hood is removed and her storm-summoning killing curse revealed, Nym is snatched up by a court advisor and given a choice: be trained as the weapon Faelen needs to win the war, or be killed.

Choosing the former, Nym is unleashed into a world of politics, bizarre parties, and rumors of an evil more sinister than she's being prepared to fight . . . not to mention the handsome trainer whose dark secrets lie behind a mysterious ability to calm every lightning strike she summons.

But what if she doesn't want to be the weapon they've all been waiting for?

Set in a beautifully eclectic world of suspicion, super abilities, and monsters, "Storm Siren" is a story of power. And whoever controls that power will win.

[F]antasy readers will feel at home in Weber s first novel . . .a detailed backdrop and large cast bring vividness to the story. "Publishers Weekly"

Weber builds a fascinating and believable fantasy world. Inventive and entertaining. "Kirkus Reviews""


MY THOUGHTS

Not only do I love this cover, but I think that this book sounds AMAZING! It sounds super intense, and I absolutely CANNOT wait to read it! I love the sound of the elemental powers, and the whole curse thing sounds intense! :D

What do you think?
Does Storm Siren sound good to you?
And what are you waiting for this Wednesday?

Friday 18 July 2014

Breathe, Annie, Breathe Blog Tour: Question & Answer with Miranda Kenneally!! #Q&A


Today, I've got some awesome stuff to share with you! I'm lucky enough to be a part of Raincoast book's Canadian Blog Tour for BREATHE, ANNIE, BREATHE by Miranda Kenneally! And Raincoast has kindly shared some questions and answers that I'm going to share with you today, but first I'm going to tell you a bit about the book, and a bit about Miranda! :)

About BREATHE, ANNIE, BREATHE
Annie hates running. No matter how far she jogs, she can’t escape the guilt that if she hadn’t broken up with Kyle, he might still be alive. So to honor his memory, she starts preparing for the marathon he intended to race.

But the training is even more grueling than Annie could have imagined. Despite her coaching, she’s at war with her body, her mind—and her heart. With every mile that athletic Jeremiah cheers her on, she grows more conflicted. She wants to run into his arms…and sprint in the opposite direction. For Annie, opening up to love again may be even more of a challenge than crossing the finish line.

"Breathe, Annie, Breathe is an emotional, heartfelt, and beautiful story about finding yourself after loss and learning to love. It gave me so many feels. Her best book yet." — Jennifer Armentrout, New York Times bestselling author of Wait for You

About MIRANDA KENNEALLY
Growing up in Tennessee, Miranda Kenneally dreamed of becoming an Atlanta Brave, a country singer (cliché!), or a UN interpreter. Instead she writes, and works for the State Department in Washington, D.C., where George W. Bush once used her shoulder as an armrest. Miranda loves Twitter, Star Trek and her husband.

Author Links: Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook
Now, onto the questions and answers! :D

Q & A

  1. When did you decide to become a writer?

    A: When I was about eight years old. I spent recess writing terrible short stories about families with 15 kids and 40 dogs, and poodles that join the circus. They were terrible stories.
  2.  Why do you choose to write YA books?  Have you ever considered writing other genres?

    A: I'd love to write adult romance or historical romance. I might try writing adult romance one day, but I'm just too busy with my YA books right now. I also love sci-fi, and would love to try writing another one. I've written 3 sci-fis, but they aren't exactly publishing material! :)
  3. Your characters often crossover in your novels.  Is this your way of giving your characters a sequel or a happy ending?
    A: Yes, I chose to write companion novels rather than sequels, because to write a sequel, you have to create drama. If I've already given my characters a happy ending at the end of a book and they have grown and developed, I don't want to take that away from them by creating unnecessary drama. I also loved the idea of creating a community in which kids influence each other in different ways throughout the books.
     
  4. Who is your favourite character to write?

    A: This is a super easy question! Sam Henry is my favorite. He's just so silly and wild, but honest and sweet at the same time. He was never meant to be a big character in my books, but he showed up on the page one day and would not go away no matter how much I wanted him to.
  5. This year has seen so many YA books turned into movies, from The Fault in Our Stars to The Giver. What is your favourite movie adaptation of a YA novel? Or which adaptation are you most anticipating?

    A: Honestly, I loved the adaptation of Twilight: Breaking Dawn 1 and 2. I could watch it over and over again! Also, I loved the Harry Potter movies.
(Once again, these questions and answers were provided to me by Raincoast Books!)



Eeek! I'm a HUGE fan of Miranda Kenneally, and I absolutely LOVE her Hundred Oaks series, so I'm super glad to be a part of this tour! I also loved the questions!! One of my favourite parts of her series is the fact that the books are companions to one another, which I LOVE!! I love that we get to see the past characters, but as Miranda herself said, she doesn't have to create drama between them!! :D And I just have to say that I absolutely loved the adaptations of Twilight: Breaking Dawn 1 & 2...they were perfect! :D 

What do you think?
Does BREATHE, ANNIE, BREATHE sound like a book you'd like to read?
How do you feel about companion series?
And who else is a major Miranda Kenneally fangirl? ;) 

Review: Breathe, Annie, Breathe (Hundred Oaks #5) by Miranda Kenneally

Source: Received an egalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date: Already Released!
Number of Pages: 306 (Hardcover)


Description from Goodreads:
Annie hates running. No matter how far she jogs, she can’t escape the guilt that if she hadn’t broken up with Kyle, he might still be alive. So to honor his memory, she starts preparing for the marathon he intended to race.

But the training is even more grueling than Annie could have imagined. Despite her coaching, she’s at war with her body, her mind—and her heart. With every mile that athletic Jeremiah cheers her on, she grows more conflicted. She wants to run into his arms…and sprint in the opposite direction. For Annie, opening up to love again may be even more of a challenge than crossing the finish line.

"Breathe, Annie, Breathe is an emotional, heartfelt, and beautiful story about finding yourself after loss and learning to love. It gave me so many feels. Her best book yet." — Jennifer Armentrout, New York Times bestselling author of Wait for You

Read an excerpt: http://mirandakenneally.com/writing/e...

About MIRANDA KENNEALLY

Growing up in Tennessee, Miranda Kenneally dreamed of becoming an Atlanta Brave, a country singer (cliché!), or a UN interpreter. Instead she writes, and works for the State Department in Washington, D.C., where George W. Bush once used her shoulder as an armrest. Miranda loves Twitter, Star Trek and her husband.

MY REVIEW

This was my initial reaction when I finished Breathe, Annie, Breathe that I posted on Goodreads

AHHHHH! :D I ABSOLUTELY LOVED BREATHE, ANNIE, BREATHE!!! :D EEEK!!!!

Okay, now that I've gotten that fangirling bit out of the way, I loved this one! So much! :D BREATHE, ANNIE, BREATHE is definitely my favourite in the Hundred Oaks series so far. I swear with each book I grow to love this series more and more! Annie was fantastic! She was feisty, funny, and really easy to relate to. She's normal, kinda unsure of her future, and she's dealing not dealing with her grief very well, but I loved that she pushed herself, and that she was open to trying new things and taking risks again. I really loved her, and I loved Jeremiah, too!!! He's definitely grown since we last saw him in Things I Can't Forget. He was pretty sexy, and rugged. ;) haha Well, that's my gush-fest for now!


And here are my thoughts now that I've managed to compose myself a teensy bit better: 

I've said it before, and I will say it again, I love Miranda Kenneally's Hundred Oaks Series, and Breathe, Annie, Breathe was no exception! In fact, it's my favourite one yet...I really do grow to love this series more and more! :D

One of the best parts about the Hundred Oaks series is that we get to see past characters again, and again! I love that these books are companion novels, so we get to see our favourites happy, we get to see them grow, and see what they're up to! I also love that Miranda Kenneally's characters are all incredibly unique, and they all have qualities that make it impossible not to admire them. In Breathe, Annie, Breathe, Annie trains for a marathon to honour the memory of her boyfriend who passed away. What I loved most was the fact that Annie was so normal...she wasn't a runner or jogger to begin with, and she definitely wasn't athletic. It made her so incredibly easy to relate to, and it even made me realize that maybe one day I really could put on my own pair of jogging shoes instead of just saying that I could or might start jogging. :P

What set Breathe, Annie, Breathe apart from the other Hundred Oaks books for me though was the fact that Annie had been in love before. In all of the other books, the characters may be experienced with romance a bit, but they're all pretty much newbies when it comes to being in love. Annie, on the other hand, had been in love before; she'd lost her love, and she was learning to deal with it. I felt that her past made her very mature in the way that she handled her feelings towards Jeremiah. I also just loved her personality in general! She really was an amazing protagonist, and I admired her for her dedication to running the marathon, and for the way that she matured throughout the book!

I also loved Jeremiah and Annie's relationship! I loved that they started as friends, and that it grew into something more. I loved that they challenged each other, and made each other better people. But, most of all, I loved that they supported one another, and while they spoke their minds, they ultimately respected the decisions that they each made. Their relationship may have seemed to revolve mostly around their attraction, but I loved that it became something super strong that provided stability in both of their lives. Seriously...these two have a YA relationship that's done right!!! There was no insta-love, but there was definitely attraction, which grew in something more as the characters actually got to know each other...in short, it was perfect! :)

Overall, I loved everything about Breathe, Annie, Breathe! I loved the characters, the story, and as always, I loved Miranda Kenneally's writing! I think that fans of the Hundred Oaks series will definitely love this one, but I also think that if you're just starting the series, you'll love it, too. Breathe, Annie, Breathe is more than just a romance; it's a story about learning to move on from the past, about finding something to strive towards, and about re-connecting with those you love and the world around you in the wake of losing someone you love.

What do you think?
Does Breathe, Annie, Breathe sound like something you'd want to read?
And who else is a mega Miranda Kenneally fan?

Also, check out the Q&A I posted for the Canadian Blog Tour of Breathe, Annie, Breathe! 
http://burningximpossiblyxbright.blogspot.com/2014/07/breathe-annie-breathe-blog-tour.html

Wednesday 16 July 2014

Waiting on Wednesday (19): The Fall!!

 
"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It gives us the chance to fangirl over all of the books that we can't wait to read!


THE FALL by Bethany Griffin

Hitting the shelves on October 7, 2014 from Greenwillow Books

Book Description: 

Madeline Usher is doomed.

She has spent her life fighting fate, and she thought she was succeeding. Until she woke up in a coffin.

Ushers die young. Ushers are cursed. Ushers can never leave their house, a house that haunts and is haunted, a house that almost seems to have a mind of its own. Madeline’s life—revealed through short bursts of memory—has hinged around her desperate plan to escape, to save herself and her brother. Her only chance lies in destroying the house.

In the end, can Madeline keep her own sanity and bring the house down? The Fall is a literary psychological thriller, reimagining Edgar Allan Poe’s classic The Fall of the House of Usher.

Look for it- Fall 2014!

MY THOUGHTS

I loved Masque of the Red Death...and I still need to read its sequel, Dance of the Red Death, but I absolutely CANNOT wait to read The Fall!! :D It sounds dark and totally amazing...plus, just like Masque of the Red Death, it's a reimagination of Edgar Allan Poe's work! :D

Who else is excited for this one?
And what are you waiting for this Wednesday?

Tuesday 15 July 2014

THRIVE TOUR: GUEST POST -- Sorting the Addicted Series Characters into Hogwarts Houses!!! #Giveaway

THRIVE TOUR:
Sorting the Addicted Series Characters into Hogwarts Houses

Lily and Lo love comic books, pop culture, and Harry Potter. So if J.K. Rowling’s epic series and the Addicted series ever collided in an alternate universe here’s where our characters would get sorted.

First up.

Rose Calloway – RAVENCLAW

Intelligent. Well-spoken (even if she’s sassy). And a lover of knowledge. Rose would, without a doubt, be sorted into the house known for wit and wisdom.



Connor Cobalt – RAVENCLAW

There is no question that Connor would be a Ravenclaw. He would also be the prefect his 5th, 6th, and 7th years.



Ryke Meadows – GRYFFINDOR

Gryffindor’s are known for their bravery, determination, and can also be short-tempered and a bit reckless. Yep. Basically Ryke.



Daisy Calloway -- GRYFFINDOR

Daisy is pretty fearless, brave, and reckless, but she’s also kind and friendly. She really straddles the line between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. So the hat would give her a choice, and she’d choose Gryffindor because they have more daring adventures. Plus, their Quidditch team is kickass.




Lily Calloway – HUFFLEPUFF

Hufflepuff are kind and patient and very tolerant individuals. Lily would fit right in. She has a lying streak that might set her apart from the other ‘puffs, but she would definitely be sorted into the house.




Loren Hale – SLYTHERIN

Poor Lo. He would get sorted to the house with the worst reputation. Slytherin’s are known for their power hunger, their self-preservation, and ambition. While Lo may not be the most ambitious of the Addicted characters, he has always been selfish and spiteful.


And when we imagine a Slytherin falling in love with a Hufflepuff, our geek hearts literally explode. ☺ 



Title: Thrive
Authors: Krista & Becca Ritchie
Series: Addicted #2.5
Pub Date: July 18th, 2014

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18479451-thrive
Amazon: Purchase links not available until July 18th

SUMMARY

Two years will change them forever.

When rumors spread like wildfire—like having three-ways with her boyfriend’s rock climbing brother—Lily Calloway spirals into a dark place. Her bedroom. Loren Hale is more confident and determined to keep their sex life private, even from their friends, and he helps Lily in the only way he knows how. But how much love is too much?

Their lives are filmed, watched, and criticized. And through it all, Lily and Loren have to face enemies they never thought they’d see, demons they don’t know if they should bury, and setbacks they didn’t think they’d meet. Not this soon.

And one rumor could be too much for them to handle. It will test their greatest limitations, and if they don’t hold onto each other, someone is going to drown.

A full-length New Adult Romance that bridges the gap between the second and third books. Thrive must be read before Addicted After All if you have not read the Calloway Sisters spin-off
AUTHOR BIOS

Krista & Becca Ritchie are identical twins. They write New Adult books that make you cringe, gasp, and go ooh-la-la. (If you do that sort of thing.) They are currently working on the spin-offs and final books in the Addicted series. Connect with them on twitter and their website: kbritchie.com

AUTHOR LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Pinterest
GIVEAWAY LINK
*Kindle Paperwhite
*3 Signed Paperbacks of THRIVE

TO ENTER FILL OUT THE RAFFLECOPTER BELOW:



I am so freaking in love with this post it's not even funny!!!! :D I love that Becca and Krista sorted their characters into Hogwarts Houses...and I love it even more that I got to share it!!! :D

I also totally agree with them all. Those are definitely the right houses for their characters...and now I can't get some kind of Addicted/Harry Potter fanfiction-type mash-up out of my head! ;D haha The GIFs are great, too! I really should share more GIFs on my blog! ;D haha And I, too, love the idea of a Slytherin and a Hufflepuff! :D

What do you think?
Did you love this post, too??? :D
Do you agree with the houses that Krista and Becca sorted the characters into?

Monday 14 July 2014

Cover Reveal: HEREDITARY (Holloway Pack #2.7) by J.A. Belfield

I'm a HUGE fan of J.A. Belfield's Holloway Pack series, and today I've got the cover for the newest upcoming release in the series, HEREDITARY, a short story in the series that bridges what happened to a few of the characters between the novella Resonance (Holloway Pack #2.5) and the third book in the series, Caged (Holloway Pack #3), the third book in the series. :)

This story will be completed FREE! And it can be read independently from the series if you haven't read them yet! :) Right now the release day is set for August 13th!!! :D

And without further ado...here's the gorgeous cover for HEREDITARY!!! :D

Title: Hereditary
Series: Holloway Pack
Author: J.A. Belfield
Release Date: August 13th 2014
Blurb:

The trouble with one-night stands: you never know who—or what—you’re sleeping with.
~~~
Being a parent isn’t an easy ride. Even more so for single mum Shelley Lewis.
When her thirteen year old son’s hormones kick in, she’s faced with his immense growth, insane sweat, and ridiculous hairiness, not to mention all the normal teenage issues.
Discovering her only son isn’t human on top of those is the shock of a lifetime, and Shelley knows she’s the only one to blame.
It may be too late to save her son from her mistakes, but she can still try to save Gabe from himself.
~~~
For fans of J.A. Belfield’s Holloway Pack series, Hereditary is a look back at the origins for characters met in Resonance.


I absolutely LOVE this cover!!! The colouring is gorgeous, and I love the way that the moon is glowing and casting the only light on the cover...such a pretty effect!! :D 

What do you think?

Thursday 10 July 2014

Monthly Recap: So...what happened in June? #Recap (with a brief Recap of May, too :P)


I've decided that I'm going to start doing recap posts every month. I'll probably mix the format up lots, but I'm gonna keep it simple and stick to the stuff that I found exciting, what I read, and what I've been kind of obsessed with over the month...so this is what I've done in June! :D

First, you might have noticed that I didn't post a recap for May! I was a bit late at starting my post...and eventually June was almost over, so I didn't see much of a point in making  one anymore. :P But, I'll give you a quick rundown! I didn't do a whole lot in May, but I was very busy with work and I also read tonnes that month!!

Here's a short list of what I did in May:
  • celebrated my 23rd birthday!! Wooohooo! 
  • finally started watching the Matt Smith seasons of Doctor Who!! 
  • watched Neighbors (and loved it!) ---I'm always happy to see more of Zac Efron ;D haha
  • read 29 books! I'd list them all, but I'm trying to be brief, so my favourite reads from May
  • I loved this one so much!!! For me, it was the perfect ending to the series, and I already can't wait to read Cassandra Clare's next upcoming Shadowhunter trilogy!
  • were:
    • City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6) by Cassandra Clare --- I LOVED THIS ONE! It was exactly what I wanted from the final book in TMI, and I already can't wait to read Cassandra Clare's next upcoming Shadowhunter series!
      • Plus One by Elizabeth Fama --- I loved this one, too!!! I read this one with my friend Zoë from Writing Whimsy in our year-long read-a-long! ;D
      • Sweet Filthy Boy (Wild Seasons #1) by Christina Lauren --- LOVED THIS! I'm a huge Christina Lauren fan! The two co-authors are hilarious, and I love their writing style! This was an awesome start to a new series!
        • Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller --- I absolutely LOVED this book, too! I figured I would like it from the description, and I ended up loving it even more than I thought I would. :D
        • The Mark of Athena (The Heroes of Olympus #3) by Rick Riordan --- After spoiling myself on Instagram for the ending of this book I kinda stopped reading it for a while, but in May I finally picked it up and finished! And it was heartbreaking, but also AMAZING!
          • The House of Hades (The Heroes of Olympus #4) by Rick Riordan --- LOVED THIS ONE!!! I just had to catch-up in this series because the final book is out in October, and I can't wait!!!
          • The Rising (Darkness Rising #3) by Kelley Armstrong --- I finally finished this trilogy, and I loved it so much!! This was another one that Zoë and I read together! :)
        And I think that's all I can remember from May! :P



        Now, on to my June recap! :P

        What I did this month:

        - CONVOCATED!!! :D I'm officially a University Graduate now!! ;D

        - registered for Ryerson University's Chang School's Publishing program...woo hoo!! :D
        - got a new laptop! My old laptop had been acting up for a while and hadn't been charging, so I caved and bought a Macbook Pro! I'm enjoying it, but I'm definitely still adjusting to some stuff...most editing pictures. I still haven't found a program to replace Paint.net, which I used on my PC. :P
        - GOT MY FIRST AND SECOND TATTOOS! ;)
        Woof is just above my left wrist, and READ./DRINK TEA./BE HAPPY. is on my right forearm just below my elbow. I totally love them! :D And I've already got several other tattoo ideas I wouldn't mind getting. ;)

        What I read this month:

         12 books! :) 
        A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein
         Who Wants a Cheap Rhinoceros? by Shel Silverstein
         The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
        A Giraffe and a Half by Shel Silverstein
        Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman
        Billy and Me by Giovanna Fletcher
        Every Thing On It by Shel Silverstein
        Falling Up by Shel Silverstein
        Through to You by Lauren Barnholdt
        Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover
        Pants on Fire by Meg Cabot

        I was doing a big Shel Silverstein read over May and June, so lots of them showed up this month. I've got a couple of his books left to read, but I've now almost read them all! :) I love his quirky poems, but I must admit...some are seriously disturbing. :P

        My favourites this month were Through to You, and Maybe Someday! :) Maybe Someday was my first Colleen Hoover book and I absolutely LOVED it, and Through to You was by one of my longtime favourite contemporary authors, Lauren Barnholdt...and it definitely lived up to my expectations. :D 

        What I watched this month:

         - finished Doctor Who! I'm all caught up with the new series of Doctor Who, and I'm all ready for the Twelfth Doctor! :D
        - Maleficient (x2) -- I watched Maleficient twice this month and loved it both times. I also can't wait for the live action version of Cinderella they're planning!!! :D
        - How to Train Your Dragon 2 --- LOVED THIS SO MUCH!!! This was definitely my favourite out of everything I watched this month. I cried, I laughed...I just loved it so much! :D I also loved that Kit Harington (my beloved Jon Snow in Game of Thrones ;P) was one of the voice actors for a newer character. I'm always a sucker for Kit. ;) haha
        - The Fault in Our Stars -- I loved this one, too, but in a completely different way than How to Train Your Dragon 2. I loved seeing Hazel and Gus brought to life! The acting was superb, and the whole film was just perfect. And I totally fell for Augustus even more after watching the movie. :)



        So, that's what I did in June!
        I convocated, worked quite a bit, got a new laptop, watched Doctor Who and some amazing movies, read some books, and got tattooed! :) 

        What did you do in June?

        Wednesday 9 July 2014

        Waiting on Wednesday (18): Ugly Love!!

         
        "Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It gives us the chance to fangirl over all of the books that we can't wait to read!


        UGLY LOVE by Colleen Hoover

        Hitting the shelves on August 5, 2014 from Atria Books

        When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she knows it isn’t love at first sight. They wouldn’t even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn’t want love, she doesn’t have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.

        Never ask about the past.
        Don’t expect a future.

        They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can’t handle it at all.

        Hearts get infiltrated.
        Promises get broken.
        Rules get shattered.
        Love gets ugly.


        MY THOUGHTS

        I recently read my very first Colleen Hoover book (it was Maybe Someday ;P), and I totally loved it, so now I'm even more excited for Ugly Love! I definitely plan to make sure I read Colleen's previous books, too. I loved that in Maybe Someday she took a situation that could've been awful and just horrible to read about, but she made it something that you could relate to and even understand in a way, so I'm extremely excited to see what goes on in Ugly Love!! I really just can't wait!!! :D

        Anyone else super excited for Ugly Love?
        What are you waiting for this Wednesday?