Blog Tour: The Tokyo Cover Girls by Jackie Amsden (Spotlight Post)

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Hey guys! I’m really excited to be on the blog tour for The Tokyo Cover Girls by Jackie Amsden (May 1st 2016 by Jackie Amsden)! Here’s more about the book!

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tokyocovergirlscover-1New York has Jacobs, Paris has Chanel, Milan has Versace and Tokyo has . . . Hello Kitty toilet plungers? With its cute-obsessed catalogue and magazine market, anyone who is anyone knows that modeling in Japan means being at the bottom of the fashion industry. Blake, Jess, and Hailey are doing their best to survive yet another casting where pigtails and toddler-impressions are a must when they stumble upon the opportunity of a lifetime. The prestigious Satsujin company has selected them to compete for a campaign that will transform the winner from commercial nobody to haute couture superstar faster than you can say Vogue Italia.

Amazon | Kobo | iTunes

Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

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jackieAbout the Author:

Jackie Amsden worked as a fashion model in China, Japan, and Taiwan before retiring at the age of eighteen after one too many agent threats, nude photo shoot requests, and self-loathing-induced Pocky binges. If you’d like to learn more about her decent into the darker side of Asia’s candy-coated modeling industry sign up for free installments of her upcoming memoir, Toy Girl, at www.jackieamsden.com.

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Follow the rest of the tour!

September 15th

The Cozy Little Book Nook – Review

RoloPoloBookBlog – Spotlight Post

September 16th

Book Lover Promo – Spotlight Post

Roxy’s Book Reviews – Spotlight Post

September 17th

The Phantom Paragrapher – Review

September 18th

VampyreLady’s Cover Reveals, Blog Tours, New Releases & All Things Bookish – Spotlight Post

Live to Read – Promo Post

September 19th

Alice’s Book Vault – Promo Post

September 20th

The Procrastinator’s Corner – Review

September 21st

Down the Bookhole – Spotlight Post

September 22nd

Bookrantings – Review

September 23rd

YA Book Divas – Review

September 24th

Little Miss Trainwreck – Author Interview

Book Lovers Life – Spotlight Post

September 25th

YaReads – Author Interview

September 26th

Lekeisha the Booknerd – Review

September 27th

The Book Beacon – Guest Post

Pandora’s Books – Promo Post

September 28th

Just One More Chapter – Spotlight Post

Noshelfcontrol – Author Interview

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Guest Review: Tonight the Streets Are Ours by Leila Sales

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Guest Review: Tonight the Streets Are Ours by Leila SalesTonight the Streets Are Ours by Leila Sales
Published by Farrar Straus and Giroux on September 15, 2015
Pages: 342
Format: ARC
Source: the publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-stars

Recklessly loyal.

That’s how seventeen-year-old Arden Huntley has always thought of herself. Caring for her loved ones is what gives Arden purpose in her life and makes her feel like she matters. But lately she’s grown resentful of everyone—including her needy best friend and her absent mom—taking her loyalty for granted.

Then Arden stumbles upon a website called Tonight the Streets Are Ours, the musings of a young New York City writer named Peter, who gives voice to feelings that Arden has never known how to express. He seems to get her in a way that no one else does, and he hasn’t even met her.

Until Arden sets out on a road trip to find him.

During one crazy night out in New York City filled with parties, dancing, and music—the type of night when anything can happen, and nearly everything does—Arden discovers that Peter isn’t exactly who she thought he was. And maybe she isn’t exactly who she thought she was, either.

A message from Meredith: Hey everyone! Today, I have Emily Anne here with a guest review for Tonight the Streets Are Ours by Leila Sales

You can find Emily on Reader Rising and on Twitter!

Without further adieu, here’s Emily’s review! Enjoy!

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I loved Tonight The Streets Are Ours. This book is beautifully written and offers an honest reflection of life. Even though the book isn’t fast paced or action packed, I found myself unable to tear myself away. And, after I read this book, I thought about it for weeks after.

Firstly, I love our main character, Arden. She has a strong voice, and seems very human. I love her anecdotes of her life and her examination of her “recklessly loyal” personality. In fact, she was made into her own Just-Like-Me-Doll for mass production (like the American Girl doll of the year), and that doll version of herself has both defined her and held her back.

At home, Arden is having a tough time. Her mother left; Her dad is always working. She and her boyfriends are drifting apart. She and her best friend, Lindsey, also need to get some things out. Arden feels like she never gets any love back from anybody. Then, Arden finds solace in a blog called Tonight The Streets Are Ours. She grows fascinated with the blog’s talented writer, Peter. The readers also get to read Peter’s posts, and I really liked that!

And, then, one night the two meet. And Arden discovers the truths of Peter’s life that were never told on the website. She even discovers a lot about herself on that crazy night. They don’t meet until the last half of the book, so be patient! I actually liked both parts of the book equally, even though they are completely different. My only half-complaint is that I don’t know if I would ever reread this book, and I think a lot of people will be turned off by the slow pace.

Reading Tonight The Streets Are Ours is an experience. Equal parts beautiful and raw and real-life, Leila Sale’s book is very introspective. She makes beautiful points on love, friendship, the life of the privileged, family, perception, and the importance of both sides of a story. I can’t wait to read more by Sales.

four-stars

Guest Review: After the Woods by Kim Savage

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Guest Review: After the Woods by Kim SavageAfter the Woods by Kim Savage
Published by Farrar Straus and Giroux on February 23, 2016
Pages: 304
Format: ARC
Source: the publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
three-stars

Would you risk your life to save your best friend?

Julia did. When a paroled predator attacked Liv in the woods, Julia fought back and got caught. Liv ran, leaving Julia in the woods for a terrifying 48 hours that she remembers only in flashbacks. One year later, Liv seems bent on self-destruction, starving herself, doing drugs, and hooking up with a violent new boyfriend. A dead girl turns up in those same woods, and Julia’s memories resurface alongside clues unearthed by an ambitious reporter that link the girl to Julia’s abductor. As the devastating truth becomes clear, Julia realizes that after the woods was just the beginning.

A message from Meredith: Hey everyone! Today, I have Leah here with a guest review for After the Woods by Kim Savage

You can find Leah on Bumblebee Book Blog and on Twitter!

Without further adieu, here’s Leahs’s review! Enjoy!

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Julia and her best friend Liv love to go trail running as part of their cross country training. They always go together to run through the woods on a trail that two teenage girls really have no business running on alone. Everyone’s worst fear is confirmed one day when the girls are on one of their normal runs and Liv (who is much faster and always runs ahead of Julia) gets attacked by a man with a knife. Faced with the decision of fight or flight, Julia knows she can’t leave her best friend behind to fend for herself. Liv is able to get away after Julia tries to fight off the attacker. Liv leaves Julia and the man while she runs to get help. That is the last anyone sees of Julia for two days until she is able to once again best her attacker and get away.

Now a year later, Julia is still dealing with the aftermath. Everything changed once she was found in the woods. She is now a local celebrity because of her valor. The media loves her story and have used it for a platform to try and build a case on why the police were incompetent enough to let a man with parole violations slip under the radar enough that he was able to attack two teenager girls. Along with this, Julia also has to deal with how her attack has affected her personal life. Things with Liv are never the same since that night. Liv has taken to dealing with her problems with reckless behavior and rebellion. Julia thinks that she is on a downward spiral and she doesn’t know what to do to help. Julia’s mom has also forced her to see multiple therapists in an attempt to make her deal with the attack. No one understands that Julia needs to know the facts of the case and why it happened to her in order for her to ever be able to move on. As she is researching the case, she begins to find out information that will change things forever.

The thing that I really enjoyed about this book that I didn’t anticipate was the focus on the emotional and psychological toll of being abducted (or not abducted in one case) had on the MC. After being out of the woods for a year, Julia still doesn’t handle things the way everyone around her thinks she should. She is a scientist to her core and researching statics and gathering information is the only way she can process what happened to her. As much as her therapists want her to put her feelings neatly into a box of what they think she should be feeling, Julia just isn’t that way. The thought of playing with dolls to act out what happened to her makes her roll her eyes out of her head. I think this is a great perspective for the writer to show since not everyone deals with their problems the same. Sure, talking to a therapist will help some, but some people need to know the WHY in order to heal. I really enjoyed that no matter what dark secret Julia uncovered, she still thirsted for more knowledge. Her emotional strength was a refreshing trait to read about.

There were a few problems that I had with the story. At times, things jumped around a lot. Stuff would be mentioned, but never fully explained in the end. The obsession with writing GIRLs, the “black thing” in her belly, etc. I also really wish that Julia and Kellan’s relationship would have been featured more or just not mentioned at all. It is so spotty that it feels like Kellan was put into the story as a filler. At times I completely forgot that he was even a character because of how little he was mentioned.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to anyone that is a fan of YA thrillers that focus on dark subject matter like The Darkest Corners by Kara Thomas.

three-stars

Guest Post: Olivia Decoded by Vivi Barnes (Giveaway)

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Hey everyone! I’m so excited to have Vivi Barnes, author of Olivia Decoded (September 6, 2016) here with a guest post about the pros and cons of researching for a book that may put you on the FBI watch-list… First, here’s more about the book!

olivia-decoded This isn’t my Jack, who once looked at me like I was his world. The guy who’s occupied the better part of my mind for eight months.

This is Z, criminal hacker with a twisted agenda and an arsenal full of anger.

I’ve spent the past year trying to get my life on track. New school. New friends. New attitude. But old flames die hard, and one look at Jack—the hacker who enlisted me into his life and his hacking ring, stole my heart, and then left me—and every memory, every moment, every feeling comes rushing back. But Jack’s not the only one who’s resurfaced in my life. And if I can’t break through Z’s defenses and reach the old Jack, someone will get hurt…or worse.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

iBooks | Kobo | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Entangled Website

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And now for the guest post from Vivi! Enjoy!

Writing Olivia Twisted was insane as far as learning about hacking, and that of course carried over into Olivia Decoded. The hacking is much more front-and-center in the first book, though, as it’s what Olivia gets directly involved in. In book two, we find out that someone from her past is after both her and Z/Jack. Just when she thought it was safe to go back in the water… (Sorry, couldn’t help throw in a Jaws reference!) It’s much more of a psychological thriller, which was a lot of fun to write. Admittedly difficult, too. Mad props to anyone who writes thrillers!

Things to know if you’re going to write about something that isn’t exactly within the parameters of the law:

1) Don’t discuss these things in public. My husband and I were in a deep conversation one night at a restaurant about how to properly kidnap someone and keep them in a cellar (one of the original ideas I had for Olivia Decoded). I happened to look over and notice the man sitting nearby gaping at us in shock. I’m sure he’s still wondering what poor victim fell prey to our schemes.

2) Know that you might end up on some FBI list for whatever you research online. Which for me included “how to hack a bank account” and “how to use Tor for illegal activities.” Oh, and “how to kidnap someone using chloroform” when I was considering that plot line. The FBI probably has a file called CRAZY WRITERS that they throw this stuff in.

3) Learn your shiz. I learned how to code (well, the basics, at least). I learned how to send pop-up messages to my husband’s computer, which I did. A lot. I don’t think he was too happy about that, but hey, I was enjoying myself!

4) Have fun! Killing people in books is fun. Doing it in real life is not. Don’t be a real-life killer. This PSA was brought to you by me. You’re welcome.

I hope you enjoy Olivia Decoded! And thank you Meredith and all my book blogger friends for your support these years!

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And now for the giveaway! One lucky winner will receive a signed copy of Olivia Decoded + a $25 Amazon Gift Card! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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And don’t forget to check out book one, Olivia Twisted!

olivia-twistedTossed from foster home to foster home, Olivia’s seen a lot in her sixteen years. She’s hardened, sure, though mostly just wants to fly under the radar until graduation. But her natural ability with computers catches the eye of Z, a mysterious guy at her new school. Soon, Z has brought Liv into his team of hacker elite—break into a few bank accounts, and voila, he drives a motorcycle. Follow his lead, and Liv might even be able to escape from her oppressive foster parents. As Liv and Z grow closer, though, so does the watchful eye of Bill Sykes, Z’s boss. And he’s got bigger plans for Liv…

Thanks to Z, Olivia’s about to get twisted.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

iBooks | Kobo | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Entangled Website

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vivibarnesAbout the Author:
 
Vivi Barnes was raised on a farm in East Texas where her theater-loving mom and cowboy dad gave her a unique perspective on life. After college, she convinced her supportive husband to

move with her to be part of the sunshine and magic in Orlando, Florida. On a good day, she manages to divide her time writing, working, reading, goofing off with her three kids, and avoiding dirty dishes. Vivi is a proud member of SCBWI and attends conferences whenever she can.

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Review: Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco (Blog Tour)

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco (Blog Tour)Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
Series: Stalking Jack the Ripper #1
Published by Jimmy Patterson on September 20, 2016
Pages: 336
Format: ARC
Source: the publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.

Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.

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Amazon | B&N

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Hey everyone! Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco (September 20, 2016 – Jimmy Patterson) This book was an incredibly twisted, epic read, so I’m really excited to be a part of this blog tour! I hope you enjoy my review!

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I’m morbidly fascinated with Jack the Ripper – both fictional and non-fictional. So when I first heard about this book, I KNEW I had to read it! And it was soooo good! It’s definitely in my Top Five Favorite Books for 2016! It was dark and fascinating, the writing was incredible and the characters were epic!

Audrey Rose is, without a doubt, one of my favorite female characters in a long time! She’s so bold and fierce – sharp like a whip and hilarious – and so determined to break the rules of society and carve her own path.

Thomas cracked me up! I adored his personality and his cheekiness. He’s so full of himself and he’s completely cocky but he makes me snicker! He was also a shameless flirt and it made me like him even more! His chemistry with Audrey Rose was electric and intense. I loved when she called Thomas a fiend – it just fit him so well!

Nathaniel is hilarious – the words ‘quippy’ and ‘cheeky’ pretty much cover his personality! But he’s also kind for supporting his sister. On the flip-side, I never fully trusted Blackburn and I despised Audrey Rose’s father. I’d love to discuss these characters, as well as a few others, in greater detail but alas, spoilers! So I won’t. But I wish I could! … Go read the book so we can discuss this stuff!!!!

The ending was INSANE and a complete mind-f*ck! I seriously… I don’t even know. I finished reading this a whole month ago and I still can’t process my thoughts and feels from the ending of this book, at all. I’m still in shock and still going, “…Seriously..? But… How…? Wait… seriously…?” I mean, at some point, I started having strange theories and wondering, but they seemed so ludicrous, I brushed them aside. And then… NOPE! I WAS RIGHT!!! If I could do an emoji from my computer right now, it would be the one with its mouth open in shock and hands on its face.

Kerri’s writing was on point! It flowed and it made me feel as though I was actually living the story (as opposed to simply reading it). Also, I couldn’t help but wonder about all the crazy things Kerri must have had to google for this book, haha!

Overall, if you couldn’t tell from my gushing, fangirl review, I loved this book so very much! The plot was intense and intriguing; Kerri is an amazing writer; and the characters were beloved and well-developed. I HIGHLY recommend this book for those fascinated by Jack the Ripper and those who love a good mystery and/or thriller!

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Favorite Quotes:

“Roses have both petals and thorns. You needn’t believe something weak because it appears delicate.” (This is, quiet possibly, my favorite quote ever).

“I promise. I’ll be as silent as the dead.” … “The dead speak to those who listen. Be quieter than even them.”

“I had no idea my innards were composed of cotton and kittens, while yours were filled with steel and steam-driven parts.”

“Just because I was a girl interested in a man’s job didn’t mean I needed to give up being girly.”

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And now for the giveaway! Thanks to the publisher and tour host, we have 3 Finished Copies of STALKING JACK THE RIPPER (US Only). To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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kerri-maniscalcoAbout the Author:

Kerri Maniscalco grew up in a semi-haunted house outside NYC where her fascination with gothic settings began. In her spare time she reads everything she can get her hands on, cooks all kinds of food with her family and friends, and drinks entirely too much tea while discussing life’s finer points with her cats. Stalking Jack the Ripper is her debut novel. It incorporates her love of forensic science and unsolved history, and is the first in a new series of gothic thrillers.
 

Website | Twitter | Instagram

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Tour Schedule:

Week 1:
9/12: No BS Book Reviews – Review
9/13: A Perfection Called Books – Guest Post
9/14: The Heart of a Book Blogger – Review
9/15: My Friends Are Fiction – Q&A
9/16: Pandora’s Books – Review
 
Week 2:
9/19: Polished Page-Turners – Review
9/20: The Irish Banana Review – Top 10
9/21: Chapter By Chapter – Guest Post
9/22: What Sarah Read – Mood Board
9/23: That Artsy Reader Girl – Review

five-stars

Review: Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake (Blog Tour)

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake (Blog Tour)Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
Series: Three Dark Crowns #1
Published by HarperTeen on September 20, 2016
Pages: 416
Source: the publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

Fans of acclaimed author Kendare Blake’s Anna Dressed in Blood will devour her latest novel, a dark and inventive fantasy about three sisters who must fight to the death to become queen.

In every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose...it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins.

The last queen standing gets the crown.

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Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

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Hey everyone! Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake (September 20, 2016 – HarperTeen) This book was an incredibly twisted, epic read that got me out of my months-long reading slump, so I’m really excited to be a part of this blog tour! I hope you enjoy my review!

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I ABSOLUTELY EFFING LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!

It’s the best book I’ve read in a LONG time and it, more than anything else, has truly gotten me out of my reading slump. It was deliciously dark, intriguing and wonderful in every aspect and every way – the writing, the plot and the characters.

Katharine was my favorite of the three queens. She was said to be the smallest and ‘weakest’ of the three, but she was still fierce and strong-willed. There was something about her that made me want to root for her. For being small and weak, she’s definitely the most vicious of the three! And then the way her story ended… HOLY HELL!!!!! I can’t. My heart was in my throat!!! And then the final outcome? !!!!!!!!!!!!! I can’t wait to see what happens in book two!!!

Mirabella was a great, likable character. The elemental gift was the most intriguing to learn about, though the poisoner gift came at a close second. It was also intriguing the way she cared the most – though I can’t go into details without spoilers! I felt SO bad for her at the end, though! I’m curious to see how what happened changes her personality/attitude/etc in book two.

Arsinoe, on the other hand, was my least favorite character. I’m not sure exactly why, but I just wasn’t interested in learning more about her or her gift. Though I must say, that ending has me truly intrigued! I’m interested to see where it takes her in book two and what it means for another character, who I suspect will also be effected by this revelation…

There was one good thing about Arsinoe’s chapters, though: they brought with them Jules and Camden and I LOVED THEM – They should get their own book! Although my heart was in my throat for them near the end… I also really loved Elizabeth – poor Elizabeth!! She didn’t deserve what happened to her. On the flip-side, I DESPISED Genevieve – she was such a bully! – and Rho, who was a horrible, nasty person.

Overall, this book was seriously dark and twisted and epic in so many ways! The writing and world-building were so incredible, I don’t think I can put it into words. This is my first Kendare Blake book, despite owning several others by her, and I’m already obsessed with her skills. Definitely a new favorite author! I need to read more of her books ASAP!

If you’re looking for an epic, intense book to read, this is the one you should pick up! And if you’re already a fan of Kendare, this may end up being your favorite book she’s ever written (which is weird for me to say, since I haven’t read her others to know. But I’m 98% sure I’m right…)! So yes, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend you read this ASAP, either way!!!

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And now for the giveaway! Thanks to the publisher and tour host, we have 3 finished copies of THREE DARK CROWNS (US Only). To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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kendare-blakeAbout the Author:
 
Kendare Blake is the author of several novels and short stories, most of which you can find information about via the links above. Her work is sort of dark, always violent, and features passages describing food from when she writes while hungry. She was born in July (for those of you doing book reports) in Seoul, South Korea, but doesn’t speak a lick of Korean, as she was packed off at a very early age to her adoptive parents in the United States. That might be just an excuse, though, as she is pretty bad at learning foreign languages. She enjoys the work of Milan Kundera, Caitlin R Kiernan, Bret Easton Ellis, Richard Linklater, and the late, great Michael Jackson, I mean, come on, he gave us Thriller.

She lives and writes in Kent, Washington, with her husband, their two cat sons (Tybalt and Tyrion Cattister) and their red Doberman dog son, Obi Dog Kenobi.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

five-stars

Spotlight Post: The Littlest Bigfoot by Jennifer Weiner (Giveaway)

Happy Release Week to The Littlest Bigfoot by Jennifer Weiner (September 13, 2016 — Aladdin)!

tlbFrom New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner comes a laugh-out-loud funny and painstakingly real tale of friendship, furry creatures, and finding the place where you belong.

Alice Mayfair, twelve years old, slips through the world unseen and unnoticed. Ignored by her family and shipped off to her eighth boarding school, Alice would like a friend. And when she rescues Millie Maximus from drowning in a lake one day, she finds one.

But Millie is a Bigfoot, part of a clan who dwells deep in the woods. Most Bigfoots believe that people—NoFurs, as they call them—are dangerous, yet Millie is fascinated with the No-Fur world. She is convinced that humans will appreciate all the things about her that her Bigfoot tribe does not: her fearless nature, her lovely singing voice, and her desire to be a star.

Alice swears to protect Millie’s secret. But a league of Bigfoot hunters is on their trail, led by a lonely kid named Jeremy. And in order to survive, Alice and Millie have to put their trust in each other—and have faith in themselves—above all else.

Goodreads | Amazon
Book Depository | Kobo

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And now for the giveaway! To enter to win a hardcover of The Littlest Bigfoot by Jennifer Weiner (US only), fill out the Rafflectoper below!

-Winner has 48 hours to respond. If winner does not respond, a new winner will be selected.

-You must be 13 or older to enter OR have your parents’ permission.

-I am not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

-I reserve the right to change any rules as I see fit for each individual giveaway

With that being said, I wish you luck! May the odds be ever in your favor!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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jwAbout the Author:
 
A #1 New York Times bestselling author, Jennifer Weiner’s books have spent over five years on the New York Times bestseller list with over 11 million copies in print in 36 countries.

She is the author of the novels Good in Bed (2001); In Her Shoes(2002), which was turned into a major motion picture starring Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette and Shirley MacLaine; Little Earthquakes (2004); Goodnight Nobody (2005); the short story collection The Guy Not Taken (2006); Certain Girls (2008); Best Friends Forever (2009); Fly Away Home (2010); Then Came You(2011); The Next Best Thing (2012); All Fall Down (2014) and Who Do You Love (2015). Her debut middle-grade book, THE LITTLEST BIGFOOT, will be published in September of 2016. Her first nonfiction collection, HUNGRY HEART, will appear in October of 2016.

Jennifer Weiner grew up in Connecticut and graduated summa cum laude with a degree in English literature from Princeton University in 1991. She worked as a newspaper reporter in central Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Philadelphia, where she was a feature writer and columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer. Now a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times Op-Ed and Sunday Review, Weiner’s essays – “Mean Girls in the Retirement Home” and “Another Thing to Hate About Ourselves” – rose to the top of the “most emailed” lists and have been reprinted in newspapers and media outlets across the world.

With over 128,000 fans on Facebook and 131,000 followers on Twitter, Weiner appeared on Time magazine’s list of “140 Best Twitter Feeds.” The magazine hailed her “must-read” live “Bachelor” tweets, noting that “rarely has there been such an ideal pairing of material and writer.” Forbes magazine put her on their list of “25 Working Moms to Follow on Twitter,” writing “tune in for hilarious shards of brilliance.” Entertainment Weekly named her as part of its “brain trust” for social media coverage of the 2016 election. writing “the best-selling novelist comments on the race with the same wit she brings to live-tweeting ‘The Bachelor.”

A 2014 New Yorker profile called Jen an “unlikely feminist enforcer” and celebrated her “lively public discussion about the reception and consumption of fiction written by women.”

In 2015, Slate praised Jen’s “power-tweeting, Bachelor-watching feminist brand” and her mastery of the “haterbrag,” “a bit of social media sleight-of-hand that turns an insult into an asset.”

Jen uses her social media platform to encourage women’s voices, self-esteem, and body positivity. In the summer of 2016, she posted a picture of herself in a bathing suit with the #weartheswimsuit hashtag, encouraging women of all ages and sizes to put on their bathing suits and get in the water. The movement, which was covered in media outlets including PopSugar, Time, Kveller, “The Today Show” and “Good Morning America,” encouraged hundreds of women to shuck their cover-ups, skip the heat rash, get in the water and post shots of themselves in their swimsuits.

Jennifer has appeared on many national television programs, including The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, and CBS Sunday Morning, as well as #RichkidsofBeverlyHills and, as herself, on Younger. She did a series of pop culture videos for People.com, which will resume in of 2017, with the new season of “The Bachelor.” Her frank, funny Facebook Live videos, on topics from the Taylor Swift/Kim Kardashian feud to gold-medal-winning shot-putter Michelle Carter’s lack of endorsement deals, have been viewed tens of thousands of times and have made her page a destination for fans of sharp, witty takes on the world.

Her work has been published in dozens of newspapers and magazines, including Seventeen, Redbook, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Allure, Ladies Home Journal, Time and Good Housekeeping. Jennifer can be found on Facebook, on Twitter, on Instagram and, in real life, Philadelphia, where she lives with her family.

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Review: The Architect of Song by A.G. Howard

I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: The Architect of Song by A.G. HowardThe Architect of Song by A.G. Howard
Series: Haunted Hearts Legacy #1
Published by Golden Orb Press on August 15, 2016
Pages: 425
Format: Paperback
Source: the author
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four-stars

A lady imprisoned by deafness, an architect imprisoned by his past, and a ghost imprisoned within the petals of a flower - intertwine in this love story that transcends life and death.

For most of her life, nineteen-year-old Juliet Emerline has subsisted – isolated by deafness – making hats in the solitude of her home. Now, she’s at risk to lose her sanctuary to Lord Nicolas Thornton, a twenty-seven-year-old mysterious and eccentric architect with designs on her humble estate. When she secretly witnesses him raging beside a grave, Juliet investigates, finding the name “Hawk” on the headstone and an unusual flower at the base. The moment Juliet touches the petals, a young English nobleman appears in ghostly form, singing a song only her deaf ears can hear. The ghost remembers nothing of his identity or death, other than the one name that haunts his afterlife: Thornton.

To avenge her ghostly companion and save her estate, Juliet pushes aside her fear of society and travels to Lord Thornton’s secluded holiday resort, posing as a hat maker in one of his boutiques. There, she finds herself questioning who to trust: the architect of flesh and bones who can relate to her through romantic gestures, heartfelt notes, and sensual touches … or the specter who serenades her with beautiful songs and ardent words, touching her mind and soul like no other man ever can. As sinister truths behind Lord Thornton’s interest in her estate and his tie to Hawk come to light, Juliet is lured into a web of secrets. But it’s too late for escape, and the tragic love taking seed in her heart will alter her silent world forever.

International and NYT bestselling author, A.G. Howard, brings her darkly magical and visual/visceral storytelling to Victorian England. The Architect of Song is the first installment in her lush and romantic Haunted Hearts Legacy series, a four book gothic saga following the generations of one family as - haunted by both literal and figurative ghosts - they search for self-acceptance, love, and happiness.

New Adult: Recommended for ages 16+.

As a HUGE fan of A.G. Howard’s Splintered (YA) series, I had high expectations for this book. And I LOVED it! I loved the writing, the characters, the intrigue – basically, everything!

Anita’s writing has always been gorgeous – vivid and descriptive. Her way with words is such that I can picture everything as though I’m there, living out the story right alongside the characters. I didn’t think it was possible for her writing to get better, but it has! There was a maturity to the writing and the plot, even beyond the fact that this was a New Adult book.

The characters were incredible beyond words. Juliet is strong and determined. She doesn’t let her deafness hold her back, nor does she let it be used as an excuse when she does falter. She pushes herself to be the best she can be and she fights for those she loves. Hawk was hilarious and cheeky. He definitely reminded me of Morpheus from the Splintered series and he definitely ranks up there in Book Boyfriend material because of it.

On the other hand, Lord Thornton was… hard to read at times. Sometimes I liked him, other times I was very suspicious of his motives. I didn’t fully trust him for a long time, if ever. I wish I could say more about both Lord Thornton and Hawk because I truly loved them both and was satisfied with how their stories ended. But there was a big twist/revelation at the end that blew my mind and if I say much more, I’ll hit spoiler territory!

Juliet’s uncle was so kind and fatherly. He reminded me of someone but I couldn’t figure out who. I’m still trying to figure it out! Though I kept picturing him as Lord Craven from The Secret Garden.

Like I mentioned before, the twists and revelations near the end were mind-blowing! I figured it out roughly two pages before the big reveal, but I was still blown away by everything involved with the revelation, including the potential consequences. I can’t be any more specific without spoilers, but trust me… MIND. BLOWING.

The ending was INCREDIBLY SATISFYING. It actually left me confused at first, because I knew this was a series but the ending was done so neatly, with all the loose ends tied up, I couldn’t imagine a second book being necessary – and then I read the synopsis for book two and it all made sense! Now I’m completely intrigued and excited to read the second book!

My only complaint is that the back and fourth of Juliet’s feelings for Lord Thornton (“Should I trust him? Actually, I do.. Wait, no, he just did something suspicious, so I don’t…But, wait, now he did something nice, I totally trust him again… Or not”) was a bit drawn out and became a little frustrating after awhile. And the book could have been a tad shorter and still incredible and satisfying.

Overall, this book was beyond incredible. A.G Howard is a gorgeous writer. Her writing and world-building sucks you in and refuses to let you go. Her characters feel like real people and you can’t help but become entangled in their well-being – whether for better or worse. I DEFINITELY recommend this book if you’re a fan of A.G. Howard or if you’re looking for an epic, intriguing New Adult book to read!

four-stars

Release Day Blitz: Lucy and Linh by Alice Pung

Happy Book Birthday to Alice Pung and Lucy and Linh!

Lucy and LinhGilmore Girls meets Fresh Off the Boat in this witty novel about navigating life in private school while remaining true to yourself.

Lucy is a bit of a pushover, but she’s ambitious and smart, and she has just received the opportunity of a lifetime: a scholarship to a prestigious school, and a ticket out of her broken-down suburb. Though she’s worried she will stick out like badly cut bangs among the razor-straight students, she is soon welcomed into the Cabinet, the supremely popular trio who wield influence over classmates and teachers alike.

Linh is blunt, strong-willed, and fearless—everything Lucy once loved about herself. She is also Lucy’s last solid link to her life before private school, but she is growing tired of being eclipsed by the glamour of the Cabinet.

As Lucy floats further away from the world she once knew, her connection to Linh—and to her old life—threatens to snap. Sharp and honest, Alice Pung’s novel examines what it means to grow into the person you want to be without leaving yourself behind.

Goodreads

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

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Alice PungAbout the Author:
 
Alice was born in Footscray, Victoria, a month after her parents Kuan and Kien arrived in Australia. Alice’s father, Kuan – a survivor of Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge regime – named her after Lewis Carroll’s character because after surviving the Killing Fields, he thought Australia was a Wonderland. Alice is the oldest of four – she has a brother, Alexander, and two sisters, Alison and Alina.

Alice grew up in Footscray and Braybrook, and changed high schools five times – almost once every year! These experiences have shaped her as a writer because they taught her how to pay attention to the quiet young adults that others might overlook or miss.

Alice Pung’s first book, Unpolished Gem, is an Australian bestseller which won the Australian Book Industry Newcomer of the Year Award and was shortlisted in the Victorian and NSW Premiers’ Literary awards. It was published in the UK and USA in separate editions and has been translated into several languages including Italian, German and Indonesian.

Alice’s next book, Her Father’s Daughter, won the Western Australia Premier’s Award for Non-Fiction and was shortlisted for the Victorian and NSW Premiers’ Literary awards and the Queensland Literary Awards.

Alice’s latest book Laurinda has been shortlisted for numerous awards in 2015, and she has also been shortlisted as Sydney Morning Herald’s Young Novelist of the Year.

Alice also edited the collection Growing Up Asian in Australia and her writing has appeared in the Monthly, the Age, and The Best Australian Stories and The Best Australian Essays. Her series of children’s books, ‘Meet Marly’ from the Our Australian Girl series are published in 2015.

Alice is a qualified lawyer and still works as a legal researcher in the area of minimum wages and pay equity. She lives with her husband Nick at Janet Clarke Hall, the University of Melbourne, where she is the Artist in Residence.

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Release Day Blitz: The Dark Talent by Brandon Sanderson (Giveaway)

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Happy Book Birthday to Brandon Sanderson and The Dark Talent!

The Dark Talent coverThe Dark Talent is the fifth action-packed fantasy adventure in the Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series for young readers by the #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson. This never-before-published, fast-paced, and funny novel is now available in a deluxe hardcover edition, illustrated by Hayley Lazo.

Alcatraz Smedry has successfully defeated the army of Evil Librarians and saved the kingdom of Mokia. Too bad he managed to break the Smedry Talents in the process. Even worse, his father is trying to enact a scheme that could ruin the world, and his friend, Bastille, is in a coma. To revive her, Alcatraz must infiltrate the Highbrary—known as The Library of Congress to Hushlanders—the seat of Evil Librarian power. Without his Talent to draw upon, can Alcatraz figure out a way to save Bastille and defeat the Evil Librarians once and for all?

“Like Lemony Snicket and superhero comics rolled into one.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review

Learn where you can buy The Dark Talent here!

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And now for the giveaway, thanks to Tor/Starscape! This giveaway is for one finished copy of THE DARK TALENT and a special button to go to one winner. Giveaway is US/Canada only. To enter, leave a comment on this blog post, explaining why you want to win! Along with your comment, please leave a contact email where you can be reached. Giveaway ends September 18, 2016 at 11pm EST!

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Author ImageAbout the Author:
 
 
 
BRANDON SANDERSON is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Rithmatist and Steelheart, both of which were selected for the American Library Association’s Teens’ Top Ten list. He’s also written many popular and award-winning books for adults. His middle grade series, Alcatraz vs the Evil Librarians, is now available in deluxe editions.
 
 
 

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