Waiting On Wednesday #137: MADLY by Amy Alward (YA)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!!

The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!

And, quite possibly, to make our shelves look pretty too :) 

What I'm currently waiting for... 

MADLY
The Potion Trilogy #1
by Amy Alward
Expected release date: September 29th, 2015
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Genre: Young Adult 
Format: Hardcover, eBook 

SUMMARY

When the Princess of Nova accidentally poisons herself with a love potion meant for her crush, she falls crown-over-heels in love with her own reflection. Oops. A nationwide hunt is called to find the cure, with competitors traveling the world for the rarest ingredients, deep in magical forests and frozen tundras, facing death at every turn.

Enter Samantha Kemi - an ordinary girl with extraordinary talent. Sam's family were once the most respected alchemists in the kingdom, but they've fallen on hard times, and winning the hunt would save their reputation. But can Sam really compete with the dazzling powers of the ZoroAster megapharma company?

Just how close is Sam willing to get to Zain Aster, her dashing former classmate and enemy, in the meantime?

And just to add to the pressure, this quest is ALL OVER social media. And the world news.
No big deal, then.

Why I'm waiting for MADLY...

The UK Paperback Edition

First... it's an original modern-day fairytale!!!

It is being compared to The Princess Bride!...
(I have to be brutally honest, that is a really hard book to live up to. So. I have decided to ignore that comparison and not force this book to be something that it may not be. Just saying!)

Next... did you see the bookcover? Did you see the UK edition???
Hard to choose!!!
Although, I am a hardcover kinda girl... hmmm...

Lastly... I just know it's probably going to be a fun, cheesy, adventurous and magical kind of book! I really can't wait to read it :)

SO, what are you waiting for this week???

Blog Tour (Review, Recipe and Giveaway): PRINCESS DECOMPOSIA AND COUNT SPATULA by Andi Watson (YA)

I am so giddy to be a part of today's tour!

Who can resist a royal vampire chef who knows exactly what everyone's treat is? 

A chef with a sweet tooth of his own! One so severe, that he has lost his incisors due to cavity problems! lol

In COUNT SPATULA'S GUIDE TO BAKING Blog Tour, the author, Andi Watson, via Count Spatula, will be sharing some advice on how to run your own magical kitchen with never-before-seen comics, recipes and other kitchen perils!!! 

PRINCESS DECOMPOSIA AND COUNT SPATULA Blog Tour

PRINCESS DECOMPOSIA AND COUNT SPATULA

by Andi Watson

Release date: February 24th, 2015

Published by: First Second (Macmillan)

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal/Romance Graphic Novel

Format: Hardcover, Paperback and eBook 

Format read: Paperback from the publisher.

SUMMARY

Princess Decomposia is overworked and underappreciated.

This princess of the underworld has plenty of her own work to do but always seems to find herself doing her layabout father's job, as well. The king doesn't feel quite well, you see. Ever. So the princess is left scurrying through the halls, dodging her mummy, werewolf, and ghost subjects, always running behind and always buried under a ton of paperwork. Oh, and her father just fired the chef, so now she has to hire a new cook as well.

Luckily for Princess Decomposia, she makes a good hire in Count Spatula, the vampire chef with a sweet tooth. He's a charming go-getter of a blood-sucker, and pretty soon the two young ghouls become friends. And then... more than friends? Maybe eventually, but first Princess Decomposia has to sort out her life. And with Count Spatula at her side, you can be sure she'll succeed.

GUEST POST

Today, we have the sublime pleasure of having Count Spatula stop by with one of his most delicious recipes!!! UNDERWORLD DIRT PIE is full of chocolatey goodness!!! It is really easy to make, AND, there is NO baking involved!!! 

YUMMM... 

 

*Note: My kids and I did attempt to "bake" this recipe. However, halfway through one child became ill by his own accord and we were not able to complete part two of the recipe. 

We plan to start over and finish the recipe later this week :) 

MY REVIEW

Fun, imaginative and adorable - this graphic novel had me smiling the whole entire time! This amusing little story not only brought on some much needed laughter, it also gives insight to family matters, being brave and how a friendship can possibly blossom into more.

Let's start with Princess Decomposia! The Princess is unbelievably understanding, thoughtful, helpful and caring. Her father, King Wulfrun, has been "ill" for quite some time now and heavily depends on his daughter to take on his responsibilities as he would. Princess Decomposia does not like to upset her father, nor does she want to disappoint anyone, so she overwhelms herself daily with countless meaningless tasks that could easily be handled by their loyal subjects, if only, her father were not so controlling.
King Wulfrun, he is quite a handful. Rather quick to judge and a picky eater. He opts to stay in bed than get up and handle things himself. It has become quite easy and habitual for him to delegate from afar and with high expectations.
When King Wulfrun fires another royal chef, he gives Princess Decomposia another task - find a new royal chef that will abide to his dietary needs. Overworked and very tired, she puts her needs aside and starts interviewing different chefs for the position...
Count Spatula is full of life! He is eager to please everyone with his special recipes. Recipes that make everyone feel warm and happy again. Princess Decomposia feels that he is exactly what they need and hires him immediately... and this is where the fun really begins!!!

With Count Spatula's help (and recipes!!!), Princess Decomposia learns that she is worthy - that her time, work and happiness should be appreciated. That it was time to overcome her father's overbearing needs, put him in his place and speak up for herself. It is not easy for a child, no matter what their age may be, to stand up to a parent and tell them what needs to be done. We all deserve to be happy.
Also, the need to feel a connection to someone is something that no one can ever just shrug off. No one should ever be lonely, nor should they have to chose their family and/or work over friendships and more. Yes, things can be complicated, but, with determination, one can overcome obstacles for the impossible. And it was so wonderful to see Princess Decomposia come into her own and get what she deserves.

The illustrations are are quirky and simple. I really enjoyed the black and white blocks and scratchy tone to them, and couldn't imagine it any better! Each frame help build the story and move the dialogue along effortlessly. 

A much loved graphic novel that I will thoroughly enjoy over and over again! I really recommend this to all graphic novel and comic book lovers! Also to those looking to branch out and have a quick, fun read!!!

*A paperback was sent to me from the publisher for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

GIVEAWAY

- Paperback copy of PRINCESS DECOMPOSIA AND COUNT SPATULA by Andi Watson

- Must be 14yo+

- US/Canada Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Andi Watson

Andrew "Andi" Watson (born 1969) is a British cartoonist and illustrator best known for the graphic novels Breakfast After Noon, Slow News Day and his series Love Fights, published by Oni Press and Slave Labor Graphics.

Watson has also worked for more mainstream American comic publishers with some work at DC Comics, a twelve-issue limited series at Marvel Comics, with the majority at Dark Horse Comics, moving recently to Image Comics.

Goodreads

Waiting On Wednesday #115: HELLO, I LOVE YOU by Katie M. Stout (YA)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!!

The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!

And, quite possibly, to make our shelves look pretty too :) 

What I'm currently waiting for... 

HELLO, I LOVE YOU

by Katie M. Stout

Expected release date: June 9th, 2015

Published by: St. Martin's Griffith

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Format: Hardcover, eBook

SUMMARY

A teen escapes to a boarding school abroad and falls for a Korean pop star in this fun and fresh romantic novel in the vein of Anna and the French Kiss.

Grace Wilde is running —from the multi-million dollar mansion her record producer father bought, the famous older brother who’s topped the country music charts five years in a row, and the mother who blames her for her brother’s breakdown. Grace escapes to the farthest place from home she can think of, a boarding school in Korea, hoping for a fresh start.

She wants nothing to do with music, but when her roommate Sophie’s twin brother Jason turns out to be the newest Korean pop music superstar, Grace is thrust back into the world of fame. She can't stand Jason, whose celebrity status is only outmatched by his oversized ego, but they form a tenuous alliance for the sake of her friendship with Sophie. As the months go by and Grace adjusts to her new life in Korea, even she can't deny the sparks flying between her and the KPOP idol.

Soon, Grace realizes that her feelings for Jason threaten her promise to herself that she'll leave behind the music industry that destroyed her family. But can Grace ignore her attraction to Jason and her undeniable pull of the music she was born to write? 

Sweet, fun, and romantic, this young adult novel explores what it means to experience first love and discover who you really are in the process. 

Why I'm waiting for HELLO, I LOVE YOU...

Firstly... look at that adorable bookcover! You all know that I'm a cover snob, lol! And this one is just too cute to pass up!

Secondly... boarding school! Check! Music! Check!

Lastly... kind of a unique storyline! I haven't read anything like this before... have you???

SO, what are you waiting for this week???

Review: A LITTLE SOMETHING DIFFERENT by Sandy Hall (YA)

A LITTLE SOMETHING DIFFERENT

by Sandy Hall

Expected release date: August 26th, 2014

Published by: Swoon Reads (Macmillan)

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance

Format: Paperback, eBook

Format read: ARC from publisher.

SUMMARY

The creative writing teacher, the delivery guy, the local Starbucks baristas, his best friend, her roommate, and the squirrel in the park all have one thing in common — 

they believe that Gabe and Lea should get together. 

Lea and Gabe are in the same creative writing class. They get the same pop culture references, order the same Chinese food, and hang out in the same places. Unfortunately, Lea is reserved, Gabe has issues, and despite their initial mutual crush, it looks like they are never going to work things out.  But somehow even when nothing is going on, something is happening between them, and everyone can see it. Their creative writing teacher pushes them together. The baristas at Starbucks watch their relationship like a TV show. Their bus driver tells his wife about them. The waitress at the diner automatically seats them together. Even the squirrel who lives on the college green believes in their relationship. 

Surely Gabe and Lea will figure out that they are meant to be together.

MY REVIEW

An author who can bring together 14 different point-of-views to create a well-written realistic story about how two people meet and how they may or may not end up together is a genius! Seriously, I really thought that there would be complications in keeping track of all the different characters. But, each one brought in a different perspective and positive vibe, it was exhilarating. I was so committed into seeing not only how the 2 main characters would fare, but also, getting to know each personality - how they stood out and grabbed my attention, how easily they all kept the story flowing without missing a single minute of what was happening and what they all wanted to happen...

In this book, all of these characters have one thing in common - whether they want to be or not, they are all within the proximity of seeing Gabe and Lea maybe or maybe not getting together, or quite possibly, falling in love? The perspective jumps from each one depending on where Gabe and Lea are - if they're on the bus, we hear what the bus driver thinks and sees; we also hear from the waitress at the diner, the baristas at Starbucks, the squirrel and bench on the school grounds, and of course, from all their friends, classmates and a teacher too. All very unique viewpoints that clearly want Gabe and Lea to come together and succeed in their own way.
Gabe is very shy, and blushes quite easily, which makes all the girls swoon. But often times, he seems distracted and it becomes obvious that something is not right with him. Gabe is struggling with an incident that occurred last semester and he is not ready to deal with it just yet. A part of me wanted to give him a big hug and let him know that things happen and that it will be okay. But another part of me wanted to smack him on the side of the head and tell him to get over it and go get the girl...
It was easy to relate to Lea in so many ways. She's smart and seems to know what she wants, and definitely does not want to play games. Confident, but not conceded; but like most girls, because Gabe is so hesitant and doesn't seem like he's quite interested like everyone says he is, she starts to second guess herself and hopes that Gabe would just take the lead.

And this happens, many times... 

"I want to smack their foreheads together. Maybe that will wake them up. 
How can they both be so blind?"
- Victor, creative writing classmate

Yes Victor - you, a few others and myself wanted to do the same thing to them! However, if the things that kept happening didn't happen, we wouldn't have had this amazing "Gabe and Lea" story. If things are meant to be, they need to take their own course. And it was obvious that Lea and Gabe needed the hot/cold moments to figure things out and eventually talk and finally get to that point where they can be themselves... see the good and the bad. It was so funny to watch everyone around them waiting on the edges of their seats to see how it will all end...

Overall, this is a sweet quick read to enjoy at anytime - while trying to kill some time, getting over a reading slump, or just looking for few good giggles and eyerolls! I adored it and will definitely be rereading it soon.

*An ARC was sent from the publisher for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Sandy Hall

I'm a teen librarian from New Jersey where I was born and raised. 

I have a BA in Communication and a Master of Library and Information Science from Rutgers University. 

When I'm not writing, or teen librarian-ing, I enjoy reading, slot machines, marathoning TV shows, and long scrolls through Tumblr. 

A LITTLE SOMETHING DIFFERENT is my first novel.

Goodreads / Twitter / Tumblr

Review: THE VAST AND BRUTAL SEA (The Vicious Deep #3) by Zoraida Cordova (YA)

THE VAST AND BRUTAL SEA

The Vicious Deep #3
by Zoraida Cordova

Release date: July 1st, 2014

Published by: Sourcebooks Fire

Format: Hardcover, eBook

Format read: eGalley from Netgalley/Publisher

SUMMARY

This epic clash of sand and sea will pit brother against brother-and there can only be one winner

In two days, the race for the Sea Court throne will be over-but all the rules have changed. 

The sea witch, Nieve, has kidnapped Layla and is raising an army of mutant sea creatures to overthrow the crown. Kurt, the one person Tristan could depend on in the battle for the Sea King's throne, has betrayed him. Now Kurt wants the throne for himself. 

Tristan has the Scepter of the Earth, but it's not enough. He'll have to travel to the mysterious, lost Isle of Tears and unleash the magic that first created the king's powerful scepter. 

It's a brutal race to the finish, and there can only be one winner.

BOOK TRAILER

MY REVIEW

The trilogy is complete, and in the most epic way!

Tristan is at a loss. Betrayed by those he thought were closest to him and having very little to go on to continue his quest as a champion, he finds himself questioning himself over everything. But regardless of his self-doubt, he knows that he must try his best and continue on. This isn't about him, never was. He knows that he has a battle to get to soon, but how will he get to it, no one truly knows yet. Well, maybe an oracle or two might, but they're looking to gain something before they'll help... and it just feels like nothing is ever going to go right for the half-merman who thinks too much like a human to know what is best for the sea and its inhabitants.

As much as we see Tristan grow and mature, he never loses himself nor does he lose sight of his goals. Whenever something gets in his way, he looks for another. And even though this may be a battle he might lose, he knows that he'll do it while trying his best. He never lets his heart over power his mind, and vice versa. He is true to his word, even if his words are sarcastic and may be of the kind that the seafolk may not understand at times. And no matter what situation Tristan may find himself in - danger, pain, loss and more -  his sense of humor, quick wit and thoughtfulness always shines through to guide him through to get him to the next level.

The action! So many battles to get through! Mystical creatures galore - the author does not hold back on the details and I was able to picture everything clearly in my mind. The mystical beauty of each and every character, even the ugly mean ones, were fabulous - I truly do wish to see this in film one day.

I have only one small gripe - I really wish that the author would have considered giving us a better glimpse into Tristan and his friends/families future. His parents were barely mentioned, and they had quite the surprise in book 2 that was barely mentioned in this part of the story. I am curious to know if the author may have something planned in the future for some of these characters - I can totally see a spin-off happening...

The perfect ending to an amazing and well-written trilogy!
I cannot wait to see what Zoraida Cordova will give us next!!!

(I received an eARC from the publisher/tour host for my honest review. My thoughts are all my own.)

THE VICIOUS DEEP TRILOGY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Zoraida Cordova

Zoraida Córdova was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador. She made her way up north and now works in the glittering New York City nightlife. She likes shiny things like Christmas, merdudes, and the skyline at night. She loves making new friends.

Goodreads / Website/Blog / Twitter  

Review: THE VICIOUS DEEP and THE SAVAGE BLUE (#2) by Zoraida Cordova (YA)

THE VICIOUS DEEP

by Zoraida Cordova

Release date: May 1st, 2012

Published by: Sourcebooks Fire

Genre: Young Adult (Mermaids)

Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Format read: Hardcover I purchased.

SUMMARY

For Tristan Hart, everything changes with one crashing wave. 

He was gone for three days. Sucked out to sea in a tidal wave and spit back ashore at Coney Island with no memory of what happened. Now his dreams are haunted by a terrifying silver mermaid with razor-sharp teeth. 

His best friend Layla is convinced something is wrong. But how can he explain he can sense emotion like never before? How can he explain he's heir to a kingdom he never knew existed? That he's suddenly a pawn in a battle as ancient as the gods. 

Something happened to him in those three days. 

He was claimed by the sea...

and now it wants him back.

BOOK TRAILER

MY REVIEW

This continues to be my all-time favorite mermaid story ever!
Actually, it's my favorite merman, underwater, oracles, kingdom book ever!
There is so much to the story, and the author's writing was/is amazing - giving enough details with a strong lead male and point-of-view and the underwater world building is amazing... 

Tristan is your typical teen boy who knows who he is and what he loves - he's captain of the swim team, popular in school and with the girls, haves a wonderful family, best friends and loves his home in Coney Island.
So what happens to the guy who has it all finds out that he's a mermaid? No, no - a merman???
He freaks out!... and then embraces it and just goes with the flow... literally and figuratively.
Oh, and then throw in that the grandfather he never knew nominates him as one of the champions to compete for the throne to be the Sea King - no problem, Tristan takes it all in and cracks a joke about it, because that is Tristan's defense mechanism to take the seriousness out of everything that is happening to him. His attitude his refreshing and realistic - where many people would panic, breakdown and cave into the fear of something so huge happening to them (he has a fishtail!), Tristan took it all in stride and accepted it, because he knew that no matter what he did, he couldn't change the pass and had to face his new future. Tristan, a bit egotistical, but downright loving and loyal, has such a fun attitude and an amusing but brilliant way about looking and dealing with things that he thought were impossible. I really, really enjoyed getting to know Tristan, his old and new friends and family.
Like I mentioned, Tristan is an average teen boy, there are some crude moments and thoughts, crass language and behavior, but the author did it well and did not go overboard - sorry to say, but boys will be boys, even when they're swimming around with a fishtail.

The love story is like no other, it's not the typical storyline where they're all lovey-dovey for each other, it's the love/hate kind where she, Layla, is just as strong-minded and opinionated as Tristan. She never backs down from him, or anyone else. Surprisingly she recovers from the shock of Tristan's news and handles everything pretty well. As well as any human can. I really liked Layla and look forward to seeing how their relationship will develop with everything that is going on, which will be very difficult to keep together.

The story is fast-paced, (which I love and always seem to fall upon), with realistic scenery and characters. All the details to the Sea Kings floating island, Toliss, to the color and texture to Tristan and his merfriends scales and tails, to other creatures living in the sea, and those that have been banished from the sea to live on land - all realistic, beautiful and imaginative. I would love to see this trilogy be turned into a movie in the future - a future that would have all of the technology to truly breathe life into all of this beauty that the author created. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the beginning of Tristan's journey as champion.
I hope to see more of this author's writing soon!!! 

THE SAVAGE BLUE

The Vicious Deep #2

by Zoraida Cordova

Release date: May 7th, 2013

Published by: Sourcebooks Fire

Genre: Young Adult (Mermaids)

Format: Hardback, Paperback, eBook

Format read: Hardcover I purchased. 

SUMMARY

A storm is coming...

The ocean is a vicious place. Deeper and darker than Tristan could have imagined. Beneath its calm blue surface, an ancient battle is churning —and no one is safe.

In the quest for the Sea Throne, Tristan has already watched one good friend die. Now he must lead the rest on a dangerous voyage in search of the trident that will make him king. But while Tristan chases his destiny, the dark forces racing against him are getting stronger, and the sea witch of his nightmares is getting closer.

Battling sea dragons and savage creatures of the deep, Tristan needs his friends' support. But they each have their secrets, and a betrayal will force Tristan to choose between his crown and his best friend Layla — the only girl he's ever loved.

MY REVIEW

The author has done an amazing job with the continuation of the trilogy...
this time, she dives right into the plot of Tristan's journey without skipping any details and continuing with the fast-paced storyline with non-stop action... 

In the first book, Tristan has a lot to go through in this part of his journey - he learns all about his mermaid heritage, what being a champion is all about, history lessons galore and has made new friends, meets new family members, has made more allies and, of course, has made a handful of enemies too!
It was so interesting to see more unique characters and to get to know them and learn their histories - first we learn that everyone that lives in the sea has stories and hardly ever tells the whole truth, every answer is lyrical or vague, which makes it difficult for Tristan to trust and get the answers he needs to find the other two pieces to the trident. We meet four oracles, sisters who each have their own gifts and will only help if you help them first. We learn more about the crazy princesses and their magic, the landlocked (those that have been banished by the courts) and other mythical creatures - if mermaids exist, why can't vampires, werewolves and other unworldly creatures too? Tristan is hardly ever surprised anymore.
Tristan continues to entertain us with his sarcastic attitude, quick wit and determination. He did not ask for any of this to happen to him, or to anyone involved. But he knows that its something that he must do, and finish, whether he likes to or not. Even when those close to him betray him and he is left alone to his own devices. He steps up and does the best that he can, keeps true to himself and remains loyal to those who continue to support him. The relationships in this trilogy are strong and are major key points to the story. Without support, Tristan would have died many deaths a long time ago. And Tristan knows this, and will do whatever it takes to continue to do what is right for them and is never selfish nor does he ever back down to continue his, and their, fight.

Now, I have a confession - I am loving Nieve! Nieve, the silver mermaid, is beyond wicked and will go to great lengths to become the Queen of the Sea. She is ruthless and mean and knows exactly how to play with Tristan's mind and heart. However, in the beginning of the book, we get a glimpse to a much younger Nieve and my heart went out to her. The cruelty that was brought down on her did help in creating the crazed mermaid that we see now. There was no stopping what she would become and what she would do. However, I do hope that she doesn't succeed.

There's definitely a twist that I did not see coming! And a cliffhanger that left me on the edge of my seat... I need to get to book 3 asap!

THE VICIOUS DEEP TRILOGY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Zoraida Cordova

Zoraida Córdova was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador. She made her way up north and now works in the glittering New York City nightlife. She likes shiny things like Christmas, merdudes, and the skyline at night. She loves making new friends.

Goodreads / Website/Blog / Twitter / Facebook 

Giveaway: THE ART OF LAINEY by Paula Stokes (YA)

It's time for a giveaway!!!

The very sweet and generous Paula Stokes,
author of THE ART OF LAINEY,
sent me this to share with my readers! 

THE ART OF LAINEY
by Paula Stokes
Release date: May 20th, 2014
Published by: Harper Teen
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Format: Paperback, eBook


SUMMARY

Soccer star Lainey Mitchell is gearing up to spend an epic summer with her amazing boyfriend, Jason, when he suddenly breaks up with her—no reasons, no warning, and in public no less! Lainey is more than crushed, but with help from her friend Bianca, she resolves to do whatever it takes to get Jason back.

And that’s when the girls stumble across a copy of The Art of War. With just one glance, they're sure they can use the book to lure Jason back into Lainey’s arms. So Lainey channels her inner warlord, recruiting spies to gather intel and persuading her coworker Micah to pose as her new boyfriend to make Jason jealous. After a few "dates", it looks like her plan is going to work! But now her relationship with Micah is starting to feel like more than just a game.

What's a girl to do when what she wants is totally different from what she needs? How do you figure out the person you're meant to be with if you're still figuring out the person you're meant to be?

See my review here!

GIVEAWAY

To enter:
- Please fill out the rafflecopter form below. 
- Must be 13yo+ to enter.
- U.S. only, sorry!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Paula Stokes

Paula Stokes is half writer, half RN, and totally thrilled to be part of the world of YA literature. She started out writing historical fiction under a pen name and is now branching out into other YA genres.

When she's not working (rare), she's kayaking, hiking, reading, or seeking out new adventures in faraway lands. She's petted tigers, snuggled snakes, snorkeled with stingrays, and once enjoyed the suction-cuppy feel of a baby elephant's trunk as it ate peanuts from her palm. Her future goals include diving with Great White sharks, learning Krav Maga, and writing a whole slew of novels, not necessarily in that order.

Goodreads / Website/Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Blog Tour (Review): THE A-WORD (A Sweet Dead Life #2) by Joy Preble (YA)

http://sohopress.com/the-a-word-blog-tour/

THE A-WORD

A Sweet Dead Life Novel, #2

by Joy Preble

Release date: May 13th, 2014

Published by: Soho Teen

Genre: Young Adult - Supernatural/Angels

Format: Hardcover, (Pre-order Paperback), eBook

Format read: ARC received by publisher for an honest review.

SUMMARY

Jenna Samuels is about to turn fifteen. It's been almost a year since her stoner brother, Casey, bit the dust. Almost a year since he returned as her guardian angel, along with his "angel boss," Amber Velasco, the hot twenty-something former EMT. Almost a year since Casey and Amber used up their one-time-only angel power of flight to save Jenna from the evil Dr. Renfroe, swooping down to catch her as she tumbled off the balcony at the Houston Galleria. In short, a lot of A-word shenanigans and a mostly happy ending.

Except now Casey's begun to wonder why he's still hanging around—not that he minds protecting Jenna. She's a handful, but there's got to be a bigger picture, right? Something to distract him from his on again/off again, doomed relationship with cheerleader Lanie Phelps, who has no idea her boyfriend is, well, dead. After all, he can't use his angel wings anymore. Neither can Amber. 

Enter Bo Shivers, Amber's "angel boss"—a mysterious A-word guy Jenna and Casey didn't even know existed. Whiskey-guzzling. Handsome in a grizzled way. Unpredictable. Okay, make that crazy. Bo lost his angel wings in an earthly flight a long, long, long time back—and he's been a thorn in Angel Management's side ever since. But Bo knows something is coming. Something big. Something that was worth forfeiting wings for Jenna... something that might just change everything for everyone.

MY REVIEW

Joy Preble has done it again! The A-Word is amazingly touching, funny, heartbreaking and realistic follow up to A Sweet Dead Life! Great writing, plot, mystery and intriguing characters! I need more books from this author asap!

It's been a year now, Jenna is turning fifteen, wants to get her permit and has her eye on a cute boy. Things have been better, she's got her health, her mother is better and working, her dad is kind of in the picture, but at least that mystery was solved. And her brother, Casey, well... he's still an A-Word for sure. And as much as Jenna tries to live a normal life, having the A-Word hanging around all the time is really hard. Having no one to talk about it, having to lie and hide everything that has happened to everyone, her mother, father, best friend Maggie and boyfriend Ryan, is not easy. She's been through so much already, having a couple of guardian angels around should make life a bit easier.
Now Casey is wondering why he's still hanging around. He's done his job, is there something more for him? The mystery continues when we learn more about Amber, the EMT that help pull Jenna and Casey out of their car wreck who, in the first book, we learn she's an A-Word too.. and now Amber's "angel boss", Bo Shivers, is in the picture. Bo is unpredictable, loud and acts like he knows it all. But he's so vague with everything that he says. Is it possible that he doesn't know as much as he says he does?
Something big is about to happen! And all we can do is wait and see...

I am really enjoying watching Jenna grow into a mature and responsible teen. She thinks things through, she is overly thoughtful and caring and is now more confident being her own person and dealing with what life has given her. It's impossible not to want to grab her up, feed her and hug her to death!
Again, I cannot emphasize enough that the relationship between Jenna and her brother, Casey is spot on! The love/hate between them is endearing and realistic. Their one-liner banters had me laughing out loud. I adore them! It is the best written sibling relationship I have ever seen in YA.

Fast-paced, well-written and out-of-this-world!
I cannot wait until book 3 is announced!!!

See my review of book 1, THE SWEET DEAD LIFE, right here!!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Joy Preble

Joy Preble is the author of the DREAMING ANASTASIA series (Sourcebooks) and the SWEET DEAD LIFE series (Soho Press), a YA Texas makeover of the angel book. 

Joy grew up in Chicago, where she dreamed of being a back up singer but settles for becoming a writer so she could get paid for making up stuff.

She now lives with her family in Texas, where when she's not writing, you can find her eating guacamole, watching trash TV, and embracing her inner nerd. 

Goodreads / Official Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Tumblr

Blog Tour (Guest Post/Giveaway): THE BREAK-UP ARTIST by Philip Siegel (YA)

The Break-Up Artist Blog Tour

THE BREAK-UP ARTIST

by Philip Siegel

Expected release date: April 29th, 2014

Published by: Harlequin Teen

Genre: Young Adult - Contemporary, Humor

Format: Hardback, eBook

Format read: eGalley

SUMMARY

Some sixteen-year-olds babysit for extra cash. Some work at the Gap. Becca Williamson breaks up couples.

After watching her sister get left at the alter, Becca knows the true damage that comes when people utter the dreaded L-word. For just $100 via paypal, she can trick and manipulate any couple into smithereens. With relationship zombies overrunning her school, and treating single girls like second class citizens, business is unfortunately booming. Even her best friend Val has resorted to outright lies to snag a boyfriend.

One night, she receives a mysterious offer to break up the homecoming king and queen, the one zombie couple to rule them all: Steve and Huxley. They are a JFK and Jackie O in training, master of sweeping faux-mantic gestures, but if Becca can split them up, then school will be safe again for singletons. To succeed, she'll have to plan her most elaborate scheme to date and wiggle her way back into her former BFF Huxley's life - not to mention start a few rumors, sabotage some cell phones, break into a car, and fend off the inappropriate feelings she's having about Val's new boyfriend. All while avoiding a past victim out to expose her true identity.

No one said being the Break-Up Artist was easy.

GUEST POST

There are so many "match-makers" nowadays - reality shows, etc. 

What influenced you to go the opposite way of what society seems to want? 

Why the anti-match-maker?

First off, thank you for having me! Yes, breaking up couples is not something smiled upon by society. Match-making is the norm, as it should be, because how sad would the world be if everyone was broken up with? I like matchmakers and break-up artists equally. For me, it’s all about the scheme.

I’ve always been interested in characters who scheme. These people are behind the curtain pulling strings. Something about it fascinates me. I love how these plots and schemes come together. You know those scenes when the puzzles fall into place. I guess I’ve always been a curious person, so I like learning how things work, why they work. Romance is the ultimate illogical plot point. You can’t explain why two people fall for each other; it just happens. With match-making, and anti-match-making, you get a chance to piece together, or take apart, relationships.

Two of my favorite examples are from the movies Hitch and My Best Friend’s Wedding. They represent both ends of the spectrum. In Hitch, Will Smith plays Hitch, a professional matchmaker who takes on nerdy client Albert, played by Kevin James. Albert wants to date beautiful heiress Allegra, someone supposedly out of his league who he’s never spoken two words to. Now we’ve seen that premise tons of times: the schlub who wants to date the super popular guy/girl. In the movie, Hitch shows us his multi-step scheme for getting Albert from stranger to boyfriend of Allegra. Albert defends her in public, asks her to an event that could be construed as a date, gets in good with her best friend Maggie. It makes sense as Albert and Allegra get closer. The movie does a great job of presenting a logical (well, movie-logical), thought-out plot.

My Best Friend’s Wedding is anti-match-making at its best. Julia Roberts’s character Julianne decides she’s in love with her best friend Michael. Now all she has to do is break up him and his fiancée four days before their wedding. Julianne gets chummy with the fiancée Kimmy, and plants an idea in her head that Michael needs to work for her father, a suggestion she knows Michael will hate. She even commandeers Kimmy’s dad’s email account in an attempt to get Michael fired from his job. Michael and Kimmy seem perfect when we first meet them, but through Julianne’s scheming, we notice the cracks in their façade that Julianne merely brought to the surface.

So whether it’s putting couples together or breaking them up, I’m all about the scheme. One of my favorite parts of writing The Break-Up Artist was devising Becca’s main break-up plot for her school’s seemingly perfect couple Huxley and Steve. It’s a slow burn scheme, with lots of little events and moments snowballing into a grand finale. I think it’s more fun to show characters drifting apart than magically falling for each other. But maybe I’m just cynical.

GIVEAWAY

Enter to win a copy of THE BREAK-UP ARTIST.

And, one winner will receive a fantastic grand prize package including the following Harlequin Teen titles: 

2 copies of THE BREAK-UP ARTIST, 

a copy of WHITE HOT KISS, 

THE FOREVER SONG, 

THE SECRET DIAMOND SISTERS, 

PLAYED (Hooked #2), and 

an ARC of LET'S GET LOST.

Please enter via the Rafflecopter form.

Giveaway is open to US and Canada only. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE
Monday April 28 - Bumbles and Fairy Tales - Guest Post 
Wednesday April 30 - Reading Teen - Guest Post 
Friday May 2 - Scott Reads It - Guest Post 

Monday May 5 - Miss Page Turners City of Books - Author Interview 
Wednesday May 7 - Xpresso Reads - Author Interview 
Friday May 9 - Me, My Shelf and I  - Guest Post

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Philip Siegel

Philip Siegel grew up in New Jersey, which he insists is much nicer than certain TV shows would have you believe. He graduated from Northwestern University and promptly moved out to Los Angeles, where he became an NBC page. He likes to think that the character of Kenneth on 30 Rock is loosely based on his life rights. 

Currently, he works in downtown Chicago by day while he writes novels at night and during his commute sandwiched in between colorful characters on the El.

Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

Buy THE BREAK-UP ARTIST: 
Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IndieBound

Kismet Book Touring