All Broke Down Release Day! + Giveaway

  Yowza! We are extremely excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for Cora Carmack's ALL BROKE DOWN!! ALL BROKE DOWN is a New Adult Contemporary Romance novel being published by HarperCollins, and it is the 2^nd book in The Rusk University Series.

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About ALL BROKE DOWN: In this second book in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cora Carmack’s New Adult, Texas-set Rusk University series, which began with All Lined Up, a young woman discovers that you can’t only fight for what you believe in . . . sometimes you have to fight for what you love. Dylan fights for lost causes. Probably because she used to be one. Environmental issues, civil rights, corrupt corporations, and politicians—you name it, she’s probably been involved in a protest. When her latest cause lands her in jail overnight, she meets Silas Moore. He’s in for a different kind of fighting. And though he’s arrogant and infuriating, she can’t help being fascinated with him. Yet another lost cause. Football and trouble are the only things that have ever come naturally to Silas. And it’s trouble that lands him in a cell next to do-gooder Dylan. He’s met girls like her before—fixers, he calls them, desperate to heal the damage and make him into their ideal boyfriend. But he doesn’t think he’s broken, and he definitely doesn’t need a girlfriend trying to change him. Until, that is, his anger issues and rash decisions threaten the only thing he really cares about, his spot on the Rusk University football team. Dylan might just be the perfect girl to help. Because Silas Moore needs some fixing after all.


   
  Excerpt: I think I get it then. That decision I saw in her eyes back in the kitchen. That’s what this, what I’m about for her, too. I’m just another part of whatever rebellion she started earlier today. About doing what she wants, not what’s expected of her. “We’re not talking about me, though,” she says. “So you went to meet your friend, and then what happened?” She keeps her eyes down as she picks up the gauze and begins winding it snugly around the knuckles of one hand, and then the other. “He said the wrong thing.” “Which was?” “Dylan.” Now it’s her that’s pushing too hard. I didn’t want to talk about things with my friends, and I won’t talk about them with her, either, no matter how gorgeous she is. “I’ll guess. You were mad about what he did, and he wasn’t sorry.” “This isn’t middle school, Pickle. He didn’t hurt my feelings. He said some shit he had no business saying, and it pissed me off. The end.” “But you don’t think some of that anger stems from what you feel is a betrayal of your friendship?” She finishes taping down the last of the gauze, but doesn’t let go of my hand. “I think you’re analyzing me again. Making things more complicated than they are.” “And I think you’re just a guy who doesn’t like to admit he has feelings.” She drags out the word, teasing me with some goofy smile on her face. I turn my hand over so I can clutch her wrist. I curlmy other bandaged hand around her waist and pull her closer. “I feel plenty of things.” The teasing stops. She swallows. “I wasn’t talking about that kind of feeling.” With her standing and me sitting, I’m eye level with her chest. I see the sharp rise and fall as she sucks in a breath. I want her in my lap again, straddling me this time. “Doesn’t mean we can’t talk about that kind of feeling. Or experiment with it.” “Is that Stella girl an ex?” I cough, surprised. My throat twists uncomfortably, and it takes me a couple of solid breaths to get a hold on myself. “Ah, no. Stella and I have never dated.” “Have you—” “Do you ever run out of questions?” “Not ever.” She turns playful again, and I’m done doing this the careful way. If she wants a rebellion, I’ll be the one to give it to her. I want her against me, and I’m tired of waiting. I pull her forward, insinuating my knees between hers, and her body naturally follows, settling across my thighs. Her lips part, but she catches herself before she gasps this time. I keep her steady with my hands at her waist and say, “I’ll make you a deal. A question for a kiss.” Tentatively, she lays her palms against my shoulders. They rest there, her grip light and casual. She ponders my offer for a moment, and it drives me mad that she can do that while our hips are inches away from alignment. “Okay then. Are you—” I cut her off. “Not so fast, Dylan Brenner. I’ve already answered one question. We’ve got to settle up first.” I wrap her braid around my hand like I’ve been waiting to do all night, and I use it to pull her head back just enough that I can crush my mouth against hers.

And don’t forget to grab your copy of ALL LINED UP Today!

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About Cora Carmack: Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life-- boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.      

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It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - Britney #18

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Book Journey in which you talk about books you have recently finished, books you are currently reading, and books you plan on reading next.


Recently Finished (Past Two Weeks):

The Unbecoming      Made For You         Sanctum
of Mara Dyer
 
 Landline                    I'll Give You The Sun

Currently Reading:

Dorothy Must Die

Up Next:

The Eternity Cure

ROWDY Release Day & Giveaway

 

We are over the moon excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for ROWDY by Jay Crownover!! ROWDY is the fifth novel in her Marked Men Series published by William Morrow, and imprint of HarperCollins and you do NOT want to miss it!

 

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EXCERPT: WHEN I PUT THE key he had given me in the door to his apartment it felt like the end of a long journey. Really it was only a little over twelve hours and I had stopped to nap once along the way, but it still felt like too long since I had seen his face or been able to touch all that toned and tattooed skin. Jimbo greeted me at the door when I pushed it open. His tongue lolled out of his mouth and he jumped up and put his paws on my legs. He was going to be huge when he finally grew into his fuzzy body and I was overwhelmed at how happy I was to see him. I dropped to my knees and rubbed my face in his neck as he licked me all over my face. I was obviously missed and I had to say it was just one more reason I knew I was finally where I was supposed to be. It was late, so the apartment was dark. I checked the dog’s food and water, trying to be quiet in case Rowdy was already asleep. I was winding my way toward his bedroom when a haphazardly discarded sketch pad lying on the couch caught my eye in the dim light. I paused for a minute to pick it up and felt my heart stop and then start to race as I flipped through the first few pages. There were a couple of drawings that were obviously for clients, tattoos that hadn’t made it from paper to skin yet, but most of the pristine white pages were covered with images wearing my face. There was mermaid me, and naughty- sailor- girl me. There was sassy Indian girl me with long Pocahontas braids and there was sexy devil me standing next to angelic me. There were dozens of them all in different shapes and sizes, but every single image was undoubtedly modeled after my distinct look. I wasn’t sure if he had drawn them all over this last week while I had been gone or over the months we had been chasing each other in circles. Either way it made my heart swell and the full certainty that I was it for him settle deep inside my bones. I set the pad down and tiptoed through the hall. Jimbo took one look at where I was going and huffed out a disgusted- sounding snort. The poor guy had learned early on that he wanted no part of what happened between his humans when they were together in the bedroom. The light was off and Rowdy was sprawled on his stomach across the covers. His blond hair was sticking up every- where and he hand one arm bent up under his head. The only thing that could have made the sight better would have been if he hadn’t bothered with the black boxers before crashing out. Even with them obscuring the view, I couldn’t complain. I let out a breathless sigh and crept closer so that I could lean over and touch my lips to that anchor on the side of his neck. I felt his pulse leap and tasted the salt on his skin as he murmured sleepily and rolled over onto his back. Those infinitely blue eyes glowed at me in the dark as a grin pulled up the corner of his mouth. “Hey.”     About ROWDY: The New York Times and USA Today bestselling Marked Men series continues with this sizzling, sexy story of love, heartbreak, fate, and second chances. After the only girl he ever loved told him that he would never be enough, Rowdy St. James knocked the Texas dust off his boots and set out to live up to his nickname. A good ol’ boy looking for good times and good friends, Rowdy refuses to take anything too seriously, especially when it comes to the opposite sex. Burned by love once, he isn’t going to let himself trust a woman again. But that’s before his new co-worker arrives, a ghost from the past who’s suddenly making him question every lesson he ever learned. Salem Cruz grew up in house with too many rules and too little fun—a world of unhappiness she couldn’t wait to forget. But one nice thing from childhood has stayed with her; the memory of the sweet, blue-eyed boy next door who’d been head over heels in love with her little sister. Now, fate and an old friend have brought her and Rowdy together, and Salem is determined to show him that once upon a time he picked the wrong sister. A mission that is working perfectly—until the one person that ties them together appears, threatening to tear them apart for good.     About Jay Crownover: Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men series. She also introduced the dark and sexy world of The Point in a new series this last summer starting with BETTER WHEN HE's BAD. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she'll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.      

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ROWDY Goodreads ** Jay Crownover Goodreads

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Britney's Review of Eleanor & Park

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Publication Date: February 26, 2013

Summary: Two misfits.

One extraordinary love.

Eleanor...Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind him until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. Making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough...Eleanor.

Park...He knows she'll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There's a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises...Park. 

Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds-smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.

My Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

My Review:

This is a book I really never planned on reading. I've enjoyed all of Rainbow Rowell's other books that I've read, but this one didn't sound like one I'd like. Mostly because it was set in the 80's and I didn't think I would enjoy that. Yet everybody raved about how great this book was, and I finally caved in. I'm so glad that I did. 

Once I started this book I couldn't stop. I loved everything about it. I loved the way it was written, in both Eleanor and Park's point of view. I felt we got more of the story that way, and were able to get to know the characters better. The way she writes all her books is flawless. This lady can write!

And my god Park and Eleanor! I loved them, and I loved their relationship. It developed in such a perfect, and cute way. It was just so sweet, and so perfect. I just want to hug the two of them and tell them they belong together. The way the whole relationship started was great. I could go on for hours about them. 

The ending though, my god. It tore my apart. I don't know if my heart will ever heal and be whole again. I turned the page and screamed when there was nothing else written. I NEED MORE RAINBOW ROWELL. GIVE ME MORE OF THESE TWO. PLEASE. 

Waiting on Wednesday - Britney #14

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publication Date: December 8, 2014

Summary: Things are about to get Wicked in New Orleans. 

Twenty-two year old Ivy Morgan isn't your average college student. She, and others like her, know humans aren't the only thing trolling the French Quarter for fun...and for food. Her duty to the Order is her life. After all, four years ago, she lost everything at the hands of the creatures she'd sown to hunt, tearing her world and her heart apart. 

Ren Owens is the last person Ivy expected to enter her rigidly controlled life. He's six feet and three inches of temptation and swoon-inducing charm. With forest-green eyes and a smile that's surely left a stream of broken hearts in its wake, he has an uncanny, almost unnatural ability to make her yearn for everything he has to offer. But letting him in is as dangerous as hunting the cold-blooded killers stalking the streets. Losing the boy she loved once before had nearly destroyed her, but the sparking tension that grows between them becomes impossible for Ivy to deny. Deep down, she wants...she needs more than what her duty demands of her, what her past has shaped for her. 

But as Ivy grows closer to Ren, she realizes she's not the only one

carrying secrets that could shatter the frail bond between them. There's

something he's not telling her, and one thing is for certain. She's no

longer sure what is more dangerous to her-the ancient beings threatening

to take over the town or the man demanding to lay claim to her heart

and her soul. 

Why I'm Waiting:

It's a new Jennifer L. Armentrout need I say anymore? I look forward to everything by her!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - Britney #17

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Book Journey in which you talk about books you have recently finished, books you are currently reading, and books you plan on reading next.


Recently Finished:

Broken Hearts,               Defiance                  Eleanor & Park
Fences and Other 
Things to Mend

Currently Reading:
    I must re-read the series before the last book finally comes out!
The Unbecoming of
 Mara Dyer

Up Next:

The Evolution of           Illusions of Fate
Mara Dyer

Britney's Review of Trial by Fire

Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini

Publication Date: September 2, 2014

Summary: This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying experiences that others in her hometown of Salem take for granted, which is why she is determined to enjoy her first high school party with her best friend and longtime crush, Tristan. But after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class, Lily wishes she could just disappear. 

Suddenly, Lily is in a different Salem-one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruelest of them all is Lillian...Lily's other self in this alternate universe. 

What makes Lily weak at home is what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. In this confusing world Lily is torn between responsibilities. she can't hope to shoulder alone and a love she never expected. 

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars!

My Review: I picked this book up because I had heard so many good things about this. I own Josephine's Starcrossed trilogy, but haven't read it. After reading this book I am even more eager to read that trilogy! The writing in this book was amazing. The characters were all so brilliant. The whole world was so interesting and creative, and I loved the whole thing. 

Before I read this book one of the few things I knew was that Rowan was a mechanic. I thought that Lily was going to stumble across Rowan while he was working on car, because he was a mechanic. Until it turned out that mechanics didn't mean the same thing in that world. 

I loved the characters in this book, even Lillian. I feel like something more is going on with Lillian that she won't tell anybody, and maybe she isn't really all that evil. I thought Lily was a really strong character and was able to handle everything very well. I think she is going to end up doing great things. 

The romance in this book was wonderful to me. It was nice and slow and they were so cute and I was like all the feels! Rowan has actually wiggled his way onto my top 5 boyfriend list, so GO ROWAN!

The whole concept of the book was really intriguing and it has me wondering if something like this could actually exist. Are there all these other worlds out there that a different version of us is living in? I think it is interesting to think about. 

I am super excited to read the next book when it comes out and see where this series is going to go. 

Britney's Review of Complicit

Complicit by Stephanie Kuehn

Publication Date: June 24, 2014

Summary: Two years ago, sixteen-year-old Jamie Henry breathed a sigh of relief when a judge sentenced his older sister to juvenile detention for burning down their neighbor's fancy horse barn. The whole town did. Because Crazy Cate Henry used to be a nice girl. Until she did a lot of bad things. Like drinking. And stealing. And lying. Like playing weird mind games in the woods with other children. Like making sure she always got her away. Or else. 

But today Cate got out. And now she's coming back for Jamie. 

Because more than anything, Cate Henry needs her little brother to know the truth about their past. A truth she's kept hidden for years. A truth she's not supposed to tell. 

Trust nothing and no one as you race toward the explosive conclusion of this gripping psychological thriller from the William C. Morris Award-winning author of Charm & Strange.

.

My Rating: 4/5 Stars

My Review: This book, wow, it really took me by surprise. I could not put it down because I had to know what was happening. This book is kind of a mystery, kind of a thriller. Two years ago Jamie's sister went to juvenile detention because she confessed to burning down their neighbor's horse barn. But now Cate is out, and is calling Jamie telling him she's coming back. Throughout the book Jamie tries to figure out some things such as how their mother died, why he suddenly loses feelings in his hands sometimes, and why he has lapses in his memory. 

This was one of the most, if not the most, twisted books I have ever read. The whole ending was just a big WOW. I had a guess about what was going on, and while I was right the ending really messed with me. I can't say much about the book
though, because of spoilers.

If you like kind of dark, twisted books I think you should check this book out. 

Waiting on Wednesday - Britney #13

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Unleashed by Sophie Jordan

Publication Date: February 24, 2015

Summary: What if the worst thing you ever did was unforgivable?

Davy's world fell apart after she tested positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome. She was expelled from her school, dumped by her boyfriend, abandoned by her friends, and shipped off to a camp that turns HTS carriers into soldiers. Davy may have escaped, but the damage has already been done. The unthinkable has happened. Now, even worse than having everyone else see her as a monster is the knowledge that they may have been right about her all along. Because Davy has killed. 

On the run from the government agents, Davy is rescued by Caden, the charismatic leader of an underground group of rebels. Despite Caden's assurances that the Resistance is made up of carriers like her, Davy isn't sure she can trust them. Then again, she doesn't even know if she can trust herself...or her growing feelings for Caden. But if she doesn't belong with Caden and his followers, is there anywhere she can call home?

Why I'm Waiting:

I recently finished the first one and loved it, so obviously I need to read the second one. Although the summary doesn't make me very happy, since a certain someone isn't mentioned at all. 

FALL WITH ME Cover Reveal

It's time!!! Jennifer L. Armentrout's FALL WITH ME cover is here! And you are going to love it! This New Adult Contemporary Romance in Armentrout's With You Saga is the 4th book in the series, and is being published by Avon Romance, an imprint of HarperCollins. You should definitely add it to your Goodreads now.

FALL WITH ME Goodreads

  About FALL WITH ME: Eleven months ago, bartender and weird-shirt-wearing extraordinaire Roxy and Officer Reece Anders had a one night stand. Well, kind of. She’s been in love with him since she was fifteen, and he wishes that night they shared never happened. She’s sworn him off forever, but the past and future collide, forcing her to rely on the one man who broke her heart not once, but twice. Her best friend since birth has been in a long-term care facility since he became a victim of a hate crime years ago, and the person who put him in there is out of prison and wanting to make amends with him and Roxy. She’s not sure she has room for forgiveness in her and when she begins to receive frightening messages and is on the receiving end of escalating violence, she thinks she knows who is to blame. The man who already destroyed one life already. But Reece isn’t convinced. The threats are too personal, and even if Roxy doesn’t believe him, he’s not willing to let anyone hurt her. Including himself. He’s already messed up more than once when it comes to Roxy and he’s not going to let history repeat itself.

And here's the beautiful new cover!

 

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  About Jennifer L. Armentrout: # 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.  

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WHATEVER LIFE THROWS AT YOU Release Day Launch & Giveaway

 

We are so excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for Julie Cross' WHATEVER LIFE THROWS AT YOU! WHATEVER LIFE THROWS AT YOU is a Young Adult Contemporary Romance, published by Entangled Teen!!

 

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  About WHATEVER LIFE THROWS AT YOU: Seventeen-year-old Annie Lucas is too young to remember her dad’s glory days as a pitcher for the Yankees. So when her father is offered a coaching position with the Kansas City Royals, Annie is intrigued to see the baseball side of her dad. Of course, knowing he’ll be a mentor to hot young rookie pitcher, Jason Brody, certainly makes it more enticing. After an awkward first meeting with “Brody” involving very little clothing and a much-too-personal locker room interview, Annie’s convinced she knows Brody’s type: arrogant, self-involved, bossy. As her dad grows closer to the pitching phenom, the friction between Brody and Annie increases. But when opening day arrives and it looks like both her dad and Brody may lose their dream jobs, Annie steps up and offers support. She and Brody call a truce that grows into friendship—and beyond. Falling for a rising star who’s quickly reaching a level that involves rabid female fans is not what Annie would call smart, except suddenly she’s getting hints that maybe this crush isn’t one-sided after all. Could someone like Brody actually fall for a girl like her?

 
  Whatever Life Throws at You by Julie Cross Excerpt: He eyes me skeptically. “What kind of article?” “It’s for Sports Illustrated,” I say without hesitation and then quickly realize that I don’t look nearly old enough to be a real reporter for a huge publication. “I’m an intern,” I add. The skepticism falls from his face and he looks nervous, which gives me a boost of confidence. I walk closer and pull out the chair in front of the locker beside his, propping my feet up on the bench across from me. “Frank Steadman said you’d be willing to answer a few questions.” His mouth falls open, and he looks down at his towel and then back at me. Water drips from his hair and off his dark shoulders. “Um…okay,” he says. “Mind if I get dressed first?” I wave off his concerns, my face heating up, blowing my confident cover. But him getting dressed might allow enough time for Dad to return, and I’d rather not have to deal with that. I duck my head down, letting my hair hide my cheeks and flip open the first page of the notebook. “This will just take a minute… So, you’re nineteen? And you’re from Texas?” “Chicago,” he corrects. I had no idea where he was from but figured it sounded better if I pretended to know. I write down this information and then search my brain for some more questions. “Does the wind in Chicago affect your curveball? Do you throw into it or against it?” He gives me a funny look. “I…well…I just throw toward home plate.” My face gets even hotter. “Right, kidding. What’s your favorite color?” “Orange.” I take my time writing orange in really big loopy cursive while I think of my next question. “What are your opinions on sushi?” His forehead wrinkles like I’ve just asked him to publicly declare a political party. “Raw fish and seaweed? I think it’s best eaten while stranded on a desert island with no other options.” “Very diplomatic.” I scribble down his answer. “How many strikes have you thrown in your career?” “Don’t know,” he says. “Do people actually count that stuff? Before the majors?” “Some of them do,” I say, though I have no idea. “If you could be any magical creature in the Harry Potter series, which would you choose?” “You said this is for Sports Illustrated, right?” “Yeees, But it’s the…kids’ edition.” “Oh, right.” He scratches the back of his head. “I guess maybe one of those elves.” “A house elf? Seriously? They’re slaves.” I shake my head. “Why would you want to be an enslaved elf? They can’t even wear clothes.” He grips his towel tighter and releases a frustrated breath. “Fine, I’ll choose an owl. That’s what I’d want to be.” I snort back a laugh and drop my eyes to the page again. “What? What the hell’s wrong with being an owl? They’re smart, they know geography and shit like that.” “Owls in real life are actually pretty stupid. But no big deal, I’ll just relay that message on to the children of America. Jason Brody, temporary Royals pitcher, wants to be an owl when he grows up because they know geography and shit like that.” Okay, I’m getting way too into this fake reporter role. “Who says this is temporary?” he snaps. “Your two-way contract.” Isn’t that how Dad explained it? He plays a few games then goes back to Triple-A, all without signing a real major league contract. He yanks a pair of jeans from his locker and then grabs a bundled up orange T-shirt. “Well, I plan on kicking some ass on Opening Day and making this a permanent gig.” “I think you need a reality check,” I say. “One game isn’t going to be enough--” “Annie, what the hell are you doing?” I leap off the bench and turn around to face Dad and Frank standing about five feet from me. “Introducing myself to your new pitcher.” “Brody, what are you doing here, son?” Frank asks. “We’re off today.” “Just getting in some cardio and weights.” His gaze darts from me to Dad to Frank. “I was just finishing up this interview for Sports Illustrated. The kids’ edition.” “Well, we won’t keep you from getting your clothes back on, then,” Frank says, like he’s trying not to laugh. “And just for future reference, all interviews will go through the team’s publicity department so no one will be wandering in here, surprising you. Savannah will meet with you tomorrow to discuss publicity.” Dad moves forward and extends a hand to Jason Brody. “Jim Lucas, nice to meet you, son. I’ve seen your spring training videos. You’ve got some real talent. I’m looking forward to working with you.” Brody shakes Dad’s hand, his eyes still on me. “And this is my daughter Annie,” Dad adds. Brody glares at me. “Let me guess—you don’t work for Sports Illustrated?”   Julie Cross Bio: Julie Cross lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three children. She’s a former gymnast and longtime gymnastics fan, coach, and former gymnastics program director with the YMCA. She’s a lover of books, devouring several novels a week, especially in the young adult and new adult genres. Outside of her reading and writing credentials, Julie is a committed—but not talented—long-distance runner, creator of imaginary beach vacations, Midwest bipolar-weather survivor, and expired CPR certification card holder, as well as a ponytail and gym-shoe addict.      

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Author Goodreads | WHATEVER LIFE THROWS AT YOU Goodreads

 

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It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - Britney #16

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Book Journey in which you talk about books you have recently finished, books you are currently reading, and books you plan on reading next.


Recently Finished:

Trial By Fire           Catch a Falling Star    Uninvited

                                
                             Complicit

Currently Reading:

Broken Hearts, 
Fences, and Other 
Things to Mend

Up Next:

Defiance

Britney's Review of Catch a Falling Star

Catch a Falling Star by Kim Culbertson

Publication Date: April 29, 2014

Summary: A deliciously charming novel about finding love...and yourself. 

Nothing ever happens in Little, CA. Which is just the way Carter Moon likes it. But when Hollywood arrives to film a movie starring former child star turned PR mess Adam Jakes, everything changes. Carter's town becomes a giant glittery set and, much to her annoyance, everyone is starry-eyed for Adam. Carter seems to be the only girl not falling all over herself to get a glimpse of him. Which apparently makes her perfect for the secret offer of a lifetime: playing the role of Adam's girlfriend while he's in town,to improve his public image, in exchange for a hefty paycheck. Her family really needs the money and so Carter agrees. But it turns out Adam isn't at all who she thought he was. As they grow closer, their relationship walks a blurry line between what's real and what's fake, and Carter must open her eyes to the scariest of unexplored worlds-her future. Can Carter figure out what she wants out of life AND get the guy? Or are there no Hollywood endings in real life?

My Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

My Review: I had really high hopes and sadly I didn't love it as much as I wanted. Carter Moon gets offered to be Adam's fake girlfriend for while he is filming in town. Recently Carter's family has been having some trouble, so she agress. I mean really, it is easy money. The rest of the story is about this fake relationship between the two. 

I thought it sounded like a great concept, but I ended up not liking the way it was really done. It seemed to jump from her not liking Adam, to liking Adam. She really didn't know anything about him. I didn't know anything about him! He literally never really told him anything about herself, and I just couldn't really seem to like him for that reason. And he seemed so hot and cold about things. The whole ending was a rush too. I wanted to know what made things happen, not just see them happen. 

It was a cute book though, and I did enjoy reading it. I just don't plan on reading it again, nor did I love it.  

Britney's Review of The Jewel

The Jewel by Amy Ewing

Publication Date: September 2, 2014

Summary: The Jewel means wealth. The Jewel means beauty. The Jewel means royalty. But for girls like Violet, the Jewel means servitude. Not just any kind of servitude. Violet, born and raised in the Marsh, has been trained as a surrogate for the royalty-because in the Jewel the only thing more important than opulence is offspring. 

Purchased at the surrogacy auction by the Duchess of the Lake and greeted with a slap to the face, Violet (now known only as #197) quickly learns of the brutal truths that lie beneath the Jewel's glittering facade: the cruelty, backstabbing, and hidden violence that have become the royal way of life. 

Violet must accept the ugly realities of her existence...and try to stay alive. But then a forbidden romance erupts between Violet and a handsome gentleman hired as a companion to the Duchess's petulant niece. Though his presence makes life in the Jewel a bit brighter, the consequences of their illicit relationship will cost them both more than they bargained for. 

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

My Review:

I didn't expect to love the next book I read after Fire and Flood so much. But I certainly made a good pick reading this, and in the end loving it. I had honestly never heard of any other story like this. I mean, girls who have to be surrogates? I was thoroughly intrigued right off the bat by that concept, and then add in some forbidden love and it is my kind of perfect story. 

The beginning was a bit slow in my opinion. It was setting everything up though, so I wasn't bored, nor did I hate it. In fact I loved learning about everything in this world. There were so many twists that I didn't see coming, and I loved that. 

I honestly expected there to be some sort of romance between Violet and the Duchess's son, but I was wrong. I have to say while I'm sure Garnet wasn't supposed to be a likable character, I loved him. I loved how he seemed to live to piss his mother off. Violet wasn't a bad character either, except for a poor decision she made at the end of the book (bad Violet), which led to the one thing I knew was going to end up happening in the book (1 point for Britney!). She handled situations a lot better than I ever could, that's for sure. Then Ash, oh Ash you boy. I loved learning all about him, where he came from, his family, and why he does what he does. I honestly believe that Violet and him make a wonderful match and they can really relate to one another. 

The Duchess of the Lake who Violet ends up belonging to, while she isn't the most awful, is certainly a pretty horrible person. There were truly points I wanted to like her, and I thought maybe she was a good person, but she ruined all of that. 

The ending of the book was so many things bam bam bam, and my mouth was opened in shock. 100% honest as I read the last page my mouth was hanging open because of what happened. Which also means I need the next book because you can't just leave a book at the point. Oh, let me give you this little piece of information, but then end the book. No! 

Everybody should read this book because it is wonderful, and if you don't like books with a lot of romance, then read it because the first like 200 pages had no romance.  

Waiting on Wednesday - Britney #12

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine.

The Devil You Know by Trish Doller

Publication Date: June 2, 2015

Summary: Arcadia "Cadie" Wells has one primary goal in life-to escape the sleepy Florida town where she was born and raised. Since her mother's death, she's sacrificed her boyfriend, her spot on the soccer team, and even her plans for the future to raise her little brother and help her still grieving father. On a rare night out at a party at the local skate park, Cadie meets a couple of good-looking tourists and impulsively agrees to join them on their road trip from one end of Florida to the other. But when their adventure goes tragically wrong, Cadie's new goal is to make it home alive. 

Why I'm Waiting:

This seems like it may be a thriller/horror book and that makes me super excited. The whole thing seems like it'll make for an interesting read. 

Whatever Life Throws At You Trailer Reveal

We are so excited to bring you the Trailer Reveal for Julie Cross' WHATEVER LIFE THROWS AT YOU! WHATEVER LIFE THROWS AT YOU is a YA contemporary romance. Published by Entangled Teen, and is releasing on October 7th!!

         

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmfG4ZOv_rQ

Buy Links:
Amazon**Amazon UK**Barnes and Noble**iBooks**Powell's Books


About WHATEVER LIFE THROWS AT YOU:
Life loves a good curveball...
Seventeen-year-old Annie Lucas is too young to remember her dad's glory days as a pitcher for the Yankees. So when her father is offered a coaching position with the Kansas City Royals, Annie is intrigued to see the baseball side of her dad. Of course, knowing he'll be a mentor to hot young rookie pitcher, Jason Brody, certainly makes it more enticing.
After an awkward first meeting with "Brody" involving very little clothing and a much-too-personal locker room interview, Annie's convinced she knows Brody's type: arrogant, self-involved, bossy.As her dad grows closer to the pitching phenom, the friction between Brody and Annie increases. But when opening day arrives and it looks like both her dad and Brody may lose their dream jobs, Annie steps up and offers support. She and Brody call a truce that grows into friendship-and beyond. Falling for a rising star who's quickly reaching a level that involves rabid female fans is not what Annie would call smart, except suddenly she's getting hints that maybe this crush isn't one-sided after all. Could someone like Brody actually fall for a girl like her?

Julie Cross Bio:

Julie Cross lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three children. She's a former gymnast and longtime gymnastics fan, coach, and former gymnastics program director with the YMCA. She's a lover of books, devouring several novels a week, especially in the young adult and new adult genres. Outside of her reading and writing credentials, Julie is a committed-but not talented-long-distance runner, creator of imaginary beach vacations, Midwest bipolar-weather survivor, and expired CPR certification card holder, as well as a ponytail and gym-shoe addict. 

Links:

Blog**Facebook**Twitter**Author Goodreads**WHATEVER LIFE THROWS AT YOU Goodreads

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - Britney #15

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Book Journey in which you talk about books you have recently finished, books you are currently reading, and books you plan on reading next.


Recently Finished:


          Fates                      Asylum                 Fire & Flood
                                 
                                        The Jewel

Currently Reading:


     Trial By Fire


Up Next:


Catch a Falling Star         Uninvited