Review: Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: June 9, 2015
Book Format: ARC
# of Pages: 288
Synopsis: An anxiety disorder disrupts fourteen-year-old Audrey’s daily life. She has been making slow but steady progress with Dr. Sarah, but when Audrey meets Linus, her brother’s gaming teammate, she is energized. She connects with him. Audrey can talk through her fears with Linus in a way she’s never been able to do with anyone before. As their friendship deepens and her recovery gains momentum, a sweet romantic connection develops, one that helps not just Audrey but also her entire family.






Meet Sophie (Taken from goodreads)

Madeleine Wickham (born 12 December 1969) is a bestselling British author under her pseudonym, Sophie Kinsella. Educated at New College, Oxford, she worked as a financial journalist before turning to fiction. She is best known for writing a popular series of chick-lit novels. The Shopaholic novels series focuses on the misadventures of Becky Bloomwood, a financial journalist who cannot manage her own finances. The books follows her life from when her credit card debt first become overwhelming ("The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic") to the latest book on being married and having a child ("Shopaholic & Baby"). Throughout the entire series, her obsession with shopping and the complications that imparts on her life are central themes.

Gemma Townley is her sister.

My Review:

I got an ARC of Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella from work and this is my honest review.

I originally picked this up because I am a fan of young adult books and I figured, if I was going to start Sophie Kinsella I might as well start with a genre that I knew I liked. But as I got into the book I realized the story was about a girl named Audrey who had severe anxiety which caused her to have to leave school and stay in the house while she received treatment. I connected with this because I have anxiety a lot.

I enjoyed all of the aspects of this book from all the family drama around computer games all the way to Linus and Audrey talking and getting to know each other. My favorite character by far was the mother just because of how crazy she was. She reminds me of a few people in my family and I thought was hilarious. Practically every scene with the mother in it had me cracking up.

The most touching part of the book was that even though the family had its fair share of crazy moments, they cared for one another. They were all always there for Audrey even though she went through phases of having to wear her dark sunglasses for weeks at a time. Her family stuck by her at all times, no matter what.

Overall, this book totally gets a 5 out of 5 stars and I would recommend it to anyone who needs a nice family story which contains a bunch of chuckles which I promise you will get out of it. 

Review: Bulletproof by Maci Bookout

Bulletproof by Maci Bookout
Publisher: Post Hill Press
Release Date: July 21, 2015
Book Format: Hardcover
# of Pages: 188
Synopsis: Maci Bookout was just a normal, slightly overachieving high school girl in Chattanooga, Tennessee. But then she got pregnant, and everything turned upside down. Even as she rose to fame on MTV's hit series Teen Mom, Maci was struggling to balance life as a single teen mom with her own hopes and dreams...all while honoring her own sense of independence.
This is the true story of how she took charge of the unexpected to build a life for herself and her son Bentley, and managed not to go crazy in the process. Because sometimes growing up is an act of will...and Maci's will is bulletproof.


  

My Review:

I borrowed Bulletproof by Maci Bookout from work and this is my honest review.

I have been watching 16 & Pregnant as well as all of the different Teen Mom shows that were out there. A lot of people I knew always put this show down. Many people said these girls just wanted attention and they were really horrible people. Hearing people say this about these shows always shocked me and made me feel uncomfortable about admitting that I watched every single episode of every single season. But those were the old days, now I am completely comfortable admitting that I watch all of these shows.

To be completely honest, I started watching back in high school because I thought it was a good idea. I figured it would be a good way to make sure at least I never became a teen mom. Not that I had many boyfriends in high school but watching the show ensured that I was more responsible than I already thought I was. Watching these girls get pregnant at a young age, and struggle through their lives with new babies, and schools, and jobs really opened my eyes at such a young age. I was very inspired by each and every one of these girls for different reasons.

Anyways lets get to Maci's story at hand. Out of all the girls I watched on TV Maci has by far always been one of my favorites. I loved how much of a good mom she was to Bentley no matter how hard it was to get pregnant and have a baby at such a young age. She was responsible enough to finish high school before she even had Bentley. As well as getting jobs here and there and going to school on and off until she finally graduated college recently. Her graduating really inspired me to work hard at school even though I do not have a baby.

I am so glad I got to read her story. From falling in love with Ryan all the way to falling in love with Taylor and having Jayde. I feel even more connected to her more now after reading her story then just after seeing it on TV. Definitely give this a read, its really inspiring.  

 

Review: Hit by Delilah S. Dawson

Hit by Delilah S. Dawson 
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: April 14, 2015
Book Format: Hardcover
# of Pages: 336
Synopsis:  NO ONE READS THE FINE PRINT.

The good news is that the USA is finally out of debt. The bad news is that we were bought out by Valor National Bank, and debtors are the new big game, thanks to a tricky little clause hidden deep in the fine print of a credit card application. Now, after a swift and silent takeover that leaves 9-1-1 calls going through to Valor voicemail, they’re unleashing a wave of anarchy across the country.

Patsy didn’t have much of a choice. When the suits showed up at her house threatening to kill her mother then and there for outstanding debt unless Patsy agreed to be an indentured assassin, what was she supposed to do? Let her own mother die?

Patsy is forced to take on a five-day mission to complete a hit list of ten names. Each name on Patsy's list has only three choices: pay the debt on the spot, agree to work as a bounty hunter, or die. And Patsy has to kill them personally, or else her mom takes a bullet of her own.

Since yarn bombing is the only rebellion in Patsy's past, she’s horrified and overwhelmed, especially as she realizes that most of the ten people on her list aren't strangers. Things get even more complicated when a moment of mercy lands her with a sidekick: a hot rich kid named Wyatt whose brother is the last name on Patsy's list. The two share an intense chemistry even as every tick of the clock draws them closer to an impossible choice.

Delilah S. Dawson offers an absorbing, frightening glimpse at a reality just steps away from ours—a taut, suspenseful thriller that absolutely mesmerizes from start to finish.

Meet Delilah, (Taken From Goodreads)

Delilah S. Dawson writes whimsical and dark Fantasy for adults and teens. Her Blud series for Pocket includes Wicked as They Come, Wicked After Midnight, and Wicked as She Wants, winner of the RT Book Reviews Steampunk Book of the Year and May Seal of Excellence for 2013. Her YA debut, Servants of the Storm, is a Southern Gothic Horror set in Savannah, GA, and HIT is about teen assassins in a bank-owned America. Her Geekrotica series under pseudonym Ava Lovelace includes The Lumberfox and The Superfox with The Dapperfox on the way. Look for Wake of Vultures from Orbit Books in October 2015, written as Lila Bowen.

Delilah teaches writing classes at LitReactor and wrote the Island of Mesmer world for Storium.

Delilah lives with her husband, two small children, a horse, a dog, and two cats in Atlanta. Find out more at www.whimsydark.com.

My Review:

I borrowed Hit by Delilah S. Dawson from work and this is my honest review.

In Hit, we meet teen Patsy who is tasked with the scary job of offering people two choices; to die because of their debt or to be a bounty hunter like her, all because her mom is underneath her own pile of debt. Throughout the novel we follow Carly on her journey of ruining the lives of many.

After reading the description of this book I knew it was for me. Ever since I started getting back into teen I have loved roadtrip books. This might not be a traditional road trip story but it is close enough and I loved it to pieces. The plot was my favorite parts, growing up I used to watch Dog the Bounty Hunter so much so any reference to bounty hunting makes me want to pick up a book right away.

One of the first stops she makes a visit to the father of Wyatt. He decides not to take the deal, and because of this Patsy is forced to shoot him. Fortunate enough for her this leads her to her road companion Wyatt. He turns out to be the sweetest boy ever and Patsy is very lucky. The two have their ups and downs; I mean she shot his father for goodness sake but the two are still cute together. I ship them wholeheartedly.

As I neared the end of the book the people she had to offer the deals to were getting more and more interesting. I won’t spoil who the last few are, but I promise you are in for the ride of your life with this story. I love the whole book, and loved the ending even more even if I did have a few questions.
 

 

Book Blitz: Somewhere in Between by Samantha Harris

Somewhere in Between
Samatha Harris
Published by: Limitless Publishing
Publication date: November 10th 2015
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Alexandra McCabe is disconnected from the world, grieving the loss of her parents…
Content with studying and keeping to herself, Alex has no interest in the campus playboy, Drew Collins, trying to get close to her. But even dousing him with beer doesn’t deter the easy-going charmer, and against her better judgment, the pair fall into a reluctant friendship.
Drew is bored with college life, and Alex’s romantic rejection intrigues him…
Their friendship is good for both of them, but Drew is used to getting what he wants, and he’s tired of shallow sorority girls. He’s much more interested in the feisty redhead, but despite his growing feeling, Alex keeps him firmly in the friend zone.
Old heartaches and new tragedies deepen a complicated relationship…
Whatever life throws their way, Alex and Drew remain best friends with their own traditions. Drew is Alex’s family, her rock, and Alex keeps Drew grounded, always challenging him to better himself.
When years of buried feelings rush to the surface, they threaten to change everything…
Drew promised his mother he’d tell Alex how he feels, when the time is right-but how will he know when that is? Alex is terrified to reveal those ‘three little words’ certain Drew doesn’t feel the same, and she’ll lose the only family she has.
Should Alex and Drew open their hearts, and risk being crushed? Should they be satisfied with a deep, lifelong friendship? Or does the only chance for happiness lie…
Somewhere In Between?

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

“I never got the point of this movie,” I said, grabbing a handful of popcorn.
“What do you mean the point?”
“I mean, this old chick trains this girl to fuck with the guy’s head and he just takes it? What a pussy!” Red just looked at me like I was crazy. “What?”
“It’s romantic!”
“This is not romantic.” I pointed at the screen. “This is stupid. The old hag tells him she will break his heart. She is engaged when he finds her again in New York, and he still practically begs at her feet. It’s pathetic.”
“He loves her so much that he spends his life doing everything he can to be worthy of her.”
“Why isn’t he worthy of her in the first place?” I pointed out. “He’s a nice guy.”
“It’s a gesture. He wants to prove his love. Like what your mom says.”
“That is nothing like what mom says. You fight to be the man the girl deserves after she loves you, not to make her love you. That guy is an idiot. He falls for the first girl to kiss him, and she does nothing but use him and fuck with his head.”
“Then why did you agree to watch it?”
“Gwyneth Paltrow gets naked.” I shrugged.
“Nice.”
“So,” I tried to steer the conversation toward her date with Russell without sounding too interested, “you never told me how your date went.”
“Eh.” She shrugged.
“Eh? What does that mean?”
“It was okay, but there wasn’t really anything there. We have nothing in common.”
“Well, that’s too bad.” I tried and failed to hide my smile.
“I think it was mutual anyway. He hasn’t called me, so no big deal.”
I told that son of a bitch to stay away from her. Looks like he heard my warning loud and clear. “I’m sorry, Red.”
She looked at me with a smirk on her face. “You are not.”
“I didn’t like the guy, sure, but I do want you to be happy.”
“Well then, I guess it worked out for everyone then, didn’t it?”
“Yeah, I guess so.” I chuckled.

Author Bio:
Samatha “Sam” Harris lives near Baltimore, Maryland with her husband David and daughter Ava. Born in Florida, she migrated north which most people agree was a little backwards. She has been an artist all of her life, a Tattoo Artist for more than ten years, and a storyteller since she was a kid.
Sam has a slightly unhealthy love for Frank Sinatra, classic movies, and Jazz and Blues music, but her first love will always be reading. From Romance, to Thrillers, to Historical Fiction and everything in between, she loves to become a part of the story. As a writer she tells the stories that she would want to read.

Website / Facebook / Goodreads

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by:

Book Blitz: How We Began by Multiple Authors

How We Began
Alexis Hall, Amy Jo Cousins, Annabeth Albert, Delphine Dryden, Edie Danford, Geonn Cannon, Vanessa North
Publication date: November 9th 2015
Genres: LGBTQ+, New Adult, Romance, Young Adult

How does love begin? A glance, a gesture, an unexpected offer of help from a stranger…or from a good friend. A smile across a counter at a coffee shop or video store. A secret revealed in a song from another place and time. Or in a love ballad crooned at a high school dance.
In this anthology of never-before-published sweet LGBTQ+ stories, seven authors explore the beginnings of love between young and new adult couples. All proceeds will support The Trevor Project’s work with crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

EXCERPT
TruNorth by Alexis Hall

We play the O3 in London.
The crowd is amazing, filling up this vast dome. When there’s that many people, they look like coloured beads, shaken back and forth by these huge ripples of motion.
They’re here for us. To see us.
There’s something almost physical about so much excitement and anticipation and all this… I don’t know what else to call it except love. Surging towards the stage, beating against my body, as if it’s trying to push right inside me. I never know if I’m flying or drowning or dying.
But when I’m here, when I’m on stage and my face is on the screens and my voice is everywhere, I don’t care.
It’s weird because it’s not the sort of thing you can really seriously want or imagine wanting. It’s too big. Too impossible.
But now I know what it’s like, I do want it. I want it so badly it tastes like blood in my mouth.
We close with Something About You—our first number one.
I wish you could see what I see when I see you
Cos then you’d believe there’s no reason to doubt you
You’d know how your smile lights up my world
Because to me, oh to me
There’s something about you.
It’d been waiting for us after The Next Big Thing. All we had to do was record it. The video’s a bit rough around the edges. Not the video itself—it’s Glyde’s handiwork, so slick as slick as can be—but us.
Still learning our parts.
It’s effortless now, though. We know how to move and how to stand together. Whose arm should be flung across whose shoulder. Who keeps his hands in his pockets. Who tucks his thumbs in his belt.
Max, Me, Oli, Rayan, Callum.
All choreography, but it’s meant to look natural.
Glyde calls it “coordinated anarchy”. Vigorous young animals having the time of our lives.
He really does call us that. With this awful fondness.
We’re doing it now. Running to the edge of the stage, waving, blowing kisses, swapping places, jumping past each other, coming together at last. I rest an elbow on Max’s shoulder, put my left arm round Oli. Rayan leans against him on the other side. Callum, on the far end, folds his arms. Close but not touching.
We’re publicity-still perfect.
We did good tonight. I know we did.
Adrenaline sparks beneath my skin even as my breath slows and my heart calms. It’s a hectic, electric feeling, not quite like happiness. This moment when I blur so absolutely into who I’m supposed to be and everything else falls away.

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by:

Review: The Truth About My Success by Dyan Sheldon

the truth about my Success by Dyan Sheldon 
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Release Date: June 9, 2015
Book Format: ARC
# of Pages: 352
Synopsis: What happens when a bratty teenage star and a hardworking waitress get a taste of each other’s worlds? Best-selling Dyan Sheldon at her snarky, entertaining best.

Paloma Rose is sixteen and already a major TV star. She has money, franchises, adoring fans—and an agent and parents who are dependent on her success to sustain their very comfortable lives. But all that could come to an end when Paloma becomes more famous for her bad behavior than for her acting and her show’s sponsors threaten to cancel the upcoming season if things don’t improve. Meanwhile, Paloma’s worried agent happens upon Oona Ginness working in a coffee shop. Maybe she’s not as tall or as blond as Paloma, but details aside, they really might be twins. So a plan is born: What if they send Paloma to a brat camp to become a better person and put the malleable and much nicer Oona in her place? Oona thinks it’s a stupid idea, but the money is hard to resist, given her family’s dire circumstances. What does she have to lose? Of course, plans don’t always work out the way they’re supposed to. . . .


Meet Dyan, (Taken From Goodreads)
Dyan Sheldon is the author of many novels for young adult readers, including the #1 New York Times bestseller CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE DRAMA QUEEN, which was made into a major motion picture. American by birth, she lives in North London.

My Review:

I received The Truth About My Success by Dylan Sheldon from the publisher and this is my honest review.

In this novel we meet teenager Paloma Rose. She is the star of a very popular tv show. The only problem is, she is a complete terror to all of those around her. The story starts off by showing us her rich life. She lives in a mansion with her neurotic mother and alcoholic mother, and her scheming manager is never too far behind. Paloma’s mother and manager fear that she is going to ruin her fame if she keeps acting the way she has been recently. To fix their fears they enroll the help of Palomas look-a-like, Oona.

The two decide to send Paloma off to what she thinks is a all expenses paid vacation in order to have Oona act as the brat in order to fix her down spiraling reputation. Paloma ends up at an attitude fixing ranch where they refuse to call her anything else than her name given at birth, while Oona takes on the role of the teenage girl on a famous TV show.

I honestly loved this book, the fact that the bratty teenager got tricked by being sent off to a ranch to fix herself so that somebody else could play her part on TV, I feel like that would never happen. Producers come across bratty people all the time and I will bet that 90% of them would love to send them away and replace them with a look-alike but that just is not in the cards. I found it hilarious how much trouble Paloma was giving her mother, because she actually really deserved it. Paloma shows us flashbacks all the time of how non-existent her mother was the years she was growing up. Anybody would rebel on their mother if they did not show an interest in them their whole lives.

Oona was my favorite character. No matter what happened with Paloma or to herself throughout the whole book she managed to stay very down the earth even while living in a beautiful mansion and being treated like a queen, she still kept her old ways. The only thing I did not like is that they forced her to leave her dad. The house seemed as if was big enough I could not understand why they could not give her dad a room in the house so that he did not have to be alone. But I guess, it turned out to be good for him considering what happened in the end.

No spoilers, but I must say the ending of this book was great! Paloma’s mother and her manager definitely got what they had coming to them and I loved every second of it. From the described look on their faces in the beginning all the way to the deals made by all the characters at the end. This was an interestingly good book and I am glad I picked it up.