NEW ADULT NOVEMBER Contest!!!!!!

Hey Everyone!!!

It's NEW ADULT NOVEMBER, and I have a lot of fun New Adult reviews, reveals and Q & As planned for this month!

And I'm spreading the New Adult love with a giveaway- and it's International!!!

Winner will be announced IN THIS POST on the rafflecopter, it is the winner's responsibility to email me once he/she's been announced

Be sure to come back each day to earn more entries :)

Good luck to all!!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Reading!!!

Indie Review: What's Left of Me by Amanda Maxlyn

What's Left of Me
by: Amanda Maxlyn
Now Available!!!
Add What's Left of Me to your Goodreads list here.
Synopsis and photo courtesy of Goodreads:
Life works in mysterious ways.

Four years ago I became known as the girl with cancer.

I refuse to cry.

And I refuse to give in.

A relationship with a man is the last thing I’m looking for right now, but one night with Parker changes everything. He is persistent, and he knows what he wants. Me.

He doesn’t treat me like I’m fragile.

But he doesn’t know, and I’m not ready to tell him.

What if it changes everything?

Tragedy found me when I was seventeen.

Love found me when I was twenty-one.

My name is Aundrea McCall, and this is my journey.

My Thoughts:

READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!! 

What's Left of Me may be Maxlyn's debut novel, but her well-flowed plot and relatable narrator's voice reads like the work of a seasoned professional. 

Aundrea, our main character and narrator of the story, is a wonderful character- you'll continue to root for her through her entire story. At 21, she's already conquered cancer once, and is in the middle of her second battle with the deadly illness- she's let her illness and treatment rule most of her young adult life and decides to let loose, for once, and enjoy a night out with her girlfriends, little does she know that this night out will lead her to the man of her dreams (well let's be honest- most women's dreams :)).

The way Aundrea and Parker meet was adorable and hilarious and the romance that blossoms between these two was in equal ways both hot, sweet and intense- these two have some SERIOUS chemistry. Of course, the side characters Maxlyn's created are fantastic, but it's truly the relationship and discourse between these two that captures the reader's attention- you want to continue to read to see if these two crazy kids will make it.

Now onto my favourite part of What's Left of Me- Parker. I can honestly say that Parker is my IDEAL BOOK BOYFRIEND- he's equal parts, sexy, charming, sensitive, persistent, successful, sweet, hot oh and did I mention he's a veterinarian so you know he's an animal lover! Seriously, why can't he be real?! Haha.

There's not much action in this story, as it is character-driven, but Maxlyn is an incredibly talented author and I completely fell in love with her characters and their stories. I have re-read this book many times, and every time it manages to evoke several emotions from me- one minute I'm laughing, the next I'm crying and then I'm suddenly swooning. I cry every time I finish What's Left of Me for so many reasons.

Thank you Amanada for giving us Aundrea and Parker and for continuing their story in What's Left of Us, which releases November 14! Can't wait to read it!

If you're a romance or New Adult fan like me, you MUST read What's Left of Me!

Happy Reading!!!

Earth and Sky Blog Tour: Review and Author Guest Post

Hey Everyone! Today, I'm excited to be the next stop on the EARTH & SKY CANADA BLOG TOUR, to celebrate Megan Crewe's upcoming release of her BRAND NEW YA Sci-fi series!

Earth and Sky
by Megan Crewe
Release Date: October 28th/14.
Source: ARC courtesy of Razorbill Canada
Add Earth and Sky to your Goodreads list here.
Synopsis and cover image, courtesy of Goodreads:
Seventeen-year-old Skylar has been haunted for as long as she can remember by fleeting yet powerful sensations that something is horribly wrong. But despite the panic attacks tormenting her, nothing ever happens, and Sky’s beginning to think she’s crazy. Then she meets a mysterious, otherworldly boy named Win and discovers the shocking truth her premonitions have tapped into: our world no longer belongs to us. For thousands of years, Earth has been at the mercy of alien scientists who care nothing for its inhabitants and are using us as the unwitting subjects of their time-manipulating experiments. Win belongs to a rebel faction seeking to put a stop to it, and he needs Skylar’s help--but with each shift in the past, the very fabric of reality is unraveling, and soon there may be no Earth left to save.

Order Your Copy: Amazon | Indigo 

My Thoughts:

Earth and Sky is a perfect YA Sci-fi read for reluctant Sci-fi readers!

Megan has created a unique spin on the Sci-fi genre, with some unexpected twists and turns. The actions continues through Earth and Sky, from beginning to end, that will keep the reader engaged throughout and saying "Just one more chapter". 

Skylar is the heroine of the story and does a great job narrating. She's an interesting and relatable character in the sense that, she always feels outcasted from her peers, but would love nothing more than to fit in. Ever since she can remember, she's constantly finding herself overcome with feelings of unease (something's just not right) at the most inopportune times, and over the years has developed OCD rituals to relieve her anxiety.

However, these feelings of unease are just what strange and alluring, Win may need to help him with his mission, but who is Win and where is he from exactly? Well you'll have to read the book to find out. ;)

As I stated above, Earth and Sky has a very action-driven plot, but we are also introduced to many different and interesting characters (which I hope we'll get to see more of in book 2!). There is some family heartache as well in this first book, one scene in particular with Skylar's older brother, that truly breaks your heart.

There's lots of time travel in this book, which was exciting, and as is the case with me when I often read sci-fi, I got a bit confused with the explanations of various time travel consequences, but my confusion in no way took from my enjoyment of Crewe's latest work.

It was refreshing to read a YA relationship in which both main characters aren't declaring their love for each other two chapters in, haha. No, Crewe does a great job at pacing the development between Sky and Win and I look forward to seeing where Crewe will take these in her next instalment.

The ending was perfect, it leaves the reader wanting the next instalment, but ultimately satisfied with the state of affairs up to that point.

If you enjoy Sci-fi in your YA, or even if your reluctant with this genre, I recommend giving Earth and Sky and try (wasn't even trying to rhyme there :)) it's a quick, action-packed read, with a blossoming romance.

Please join me in welcoming Megan to the blog today!!!

Author Guest Post: Megan Crewe

Author photo taken from Razorbill.ca

The importance of science fiction in YA

Talking about the "importance" of any genre is a bit tricky for me, because to be honest I don't think any genre is particular more important than another--I think it's important that we have a wide range of books to read so that everyone can find stories that interest and entertain them and that they can relate to! But as someone who's loved SF stories since I was a kid, I can share what I find special about science fiction:

-SF expands the horizons of fiction, often taking readers right out of this world, off into the rest of the universe. Not that there's anything wrong with stories set on Earth, but it's fascinating to speculate about what we might find beyond our planet and our solar system.

-SF encourages us to consider the paths elements in our current lives might lead us on. How might our laws have shifted in a hundred years if they continue in the same direction they are now? Will we become even more influenced by advertising and propaganda as marketing strategies become more refined? What will friendships and romantic relationships look like in a world where people connect as much through the internet as in-person meetings? And so on. It can be easy to take what we have right now for granted, and I appreciate being challenged to look at the possible consequences of the decisions we're making.

-SF gets readers thinking about the future in general. I think sometimes we can get too short-sighted about life, only worrying about our immediate concerns and goals. A reminder that the long-view is important too, and that it matters what the world and our lives will look like decades from now, can't be a bad thing.

-SF allows us to take off on imaginative and fantastic adventures often far beyond the bounds of our current reality… but that are still--more or less, depending on the story, but always at least a little--based on what might be scientifically possible, rather than being completely made up. As much as I enjoy outright fantasy, there's something particularly exciting about a story that gives me an otherworldly experience that I know isn't entirely impossible.

I'd be curious to hear what other readers especially enjoy about science fiction!

Thanks so much, Megan for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! :)

Be sure to stop other host stops on the blog tour for reviews, Author Q&As and more!

Oct 18 Me on Books 
Oct 20 Cherry Blossoms and Maple Syrup
Oct 21 Read My Breath Away
Oct 22 Booking it with Hayley G
Oct 23 The Book Wars
Oct 24 Curling Up by the Fire
Oct 27 CanLit for Little Canadians
Oct 28 Esther’s Ever After
Oct 29 Bookish Notions
Oct 30 Feisty Little Woman
Oct 31 Chapter by Chapter
Nov 1 Cozy Up with a Good Read

Special thanks to Megan Crewe and Razorbill Canada for allowing me to participate in this tour!

Happy Reading!!!

The Art of Getting Stared At Blog Tour: Review Stop

The Art of Getting Stared At
by:Laura Langston
Now Available!!!
Publisher: Razorbill
Source: ARC received from publisher
Image and synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:

After a school video she produced goes viral, sixteen-year-old Sloane is given the biggest opportunity of her life – a chance for a film school scholarship. She has less than two weeks to produce a second video, something with depth, and she’s determined to do it. The trouble is she has to work with Isaac Alexander, an irresponsible charmer with whom she shares an uneasy history.

On the heels of this good news/bad news opportunity, Sloane finds a bald spot on her head. The pink patch, no bigger than a quarter, shouldn't be there. Neither should the bald spots that follow. Horror gives way to devastation when Sloane is diagnosed with alopecia areata. The autoimmune disease has no cause, no cure and no definitive outcome. The spots might grow over tomorrow or they might be there for life. She could become completely bald. No one knows.

Determined to produce her video and keep her condition secret, Sloane finds herself turning into the kind of person she has always mocked: someone obsessed with their looks. She’s also forced to confront a painful truth: she is as judgmental as anyone else…but she saves the harshest judgments for herself.

My Thoughts:

A beautiful and compelling contemporary tale of looking beyond the superficial!

My choice tagline for THE ART OF GETTING STARED AT: Never judge a book by its cover!

I loved this story. Langston has does a wonderful job of telling Sloane's journey of self-discovery with a realistic point-of-view that many teenagers will be able to relate to. Sloane is a terrific character who wants to be judged for her artistic ability and not by her looks, she's never cared to put much effort into her looks- until she discovers that she has begun to lose her hair. I liked that she continues to keep her "disease" in perspective in the sense that things could be much worse- luckily it's not terminal. With that being said, I think many will agree that high school is a battlefield in itself, but add the element of losing your hair and you can only imagine the true bravery it takes Sloane to embrace herself as a whole- and I believe she truly comes out a stronger person having faced these struggles. Luckily she's got a support system in her close friends, Lexi and Harper and her close family.

I really enjoyed the familial element to Langston's novel, and the relationship that evolves between Sloane and Kim- which also brings me back to my choice of tagline for this novel, never judge a book by its cover, I think both these two characters can learn a thing or two from this.

Breanne and Matt were made for each other and I had a hard time finding any likeable qualities in either character. I'm still baffled that Sloane was friends and dated Matt for so long! You need to read the story yourself to truly understand :) haha.

Isaac has book boyfriend material written all over him! Although I'm not a fan of dreads, Isaac has everything else going for him, haha. He's the resident celebrity with a smooth voice and handsome face. His charms seem to work on every girl, including Sloane. I really enjoyed the build-up between these two and I absolutely loved Isaac's response when he finally finds out Sloane's secret.

There's not much action in this novel, as it is very much character driven, but Langston has done a fabulous job writing a unique cast, each with unique and realistic personalities.

If you enjoy contemporary YA then I definitely recommend you pick up THE ART OF GETTING STARED AT, I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Happy Reading!!!

Middle Grade Monday with Ava: I Funny by James Patterson

I Funny 

by James Patterson

Now Available!!!

Publisher: Little Brown and Company

Synopsis cover photo, courtesy of Goodreads:

Jamie Grimm is a middle schooler on a mission: he wants to become the world's greatest standup comedian--even if he doesn't have a lot to laugh about these days. He's new in town and stuck living with his aunt, uncle, and their evil son Stevie, a bully who doesn't let Jamie's wheelchair stop him from messing with Jamie as much as possible. But Jamie doesn't let his situation get him down. When his Uncle Frankie mentions a contest called The Planet's Funniest Kid Comic, Jamie knows he has to enter. But are the judges only rewarding him out of pity because of his wheelchair, like Stevie suggests? Will Jamie ever share the secret of his troubled past instead of hiding behind his comedy act?

Ava's Thoughts:

"I Funny" is a story about a boy named Jamie Grimm. He was in an accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down and in a wheelchair.

But he doesn't sulk just because he cant do everything that everyone else can. He just keeps telling jokes and keeps a smile on his face. But it isn't always that easy. He lives with a family that doesn't smile, A.K.A. The Smilies. He also lives in the garage, and also lives under the same roof as the torturous bully at his school. But he always goes to his uncle's restaurant, "Frankie's Good Eats By The Sea," where he is famous for yo-yoing and cooking... one hand for each.

One thing that keeps him going is telling jokes to people who do smile. The customers at the restaurant. One Russian customer always tells him "You Funny." This is what convinces him to go to a contest for a funny kids.

Follow Jamie in his travels to contest to see who really is the funniest kid in Long Island. I give this book a 10/10 because it was funny and sad. I recommend this book for people who like books by James Patterson, or funny books with pictures.

Ciao,

Ava

Frenzy Presents: Fall/Winter 14/15 YA Line-up from HarperCollins

It was a Frenzy!

The awesome HarperCollins Canada offices!

Last Sunday I had the great pleasure of joining my fellow YA Canadian bloggers in a Frenzy Presents Event, in which the amazing ladies of the Frenzy HarperCollins team introduced us to their exciting YA line-up for Fall and Winter 14/15! 

And let me tell you, my TBR list has gotten A LOT bigger since :)

Frenzy ladies holding their fav pick of the Fall/Winter Line-up

We chatted about YA got to take some goofy photos with props, oh and let's not forget about the awesome refreshments!

We then got to watch a slideshow presentation of Frenzy's most highly-anticipated upcoming YA releases (I took notes on all the buzz) *Cover images were taken from Harpercollins.ca and Goodreads.com:

ENDGAME: The Calling

by James Frey 

Releasing October 7th/14.

Buzz: The movie rights have already been sold!

-The first of a trilogy

-Includes interactive puzzles that take you around the world (you might want to make some international friends) because the prize is $500,000 - NO IT'S TRUE- YOU COULD WIN HALF A MILLION DOLLARS!

POSITIVE

by Page Rawl

Now Available

Buzz: A memoir of a brave young girl whom is HIV positive

- Important recommendation to Teachers

-Discusses the prevalent and universal issue of bullying

TRANSCENDENT 

by Lesley Livingston

Releasing December 23rd

Buzz: Final chapter in Livingston's thrilling trilogy

-Written by a fabulous fellow Canadian (got to meet her in person- she really is awesome!)

TELL ME AGAIN HOW A CRUSH SHOULD FEEL

by Sara Farizan

Releasing Oct. 7th/14.

Buzz: For fans of IF YOU COULD BE MINE

-Centres around the theme of acceptance

BONE GAP 

by Laura Ruby

Releasing Mar. 3/15.

Buzz: For fans of NO ONE ELSE CAN HAVE YOU

-Contains dual perspective and eccentric characters

-Based on the Greek Myth of Persephone

THE JEWEL (THIS IS MY MOST ANTICIPATED!)

by Amy Ewing

Releasing Sept. 2nd/14 (so close!)

Buzz: AMAZING COVER

-Dystopian

-The Selection meets Handmaids tale

-Similar society to Hunger Games (i.e. rich vs. poor)

VANISHING GIRLS

by Lauren Oliver

Releases Mar. 3/15

Buzz: Contemporary story of two sisters who could be more opposite

-Theme of learning to love yourself

-Contains mystery

FALLING INTO PLACE

by Amy Zhang

Releasing Sept. 9/14.

Buzz: Theme of different versions of yourself

-An unexpected ending!

MY HEART AND OTHER BLACK HOLES (THIS ONE SOUNDS INTRIGUING!)

by Jasmine Warga

Releasing Feb. 10/15.

Buzz: Deals with relevant mental heath issues

-Physics nerd obsessed with plotting her own death

RED QUEEN (A HIGHLY ANTICIPATED RELEASE!)

by Victoria Aveyard

Releases Feb. 10th/15.

Buzz: Suman is obsessed with this book!

-Full of betrayal, death and love

-Fans of Game of Thrones will enjoy the tons of scheming that takes place in this book!

THE PERFECTIONISTS

by Sara Shepard

Releases Oct. 7th/14.

Buzz: 5 completely different girls are thrown together and share a common dislike for one guy

-Contains murder and mystery

THE LAST TIME WE SAY GOODBYE

by Cynthia Hand

Releases Feb. 10th/15.

Buzz: Very emotional read

- Deals with the prevalent issue of suicide

So which release are you most excited for?!

That wasn't the end though! No, we had a great surprise waiting - YA trivia game hosted by the amazing EVE SILVER!!!

I'm ashamed to say that I didn't know my YA as well as I thought, but luckily my teammates (the awesome Ottawa bloggers) REALLY knew their stuff, and let me ride their coat tails to the win! Thank ladies! Haha

Eve signed finished copies of RUSH for everyone and we got to go home with a swag bag full of amazing goodies!

Here's what I got to go home with:

-Signed finished copies of CRUEL BEAUTY and RUSH

-An ARC of ENDGAME

-An ARC of A WICKED THING

-A DVD of Divergent (so excited to watch!)

- A gorgeous swag bag (that I will use over and over again)

-Tons of awesome swag (postcards, bookmarks, hairbrush/mirror, lip balm)

-I also won a copy of the Soundtrack to Divergent but gave it away 

It truly was a Frenzy and I enjoyed EVERY minute of it!

Thank you so much Suman and the amazing ladies of the Frenzy team for an amazing afternoon!

Happy Reading!!!

Waiting on Wednesday: Willowgrove by Kathleen Peacock

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Breaking the Spine

Please forgive the pun but, wow it's been a LONG time since I posted my last WOW- I'm thinking over a year (shameface) but I'm so excited to announce WILLOWGROVE as my first WOW pick of 2014!

I'm addicted to this series and can't wait to see how Peacock will conclude Mac's story! Team Kyle! :)

Willowgrove (Hemlock #3)

by: Kathleen Peacock

Release Date: Jan. 6th/15 - Ahh!!! Too long, too long!

Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books (HarperCollins)

Synopsis and photo courtesy of Goodreads.com:

Willowgrove is Kathleen Peacock's riveting conclusion to the Hemlock trilogy, a dark, romantic, paranormal suspense series that pits friendship against survival, and trust against love.

Ever since Mac's best friend, Amy, was murdered, Hemlock has been a dangerous place. But now that Mac, her boyfriend, Kyle, and Amy's ex, Jason, have investigated a mass breakout from Thornhill, a werewolf "rehabilitation" camp, the danger has only grown. Fear of the infection spreading is now at an all-time high, and anyone with a scar is suspected of being a wolf.

What makes Mac even more afraid, though, are the dark experiments that the warden of Thornhill was performing on wolves in a secret asylum called Willowgrove. Uncovering the truth about what happened may be the only way for Mac to save everyone she loves and end her nightmares for good.

What titles are you looking forward to this week?

Happy Reading!!!