Jenuine Cupcakes

September Girls by Bennett Madison

2013-05-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

Author: Bennett Madison
Publication: May 21, 2013
By: Harper Teen

When Sam's dad whisks him and his brother off to a remote beach town for the summer, he's all for it-- at first. Sam soon realizes, though, that this place is anything but ordinary. Time seems to slow down around here, and everywhere he looks, there are beautiful blond girls. Girls who seem inexplicably drawn to him.

Then Sam meets DeeDee, one of the Girls, and she's different from the others. Just as he starts to fall for her, she pulls away, leaving him more confused than ever. He knows that if he's going to get her back, he'll have to uncover the secret of this beach and the girls who live here

This was my initial thought regarding this book...The best thing about this book is the cover.

While my overall feelings about SEPTEMBER GIRLS have not necessarily changed, they have been altered a bit and here's why...

I had a fantastic conversation about this book today with the equally fantastic Diana Peterfreund (FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS) who shed some new light on this for me.

What originally attracted me to this book was a combination of hype, synopsis and serious cover love. I was expecting a romantic summer read about mermaids but that is not what I got. I'll be honest, the characters came across as sarcastic and cynical to the point of offense to me (I can only speak for myself) and much of the content turned me off. I struggled to even finish it because I was not enjoying it at all.

HOWEVER, after having chatted with Diana, I have come to the conclusion that this book was wrongly covered - it doesn't accurately depict the story inside. It's still not a story for me per say, but there is a definite audience for it. (Fans of Chris Cutcher would most likely enjoy this.) Regardless of my feels, it's a well written story and one that should be given a chance, in my humble reader opinion.

If you decide it's not for you, great.

If you read it and love it, awesome.

But at least you'll know going into it (assuming you bother to give this blog post a glance) what it is not. (The flowery summer romance mentioned above.)

I think Bennett Madison is a talented young writer whose book is being judged (unfairly) by it's cover.

I also think it's author is being judged unfairly as well, but that's just me. *shrugs* :)

Big Sky Summer (Swoon-Worthy Cowboys #4) by Linda Lael Miller

2013-05-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

Author: Linda Lael Miller
Publication: May 28, 2013
By: Harlequin
3.5 Stars

The "First Lady of the West," #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller, welcomes you home to Parable, Montana-where love awaits. With his father's rodeo legacy to continue and a prosperous spread to run, Walker Parrish has no time to dwell on wrecked relationships. But country-western sweetheart Casey Elder is out of the spotlight and back in Parable, Montana. And Walker can't ignore that his "act now, think later" passion for Casey has had consequences. Two teenage consequences!

Keeping her children's paternity under wraps has always been part of Casey's plan to give them normal, uncomplicated lives. Now the best way to hold her family together seems to be to let Walker be a part of it-as her husband of convenience. Or will some secrets-like Casey's desire to be the rancher's wife in every way-unravel, with unforeseen results.

Thank you Linda Lael Miller and Harlequin for this ARC.

What I liked: This was my first Linda Lael Miller book and I enjoyed it. She paints a vivid picture of cowboys and ranch life with characters who are both engaging and entertaining. Casey and Walker (who is quite swoon-worthy) are down to earth and their relationship is complicated at best. It's obvious that these two care for one another a great deal but they aren't the only ones to consider in the grand scheme of things.

I didn't realize until part way through that this was part of a series but it didn't matter. There was enough background to catch the reader up while creating interest in the supporting cast. (Hutch Carmody intrigued me enough that I may just pick up his book next.)

What left me wanting: Miller's prose is a little flowery at times but fits with the "wild west" theme. I also wanted to know if "the third time" really was a charm but I'm guessing there's a good chance I'll find out in the next book. :)

Final verdict: Fans of Miller's other books, cowboys and wild west romances will thoroughly enjoy this!

About the Author
As the daughter of a town marshal, Linda has come home to the western lifestyle that gave birth to one of today’s most successful authors. She left Washington years ago and pursued her wanderlust, living in Arizona and London and traveling the world. Now the author of more than 100 novels, the “First Lady of the West” is glad to be back home, writing contemporary and historical stories that have earned her awards and placements on all the national bestsellers lists.

Linda traces the birth of her writing career to the day when a Northport teacher told her that the stories she was writing were good, that she just might have a future in writing. Later, when she decided to write novels, she endured her share of rejection before she sold FLETCHER’S WOMAN in 1983 to Pocket Books. Since then, Linda has successfully published historicals, contemporaries, paranormals, and thrillers before coming home, in a literal sense, and concentrating on novels with a Western flavor. For her devotion to her craft, the Romance Writers of America awarded her their prestigious Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.

Linda’s current contemporary Big Sky series—Big Sky Country, Big Sky Mountain and Big Sky River—have all hit the New York Times bestsellers lists. Linda continues to follow the lives of the Parable, Montana, residents in Big Sky Summer and Big Sky Wedding in 2013.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY

1 Paperback copy of BIG SKY SUMMER

U.S. Only

Must be 13 years old to enter.

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Blog Tour: Broken Promises

2013-05-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

About the Book

After three years in Boston attending college, Mallory Wells has come home to Casper, Maine to care for her father, who is dying from cancer. She left Casper without looking back, leaving her small-town life and everyone in it, behind. Including her sexy high school sweetheart.

Luke Bates was devastated when Mallory left him for the city life. He managed to pull himself together and move on, even if only just barely. When Mallory shows up in town, Luke vows to stay away from her at all costs. So why does he keep checking in on her and her father, showing up when he's clearly uninvited? Maybe Luke isn't as 'over her' as he thought.

Amazon † Barnes and Noble

My Thoughts

This is a fast moving story about love, loss and rekindling old flames. The relationship between Mallory and her dad is complicated at times but his care and concern is evident in the choices he makes. Mallory and Luke may share some hard feelings but they waste no time getting to know each other again. They're surrounded by an entertaining cast of characters who do a decent job of helping them both focus on the long term and what's most important to the two of them - whether together or apart. The ending was a bit abrupt but this is the start of a series so maybe it's not really the end for these characters.

Dawn Pendleton is a New Adult & Young Adult author living in Maine with her husband and pup. Right now, she's working on two manuscripts simultaneously. It's a difficult task for her, but one she's certain will pay off in the end.

Want to meet Dawn?

She is also one of the featured authors of the New Adult Sleepover Weekend. You can find all the details here.

Website † GoodReads † Twitter † Facebook

Make sure to check out the blog tour kicking off on Monday, May 13th -- HERE.

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This Girl (Slammed #3) by Colleen Hoover

2013-05-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

Author: Colleen Hoover
Publication: August 13, 2013
By: Atria Books
Genre: YA Crossover
3 Stars

There are two sides to every love story. Now hear Will’s.

Colleen Hoover’s New York Times bestselling Slammed series has brought countless readers to their knees with a whirlwind of love, passion, and heartache.

Layken and Will’s love has managed to withstand the toughest of circumstances and the young lovers, now married, are beginning to feel safe and secure in their union. As much as Layken relishes their new life together, she finds herself wanting to know everything there is to know about her husband, even though Will makes it clear he prefers to keep the painful memories of the past where they belong. Still, he can’t resist his wife’s pleas and so he begins to untangle his side of the story, revealing for the first time his most intimate feelings and thoughts, retelling both the good and bad moments, and sharing a few shocking confessions of his own from the time when they first met.

In This Girl, Will tells the story of their complicated relationship from his point of view. Their future rests on how well they deal with the past in this final installment of the beloved Slammed series.

Thank you Netgalley and Atria Books for this eARC.

What I liked: I always enjoy seeing a story from another character's POV, especially a good guy like Will. There are a few new (short) scenes interspersed and an epilogue that made me ugly cry, but for the most part, this is SLAMMED all over again.

What left me wanting: While I am in favor of bonus content--deleted scenes, alt. POV, etc., I'm not sure devoting an entire book to another character's POV is necessary. If you want to tell the story from multiple POV's, just write it like that to begin with.

Final verdict: Fans of SLAMMED, POINT OF RETREAT, and Will will most certainly enjoy THIS GIRL.

Review also posted at YABC.

2013-05-15T00:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Jenuine Cupcakes!

This is my stop on the Friends & Lovers Trilogy Tour
Which is being hosted by AToMR Tours.

*These are New Adult titles – Meant for readers 18 and older.

MAKE IT LAST (#1)

Released: November 2012

32K Words

In a small town, it’s hard to recover from being dumped by your high school sweetheart. That’s just what Briana has to do after Colin leaves her to follow his dreams. She focuses her energy into her friendships and the pursuit of her own goal of becoming a chef. Just when she finally feels like she’s on the right path, he comes back to town.

Colin knew breaking up with Briana before leaving for college was the right thing to do. He was determined to leave small-town life behind forever, and that included his high school girlfriend. But when a sports injury puts him on the sidelines, he’s forced to return home. Seeing Briana again brings back a lot of memories, and Colin wonders if he made the right decision. It doesn’t take long for him to realize he wants her back, and this time, he wants to make it last.

I CHOOSE YOU (#2)

Released: December 2012

35K Words

Up until now, Nicole’s life has been mapped out for her. She’d go to college, marry Jake and become the upstanding minister’s wife. When she leaves that life to begin again in a small town in Texas, she finally has the freedom to live as she chooses. There, she meets Kent, a guy whose charm and passion make it hard to stick to her morals.
Dodging his father’s fists and protecting his twin sister made Kent into the man he is today. He learned by watching his mother stay by his father’s side that it’s better to keep relationships simple. Then he meets Nicole. Her sweet smile and genuine response to him land like punches to his resolve. After a lifetime of learning to protect his heart, can he finally let down his guard?

TRUST IN ME (#3)

Released: February 2013

36K Words

Roni’s dreams of becoming a contemporary dancer were smashed under the brutal rage of her ex-husband’s fists. Getting divorced and starting over at the age of twenty-two was never her plan, but maybe in Texas, she’ll find her path. When the town’s local player, Rich, opens a Rec Center, she sees a way to rekindle her dancing dreams…and maybe have a little fun with her sexy new boss.

Rich never expected to fulfill his dreams in the town he planned to leave behind, but that’s just what he’s doing. His reputation as a noncommittal ladies’ man might make it challenging to earn respect in the business world, but he’s willing to prove that he’s serious. In fact, when it comes to pursuing Roni, he’s more than willing. But she’s taking a page out of his book, not wanting to risk another relationship. Can he convince her that his playboy days are over and that she can trust him with her heart?

BOOK LINKS

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Excerpt 1: Bree, Colin, and Kent

“Looks like you’re on break,” he replied. “C’mon, Bree, just give me a couple minutes.”

She was about to tell him to shove it, when she felt someone come up behind her and two strong arms wrapped around her.

“Hey, Babe, I’ve been wondering if Pam was ever gonna give you a break.” Kent whispered in her ear

He said it loud enough for Colin to hear, and Briana noticed him stiffen at Kent’s words and his obvious familiarity.

“Yeah, I’ve got a quick one.” Briana turned and gave him a grateful look, before going up on her tip toes to meet him for a brief kiss.

She thought she heard a grunt or something come from Colin, so she turned to give him a smile and an introduction.

“Oh, sorry,” she said, though she wasn’t in the least. “Kent, this is Colin. We went to high school together. Colin, this is Kent.”

“What’s up, man?” Kent asked, extending his hand for a shake.

Colin looked at the offered hand, then back at Kent who may have been an inch shorter than him and shook it.

“Not much. You must be new around here.” Colin said.

About the Author:
Bethany Lopez was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Michigan and San Antonio,
Texas. She went to High School at Dearborn High, in Dearborn, Michigan, which is where she has set her Young Adult series. She is married and has a blended family with five children. She is currently serving in the United States Air Force as a Recruiter in Los Angeles, California. She has always loved to read and write and has seen her dream realized by independently publishing her novels through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.

IAN | Website | Twitter | Facebook| Pinterest

Click HERE to follow the tour.

GIVEAWAY

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YA Bound Book Blitz

2013-05-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

The Forgotten Ones

The Danaan Trilogy

Book One

is now available exclusively on Amazon!

And until May 19 it's only 99 cents!

Allison O'Malley's plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she's been in love with for as long as she can remember.

What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison's mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn't trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother's sanity.

About Laura Howard

Laura Howard lives in New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began at the age of 6 when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the release of a little novel called Twilight, 8 years later, that she rediscovered her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves known. The Forgotten Ones is her first published novel.

Connect with Laura:

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You Are Mine (Mine #1) by Janeal Falor

2013-05-12T00:00:00.000-04:00

Author: Janeal Falor
Publication: May 6, 2013
By: Create Space
Genre: YA Fantasy
4 Stars

Serena knows a few simple things. She will always be owned by a warlock. She will never have freedom. She will always do what her warlock wishes, regardless of how inane, frivolous, or cruel it is. And if she doesn’t follow the rules, she will be tarnished. Spelled to be bald, inked, and barren for the rest of her life—worth less than the shadow she casts.

Then her ownership is won by a barbarian from another country. With the uncertainty that comes from belonging to a new warlock, Serena questions if being tarnished is really worse than being owned by a barbarian, and tempts fate by breaking the rules. When he looks the other way instead of punishing her, she discovers a new world. The more she ventures into the forbidden, the more she learns of love and a freedom just out of reach. Serena longs for both. But in a society where women are only ever property, hoping for more could be deadly.

BUY

Amazon

Thank you Janeal Falor for sending me this book to review.

What I liked: I'm not usually a huge fan of stories with a lot of magic or fantasy (Shadow and Bone having been the exception) but I enjoyed this book. It's well written with engaging characters and detailed world building. You Are Mine has plenty of romance too but the message focuses on sacrificial love and the need for change. This was not always an easy read because of the way women are treated, Serena in particular. However, there are a few key players who are excellent examples of what love should look/feel like and one whose kindness and patience was made of all the awesome.

What left me wanting: The women are said to have magic in their blood and I was waiting for Serena to unleash some of that - perhaps in the next book. I also wanted more of a certain character who shall not be named for fear of spoilers. ;)

Final verdict: Magic, fantasy, romance and swoon, You Are Mine is an entertaining start to a new series.

Review also posted at YABC.

2013-05-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

COVER REVEAL: Act Like You Love Me by Cindi Madsen

Expected Publication: June 10, 2013

By: Entangled Bliss

All’s fair in acting and amore...

Brynn McAdams isn’t the awkward drama geek she was in high school—she’s
grown up and confident, or at least she likes to think so. But when her old crush,
the impossibly handsome and impossibly unattainable Sawyer Raines, comes
back to town to direct her community play, Brynn finds herself determined to
be someone other than the girl he doesn’t even recognize. Good thing she’s an
excellent actress.

After his bad breakup in NYC, the last thing Sawyer wants is to get involved
with another actress. But the glamorous and beautiful Brynn draws him in, even
though as her director, he knows she’s off-limits. There’s just something about
the woman that feels…familiar. Like home.

As Brynn’s lies start to snowball, she struggles to stop acting and come clean. But
what if Sawyer is already falling for the fake Brynn, not the Brynn she truly is?

ACT LIKE YOU LOVE ME Pre-buy links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

ACT LIKE YOU LOVE ME Excerpt:

“Cut, cut cut!” Sawyer stood. “Was that supposed to be more passionate? Because
it sucked.”

“This is supposed to be the eighteen hundreds,” Brynn said. “It can’t be too
passionate or it would seem inappropriate for the time.”

The next instant Sawyer was charging up the steps to the stage. “I’m not saying
it’s got to be a kiss with tongue, I’m saying you’ve got to look at each other like
you’re in love so the audience will want it to work out. Our modern audience.”
Sawyer shook his head. “Take it again, from before the proposal.”

It was impossible to concentrate with Sawyer standing right there, so close she
could hear every shift of his body and feel his gaze on her like a weight. All her
lines were swimming together.

Leo knelt, told her she was an angel. She said her line, trying to peer into his soul
like she wanted to be with him, and then Leo kissed her. And it was sloppier than
usual.

She did her best to not jerk back, though it was her first instinct.

“Okay, that was just…” Sawyer moved in front of her. He looked at the playbook,
then lowered it by his side and stared into her eyes. The air thickened around
them and she could feel every thump of her heart. “What a perfect angel you are,
Cecily.” He said it so tenderly, his smile close-lipped but full of joy.

“You dear romantic boy,” she said, all out of instinct because thoughts were
getting fuzzy.

He leaned in and kissed her, a soft kiss with his lips barely parted. The pressure
of his lips increased for a delicious moment, and then they were gone. A quick,
simple kiss, but when his mouth left hers, she felt its absence so strongly that she
couldn’t think about anything else for a couple seconds. Her breath was stuck
somewhere in her lungs and her lips still tingled, living the sensation over and
over again. Heat wound through her body, her hands itched to reach out and
touch him. And then she remembered she was supposed to. She ran her fingers
through his hair and felt the whisper of his breath on her wrist as he exhaled.

“Wow, that was good,” Wendy said from the front, breaking Brynn from her
trance.

Brynn stepped back and swallowed, but her throat wasn’t working right. Sawyer’s
eyes never left hers, and one corner of his mouth curved up in a smug, self-
satisfied way.

“It was all right, I suppose,” Brynn said, working to keep her voice steady. She
crossed her arms and shrugged. “For a first-timer, anyway.”

That only made Sawyer’s smile grow wider.

Brynn couldn’t help but watch Sawyer as he jumped off the stage. Funny how
she’d dreamed of kissing him all the time in high school, but her fantasy wasn’t
even close to the real thing. Her heart felt like it’d just been wrung out and
shoved back in her

And her scene with Leo was better. She was sure it had nothing to do with the fact
that she closed her eyes and pretended it was Sawyer kissing her again.

Nope. Nothing at all.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cindi Madsen sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting revising,
and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person.
Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always
find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or
super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She
lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her
husband and three children. She is the author of YA novels All the Broken Pieces
and Demons of the Sun, bestselling short romance Falling for Her Fiancé and the
women's fiction novel Cinderella Screwed Me Over.

Twitter | Facebook | Website

FALLING FOR HER FIANCE Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo | Goodreads

2013-05-09T16:29:00.003-04:00

Want more Garrick from LOSING IT by Cora Carmack? (Hint: Correct answer is, YES!)
Pre-order FAKING IT and Cora will release the Garrick!
(This is way better than releasing the Kracken for---reasons.)
Pre-order it today!

Tremble (Denazen #3) by Jus Accardo

2013-05-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

Author: Jus Accardo
Publication: May 7, 2013
By: Entangled Teen
4 STARS!

*stares at the Kale, I mean, the cover.*

Dez Cross has problems. She’s almost eighteen and on the verge of losing her mind thanks to the drug Denazen used to enhance her abilities. People close to her have turned their back on the underground and are now fighting for the wrong side. And then there’s Kale... Things couldn’t get any worse.

Until of course, they do. Denazen is about to start a new trial—this one called Domination—and it works. But that means out with the old and in with the new. The order has been given to terminate all remnants of the second trial—including Dez. The good news is that there’s a survivor from the original trial. A woman who’s blood may hold the cure for the second generation of Supremacy kid’s defect. But the underground Sixes aren’t the only ones who know about her.

Cross is willing to throw everything he has to keep Dez from getting the cure—including the one thing that might tear her apart from the inside out.

Thank you Entangled Teen for this eARC!

Thank you Jus Accardo for Kale!

I stayed up until 12:15a.m. to finish this. Was it worth it?

OH KALE YES it was! ;)

What I liked: This is a tough review to write and NOT be spoilerish but I will do my best. TREMBLE is fast paced, action packed and picks up not too long after TOXIC and Jus Accardo wastes no time kicking you in the feels as far as Kale and Kiernan are concerned. (From that point on, I think my heart took up permanent residence in my throat.) I so enjoy watching Dez grow as a character and she's a great example of how a girl can be both ballsy and vulnerable. She along with Alex continue to kick some Denazen ars and we actually get inside Denazen which is a big ball of DO.NOT.WANT.

And then there is Kale who is just as tall, dark and dangerous as ever and OH MY KALE I WANT TO SAY SO MUCH BUT I CAN'T so just read it and then we can discuss.

What left me wanting: Kale + kissing = not enough. Because really, is there ever enough kissing when Kale is involved? Yeah, didn't think so. ;)

Final verdict: Action, adrenaline, romance and swoon---fans of the Denazen Series (and Kale) will not be disappointed!

Review also posted at YABC.

Of Triton (Of Poseidon #2) by Anna Banks

2013-05-08T00:00:00.000-04:00

Author: Anna Banks
Publication: May 28, 2013
By: Feiwel & Friends
4 Stars!

*stares at the Galen, I mean, the cover*

In this sequel to OF POSEIDON, Emma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess, and now struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she’s a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm below. Syrena law states that all Half- Breeds should be put to death.

As if that’s not bad enough, her mother’s reappearance among the Syrena turns the two kingdoms—Poseidon and Triton—against one another. Which leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen’s request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? Or should she risk it all and reveal herself—and her Gift—to save a people she’s never known?

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Kids for this eARC.

What I loved: This picks up where Of Poseidon left off and we're tossed right back into the tidal wave of action, adventure and romance with our favorite Syrena and Half-Breed. In keeping with the first book, Of Triton is told from alternating POV's and offers up quite a few surprises, some of which will garner smiles and others that will break your heart, but all are presented in Anna Banks' snarkilicious blend of wit, humor and sass.

Laws are meant to protect those they govern but what happens when holding to the letter of the law could cause more harm than good? This is the question Emma, Galen and the others have to answer when her mother's true identity comes into question. And while the two lovefish do want the overall result to work in their favor, they may find themselves on opposing sides especially where Emma's safety is concerned. However, a divided Syrena realm is not the happiest place under the sea and a fight is coming. Before all is said and done, there will be betrayal and, Triton's trident! lives will be lost leaving Emma and the others forever changed.

What left me wanting: Can I have Book 3 now? Pretty please with fish sticks on top?

Final verdict: I enjoyed this! Completely. Without thinking twice. ;)

Favorite quote(s):
"Poseidon's beard!"
"Triton's trident!"
"Completely. Without thinking twice."

Review also posted at YABC.

Now... Here's what my review originally looked like as I was listening to Usher while writing it.

What I loved: Galen, Toraf, YEAH!
What left me wanting: Not enough Galen, YEAH!
Final verdict: Read it, YEAH!

The Summer I Became A Nerd Blog Tour

2013-05-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Jenuine Cupcakes!
This is my stop on The Summer I Became A Nerd Blog Tour which is being hosted by Rockstar Book Tours

About the Book

Publication: May 7, 2013
By: Entangled Teen
3.75 Stars!

On the outside, seventeen-year-old Madelyne Summers looks like your typical blond cheerleader—perky, popular, and dating the star quarterback. But inside, Maddie spends more time agonizing over what will happen in the next issue of her favorite comic book than planning pep rallies with her squad. That she’s a nerd hiding in a popular girl's body isn’t just unknown, it's anti-known. And she needs to keep it that way.

Summer is the only time Maddie lets her real self out to play, but when she slips up and the adorkable guy behind the local comic shop’s counter uncovers her secret, she’s busted. Before she can shake a pom-pom, Maddie’s whisked into Logan’s world of comic conventions, live-action role-playing, and first-person-shooter video games. And she loves it. But the more she denies who she really is, the deeper her lies become…and the more she risks losing Logan forever.

BUY

Amazon | Barnes & Nobles | The Book Depository

About the Author

Mother, wife, and YA author living on a windy hill in Natchitoches, Louisiana. I love fuzzy socks, comic books, cherry coke, and brand new office supplies. THE SUMMER I BECAME A NERD coming Summer 2013 from Entangled Teen. Stay cool!

My Thoughts

What I liked: Fast-paced, entertaining, completely uh-dorable read! Maddie is a thoroughly enjoyable and relateable character whose journey is not an uncommon one. It can be hard to figure out who we are sometimes and the path is often fraught with hits, misses and mistakes.

Maddie makes her fair share of less-than-stellar choices but faces up to the consequences with grace and maturity. Terra and Dan are great examples of friendship and Logan is full of nerdilicious swoon! *fans face*

What left me wanting: I wanted more Logan! ;)

Final verdict: Prepare to get your Nerd on!

Giveaway
3 ebook Copies of The Summer I Became A Nerd
Must be 13 to enter
International

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Follow the Tour!

5/6/2013 Nose Graze

5/6/2013 Rainy Day Ramblings

5/7/2013 YOU ARE HERE

5/7/2013 Blackplume

5/8/2013 The Book Belles

5/8/2013 A Backwards Story

5/9/2013 Kate's Tales of Books and Bands

5/9/2013 The Starry Eyed Revue

5/10/2013 Jenna Does Books

5/10/2013 Book Haven Extraordanire

5/13/2013 In The Best Worlds

5/13/2013 Ashley Loves Books

5/14/2013 The Hopeful Heroine

5/14/2013 Books of Amber

5/15/2013 A Dream Within a Dream

5/15/2013 My Reading Room

5/16/2013 Obsession With Books

5/16/2013 Stuck in YA Books

5/17/2013 Chocolate Coated Reviews

5/17/2013 JennReneeRead

The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

2013-05-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

Author: Katja Millay
Publication: June 4, 2013
By: Atria
4.5 Stars!

I live in a world without magic or miracles. A place where there are no clairvoyants or shapeshifters, no angels or superhuman boys to save you. A place where people die and music disintegrates and things suck. I am pressed so hard against the earth by the weight of reality that some days I wonder how I am still able to lift my feet to walk.

Former piano prodigy Nastya Kashnikov wants two things: to get through high school without anyone learning about her past and to make the boy who took everything from her—her identity, her spirit, her will to live—pay.

All Josh Bennett wants is to be left alone, and everyone allows it because they all know his story: each person he loved was taken from his life until at seventeen years old there was no one left. When your name is synonymous with death, people tend to give you your space.

Everyone except Nastya, a new girl in town who won’t go away until she’s insinuated herself into every aspect of his life. But the more he gets to know her, the more of a mystery she becomes. As their relationship intensifies and the unanswered questions begin to pile up, he starts to wonder if he will ever learn the secrets she’s been hiding—or if he even wants to.

The Sea of Tranquility is a rich, intense, and brilliantly imagined story about a lonely boy, an emotionally fragile girl, and the miracle of second chances.

Thank you Netgalley and Atria books for this ARC.

What I Loved: It's not often that a book leaves me at a loss for words, but this one did. I read it fairly quickly although I wouldn't classify it as a "fast read" because if you skip over any part then you'll miss vital pieces of this story which is as complex and beautiful as it's characters. Nastya and Josh are unique and an interesting mix of strength and vulnerability. Both are broken in ways that most people can't begin to fathom but it's in that shared loss they're able to connect and help each other.

Perceptions and first impressions play a key role in this story but once the characters begin to reveal themselves it becomes obvious how misconstrued those impressions are.

My first impressions:
Natsya - Angrypants
Josh - Untouchable
Drew - Captain Inappropriate

Lasting Impressions:
Natsya - Strong
Josh - Unconditional love
Drew - Loyal (He could totally be my BFF!)
Drew's Mom - What to strive for.

What Left Me Wanting: The cover snob in me says this one does not do this book justice even though it does show elements that tie into the story. Pacing was a little slow in the beginning for me and it seemed to take forever before there was any kissing.

Final Verdict: Gritty, heart-wrenching, beautiful story of love, forgiveness and second chances. Read it.

Favorite Quote(s):
"He hasn't given me a place to sit. He's given me a place to belong." ~ Nastya

"I imagine she came out of the birth canal holding a cupcake and a spatula." ~ Josh

Review also posted at YABC.

Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2) by Leigh Bardugo

2013-05-03T00:00:00.000-04:00

Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publication: June 4th 2013
By: Henry Holt and Co.
5 STARS!

Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can't outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling's game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her--or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing for this e-ARC!

What I loved: This cover is perfection and THIS is how you do a sequel!

Just like with Shadow And Bone (which was my Favorite Read of 2012), I was once again completely engrossed in this fantastical world Leigh Bardugo has created! She weaves a spell-binding tale of adventure, mystery, romance and love with a cast of characters that are both fresh and familiar. Alina isn't the easiest character to love but you have to give her mad props for her courage, strength and willingness to give up what, or who she wants the most in order to save her country.

We're introduced to several new characters, one of which is the Privateer...I'm sorry, what was I saying? Oh, right, the green eyed swashbuckling, swoonilicious, pirate-sque guy who had me ready to set sail and exclaim, "Oh Captain, my Captain!" (In case you forgot, I tend to get distracted by shiny book boys.) The fact that I found myself torn between three intoxicating male characters really shouldn't surprise me, I mean, Leigh Bardugo DID manage to make me fall for the would-be-but-I'm-not-positive-for-sure bad guy, known as The Darkling so, yeah.

This is my new allegiance btw...

The Darkling + Mal + Privateer = Team The Malarklinghond

Mal gets plenty of page time and appears to be a permanent fixture at Alina's side but he faces some challenges himself. I am a Mal fan, however, he frustrated me quite a bit and I wanted to punch him. While I realize we don't know his full story, he still has some "manning up" to do because if you love someone, you love them summoner skills and all.

The Darkling, whom I lurved in Shadow and Bone begins to show his true color and regardless of the many choices he makes that I disagree with, I am still clutching onto the thinly veiled hope that he can be redeemed. *white knuckle clutches*

What left me wanting: Can I haz book three now, please? *bats eyes*

Final verdict: Epic sequel!

Review also posted at YABC.

Our Song by Jordanna Fraiberg

2013-05-02T00:00:00.001-04:00

Author: Jordanna Fraiberg
Publication: May 2, 2013
By: Razorbill
3.5 Stars

Olive Bell has spent her entire life in the beautiful suburb of Vista Valley, with a picture-perfect home, a loving family, and a seemingly perfect boyfriend. But after a near-fatal car accident, she’s haunted by a broken heart and a melody that she cannot place.

Then Olive meets Nick. He’s dark, handsome, mysterious . . . and Olive feels connected to him in a way she can’t explain. Is there such a thing as fate? The two embark on a whirlwind romance—until Nick makes a troubling confession.

Heartbroken, Olive pieces together what really happened the night of her accident and arrives at a startling revelation. Only by facing the truth can she uncover the mystery behind the song and the power of what it means to love someone.

Thank you YABC and Razorbill for this ARC.

What I liked: The cover is the reason I wanted to read this. *grins* This was a unique coming of age story with an interesting plot twist. I was able to read it fairly quickly but not because it was full of rainbows and unicorns. The issues these characters deal with are more mature than the average teen romance but the lessons they learn are life changing. Olive figures out what real love is supposed to look like and how essential it is to be able to love yourself first. Nick was full of angsty, tortured swoon without being over the top and the ending was movie worthy.

What left me wanting: The pacing was a bit slow for me and I never really connected with Olive on a deep level.

Final verdict: Not your average summer romance but still worth the read! (Fans of Susane Colasanti and Sarah Dessen will want to check this out.)

Review also posted at YABC.

2013-05-01T00:30:00.000-04:00

Cover Reveal: You Are Mine by Janeal Falor
Series: Mine, #1
Publication date: May 6th 2013
Genre: YA Fantasy

Serena knows a few simple things. She will always be owned by a warlock. She will never have freedom. She will always do what her warlock wishes, regardless of how inane, frivolous, or cruel it is. And if she doesn’t follow the rules, she will be tarnished. Spelled to be bald, inked, and barren for the rest of her life– worth less than the shadow she casts.

Then her ownership is won by a barbarian from another country. With the uncertainty that comes from belonging to a new warlock, Serena questions if being tarnished is really worse than being owned by a barbarian, and tempts fate by breaking the rules. When he looks the other way instead of punishing her, she discovers a new world. The more she ventures into the forbidden, the more she learns of love and a freedom just out of reach. Serena longs for both. But in a society where women are only ever property, hoping for more could be deadly.

AUTHOR BIO

Janeal Falor lives in Utah where she’s finally managed to live in the same house for more than five years without moving. In her spare time she reads books like they’re nuts covered in caramel and chocolate, cooks whatever strikes her fancy, and enjoys the outdoors. Her husband and three children try to keep up with her overactive imagination. Usually they settle for having dinner on the table, even if she’s still going on about the voices in her head.

Website / Goodreads / Twitter

GIVEAWAY

(1) ebook copy of You Are Mine

Open internationally

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lauren's Beach Crush (Crush #1) by Angela Darling

2013-04-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

Author: Angela Darling
Publication: May 7, 2013
By: Simon & Schuster

Twelve-year-old Lauren Silver is ready to hit the beach for her annual family vacation. Aside from the sun and sand, she’s especially thrilled to be reunited with her gorgeous summer crush, Charlie Anderson. Sure, she’s only spoken to him once, for exactly thirteen seconds, but she knows they are meant to be together. She’s even spent all year developing The Love Plan, a foolproof way to get to know Charlie and have him fall for her.

But plans don’t always work out, which Lauren learns when she finds out a friend from school, Chrissy Porter, will be joining her family on their vacation. As if having to make Chrissy part of The Love Plan isn’t bad enough, Lauren then has to face a very tough reality of crushes: Sometimes they are not mutual. And sometimes, when fate is playing a really mean trick on you, the object of your crush ends up crushing on your friend Chrissy.

Can Lauren survive her beach vacation? And more importantly, can she survive her first crush?

Thank you Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster for this e-ARC.

What I liked: This is a cute story about tween crushes, first loves and learning how to just be yourself. It's well written with a steady pace. The friendships feel genuine and the focus on "romance" is not over the top. The "quizzes" cracked me up because I remember them all too well!

What left me wanting: The girls in this story are in MS but at times, it felt as if they were a little older. The boys seem older too but there's no mention of their ages.

Final verdict: Cute summer read!

Review also posted at YABC.

Goddess (Starcrossed #3) by Josephine Angelini

2013-04-29T08:44:00.001-04:00

Author: Josephine Angelini
Publication: May 28, 2013
By: Harper Teen
3.5 Stars

After accidentally unleashing the gods from their captivity on Olympus, Helen must find a way to re-imprison them without starting a devastating war. But the gods are angry, and their thirst for blood already has a body count.

To make matters worse, the Oracle reveals that a diabolical Tyrant is lurking among them, which drives a wedge between the once-solid group of friends. As the gods use the Scions against one another, Lucas’s life hangs in the balance. Still unsure whether she loves him or Orion, Helen is forced to make a terrifying decision, for war is coming to her shores.

In Josephine Angelini’s compelling conclusion to the masterfully woven Starcrossed trilogy, a goddess must rise above it all to change a destiny that’s been written in the stars. With worlds built just as fast as they crumble, love and war collide in an all-out battle that will leave no question unanswered and no heart untouched.

What I liked: This is well written, with detailed world building and enjoyable characters who are witty, brave and unselfish. (Hector is my favorite) We're introduced to new faces, thrown a few twists and there is a betrayal I did not see coming. *sniffs* Every secret/lie/oath is revealed by book's end and there is kissing - always a plus!

What left me wanting: The pacing seemed a little slow in the beginning and a family tree/diagram to keep track of all of the characters the previous "Helen" interacted with would've helped with my confusion, I think.

There was a lot of romantic tension built up between Helen and Lucas in the first two books, so I expected there to be fireworks* of epic proportions in this one (they are Scions after all), and to a certain extent there were, just not in the way I expected. (*by "fireworks", I mean kissing, not graphic or explicit scenes.)

Final verdict: Entertaining end to the series.

Review also posted at YABC.

GIVEAWAY

1 Pb ARC of GODDESS by Josephine Angelini

U.S. Only

Must be 13 years old to enter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Crush (Crash #3) by Nicole Williams

2013-04-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

Author: Nicole Williams
Publication: April 23, 2013
By: Harper Collins
3 Stars

Football glory. A giant diamond. A wandering eye.

Jude and Lucy are happily engaged . . . but that doesn't mean life's a bed of roses.

Once again, Jude and Lucy are torn apart by football training and a summer job that creates new tensions. This time Jude's the one with trust issues. Will Lucy's life-changing news bring them back together or end their relationship for good? Can love triumph forever?

What I liked: I really like the black and white color schemes of these new covers. It's well written, fast moving and not quite as dramatic as the previous two books. The ending was satisfying and the Epilogue was very sweet and made me ugly cry. *shrugs* I have a soft spot for Epilogues. ;)

What left me wanting: This series has definitely "matured" from YA to NA over the course of the three books and the love scenes are explicit at times.

Final verdict: Fans of the Crash Trilogy will be happy with how this story ends.

Review also posted at YABC.

The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen

2013-04-25T00:00:00.000-04:00

Author: Sarah Dessen
Publication: June 4, 2013
By: Viking Juvenile

3.5 Stars

Luke is the perfect boyfriend: handsome, kind, fun. He and Emaline have been together all through high school in Colby, the beach town where they both grew up. But now, in the summer before college, Emaline wonders if perfect is good enough.

Enter Theo, a super-ambitious outsider, a New Yorker assisting on a documentary film about a reclusive local artist. Theo's sophisticated, exciting, and, best of all, he thinks Emaline is much too smart for Colby.

Emaline's mostly-absentee father, too, thinks Emaline should have a bigger life, and he's convinced that an Ivy League education is the only route to realizing her potential. Emaline is attracted to the bright future that Theo and her father promise. But she also clings to the deep roots of her loving mother, stepfather, and sisters. Can she ignore the pull of the happily familiar world of Colby?

Emaline wants the moon and more, but how can she balance where she comes from with where she's going?

Sarah Dessen's devoted fans will welcome this story of romance, yearning, and, finally, empowerment. It could only happen in the summer.

Thank you to fellow YABC'er, blogger and author Kim Baccellia for sharing this ARC with me! Find out more about Kim and her books here.

What I liked: This was my first Sarah Dessen novel. It's well written with engaging characters and takes place in a beautiful setting. Emaline is an easy MC to like and her relationships felt authentic albeit slightly predictable. I enjoyed Luke as well even though I wanted to kick him.

What left me wanting: This cover is gorgeous, however, Emaline is described as having long brown hair and clearly the cover model is blonde. That may seem like a minor detail but it threw me off while reading. The first line of the summary, "Luke is the perfect boyfriend: handsome, kind, fun. He and Emaline have been together all through high school in Colby, the beach town where they both grew up." , felt like a dead giveaway that something was going to go down with Luke, and it does.

Final verdict: It makes for a great summer read and die-hard Sarah Dessen fans will no doubt love this.

Review also posted at YABC.

2013-04-24T00:00:00.000-04:00

We are helping to spread the word about this amazing book giveaway that was created to aid the victims and families of the 2013 Boston Marathon Attack. Many best-selling authors have donated books in response to this cause. The books are grouped into bundle packs and a winner will be selected randomly through Rafflecopter for each bundle.

Visit the book giveaway site for more details and how to enter.

If you do not want to enter to win a bundle, please feel free to make a donation using this link. It will take you directly to the organization donation site.

The auction will run from April 21-April 30th.

In the Name of Love

SIGNED copies of:
Hopeless by Colleen Hoover
Easy by Tammara Webber
Fallen Too Far & Never Too Far by Abbi Glines
FATE by Elizabeth Reyes
CRUSH by Nicole Williams
Disastrous by EL Montes

Everybody Needs Somebody to Love

SIGNED copies of:
Slammed & Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover
What a Boy Wants, What a Boy Needs and Measuring Up by Nyrae Dawn
Sleep My Child by Eyvonna Rains
ebooks: Shark Bait & The Other Fish in the Sea by Jenn Cooksey

Just the Way You Are

SIGNED copies of:
Suddenly Royal by Nichole Chase
Inhale Exhale by Sarah Ross
Destined to Change by Lisa Harley
Music of the Heart by Katie Ashley
Wide Awake by Shelly Crane

I Walk the Line

SIGNED copies of:
The Thoughtless Series by SC Stephens
Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire
Until I Break by M. Leighton-ARC
Collide by Gail McHugh

Book Bundle #5

Stand By Me

SIGNED copies of:
Love Unscripted & Love Unrehearsed by Tina Reber
Collide by Gail McHugh
Love Em’ or Leave Em’ by Angie Stanton
On The Island byTracey Garvis-Graves

I Wanna Hold Your Hand
SIGNED Copies of:
Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia
Naked, All In by Raine Miller
Collide by Gail McHugh
Signed Wreck Me, ebook Restore Me by JL Mac

Book Bundle #7

Superstition

SIGNED copies of:
Awaken and Avenged by Sarah Ross
Darkride and Crossfire by Laura Bradley Rede

Book Bundle #8

Whole Lotta Love
SIGNED copies of:
Fall Guy & Perfectly Unmatched by Liz Reinhardt
Lengths & Depths by Steph Campbell
Charade & Freeing Carter by Nyrae Dawn
Destined to Change by Lisa Harley
A Prior Engagement by SL Scott

Book Bundle #9

Maybe I'm Amazed

SIGNED copies of:
A Hidden Fire by Elizabeth Hunter
Inescapable, Intuition, Indebted and Incendiary by Amy Bartol

Book Bundle #10

Ain't Too Proud to Beg

SIGNED copies of:
The Proposition and The Proposal by Katie Ashley
Chocolate Lovers Series by Tara Sivec
His Perfect Passion and The Undoing of a Libertine by Raine Miller

Sponsors

The Autumn Review

All the amazing authors who donated their books

Dare You To (Pushing the Limits #2) by Katie McGarry

2013-04-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

Author: Katie McGarry
Publication: May 28, 2013
By: Harlequin Teen
4.75 Stars!

This cover makes me want to fan my face.

Ryan lowers his lips to my ear. "Dance with me, Beth."

"No." I whisper the reply. I hate him and I hate myself for wanting him to touch me again....

"I dare you..."

If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all....

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Teen for this eARC. Let me just say that my words won't do this book justice, so I dare you to read it and see for yourself how Katie McGarry knocks this out of the park!

What I loved: This a heartrending story about of love, forgiveness and learning how to trust. Beth and Ryan are the kind of characters who tug at your heart strings right off the bat, making it virtually impossible not to route for them. They're raw and edgy yet completely relateable and are supported by a cast of characters who want to see both them reach their full potential.

Beth is a force to be reckoned with and I.loved.her. despite her potty mouth. ;)

Ryan puts the "swoon" in swoonilicious and the fact that he still had his rookie card had me doing this. --->

What left me wanting: My heart broke for Isaiah but I know his story is coming and I'm really looking forward to reading it.

Final verdict: I dare you to read this. I double dog dare you to read it and NOT love it! *whispers* Especially Ryan.

Favorite quote:
“I like you. I. Like. You. I'll admit you're annoying. Sometimes you agitate me to the brink of insanity, but you can throw it back at me like no one else. When you laugh, I want to laugh. When you smile, I want to smile. Hell, I want to be the one to make you smile.”

Review also posted at YABC.

The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler

2013-04-22T00:00:00.000-04:00

Author: Sarah Ockler
Publication: May 21, 2013
By: Simon Pulse
4 STARS

When all signs point to heartbreak, can love still be a rule of the road? A poignant and romantic novel from the author of Bittersweet and Twenty Boy Summer.

Jude has learned a lot from her older sisters, but the most important thing is this: The Vargas brothers are notorious heartbreakers. She’s seen the tears and disasters that dating a Vargas boy can cause, and she swore an oath—with candles and a contract and everything—to never have anything to do with one.

Now Jude is the only sister still living at home, and she’s spending the summer helping her ailing father restore his vintage motorcycle—which means hiring a mechanic to help out. Is it Jude’s fault he happens to be cute? And surprisingly sweet? And a Vargas?

Jude tells herself it’s strictly bike business with Emilio. Her sisters will never find out, and Jude can spot those flirty little Vargas tricks a mile away—no way would she fall for them. But Jude’s defenses are crumbling, and if history is destined to repeat itself, she’s speeding toward some serious heartbreak…unless her sisters were wrong?

Jude may have taken an oath, but she’s beginning to think that when it comes to love, some promises might be worth breaking.

Thank you Edelweiss and Simon Pulse for this eARC.

What I loved: I expected this to be just another tragic love story between a "good girl" and a "bad boy" but instead, I found a story that focused on the bonds of family and the heartbreak that comes from watching a disease slowly steal someone you love, one precious memory at a time.

I enjoyed these characters and the witty banter had me laughing at loud. Jude is smart, funny and determined not to be swayed by the tall, dark and temptuous, Emilio Vargas and she fails, hilariously. Jude quickly learns that despite her sisters' warnings about the Vargas men, Emilio is nothing like his older brothers. He's definitely cute and wastes no time trying to charm her but Emilio also possesses a unique level of compassion that even her closest friends aren't able to provide. He sees the good, the bad and the ugly that is her daily life and he doesn't run screaming for the hills. *smooshes Emilio* He's patient and understanding but Emilio also calls her out on her "stuff" as he tries to make her see that life is meant to be lived, here and now.

When everything comes to a head, Jude will have to decide for herself what and who she's going to live for but deciding is only half the battle, actually living will require risk, but it's always a risk worth taking.

What left me wanting: I didn't want it to end but I loved the way it did!

Final verdict: There are two kinds of people in this world, the kind that read this beautiful, heart wrenching story of family, first loves and learning what it really means to live, and those who don't.

Review also posted at YABC.

2013-04-20T07:55:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Jenuine Cupcakes!

Do you know any real-life heroines?

Heroine; a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.

HARLEQUIN'S MORE THAN WORDS AWARDS, 2014:

Each year, the Harlequin More Than Words award is given to three women who have worked hard to change people’s lives for the better. Inspired by their accomplishments, Harlequin donates $15,000 to each winner's charity of choice and then pairs each winner with a bestselling Harlequin author who turns her story into a novella that's released to the public as a free e-book.

Nominations for the 2014 awards have just opened and will be open until August 9th. To nominate someone you know who is making a difference in the world, or to nominate yourself, you need to submit a few sentences on the nominee, the charity she's involved in, what inspires her and how she's inspiring others.

The nomination form is available here:
http://www.harlequinmorethanwords.com/nominate/

Nominations close in August and entrants are narrowed down to 5 finalists

Public votes for 3 winners in November

Winners are announced in December

*honored through the $15,000 donation

*the novella written about them

*feature coverage on Harlequin's site!

http://www.harlequinmorethanwords.com/

It's a great program to honor all of the women who spend their time and energy doing things for others and might not be getting the recognition they deserve!

Want to read about the 2012 winners?

Click the link below to download the 3 ebooks for free.

http://www.harlequinmorethanwords.com/novellas/

- Good Neighbors by Sheila Roberts (inspired by Sally Spencer, who manages a mentoring program that rescues at-risk children)
- Just Joe by Carla Cassidy (inspired by Helen McGovern, who oversees Emergency Food Network, a food bank that serves all county residents, including those with health restrictions)
- Light This Candle by Cindy Dees (inspired by Mindy Atwood, who runs Patches of Light, a nonprofit organization where anonymous angels pay the rent for parents of desperately ill children)

Belonging (Temptation #2) by Karen Ann Hopkins

2013-04-17T09:10:00.000-04:00

Author: Karen Ann Hopkins
Publication: April 30. 2013
By: Harlequin Teen
3.25 Stars

I left everything I knew behind.

But it was worth it. He was worth it.

No one thought an ordinary girl like me would last two minutes living with the Amish, not even me. There are a lot more rules and a lot less freedom, and I miss my family and the life I once had. Worst of all, Noah and I aren't even allowed to see each other. Not until I've proven myself.

If I can find a way to make it work, we'll be NOAH & ROSE
together forever.
But not everybody believes this is where I belong.

Thank you Harlequin Teen and Netgalley for this eARC.

What I liked: The cover is what piqued my interest followed closely by the plot, like an Amish Romeo and Juliet. It's well written with a clear distinction between the dialect of the Amish verses the English (anyone who isn't Amish) and of course, there's plenty of romantic tension.

Belonging provides more of an inside look into the world of the Amish as Rose adjusts to her new life. Everyone expects her to fail and even Noah begins to have his doubts but her willingness to prove herself is admirable. Rose and Noah have their issues but I found them enjoyable and their struggle to balance the Amish old-fashioned ways with their desires was entertaining.

What left me wanting: I wanted to love this, I really did, but the insta-love that happened in Temptation, bordered on obsession and the drama wore on me after a while. I know the Amish have their issues but I was hoping for more HEA and less, "Dateline Special". The ending didn't surprise me at all which was a bit of a letdown.

Final verdict: If you loved Temptation, you 'll no doubt enjoy this sequel.

Review also posted at YABC.

POTENTIAL SPOILERS...
IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THIS BOOK, STOP READING.
I predict this series will end with:
*Rose and Noah getting married especially under the circumstances.
*They will go live among the Mennonites which would be a compromise of both worlds.
*There will be plenty of shunning from both families before Rose and Noah finally get their HEA.