Title:

From Goodreads:
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.

***

You know when you read a book and it is just so wonderful you struggle finding the right words to convey those feelings? That’s the boat I’m in right now with The Book of Broken Hearts.

Sarah Ockler has created characters that are going to stick with me for a very long time. Jude Hernandez, the youngest of four sisters, just graduated high school and is caring for her dad who has recently been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Her friends have pretty much ditched her after an embarrassing episode with her dad at a picnic and her sisters are scattered across the world. Since they have so much free time, Jude decides to help restore her dad’s old motorcycle from his glory days. She thinks that maybe, just maybe spending time on something from his past will keep his memories fresh and he’ll forget less. And who do they hire to help restore the bike? None other than Emilio Vargas, a boy who is off-limits to Jude because his family has broken the hearts of two of the Hernandez sisters. And there’s a blood oath in place between the four sisters and everything. Dun, dun, dunnnnn.

One of the major things I loved about this book so much is the fact that while there is a fantastic romance brewing between Jude and Emilio, the real focus is on Jude and her father. Not many YA books include parents at all, so I commend Sarah Ockler for not only including great parents, but making the relationship between the parents and the child such a focal point. The relationship isn’t perfect, and you can definitely get a sense of Jude’s frustration with the disease, but it’s just so real and believable. I also love the fact that the characters are either Argentinian or Puerto Rican. Such a fresh spin!

And while the relationship between Jude and her parents is great, we can’t forget about the romance between Emilio and Jude. Emilio is such a charmer and you can’t help but get sucked into his easy-going and flirty personality. It was so fun to watch Jude resist his charms and then finally give up and fall head-over-heels in love. Even though Emilio is flirty and seems over-confident, he’s also dealing with a rough past and has a deeper, softer side that comes out when he’s helping Jude deal with her father.

If you decide to read this book (and I highly suggest that you do), you’re going to feel the gamut of emotions. Sadness, bitterness, helplessness — and then happiness, excitement, and pure joy. Jude’s journey is one that will stay with you and I guarantee you’ll want to read her story again and again.

Title:

From Goodreads:
Before: Reena Montero has loved Sawyer LeGrande for as long as she can remember: as natural as breathing, as endless as time. But he’s never seemed to notice that Reena even exists…until one day, impossibly, he does. Reena and Sawyer fall in messy, complicated love. But then Sawyer disappears from their humid Florida town without a word, leaving a devastated—and pregnant—Reena behind.

After: Almost three years have passed, and there’s a new love in Reena’s life: her daughter, Hannah. Reena’s gotten used to being without Sawyer, and she’s finally getting the hang of this strange, unexpected life. But just as swiftly and suddenly as he disappeared, Sawyer turns up again. Reena doesn’t want anything to do with him, though she’d be lying if she said Sawyer’s being back wasn’t stirring something in her. After everything that’s happened, can Reena really let herself love Sawyer LeGrande again?

In this breathtaking debut, Katie Cotugno weaves together the story of one couple falling in love—twice.

Waiting On Wednesday features upcoming releases readers are eagerly anticipating and is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

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The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Isn’t that what they say?

But how close is too close when they may be one in the same?

The Seven Stages War left much of the planet a charred wasteland. The future belongs to the next generation’s chosen few who must rebuild it. But to enter this elite group, candidates must first pass The Testing—their one chance at a college education and a rewarding career.

Cia Vale is honored to be chosen as a Testing candidate; eager to prove her worthiness as a University student and future leader of the United Commonwealth. But on the eve of her departure, her father’s advice hints at a darker side to her upcoming studies – trust no one.

But surely she can trust Tomas, her handsome childhood friend who offers an alliance? Tomas, who seems to care more about her with the passing of every grueling (and deadly) day of the Testing. To survive, Cia must choose: love without truth or life without trust.

The Official Website for The Testing
Add on Goodreads
Preorder at Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

Also, don’t forget to download the FREE prequel story. All the details can be found here. There are more goodies on The Testing website as well, such as a quiz to see if YOU would be selected for the Testing.

Joelle Charbonneau began telling stories as an opera singer, but these days she finds her voice through writing. In addition to The Testing trilogy, she is the author of the Rebecca Robbins Mysteries and the Glee Club series. She lives near Chicago with her husband and son.

When she is writing, she works as an acting and vocal coach. Visit Joelle on the web at her website, Facebook, and Twitter.

“The Testing is a chilling and devious dystopian thriller that all fans of The Hunger Games will simply devour. Joelle Charbonneau writes with guts and nerve but also great compassion and heart. Highly recommended.” – Jonathan Maberry, New York Times best-selling author of Rot & Ruin and Flesh & Bone

“Trained to rely on her wits, Cia must survive on her courage and trust her instincts, even when it means following her heart ever deeper into danger. A surefire favorite for dystopian fans, The Testing crackles with suspense, passion and betrayal set against a scarred and brutal world.” –Sophie Littlefield, author of Unforsaken and Hanging By A Thread

See the stunning trailer!

If you are interested, signed copies can be ordered through Anderson’s Bookshop before June 4. Joelle Charbonneau will be having her launch party here. See Anderson’s website to order! AND even cooler, for all books pre-ordered or bought for her launch party, a donation will be made to Autism Speaks.

TWO people will win a copy of The Testing – open to wherever The Book Depository ships!

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Title:

Emma has always tried to be perfect in her almost eighteen years of existence, but it has never been good enough. As she finds herself counting the days until she’s officially free from her parents’ reins, her stepfather hands her a plane ticket explaining that she must attend the Re-Boot Camp in the wilds of Alaska.

Once she lands in the middle of nowhere, she realizes the camp is nothing like she imagined, and she wants out immediately. That is until she meets Liam.

The camp is full of teens with dark pasts, but she finds herself drawn to Liam’s ability to see who she really is and who she wants to become. While Emma and Liam begin adjusting to a place neither wants to be, frightening events begin to unfold. When people begin disappearing, it becomes apparent they can only trust one another as they fight for survival.

Amazon | Goodreads

***

The Camp creeped me out from the very beginning. Emma’s evil stepfather has managed to send her off to some reboot camp for juvenile delinquents just days before her eighteenth birthday. Emma is not even close to being a delinquent and is thrown into the mix of law-breaking males who immediately start giving her a hard time. Suddenly, a knight in shining armor named Liam steps in and makes sure Emma isn’t harassed by the bad guys. But, that all turns south when strange and creepy things start happening around the camp…

To say that I was creeped out with the goings-on at the camp would be an understatement–especially with the scary things that happen to Emma. I’ve always said that if I were ever in a Scream-like situation, I’d probably be the first to die. It would be no different at this camp. Since I’m such a baby, I commend Emma for staying as strong as she did. Plus, I’m sure having a super-hot guy to comfort you probably helped

Emma has a little snark and sass to her, which I love. Liam was completely swoonworthy and the romance between him and Emma was sweet if not a tad insta-lovey. While the ending was a bit too quick for me, the action and suspense throughout the rest of the story made up for it.

Fast-paced, energetic, and compelling, The Camp is a solid YA contemp that will creep you out and make you swoon all at the same time.

***

Be sure to check out the other tour stops for both The Camp and the Witch Avenue series! And special thanks to Shanyn at Chick Loves Lit for organizing the tour!

May 15 | http://www.memyshelfandi.com/ | @myshelfandi
May 17 | http://thereadingdate.com/ | @readingdate
May 19 | http://kaidansseduction.blogspot.com
May 22 | http://littlehyuts.blogspot.com/ | @LittleHyuts
May 28 | http://thecompulsivereader.com | @compelledtoread
May 28 | http://bookwormdream.blogspot.com/ | @BookwormDreams

***

Are you guys ready for this epic giveaway?! Be sure to enter for a chance to win a KINDLE FIRE 7″, NOOK HD 8 GB, or a $100 gift card!

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Title:

From Goodreads:
Sybella’s duty as Death’s assassin in 15th-century France forces her return home to the personal hell that she had finally escaped. Love and romance, history and magic, vengeance and salvation converge in this thrilling sequel to Grave Mercy.

Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge—but at a price. The convent views Sybella, naturally skilled in the arts of both death and seduction, as one of their most dangerous weapons. But those assassin’s skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dungeons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for?

***

I was kicking myself for not reading Grave Mercy sooner, so I knew I had to jump on Dark Triumph immediately. Special thanks to Anna for being a book pusher

While Grave Mercy told Ismae’s story, Dark Triumph delved into Sybella’s story. And boy, what a story she has. We learn some major revelations concerning her past and her family, as well as watch her fall in love with an unlikely man and kick some serious ass. Sybella definitely tops my kick-ass heroine list–never before have I experienced a character so tortured, strong, ruthless, and compassionate all at the same time.

I can’t rave about Robin LaFevers enough. She writes such compelling dialogue that is so true to the time period that the reader is transported right there to Brittany in the 15th century. While I was reading, I kept thinking to myself, “Wow, this author can WRITE.” You know how some people can sing and others can SANG? Well, this author can… WRATE? That’s not a word, but you get my drift

2014 is WAY too far away for Mortal Heart to come out, which follows Annith’s story. Simply put, I can’t get enough of these nun assassins and will be anxiously waiting for the rest of this series.

Title: 

From Goodreads:
A young Southern woman of modest means suddenly finds herself thrust into New York’s high society when she discovers that she is the illegitimate daughter of a recently-deceased billionaire.

Savannah Morgan had high hopes. She dreamed of becoming a writer and escaping her South Carolina town, where snooty debutantes have always looked down on her. But at twenty-four, she’s become a frustrated ex-cheerleader who lives with her mother and wonders if rejecting a marriage proposal was a terrible mistake. Then Savannah’s world is shaken when she learns the father she never knew is Edward Stone, a billionaire media mogul who has left Savannah his fortune on the condition that she move to Manhattan and work at his global news corporation. Putting aside her mother’s disapproval, Savannah plunges into a life of wealth and luxury that is threatened by Edward’s other children—the infuriatingly arrogant Ned and his sharp-tongued sister, Caroline, whose joint mission is to get rid of Savannah. She deals with their treachery along with her complicated love life, and she eventually has to decide between Jack, a smooth and charming real estate executive, and Alex, a handsome aspiring writer/actor. Savannah must navigate a thrilling but dangerous city while trying to figure out what kind of man her father truly was.

NEW MONEY is a keenly observed and exciting peek into a world of privilege and glamour with a spirited and charming heroine at its center.

***

In my attempt at reading more adult contemporary, I’ve been on the lookout for some newer books that sound interesting. I was really excited when I came across New Money: A Novel. This author has a YA book out (that I sadly have not read yet) so I’m excited to read her adult novel–maybe it’ll give me that extra push I need to read Other Words for Love?

Waiting On Wednesday features upcoming releases readers are eagerly anticipating and is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

As always, the lovely ladies over at The Broke and the Bookish deserve a shoutout for hosting Top Ten Tuesday!

***

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher  Goodreads | My review
Looking for Alaska by John Green  Goodreads | My review
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson  Goodreads | My review

Live Through This by Mindi Scott  Goodreads | My review
Shine by Lauren Myracle  Goodreads | My review
Send by Patty Blount  Goodreads | My review

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins  Goodreads | My review
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green  Goodreads | My review
Never Enough by Denise Jaden  Goodreads | My review
Criminal by Terra Elan McVoy  Goodreads | My review

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publ Date: May 7, 2013

From Goodreads:
Nikki’s life is far from perfect, but at least she has Dee. Her friends tell her that Dee is no good, but Nikki can’t imagine herself without him. He’s hot, he’s dangerous, he has her initials tattooed over his heart, and she loves him more than anything. There’s nothing Nikki wouldn’t do for Dee. Absolutely nothing.

So when Dee pulls Nikki into a crime—a crime that ends in murder—Nikki tells herself that it’s all for true love. Nothing can break them apart. Not the police. Not the arrest that lands Nikki in jail. Not even the investigators who want her to testify against him.

But what if Dee had motives that Nikki knew nothing about? Nikki’s love for Dee is supposed to be unconditional…but even true love has a limit. And Nikki just might have reached hers.

***

Let me say this: Criminal is not your typical Terra Elan McVoy novel. It’s dark, gritty, and incredibly emotional. Typically when an author strays from their “norm,” I get a little nervous. Not with Terra, folks. She absolutely NAILED it.

From the very start of the book, you know you’re in for a roller coaster of a ride. Nikki is so in love with Dee, who is a major jerk and treats Nikki like crap. Great relationship, right? Well, it gets worse when Nikki ends up being an accomplice to Dee committing murder, and the story just spirals from there. We see Nikki grow into herself, fight the emotions she feels for Dee, attempt to amend other broken relationships, and simply take the journey from naive teenager to mature teenager. Terra Ela McVoy has a knack for writing these intense, complex characters that you can’t help but feel for–even if those emotions are negative–and Criminal is no exception.

If you’re hesitant to read this book because it’s different from what Terra usually writes, I can’t tell you enough to not worry about it and READ IT. You will not be disappointed.

Amazon | IndieBound | Facebook | Twitter | Website

***

Now for some Q&A! Terra was gracious enough to answer some questions for me about Criminal and, of course, what she’s working on next. Thank you Terra, and I hope you guys enjoy!

1) Criminal is a bit darker than your other novels. What inspired you to write the story?
In the winter of 2011, as I was diligently typing away on Being Friends With Boys, there was a murder case all over the news in which a young man was accused of killing one of his girlfriend’s parents. After some investigating, I discovered he also possibly had an accomplice—another young woman with whom he’d maybe been romantically involved. I couldn’t stop thinking about this accomplice girl. Who was she, and why would she do this? Did she know about his other girlfriend? And what happened to her after this crime had occurred?

That’s when some old writing advice came to mind. Stephen King says, “Write the truth.” Ernest Hemingway also famously said, “Write what you know.” But I couldn’t learn the truth, and this wasn’t a circumstance I knew on any level, so instead I relied on what my thesis director at FSU, Mark Winegardner, said to us once in a workshop: “Write what you most want to understand.”

I wanted to understand this girl, and her life, and how this crime would affect her from beginning to end. The result of my research, and my imaginings, is in this book.

2) Who was your favorite character to write and why?
I think my favorite character to write was Bird. She’s the voice of reason in this insane story, and it helped to try to see Nikki’s situation through her eyes. Bird is so strong, and tough, where Nikki is weak and doubtful. She makes a good foil for Nikki, and I hope Nikki will in the long run benefit from their friendship.

3) What was your favorite scene to write and why?
There are so many scenes that have so much intensity in Criminal, so it’s hard to choose. One favorite of mine is when Bird’s friend Kenyetta confronts Nikki about what she’s done; it’s the scene that ultimately drives Nikki to make an extremely hard choice, and I appreciate Kenyetta for her balls-out candor at that point. The scene where Nikki is on the witness stand is also one I love, because I’m just so proud of Nikki and how far she’s progressed at that point from the beginning of the book.

4) What book are you currently reading?
I’m actually between books right now. My husband and I are reading Cold Mountain out loud together, which is intensely enjoyable, but we don’t get to it every single day. In my before-bed reading time I’m also looking at Reading Like A Writer by Francine Prose, because it’s never a bad idea to be reminded of how to improve your craft.

5) Can you tell us what you’re working on next?
Right now I’m deep in the throes of my sixth novel, In Deep (no pun intended). It’s a sort of prequel to The Summer of Firsts and Lasts: something from the perspective of Camp Callanwolde’s Bad Girl, Brynn, and what her life was like in the six weeks before her decision to attend the camp and eventually meet the Winthrop sisters.

And now for the giveaway!

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One of the best things that has come from book blogging is meeting Anna and joining her book club. I had wanted to join one for a while but just hadn’t taken the plunge. Now, nearly two years later, I can honestly say this is the most eclectic, awesome group of ladies you’ll ever meet!

What makes them even more awesome–their willingness to let Anna and I host our first themed book club with The Program. I’ll be sharing our club’s thoughts on the book, while Anna is sharing her hostess with the mostest skills.

We had lots of differing opinons about the book that made for a really interesting discussion. Some topics included:

1) How teenagers would react to the book if they already had thoughts of suicide. Would they see this book as helpful and think twice about committing suicide? Would it make them think suicide is no big deal? Or would they see it in a negative way?

2) What exactly happened in the end. I won’t say the specifics to stay spoiler-free, but we were split about 50/50 as to what we thought happened and what we thought was going to happen in the next book.

3) Our mass dislike of Realm. We just couldn’t help it!

4) The sexual assault that occurred with Sloane. There was a LOT of discussion on this about why it was included, what effect it had on us while reading, etc.

Lovely ladies!

Be sure to head over to Anna’s blog to check out the fun cocktails and food you see in the pic above. And be sure to enter the giveaway below for a chance to host your very own book club with The Program courtesy of Simon & Schuster!

About The Program:
Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.

***

Suzanne Young currently lives in Tempe, Arizona, where she teaches high school English. When not writing obsessively, Suzanne can be found searching her own tragic memories for inspiration. She is the author of several books for teens, including The Program, A Need So Beautiful, and A Want So Wicked.

Visit the official site of The Program
Visit Suzanne Young’s official site
Follow Suzanne Young on Twitter

***

Now here’s your chance to host your own book club! The winner will receive five copies of The Program and a $50 Visa gift card–pretty sweet, right?!

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I’m excited to be a part of the blog tour for Joy Preble’s newest YA book, The Sweet Dead Life. Big thanks to SoHo Teen for allowing me to participate!

From Goodreads:
“I found out two things today. One, I think I’m dying. And two, my brother is a perv.”

So begins the diary of 14-year-old Jenna Samuels, who is having a very bad eighth-grade year. Her single mother spends all day in bed. Dad vanished when she was eight. Her 16-year-old brother, Casey, tries to hold together what’s left of the family by working two after-school jobs— difficult, as he’s stoned all the time. To make matters worse, Jenna is sick. When she collapses one day, Casey tries to race her to the hospital in their beat-up Prius and crashes instead.

Jenna wakes up in the ER to find Casey beside her. Beatified. Literally. The flab and zits? Gone. Before long, Jenna figures out that Casey didn’t survive the accident at all. He’s an “A-word.” (She can’t bring herself to utter the truth.) Soon they discover that Jenna isn’t just dying: she’s being poisoned. And Casey has been sent back to help solve the mystery that not only holds the key to her survival, but also to their mother’s mysterious depression and father’s disappearance.

***

Two words immediately come to mind when I think about The Sweet Dead Life: quirky and fun. This book has a unique style and tone to it that I haven’t found anywhere else in the YA genre. Joy Preble took a common topic in YA (angels) but puts a unique twist on it with Jenna being mysteriously poisoned. I love when an author can make something original out of something not so original.

Jenna’s POV was fun to read–she’s young but also has quite the potty mouth and can sass like no other. I like my female MCs a little sassy so this made me happy. I also really enjoyed Casey’s character and how he changes from his stoner self to a hot, decent guy. While I would have liked a more dynamic relationship between Jenna and Casey, I felt that they portrayed a semi-decent sibling relationship quite well.

You can definitely tell that the author lives in and loves Texas. I felt like I could visualize every single building, tree, and blade of grass with the level of detail she goes into with the surroundings. Having a boyfriend and an awesome friend from Texas also helped me with the local references such as bluebonnets and Blue Bell ice cream.

If you’re looking for a YA book not like any other, I would suggest The Sweet Dead Life. Quirky, quick, and…I’m out of Q words. But you get it

***

Joy Preble is the author of the popular and highly acclaimed Dreaming Anastasia series. A former English teacher, Joy grew up in Chicago and is a graduate of Northwestern University. She is now a full time writer and lives with her family in Texas, where she has learned to say “y’all” without any hint of irony. A tireless advocate for literacy and great books, she is at the center of the all-important Texas YA scene.

Joy Preble website
Check out Joy on Twitter
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