Coming Soon - Letting Go of Gravity

Letting Go of Gravity

by Meg Leder

What they say: Twins Parker and Charlie are polar opposites.

Where Charlie is fearless, Parker is careful.

Charlie is confident while Parker aims to please.

Charlie is outgoing and outspoken; Parker is introverted and reserved.

And of course, there’s the one other major difference: Charlie got leukemia. Parker didn’t.

But now that Charlie is officially in remission, life couldn’t be going better for Parker. She’s landed a prestigious summer internship at the hospital and is headed to Harvard in the fall to study pediatric oncology—which is why the anxiety she’s felt since her Harvard acceptance is so unsettling. And it doesn’t help that her relationship with Charlie has been on the rocks since his diagnosis.

Enter Finn, a boy who’s been leaving strange graffiti messages all over town. Parker can’t stop thinking about those messages, or about Finn, who makes her feel free for the first time: free to doubt, free to make mistakes, and free to confront the truth that Parker has been hiding from for a long time.

That she keeps trying to save Charlie, when the person who really needs saving is herself.

Releases 17th July by Simon Pulse - More info here!

Cover Reveal - The Darkest Sunrise Duet

Today I'm sharing the incredible covers for The Darkest Sunrise Duet by Aly Martinez!


 The first book in this contemporary romance duet will be released on July 13th! 

Be sure to follow Aly's newsletter to be notified when the books are up for pre-order.
 

The Darkest Sunrise (The Darkest Sunrise Duet, #1)

Coming July 13

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Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me.

Whoever coined that phrase is a bald-faced liar. Words are often the sharpest weapon of all, triggering some of the most powerful emotions a human can experience.

“You’re pregnant.”

“It’s a boy.”

“Your son needs a heart transplant.”

Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me.

Lies.

Syllables and letters may not be tangible, but they can still destroy your entire life faster than a bullet from a gun.

Two words—that was all it took to extinguish the sun from my sky.

“He’s gone.”

For ten years, the darkness consumed me.

In the end, it was four deep, gravelly words that gave me hope of another sunrise.

“Hi. I’m Porter Reese.”

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The Brightest Sunset (The Darkest Sunrise Duet, #2)

Coming July 27th

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Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me.

Bullshit.

Words destroyed me.

“I’m sorry. She didn’t make it.”

“Daddy, he can’t breathe!”

“There’s nothing more we can do for your son.”

Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me.

Lies.

Those syllables and letters became my executioner. I told myself that, if I didn’t acknowledge the pain and the fear, they would have no power over me. But, as the years passed, the hate and the anger left behind began to control me.

Two words—that was all it took to plunge my life into darkness.

“He’s gone.”

In the end, it was four soft, silky words that gave me hope of another sunrise.

“Hi. I’m Charlotte Mills.”

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You won't want to miss this amazing series! Click here to get the pre-order links as soon as they're live, and to hear about giveaways and events for this duet.

Author Spotlight:

Originally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her four young children.

Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, mystery leggings, and baked feta. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.

She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.

 

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The Memory Book - Review

The Memory Book by Lara Avery

What they say: They tell me that my memory will never be the same, that I'll start forgetting things. At first just a little, and then a lot. So I'm writing to remember.

Sammie was always a girl with a plan: graduate at the top of her class and get out of her small town as soon as humanly possible. Nothing will stand in her way--not even a rare genetic disorder the doctors say will slowly start to steal her memories and then her health. What she needs is a new plan.

So the Memory Book is born: Sammie's notes to her future self, a document of moments great and small. It's where she'll record every perfect detail of her first date with longtime crush, Stuart--a brilliant young writer who is home for the summer. And where she'll admit how much she's missed her childhood best friend, Cooper, and even take some of the blame for the fight that ended their friendship.

Through a mix of heartfelt journal entries, mementos, and guest posts from friends and family, readers will fall in love with Sammie, a brave and remarkable girl who learns to live and love life fully, even though it's not the life she planned.

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Buy links:

US * UK

I received a copy from Books With Bite in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: Ugly cry alert!! I enjoyed The Memory Book, which is a strange thing to say about such a sad story, but Sammie is just so flipping charming! 

I have to admit I hadn't heard of Niemann-Pick Type C before reading Sammie's story. It is an incurable disease which counts amongst its many symptoms, a breakdown of cognitive function, difficulty moving and slurred speech. Lara Avery writes about Sammie's condition with sensitivity and compassion. It was heartbreaking to see Sammie's symptoms increase as her body starts to loose the battle against the disease. This is very clearly demonstrated by the journal entries.

The angst is off the charts but Lara Avery manages to incorporate some really sweet and funny moments with devastatingly sad ones. Sammie's family made me smile - I loved how they worked together as a supportive unit.

On to the romance. It's a little confusing at times and I couldn't really decide how much of this was down to Sammie's condition - it's too spoilery to say any more...

I wasn't entirely prepared for the emotional wreck this was going to turn me into but I loved Sammie's voice and am glad I read her story.

4 - 4.5 Stars in my Sky!

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Preston's Honor - Review

Preston's Honor (Sign of Love - Gemini) by Mia Sheridan

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What they say: There were two brothers—identical twins—and though I loved them both, my soul belonged to only one.
Annalia Del Valle has loved Preston Sawyer all her life. The daughter of an impoverished migrant farmworker, she grew up as an outcast in what was no more than a tiny, cooped up shack in California’s Central Valley. But her heart found freedom in the land, in the wide-open spaces of Sawyer Farm, and in the boys who were her only friends.

Preston has yearned for Annalia since he was a boy. But a sense of honor kept him from pursuing her until he’s unable to hold back any longer and their worlds—and bodies—collide one hot summer night. A night that sets off a chain of events that will alter their lives forever.

Now Annalia is back in town after disappearing without a trace for six long months. Determined to reclaim her heart, her life, and the baby she left behind—the son who was created in a moment of lust and love and pent-up yearning.

Preston has survived grief, a ravaging drought, and the despair of heartache, but he’s not sure he can survive Annalia again. And he might be unwilling to try. Will pride and bitterness keep him from the one thing he’s always longed for?

How do you heal what is irreparably broken? How do you forgive that which is unforgivable? How do you discover that real honor comes not from circumstance, but from the place deep in our hearts where truth resides? And how do you move beyond the wounds of the past to discover that some loves are as solid as the ground beneath your feet, and as enduring as the earth itself?

THIS IS A STAND-ALONE SIGN OF LOVE NOVEL, INSPIRED BY GEMINI. New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Buy links:
Amazon US * Amazon UK



I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: Oh the feels!!! I'm honestly not sure how Mia Sheridan does it, but with every single Sign of Love novel she manages to pack it full of raw emotion, heartbreak and a real sense of hope.
I'm not sure if any book will ever be able to hit me right in the gut like Archer's Voice but Preston's Honor comes really close. Mia Sheridan manages to include all the drama of first love, the devastating heartbreak of betrayal and the impact one event can have on the lives of many.
I always think it's difficult to comment on certain issues such as immigration unless you've experienced it yourself. Personally I don't have firsthand knowledge of immigration, but I often find it difficult to understand why in the society we currently live in people would offer anything but support for immigrants and refugees - But I'm often accused of being naive. I'm not sure if Mia Sheridan has experienced life as an immigrant but she does a wonderful job portraying the daily trials and tribulations Lia faces as the daughter of Mexican immigrants. Lia never feels truly accepted and is often bullied and belittled, especially by the twins mother. She often tries to operate in the background rather than draw attention. One of my favourite parts is when Lia is told to not be afraid, to stand up for herself and to make a fuss.

I loved the twin Gemini element demonstrated in Preston and Cole. It's always interesting to see how different twins can be yet still be drawn to the same people and qualities.

I was expecting to find the flashback elements slightly grating at times but I really didn't. To be honest I would have liked more of them to fill in certain gaps in Lia and Preston's shared past but the story worked really well without it.

I made the mistake of starting Preston's Honor before bed. This was a twofold problem because not only was I unable to put it down, I also couldn't sleep after ugly crying my way through some of the more upsetting parts. BUT I flipping loved it.

4.5 emotional Stars in my Sky!


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The Deviants - Tour & Review

The Deviants by CJ Skuse

What they say: When you set out for revenge, dig two graves

Growing up in the sleepy English seaside town of Brynston, the fearless five – Ella, Max, Corey, Fallon and Zane – were always inseparable. Living up to their nickname, they were the adventurous, rowdy kids who lived for ghost stories and exploring the nearby islands off the coast. But when Max’s beloved older sister Jessica is killed, the friendship seems to die with her.

Now years later, only Max and Ella are in touch; still best friends and a couple since they were thirteen. Their lives are so intertwined Max’s dad even sponsors Ella’s training for the Commonwealth Games. But Ella is hiding things. Like why she hates going to Max’s house for Sunday dinner, and flinches whenever his family are near. Or the real reason she’s afraid to take their relationship to the next level.

When underdog Corey is bullied, the fearless five are brought back together again, teaming up to wreak havoc and revenge on those who have wronged them. But when the secrets they are keeping can no longer be kept quiet, will their fearlessness be enough to save them from themselves?

Buy links:

Amazon UK * Amazon US

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I received a copy from HQ Young Adult in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: I find it ridiculously intriguing when I discover a book with really contrasting early reviews. This instantly makes me want make up my own mind to see who I agree with or not.

The Deviants is extremely raw and emotional. Although there are a few early hints about whats to come, I wasn't entirely prepared for the onslaught of feels headed my way. I was expecting the usual YA teen drama and angst, but CJ Skuse delivers so much more.

I was intrigued by Ella and wanted to know what she was hiding. It took me a while to decide whether Max was a good guy. I really liked Corey who always made me smile and Fallon reminded me of my teenage best friend (I can't tell you why as it's a spoiler). I think we've all experienced a Zane in some form or another, but it was the mystery surrounding Jessica that had me fascinated from the start. 

The book covers some pretty dark issues so I'm going to label with one with a trigger warning. These issues are covered in a really sensitive manner and I found myself crying along with them after certain revelations.

The tone is intensionally almost awkward in parts. There's a purposeful disconnect with certain characters but as the story develops it becomes clear why. I never felt entirely comfortable with all the characters but I really didn't feel as though I was supposed to. I felt the distance and nostalgia surrounding the fearless five. I'm sure a lot of readers will empathise with how difficult it is when friendship groups change as we grow up. In this sense it's a real coming of age story, except it's far from typical.

4.5 Stars in my Sky!

Author Spotlight:

C.J. Skuse was born in 1980 in Westonsuper-Mare, England. She has First Class degrees in Creative Writing and Writing for Children and, aside from writing novels, works as a freelance children’s fiction consultant and lectures in Writing for Children at Bath Spa University. C.J. loves Masterchef, Gummy Bears and murder sites. Before she dies, she would like to go to Japan, try clay-pigeon shooting and have Ryan Gosling present her with the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. 

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BBF - Archer Hale

Archer Freaking Hale - anybody?!

Archer's Voice (A Sign of Love novel)
by Mia Sheridan

If you're a regular reader of the blog then you'll probably be aware just how much I LOVE Mia Sheridan's Archer's Voice (review here). Plus with the book being optioned for a movie I thought it was about time I had Archer as my BBF of the week!! Archer Hale, this ones for you!

My fav non-spoilery Archer's Voice quotes:

• "I was already brilliant. I just needed some world experience. I needed Thor."
• "I want to be able to love you more than I fear losing you, and I don't know how. Teach me, Bree."
• Sometimes an understanding silence was better than a bunch of meaningless words.
• How do you teach a man who has lost everything, not to fear it happening again?

When Bree Prescott arrives in the sleepy, lakeside town of Pelion, Maine, she hopes against hope that this is the place where she will finally find the peace she so desperately seeks. On her first day there, her life collides with Archer Hale, an isolated man who holds a secret agony of his own. A man no one else sees.

Archer's Voice is the story of a woman chained to the memory of one horrifying night and the man whose love is the key to her freedom. It is the story of a silent man who lives with an excruciating wound and the woman who helps him find his voice. It is the story of suffering, fate, and the transformative power of love.

THIS IS A STAND-ALONE NOVEL. The first three books in the series need not be read to enjoy this book. New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

For more about Archer's Voice & Mia Sheridan:

Goodreads * Website * Amazon US * Amazon UK * B & N

The Problem with Forever - Review

THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER

by Jennifer L. Armentrout 







Amazon * Amazon UK * Barnes & Noble * iBooks * Kobo * Indiebound

http://amzn.to/1WMX5IM

https://goo.gl/nvaG5M

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes a riveting new story about friendship, survival, and finding your voice.

For some people, silence is a weapon.For Mallory “Mouse” Dodge, it’s a shield.Growing up, she learned that the best way to survive was to say nothing. And even though it’s been four years since her nightmare ended, she’s beginning to worry that the fear that holds her back will last a lifetime.Now, after years of homeschooling with loving adoptive parents, Mallory must face a new milestone—spending her senior year at public high school. But of all the terrifying and exhilarating scenarios she’s imagined, there’s one she never dreamed of—that she’d run into Rider Stark, the friend and protector she hasn’t seen since childhood, on her very first day.It doesn’t take long for Mallory to realize that the connection she shared with Rider never really faded. Yet the deeper their bond grows, the more it becomes apparent that she’s not the only one grappling with lingering scars from the past. And as she watches Rider’s life spiral out of control, Mallory must make a choice between staying silent and speaking out—for the people she loves, the life she wants, and the truths that need to be heard.

“The intensity between Mouse and Rider is palpably sizzling… romance aficionados [will] lose themselves in Mouse and Rider’s smoldering glances and steamy kisses.” –Kirkus

“Armentrout’s effort to gradually coax her protagonist from her shell via a supportive, loving community succeeds, and readers looking for an inspirational comeback story will find Mallory’s to be satisfying and hopeful” –Publishers Weekly

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: Every time Jennifer L. Armentrout releases a new book I'm always equal parts excited and terrified. I worry that this could finally be the one JLA story that I don't like. I really don't know why I ever worry because she never lets readers down. The Problem with Forever is a heartbreakingly sad and endearing YA contemporary romance.
The story is emotional, dramatic and difficult at times, but I loved the overwhelming sense of hope and friendship which radiates off the pages.

I have to admit I wasn't expecting to like Mallory as much as I did. As much as I despise using the 'j' word in reviews, she really does go on a journey. I loved her combination of vulnerability and strength. As she starts to speak out, she's able to approach new situations with determination and strength - for a mouse, she really is a fighter. On a completely random note, my Uni roomie's nickname is also Mouse but for very different reasons.

Oh Rider. The best way to describe him is to combine all the best bits from JLS's past heroes and even then you're not really all that close to the swoon worthy artistic talent that is Rider. 

I liked their bond but what I loved the most was seeing Mallory learn to take on the world on her own. Would I have liked to read more about their special story? Yes, but then again I'm greedy. The story really is JLA at her creative best.

My first of the year (wow I'm a mean reviewer)...
5 Stars in my Sky! 
Author Spotlight:

# 1 New York Times and #1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.
Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA.

She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

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