An Imperfect Circle Blog Tour!

 

What do you do when the boy who rescues the last remnants of your soul rejects what’s left straight afterwards? You move on. That’s what you do. I’m not the sort of girl who sits on the sofa with a bucket of ice cream mourning over anything. Especially not over a boy."

Sixteen year old Ellie Belrose has spent the last five years rebuilding her life after something she'd rather forget. She's finally getting somewhere but, when a figure from her past makes an unwanted reappearance in her life, she's forced to confront her demons. Karl Carter is fascinated by Ellie the moment he sees her but he doesn't realise she's Elise. His Elise. He never forgot her and still isn't willing to - despite her insistence. The two of them are stubborn, angry at the world, and sparks fly when they come together. Can they help each other move on from the past or will they drag each other back there?

RJ Sable is an author from the UK. She is a lover of language of all kinds 

and has a degree in linguistics and phonetics. Unfortunately, despite her best efforts she is only fluent
in English and Swedish after having lived in Sweden for three years. When she's not writing, RJ can be found with an impossibly large cup of tea, a crochet hook, and a mess of tangled yarn. Alternatively, she might be on her beloved racing bike "Mary" or mountain bike "Bumble", annoying car drivers everywhere. RJ Loves to cycle, run, and swim, and her current non-writing aspiration is to complete a Tough Mudder and an Ironman 70.3 at some point during 2014.

 

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I5QITDG/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00I5QITDG/
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/an-imperfect-circle
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/398589

Release Date: Feb. 1st

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

February 3

Who You Callin' A Book Whore? / For the Love of Books / Next Page Reviews

February 4

Will Read for Coffee / Angee's After Thoughts / Fiction's Our Addiction

February 5

Living Between the Sheets / Reading My Escape / Fiona's Book Reviews

February 6

Mia Point of View / Dawn's Reading Nook / The Phantom Paragrapher / A Dirty Book Affair

February 7

Luv Books Galore / Deal Sharing Aunt / Sweet Books

Stacking The Shelves: January (#8)

Hello guys! It's that time again. Time to showcase all the novels I have bought, won, been gifted, etc. in this month of January! This is a meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews which I am proud to participate in monthly.

This month, I received 14 novels! I am VERY happy to say I received the following:

ARCs from Publisher: (Thanks Random House!)

The Mirk & Midnight Hour by Jane Nickerson

The Here and Now by Ann Brashares

Road Rash by Simin Wood

Received for Review from Publisher:

Death and The Girl He Loves by Darynda Jones (Thanks Bauer Teen!)

Received for Review from Author:

If Only We by Jessica Sankiewicz  (Thanks Jessica!)

Won:

ARC paperback of Faking Normal by Courtney Stevens

Channel Your Brave/Faking Normal HarlerTeen Tshirts!

3 Channel Your Brave bracelets

1 signed postcard of Faking Normal

1 signed Green Lantern postcard with letter to me!

1 mini wooden book made by author!

Z 2135 by Sean Platy and David Wright

The Voyage of Lucy P. Simmons by Barbara Mariconda (hardcover!)

The Voyage of Lucy P. Simmons by Barbara Mariconda (hardcover!)

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell (hardcover) (Thanks to Bittersweet Enchantment!)

Bought:

The Eye of Minds by James Dashner (hardcover!)

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Viola In The Spotlight by Adriana Trigiani (hardcover!) 

Total January Haul! 

I'm already so excited for February's haul, considering I ordered 20 books from Books A Million last night ;)

Prince Charming by S. Celi Blog Tour!

 

 

Prince Charming by S. Celi

 

 

School. Tests. Scholarships. Goals.

Senior class overachiever Geoff Miller thought he had it all figured out. All he needed to do was make it through the next six months, graduate, and get on with his life. College at the University of Virginia beckoned him-- and he just wanted to put the last horrible four years at Heritage High School in the "done" folder. Geoff just didn't count on two things: Laine Phillips, and sex. At first, his passing crush on the school princess seemed to Geoff like a distraction from a boring life in a snobby Greater Cincinnati suburb. Then one day, it turned into something more... Six months. Not that long, right?

 

 

New Orleans born Sara Celi has lived all over the United States. She calls the Greater Cincinnati area and the Queen City home.

 

She has spent more than a decade working in journalism and broadcasting, with jobs both on-air and off-air at TV stations in Louisiana, Ohio, and Oklahoma. Her work has appeared in numerous online publications, magazines and newspapers, and she is a contributing author to Chicken Soup For The Soul: The Power of Positive. Sara graduated cum laude from Western Kentucky University in 2004. In her spare time, she likes to read, shop, write, travel, run long distances, volunteer with the Junior League, and fund raise for Cooperative for Education, a non-profit providing educational opportunities for Guatemalan kids.

“Sure.” She bit her cherry-red lip, and watching her do it almost made me fall out of the chair. Still, she made no move to take a seat. “I wasn’t going to come over and talk to you—but, well, I just wanted to say that—well,” she broke off. “Never mind.” “Seriously, do you want to sit down?” I asked again. “Yeah.” She looked over her shoulder. “I just don’t want to be alone right now.” As I hurried to move my school stuff out of the way, she slid into the metal chair and tossed her own book bag on the floor. Then I just stared at her, because I didn’t know what to say, and I couldn’t figure out why she’d sat down next to me. It just didn’t make much sense. The library had plenty of open tables, and even more computer desks. Hell, she could have had a whole section to herself if she wanted it. So why me? Why me? WHY ME? “Have you started the paper?” I asked when the awkwardness became too much for me to bear. She nodded. “Yeah, last week. I’m about three quarters of the way done with the outline.” “Really?” “Yeah. I like English literature a lot, especially that time period.” I sat back, surprised. No one liked Langston’s class. No one. Right? And she didn’t seem like the English type, since she never talked much in that class. I had assumed she got in just because of who she was in school and the magic spell she seemed to have over everyone—even the teachers. “So, you’re telling me you like AP English?” She gave me a blank look, as if I shouldn’t be surprised about this. “Well, that’s awesome. I can’t get into it. At least, not that stuff we’re learning right now.” “It’s not that bad, Geoff. Some of it is kinda romantic.” She disappeared underneath the table and came back a few seconds later with a thick green binder, a blue pen, and her own iPad. She opened up the binder and pulled the iPad out of the case as a small smirk danced on her face. “Wait. Are you going to study here?” I paused. “With me?” “Sure I am. This is a library.” Laine winked. “You do know how these work, right?” “But I mean—” “And you look so—I don’t know—lonely sitting here all alone.” “So you just thought you’d plop down and study with me?” “What? Don’t you want me to?” She tilted her head and frowned, as if she didn’t understand why I’d asked the question. “That’s what people do in a library. They study. Sometimes together. Of course, I could always go study with one of the freshmen.” But even as she said this, she made no move to get up from the table we shared. Meanwhile, all the attention in the room had turned to her. Everyone in the library stared, transfixed. She was like that ring from The Lord of the Rings. My precious. Good fucking grief. Of course I would make that kind of lame analogy.

 

 

There is a T-Shirt tie in for those who love the book or who want limited edition gear. (At least 50 orders need to be made and the company will print the shirts.)

Purchase them here: http://teespring.com/heritagehigh
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

January 27

Eskimo Princess Book Reviews / One Girls Book Addiction / Naughty and Smutty Book Blog / Mommy Reads What?! / Day Dream Books

January 28

For the Love of Books / Cant beat a good book / Pete de violet / The Phantom Paragrapher / Wine Relaxation and My Kindle / Sweet Yet Naughty / Deal Sharing Aunt

January 29

Reading Is Dreaming With Open Eyes / Here is some of what I read / Next Page Reviews / The Book Whore-ders Delights / Francessca's Romance Reviews

January 30

Girl meets Books / Read That / New books on my shelves / Read More Sleep Less / Turner's Antics / Book Enticer / Cruising Susan Book Reviews

January 31

Sweet Books / Nicely Phrased / The Book Blog / Sizzling Hot YA Books / The Suburban Eclectic Review

Review: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn

Title: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn

Publisher: Knopf

Release Date: October 11th, 2011

Genres: Romance, Drama, Contemporary

Medium: Ebook, Bought

Just a few words can sum up this novel quick if you are a fan of David Levithan and Rachel Cohn and those words are this: they sure haven't disappointed anyone with this novel.

This is the third novel by David Levithan I have read and reviewed on this blog, and by now, I bet you have grown tired of hearing me say "this author has yet to disappoint me." Well, you're going to have to get used to it, because after reading this novel by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn, I have to say, they have never disappointed me with their work! Dash and Lily's Book of Dares is just a testament to that, because this novel exceeded my expectations in every way and instantly became a favorite of mine. 

“I’ve left some clues for you.

If you want them, turn the page.

If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Times bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions? -From Amazon.com

First of all, the plot is exquisite in every way. If you are a bibliophilic like I am (and I expect that you are as well) then you will notice yourself slowly falling irrevocably in love with it and the characters inside it. The plot is so unique and utterly gorgeous that it simply takes your breath away. It's realistic, romantic, and perfect in every sense of the word. It's believable, so much, that I am dreaming and hoping there will come a day that it may happen to myself! The plot is quite sporadic in the way that it is like life- because life is sporadic, this novel is a true contemporary. It shows that even though there are risks that come with taking chances, the final outcome may be a great enough award. This novel is a true romance that will dazzle and entice all literate and book loving people, of any age, male or female. 

The characters in this novel were also unbelievably amazing. Each and every character in this story was a natural and lovable, and they all played their own important parts in the story. With the point of view switching from female character Lily to make character Dash, their stories can be read by either sex. Honestly, this novel is so clean and truthful that it is a perfect read for any age and would be great for book clubs and read-alongs. There is so much simple and truthful love in this story that it is perfect for a group discussion. It's also one of those novels that you can read in one sitting; It is that good.

The writing? Breathtaking. Simple as that. I haven't read any of Rachel Cohn's work before this, but I will be sure to reverse that as soon as I can get ahold of one of her previous novels. David Levithan, on the other hand, has recently renewed my faith in honest, beautiful, emotional contemporary and has also become one of my role models. His writing is so raw and current that it is impossible to feel anything but sheer affection for his work. His writing is deep and intelligent, and every word feels like it has been hand picked to go there. It's magnificent, and really, no other author can compare. David Levithan's writing is as good as it gets.

If you are looking for an emotional and beautifully woven romance with a flowing plot and lovable characters, writing that takes your breath away, and the overall "package," then this novel is just what you need. Five stars.

Review: If Only We by Jessica Sankiewicz

I use Grammarly's plagiarism checker because I want to be original. And I use their spell check because although misspellings and autocorrects can sometimes be humorous, they can also be the bane of my existence. I would rather prefer to never get Santa and Satan mixed up in a holiday greeting again... Just spell check next time with Grammarly.

Title: If Only We by Jessica Sankiewicz
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: September 4, 2013
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Drama
Medium: Signed Paperback Review Copy! Thanks Jessica!!

 I began reading If Only We with an open mind. From the back-cover blurb, it sounded like a story that could go either way with me, like I might enjoy it or I very well might not. Well, let me just say that the synopsis does not do it justice.

At the end of the summer after graduation, Adrienne wonders what happened to cause her life to be in ruins. She isn’t getting along with her mom, her stepsister isn’t talking to her, and, the boy she’s been in love with doesn’t want anything to do with her. She believes the turning point was a choice she made at graduation. When she wakes up the next day, she has been transported back three months to that moment, the one where everything started to fall apart. Adrienne realizes she has been given a second chance—and this time she doesn’t want to mess anything up. Reliving the entire summer, though, turns out to be a lot harder than she thought. She thought she knew what mistake led her to where she ended up the first time. She was wrong. And by the time summer is over, she discovers what was really at stake. -From Amazon.com

The plot was undeniably addicting. Though the beginning was slightly slow, as soon as the real story picked up, you were instantly enticed. The plot is very original, of course, focussing around the theme of time travel and second chances. You are given an insightful look into what happens when you make a decision, and ultimately, how much happens when you make one minuscule decision. There are threads of family and unconditional love that run deep through this novel. Adrienne quickly learns that every decision has an ultimate consequence. In the words of Sir Isaac Newton, "For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." Although this is a scientific law, I believe it still applies in real and everyday life. It works as a very good hook for this novel as well.

Moving on, I felt the writing in this novel was also very nice. The writing was very conversational and easy to read, and also very easy to fly through. The writing displayed in this novel was also very stark, and in a good way. Sometimes in novels, author's try to flesh out their writing too much, whether to increase the word and page count, or just because they are that type of writer that likes to draw everything out. Depending on their writing capabilities, I don't always like this. But with If Only We, this did not happen. This writing was very simple and honest, very raw. Although it flowed slightly choppy at points, it was still a great accomplishment of writing, in the way that it was original, honest, and unique.

I also feel like I must touch on the characters. All of these characters, both main and secondary, were all realistic and rooted in normalcy, something that is sometimes very hard to find in today's literature. Adrienne was a very interesting main character, who adapted and changed in many ways throughout the novel. Also, I personally fell in love with Chevy's dynamic character and his personality. All the other characters in this novel were also very intriguing. Something that appealed to me was the way that every single character that appeared in this novel was necessary. There was no filler in this novel, no 'fleshing' and I really liked it.

Overall, this novel is an original and raw novel of love and heartbreak, and how one decision can
change everything. And about just much your life can change with a second chance.