New Release: Camp Payback by J.K. Rock

NEW RELEASE!!!

CAMP PAYBACK
by J.K. Rock

Camp Boyfriend #2

Young Adult Contemporary Romance

Released April 29, 2014

Published by Spencer Hill

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Alex has big plans for camp this year, starting with making it the best summer ever. Having fun and breaking some rules will get her the payback she wants against her parents and her ex-boyfriend. Because of his disgusting texts, she's headed to a super strict all-girls school in the fall. Then she meets Javier and revenge doesn't seem nearly as important as getting to know the troubled loner determined to keep a low profile at camp. But Alex's trouble-magnet personality and Javier's need to stay in the background don't mix nearly as well as their irresistible chemistry. With her home life eroding under her feet and her last year of summer camp speeding to a close, Alex wants to make her mark on the world and squeeze every bit of fun out of her time with Javier. Too bad her old plans for revenge turn back on her just in time to ruin everything. Will she lose Javier too?

J. K. Rock is the pseudonym for YA writing partners - and sisters-in-law - Joanne & Karen Rock. Although they started out sharing an annual shopping trip, they ended up discussing their favorite films and books, joining the same book club and talking about writing... a lot. Their debut novel, Camp Boyfriend, is the first in a three-book series plotted during family pool parties. Their creative partnership is unique in that they enjoy passing a book back and forth, each adding a chapter and fine-tuning the chapter before. Years of friendship has yielded a shared voice and vision for their work that makes writing a pleasure.

Find J.K. Rock online:
Goodreads / Author Website / Series Website  

Karen's Twitter / Joanne's Twitter / Facebook  

Pinterest / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Also in the Camp Boyfriend Series

Camp Boyfriend #1

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

(link to my review)

The summer of her dreams is about to get a reality check.

They said it couldn't be done, but geeky sophomore Lauren Carlson transformed herself into a popular girl after moving to a new school halfway across the country. Amazing what losing her braces and going out for cheerleading will do. Only trouble is, the popular crowd is wearing on Lauren's nerves and she can't wait to return to summer camp where she's valued for her brain instead of her handsprings. She misses her old friends and most of all, her long time camp-only boyfriend, Seth. This year she intends to upgrade their relationship to year-round status once she's broken up with her new, jock boyfriend, Matt. He doesn't even begin to know the real her, a girl fascinated by the night sky who dreams of discovering new planets and galaxies.

But Matt isn't giving her up without a fight. As he makes his case to stay together, Lauren begins to realize his feelings run deeper than she ever would have guessed. What if the guy she thought she was meant to be with forever isn't really The One? Returning to Camp Juniper Point was supposed to ground her uprooted life, but she's more adrift than ever. Everything feels different and soon Lauren's friends are turning on her and both guys question what she really wants. As summer tensions escalate, Lauren wonders if she's changed more than she thought. Will her first big discovery be herself?

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Waiting on Wednesday: Wildlife by Fiona Wood

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
 
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Wildlife
by Fiona Wood
Publication Date: September 16, 2014
Published by Poppy
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(from Goodreads)
During a semester in the wilderness, sixteen-year-old Sib expects the tough outdoor education program and the horrors of dorm life, but friendship drama and an unexpected romance with popular Ben Capaldi? That will take some navigating.

New girl Lou has zero interest in fitting in, or joining in. Still reeling from a loss that occurred almost a year ago, she just wants to be left alone. But as she witnesses a betrayal unfolding around Sib and her best friend Holly, Lou can't help but be drawn back into the land of the living.

Fans of Melina Marchetta, Rainbow Rowell, and E. Lockhart will adore this endearing and poignant story of first love, true friendship, and going a little bit wild.

Why I'm Waiting 

• The setting: a semester in the wilderness
• For fans of Melina Marchetta, Rainbow Rowell, and E. Lockhart - that's me!!
• Aussie Author
• Recommended by Nomes from Inkcrush blog

Review: Finding My Way by Heidi McLaughlin

Finding My Way

The Beaumont Series #4

by Heidi McLaughlin

Publication Date: April 14, 2014

Pages: 270

Source: InkSlingerPR and Amazon

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Purchase Amazon / B&N / iBooks

from Goodreads

Liam Westbury has the world at his feet. He’s the quintessential golden boy. He’s the superstar quarterback for Beaumont High. His girl, Josie, is head cheerleader. He has his choice of colleges just waiting for him. Except he’s suffocating from all the pressure he’s under and no one understands.

Liam Page is the heartthrob he never wanted to be. He’s successful, smart and in demand by record companies and his adoring fans. Music is his passion, his love, but something’s missing. His nights are lonely and he longs for the girl he left behind. Seeing her in every face in the crowd haunts him with the knowledge that she hates him. Going home has never been an option until now.

Be there when Liam Westbury becomes Liam Page and follow the highs and lows of the Quarterback turned Rockstar as he finds a way back to Beaumont in this prequel to Forever My Girl.

My Thoughts

I've been a huge fan of the Beaumont books from the moment I read Forever My Girl. The love story of Liam and Josie touched my heart and it is a book that I continue to reread again and again. When I found out that Heidi McLaughlin was writing a new book, a prequel to Forever My Girl, and from Liam's perspective, I was immediately intrigued. I'd always wanted to know about Liam's rise to fame and with Finding My Way, I got it.

I don't think it is possible to write my thoughts about Finding My Way without referring to Forever My Girl - the stories are entwined and I'll make references to both throughout this review.

I read a lot of young adult books and that is probably the reason why Forever My Girl flashback scenes were some of my favorite parts of that book. I loved reading about the young Liam and Josie. In Finding My Way, Heidi outdoes herself and adds depth by giving us those moments again and what led up to them and what happens after. It isn't a repetition of something that we've already read. New meaning is given to those moments and we get to see how complex Liam and Josie's relationship really is.

What I love most about Finding My Way is how Heidi has given us a vulnerable Liam. He is young and unsure. Heidi captures that doubt of adolescence, of Liam becoming an adult and making decisions and choosing a path that he wants to pursue. He doesn't always know if the decisions he makes are the right ones, but he has to take a chance to find out.

I loved reading about Liam in L.A. and seeing him navigating his way through the music scene. During this time, we are also introduced to Harrison and I found myself smiling as I read the scenes he was in because he was just exuded this coolness that is true to the Harrison I know in the other books of the series. I'm happy that Heidi gave us some of Liam's rock star, "panty-dropping" persona. We got to see glimpses of it in Forever My Girl, but I liked reading the bad-boy side of him. I knew Jimmy wasn't the only one getting with the ladies.

Heidi answered a lot of the questions I had while reading Forever My Girl with Finding My Way and answered questions I didn't even realize I had. Finding My Way brings the story full circle and made me fall in love with Liam all over again. He's still the same Liam that I fell in love with in Forever My Girl - I just know him a little better now.

There are very few adult series that I continue to read as the series progresses whether is it because I get bored with the characters or the storyline, or you know, so many books, so little time. But as I've said before, these are characters that I don't want to let go of. I love reading about the characters of Beaumont and the stories that Heidi likes to tell. As long as she keeps writing, I'll keep reading.

Finding My Way is an amazing addition to the Beaumont series. A must-read. I loved it!!!

Disclaimer:  I received this e-ARC from InkSlingersPR in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. I also purchased a final copy of this title from Amazon. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES

FOREVER MY GIRL (The Beaumont Series #1)

  Amazon /  B&N /  Kobo / iBooks

MY EVERYTHING  (The Beaumont Series, #1.5) 

Amazon

MY UNEXPECTED FOREVER (The Beaumont Series, #2)  

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / iBooks

FINDING MY FOREVER  (The Beaumont Series, #3)

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / iBooks

 

 Follow Heidi McLaughlin

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Pinterest

 

About Heidi: 

Heidi is the author of USA Today, Kobo, Digital Book World, Amazon and Barnes & Noble Bestselling series, The Beaumont Series.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell and two Parakeets.

During the day Heidi is behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, she's writing one of the many stories planned for release or sitting courtside during either daughter's basketball games.

Stacking the Shelves (16)

This week I'm joining Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga's Reviews and sharing the books that I acquired throughout the week.

I purchased these lovelies from Park Road Books in Charlotte.

 

 My friends, Lisa from Dizneeee's World of Books and Heather from Turning Pages attended the Sarah Dessen and Jenny Han signing this week at Flyleaf Books. The picked up this copy for me and Jenny signed it! I'm really excited to start this one.

 

I love this series. Even though I received an e-ARC of this title, I had to buy a final copy as soon as it was released. I MUST support my favorite authors. My review will be posted tomorrow, but I can tell you now, it's a 5-Star read!!!

Breakfast Served Anytime by Sarah Combs (Purchased)

The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith (Purchased)

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han (Purchased)

Finding My Way by Heidi McLaughlin (e-book; Purchased)

Book Nerd Tote (Purchased)

Waiting on Wednesday: I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
 
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

I'll Give You the Sun
by Jandy Nelson
Publication Date: September 16, 2014
Published by Dial Books for Young Readers
Add to Goodreads








(from Goodreads)

A brilliant, luminous story of first love, family, loss, and betrayal for fans of John Green, David Levithan, and Rainbow Rowell

Jude and her brother, Noah, are incredibly close twins. At thirteen, isolated Noah draws constantly and is falling in love with the charismatic boy next door, while daredevil Jude surfs and cliff-dives and wears red-red lipstick and does the talking for both of them. But three years later, Jude and Noah are barely speaking. Something has happened to wreck the twins in different and divisive ways . . . until Jude meets a cocky, broken, beautiful boy, as well as an unpredictable new mentor. The early years are Noah's story to tell. The later years are Jude's. What the twins don't realize is that they each have only half the story, and if they could just find their way back to one another, they’d have a chance to remake their world.

This radiant, fully alive, sometimes very funny novel from the critically acclaimed author of The Sky Is Everywhere will leave you breathless and teary and laughing—often all at once. 

Why I'm Waiting

• I love stories about siblings and books told from dual perspectives.
• For fans of John Green, David Levithan, and Rainbow Rowell - This is me!!
• I'm looking forward to getting to know Jude. She sounds like a character that will be very interesting to read.

Review: Harp's Song by Cassie Shine

 

Harp's Song Blog Schedule

Harp's Song

by Cassie Shine

Publication Date: November 4, 2013

Published by Cassie Shine

Pages: 302

Source: JenHalliganPR

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Purchase Amazon / B&N

from Goodreads

In just a few months Harp Evans will be officially coming of age and graduating from high school. She will be free from the mother that never wanted her, the house that never felt like home, and the disappointment of the last seventeen years. What she doesn’t know is that her mother has been holding onto a secret that has the potential to derail her dreams and destroy her already faulty sense of self.

A self-proclaimed recluse, Harp spends most of her time practicing the cello, in the hopes of earning a full scholarship that will grant her freedom, but will also send her away from her best friend Connor Williams, who is becoming more than just a friend.

As revelations are made, will Harp still feel the same way about leaving everyone that cares about her behind? Or will she continue to pursue the life she’s been dreaming of, for as long as she can remember?

My Thoughts

Cassie Shine is making her mark with her debut novel Harp's Song. It is both gripping and emotional. Harp's Song tackles some tough topics like abuse, neglect, and intimidation. Her storytelling is engaging and kept me turning page after page until the very end.

The relationship between Harp and her mother was really tough to read. There were just a few moments of direct interaction between them and they were filled with so much pain and fear. It was understandable that Harp avoided her mother and spent a lot of time away from home as possible to avoid the mental and physical abuse.

But Harp was lucky enough to have people around her that cared about her and her well being. She had people to turn when she it got really bad with her mom. There was another adult stepping in to fulfill the caretaker role that Harp's mom never accepted. This was something that I really liked about the story. Harp didn't keep all of her secrets hidden. She opened up to her best friend and his mom and accepted the help that they willingly gave her. She didn't have to figure it all out on her own.

I loved the reading about the friendship between Harp and Connor. Whether their relationship was platonic or romantic, it felt authentic. Their interactions made me smile quite a few times. It was easy to believe that they truly were best friends.

The story does have a resolve and doesn't end with a cliffhanger, but a follow-up book is in the works. I've already added the next to my book to my reading wish list. Cassie Shine and her characters have made an impression on me and I want to see what happens next - between Harp and her mom and between Harp and Connor.

Disclaimer:  I received this e-ARC from JenHalliganPR as part of the Harp's Song Blog Tour in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

 About Cassie Shine

Cassie Shine released her debut young adult novel, Harp's Song in November 2013, finally finishing the short story she started in her college creative writing class … many, many moons ago. She has always been an avid reader and lover of music (yes, she was in the high school marching band). While she has a weak spot for all things teeny bopper, especially boy bands, she also loves classical, country, rock and well, pretty much everything. 

After living in St. Louis for more than ten years, she and her husband packed up a U-Haul and headed west. They currently live in Orange County, CA with their furry kids Finnegan and Molly. 

Author Links:  

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Instagram | Goodreads

Harp's Song explores very important issues and April is the National Sexual Assault Awareness Month as well as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

RAINN: RAPE, ABUSE & INCEST NATIONAL NETWORK​ and CHILDHELP are organizations that do amazing work to help those who need it most. During the month of April, 10% of sales from Harp's Song will be donated to these organizations.

http://www.rainn.org/

http://www.childhelp.org/

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive a signed copy of HARP’S SONG and $25 Amazon or B&N gift card (US/CA only). Three winners will receive an ebook copy (international).

***Any contestant that uses dummy or contest only accounts to enter will be disqualified.***

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It's Release Day!! Finding My Way by Heidi McLaughlin

Finding My Way
The Beaumont Series, #4
by Heidi McLaughlin
Publication Date: April 14, 2014
New Adult Contemporary Romance
Add to Goodreads

 

About Finding My Way

Liam Westbury has the world at his feet. He’s the quintessential golden boy. He’s the superstar quarterback for Beaumont High. His girl, Josie, is head cheerleader. He has his choice of colleges just waiting for him. Except he’s suffocating from all the pressure he’s under and no one understands.

Liam Page is the heartthrob he never wanted to be. He’s successful, smart and in demand by record companies and his adoring fans. Music is his passion, his love, but something’s missing. His nights are lonely and he longs for the girl he left behind. Seeing her in every face in the crowd haunts him with the knowledge that she hates him. Going home has never been an option until now.

Be there when Liam Westbury becomes Liam Page and follow the highs and lows of the Quarterback turned Rockstar as he finds a way back to Beaumont in this prequel to Forever My Girl.

GIVEAWAY: 
 
Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card or one of two $50 Gift Cards
 (Tour Wide Giveaway; this blog is not responsible for prizes)

  Click Link to Enter via Rafflecopter

 You can get it now!!

Amazon

PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES

FOREVER MY GIRL (The Beaumont Series #1)

  Amazon /  B&N /  Kobo / iBooks

MY EVERYTHING  (The Beaumont Series, #1.5) 

Amazon

MY UNEXPECTED FOREVER (The Beaumont Series, #2)  

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / iBooks

FINDING MY FOREVER  (The Beaumont Series, #3)

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / iBooks

 

 Follow Heidi McLaughlin

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Pinterest

 

About Heidi: 

Heidi is the author of USA Today, Kobo, Digital Book World, Amazon and Barnes & Noble Bestselling series, The Beaumont Series.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell and two Parakeets.

During the day Heidi is behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, she's writing one of the many stories planned for release or sitting courtside during either daughter's basketball games.

 

Stacking the Shelves (15)

This week I'm joining Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga's Reviews and sharing the books that I acquired throughout the week.

This Side of Salvation  by Jeri Smith-Ready (Purchased) - Such a great book. One I will be recommending a lot! 

Something Real by Heather Demetrios (Won) - Thanks James at BookChic!

The Falconer by Elizabeth May (For Review/Promotional Copy) - Thank you Chronicle Books!

Pretty Little Things by Teresa Mummert (e-book; Purchased) - My book club is reading this one. Still formulating my thoughts.

Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland (e-book; Purchased) - This was on my wishlist for a long time. It was a Kindle Daily Deal. Score!

Killing Ruby Rose by Jessie Humphries (e-book; Amazon Prime) - I had to take advantage of the Prime offer.

Finding My Way by Heidi McLaughlin (e-ARC; For Review) - Read it. Loved it. Review coming soon as part of the Finding My Way book tour.

Finally, Forever by Katie Kacvinsky (e-ARC; For Review) - This is the final book of the Dylan and Gray saga,  but it can be read as a stand-alone. I've already read this one too. I'll have my review posted next month as part of the review tour.