Review: A PROM TO REMEMBER by Sandy Hall

A PROM TO REMEMBER

by Sandy Hall

Publication Date: April 24, 2018

Published by Swoon Reads

Pages: 320

Source: XPresso Book Tours

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Synopsis

Love it or hate it, you’ll never forget it. In this heart-warming novel, Swoon Reads star, Sandy Hall, explores a classic high school celebration, capturing every relatable and hilarious teen milestone along the way.

Cora: Dating Perfect Boyfriend Jamie. Has NO IDEA how to break up with him…

Paisley: Anti-prom. Somehow nominated her anxiety-ridden best friend for prom king…

Henry: Hates social situations. Invited to prom by the most popular girl in school. SEND HELP!

Otis: Half of one of the cutest couples in his class. Not quite ready for a post-prom hotel room…

Lizzie: Shy. Excited to go to prom. With a boy. Whose name she doesn’t know.

Cameron: Loner. Over high school. Just wants to meet the mysterious girl who’s been leaving him notes…

Jacinta: Unnamed Nerd Girl #3. Determined to become the star of her own life, starting with prom…

Chosen by readers like you for Macmillan’s young adult imprint Swoon Reads, A Prom to Remember, from Sandy Hall (author of A Little Something Different), is a funny and cinematic look at the biggest dance of every high schooler’s life.

My Thoughts

One of the main reasons I like to read young adult books as an adult is I like stories that take me back to that age and the time in my life A PROM TO REMEMBER does just that and it’s probably why I liked it so much. A PROM TO REMEMBER is fun and sweet and endearing.

I decided to read A PROM TO REMEMBER because I wanted to read a story about prom during “prom season”. This book is more about what happens leading up to the prom, but it was exactly what I wanted. And while I do like a story told from multiple perspectives, it took me a little while to get all of the characters straight in my head and remember their friends and how all of the side characters were connected. (Honestly I think this was more about the e-book format than anything else). And the characters are distinct enough with their own personalities that they become memorable.

As someone who went to the prom the last 3 years of high school (I was invited my freshman year, but my date stood me up, so yeah that happened) the characters’ experiences were relatable - the excitement and the anxiety and the idea that it is a rite of passage. Each experience was different for me as it was for Cora, Paisley, Henry, Otis, Lizzie, Cameron, and Jacinta, but I could identify with almost every one of them - especially Lizzie and Jacinta.

I loved the humor and the friendships and the interconnectedness of the characters. For some, prom is everything - the highlight of high school, but for others it’s just a good time to be with your friends. And I like the idea of everyone going to have a good time and making memories and celebrating the most.

A PROM TO REMEMBER is a good time. It was an amusing read and a fun way to reminisce.

Disclaimer: I received this e-ARC from the XPresso Book Tours 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.

AUTHOR BIO:

I’m a teen librarian from New Jersey where I was born and raised. I have a BA in Communication and a Master of Library and Information Science from Rutgers University. When I’m not writing, or teen librarian-ing, I enjoy reading, slot machines, marathoning TV shows, and long scrolls through Tumblr. A LITTLE SOMETHING DIFFERENT is my first novel.

Author links: 

http://www.sandyhallwrites.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8030489.Sandy_Hall

https://twitter.com/iamsandyhall

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About LIE TO ME

At nineteen, Savannah Dean escaped her family, leaving behind a note and the people who caused her so much pain. Now, she lives on her own and keeps to herself. At nineteen, Kent Lawson’s girlfriend betrayed him, leaving him behind with a broken heart and a whole lot of mistrust in women. Now, he lives on his own and shares himself with nearly every pretty thing that walks by but only for one night. When Savannah and Kent meet, they can’t stand each other. Kent knows she’s hiding something, and he despises liars. And Savannah has nothing but secrets. Add LIE TO ME to your Goodreads TBR here!  

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About NATASHA PRESTON

UK native Natasha Preston grew up in small villages and towns. She discovered her love of writing when she stumbled across an amateur writing site and uploaded her first story and hasn’t looked back since. She enjoys writing contemporary romance, gritty Young Adult thrillers and, of course, the occasional serial killer. Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Review: CHASER by Kylie Scott

CHASER

A Dive Bar Novel

by Kylie Scott

Publication Date: April 17, 2018

Published by St. Martin's Griffin

Pages: 288

Source: InkSlingerPR

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Synopsis

Given his well-earned bad boy reputation, Eric is having a tough time scoring.. When single Jean moves to town, she seems heaven sent by the sex gods. Only problem is, she not only wants nothing to do with him, but it turns out that she's pregnant.

Starting over in a small town, Jean is determined to turn her wild lifestyle around and be the kind of mother she always wished she'd had. Since local bar owner and all round hottie, Eric Collins, is now determined to steer clear of her pregnant self, it should be easy. When she goes into labour during a snow storm and her car slides on some ice, it's Eric who comes to the rescue.

There seems to be a bond between them now, but is it enough? And can Eric give up his manwhore ways to be the man Jean needs?

My Thoughts

I came at this book with so much enthusiasm and excitement because of how much I've enjoyed the first two books of the Dive Bar series. Kylie Scott made me a fan when I first read DIRTY and then when I read TWIST. This is a series I've come back to again and again. I even reread DIRTY right before starting CHASER just because I love it so much. 

I like that CHASER is told from Eric's point of view. In DIRTY and TWIST, he's not shown in the best light and has some major growing to do. When he meets Jean, he realizes it's finally time to do just that. To slow his roll and become a friend. He begins taking life and his role in the Dive Bar more seriously and it's wonderful to experience this through his perspective.

I LOVED Jean. The women of the DIVE BAR series know what they want and don't put up with what isn't working in their lives. They certainly don't need anyone to save them and Jean is no different. She's making a new life for herself and her baby.

Together, Eric and Jean are magic.They have an easy way of being around each other - the openness in conversation and the honesty that comes from friendship. It's not super angsty and there is a slow build, and I couldn't wait for them to get together.  

There are so many things I love about this book - the sense of community, the friendships, the brutal honesty, Joe's and Eric's interactions (especially with their mom), and the appearances of the other characters from the previous books and the opportunity to see that they're up to. And I need to know more about this Mal character because he sure is full of himself. I guess it's about time I picked up the Stage Dive series.

Like the other books in this series, I'm know that this is one that I will be a go-to read when I need a swoony book. Seriously I'm ready to read it again. I LOVED IT!!

Disclaimer: I received this e-ARC from the publisher 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 THE AUTHOR:

Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013 & 2014, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet. You can learn more about Kylie from http://www.kylie-scott.com/

Links:

FACEBOOK | FACEBOOK FAN GROUP  

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

It's Release Day!! CHASER by Kylie Scott

It's Release Day for the newest book in the Dive Bar Series!!

CHASER is available now! 

I cannot get enough of this series.

    Given his well-earned bad boy reputation, Eric is having a tough time scoring. When single Jean moves to town, she seems heaven sent by the sex gods. Only problem is, she not only wants nothing to do with him, but it turns out that she’s pregnant. 

 Starting over in a small town, Jean is determined to turn her wild lifestyle around and be the kind of mother she always wished she’d had. Since local bar owner and all round hottie, Eric Collins, is now determined to steer clear of her pregnant self, it should be easy. When she goes into labour during a snow storm and her car slides on some ice, it’s Eric who comes to the rescue. 

 There seems to be a bond between them now, but is it enough? And can Eric give up his manwhore ways to be the man Jean needs?    

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Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013 & 2014, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet. You can learn more about Kylie from http://www.kylie-scott.com/   

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | FACEBOOK FAN GROUP | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS   
      

Review: MY UNEXPECTED LOVE by Heidi McLaughlin

MY UNEXPECTED LOVE

The Beaumont Series: Next Generation #2

by Heidi McLaughlin

Publication Date: April 12, 2018

Pages: 240

Source: Buoni Amici Press

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Cover Designer:  Sarah Hansen Okay Creations

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Synopsis

Ben Miller met the love of his life the day he crossed paths with Elle James in their high school cafeteria. New to Beaumont, he took a chance when he approached her. Their first encounter was everything his mother ever read to him about fairy tales. He saw the girl who would be his forever.

From the moment Elle James met Ben Miller they’ve been best friends. Everything they did, they did it together, from late night study sessions, family vacations, throwing bottles off the water tower, going to prom and finally moving to California for college.

However, after the almost tragic accident where she nearly lost her twin sister, Elle’s life hasn’t been the same, and neither has her relationship with Ben.

One fateful decision changes the scope of Ben and Elle’s relationship. For one, it means a new beginning. For the other, it means change.

My Thoughts

I always look forward to reading a new Beaumont book and MY UNEXPECTED LOVE was no exception. Pretty much as soon as I had this book in my hands, I started flipping pages. Elle's and Ben's story is full of angst and heartbreak. They have a moment that seems like their beginning only to become the beginning of their end - before they ever really get started.

Ben was first introduced in HOLDING ONTO FOREVER - these books do need to be read together to appreciate the connection and love that Ben has for Elle. While reading HOF, I was already rooting for this couple - best friends to more. Yes, please! Ben's love for Elle is evident and they needed to be together. She just needed to see it. It takes her a while to figure it out and hearts are will be shattered. Mine included. 

What I loved:

• Overwhelming sense of family. The Powell-James family are tight. I liked how, at different times, Quinn and Elle share their feelings about becoming a family. 
• Moments with Elle and Peyton - their bond and protectiveness is undeniable
• Elle reflecting on her situation and taking control and making a change. She's the only one who can do it and she has to want it.
• Getting glimpses of Jimmy, Jenna, and Eden (I can't wait to read Eden's story!)

Since Ben didn't appear in the original Beaumont books, I would have liked more of his and Elle's experiences as teens - whether those moments appear in flashbacks or reminiscing about those times. They are there, I just wanted more. This is the young adult reader in me coming out - I live for that. 

MY UNEXPECTED LOVE made my heart hurt for Elle as she dealt with the aftermath of almost losing her sister and then losing best friend. Her unexpected love. But she had some growing to do and really being honest with herself. And that is what I love so much about these books - all of the love, the imperfections, and ultimately the Forevers. 

About Heidi:

Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.

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, Buttercup and a Highland West/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot.

When she's isn't writing one of the many stories planned for release, you'll find her sitting court-side during either daughter's basketball games.

Heidi's first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Roth, in theaters January 19, 2018.

To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin  or heidimclaughlin.com

Social Media:

Website: http://heidimclaughlin.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHeidiMcLaughlin/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeidiJoVT/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidimclaughlinauthor/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6568302.Heidi_McLaughlin

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/HeidisNewsletter

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heidi-mclaughlin

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Review: THE SUMMER OF BROKEN THINGS by Margaret Peterson Haddix

THE SUMMER OF BROKEN THINGS

by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Publication Date: April 10, 2018

Published by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers

Pages: 400

Source: Media Masters Publicity

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Synopsis

Fourteen-year-old Avery Armisted is athletic, rich, and pretty. Sixteen-year-old Kayla Butts is known as “butt-girl” at school. The two girls were friends as little kids, but that’s ancient history now. So it’s a huge surprise when Avery’s father offers to bring Kayla along on a summer trip to Spain. Avery is horrified that her father thinks he can choose her friends—and make her miss soccer camp. Kayla struggles just to imagine leaving the confines of her small town.

But in Spain, the two uncover a secret their families had hidden from both of them their entire lives. Maybe the girls can put aside their differences and work through it together. Or maybe the lies and betrayal will only push them—and their families—farther apart.

My Thoughts

I first found the THE SUMMER OF BROKEN THINGS appealing because of it's cover and the title. If I saw this book in the bookstore, it is one that I would catch my eye and I would have to check it out. This winter had felt brutal and I needed a book about summer, a little pick me up.

THE SUMMER OF BROKEN THINGS is the first book that I read by Margaret Peterson Haddix and I really enjoyed her writing style with alternating perspectives. Each chapter has a short header that sets the tone of each girl's experience. 

Avery and Kayla couldn't seem more different - partly because of their ages 14 and 16, respectively, but mostly because of their upbringing. Both girls are taken out of their comfort zones in the midst of discovering this new family secret. Their summer vacation becomes about acceptance and finding comfort where it is least expected. 

It's a story of class and privilege, self-discovery and self-reliance, family and friendships. Haddix really tackles it all in this engrossing story that left my heart feeling full.

THE SUMMER OF BROKEN THINGS is definitely a worth-while read. It is full of the angst and ache and personal growth that I like in young adult contemporary. I'm looking forward to reading other books by this new-to-me author.

Disclaimer: I received this e-ARC from the publisher 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.