Blog Tour: The Pros of Cons by Alison Cherry, Lindsay Ribar, & Michelle Schusterman

 

Rating: 4 stars

Release Date: March 27, 2018

Publisher: Point

Genre: young adult contemporary

Format/Source: ARC, from the publisher

Status: standalone

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the blog tour, which was organized & hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. The full tour schedule can be found HERE. Please go give my fellow tour hosts some love!

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the blog tour. This does not affect the content of my review.

Summary:

Drummer Phoebe Byrd prides herself on being one of the guys, and she's ready to prove it by kicking all their butts in the snare solo competition at the Indoor Percussion Association Convention.

Writer Vanessa Montoya-O'Callaghan has been looking forward to the WTFcon for months. Not just because of the panels and fanfiction readings but because WTFcon is where she'll finally meet Soleil, her internet girlfriend, for the first time.

Taxidermy assistant Callie Buchannan might be good at scooping brains out of deer skulls, but that doesn't mean it's her passion. Since her parents' divorce, her taxidermist father only cares about his work, and assisting him at the World Taxidermy and Fish-Carving Championships is the only way Callie knows to connect with him.

When a crazy mix-up in the hotel lobby brings the three girls together, they form an unlikely friendship against a chaotic background of cosplay, competition, and carcasses!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Pros of Cons by Alison Cherry, Lindsay Ribar, & Michelle Schusterman

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

The Pros of Cons

by Alison Cherry, Lindsay Ribar,
& Michelle Schusterman

Coming March 27, 2018

Scholastic

Summary:

Drummer Phoebe Byrd prides herself on being one of the guys, and she's ready to prove it by kicking all their butts in the snare solo competition at the Indoor Percussion Association Convention.

Writer Vanessa Montoya-O'Callaghan has been looking forward to the WTFcon for months. Not just because of the panels and fanfiction readings but because WTFcon is where she'll finally meet Soleil, her internet girlfriend, for the first time.

Taxidermy assistant Callie Buchannan might be good at scooping brains out of deer skulls, but that doesn't mean it's her passion. Since her parents' divorce, her taxidermist father only cares about his work, and assisting him at the World Taxidermy and Fish-Carving Championships is the only way Callie knows to connect with him.

When a crazy mix-up in the hotel lobby brings the three girls together, they form an unlikely friendship against a chaotic background of cosplay, competition, and carcasses!

Why I want it:

Any book set at a con immediately gets my attention because I am HERE for the nerd stuff. But I also really loved Alison Cherry's For Real so I want to read ALL the books. Plus, I was in the marching band in high school, and my senior year, I joined the indoor percussion line. 

Why I think you should want it:

Honestly, this book just seems like a lot of fun! Writing duos are old-hat in YA at this point, but the Lady Janies proved that three is just as good as if not better than two. Also, the taxidermy thing is odd, but unique to YA so that's going to be interesting. And anytime the words "crazy mix-up" are included in a book's summary, you KNOW the book is going to be full of some exciting shenanigans!

Waiting on Wednesday: Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

Not If I Save You First

by Ally Carter

Coming March 27, 2018

Scholastic

Summary:

Maddie thought she and Logan would be friends forever. But when your dad is a Secret Service agent and your best friend is the president's son, sometimes life has other plans. Before she knows it, Maddie's dad is dragging her to a cabin in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness.

No phone.
No Internet.
And not a single word from Logan.

Maddie tells herself it's okay. After all, she's the most popular girl for twenty miles in any direction. (She’s also the only girl for twenty miles in any direction.) She has wood to cut and weapons to bedazzle. Her life is full.
Until Logan shows up six years later . . .
And Maddie wants to kill him.

But before that can happen, an assailant appears out of nowhere, knocking Maddie off a cliff and dragging Logan to some unknown fate. Maddie knows she could turn back- and get help. But the weather is turning and the terrain will only get more treacherous, the animals more deadly.

Maddie still really wants to kill Logan.
But she has to save him first.

Why I Want It:

I have adored Ally Carter's work for more than a decade. I immediately wanted to read I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You when my mom took me to a teachers only scholastic sale and I stumbled upon it because, c'mon, that title is pretty great. But the book inside that clever cover had me hooked! Ally's books are fun, adventurous tales populated with badass girls who are badass in so many wonderful ways and totally swoony boys. I haven't recounted in a while, but Ally is my 6th most owned author, and I covet each new story as soon as it's announced!

Why I think you should want it:

See above. And then run—RUN—to the nearest bookstore or library for both the Gallager Girls and Embassy Row series. Ally's books are un-put-downable. They're like watching a season of Burn Notice or Chuck or a James Bond marathon, except this time, girls are at the forefront of the story. Seriously, you'll love them!

Author Spotlight & Giveaway: Elizabeth Eulberg

Baby Mary, get some powder for that t-zone!

Longtime readers should not be surprised when I say one of my favorite people, author or no, is Elizabeth Eulberg (I have kind of written about her books a LOT on here). I discovered Elizabeth's books in a Barnes & Noble and was immediately taken by the adorable covers and descriptions of The Lonely Hearts Club and Prom & Prejudice. After purchasing copies at my FAVORITE bookstore Borders (#neverforget), I was hooked for life. And lucky for me, Elizabeth was one of the first authors I EVER met, right when YA author signings started becoming A Thing waaay back in May 2012, which was PRE-BLOG, even.

Peak Mary & Elizabeth

Once I started the blog, Elizabeth and her books became a staple. Her novel Revenge of the Girl With the Great Personality is a five star, greatest hits, hall of fame novel for me (check out my review! *reads back through it and snorts at baby blogger Mary*). Better Off Friends is a 280 page love story full of friendship-to-more shippy swoony goodness (review here) that will also make you super hungry for Culvers burgers, cheese curds, and frozen custard. Back when I participated in Top Ten Tuesday, Elizabeth's books made several showings like in my Best of 2013, Authors Who Deserve More Recognition, Best BFF Books, Favorite Contemporary Books, and Favorite Musical Characters lists, as well as my 2013 End of Year Survey. 

Fun fact: Elizabeth & I do not like to close
our mouths when  we take pictures together

Why do I love Elizabeth so much? First of all, she's funny as heck, both in person and in her books. Humor is not really a primary category/genre in YA, but I know when I pick up an Elizabeth Eulberg novel, no matter what the story is, I'm definitely going to laugh. A lot. Possibly Definitely with snorting involved.

Secondly, Elizabeth's books feel real to me. You know how sometimes you're super aware a book is fiction because the characters could never be real and the story is far-fetched and unnatural feeling? Not the case. I always feel like Elizabeth's characters could be real teens facing realistic conflicts. High school, friendships, romance, family relationships: everything has a real-life feel to it that lends each story great credibility. Her stories are built around plot elements that feel very natural—a girl walking in on her boyfriend cheating on her, girl and boy best friends growing, teenage girl being pushed aside for her pageant-participating baby sister—and then they get fun fictional twists. 

Behaving yet blurry: the story of our friendship

Thirdly, swoons. Ain't no boy next door like an Elizabeth Eulberg boy next door! I love that her guys are sweet and funny (and smart and talented and kind and GOOD) as they are cute. The relationships are, again, presented realistically, and they always leave you wanting more. And yet, as good as the guys are, they NEVER overshadow Elizabeth's leading ladies.

Dapper lady at our Pride & Prejudice party!

And this is the last reason I love Elizabeth and her books. An Elizabeth Eulberg heroine is always a boss lady, but always for different reasons. Penny Lane is a trailblazer and organizes the badass Lonely Hearts Club for friendship-focused girls. Lizzie and Emme are as talented as the day is long and discover how to make the most of the limelight. Lexi learns how to own her image and be comfortable in her own skin. Shelby is brilliant, a little wild, and has amazing hair. These ladies are sassy and smart and shy and sweet and kind and enthusiastic and bold and fierce and so many things all at once. They're also unique, but the best thing is how empowering it is to read about them.

That's why I want to share my love of Elizabeth's books with you guys. I'm giving away a signed almost-complete set of Elizabeth's books. That's right! You can win signed copies of Prom & Prejudice, The Lonely Hearts Club, Revenge of the Girl With the Great Personality, Take a Bow, The Great Shelby Holmes, and an arc of her newest novel Just Another Girl (which is also signed)!

Giveaway Details:

One winner will receive the books listed above. Open to US only. Entrants must be 13+ with parents' permission. Giveaway is open until 12 AM CST March 15. Please enter via Rafflecopter below; winner will be chosen at random, and odds are determined by number of entries. I reserve the right to disqualify any entries that are not in accordance with my giveaway policies as stated in the Review & Site Policies tab at the top of the page. Good luck!

A post shared by Mary H (@knoxdiver) on Mar 7, 2017 at 8:41am PST

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Blog Tour: Salt & Stone by Victoria Scott

Rating: 4 stars

Pub Date: February 24, 2015

Publisher: scholastic

Genre: young adult sci-fi, contemporary fantasy (at least, that's what I categorize it as!)

Format/Source: ARC, from the publisher

Status: Book 2 of the Fire & Flood series
Links: Fire & Flood review (also 4 stars)

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the blog tour, which was organized & hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. The full tour schedule can be found HERE.

Summary:

In Fire & Flood, Tella Holloway faced a dangerous trek through the jungle and across the desert, all to remain a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed for a chance at obtaining the Cure for her brother. She can't quit--she has to win the race, save Cody, and then fight to make sure the race stops before it can claim any more lives. In the next legs of the race, across the ocean and over mountains, Tella will face frostbite, sharks, avalanche, and twisted new rules in the race.

But what if the danger is deeper than that? How do you know who to trust when everyone's keeping secrets? What do you do when the person you'd relied on most suddenly isn't there for support? How do you weigh one life against another?

The race is coming to an end, and Tella is running out of time, resources, and strength. At the start of the race there were one hundred twenty-two Contenders. As Tella and her remaining friends start the final part of the race, just forty-one are left--and only one can win.

Waiting on Wednesday: Salt & Stone by Victoria Scott

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

Salt & Stone
Fire & Flood #2

by Victoria Scott

Coming February 4, 2015

Scholastic Press

Summary:

What would you do to save someone you love?

In FIRE & FLOOD, Tella Holloway faced a dangerous trek through the jungle and across the desert, all to remain a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed for a chance at obtaining the Cure for her brother. She can't quit--she has to win the race, save Cody, and then fight to make sure the race stops before it can claim any more lives. In the next legs of the race, across the ocean and over mountains, Tella will face frostbite, sharks, avalanche, and twisted new rules in the race.

But what if the danger is deeper than that? How do you know who to trust when everyone's keeping secrets? What do you do when the person you'd relied on most suddenly isn't there for support? How do you weigh one life against another?

The race is coming to an end, and Tella is running out of time, resources, and strength. At the start of the race there were one hundred twenty-two Contenders. As Tella and her remaining friends start the final part of the race, just forty-one are left--and only one can win.

Why I Want It:

Crap is getting REAL in the Brimstone Bleed, and also Guy Guy Guy Guy Guy! Mkay? Great! But srsly, I love that Tella loves her brother and wants to help him. I'm really intrigued not just by what's going on in the race but also by the world Tori is building. There's some crazy conspiracy that's about to blow up, and I can't wait to get the details!

Why I think you should want it:

One thing I get tired of in YA is too-perfect heroines. A lot of people find Tella unlikable and shallow, but I found her to be flawed and REAL. If you're looking for a character who starts out not being a badass but works at becoming one, then this series is for you. Also, Tori is a wonderful, wonderful person, and if you don't know her, you should. She's the best! You can check out my full review here for more reasons why this book worked for me.

Have you read Fire & Flood yet? Are you also waiting on Salt & Stone? Share your thoughts & your WoW picks/links in the comments!

Review + Giveaway: In the Shadows by Kiersten White & Jim di Bartolo

Rating: 5 stars

Pub Date: April 29, 2014

Publisher: Scholastic

Genre: young adult historical paranormal

Format/Source: drc, Netgalley/hardcover, gift

Status: standalone

Summary:

Cora and Minnie are sisters living in a small, stifling town where strange and mysterious things occur. Their mother runs the local boarding house. Their father is gone. The woman up the hill may or may not be a witch.

Thomas and Charles are brothers who’ve been exiled to the boarding house so Thomas can tame his ways and Charles can fight an illness that is killing him with increasing speed. Their family history is one of sorrow and guilt. They think they can escape from it . . . but they can’t.

Waiting on Wednesday: All Fall Down by Ally Carter

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

All Fall Down
Embassy Row #1

by Ally Carter

Coming January 27, 2015

Scholastic

Summary:

Grace Blakely is absolutely certain of three things:

1. She is not crazy.
2. Her mother was murdered.
3. Someday she is going to find the killer and make him pay.

As certain as Grace is about these facts, nobody else believes her–so there’s no one she can completely trust. Not her grandfather, a powerful ambassador. Not her new friends, who all live on Embassy Row. Not Alexei, the Russian boy next door who is keeping an eye on Grace for reasons she neither likes nor understands.

Everybody wants Grace to put on a pretty dress and a pretty smile, blocking out all her unpretty thoughts. But they can’t control Grace–no more than Grace can control what she knows or what she needs to do.

Her past has come back to hunt her . . . and if she doesn’t stop it, Grace isn’t the only one who will get hurt. Because on Embassy Row, the countries of the world all stand like dominoes, and one wrong move can make them all fall down.

Since I first picked up a copy of I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You, Ally Carter has been one of my favorite authors. She's an automatic must-buy author for me, as evidenced by her presence in my hoarder's edition Top Ten Tuesday. Heck, Ally's books are a TTT staple here at Mary Had a Little Book Blog from best books about friendship to favorite setting (I chose favorite boarding school books) to my movie wish list and everything in between. 

 

I want All Fall Down because I know Ally is going to deliver a thrilling, imaginative, and unique story with an amazing flawed and relatable cast of characters, fantastic friends, and swoony romance. Rather than my typical WoW format of listing why I want this book and why you should too, I'll simply direct you to my review of United We Spy, the final book in the Gallagher Girls series, which is basically a nine-paragraph love letter to Ally and her books. 

 

I can not WAIT until this book is in my hands, AND I'm super excited because Ally is coming to Dallas for her All Fall Down tour! She'll be one of the guests for Irving Public Library's North Texas Teen Book Festival, which, as it happens, occurs days after my birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEEE!

What are you waiting on today? Feel free to share your picks and links in the comments!

Waiting on Wednesday: We Can Work It Out by Elizabeth Eulberg

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

We Can Work It Out
Lonely Hearts Club #2

byElizabeth Eulberg

Coming January 27, 2015

Point

Summary:

When Penny Lane started The Lonely Hearts Club, the goal was simple: to show that girls didn’t need to define themselves by how guys look at them, and didn’t have to value boyfriends over everything else. Penny thought she’d be an outcast for life…but then the club became far more popular than she ever imagined it would be.

But what happens when the girl who never thought she’d date a good guy suddenly finds herself dating a great one? She doesn’t need a boyfriend…but she wants it to work out with this particular boyfriend. And he wants it to work out with her.

Only, things keep getting in the way. Feelings keep getting hurt. Words keep getting misunderstood.

Penny Lane worked hard to declare her independence. Now she needs to figure out what to do with it — and how to balance what she wants with what everyone else wants. In We Can Work It Out, Elizabeth Eulberg returns to the world of her first novel, The Lonely Hearts Club, and gets to the heart of how hard relationships can be…and why they are sometimes worth all the drama and comedy they create.

Why I Want It:

Is it an Elizabeth Eulberg novel? Yes? I want it. End of story. But is it a sequel? Yes? To The Lonely Hearts Club?!

Why I think you should want it:

The first reason I ever picked up The Lonely Hearts Club is because of its darling title and cover. I saw it across a Barnes & Noble and fell in love. The premise had me hooked! So naturally, I took myself across the street and bought it at Borders (#neverforget). And thus started my love affair with Elizabeth Eulberg's books. In 2012, months before I started blogging, Elizabeth was one of the first authors I ever met at a signing, and she was so incredibly lovely. Seriously, SO NICE. But it's because of her sweet and fun novels that I even went to that signing. All of Elizabeth's novels explore some interesting facet of romance, and The Lonely Hearts Club explored the single ladies part. It's all about girls being empowered by their singledom, but then also learning to be okay with friends' relationships. It's about the balance between friendship maintenance and crushes and dates and boyfriends. I love that! We Can Work It Out promises to be full of the feels as it goes deeper into these themes (I am simultaneously anticipating and dreading the drama!)!

Bonus:

In April, I finally got to see Elizabeth again at TLA, and this time, I went prepared with extra books to be signed! One lucky winner will received a signed copy of The Lonely Hearts Club, the book that started it all! Open to US and Canada.

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Bonus WoW:

 

  

In addition to We Can Work It Out, Elizabeth also has three Lonely Hearts Club novellas out this year, starting with "A Hard Day's Night," out October 1! Can't wait!! (covers link to Goodreads)

What are you waiting on today? Feel free to share your picks and links in the comments!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Iron Trial by Holly Black & Cassandra Clare

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

The Iron Trial
Magisterium #1

by Holly Black & Cassandra Clare

Coming September 9, 2014

Scholastic Press

Summary:

From NEW YORK TIMES bestselling authors Holly Black and Cassandra Clare comes a riveting new series that defies what you think you know about the world of magic.

From two bestselling superstars, a dazzling and magical middle-grade collaboration centering on the students of the Magisterium, an academy for those with a propensity toward magic. In this first book, a new student comes to the Magisterium against his will -- is it because he is destined to be a powerful magician, or is the truth more twisted than that? It's a journey that will thrill you, surprise you, and make you wonder about the clear-cut distinction usually made between good and evil.

Why I want it:

Holly Black. Cassandra Clare. That is all.

Why I think you should want it:

II JUST SAID "that is all." Isn't that enough for you?! Ugh. Fine. But seriously, 1. Holly and Cassie are BFFEAEAEAETE (best friends for ever and ever and ever and ever the end), which means they must have had a BLAST writing this project. When authors have fun writing, it shows in their work. 2. Cassie and Holly also are both very talented and imaginative authors. Their worlds are intricate, sensory universes full of extraordinary characters in extraordinary places doing extraordinary tihngs. There's romance and adventure and humor and a veritable whirlpool of events that bring out all the feels both good and bad, fangirl-y and sad. 3. This is a middle grade, which is intriguing. It'll be interesting to see them take on both the constraints and freedoms middle grade presents (ie toning down that romance, there, Cassie. No DSAS or DSBS or DSCS. Dammit). 4. Holly & Cassie PLUS David Levithan & Scholastic. That really is all. Game over the end. David is one of the most talented editors at any publishing house. He's a writer so he has a wonderful eye for editing. Or maybe he's an editor so he has a wonderful eye when writing. Whatever it is, DL is super crazy talented, and I am just as excited about his involvement as I am for all the rest. You should be too. 

So what are you waiting on this week? Will you be picking up my choice in September? Share your thoughts & links kin the comments!

Review: Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg

Rating: 4 stars
Pub Date: February 25, 2014
Publisher: Point
Genre: young adult contemporary romance
Format/Source: DRC, Netgalley
Status: standalone

Summary:

For Macallan and Levi, it was friends at first sight. Everyone says guys and girls can’t be just friends, but these two are. They hang out after school, share tons of inside jokes, their families are super close, and Levi even starts dating one of Macallan’s friends. They are platonic and happy that way.

Eventually they realize they’re best friends — which wouldn’t be so bad if they didn’t keep getting in each other’s way. Guys won’t ask Macallan out because they think she’s with Levi, and Levi spends too much time joking around with Macallan, and maybe not enough time with his date. They can’t help but wonder . . . are they more than friends or are they better off without making it even more complicated?

From romantic comedy superstar Elizabeth Eulberg comes a fresh, fun examination of a question for the ages: Can guys and girls ever really be just friends? Or are they always one fight away from not speaking again — and one kiss away from true love?

Review: Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott

Rating: 4 stars

Pub Date: February 25, 2014

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Genre: young adult sci-fi, contemporary fantasy

Format/Source: ARC, from the publisher

Status: Book 1 of the Fire & Flood series

Summary:

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She's lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying—and she's helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.

The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can't trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place?

Waiting on Wednesday: Fire & Flood

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

Fire & Flood

by Victoria Scott

Coming February 25, 2014

Scholastic Press

Summary:

A modern day thrill ride, where a teen girl and her animal companion must participate in a breathtaking race to save her brother's life—and her own.

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She's lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying—and she's helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.

The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can't trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place?

Why I want it:

Brag time: Tori lives in Dallas, like me, and I love her. I see her at events around town a lot, and she's SO much fun to be around. In addition, the Dante Walker series is a sharply written masterpiece. I was rolling on the floor (well, my bed) with laughter while simultaneously wanting to rip Dante's clothes off and slap his stupid (and stupidly handsome) face. I'm always drawn to authors who can evoke really strong emotions out of me, and Tori is most certainly one such author. Additionally, as part of the VMafia, Tori's street team, I've been posting Fire & Flood teasers for months, and I just want this book NOW, dangit! Each local book even I go to, Tori's there with some new tidbit from this book, and I am saturated with want. Oh, and one time I actually got to hold an ARC for all of 10 seconds, and I thought I would cry when I had to give it back.


Disclaimer due to confusion in the comments: I DO NOT OWN THIS ARC. I was allowed to take this picture (I didn't even get to look inside) before I had to, regrettably, give it back. Your congratulations are kindly misplaced, much to my chagrin. I KNEW I should have fleeced Tori for this copy! Or just quickly run out of Barnes & Noble with it in my hand. You don't think she would have called security on me, do you? Dangit. Totally should have tried....and then blamed it on Dante (see below).

Srsly, just long enough to take the picture

Why I think you should want it:

BECAUSE REASONS. Honestly, Tori's writing is full of wit and sass and snappy banter and sexy red-converse-wearing henchmen-to-the-devil, but it's so much more than that. Her characters have so much depth and vitality to them. I honestly feel like they're real people. Sometimes, when I feel like doing something not nice like yell at an internet troll or flip someone off on the interstate or punch someone in the face, I honestly feel like it's Dante encouraging me to do it. #Dantemademedoit should totally be a thing. But really, there's an amazing emotional range present for both the characters and the reader. I'll talk about it in my upcoming review, but Tori also includes so much pop culture in her books that I feel they would be well-deserving of a place in a time capsule meant for the preservation of our current society. Also, boys. Dante is HOT, and if what I'm hearing about Fire & Flood is true, the new boys are just as delicious. So there you have it: humor, feels, and boys. 

Do you seriously NEED another reason? Really?! Well, aren't we greedy today. Okay, okay. Go under the cut and enter my giveaway for some lovely prizes signed by Tori, and in the meantime, feel free to share your WoW links.


PS If you want to win a Fire & Flood arc, I'm afraid I don't have a copy of that. But Scholastic does! They're giving away TWENTY arcs on Goodreads! Contest is open through January 3.

Review: Awaken by Meg Cabot

Rating: 4/5 stars
Pub Date: July 2,2013
Publisher: Point (A Scholastic imprint)
Genre: young adult, paranormal romance, mythology (Greek)
Format/Source: ARC from the publisher
Status: Book 3 of the Abandon trilogy

Summary: 
Death has her in his clutches. She doesn’t want him to let go.

Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera knew by accepting the love of John Hayden, she’d be forced to live forever in the one place she’s always dreaded most: the Underworld. The sacrifice seemed worth it, though, because it meant she could be with the boy she loves.

But now her happiness — and safety — are threatened, all because the Furies have discovered that John has broken one of their strictest rules: He revived a human soul.

If the balance between life and death isn’t fixed, both the Underworld and Pierce’s home back on earth will be wiped away. But there’s only one way to restore order. Someone has to die.

Review:

Disclaimer: I received this arc from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

When the good publicists at Scholastic offered me a copy of Awaken at TLA, I'm pretty sure I blacked out for a moment in a fit of pure fangirliness because I totally love this series. Meg Cabot is one of those authors whose books I preorder the moment the links go up, and I'm very rarely disappointed in her work. Meg's writing is kind of like the same voice as the voice in my head so her writing is very compatible with me. PLUS, she's always giving me, the superfan, what I want. For instance, sequels to her lovely Mediator and Insatiable series. Woohoo! Two years ago, I fell in love with Pierce and John in Abandon, last year I bought Underworld and it was one of the few books that was allowed to journey with me from Tennessee to Texas, and now, I had an early copy of Awaken AND I just found out that Meg Cabot follows me on Twitter. WHAT?!

*dies*

Okay, fangirly moment over. Back to Awaken, which picks up only a short time after Underworld. Pierce and John are back down under...and they're not alone. I will elaborate under the cut for the sake of anyone who has not read the first two novels. To you people, I say, "GO READ THEM NOW." Ahem.

Review: Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality by Elizabeth Eulberg

Rating: 5 stars
Pub Date: March 1, 2013
Publisher: Point (an imprint of Scholastic)
Genre: contemporary young adult, chick lit, humor
Format/Source: Hardcover, my own copy
Status: Standalone novel (a rarity!)

Summary:

Don't mess with a girl with a great personality!

Everybody loves Lexi. She's popular, smart, funny...but she's never been one of those girls, the pretty ones who get all the attention from guys. And on top of that, her seven-year-old sister, Mackenzie, is a terror in a tiara, and part of a pageant scene where she gets praised for her beauty (with the help of fake hair and tons of makeup).

Lexi's sick of it. She's sick of being the girl who hears about kisses instead of getting them. She's sick of being ignored by her longtime crush, Logan. She's sick of being taken for granted by her pageant-obsessed mom. And she's sick of having all her family's money wasted on a phony pursuit of perfection.

The time has come for Lexi to step out from the sidelines. Girls without great personalities aren't going to know what hit them. Because Lexi's going to play the beauty game - and she's in it to win it.

Review:

If I could give Elizabeth Eulberg more than 5 stars for this masterpiece, I would. I fell in love with Elizabeth's writing when I stumbled upon The Lonely Hearts Club two years ago, and it's been a steady love ever since with solid stories from Prom & Prejudice and Take a Bow, but I think Revenge is the book that proves how savvy and brilliant a writer she really is.