Itching for Books: Friendship

Showing posts with label Friendship. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

CAN'T WAIT TO READ: The Resolutions by Mia Garcia

Release date: November 13th 2018
Publisher: HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Books
Pre-order: Amazon

Synopsis via Goodreads:

New Years are for fresh starts, but Jess just wants everything to go back to the way it was.

From hiking trips, to four-person birthday parties, to never-ending group texts, Jess, Lee, Ryan, and Nora have always been inseparable—and unstoppable. But now, with senior year on the horizon, they’ve been splintering off and growing apart. And so, as always, Jess makes a plan.

Reinstating their usual tradition of making resolutions together on New Year’s Eve, Jess adds a new twist: instead of making their own resolutions, the four friends assign them for each other—dares like kiss someone you know is wrong for you, show your paintings, learn Spanish, say yes to everything.

But not even the best laid plans can take into account the uncertainties of life. As the year unfolds, Jess, Ryan, Nora, and Lee each test the bonds that hold them together. And amid first loves, heart breaks, and life-changing decisions, beginning again is never as simple as it seems.

About the Author

Mia García was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, but now lives in New York under a pile of to-be-read books. Mia earned her MFA from the New School. She is the author of Even If the Sky Falls.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

Friday, September 2, 2016

Review: The Cabin by Natasha Preston

Release date: September 6th 2016
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Purchase: Amazon

Synopsis via Goodreads:

There may only be one killer, but no one is innocent in this new thriller from Natasha Preston, author of The Cellar and Awake.

When Mackenzie treks to a secluded cabin in the woods with six friends, she expects a fun weekend of partying, drinking, and hookups. But when they wake to find two of their own dead and covered in blood, it's clear there's a killer among them.

As the police try to unravel the case, Mackenzie launches her own investigation. Before long secrets start to emerge, revealing a sinister web of sins among the original seven friends. The killer is still free. Every one of them is a suspect. And Mackenzie starts to realize that no one is innocent…

*Publisher approved request via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

What would you do if you went away with some friends and two of them ended up murdered? The doors are locked and there's no sign of forced entry. Would you maintain that trust in the friends that survived, or would you suspect them?

I kept asking myself this for the most part of the story. I honestly wanted to give each character the benefit of the doubt and consider the fact that maybe someone else with a key came in while they were all wiped out from drinking and killed their friends. I even went as far as to suspect Blake's mother. She was a strange one. But the more I got to uncover about each "friend", the more I realize that none of them were innocent, as indicated in the blurb. They all had a reason, but the question was, which had it in them to actually commit murder.

The Cabin started out pretty interesting and I liked how it was a murder mystery involving friends; the fact that it tested friendships and how well you thought you knew someone. However, I did have some issues throughout. One of the major things that threw me was Blake's personality. I get that some people have different ways of dealing with grief and other hurtful things in their lives, but I found his behavior and the things he'd say a tad inappropriate in various scenes. Mackenzie got caught up in it at times too, and one scene in particular that turned me off was the way they were acting when another murder occurred. They were basically flirting with each other right after getting the terrible news and it just didn't seem... realistic. I mean, who thinks about sex or makes jokes after hearing about a murder? That didn't make any sense to me. And that happened a lot throughout the book, which is the main reason why the story fell short for me. When it comes to this genre, I like a more serious, dark, and suspenseful theme with a little bit of light outside of serious moments, but instead it seemed like this one was mostly straddling the edge of humor.

The ending was also crazy and even though I'd suspected that friend was the killer, I never anticipated it would play out in such a way. Overall, interesting plot and nice writing. And I am curious as to what will happen in the next book because surely there will be a follow-up after that cliffhanger.

About the Author

UK native Natasha Preston grew up in small villages and towns. She discovered her love of writing when she shared a story online—and hasn’t looked back since. She enjoys writing romance, thrillers, gritty YA, and the occasional serial killer.

www.natashapreston.com

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

CAN'T WAIT TO READ: This Adventure Ends by Emma Mills

Release date: October 4th 2016
Publisher: Henry Holt & Co.
Purchase: Amazon

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Sloane isn't expecting to fall in with a group of friends when she moves from New York to Florida—especially not a group of friends so intense, so in love, so all-consuming. Yet that's exactly what happens.

Sloane becomes closest to Vera, a social-media star who lights up any room, and Gabe, Vera's twin brother and the most serious person Sloane's ever met. When a beloved painting by the twins' late mother goes missing, Sloane takes on the responsibility of tracking it down, a journey that takes her across state lines—and ever deeper into the twins' lives.

Filled with intense and important friendships, a wonderful warts-and-all family, shiveringly good romantic developments, and sharp, witty dialogue, this story is about finding the people you never knew you needed.

About the Author

Emma Mills, better known to her subscribers as vlogger Elmify, is the author of First & Then. She is also co-creator and co-host of the "life skills" YouTube channel How to Adult. Emma lives in Indianapolis.

twitter.com/elmify

youtube.com/user/elmify

Friday, December 4, 2015

Review: Rolling in the Deep by Rebecca Rogers Maher

Release date: November 10th 2015
Publisher: Loveswept
Purchase: Amazon

Synopsis via Goodreads:

In this raw, moving novel for readers of Jill Shalvis, Molly O’Keefe, and Karina Halle, two kindred spirits share a winning lottery ticket—and discover what it really means to get lucky.

Holly Ward is stretched to the breaking point, raising her young son alone and working long hours for minimum wage at a local superstore. Sure, she’s noticed the new guy with the easy grin and warm brown eyes, but she’s learned the hard way that relationships aren’t worth the pain. Still, when he invites her to split a lottery ticket, she figures a little innocent fun couldn’t hurt. The last thing she expects is to score big, which is exactly what happens . . . in more ways than one.

From the moment he meets Holly, Ray Lopez is drawn to her quiet dignity and openhearted beauty. And when they hit the jackpot together, he’s thrilled that the single mom can give her kid a better life. The only problem is the chaos surrounding them: lawyers and reporters swarming, friends and family angling to get their cut. In all the chaos, Ray discovers an oasis of calm and passion in Holly. But with the stakes higher than ever, winning her trust could cost him everything.

*Publisher approved request via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rolling in the Deep was a sweet surprise. I went in not expecting anything because this is my first time reading Maher, and I ended up liking the story and characters a lot.

I loved that neither were perfect and had a lot of issues in their individual lives. Holly was a divorced, single mother working hard to provide for her son and prove to her ex that she was capable of taking care of her son and herself. It was tough for her, especially since her ex-husband was a jerk who basically continued to verbally abuse her even after their divorce. He married a fortunate woman and rubbed it in Holly's face because they could take her son on fancy trips and give him expensive things. Holly felt bad that she couldn't do the same for her son, but I liked how he was happy with what his mother did provide him: love. Holly's son was perfectly fine in their tiny apartment and with the simple things they had. Even if Holly didn't get lucky and win the lotto, her son would still remain happy with just what they had.

Ray was such a sweetheart to Holly. I loved that his character was diverse too. Ray was trying to keep a promise to his deceased mother and make her proud, while trying to figure out just what his next step in life should be. I felt like him and Holly were perfect for each other because they motivated and encouraged each other when both characters would feel less than enough on their own. Ray treated Holly with the love and respect that she deserved and never got from her ex. He made her feel like she should be treasured, and he showed her that she was a great woman when she doubted herself. I wish Holly could have seen those things on her own and be stronger whenever she faced her ex, but thankfully, she had Ray and her friend to shake her out of the pity party and brought out the tougher side of Holly.

I loved the romance aspect just as much as I loved the other relationships the characters had outside of each other. Ray and his brother had a wonderful bond, and Holly and her best friend were great portrayals of how friends should be. It was good for the two to have people like them in their lives, they helped them see the bigger picture and not feel so guilty about winning the lotto in spite of thinking they weren't more deserving than other people who tried. I liked how Ray took care of his brother and treated him and his daughters to nice things after winning, and I liked Holly's friendship didn't change because of her sudden wealth.

There are other nice things about the story that made me like it that much. The fact that these two flawed characters found happiness with each other as well as being given the opportunity to live better lives tops the list of what makes this book interesting. The writing was also wonderful, clear and to the point, and it contributed to how fast-paced the story was for me. The only issue I had was with Holly not being strong enough throughout and waiting so long to finally take a stand against that douche bag ex of hers. But overall, great plot with intriguing characters. I recommend!

About the Author

Rebecca Rogers Maher writes realistic stories that push the boundaries of contemporary romance—uniting the genre’s love scenes and happy endings with the crisp, layered prose of literary fiction. In past lives, she’s been a teenage metalhead, a cleaner of lab rat cages, a community organizer and an urban schoolteacher. Her recent work includes The Bridge, Hurricane Lily, Snowbound with a Stranger and forthcoming novels from Loveswept and Brain Mill Press.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Friday, November 20, 2015

Review: All the Major Constellations by Pratima Cranse

Release date: November 10th 2015
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Purchase: Amazon

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Laura Lettel is the most beautiful girl in the world. . . and Andrew’s not-so-secret infatuation.

Now he’s leaving high school behind and looking ahead to a fresh start at college and distance from his obsessive crush. But when a terrible accident leaves him without the companionship of his two best friends, Andrew is cast adrift and alone—until Laura unexpectedly offers him comfort, friendship, and the support of a youth group of true believers, fundamentalist Christians with problems and secrets of their own. Andrew is curiously drawn to their consuming beliefs, but why? Is it only to get closer to Laura? And is Laura genuinely interested in Andrew, or is she just trying to convert him?

This provocative and compelling debut novel will resonate deeply with readers as it explores questions of identity, sexuality, and spirituality.

*Received a finished copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The story started out intriguing. I was curious about this Laura and why Andrew was so fascinated with her. I wanted to understand her religion as well and see what her faith was really like, especially since the blurb indicated they had issues of their own.

First of all, there was a lot going on in this story. From Andrew's tumultuous family, to him figuring out what to do with his feelings for Laura and what to do with his life. But most of all, that terrible event that led to one of his best friends, Sara, being in a coma. It was quite sad what happened her, and I wish the author had allowed us more time in getting to know her. As for Marcia, she seemed so much more mature than Andrew, and I commend her for stepping up the way she did to lend a hand to Sara's mom. That's some friendship.

Now in the case of Andrew, I didn't connect with his character and was often displeased with the way he was. I could understand his situation, in that he was mistreated at home and one of the two people in his life who had always been there for him was on the verge of leaving him forever. But often time it was as if he didn't consider what his friends were going through, he mostly just thought about his own issues and his crush on Laura. And things started to complicate for him even more after receiving an invite, so to speak, from Laura and he got involved in her group for the wrong reasons. I liked that he sort of developed a slightly different perspective about faith, and also about each person in Laura's circle, but he still came off a tad immature toward the end of the story and I wasn't a fan of his actions with Karen and John. There were certain things that weren't necessary and I felt confused about them, but no more confused than Andrew, it seemed, and John. Poor John. I wish we'd gotten more in regards to what he was going through and how his situation turned out in the end.

In spite of a few issues here and there, including me not connecting so much with the characters, it still was an interesting story. I did like the writing style and the book was a quick read. Just that it didn't deliver a certain depth that I wanted, and it certainly had the potential to do that. Still, not a bad story.

About the Author

Pratima Cranse was born and raised in Vermont. She now lives in New Hampshire with her husband, daughter, and their two magnificent cats. When she’s not writing, Pratima enjoys jogging very slowly (some might call it shuffling) and spending time with her family.

www.pratimacranse.com | FACEBOOK

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Review: Catch a Falling Star by Kim Culbertson

Release date: April 29th 2014
Publisher: Point
Purchase: Amazon

Synopsis via Goodreads:

A deliciously charming novel about finding true love . . . and yourself.

Nothing ever happens in Little, CA. Which is just the way Carter Moon likes it. But when Hollywood arrives to film a movie starring former child star turned PR mess Adam Jakes, everything changes. Carter's town becomes a giant glittery set and, much to her annoyance, everyone is starry-eyed for Adam. Carter seems to be the only girl not falling all over herself to get a glimpse of him. Which apparently makes her perfect for the secret offer of a lifetime: playing the role of Adam's girlfriend while he's in town, to improve his public image, in exchange for a hefty paycheck. Her family really needs the money and so Carters agrees.

But it turns out Adam isn't at all who she thought he was. As they grow closer, their relationship walks a blurry line between what's real and what's fake, and Carter must open her eyes to the scariest of unexplored worlds - her future. Can Carter figure out what she wants out of life AND get the guy? Or are there no Hollywood endings in real life?

*Publisher approved request via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Catch a Falling Star had an interesting premise. I liked the concept of Hollywood going to an unpopular location to film, and the idea of a famous guy falling for a regular girl. It's a cute story with some sweet moments, along with some scenes that made me cringe.

Carter was a likable character. She was a young girl coming into her own, but with the troubles of her brother and not believing in herself enough, she made the decision to remain in her small town instead of going after her dreams. And I like that her parents finally had that talk with her and made her open her eyes.

As for Adam Jakes, he was swoon-worthy. A misunderstood guy. We all know that tabloids fabricate stories so I was a little surprised that Carter, along with her friends, bought so much into his supposedly "bad-boy issues."

Speaking of friends, I honestly thought Alien Drake (I did not like that nickname) was jealous of Adam and Carter. He just seemed kind of off, then again any boyfriend would be upset with the way his girlfriend, Carter's other best friend, would go all fangirl over Adam. Chloe was a lot. I wanted to smack her at times and tell her to chill because of the way she was around Adam. No wonder he was a tad put off when she brought out the magazine with him and Carter on the cover. Like relax girl.

Anyway, in spite of those few things, it was a good read with fluid writing. Loved the summer setting and the way things worked out for the characters in the end. Cute story.

About the Author

Kim Culbertson is the author of the teen novels THE POSSIBILITY OF NOW (Scholastic 2016), CATCH A FALLING STAR (Scholastic 2014), INSTRUCTIONS FOR A BROKEN HEART (Sourcebooks 2011), and SONGS FOR A TEENAGE NOMAD (Sourcebooks 2010).

When she’s not writing for teens, she’s teaching them. She’s a college advisor and teaches creative writing at Forest Charter School. Kim wrote her eBook novella The Liberation of Max McTrue for her students who, over the years, have taught her much more than she has taught them. Kim lives in the Northern California foothills with her husband and daughter.

www.kimculbertson.com | twitter.com/kculbertson

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Review: The Clique by Valerie Thomas

Release date: October 31st 2014
Purchase: Amazon

Synopsis via Goodreads:

The Clique is the story of Audrey Hughes, and the attempt of a boy to win her over by bringing her down. Manipulating her friends, poisoning her relationships, and tearing at her family; Devon will stop at nothing to get what he wants. But Audrey isn’t so easily ruined. She fights for her friends, pulling closer even when they would push her away.

*Approved via Netgalley

The Clique was an okay read. The story depicts how friends cope with alleged betrayal among other things. But while it had great potential, I wasn't all the way there for me.

Character-wise, I didn't really connect with anyone, and there were some things that kind of bugged me. For instance, I feel like their friendship wasn't all that great to begin with because of the stuff they'd think or say behind each other's backs. Audrey came off as the goody-goody but I honestly liked her character more. As for Katie, she was always trying to do what Audrey would do, or think like her friend. She was so quick to believe the lies and turn her back on her best friend. And I feel as if the animosity and jealousy was always there, so I wasn't all that surprised by her reaction.

In regards to Maggie, she was just the same. So easily manipulated, and her reasons for working with the enemy were just shallow and selfish. I couldn't sympathize with her at all.

Overall, it was a good read with easy and fast-paced writing. However, I felt that the blurb shouldn't have made the story seem like it was all about Audrey and the guy that liked her, because the majority of the first half was about her friends and their individual issues. Regardless, I liked it for the most part.

About the Author

Valerie Thomas is a twenty-one-year-old author of Young Adult fiction. She started writing immediately after high school, setting novels in the culture she was already familiar with. The Clique is her first novel, set in a fictionalized version of the city where she grew up.

valeriethomasblog.wordpress.com | twitter.com/vtothetom

Friday, May 16, 2014

Review: Now & Forever by Susane Colasanti

Release date: May 20th 2014
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Purchase: Amazon

Synopsis via Goodreads:

What if your boyfriend was the world's biggest rockstar?

Sterling is crazy in love with Ethan. Not only is he the sweetest boy she's ever met, but he's an incredibly talented guitarist, singer, and songwriter. And since forever, he's believed he has what it takes to be a star.

When Ethan becomes an overnight sensation, he's thrown head-first into the glam world of celebrity-and so is Sterling. Before she knows it, she's attending red-carpet premieres, getting free designer clothes, and flying around the country to attend Ethan's monumental sold-out concerts.

It's a dream come true...but whose dream is Sterling living? And what do you do when "forever" comes to an end?

*Received finished hardcover from the publisher in exchange of an honest review.

This was my first Susane Colasanti book and I have to say I was expecting more, based on some of the positive feedback from her previous books. At first, I was like this:

Cause it's Susane Colasanti and it's YA contemporary and I love stories about young love and people turning into global music sensations. Then my excitement sort of went down by page.

Now & Forever had its moments, and then there were times I felt it was lacking in a sense. I liked the premise of a teen boy realizing his dream and becoming a big pop star, as well as a young relationship trying to make it through that. However, I just didn't like the male character enough to care about their love. I know, that's sad, but it's how I felt throughout the book.

Sterling (liked the name) was a likable one, though her obsession to fix typos had bugged me a tad sometimes. Thankfully from the middle on it sort of simmered because that was putting me off her. Once that was drowned out, I liked her more. She had dreams just like Ethan did and she wasn't going after them or taking the time to discover herself, instead she was putting her life on hold for him. Throughout the story it was all about Ethan and how she'd be perceived by magazines and his over-the-top fans. When she meets another guy, Damien, and they develop this wonderful friendship. I liked Damien from start. He pulled me in the way Ethan couldn't. And I was anticipating the end of Sterling's played out relationship with a guy who obviously had changed (actually to me, he was like that from start but everyone just failed to see) just so she could start something even greater with Damien. While the ending didn't go exactly like that, it sure was sweet anyway.

As for other characters, I didn't really care for them. Georgia was a cool friend until the stress of Ethan's fame took a hold on her friendship with Sterling. And Grams was awesome. So sad what happened to her. That's about where my interest ended in regards to secondary characters though. None were very much impactful.

In the end, it wasn't a bad read; It had a good pacing, nailed the world of music and touring, and what sudden fame can do to a young relationship. And I liked how Sterling had an awakening (though it took something to actually happen for her to wake up) and started to think more about herself and not make her life revolve around Ethan anymore. That epitome was a great addition because at one point I wanted to shake her. My issue is that while there was so much potential, I didn't get the fireworks. It's not about me being older than the characters either because I love YA and especially contemporary, it's just that there were things that rubbed me the wrong way.

Friday, May 9, 2014

BOOK BLITZ~My Best Friend, Maybe by Caela Carter

The My Best Friend, Maybe Release Blitz has ended. This is a YA Contemporary with realistic themes. See details below:

Release date: June 3rd 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Purchase: Amazon

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Colette has been bored and lonely ever since her best friend, Sadie, dumped her the summer before they stared high school. She tries to be perfect for everyone left in her life: her parents, her younger brothers, her church youth group, even her boyfriend, Mark. But Colette is restless. And she misses Sadie.

When Sadie tells Colette that she needs her old friend to join her on a family vacation to the Greek Islands, one that leaves in only a few days, Colette is shocked to hear their old magic word: need. And she finds herself agreeing.

Colette tries to relax and enjoy her Grecian surroundings but it’s not easy to go on vacation with the person who hurt you most in the world. When the reason for the trip finally surfaces, Colette finds out this is not only a fun vacation. Sadie has kept an enormous secret from Colette for years...forever. It’s a summer full of surprises, but that might be what Colette needs.

About the Author

Caela Carter was raised in Basking Ridge, NJ and Baltimore, MD. She's been writing since she learned how to pick up a pen but before the writing thing got serious she spent six years teaching English to middle and high school students in Jacksonville, FL and Chicago, IL. Her debut novel, ME, HIM, THEM AND IT will be published in 2013 by Bloomsbury. When she's not writing, Caela is a middle school librarian in Harlem, a Notre Dame football enthusiast, and a happy explorer in New York City.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

June 2nd -

Lost in Literature
Confesisons of a Y.A. and N.A. Book Addict
The Phantom Paragrapher
Symphony of Words
The Cover Contessa
Suzy Turner, YA Author
Booker Like a Hooker
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June 3rd -
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Rockin' Book Reviews
Me, Bookshelf and I
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A Book Addict's Bookshelves
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June 4th -

Bitches n Prose
Emma Michaels
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June 5th -

Studio Reads
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Wednesday, February 19, 2014

BLOG TOUR~Road to Somewhere by Kelley Lynn & Jenny S. Morris

The Road to Somewhere blog tour has ended!

Release date: March 11th 2014

Publisher: Bloomsbury Spark
Purchase: Amazon

Synopsis via Goodreads:

New! From Bloomsbury Spark, a sunny heartwarming story of discovery and sisterhood.

A road trip. A singing competition. And super-hot cowboys.

What could be better?

For Charlie, a post-high school road trip isn't just a vacation, it's life changing. While her parents think she's helping a friend move, a chance at fame is the real reason to grab her best friends and drive to L.A. But when her super annoying, uber-responsible, younger sister, Lucy, has to tag along, it isn't quite the summer of fun she imagined.

Add in a detour to her grandparents' ranch in Texas, and between mucking the stalls, down-home cookin’, and drool worthy ranch hands, this could just turn into the best, and most complicated, summer of their lives.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Kelley Lynn was born and raised a Midwestern girl. She’s not afraid to sweat and fills her free time with softball, soccer and volleyball. (Though you probably don’t want her on your volleyball team.) She occasionally makes guest appearances as a female vocalist for area bands. Music plays a large role in her writing process as well as the characters and plot lines within her stories.

getbetweenthebookends.blogspot.com | twitter.com/KelleyLynn1

Jenny S. Morris is a YA author who loves all things geek, may have a Kdrama addiction, and prefers the rainy NW to any place she's ever lived. Road to Somewhere is her debut novel.

jennysimaginaryworld.blogspot.com | twitter.com/jennysmorris

NOTE: Please do not post any negative reviews, below 3 stars, that is hurtful to the author and affects the promotional aspect of the tour. Post the blurb and giveaway instead, or send me an email if you'd like to back out. Please do not sign-up then abandon your post. The authors are counting on your. Thank you for your support!