Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Empty Cup - Suzanne Costigan

ABOUT EMPTY CUP

Title: Empty Cup

Publication date: November 3, 2014

Publisher: Rebelight Publishing Inc.

Author: Suzanne Costigan

Mom’s new boyfriend is creepy.

On the night of her seventeenth birthday, Raven finds out he isn’t just creepy, he’s dangerous. He leaves Raven broken and bleeding, but Mom blames her for what happened. She kicks Raven out of the house with nothing but a blanket to protect her from a frigid winter night.

Alone.

Devastated.

Abandoned.

As Raven struggles with the aftermath of the ultimate betrayal, she seeks solace in her imagination and a teacher who seems to understand her situation. She ultimately discovers that her world won’t change if she relies upon someone else to do it. Real change begins within.

“…Sure to prompt reflection and provocative discussions on important issues.”

-Allan Stratton, author of Leslie’s Journal

“Not an easy story, but an important one. Compelling, powerful, and engaging.”

-Eric Walters, author of Power Play.

ABOUT SUZANNE COSTIGAN:

Suzanne Costigan is a child welfare advocate, supporting high risk children in her home, and an active member of the Winnipeg writing community. Empty Cup is her first novel.

Connect with the Author:  Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

I received a copy of this book for review. This does not effect my review in any way. 

Thank you to Rebelight Publishing, Suzanne Costigan, and Chapter by Chapter for the opportunity to read this. 

Suzanne does an amazing job showing us Ravens world through her eyes. Raven is knocked down to the lowest point she has even been. Her mom kicks her out after a terrifying event. Suzanne was able to catch my attention and kept me turning the pages until the very end. 

A heartbreaking, and heroic story. Just when you think things couldn't get worse, things 

turn for Raven. This one is hard but worth the read. 

4 WONDERFULLY deserved Coffee Cups

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Review: Boomerang | Noelle August

Boomerang (Boomerang #1)
by Noelle August
Published July 8th 2014 
by William Morrow Paperbacks

Goodreads Summary:

Welcome to Boomerang.com, the dating site for the millennial gen with its no-fuss, no-commitments matchups, and where work is steamier than any random hook-up.

Mia Galliano is an aspiring filmmaker. Ethan Vance has just played his last game as a collegiate soccer star. They’re sharp, hungry for success, and they share a secret.

Last night, Ethan and Mia met at a bar, and, well . . . one thing led to another, which led to them waking up the next morning—together. Things turned awkward in a hurry when they found themselves sharing a post hookup taxi . . . to the same place: Boomerang headquarters.

What began as a powerful connection between them is treated to a cold shower courtesy of two major complications. First, Boomerang has a strict policy against co-worker dating. And second, they’re now competitors for only one job at the end of summer.
As their internships come to an end, will they manage to keep their eyes on the future and their hands off each other, or will the pull of attraction put them right back where they started?

Add to Goodreads

Buy it Now: Amazon

I really enjoyed this book! I was aware of it when it came out but it stayed off my radar until the second book was announced. I'm not a huge New Adult reader but this book is an exception to that! 

There is immediate conflict between Ethan and Mia when they both realize they are going to the same place after a night they can't really remember and don't want to forget! Hot and steamy from the very beginning. 

The chemistry between these two is undeniable, even though they try their best to avoid it. 

When they are advised that they have to go on dates with members of the site themselves, things change dramatically. Sabotage, betrayal, and jealousy come quickly. Leaving lasting marks.

You'll find yourself pulling for Mia and Ethan. Hoping that they can come to some compromise and be together! 

I'm excited for the second book in the Boomerang series! Look for my review of Rebound on 3/2 on the blog!

Finished 12/29/14

Review: Jackaby | William Ritter

Jackaby (Jackaby #1)
by William Ritter
Published September 16th 2014 
by Algonquin Young Readers

Goodreads Summary:

“Miss Rook, I am not an occultist,” Jackaby said. “I have a gift that allows me to see truth where others see the illusion--and there are many illusions. All the world’s a stage, as they say, and I seem to have the only seat in the house with a view behind the curtain.”

Newly arrived in New Fiddleham, New England, 1892, and in need of a job, Abigail Rook meets R. F. Jackaby, an investigator of the unexplained with a keen eye for the extraordinary--including the ability to see supernatural beings. Abigail has a gift for noticing ordinary but important details, which makes her perfect for the position of Jackaby’s assistant. On her first day, Abigail finds herself in the midst of a thrilling case: A serial killer is on the loose. The police are convinced it’s an ordinary villain, but Jackaby is certain it’s a nonhuman creature, whose existence the police--with the exception of a handsome young detective named Charlie Cane--deny.

Doctor Who meets Sherlock in William Ritter’s debut novel, which features a detective of the paranormal as seen through the eyes of his adventurous and intelligent assistant in a tale brimming with cheeky humor and a dose of the macabre.

Add to Goodreads

Buy it Now: Amazon

The first reason that I even considered reading this book was because of the cover. I LOVE this cover. Then I looked it up on Goodreads, read the synopsis, saw some early reviews, then proceeded to add it to my TBR. I managed to get it at my local library and I'm SO glad I decided to read it. 

I have not seen Doctor Who or Sherlock (nor read anything about the characters either). I know, I know, I'm missing out. haha So I legitimately can't compare Jackaby to either of them. Whether they are similar or not, I loved Jackaby.

The humor and the way that he and Abigail interact left me laughing out loud on multiple occasions. Mix in some paranormal investigation and this book had me easily. I've never enjoyed anything "historical" that I've ever read. That says a lot considering this takes place in 1892. 

I am SO excited for book 2 now! 

Beastly Bones (Jackaby #2) Expected publication: September 22nd 2015 !! :) Please hurry September! 

4 Coffee Cups

Finished 1/3/15

ARC Review & Giveaway: My Heart and Other Black Holes | Jasmine Warga

My Heart and Other Black Holes
by Jasmine Warga
Expected publication: February 10th 2015 
by Balzer & Bray/Harperteen

Goodreads Summary:
Sixteen-year-old physics nerd Aysel is obsessed with plotting her own death. With a mother who can barely look at her without wincing, classmates who whisper behind her back, and a father whose violent crime rocked her small town, Aysel is ready to turn her potential energy into nothingness.


There's only one problem: she's not sure she has the courage to do it alone. But once she discovers a website with a section called Suicide Partners, Aysel's convinced she's found her solution—Roman, a teenage boy who's haunted by a family tragedy, is looking for a partner. Even though Aysel and Roman have nothing in common, they slowly start to fill in each other's broken lives. But as their suicide pact becomes more concrete, Aysel begins to question whether she really wants to go through with it. Ultimately, she must choose between wanting to die or trying to convince Roman to live so they can discover the potential of their energy together.

I'm admittedly a sucker for a sob story. Something that will make me feel something. MH&OBH did not disappoint. Even though I didn't physically cry, I felt something the entire time. I felt myself a little in both Aysel and Roman. Both dealing with their own tragedies they both seek out a "suicide partner" on a website. They both believe choosing to commit suicide together increases the chance that they will actually do it. 

Aysel is a nerd. No doubt. She equates much of the things in her life to a physics problem. 

Roman is the high school basketball superstar. At least at one time he was. 

While counting down to the decided date and location Aysel can't help but change her mind about committing this final act. She has to convince Roman to stay alive with her. 

Heartbreaking accounts of past situations that have led them to this point in their lives.

This story is all consuming, depressing, and written perfectly. Thank you for this story Jasmine <3

4 Coffee Cup Stars
Finished 12/29/2014

Giveaway

Rules:
~ US ONLY (sorry international friends)
~Winner will be chosen on January 31st and notified via email
~Winner will have 48 hours to respond with mailing address
~If no response is received, winner will forfeit their prize and a new winner will be drawn.
~Same time limit is place upon new winner

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Book Review & Giveaway | Andi Under Pressure | Amanda Flower

Andi Under Pressure

An Andi Boggs Novel

By Amanda Flower 

Published by Zondervan

Book Description

Twelve-year-old Andora ‘Andi’ Boggs and her new best friend Colin Carter couldn’t be more excited to attend the prestigious science camp at the local university in Killdeer, Ohio. Unfortunately, Discovery Camp’s curriculum appears to include much more than just chemistry and biology. From day one, the university is plagued by a series of pranks—missing markers, loose crickets, and stolen scales. Campus security blames the mysterious janitor Polk, but even though Andi agrees he’s acting suspicious, she can’t believe the gentle old man would do anything illegal. Then one prank goes too far and their chemistry professor is injured by an explosion in the lab, upping the stakes of the investigation. Andi and Colin must unravel the secrets behind the chemistry department and Polk’s dark past before danger closes the camp for good.

Product Details

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Series: An Andi Boggs Novel

Hardcover: 176 pages

Publisher: Zonderkidz (September 16, 2014)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0310737028

ISBN-13: 978-0310737025

I received this book for free from the Publisher (Zonderkidz) (through BookLookBloggers) for this review.

In the follow-up to Andi Unexpected, Andi Boggs is lucky enough to get into the prestigious science camp called Discovery Camp. From the start of camp mysterious things begin to happen, missing things and loose crickets. Andi decides she and her best friend, Colin, must investigate to find out who is causing these events. 

I did not read Andi Unexpected, however, getting into this book I was not confused and didn't feel like I HAD to read it first. Though, after reading this one I would love to go back and read the first one. 

This book was so light and cute. Andi is so curious and knows how to be sneaky, and what to say to get the information she wants. I would recommend this book for the age range of the characters (12 years old & up). It may be a little confusing for younger children. 

 4 Coffee Cup Stars
Finished November 14, 2014 

Giveaway

One Hardcover Copy of Andi Under Pressure
US Only 
( Sorry International fans. Enter my birthday giveaway!)
Winner will be chosen on November 21st 2014 and emailed.
Winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

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Blog Tour: Review | Lessons I Never Learned At Meadowbrook Academy | Liz Maccie

Lessons I Never Learned At Meadowbrook Academy
by Liz Maccie
Genre: Contemporary
Age Category: Young Adult
Release Date: November 4th 2014

Blurb:

"Liz Maccie's debut novel is as tough, optimistic, and beautiful as her heroine, Roberta Romano. Roberta's voice is heartfelt and funny. Her story is exceptionally moving and honest. I love this book and the hope it has for young women everywhere." —Stephen Chbosky, New York Times bestselling author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The most important lessons aren't learned in the classroom.

It’s the first day of sophomore year for Roberta Romano, but instead of the comfort of her local high school, she's been thrust into the elitist embrace of the affluent Meadowbrook Academy.

Surrounded by wealth, Roberta battles her own insecurities to prove her worth and maybe land the boy of her dreams. With the help of two unlikely allies—and an inflatable toy raft—Roberta embarks upon a journey of dark secrets and self-discovery to learn the true meaning of friendship and acceptance.

"Roberta will charm and delight you with a voice that’s candid, hilarious, and hopeful, as she narrates her first day at a new high school, reminding us of the epic nature of each hour in our adolescent lives. Lessons I Never Learned at Meadowbrook Academy will make you laugh, cringe, cry, and cheer for the power of friendships that can change us in a single day." —Ava Dellaira, author of Love Letters to the Dead

"You wish your first day of prep school was this epic! Every single page of Lessons I Never Learned sparkles with heart and humor. Like a teenage Bridget Jones, Roberta Romano will make you laugh, cry, and cringe as she tries to navigate her first day at Meadowbrook Academy. She finds friends and enemies, earns detentions and serious respect, and makes memories that will last her a lifetime." —Siobhan Vivian, author of The List

AUTHOR BIO

Liz Maccie was born and raised in New Jersey and attended Bucknell University.  After college, she moved out to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film and television writing.  She has had two movies produced, “The Thirst” and “Black and Blue.”  She went on to work at The Disney Channel until she found a home at the breakout ABC Family show, “Make it or Break it.”  She is currently adapting the wildly popular YA book, “The List” for MTV as a television show.  “Lessons” is Liz’s debut novel.

LINKS

Website || Facebook || Twitter || Purchase LINLAMA

Thank you to Diversion Books and the author for the opportunity to review this book. 

All opinions are my own.

The entire book, Lessons I Never Learned at Meadowbrook Academy(LINLAMA), takes place during Roberta's first day as a sophomore at this new private, high-cost academy.  Apparently Roberta was hanging out with the wrong people at her former high school which made her parents enroll her at this private school. Roberta is not happy with the decision that her parents made and butts heads with her mom about it. However, Roberta ends up attending the academy(at least for the first day).

She ends up having a VERY eventful day for it only being the first day of school. Getting detention twice, falling in 'lust' with a guy-who breaks her heart in the same day, and forms a friendship with two characters(that aren't really good influences considering what she does with them after just meeting them the same day). 

While I liked Roberta as a character for the most part I didn't like how selfish she was, considering how much her parents decided to struggle to put her in this school. I also didn't like how she went along with whatever someone said without her own opinion. That's probably what got her into trouble in the first place. I also feel like the author just threw in extra details to fill out the book. 

I do hope that there is at least another book in this world because SO much happens in this one day. I really want to know what happens after one day. I'd also like to learn more about her 'friends'.

4 Coffee Cup Stars
Finished September 28, 2014

Book Tour REVIEW || Orenda || Ruth Silver

Orenda (Orenda Series #1)
By Ruth Silver
Genre: YA/MG Fantasy
Publisher: Patchwork Press

Blurb:
Join forces with a parallel universe.  

Dark forces, magical creatures, and the world Lil thought she knew collide when a dream transports her to the strange world of Orenda. Stunned and terrified, Lil comes face to face with her doppelganger, Willow, who possesses the ability to travel between the two worlds. Everything Lil knows logically says that Orenda can’t exist, but a small clue may be proof that it was more than an ordinary dream. With the threat of her sister in danger, Lil crosses dimensions but it may cost her even more than she bargained for. A sword wielding girl, the eternal suit, and a parallel universe come together in this action-packed Young Adult fantasy adventure that will keep readers of all ages turning the pages. Orenda is the first novel in the Orenda series.

  

About the Author:
Ruth Silver is the best-selling author of ABERRANT, a young adult dystopian adventure series published by Patchwork Press and Lazy Day Publishing, in 2013. Author, YA Blogger, and Book Manager with Booktrope Publishing, Ruth keeps busy with writing, updating her book blogs Write Away Bliss and YA Book Deals, and promoting authors.

With a passion for reading, photography, and traveling Ruth has plenty of stories and experiences to share. She loves dystopian, paranormal, and fantasy young adult novels most of all. Ruth has been actively writing since she was a teenager. She currently resides in Plainfield, Illinois.

Blog || YA Book Deals

Facebook || Twitter 

Thank you to Patchwork Press and the author for a copy of this book for review. 

All opinions are my own.

Let me start off saying I LOVED the first couple chapters of Orenda. I loved the relationship between Lil and Bray. You could clearly see he loved her as more then a friend. It was SO cute. Then the story continued. 

Lil has a 'dream' where she comes face to face with a person who looks just like her and shares her name, along with other people that resemble people in her real life. Lil then sees a person she recognized from her dream out the window of her classroom. Lil rushes out of the class and follows the boy and is transported into a completely new place. 

Lil is told that she needs to help the people of Orenda get rid of an evil lady that is ruining their world and wants to bring her destruction to Earth. When Bray is brought into the world Lil will do anything she has to to protect Bray and get both of them back to their neighborhood and out of Orenda. 

I loved the world and characters that Ruth created. It contains the right amount of action and adventure. I hope that the author continues this series and I will be checking out her other books. 

4 Coffee Cup Stars
Finished September 24, 2014

Giveaway

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That's all for now!

Schasm- REVIEW

Schasm

By Shari J. Ryan
Published: January 22nd 2014 by Tycon Books

Publisher Description:

What happens when two worlds collide? Chloe Valcourt drifts between two worlds: the dark reality of her horrible parents and doctors versus the vivid fantasy of her imagination. A chance encounter with a handsome and vaguely familiar young man in her dream world hints at the possibility of hidden truths—and a life she can’t remember. As her drifts become a greater escape from the cruelty of the real world, Chloe finds herself lost between what is real and what is imagined, questioning her very existence. Can she remain in the lush new imagined landscape to find happiness in a realm of her own invention? Is she doomed to return to the harsh reality of the outside world forever? Or will she become trapped somewhere between the two…unable to return to either? A thriller guaranteed to make your mind spin, Schasm is a young adult novel destined to change how you view the power of your mind.

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I received a copy of this ebook from the author for review. This does not effect my opinion of this book. 

My thoughts:

I loved this book. From the very first scene Shari grabbed my attention and I couldn't stop reading. What is real and what is just a fantasy seems to blur continuously and it keeps me intrigued. I felt like I was right there with Chloe experiencing everything that she was. I was rooting for her and Alex, hoping that their relationship was real. 

The end of the book left me a little confused but excited to read the next book. I find the whole idea surrounding 'drifting' interesting. Who doesn't want to imagine they are somewhere else? But to be able to physically interact during those 'drifting' episodes make that much better. The mind is an amazing thing and I believe Shari explored a side of mental health  that people don't have the courage to undertake. 

I look forward to reading Fissure Free(Book#2) and When Fully Fussed (Book#3)in this series. 

4 Coffee Cup Stars
Finished September 17th 2014

Kiss of Broken Glass- REVIEW

Kiss of Broken Glass

By Madeleine Kuderick
Published: September 9th 2014 by HarperTeen
ebook Edition, 224 pages

Publisher Description: 

After she’s caught in the school bathroom cutting herself with the blade from a pencil sharpener, fifteen-year-old Kenna is put under mandatory psychiatric watch. She has seventy-two hours to face her addiction, deal with rejection, and find a shred of hope.

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My thoughts: 

This book touched my soul in so many different ways. I was a cutter back when I was a teenager and Madeleine nails the emotion, the thoughts, the decisions on the head in this book. However, in this world it was something that 'everyone' did. Kenna's girl friend talked her in to it and it became a competition. It was never like that in my world and this world makes it that much more awful and scary.

"Whoosh!

The skin tears

and I feel this rush

swirling in my brain

like a waterspout.

A finger-tingling,

tongue-numbing,

heart-pounding

rush.

And the pain doesn't feel like pain

but more like energy

moving through my body

in waves.

Rushing.

Cleansing.

Pulsing.

Purging all the broken bits out of me

like a tsunami washing debris to the shore."

This is the most accurate representation that I've seen some one write for what cutting feels like. There is nothing like it. Unfortunately, self harm is extremely addictive. Madeleine approaches this in a very real but sensitive way. The story is told in verse which is unique in itself. It makes it sound like Kenna is legitimately writing the story herself. 

I give this book 4 stars. 

Though I wish the author wouldn't have set this up as a 

"who can cut the most" contest.

4 Coffee Cup Stars
Finished on September 11, 2014

Legacy Code: REVIEW

Legacy Code

By Autumn Kalquist

Published: July 30th 2014 by Diapason Publishing

ebook, 218 pages

Publisher Description:

The last humans fled a dying Earth 300 years ago, but there was something they couldn't leave behind: the Legacy Code. Every colonist in the fleet carries mangled genes that damage the unborn, and half of all pregnancies must be terminated.

The day Era Corinth is supposed to find out if her baby has the Defect, her ship suffers a hull breach. And it may not have been an accident. As the investigation unfolds, Era begins to question everything she’s been taught about the fleet, their search for a new Earth, and the Defect. But the answers she seeks were never meant to be found...

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My thoughts: 

From the very first time I read the blurb for Legacy Code I was intrigued. I picked up Defect #1 on Amazon before purchasing this, read it quickly, and KNEW I had to get Autumns first complete novel Legacy Code. Knowing that Defect #1 took place hundreds of years before Legacy Code was fascinating. While starting Legacy Code I immediately recognized a couple of elements that I loved that were similar to a couple of TV shows that I love and currently watch.

Being 'airlocked' after committing a crime or treason is similar to what happens in The 100.

Being part of a 'lottery' to have the opportunity to get pregnant is similar to what
happens in The Lottery.

"I've never been defiant about anything." ||  "I won't go through with the abortion."

I love how Era not only stood up for herself and what she wanted/believed in but for every female on the Paragon. AND she is ONLY 17 ! I loved that Era and Ditran's love was completely genuine. They weren't forcefully paired together (as in some similar books) and showed they loved each other without having to verbally say it. 

I'm not much of a sci-fi reader, but Autumn has grabbed my attention with this (and Defect #1). It is fast-paced and a very easy read.  

4 Stars for the great writing and story but the ending made me MAD! At least she will have me reading Paragon when it comes out to see what happens! 

4 Coffee Cup Stars
Finished September 8, 2014

 

Rabbit Ears- REVIEW

Rabbit Ears
By Maggie de Vries
Published March 18th 2014 by HarperCollins
ebook, 158 pages
ISBN: 1443416649

Publisher Description:
Kaya is adopted, multiracial, grieving the death of her father—and carrying a painful secret. Feeling ill at ease with her family and in her own skin, she runs away repeatedly, gradually disappearing into a life of addiction and sex work. Meanwhile, her sister, Beth, escapes her own troubles with food and a rediscovered talent for magic tricks. Though both girls struggle through darkness and pain, they eventually find their way to a moment of illumination and healing.                     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My thoughts:

Right from the start of this story you can tell that Kaya is very troubled and essentially lost. Her story is told in second person and it makes me read a little more carefully to ensure that I truly understand why she is making the decision she is making at all times.

Kaya's older sister Beth is a second narrator in the story and her parts are told in first person. Beth clearly cares about Kaya and wants to protect her but is unsure of how to do that because she doesn't understand what's going on in her head. Both sisters are dealing with the death of their father and are handling it in entirely different ways.

Kaya meets Sarah while walking away from a bad situation in Vancouver's Eastside. Sarah warns Kaya to stay away from that area. Unfortunately, this just intrigues her more and entices her to return again. Constantly waging a war within herself whether to stay or jump on the bus and go home.

Battling with addiction(in many forms)from prior abuse, Kaya has a hard time walking away and being a normal 13 year old. However, you continue to root for her to make the right decisions and to grieve properly. 

This book is an incredibly powerful read. I highly recommend it.

4 Coffee Cup Stars
Finished August 23, 2014