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?

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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

Blog Tour Review: Only A Kiss | Ines Bautista-Yao - @inesbyao

Only A Kiss
By: Ines Bautista-Yao
Publisher: Chamber Shell Publishing
Date of Publication: November 29, 2014
Genre: contemporary romance

When she was nine-years-old, Katie knew she wanted Chris to give her her first kiss. It wasn’t because she was in love with him (no way, he was her best friend! Besides, she was in love with his fourteen-year-old big brother), it was because she could make him do anything she wanted.

Besides, it didn't really mean anything. It was only a kiss after all.

But then things started to change. They grew up. They parted ways and went to different high schools. And other girls and boys—well, just one particular boy—came into the picture, throwing their lives upside down.

Told from the alternating points of view of Katie and Chris, this love story between two best friends will tug at your heartstrings and leave you thinking how the simplest things can mean so much.

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About the Author

Ines Bautista-Yao is the author of One Crazy Summer, What’s in your Heart, and Only a Kiss. She has also written two short stories, “Flashbacks and Echoes,” which is part of a compilation called All This Wanting and “A Captured Dream,” one of the four short stories in Sola Musica: Love Notes from a Festival.

She is the former editor-in-chief of Candy and K-Zone magazines and a former high school and college English and Literature teacher.  She is also a wife and mom and blogs about the many challenges and joys of motherhood attheeverydayprojectblog.com. She has recently launched The Author Project, a section in her current blog devoted to the stories in her head:http://theeverydayprojectblog.com/inesbyao-author-project/

She posts on Instagram and tweets @inesbyao and her author page is facebook.com/inesbautistayao.

Blog - http://theeverydayprojectblog.com/inesbyao-author-project/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/inesbyao

Instagram - http://instagram.com/inesbyao

Facebook - http://facebook.com/inesbautistayao

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5359512.Ines_Bautista_Yao

I received an ecopy of this book for review purposes only. My opinion is my own. 

It took me sometime to get into Only A Kiss at the beginning because it was being told from the POV of a very young character (Katie and Chris were 8 years old).  

I had to remind myself a few times of this fact while proceeded through the first chapter of the story "Only A Kiss".  While it did take some time I did enjoy seeing the friendship between Katie and Chris at this young age. You could tell that they truly cared about one another. Katie has decided that she will be marrying Chris's older brother Ethan so she is determined to find a girl that Chris can marry so he will be happy. Katie seeks out a girl in their class and attempts to have her chose Chris to marry, however, thing don't go the way Katie plans.

The next chapter of the story, "Nobody Needs to Know" picks up with Chris and Katie now freshmen in high school and attending different schools. Chris forms a relationship with an upperclassman and this effects his friendship with Katie. This story shows how Katie will always be there for Chris regardless of the situation. It tells a story of heartbreak and the bond of friends. 

The next chapter of the story, "Just Always Remember" takes place the summer before their senior year. Katie has gone on vacation with her family and Chris has stayed back in their home town. This portion of the story reflects on a relationship between Katie and a guy she meets on vacation. It tells how Chris genuinely misses her and helps him reflect on his womanizing ways. 

The next chapter of the story, "Making My Way" takes place their sophomore (maybe junior, I don't remember it specifying) year of college. Katie, Chris and their old friends are now attending the same college. Katie is still dating the guy she met at the beach and Chris has stayed away from girls as a promise to Katie (after he serial dated a bunch of girls in high school). Chris is hiding his true feelings for Katie, whom he realized 3 years ago he is actually in love with. Katie talks about getting married and Chris is quick to question her. 

The final chapter of the story, "Like Nobody Else" wraps up 3 years after the previous chapter. Katie sees Chris for the first time in years since he moved to study in Australia after a fight between them. Everything concludes to a sweet ending. They have you rooting for them from the beginning.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. There were many, many years packed into it and I felt they were brought back at appropriate times. While I liked seeing their relationship from an early age I felt like it could have started when they were older. I can only imagine significant events were skipped over just because they weren't part of the time frame that was being written at that moment. I was loving the connection between Katie and Chris. How they could always rely on each other for anything. I was totally pulling for them to end up together! There were just some points where this book fell short for me but it was good and I'm glad I read it. 

3 Coffee Cups
Finished 1/3/2015

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ARC Review: Paragon (Legacy Code #2) | Autumn Kalquist

Paragon (Legacy Code #2)
by Autumn Kalquist
Published November 30th 2014 
by Diapason Publishing

Goodreads Summary:
Tadeo Raines knows what they say about him. It’s all lies. 
But lies are better than the truth. 

He broke the rules once and swore he’d never do it again. Now traitors plot against the fleet, and he's tasked with hunting them down and stopping them. Permanently. 

Tadeo was born to command, born to lead the last remnants of humanity to a new Earth. He knows there’s a better world out there: Daylight at the end of humanity's long night. And he's willing to do whatever it takes to get the fleet there. Even if it means walking the line between loyalty and treason. And breaking the rules... Again.

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Thank you to Autumn for providing me with an eARC of this book for review. 

After such a heart wrenching ending to Legacy Code (see my review here) I was eager to get to read Paragon. 

I wanted to see where the story was going to go. 

Would the secrets Era discovered be told to the whole fleet?

So many questions!

The story was told through 3 different point of views, Tadeo, Zephyr, and another character which I won't name because it would be a spoiler. 

The opening of Paragon was hard to read. I wanted to hate Tadeo. He had the opportunity to save Era but he knew he would not be able to without sacrificing himself as well. So I understood and wanted to understand him. Throughout the entire book I had a love/hate relationship with him. He is completely loyal and that has to be admired. I guess...

Zephyr annoyed me at first when she came into the book. She was, of course, distraught after hearing about what happened with Era. I felt like she should have tried to do something more urgently. However, near the end of the book she did become badass, standing up for herself and her friend. I can't wait to see what happens with her in the next book and see what she does with the information Era left behind. 

The 3rd POV through in an interesting perspective to see what that character was going through while everything was happening on the Paragon. 

Full of questions, traitors galore, secrets & suspicions. 

You can't even trust your own family in this world! 

Can't wait for more Autumn! <3

Finished 1/3/2015

Review: These Broken Stars (Starbound #1) by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

These Broken Stars (Starbound #1)
by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
Published December 10th 2013 
by Disney Hyperion

Goodreads Summary:
It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone. 

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help. 

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

I'm not a huge sci-fi reader. It takes a lot to keep my attention in a sci-fi novel. It took only the first 5 pages to have me hooked in These Broken Stars (TBS). 

First, I have to say... that cover is GORGEOUS! It admittedly was the reason I decided to purchase this ebook in the first place. And now I HAVE to buy a hardcover version to have on my bookshelf. 

But onto the book itself. The dual POV used was brilliant. I loved knowing exactly what Lilac and Tarver were thinking/feeling. Their character development was very impressive. I felt myself rooting for them to survive together. Having each of them realize that there was more to the appearance they portray daily. 

Having to survive on an abandoned planet without any real resources, they are tested time and time again. Physically, mentally and emotionally. They continuously help each other survive in such miserable conditions. Putting their own pain and injury aside to ensure they make it to their goal. 

The authors did a great job describing every asset of the environment and weather they had to battle through. I felt like I was there watching it happen. 

I couldn't have asked for more from this book. I loved it and it makes me want to pick up the second book in the series SO much sooner. 

Thank you for a beautiful book Amie and Meagan <3

5 (very well deserved) Coffee Cup Stars
Finished 1/2/2015

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

{ARC} Review: One Condition || Nova Raines

Blurb from Goodreads:

The Lust List - Take Your Pick 

They're the world's sexiest bachelors. The men of ScandalLust mag's infamous Lust List are young, wealthy, and, oh, did we mention? HOT. 

When scandal follows them everywhere, there’s no hiding from the cameras. They're irresistible, insatiable—and talented in all the right ways. Every woman wants them. But these playboys won't be easy to catch... 

Hayley Wade’s rock star dad just partied himself into an early grave and left Hayley with a pile of dangerous debt. She plans to pay it off, but her drug-addled father wrote an impossible task into his will: to inherit his wealth, Hayley must steal back a family heirloom he lost to a gold digger. 

Kaidan Stone grew up surrounded by the world’s biggest stars, but never wanted to be in the limelight. When he makes The Lust List, he becomes America’s newest celebrity obsession overnight. 

After Kaidan saves Hayley from a run-in with the aggressive paparazzi, sparks fly, and she discovers the heirloom is in his California mansion. It’s the answer to all her problems…but she’ll have to betray Kaidan to get it.

Pre-Order Now for only $.99 cents !! 

One Condition: The Lust List: Kaidan Stone #1

*An ARC was provided from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Hot, Steamy, and Sexy are the 3 words I would use to describe this book. 

Kaidan Stone meets Hayley Wade as she is leaving her attorneys office after discussing her fathers will. Hayley just recently moved back to Los Angeles from New York, after her father passed away, and is bombarded with paparazzi. Kaidan appears and Hayley rescues her from the demanding paparazzi. Or so she thinks.

The attraction between them is quick and sexy. 

They eventually find out who the other person really is and it becomes harder to stay away. 

Hayley wants Kaidan...

Kaidan seems to want Hayley....

As the rumormill starts Hayley isn't sure if she wants to pursue anything with Kaidan or if she should finish what she needs to do and just get back to NYC.

The tension between them, the mystery surrounding who Kaidan really is, and much more will keep me coming back for more as this series plays out.  

5 Coffee Cup Stars
Finished October 23, 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

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