Cover Reveal: Flukes by Nichole Chase

This is a cover reveal hosted by AToMR Book Blog Tours The cover was designed by Stephanie Mooney of Mooney Designs.

Book Description:

Meena has a secret guarded closely by her family—a secret as dangerous as the sea, and buried just as deep. When court appointed community service workers are assigned to Flukes, the family-owned animal habitat, everyone is on high alert. It doesn’t help that Meena finds herself attracted to sexy-as-sin Blake Weathering, one of the new workers. If he wasn’t so distracting, she might be able to land Flukes a much-needed cruise line contract.

Blake Weathering, the first in his family to attend public school, has developed a tough image. Unfortunately it lands him in trouble. Now banned from his high school graduation ceremony, getting his diploma is dependent upon a community service gig cleaning fish crap. No diploma, no trust fund fortune—and no way to escape his overbearing father. The last thing he needs is the distraction of a mysterious girl with teal eyes who pulls at his heart strings.

When Blake discovers Meena’s secret, they are both thrown into a desperate search for information about her past. Two worlds pull them in opposite directions, and they will have to fight to hold onto all that really matters.

xo Stephanie

Florence [Review]

Title: Florence
Author: Ciye Cho
Publisher: Ciye Cho
Release Date: July 1, 2012
Source: eARC
Average Star Rating: 4.14

Summary (on Goodreads):

Seventeen-year-old Florence Waverley is out of her depth. Literally. Kidnapped and taken below the waves to the mer world of Niemela, she is the ultimate gift for merman Prince Kiren: a human familiar tied to his side. But nothing is what it seems amid the beauty and danger of a dark ocean.

Every Niemelan has a role to play, from the mermaids who weave towers out of kelp to the warriors who fight sea monsters. But in trying to survive, Florence will end up in the middle of a war between the mer and the Darkness. A conflict that will push her between two brothers: Kiren, the charmer inexplicably drawn to both her and the monsters; and Rolan, the loner who has been pushing her away since the day they met. But in order to take a stand--and find out where she belongs--Florence will have to risk it all: her life, her heart... and her very soul.

My Thoughts:

Oh my gosh! This book was so unexpected for me. I was pleasantly pleased with the entire book. I did not want to stop reading it. When Ciye Cho contacted me and had asked me if I could read his book in exchange for an honest review, I said sure, why not? When reading the description of Florence, I was a little hesitant to take the dive only because it's about mermaids and mermen and I really wasn't sure how I felt about that. I've never once read a mermaid book nor did I really ever find one that caught my eye. So, I decided I would give the merfolk a chance. And, boy, am I GLAD I did. It filled me with ecstasy and adventure and lots of beautiful descriptions.

The descriptions Ciye Cho has within his book Florence are remarkable without a doubt. As I was reading it, I could feel what Florence was feeling. Especially during her first few hours under the water and not understanding how she was breathing the water. It may be because I have anxiety towards deep water from drowning experiences, or the fact that I was reading it while my feet dangling from a pool. Whatever, the case, I could feel the anxiety Florence had at first and I loved that. I loved feeling like I was actually there. 

From the second I met Florence, I knew I was going to like her. Call me bias, but I think it's because of the hair color she has. :] I have a soft spot for us redheads. Knowing how us redheads can be from my personal experience: shy at first, unique, and hot-tempered. Now, I'm not saying that Florence showed all of these traits exceptionally. She wasn't necessarily hot-tempered but she definitely wanted to get her way. And when it came to the Princes, she definitely got her way.

Speaking of the royal family. Total swoon for Rolan. I adored him. I loved him from the very first second I met him! He was rude with good intentions. I knew from the very beginning I was going to be on Team Rolan all the way! Princess Yolee has got to be one of my favorite characters ever. She's so lively and fun. She definitely was a great character for some relief and she brought an innocence and child-like quality that just left you warm inside. She is a wonderful character.

My Rating: 5 Stars!

You guys definitely need to go check Florence out! You won't be disappointed! Here are the links:

Goodreads // Book Website // Amazon // Barnes & Noble 

Have any of you read it? If so, let me know what you thought! 

xo Stephanie

Review Copy Cleanup: Goals

So, today is the start of #RCCleanup and it is until August 31st.
If you're interested in it you can still sign up until August 15th. Just go and click the button above and sign up! :]

So, I have quite a few books that I need to read this month. I'm really pushing myself this month but I have to get these done this month because school starts and a lot of these are for blog tours! But I think I can do it because I'm also participating in a few read-a-thons. So, the month of August will be my reading month! haha.

Here are my goals:
1. Glitch
2. Whispers in Autumn
3. Blood Jewel
4. Dissolve
5. Breaking Lauren
6. Dancing with Death
7. Desert Rice
8. Last Wish of the Summer

And I think there might be others. Anyways, I definitely NEED to get those read this month!
What's your cleanup?

xo Stephanie

Cover Reveal: Options by Abbi Glines

This is a cover reveal hosted by AToMR Book Blog Tours. Options by Abbi Glines is a YA urban fantasy. The cover was designed by Stephanie Mooney from Mooney Designs.  The expected release date is February 5, 2013. This is the first book in a new trilogy.

Book Description:

Two paths.

Two completely different roads.

Each one standing before me.

Each one holding a different destiny.

In life you’re just supposed to choose one path.

In life you’re not given the chance at choosing one specific future.

Until now.

Until me.

Why am I different? I don’t know. But I’m going to see those roads and walk down each one. When it’s over I’ll know which one to choose because I’ll know my – options.

Expected Release Date: February 5, 2013
Series: This is the first book in a new trilogy.


Links:

Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15776693-options

Author's website: http://www.abbiglines.com

What do you guys think of the cover? I think it's gorgeous! Leave your thoughts in the comments!!

xo Stephanie

Top Ten Tuesday (5)

[Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookishfeaturing a new top ten list each week. Everyone can participate just head on over to their blog and sign up. Each week they will post a new top ten list that one of our bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.]

This Week Is: Top Ten Characters I'd Like To Switch Places With For 24 Hours::

1. The Vampire Academy Series:
Rose Hathaway

2. Pride & Prejudice:
Lizzie Bennet

3. The Jessica Darling Series:
Jessica Darling

4. The Southern Vampire Series:
Sookie Stackhouse

5. Hex Hall Trilogy:
Sophie Mercer

6. In Honor:
Honor 

7. Gossip Girl Series:
Blair Waldorf

8. The Cahill Witch Chronicles:
Cate Cahill

9. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight:
Hadley Sullivan

10. Florence:
Florence Waverley


What's your top ten?
xo Stephanie

Giveaway Post

Hey everyone, just thought that I would let you all know about some giveaways that I found! You guys should go and check them out!

Ends: Sept 1

Shatterbooks is having a 300 follower giveaway which is located HERE There are some awesome books on the list that you could win!

Ends: Sept 1

Shatterbooks is also having a 6 month anniversary giveaway which is located HERE There are some more awesome books on the list and you should definitely check it out!!
Just definitely check out Shatterbooks. Not only are there great giveaways but there is great content too!!

Ends: Aug 11

Also, The Reader's Antidote is having a Blogoversary giveaway! You can either click on the button or click HERE to get to the giveaway!
She also has great content and I love her buttons!!

Ends: Aug 21

Ivy Book Bindings is having a 150 follower giveaway and that is located HERE you have a chance to win a pre-ordered book! Great content!!!

Ends: The End of August

Wintry Words is having a great giveaway for hitting 100 followers! Great content and an awesome giveaway! Go check it out! This one will have 2 winners! Either click the button or go HERE

The more I find, the more I will post here! I'll also be adding the ending dates soon!

xo Stephanie

F&F Friday (2) & TGIF (3)

Feature and Follow Friday is hosted by: Parajunkee and Alison Can Read For more information on this weekly meme, click on their names and check them out! :D Also, check out who they are featuring this Friday:: Books Are My Reality and Concise Book Reviews!

Q: Summer Reading. What was your favorite book that you were REQUIRED to read when you were in school?

Some of my favorite books that I was required to read and loved are: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Giver by Lois Lowry, and To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

[[ TGIF is a weekly meme hosted by Ginger at GReads! This meme is for her to have weekly recaps and asks her followers a question. ]]

This weeks question is: Christmas in July: If Santa were to come down your chimney in the middle of summer, which books would you want him to leave for you under the tree?

1. Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
Embrace the Forbidden
What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?
This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.
Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.
Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

2. Eve by Anna Carey
The year is 2032, sixteen years after a deadly virus—and the vaccine intended to protect against it—wiped out most of the earth’s population. The night before eighteen-year-old Eve’s graduation from her all-girls school she discovers what really happens to new graduates, and the horrifying fate that awaits her. 

Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust...and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

This Week at Little Red Reads:

Top Ten Tuesday (4)

Versatile Blogger Award

Never Eighteen Review and Interview

If you do these memes, link up your post in my comments and I will be sure to check them out!

xo Stephanie

Never Eighteen [Review]

Title: Never Eighteen
Author: Megan Bostic
Publisher: HMH Children's Books
Release Date: January 17, 2012
Hardcover: 200 pages
Average Star Rating: 3.79


Synopsis (from Goodreads):
I had the dream again. The one where I’m running. I don’t know what from or where to, but I’m scared, terrified really.

Austin Parker is never going to see his eighteenth birthday. At the rate he’s going, he probably won’t even see the end of the year. But in the short time he has left there’s one thing he can do: He can try to help the people he loves live—even though he never will.

It’s probably hopeless.

But he has to try.


My Thoughts:
This book was so bittersweet. From the title (and the synopsis) it is apparent that Austin will not be turning 18. And, despite the fact that I knew this book would make me tear up, be sad, and/or cry, I still read it. And, boy, am I glad I did. I read this book for the intention of spotlighting it in my Road Trip Challenge. Now, many will ask, why? Even though it's not a cross country roadtrip, however, Austin and Kaylee do a lot of driving around the state of Washington and Austin let's us in to the fun as well.


This book is told from a male perspective and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it as told by Austin. I thought it was a very different thing to come across. I'm used to listening to a girl's perspective but it was very nice reading a guy's perspective from a woman writer.


I do feel that it could have been a bit sadder at the end. In fact, I was expecting a bit more from the ending. For some reason I didn't cry. Don't get me wrong, I totally teared up, but I was expecting a full out sob like I did with My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult.


Despite the fact that I didn't cry as much as expected and that it is a very bittersweet story. I still enjoyed reading every word. I'm definitely going to be on the lookout for other books by Megan Bostic.


My Rating:
4 / 5 Stars


Now, since this book is being featured in my Road Trip Challenge I interviewed the lovely Megan Bostic and here it is! I hope you enjoy!

--What inspired you to write a novel featuring a road trip?

Austin’s road trip is a little different from others, as his is part of a bucket list he creates when he realizes he may never see his 18^th birthday. The inspiration behind the particular novel came from my own experience of taking care of my mother-in-law when she had cancer. I think when we are face to face with death; it makes us contemplate our own mortality. What would I do if I had a short time left? Sure, I’d want the party, I’d want to travel, but I do think I’d want to make a difference in people’s lives, to make a mark, even if only a small one, and that’s what Austin tried to do on his weekend road trip.

--How much research did you do and what kind of research was done?

As far as the road trip is concerned, most of it takes place in my back yard, per say, so there wasn’t too much research needed. Austin and Kaylee do take a hike up to Mount Rainier, a hike I’d done a few times, though a handful of years ago, so I decided to make the trek again. I’m glad I did because in the first draft I didn’t do it justice. So many beautiful details would have been left out had I not gone on that hike again.  Also, and this is pathetic, I know, having lived in the area my entire life, I’d never been to the Space Needle. So, I went and had lunch and went to the viewing area of the Space Needle to see what it was like. I wasn’t disappointed.

--Would you ever consider writing another book that features a road trip? Why or why not?

I would definitely write another road trip book. I’d started one a while back, but put it aside, I will probably pick it back up again someday. I think there’s a lot to be said for road trip books. I love reading them, number one. Also, you can really dig deep into not only interpersonal relationships, but internalizations of the characters. They are in such a tightly enclosed space, we can really get to know them as well as their relationship to one another, but also, there is always some quiet reflective time when it’s possible to get into the character’s head and explore their thoughts and emotions.

--In your opinion what makes the road trip?

A road trip is simply a vehicle, at least one good friend, good music, and the open road. You don’t even have to have a destination in mind.

--What are your ideal stops for your road trip?

We used to travel a lot when I was a kid, and took many road trips across the country, but since graduating high school, I’ve always wanted to drive cross country and go to the places I’ve never been and see things I’ve never seen (or maybe go places I’ve been but don’t remember too well because I was young). A couple places that would definitely be on my list would be Mount Rushmore, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I’d go up to the New England are, way up northeast because I’ve never been. A couple other places would be Graceland, New Orleans, and some sunny California beaches.

--What are your favorite road trip snacks?

Have to start with coffee from Starbucks. I like to fill the cooler with fruits that you can eat with your fingers and aren’t too messy, like grapes and blueberries. I’d have some Greek Yogurt and Coke Zero, nacho cheese Doritos, and a couple bags of Gummy Worms.

--In your opinion, what are some road trip necessities?

Music is the most important. GPS definitely. Water bottle, emergency kit, first aid kit, magazines and books, pillows and blankets.

--And finally, what’s your road trip playlist?

Very difficult question. My taste in music is very eclectic. I’ve thought about this before and I’d have to have different music genres for different stretches of the trip.

For the first leg of a trip, I like to listen to upbeat pump-you-up music:

• These Days by the Foo Fighters
• Mr. Brightside by The Killers
• Get Some by Lykke Li
• I Write Sins not Tragedies by Panic! At The Disco
• Misery Business by Paramore
• Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana
• Alives by Pearl Jam
• Flagpole Sitta by Harvey Danger
• This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race by Fall Out Boy
• Last Night by the Strokes
• Fat Lip by Sum 41
• Bulls on Parade by Rage Against the Machine
• Just about anything by the Beastie Boys

Second leg of the trip, hip-hop and rap to keep you going:

• Airplanes part II by B.O.B. feat. Haley Williams and Eminem
• In the Dark by Dev feat. Flo Rida
• Forever by Drake, Kanye West, Li’l Wayne, and Eminem
• No Love by Eminem feat. Li’l Wayne
• Good Feeling by Flo Rida
• Remember the Name by Fort Minor
• Superbass by Nicki Minaj
• Single Ladies by Beyonce
• Bottoms Up Trey Songz feat. Nicki Minaj
• Look at Me Now by Chris Brown feat. Li’l Wayne and Busta Rhymes
• Rude Boy by Rihanna

On the last leg of the trip, I like to take it down a notch with a little punchy indie and rock as I prepare to reach my destination:

• Loser by Beck
• Going the Distance by Cake
• Yellow by Cold Play
• Stay Young Go Dancing by Death Cab for Cutie
• Calamity Song by the Decemberists
• Criminal by Fiona Apple
• How We Operate by Gomez
• Gold on the Ceiling by the Black Keys
• The District Sleeps Tonight by The Postal Service
• Sail by AWOLNATION
• Short Skirt Long Jacket by Cake

I hope you enjoyed the review and the interview. Definitely check this book out if you haven't already!

xo Stephanie

Versatile Blogger Award

So, about a week or two ago, I got nominated for the versatile blogger award from Nette at Nette's Bookshelf Reviews. So, what is the Versatile Blogger Award?

There are a few rules one one must follow before accepting the award and they are as follows:

1. Nominate 15 fellow bloggers who are relatively new to blogging.
2. Let the nominated bloggers know that they have been nominated for this award.
3. Share 7 random facts about yourself.
4. Thank the blogger who has nominated you.
5. Add the Versatile Blogger Award picture to your post. 

7 Random facts about me: 

1. I just started another new story; which means I have about 25-30 stories unfinished.
2. I work in a pharmacy and I could probably write a very comical series of books with all the shit I deal with. :]
3. White Cheddar Popcorn and Jalapeno Cheddar Cheetos are some of my weaknesses.
4. I drink Iced Tea everyday.
5. I love noodles.
6. I have an obsession with Big Brother and other reality TV shows.
7. I could use a glass of wine right about now; hey, it's 5 o'clock somewhere, right?

And my nominations are:

1. Reading Wishes
2. New Books On My Shelves
3. The Paper Planes
4. The Story Queen
5. Bewitched Bookworms
6. YA Book Seasons
7. Heart Is In The Write Place
8. Fictionally Inclined
9. Book Overdose
10. Books With Marshmallows
11. That Artsy Reader Girl
12. The Anfractuous Bookaholic
13. Unforgettable Books
14. Book Blogger Mom
15. Broad-Minded Books

The blogs that I chose aren't all relatively "new" in the sense that they started their blog last month. However, a few of them are new to me and I felt that some of them deserve more looks at :]

So, check them out!

xo Stephanie

Top Ten Tuesday (4)

[Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookishfeaturing a new top ten list each week. Everyone can participate just head on over to their blog and sign up. Each week they will post a new top ten list that one of our bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.]

This Week Is: Top Ten Most Vivid Worlds/Settings In Books::

1. The World of The Vampire Academy and Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

This series is one of my favorites by far. As many of you probably already know that because of how many times I mention it. I loved the world within it and am so glad that the world is continuing in the Bloodlines series.

2. The World of Panem in The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

Who wouldn't put this on their list? I mean come on, this world is by far one of the most interesting with it's cruelty and compassion with the people. Amazing work of art.

3. The World of Shadow Falls in The Shadow Falls Series by C.C. Hunter

This world is wonderful and remarkable. C.C. Hunter has a way of combining many supernaturals into one world. It's wonderful getting to read about a whole bunch of different species of supernaturals.

4. The Magical World of Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

Whoever doesn't put this on their list is nuts. I may never have read this entire series but I did read a few of them and whether or not they were my cup of tea or whether or not I liked them, I cannot deny that this world is byfar one of the best creations in the book world.

5. The Magical World of Hex Hall in the Hex Hall Trilogy by Rachel Hawkins

This is one of my favorites as well. I absolutely adored this series and love the fact that it was about witches. I'm on a huge witch kick lately and I just cannot get enough of them :]

6. The Wonderful World of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

Oh, how much I love this world. I first read The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe when I was in the fifth grade and I fell in love with it!

7. The World in the Touch Series by Laurie Faria Stolarz

This series is so interesting from what I have read so far. Definitely a spookier world but it's so great! :]

8. The World of Gatsby in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

You can call me crazy a lot of my friends do, but I absolutely love this book. The roaring 20's, hell yea! :] Cannot wait to see the new movie adaptation to this in December!

9. The World of Jane Austen and the Bronte Sisters

I love reading the novels of Jane Austen and the Bronte Sisters. I am just fascinated by that time period. I guess that's the romantic side of me :]

10. The Giver by Lois Lowry

Need I say more?

What are yours?

xo Stephanie