Tuesday, September 19, 2017

The Boyfriend Agreement Is Live!!

The Boyfriend Agreement Is Live!!

(Cue the confetti)

The Boyfriend Agreement is LIVE. I'm so happy to introduce you to Bella and the other kids at St. Mary's Academy. Expect to laugh, cry, and cheer for them as they navigate the confusing, exciting, scary, and always entertaining world of high school.

--Seven Steps



Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Special Advanced Release Of The Boyfriend Agreement

Special Advanced Release Of The Boyfriend Agreement

The Boyfriend Agreement releases September 19th. I am giving my blog readers an opportunity to receive the book before the release date.  

Click the picture below to receive your special Advanced Copy of The Boyfriend Agreement for only $4.99 (the post release day price).

Happy Reading!


Monday, August 28, 2017

Fairy Odd Comparisons - Bella French

Fairy Odd Comparisons - Bella French


Did you know that The Boyfriend Agreement is full of fairy tale easter eggs? 
Check out the infograph below to learn more.



Click the picture below to purchase The Boyfriend Agreement from your preferred vendor.

Friday, August 25, 2017

YA Romance Author Cindy Ray Hale Takes Over Forever Sweet Romance!

YA Romance Author Cindy Ray Hale 

Takes Over Forever Sweet Romance!

 


Author Name: Cindy Ray Hale

Describe your writing style in three words: This is tough! Let me see, honest, heartfelt, and funny.

Three interesting things about your books in general: I write clean romance. My books don’t have any swearing or on page sex scenes. Religion is important to me. It was a huge part of my life growing up. So I decided to tell a story about what it was like being bullied for being different because of my religion. I was a Mormon girl in a Baptist school and was targeted for it all the time. Although focusing on religion is definitely different in the world of YA lit, I feel like it’s still a story that deals with issues like bullying and forbidden love that a lot of teens can identify with.
I like to tell stories about characters who have been through similar things that I have been through. I wrote a story called It Was You about a young actress pursuing dreams that felt unreachable. Because I’ve been on big time film sets (Like Ant Man, Vampire Diaries, and Allegiance) I know what that world feels like. I want the readers to feel like they’re there with me, exploring a world they may know nothing about. It’s why I like to sell books to people who have no idea what a typical day for a Mormon girl would be like. I want to take them to a new place, somewhere unique and unusual that I’ve been and help them feel what it’s really like while experiencing emotions that they can closely identify with.

What is the very first thing that you remember writing? I was in third or fourth grade. I wrote a book about a little girl named Sally. I don’t remember much more than that.

What inspires you to write? Powerful experiences that change lives.

What is your favorite part about being an author and why? Struggling with a big plot hole or a scene that just won’t come together for me, leaving it, and coming back to have it all come together after seeing it with a  fresh eye.

What is your least favorite part about being an author and why? Writer’s block. It’s the worst! It makes me feel like I’m wasting time, and the guilt is horrible.

What is your favorite book that you have written, and why? Destiny. Because it was so scary for me to write. But I did it, and so many people loved it because it spoke to them. It's the book that made me an author. It will always be near and dear to my heart.



What are you working on now? Right now I’m working on a rewrite of the Destiny trilogy. I’m stretching it into a nine books series with new titles and new covers. I’ve gotten through book one, which I’m calling A Braver Version of Me, and I’m finishing up the last scene of book two, A Better Version of Me.

Click Here>>Destiny Trilogy Series Page<<Click Here

What is it about? A Braver Version of Me is the first third of Destiny. It’s about her growth from being terrified of the bullies on the bus at the beginning to finding the strength within herself to learn to stand up to them and to stop caring so much about what they say.
A Better Version of Me is the middle portion of Destiny. It’s the story of when Destiny and Isaac first get together and deals with overcoming personal biases and judgments.

Give us a one paragraph excerpt:
Gasp! This is scary! I’ve never shared an excerpt publicly like this from my rewrites. This is from A Braver Version of Me.
As I stepped onto the final platform of the ropes course, I looked over the forest canopy, taking in the beauty of Tennessee. A bird of prey soared across a bright blue sky, scattered with white, puffy clouds, and dove into the blanket of green leaves beneath. Beyond the woods the lake sparkled in the afternoon sun. Tree-covered mountains rose up in the distance.Isaac joined me on the platform, a smelling woodsy with a hint of sweat, a heady combination that set my pulse racing. “Wow, this is breathtaking,” he said. I stole a glance at him. His eyes took in the scene before us like a thirsty man seeing an oasis in the desert.“Yeah,” I breathed. He looked down at me, his brown eyes crinkling at the corners. Between Isaac’s enticing smell and the way his eyes pulled me in, I was very much in danger of getting my heart broken.I looked away. Don’t fall into his trap. It was one thing to watch him from afar, but a very different thing to be standing alone with him, sharing a moment in nature.


Where can we purchase it? Right now the only Destiny books I have available for purchase are the first two of the original trilogy, Destiny and Synchrony. You can view all my books here: 


Where can we follow you on social media?



Thursday, August 24, 2017

YA Contemporary Romance Author A.C Wilson Takes Over Forever Sweet Romance!

YA Contemporary Romance Author A.C 

Wilson Takes Over Forever Sweet Romance!





Author Name: A.C. Wilson

Author Bio:  A Nebraska native, A.C. Wilson now lives in historic Abilene, Kansas with her husband and two boys. Always an avid reader, A.C. first fell in love with historical romances both Regency and Western. The world was a wide open place where adventures could happen even between the pages of a book. Deciding to give the characters in her head some room to breathe, A.C. started typing and hasn't looked back.

Describe your writing style in three words: contemporary, western, romance

Three interesting things about your books in general: The Levi & Taryn Series is set in Nebraska, near my hometown. I wanted to open the beauty of Western Nebraska to readers who had never been there. I wanted to create a group of books that inspired young woman to not depend on their boyfriends/significant others to give them worth. 



What is the very first thing that you remember writing? I used to write poetry, books, and books full. 

What inspires you to write? I wanted to write about the value and loyalty of family. I absolutely feel empowered to share pieces of myself in my work. It is my goal to have a reader put down the book feeling loved and grateful to not be alone in the world.

What is your favorite part about being an author and why? Being an author has allowed me to have a voice that could impact anyone who reads my work. I want to give hope and encouragement to young people in this chaotic world.

What is your least favorite part about being an author and why? Like anything else, putting yourself out into the world opens a person up to criticism. Sometimes it can be difficult to accept another person’s opinion and not take it personally. Despite knowing that we are all human and our characters might not be, there is more positive in being an author than negative.

What is your favorite book that you have written, and why? Choosing a favorite book that I have written is very much like choosing a favorite child. Can it be done? I’m not sure that it is possible. I do cherish my Levi & Taryn Series for the fact that it carries a positive message for young and old alike.

What is it about? The Levi & Taryn Series is a trio of books that tells the story of a young woman trying to find her own way in the world. Taryn is an orphan and living with her aunt in a new town, attending a new school. She only wants to blend in, but someone takes an interest in her. Levi is a young man who has had his head newly turned by the quiet new girl. After that, the books follow Taryn’s poor relationship choices as well as her desperate need to be her own person. She wants to love herself without basing her opinion on her boyfriend’s.

Give us a one paragraph excerpt: 

“I read about your journey to make lives better and dedicating your life to serve the families of the area. T, I was never more proud of you. You are making your dream come true and I finally understand what you meant about trying to be a whole person.” Levi smiled at her, a genuine smile that left her aching to step across the void and hold him. How long had she waited for someone to recognize what she was trying to do? How was it that Levi’s pride could hold so much weight? 

–from Deserving Taryn (Levi & Taryn Series, #3).

Where can we purchase it?
Amazon and Amazon KU




Where can we follow you on social media?





Wednesday, August 23, 2017

WIN A FREE ADVANCED REVIEW COPY OF THE BOYFRIEND AGREEMENT

WIN A FREE ADVANCED REVIEW COPY OF THE BOYFRIEND AGREEMENT


Comment below to win a free Advanced Review Copy of The Boyfriend Agreement. Yup. It's that simple. Just comment below. The first five comments will win.




(AMAZON, iBOOKS, NOOK, KOBO, OTHER MAJOR VENDORS)

OR




Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Character Interview - Cole Winsted from The Boyfriend Agreement

Looking for a YA Romance with a touch of Disney magic? Then The Boyfriend Agreement is the book for you.

Character Interview

Cole Winsted from The Boyfriend Agreement

St. Mary's Academy Book 1



Cole Winsted
Age 16
Favorite color – Black
Least favorite color – Pink
Hobbies – Reading, Academia, Travel, Sports, Music, Movies, Gaming
Celebrity Twin – Grant Gustin


1 Minute with Cole Winsted


Seven Steps – Hello Cole. Thanks for joining us.

Cole – Hey.

Seven Steps -  As you know, we only have one minute for this interview so let’s get started. You presently hold the highest GPA in your school. Tell us how you accomplished that.

Cole – I study hard. Plain and simple.

Seven Steps – That’s a very, as you said, simple answer.

Cole -  I guess I would say that I’m naturally inclined towards academics. My mom was a music teacher back in France, so I grew up around classical music and language and art. That really helped me. Plus, there’s something to be said about having the right people to push you, and luckily I have that in my life.

Seven Steps – What do you mean?

Cole – At St. Mary’s Academy, academics is sort of like a sport. It’s competitive. People are always trying to outdo you. There are several people who I know challenge me academically, and I appreciate the extra push. It helps me do my best.

Seven Steps – We all can use a little extra push sometimes. Tell us more about your musical background.

Cole – Well, right now I’m in a cover band. It’s cool because we don’t play one genre or era. We go from jazz to rock to punk to R&B. It’s a little bit of everything.

Seven Steps – Any plans to transition into the spotlight?

Cole – Maybe in the future. Way after high school and college. Right now, we’re just messing around, playing some gigs here and there, and trying to figure out who we are as musicians. We’re a work in progress but we’re coming along.

Seven Steps – Last question. What is your relationship with Bella French?

Cole – She’s a good girl. Smart. Funny. I hope… I hope that one day she recognizes the potential that she has and runs with it. If she figures out how great she is, no one can ever stop her.

Seven Steps – Beautiful. Well, Cole, you are our last interview of the week. Any final words?

Cole – Be yourself. Yourself is awesome.

Seven Steps – And on that note, this is Seven Steps saying, take care of yourself and each other.





Monday, August 21, 2017

Character Interview - Jake Winsted from The Boyfriend Agreement


Looking for a YA Romance with a touch of Disney magic? Then The Boyfriend Agreement is the book for you.

Character Interview

Jake Winsted from The Boyfriend Agreement

St. Mary's Academy Book 1



Jake Winsted
Age - 16
Favorite color – Salmon
Least favorite color – Black
Hobbies – Football, Cars, Travel, Girls
Celebrity Twin – Mike “The Miz” Mizanin


1 Minute with Jake Winsted


Seven Steps – Hello Jake. Thanks for joining us today.

Jake – Good to be here.

Seven Steps – As you know we only have one minute for this interview so let's get started. You have been called the king of St. Mary's Academy, alluding to your social status. What are your views on popularity?

Jake – I have always said that anyone can be popular as long as they work at it. If you’re a guy it means getting in the gym, being on some sort of a team, and, of course, having the right car. If you’re a girl it means being hot and having the right look. It's like a business, you know? I come from a business family, and we always say that branding is everything. With the right brand, anything is possible.

Seven Steps – It's interesting that you mentioned your family. We all know your brother and sister, but from our research, no one has ever seen your parents. Isn’t it odd that we couldn’t find a single person who has met the parents of a sixteen year old boy?

Jake – Not really. You see, when you’re wealthy, like my family is, you have to travel. Build business connections. My parents are euntrepenuers. They don’t have time to stick around and host tea parties. They are out there in the world making money.

Seven Steps – Do you care to reveal your parent's names?

Jake – Sure. Mr. and Mrs. Winstead.

Seven Steps – I meant their first names, Jake. We’ve spoken to the school and found that the records of you and your siblings are all sealed. Can you tell us why?

Jake – Is this an interview about me or my parents?

Seven Steps – Fair enough. Next question. Do you know a girl named Bella French.

Jake – No. Who’s that?

Seven Steps – She’s in your English class.

Jake – No, I've never heard of her. Should I have?

Seven Steps – Not necessarily.

Jake – Wait. Is she that weird chick that sits in the front row and wears the clothes with the holes in them?

Seven Steps – Yes.

Jake – Yeah, I’ve seen her. Weird. Not sure what my brother is thinking about with that one. It’s just weird. Is she homeless or something?

Seven Steps - No, she's not. Last question. Who's your favorite Disney character?

Jake - I've always been partial to Gaston. Dude, he was buff.

Seven Steps – And, on that note, we’re out of time. Join us next time when we interview Jake’s brother, Cole.

Jake – That loser's here too? Did you run out people who actually matter?

Seven Steps - Like I said. Tune in tomorrow for another 1 minutes interview-

Jake - Tell him to sing one of his stupid songs!

Seven Steps - This is Seven Steps saying, take care of yourself and each other.





Sunday, August 20, 2017

Character Interview - Bella French from The Boyfriend Agreement


Looking for a YA Romance with a touch of Disney magic? Then The Boyfriend Agreement is the book for you.

Character Interview

Bella French from The Boyfriend Agreement

St. Mary's Academy Book 1


Age 16
Favorite color – Red
Least favorite color – Pink
Hobbies – Reading, singing, taking care of stray animals, Jake Winsted
Celebrity Twin – Zendaya


1 Minute with Bella French

Seven Steps – Hello Bella, and thank you for joining us today. As you know, we only have one minute for this interview. Let’s get right to it. Tell us about Mojo.

Bella – Mojo is my dog. I found him in a dirty box near my apartment. Can you believe that some idiot left him there to die? Seriously, I hope whoever did it gets exactly what they deserve! But, anyway, I found Mojo and I pretty much adopted him. My dad was upset about it, but it was the right thing to do, and daddy eventually got over it, so everything worked out.

Seven Steps – What impelled you to adopt Mojo?
Bella – My mom. When she was alive, she loved animals. Our house was literally like an animal hospital. There were dogs and cats and rabbits and horses running around everywhere. At one point, we had, like, three snakes living in the guest bathroom, which is literally my worst nightmare because I hate snakes.
Seven Steps – Snakes in the bathroom?
Bella – Yeah. I definitely freaked out over it. The weird thing was, even though I was afraid of them, I knew they had a right to be there. They were squirmy and slimy and terrifying, but they were hurt, and mom helped them. It taught me an important lesson: help those who can’t help themselves.
Seven Steps – Even snakes?
Bella – Even snakes.

Seven Steps - That’s a great lesson. So, we’re half way through our minute. Next question. Tell us about the Winsted family.


Bella – What do you want to know?

Seven Steps – What do you think of them?
Bella – Well, they’re triplets. There's Regina. She's okay I guess. I’ve never really spoken to her. Then there’s Cole, who is a Grade A jerk who constantly harasses me and makes fun of me every chance he gets. Like, literally, he thinks he’s so smart just because his GPA is half a point higher than mine. Whatever, I don’t want to talk about Cole. Jake is the last brother. He’s perfect. Perfect body, perfect hair, perfect smile. He’s amazing. I hope that one day he thinks I’m amazing too.

Seven Steps – You sound like you have a crush?


Bella – Crush. Obsession. Love sickness. Infatuation. Whatever the synonyms are, I have them.

Seven Steps – I can see that. Last question. Who is your favorite Disney character and why?
Bella – Belle, obviously. I love to read, I sing, and I have to live with a beast, a.k.a Cole. Can you believe he actually calls himself that? He goes around screaming that he’s an academic beast? It’s disturbing.

Seven Steps – Well, our minute is up but it sounds to me like you have some issues to resolve with this Cole person.


Bella – No, Jake. I have unresolved issues with Jake.

Seven Steps – Whatever. Tune in next time when we interview Jake Winsted-

Bella – Jake’s going to be here?

Seven Steps – He’s actually in the back.

Bella – Oh my god, I can’t breathe.

Seven Steps – Like I said. Tune in tomorrow for another 1 minutes interview. This is Seven Steps saying, take care of yourself and each other.




Thursday, August 17, 2017

Starting August 20 - The Boyfriend Agreement Countdown Party Begins


Starting August 20 - The Boyfriend Agreement Countdown Party Begins



The Boyfriend Agreement, my new YA Romance, releases September 19, 2017. To celebrate, I'm hosting a countdown party right here on this blog! (Throws confetti!)

Every day, we will explore another aspect of the book, host giveaways, mix it up with other authors, and just plain celebrate.

If you want some fun, prizes, and chances to win free books, check this space daily. Of course, if you want to pre-order The Boyfriend Agreement, here is the link:


Until next time,
Seven Steps


Sunday, August 6, 2017

Book Review - On The Fence by Kasie West

Book Review - On The Fence by Kasie West



Review

Let me start off by saying Kasie West is one of my favorite authors. The way she weaves in family, self-exploration, angst, and romance is geniusI'm not a re-reader of many books but this one definitely is going on my re-read list.

I've read a lot of Kasie West books (obviously) and On The Fence is my second favorite book by her (right behind PS I Like You). Yes, it is that good. Yes, it will require a re-read. Yes, the audiobook is worth buying. 

On the fence is a story about a girl named Charlie, her three brothers, her brother's best friend Brayden, and her father.  Charlie is a tomboy and a bit of a daredevil. I loved this about her. She was real, rough, and surprisingly very funny.  At the same time that she's playing sports and pulling pranks with her brothers, Charlie is dealing with the death of her mother.  This really softens the character and gives her depth, as well as showcases the insecurity that comes with a girl on the verge of womanhood losing the one person that is supposed to lead her through it. Charlie's father does a good job, but every girl needs a mother's touch, especially Charlie.

When she gets pulled over for speeding, her police officer father makes her get a job to pay the speeding ticket. That job is in a clothing store, run by an eccentric woman who reads people's auras. Along the way, Charlie discovers makeup, boys, womanhood, and what it really means to be herself. 

The characters were beautifully written. Charlie was hard baked but likable. Her brothers were realistic, funny, and genuinely cared for her. My favorite character was Brayden. He was a classic book Boyfriend. Dreamy, tough, a good listener, and willing to go after what he wanted.

5 stars!!!



Blurb:

She's a tomboy. He's the boy next door.
With three older brothers, Charlotte Reynolds, aka Charlie, has always been more comfortable calling the shots on a basketball court than flirting with the opposite sex. So when her police officer dad demands she get a summer job to pay for the latest in a long line of speeding tickets, she's more than a little surprised to find herself working at a chichi boutique and going out with a boy who has never seen her tear it up in a pickup game. Charlie seeks late-night refuge in her backyard, talking out her problems with her neighbor and honorary fourth brother, Braden, sitting back-to-back against the fence that separates them. Braden may know her better than anyone. But there's a secret Charlie's keeping that even he hasn't figured out—she's fallen for him. Hard. She knows what it means to go for the win, but if spilling her secret means losing him for good, the stakes just got too high.
On the Fence is a sweet and satisfying read about finding yourself and finding love where you least expect it.

Thursday, July 27, 2017

The Boyfriend Agreement Is Available For Pre-Order

THE BOYFRIEND AGREEMENT IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER

"FAKE BOYFRIENDS, REAL DRAMA"


Wattpad readers are going crazy over my new YA High School Romance, The Boyfriend Agreement. It's a novel about nerdy teenager who falls in love with her fake boyfriend's brother, battles drug dealers, and finds her voice all at an exclusive New York City School. 

Some of the comments are,
"I've never clicked on anything so fast!"
"Can you tell I'm happy?"
"My heart can't handle it right now."

I really enjoyed writing this book, and rest assured that I am plotting and planning the next in series (Ariel's story) as we speak. If you like Kasie West or Jenny B Jones, you'll love this book. As a special thank you, I've created a Goodreads Giveaway. Enter for a chance to win a free print copy of The Boyfriend Agreement (A St. Mary's Academy Novel) 

CLICK LINK >>ENTER GIVEAWAY<<CLICK LINK

The Boyfriend Agreement is releasing September 19, 2017. The pre-order price is only .99 cents everywhere books are sold. 


Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0749LXPTS

iBookshttps://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-boyfriend-agreement/id1249041075

Barnes and Noblehttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-boyfriend-agreement-seven-steps/1126685242

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-boyfriend-agreement

24 Symbols: https://www.24symbols.com/book/x/x/x?id=2281141

!ndigohttps://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-boyfriend-agreement-st-marys/9781386452232-item.html

Angus and Robertsonhttp://www.angusrobertson.com.au/ebooks/the-boyfriend-agreement-seven-steps/p/9781386452232

Mondadori: http://books.mondadoristore.it/The-Boyfriend-Agreement-Seven-Steps/eae978138645223/

Books2readhttps://www.books2read.com/u/mBe0EO

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

PART 1 OF THE BOYFRIEND AGREEMENT

Hi Gang!

As you know, I've been working really hard on my YA Romance, The Boyfriend Agreement. I am so close to finishing that I can taste it.

In the meantime, I am releasing the first 50 pages to readers. Run on over to Wattpad to check them out:


Until Next Time!

Seven Steps

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Book Review - The Gravity Of Us By Brittainy Cherry

Book Review - The Gravity Of Us By Brittainy Cherry


REVIEW

**This is not a YA Romance. It is an Mostly Clean Adult Romance.**


This book destroyed me and put me back together again. It was well rounded, heart felt, achingly beautiful, and wonderfully written. Every scene, every word, every syllable was necessary. I laughed. I cried. I got angry. I cried some more. Then I cried again. The story unfolded like a flower in sunshine. It was soo good that it is one of the few books that I would like to read a second time. There are even some writing tips from Graham’s writing professor that I will definitely take to heart.

Can I just say that Brittainy Cherry writes with zero fat. I have never seen a book with less filler scenes in my life! This story was so right in every way. This book was AWESOME.  Why are you still reading this review? Go get the book. Read the book. Love the book. Then come back and thank me.

Graham + Lucy = Love



BLURB

Graham Russell and I weren’t made for one another.

I was driven by emotion; he was apathetic. I dreamed while he lived in nightmares. I cried when he had no tears to shed.

Despite his frozen heart and my readiness to run, we sometimes shared seconds. Seconds when our eyes locked and we saw each other’s secrets. Seconds when his lips tasted my fears, and I breathed in his pains. Seconds when we both imagined what it would be like to love one another.

Those seconds left us floating, but when reality knocked us sideways, gravity forced us to descend.

Graham Russell wasn’t a man who knew how to love, and I wasn’t a woman who knew how to either. Yet if I had the chance to fall again, I’d fall with him forever.

Even if we were destined to crash against solid ground.

Book Review - The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

Book Review - The Future of Us by Jay Asher  and Carolyn Mackler



Review

One Computer + 1 AOL disc + 2 Teenagers = Facebook Drama

The Future Of Us is set in the 1990’s, so, being a 90’s child myself, I was immediately invested. I loved the 90’s references to movies, tech and television shows. The plot was intriguing. Two teens access Facebook and see their post from 20 years in the future. The setting plus the plot set this up to be an epic book. Unfortunately, it was not. The book was good, don’t get me wrong. It just didn’t live up my expectations. There are three things that I didn’t like about this The Future Of Us.

1 - It was definitely on the older YA side for me as far as the language and the references to sex.
2- The story went on waaaayyyy too long. Emma continues trying to change her future, even when everyone else has given up on it. Even when it becomes clear that she will never find the happy ending that she’s seeking on Facebook (moral lesson here). Even when I’m done with the story, she still goes on.  And on. And on. Not that I minded her continuing to try, but the outcome isn’t always interesting. Then again, how much can you do when you are literally fighting your future Facebook statuses.
3- Too much filler. I am all for a well-rounded story, and there is something to be said for character development and setting. However, this book has a lot of unnecessary scenes and dialogue. I don’t mind dialogue, but none of these scenes moved the story forward or deepened my connections to the characters. It was just… filler.

Overall, the book was good, but not great. With a little more action, more conflict, less filler, and some sort of a chase scene, it would have been epic.


BLURB

Josh and Emma are about to discover themselves--fifteen years in the future 

It's 1996, and Josh and Emma have been neighbors their whole lives. They've been best friends almost as long--at least, up until last November, when everything changed. Things have been awkward ever since, but when Josh's family gets a free AOL CD-ROM in the mail, his mom makes him bring it over so that Emma can install it on her new computer. When they sign on, they're automatically logged onto Facebook . . . but Facebook hasn't been invented yet. Josh and Emma are looking at themselves fifteen years in the future. 

Their spouses, careers, homes, and status updates--it's all there. And every time they refresh their pages, their futures change. As they grapple with the ups and downs of what their lives hold, they're forced to confront what they're doing right--and wrong--in the present.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Book Review - By Your Side by Kasie West

Book Review - By Your Side by Kasie West



Review

Is this a trend? Three Kasie West books in a row? Honestly, YES!  I couldn't help it. She's just that good. Any book that can have me crying at work is a book worth reading. But I digress.
Autumn Collins finds herself locked inside of a library with the school bad boy, Dax Miller. At first, they hate each other, but then they realize that they need each other for food, warmth, and companionship. The story really takes off from there. Add one almost boyfriend, some absentee foster parents, and an accident that changes Autumn's life and, as Carl Weathers would say, you've got a stew going.
Remember the book, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. KonigsburgIt's the one where the brother and the sister run away and live in a museum. This book is a lot like that, only there is a hot guy, they're in a library, and the girl has an anxiety disorder. Oh, and no one washes in a fountain.
I gotta say that I felt bad for the almost boyfriend. He was super nice and funny. I mean, yeah, he wasn't right for autumn but I really rooted for him to get his happily ever after. Maybe one day.
I loved Autumn and Dax. I love the friends to lovers storyline and boy did they work it! I have to admit that when they finally got together I cried. At my desk. At work. Yes, it was that good. So good that I might just get myself locked in a library.
Excellent book. 5 stars!

                                                 Click Here To Download By Your Side 


Blurb:

An irresistible story from Kasie West that explores the timeless question What do you do when you fall for the person you least expect?
When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left her in the library and comes to rescue her.
Only he doesn’t come. No one does.
Instead it becomes clear that Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he and Autumn at first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other, Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side?

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Book Review - Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon

Book Review - Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon



Review

Madeline Whittier is the female version of the bubble boy. She is stuck in a house with a disease that makes her allergic to the world. Each day bleeds into the next, with very little difference in between.  That is, until she meets Ollie.

So first off, OH MY GOD! THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD!

Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way… I THREW MY PHONE WHILE READING THIS BOOK.

And finally… I HAVE NEVER SEEN A PLOT TWIST LIKE THIS.

Ok, I digress. This book was awesome. I picked it up because I saw the commercial for the movie on Facebook (lame I know) and I wanted to be prepared. I didn’t just read this book. I devoured it!

Maddie Whitter is such a likable character with a very distinct voice. Every word is very simple and deliberately chosen. She is brilliant, interesting, and runs a book review blog (so cool). She is also very hopeful. For such a sick girl, she never loses hope that things will get better, or, at least, not worse. It was inspiring. I loved her relationship with her nurse, Carmen. It was so natural, almost like Carmen was a really cool aunt.

I loved Maddie and Ollie. And kudos to Nicola Yoon for throwing in some parkour references in there. Ollie’s specific set of movements wasn’t just a description, it was a part of the character. Ollie wouldn’t be who he was without his parkour. I loved how that was worked in.

This book will make you laugh, cry, and, if you are like me, ultimately throw something. It was that good. Great characters, great story, great visuals, just great everything. Do yourself a favor and pick up the audio book too. The narrator is awesome.

Ok, I’ll stop now. Go read the book and, when you get to the plot twist, come back here and scream with me.

                         Download Everything Everything


Blurb

The instant #1 New York Times bestseller--soon to be a major motion picture! In theaters May 19, it stars Amandla Stenberg as Maddy and Nick Robinson as Olly.

Risk everything . . . for love.

What if you couldn’t touch anything in the outside world? Never breathe in the fresh air, feel the sun warm your face . . . or kiss the boy next door? In Everything, Everything, Maddy is a girl who’s literally allergic to the outside world, and Olly is the boy who moves in next door . . . and becomes the greatest risk she’s ever taken.

My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla. 
 
But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He's tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.
 
Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.

Everything, Everything will make you laugh, cry, and feel everything in between. It's an innovative,  inspiring, and heartbreakingly romantic debut novel that unfolds via vignettes, diary entries, illustrations, and more. 

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And don’t miss Nicola Yoon's The Sun Is Also A Star, the #1 New York Times bestseller in which two teens are brought together just when it seems like the universe is sending them in opposite directions.