Monday, December 22, 2014

Cover Reveal: Sail by M. Mabie

magic size

Sail

Book Two in The Wake Series

by M. Mabie

Releasing Early 2015

This isn’t just a two-year long one-night stand. It’s my life. This is my life. Our life. It isn’t just some careless affair. I’ve made the worst decisions a woman could, but I’ll earn my second chance. She can try keeping all the guilt for herself, but I’m just as much to blame. Loving Casey wasn’t my biggest mistake. Fighting it for so long was. I’ll show her how fearless our love makes me. I’ll protect her torn heart. He still has magic in his eyes. He’s the man who makes me happy. Her voice still brings me to my knees. She says my name like it’s sacred. I live for the day when I’m his. To take care of him. To love him the way he deserves. I can’t wait to be all she needs. I can give her a happy life, security and so much love. Sometimes two ships never meet in the night, but ours did. Sometimes the water is rough. It beats you all to hell until you have no choice but get stronger. Our love story reads more like a tragedy, but to me it’s clean and pure. Let them point their fingers. Without a love like ours, they haven’t really lived. I pity them. I’m a cheating wife and a villain. I am his honeybee. I’m a snake in the grass and I sleep best when I’m lying next to his wife. I want to be his everything. I’m nothing without her anyway. This isn’t even close to over. It’ll never be over.


Sail is the second book in the continuing Wake Series. For more information on the first book in the series see the link for Bait below.



Sail2  

 

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Book Group Pick - Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren

At our library we host a New Adult book group that meets once a month. We mostly read New Adult books but due to the availability of these books (or lack of) we also read crossovers and talk about what makes a book New Adult.

December's book pick was Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren and was by far the most popular book to date. Everyone agreed that they liked the book and felt that it had a completed ARC to the story....meaning that when the book was complete, they felt good about it. No book throwing or fist shaking due to the ending. Our group also liked the "play" and the more realistic scenes with the couple. The group also commented on how the book had them laughing out loud during certain parts...something they loved. Finally, the twist...no one in the group saw it coming. This is a well read group so for them to be surprised was amazing.

So, I thought I would bring back the group's thoughts on the book to the blog as a reminder that this is one great read and also introduce a few other books in thew Wild Seasons series.

Sweet Filthy Boy is the first in the new Wild Season series. You can read my review on this book here.

You can also find book group questions to this book here.
Sweet Filthy Morning After (1.5) by Christina Lauren is only available via audio. It's well worth the buy to hear Ansel's French accent. You can read my review on this audio book here.
Dirty Rowdy Thing by Christina Lauren (Book 2).

"Despite their rowdy hookups, Harlow and Finn don’t even like each other...which would explain why their marriage lasted only twelve hours. He needs to be in charge and takes whatever he wants. She lives by the Want-something-done? Do-it-yourself mantra. Maybe she’s too similar to the rugged fisherman—or just what he needs."

We often talk about the best friend in a book or series. Mia is lucky enough to have two. This book focuses on Harlow (better known as whorlow to her friends. Endless giggling from this nickname.) The book gives us two POVs that alternates between Harlow and Finn. You could see the growth of each character and not growth to make a better partner but to become a better person. They also each have their own struggle that they're facing. The couple was great to read about and believable. I also loved the friendships these two have with the rest of the group. As with the other book, there is a certain amount of 'dirtyness' to them. It was a great balance to the storyline. We also get to see Mia and Ansel (cue swooning).

Next month we're reading Bared to You by Sylvia Day. This is a discussion I can't wait to have and see what everyone's thoughts are on it.

Happy reading!

Monday, December 1, 2014

Tijan Blog Hop

Welcome to the Tijan Blog Hop! I was so supper excited to have the opportunity to be apart of this hop-along.

As some of you might know, I'm a fangirl of Tijan and the Fallen Crest High series. I just love these characters and especially Sam, one of the stronger female characters being written in the NA/YA universe. If you haven't had the chance to read this series, it's now free at Amazon.com, click here to download your copy.

For a full list of books by Tijan, click here. Finally, make sure to check out her Facebook page because she offers a ton of extras in her book series. Everything from interviews with the characters, to sneak peeks to upcoming books, and even extra scenes from our favorite books and characters.

If you're wondering what's happening with the hop-along, stop by www.facebook.com/abbyandlisasbookblog to read the first part of this story.


Here's the next installment of the story…

(Flashback continued)

Her eyebrows went up and her smirk dropped. “You’re in high school?”

He nodded, his smirk widening.

She looked at Mason. “You too?”

Mason didn’t answer her. He spoke over her head to the guy again, “What are you going to do?”
The guy wanted to fight. That was obvious. At hearing that Logan was still in high school, a keen note appeared in his gaze, but he met his leader’s gaze. Seeing him shake his head, he let out a deep breath and turned. Shoving his way through the crowd, he heard him bark out, “Move!”

When he was gone, the girl sighed. “I can’t believe you’re in high school.”

Logan laughed. “If I didn’t have a girlfriend, I’d be all about it. I like college cougars.”

She tipped her head back and a laugh rippled from her. Then she shook her head, and glanced to her friend. “Alex, can we bounce before I sharpen my cougar claws on this one? You know me. I tend to forget who has girlfriends and who don’t.”

“Sure.” Alex tipped her head back again and raised her lips. Her boyfriend dropped a kiss there and when she moved away, he slapped her on the ass. She glanced back, a secretive smile on her face, but her and her two friends moved towards the front door.

As they did, the blonde muttered under her breath to Logan, close enough from me to hear, “High school or not. You’re a hot one, buddy.”

“Buddy?” Logan smirked at her, but the girls moved out of earshot, disappearing through the door. He saw me and winked. “See that sister dear? I got the college cougars all over me already. I might have to be single going into Cain U next year.”

I gave him a small grin, but I was still tense. He’d been restless. When he threw out that challenge, I hadn’t been surprised. Logan wanted to fight. He’d been spoiling for one for a while. When he looked away, my gaze lingered on him. He had a carefree smile on his face, but his eyes were dark. He was hungry still.

Mason saw my frown and asked, “You okay?” He leaned close so no one could hear.
I nodded, but let out a sigh. Logan was going to be trouble. I could feel it. I just didn’t know what he was going to do.

“Shit.” Another guy who stood next to Jesse Hunt grunted. “I thought we were going to have a battle royale here. Monson, you know how to pick your friends.”

For the next part of this story stop by http://Facebook.com/readthishearthat

Happy blog-hopping!



Friday, November 28, 2014

Free books for everyone!

While working last week, a patron at the library commented on how they were surprised we weren't open on Thanksgiving. It made me laugh a little. I told him that our Black Friday sale was starting on Thursday at 6 pm, free books and movies for everyone…with a library card. The funny thing is, they're free everyday. Your local library is open most days and you can have access to popular books and movie for free, until you're late. Then we charge a little fee each day.

So, while shopping for the holidays this year, and you're looking to save money somewhere, think about getting your own free library card to have access to thousands of books, movies, magazines, video games, and even in my state cake pans!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Goodreads Reading Challenge

 
I'm taking a moment to celebrate the Goodreads.com reading challenge. I completed my goal of reading 160 books with a month to spare. And only 10 of those books were children's books I have read to my daughter (a very small amount to how many books we read to her).

So, I'm going out to celebrate with some ice cream and of course a good book!

Happy reading everyone.

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Mini-book Review - New Adult

While away from blogging I used by down time to read. Here's the first of my mini-updates, this one focusing on New Adult.
  

Sweet Filthy Morning After (Wild Seasons #1.5)
by Christina Lauren
This audio exclusive short tells of events from Sweet Filthy Boy from a new perspective.

Three words to describe this for you, "Hot French accent!" After listening to this novella, I so want a book from Ansel's POV. I understand why we didn't get his POV to begin with, the big secret would have been revealed. However, after hearing his thoughts on Mia, I would love to learn more from his POV.




Lick  (Stage Dive #1)
by Kylie Scott
Waking up in Vegas was never meant to be like this.

Evelyn Thomas's plans for celebrating her twenty-first birthday in Las Vegas were big. Huge. But she sure never meant to wake up on the bathroom floor with a hangover to rival the black plague, a very attractive half-naked tattooed man in her room, and a diamond on her finger large enough to scare King Kong. Now if she could just remember how it all happened.

One thing is certain, being married to one of the hottest rock stars on the planet is sure to be a wild ride.
This book was recommended to me and then someone asked to place it on hold. Honestly, I thought, *rolls eyes* another rock and roll story. Our library system didn't have it in stock so I went out and bought it with the idea of donating it to my library for their collection.

I was so wrong for the eye roll. This book was amazing. I loved Evelyn and David each as individuals and as a couple throughout the whole book. Sure they made their mistakes and had mess-ups but it was a fun, sexy read.

In our NA book group, we talk about the best friend in the books. This book had two awesome best friends. Lauren for Evelyn and Mal for David. They added such debt and fun to the book. I couldn't wait to read about Mal so I went and picked up Play to read and donate to the library.

We now have Lick, Play, and Lead just arrived yesterday. It was very tough not to walk off with that book before it was cataloged.



Uncovered
by Emily Snow
My name is Lizzie Connelly, and I have it all. The gorgeous apartment. The new job most women would rip out their own souls for—working for Margaret Emerson at Emerson & Taylor. I have one of those lives you’ve always dreamt about, the kind you only see on HBO. But, the thing is, that life is a lie. A façade.

It all started with one call. “Everything you know about your story—your father’s story—is a lie. It’s up to you to uncover everything.” One call, and I turned my world upside down to dig my way into Margaret’s life—the woman who I’d never laid eyes on until recently. My stepmother who took everything after my father died fourteen years ago.

The plan was simple—figure out what role she played in my father’s death and expose her to the world.

But here’s another thing: simplicity doesn’t exist, and my plans are flawed from the beginning because I never anticipated Oliver. Sexy, too smart for his own goddamn good, and infuriating, he’s the one person who could blow my plans to uncover Margaret. She’s his mother, and in another life, that would have made him my stepbrother.

I want to pretend that none of that matters, that I can simply finish what I came to do without sparing him a second glance and another thought.

Like I said, though, there’s no such thing as simplicity.

My real name is Gemma Emerson.

And this is my story.

I honestly believe I could read a grocery written by Snow and LOVE it. This story had multiple layers with one hot book boyfriend, Oliver. Imagine having the world and then losing everything. That includes family, home, and money to support. Lizzie didn't question it until she got a phone call that changed everything. Here's another book that has a great best friend and an amazing plot that keeps the twists coming to the end. Don't skip ahead on this one, you won't want to ruin the full plot twists.



COMPLETED: a Devoured novella
By Emily Snow

This awesome novella is being released every few days and is based in the Devoured universe with Ceanna and Lucas. I love that we get to read more about them and see the drama llama come to town.

This one is free and can be read here.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Please, no jazz hands


Wow! It's been a while since I posted. October, November, and December are busy months in the music world for me. I play string bass and seem to be playing every where this fall/winter. First I was called out to play with a regional orchestra about two hours from home. Lots of book on CD listening while making the drives. Then there was Music Man..."We got trouble with a capital T". This included weeks of practice and then three performances. Finally, I have a Christmas concert for the Suzuki School that I teach at. I'm so excited to see my daughter play her violin and my students on bass rock out on their songs as well.

While doing all of the musical activities I've also been reading up a storm but fell off on posting about what I'm reading. I'll post some mini-blogs over the next week or two to catch you up on some great books that are out there.

Here's the first of many that I read. Most of you are adult readers but I couldn't resist posting this one up for our kids...Ninja Bunny by Jennifer Olson.


A fresh, funny, and hip picture book about a little bunny who wants to be…a ninja!

How to be a SUPER AWESOME NINJA:
· Rule #1. You must always work alone.
· Rule #2. You must be super sneaky, especially in the most dangerous of situations.
· Rule #3. A super awesome ninja must: possess incredible strength, achieve invisibility, master the skill of climbing, gain the ability to fly….

Our little bunny is ready to embark on his path to becoming a ninja. But is he cut out for the ninja life? Especially if it means leaving his friends behind?


*******
 
We're going through a bit of a Ninja phase in our house, which I welcome with open arms (if it helps get us out of the princess phase, I'm all for it). So when I saw this book available for an ARC read, I had to apply for it. Super cute cover with Ninja Bunnies. Really, where could you go wrong?
 
The book gives you rules from one bunnies perspective on what it takes to become a Ninja. And this bunny thinks that it needs to be done all alone. That is until faced with a bear. Then he/she learns the meaning of team work.
 
I loved this book for the good message it gives children and also for the amazing illustrations. There was great layout and design to the whole book. After reading it, I begged our Children's Liberian to get the book for our collection.

We'll have this awesome book in our collection starting in June when it becomes available to the public. Make sure to check your library for a copy to take out in the summer months.

Friday, October 10, 2014

New Adult Book Group Questions

At the New Ulm Public Library (located in New Ulm, MN) we started a monthly New Adult (NA) Book Group. It's been great fun to talk to other readers about NA books and what exactly makes a book NA. Hosting a book group for the new(ist) genre and books has been challenging in a few areas.

One challenge has been finding enough copies of the book for the group. The other challenge we have encountered is finding book group discussion questions. Lucky for us, we have Kris Wiley as our Library Director and she has helped provide book group discussion questions for our group. After a recent book group discussion on Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines, we decided it be great to share our book group discussion questions for other NA book readers and groups out there.

I have now created a new page on the blog to post the book group questions. So if you're interested in starting a NA book group or reading one of these books for your book group, you now have access to questions for the discussion. I'll keep the page updated monthly.

You can access the book group questions by clicking here.

Happy reading!


Wednesday, October 8, 2014

My big public service announcement on a favorite YA book and three FREE novella stories

 

Love is all you need... or is it? Penny's about to find out in this wonderful debut.

Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows: no more. It's a personal choice. . .and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a few other girls are inspired. A movement is born: The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt. Pepper). Penny is suddenly known for her nondating ways . . . which is too bad, because there's this certain boy she can't help but like. . . .


******
 
Back in early 2010, I read this wonderful YA book that was all about friendships and girl power and why the two need to stick together. It was an amazing read and still sits on my shelf, ready to be read once my daughter is old enough.

I'm all about the girl power in this book but what I loved even more was showing not all boys are bad or out to steal your girl-time away. We meet several in this book that have hearts of gold. However, the book revolves around the "Lonely Hearts Club" and Penny telling her story of how her choice to give up boys turned into a club that supports friends first.

With others, I became a HUGE fan of Elizabeth Eulberg and asked for a follow-up to be made. Years later we finally got our response. Three FREE novella's and a follow-up to her first book.

We will get one novella per month starting October 1, November 1, and December 1. See below for pictures of the novella's and order they'll be released in.

 
 
 
Then we finally get after 6 years of waiting, the follow-up to the Lonely Hearts Club. I for one cannot wait!
 
 

 

 

 

Monday, October 6, 2014

Fallen Fourth Down by Tijan


My mother tried to destroy me. She doesn’t exist to me anymore and my father, the one who raised me and the biological one, are both works in progress. The only two people that I can trust are Mason and Logan, and they’re the two people who I could lose. It won’t happen. I won’t let it. No matter the truth, no matter who loves me, I won’t let anything or anyone come between us.
They’re my world. They’re my life.
They’re my family

*******

It seems like I am focused on two things, outside of family and my daughter's ever growing activities schedule, during the months of September through November. Both have to deal with football! Reading stories about football and playing in the libraries fantasy football league. 

Football and fall equals book reading for me. I LOVE football stories. Especially in the YA and NA world. This was how I first found Tijan. Some random search on if you like this, try that. I've been a fan ever since. Well more like crazy fangirl.

This story takes place during Sam and Logan's senior year. To me it was the perfect timing considering football season is also happening right now in the real world along with cross country and all that makes fall a wonderful season. It felt timely and at present of what's happening in the world.

The separating of the fearsome threesome was tough but needed. The change from high school to college is one of the toughest and biggest jumps we make from young adults to new adults. Mason needed to go to college for his relationships to grow but also for Sam and Logan to grow on their own. The duel POV's and image shots of text messages between Mason and Sam helped bridge the gap between the two worlds and made you feel that even though they were apart they were still present in each other's lives. 

If you read the last book, you'll remember the bomb that was dropped on Tate at the end. It stays with her for most of the book. Why wouldn't it? She knows that Mason and Logan have an unbreakable bond and doesn't want to come between that for fear of losing them both. I never questioned Sam on that point. Especially with Tate's history and the two boys. Sam had a lot to lose and thought about it throughout the book. Very natural when your boyfriend goes off to college and is a stud muffin in football.

What I have heard about book three is some people were disappointed in Sam and how she was acting/reacting. I mean, you get a beat down that places you in the hospital, who wouldn't be changed by that? We get to read about this change throughout the book. She's stronger and has more self confidence about herself and where she's at in life. More importantly, she comes back into her old self. The strong girl who knows she needs to stand beside Mason and not behind him.   I loved seeing her stand up for herself on Marissa and even being able to admit her greatest fears to Mason. Both are a important part of her character growth and strength.

Finally, the new bromance between Logan and Mark. LOVE it! Those two were like rays of sunshine in a book that deals in changing relationships and times. I so want to read more about those two. Maybe we will. Maybe we'll get lucky and they'll room together at college and that will be the sixth book that focuses on Logan. Fingers crossed over here!

If you haven't give Tijan a chance, do so now! Few writers are on my to buy list and Tijan is one of them. I love her writing and way of portraying strong female characters and Fallen Crest High is my favorite of her series. Check out Fallen Crest High to start with, the first in the series. We have the whole set at our local library (if you live close to New Ulm or are in the state of MN).


Friday, September 26, 2014

What's New in New Adult at the Library

After learning of the success of our New Adult books, I thought I would start a new series on the blog about what books are being offered in New Adult at our local library. If you're local to New Ulm or in the live in the state of MN, you will have access to these books. I thought it was also a great way to highlight how libraries are adding New Adult books to their collections.

First up....

Scoring Wilder
by R.S. Grey

What started out as a joke— seduce Coach Wilder—soon became a goal she had to score.

With Olympic tryouts on the horizon, the last thing nineteen-year-old Kinsley Bryant needs to add to her plate is Liam Wilder. He's a professional soccer player, America's favorite bad-boy, and has all the qualities of a skilled panty-dropper.

• A face that makes girls weep – check.
• Abs that can shred Parmesan cheese (the expensive kind) – check.
• Enough confidence to shift the earth’s gravitational pull – double check.

Not to mention Liam is strictly off limits . Forbidden. Her coaches have made that perfectly clear. (i.e. “Score with Coach Wilder anywhere other than the field and you’ll be cut from the team faster than you can count his tattoos.”) But that just makes him all the more enticing…Besides, Kinsley's already counted the visible ones, and she is not one to leave a project unfinished.

Kinsley tries to play the game her way as they navigate through forbidden territory, but Liam is determined to teach her a whole new definition for the term “team bonding.”

A fun & sexy New Adult Romance (age 17+)

******

Then a fan favorite series, the Driven Series. Let's just say I'm super excited to read Raced since I haven't bought it for my Kindle yet.




Driven (The Driven Trilogy #1- which one to start reading first)
by K. Bromberg

I am the exception to the rule.

In a world full of willing women, I’m a challenge to the roguish and achingly handsome Colton Donavan. A man used to getting exactly what he wants in all aspects of life. He’s the reckless bad boy constantly skating that razor thin edge toward out of control, on and off of the track.

Colton crashes into my life like a tornado: sapping my control, testing my vulnerabilities beyond their limits, and unintentionally penetrating the protective wall around my healing heart. Tearing apart the world I rebuilt so carefully with structure, predictability, and discipline.

I can’t give him what he wants and he can’t give me what I need. But after a glimpse beneath his refined exterior into the dark secrets of his damaged soul, can I bring myself to walk away?

Our sexual chemistry is undeniable. Our individual need for complete control is irrefutable. But when our worlds collide, is the chemistry enough to bring us together or will our untold secrets and battle of wills force us apart?

******

Then a new series to me by very popular...


Fixed on You (Fixed #1- which one to start reading first)
by Laurelin Paige

Stalking and restraining orders are a thing of Alayna Wither’s past. With her MBA newly in hand, she has her future figured out—move up at the nightclub she works at and stay away from any guy who might trigger her obsessive love disorder. A perfect plan.

But what Alayna didn’t figure on is Hudson Pierce, the new owner of the nightclub. He’s smart, rich, and gorgeous—the kind of guy Alayna knows to stay away from if she wants to keep her past tendencies in check. Except, Hudson’s fixed his sights on her. He wants her in his bed and makes no secret of it.

Avoiding him isn’t an option after he offers a business proposition she can’t turn down and she’s drawn further into his universe, unable to resist his gravitational pull. When she learns Hudson has a dark history of his own, she realizes too late that she’s fallen for the worst man she could possibly get involved with. Or maybe their less than ideal pasts give them an opportunity to heal each other and finally find the love their lives have been missing.

******

And to finish off the grouping we have the additional books (books 2-4 in the series) to Tangled by Emma Chase. Make sure you start first with Tangled for reading order.




******

If you have any interest in reading these books, make sure to check out your local library to see if they have a copy or can gain access to a copy from another library.

Happy reading everyone!

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

New Adult and the Library


Yesterday when I arrived at work, I was greeted with good news from our Acquisitions Librarian. After pulling numbers for the year 2014 so far, our New Adult books were performing better than 'traditional' best selling authors. For a librarian, the truth is in the numbers.

They discovered that in 2014 (only 9 months so far) that our New Adult books went out at least 10 times. This is considered a great number since we loan our books for three weeks at a time. But wait, there was more to celebrate in New Adult. Claim Me by J. Kenner went out over 20 times!

I thought I would put this in perspective to those of us not familiar with the library numbers game...

  • A popular Harry Potter book placed in the system in 2007 has gone out over 80 times and
  • John Green's The Fault in Our Stars has gone out over 50 times since 2012
So, as you can our surprise when the numbers showed that people are reading New Adult books at pace, if not better, that the 'top' best selling authors. In a time when numbers count for libraries and most have seen decrease in readership, this is something to truly celebrate. New Adult readers are reading at large levels and are helping out the libraries!

As promised, here's another question that I was asked in my interview on New Adult books. Very timely considering our good news.

New Adult (NA) and Staying Power

I feel the NA genre has great staying power. I found two categories that people seem to fall in when reading the NA genre. First, those who grew up in the magical world of Harry Potter and then moved on to Twilight and other books in the YA universe as they grew older. Once they hit college and post-college, there seems to be a missing part for them. These readers were split between YA and Adult Fiction but craving something that reflected what they were most familiar with or wanted to read about.

The second category of NA book readers are those of us who are older but prefer to read about college and post-college situations. I might also add that these readers are looking for something a little more “steamy.” What I have noticed about these readers is that for the most part they haven’t been big pleasure readers or hadn’t picked up a book since high school or college. Once they find NA, they seem to fall in love with reading and the people they read about. One of our readers stated, “Why would I want to read about what’s happening in my life (a reference to older adult fiction books)?” I might also add that this person has not read in years and is now at our library all the time asking what to read next.

I also feel the genre has staying power due to the fan base of the books and the authors’ dedication to the fans. Most of the authors highlighted as core collection NA authors started as Indie authors. With that, they dedicated a lot of their time and efforts to build and maintain their readers. I have noticed more with NA than other genre the opportunity to read character interviews and additional scenes from favorite books. One great example of this is Abbi Glines. After publishing Forever Too Far, she mentioned on her Facebook page that if she went #1 (I can’t remember if it was Amazon or NYT Bestseller List) she would write a whole book from Rush’s POV. Glines has very dedicated fans and with that we got Rush Too Far, a book she originally wasn’t planning on but wrote for the fans.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Better When He's Bad by Jay Crownover


Welcome to the Point

There’s a difference between a bad boy and a boy who’s bad . . . meet Shane Baxter.

Sexy, dark, and dangerous, Bax isn’t just from the wrong side of the tracks, he is the wrong side of the tracks. A criminal, a thug, and a brawler, he’s the master of bad choices, until one such choice landed him in prison for five years. Now Bax is out and looking for answers, and he doesn’t care what he has to do or who he has to hurt to get them. But there’s a new player in the game, and she’s much too innocent, much too soft…and standing directly in his way.

Dovie Pryce knows all about living a hard life and the tough choices that come with it. She’s always tried to be good, tried to help others, and tried not to let the darkness pull her down. But the streets are fighting back, things have gone from bad to worse, and the only person who can help her is the scariest, sexiest, most complicated ex-con The Point has ever produced.

Bax terrifies her, but it doesn’t take Dovie long to realize that some boys are just better when they’re bad.

*********

I typically do a long written review of a book describing the who, what, and why's. It's not needed for this one. First because I don't want to give away any plot spoilers (seriously, don't skip ahead). And second, the books was amazing. For me it was a slow start but worth the five star rating. Crownover created the perfect blend of bad boy, smexy, mystery and plot twists! I loved that I couldn't guess the plot twists. I loved even more that a book was written about someone on the other side of the law. Crownover has a true talent to write about the bad boy and helping the reader find something redeemable in him.

If you're a fan of Crownover or the NA genre, this is a must read for 2014! I was lucky enough to read my copy of Better When He's Bad from the public library.

Friday, September 19, 2014

New Adult in the Library Journal

Something very cool happened to me a while back...I was interviewed about my thoughts on the New Adult (NA) genre. I was actually quoted in a Library Journal article! To read the article in the Library Journal, click the picture above. 

Not much of what I responded to in the interviewer questions wasn't in the article so I plan to post my answers to the blog over the next few weeks. Here's the first part of my interview...a little about myself, the library I work at and how I feel about NA.

A little about myself and the library I work at...

My name is Carolyn Borgen and I work part-time as a library aide at the New Ulm Public Library. When not working at the library I’m a part-time stay-at-home mom and avid reader.

Our library is located in New Ulm, MN. Our town’s population is about 13,000. We are a part of the Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative. This allows us to easily trade books with libraries in our system, which is especially helpful in the NA genre.

How do I define NA?

I would define NA books as books that feature college-aged women or women who are recently out of college dealing with mature situations. I would go further and say that I would define the NA genre as how the female heroes are defined…women who are faced with mature situations and self-discovery have a strong sense of self and self-worth.

More about the wonderful book group I get to facilitate for the NA genre at our library...

We have a small but dedicated group who are involved in the NA book group that meets monthly. We like to explore “what is NA” and determine if the books we read fall into this category. So far, we have read Easy by Tammara Webber, Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire, Real by Katy Evans, The Fault In Our Stars by John Green, Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, Losing It by Cora Carmack, Connected by Kim Karr, True Love by Jude Deveraux, and Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines.

I'll post more on my thought about NA and our library in the upcoming weeks. I hope you enjoy the article in the Library Journal. It's a wonderful read!

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Preview for Raced by K. Bromberg with exerpt and contest


The Colton Points of View Collection

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author K. Bromberg comes a companion novella to the best selling Driven Trilogy (Driven, Fueled, and Crashed). This novella is a compilation of reader requested scenes from the series retold through the eyes of Colton Donavan.

Colton Donavan lived life in the fast lane, but it took Rylee Thomas to teach him what racing was all about.

Arrogant
Rogue
Broken
Conceited
Dirty-Talking
Rebel
Egomaniacal
Voodooed
Bent
Reckless

You think you know me? 
Think again.

*Raced is not a complete re-write of the Driven Trilogy. This companion explores pivotal scenes as well as some new ones written in Colton Donavan’s point of view that were not previously published in Driven, Fueled, and Crashed. Hear his thoughts, experience his inner-turmoil, and laugh with him on his journey as he overcomes his demons and accepts what it means to love.  

This novella is for the devoted readers of the Driven series. It is recommended that this companion be read after Driven, Fueled, and Crashed.


********

Excerpt


It’s more than obvious that we need to say our parting words and have a moment of silence for your dearly departed dick.”

“Becks—”

“Shh!” he responds, trying to hold his pointer finger to his lips but his depth perception is so off I laugh when he tries several times to get it there despite his dead serious face. “A moment of silence is needed to kiss your unvoodooed ass goodbye.”

“You’re such an asshole,” I tell him but know I’m lucky to have him as my partner in crime. 

“Shh!” he says again, and I give up. I take a deep breath and roll my eyes but humor him and remain silent. I swear he’s passed out but he’s still sitting at the edge of the chair and hasn’t fallen over.

Yet.

But his eyes are still closed when a huge-ass grin turns his mouth up and he claps his hands together and rubs them. “Shit, that was easier than I thought.”

“What was?” My buzz is humming now and I’m finally relaxed after a fuck-all day with the Firestone guys and negotiations over shit they’re going to cave on in the end anyway. 

“Getting you to admit you’re a kept man now.”

********


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About the Author

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author K. Bromberg is that reserved woman sitting in the corner who has you all fooled about the wild child inside of her—the one she lets out every time her fingertips touch the computer keyboard. 

K. lives in Southern California with her husband and three children. When she needs a break from the daily chaos of her life, you can most likely find her on the treadmill or with Kindle in hand, devouring the pages of a good, saucy book.

On a whim, K. Bromberg decided to try her hand at this writing thing. Her debut novels, Driven, Fueled, and Crashed of The Driven Trilogy were well received and went on to become multi-platform bestsellers as well as landing on the New York Times and USA Today lists. Her other works include a short story, UnRaveled, and a companion piece to The Driven Trilogy titled Raced. She is currently working on two stand alones, Slow Burn and Sweet Ache, as well as an untitled novella to the Driven Series.

Monday, September 8, 2014

Visions by Kelley Armstrong


As #1 New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong’s new Cainsville series continues, Olivia’s power to read omens leads to the discovery of a gruesome crime with troubling connections to her new hometown.

Omens, the first installment in Kelley Armstrong’s exciting new series, introduced Olivia Taylor-Jones, daughter of notorious serial killers, and Gabriel Walsh, the self-serving, morally ambiguous lawyer who became her unlikely ally. Together, they chased down a devious killer and partially cleared her parents of their horrifying crimes.

Their success, however, is short-lived. While Olivia takes refuge in the old, secluded town of Cainsville, Gabriel’s past mistakes have come to light, creating a rift between the pair just when she needs his help the most.

Olivia finds a dead woman in her car, dressed to look like her, but the body vanishes before anyone else sees it. Olivia’s convinced it’s another omen, a sign of impending danger. But then she learns that a troubled young woman went missing just days ago—the same woman Olivia found dead in her car. Someone has gone to great lengths to kill and leave this young woman as a warning. But why? And what role has her new home played in this disturbing murder?

Olivia’s effort to uncover the truth places her in the crosshairs of old and powerful forces, forces that have their own agenda, and closely guarded secrets they don’t want revealed.

******
 
 
When this book arrived at the library, the book buyer had a good time making fun of me by waving it around, out of reach of course. I've been waiting since the last book Omens came out to read Visions. (Book one in the Cainsville Series is Omens and my review can be found here.)
 
As I patiently, ok not so patiently awaited this book to catalog, I went to Goodreads to read some reviews. Big mistake there. Luckily no spoilers but I read some reviews at the top that didn't like the book. I'm a huge fan of Kelley Armstrong but was still nervous that the book might experience what most series seems to...the mid-book slump. Thank goodness that didn't happen! And thank goodness I didn't listen to the reviews.
 
Visions starts right where we left off in Omens, which was nice. Olivia is at her parents getting cloths when she sees a vision and a dead body. YUCK! This starts off a new storyline and mystery that actually pulls into the previous storyline of "what am I" or "who are they"? The whole dead body thing was tough for me because of the imagery but it was an important part to the story and mystery.
 
With some stories, authors will keep you hanging the entire series to get the big reveal. Armstrong did no such thing to us. We get a lot of answers, more than I thought we would. But we also get more questions...which I would love to pose to you but don't want to give anything away.
 
My favorite character from the last book was Ricky and I was so happy to see him in this book. However, I don't foresee a love triangle happening between Ricky and Gabriel (another thank goodness moment). We learned more about those two in a vision Olivia has about two other gentleman. My theory is that it's related back to Ricky and Gabriel. We'll have to wait and see on that one.
 
We also learn a lot more about Gabriel and what makes him tick. Or more importantly, what makes him the way he is. We get these insights from Rose, himself, and the town's people. The town seems to be pushing for Gabriel and Olivia and I tend to wonder why that is.
 
Olivia's ex-fiancée also makes an appearance throughout the book. I was happy to see Gabriel's association with James come to light and for Olivia to work through that. I was also happy to see the arc continue with James. Let's be clear, I don't like James but I think he really adds to the story. Showing Olivia's past and how she was a cockatoo pretending to be a song bird.
 
What I love most about the books is Olivia's strength and her ability to process. She has a great inner strength and lacks fear with a lot of things. "Oh, am I in a house and having visions and faced with a locked door. Ok, I can handle that." It's so refreshing to read a character like her who is discovering herself without losing herself in the process.
 
If you're a fan of Armstrong's previous work or a fan of supernatural, this is a must read for 2014! Omens did a great job of starting a story in a whole new world and Visions really brought the world into focus with understanding about origin's and playmakers. I cannot wait for the next book in this series...taps fingers...still waiting to hear what that title will be! A ha, found it here, Deceptions. Oh, that does sound good.
 
Happy reading everyone! 
 
 

Friday, September 5, 2014

Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons

Sometime this last spring our little girl, E, told us she wanted to learn how to read. This has been an on-going theme in our house for probably 6 months. I would tell her it's time for bed and she would ask for one more book. I would tell her that she could look through the book herself and then the, "I don't know how to read" statement would come out. 

I know most of you are aghast that I wouldn't read one more book to her. Here's the thing...in two years we read over 5000 books. I know the exactly number since we participated in a 1000 books before Kindergarten program. Which she finished in three months.So turning down one last book at night was to save us, trying to get her to go to sleep, knowing that we already ready 10 books that day.

So, when the request came from her to learn how to read, my husband first sat down and tried sounding out words in her books. You could just see the frustration coming from her at this technique. After some research, I found this book at the library...Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. Of course I ordered it in and decided to give it a try.

Within 10 lessons I had returned the library book and ordered my own because it was working so well. At first we just worked on sounds. Say "a" the short way, the long way, etc. Then we added words and sentences. Her favorite part? At the end of each lesson the child gets to write out letters. She loves the writing part. 

We're now at lesson 81 and E is reading full stories with titles, sentences, and paragraphs. She's spelling words out on her own. When we had our Kindergarten conference before school started, they handed us a sheet with sight words she had to know by the end of the year. On the sheet, she knew 3/4 of the words and could sound out the rest. For that reason alone I thought I would post about this great book.

Our daughter now feels comfortable sounding out words. Now, when I cuddle with her at night for bedtime, she tries to read my books and will point out words like, "the" or "that" or "and". No more steamy novels for me while she's reading over my shoulder! Ha. Ha.


Friday, August 22, 2014

Raced by K. Bromberg cover reveal with excerpt and giveaway!

For fans of Driven by K. Bromber, this is the perfect Novella to come out. We all have been wondering what Colton Donavan was thinking during the series. To read more about this series, click here for a review I did a while back. Please note the excerpt is more "saucy" than the usual that I post.

The Colton Points of View Collection
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author K. Bromberg comes a companion novella to the best selling Driven Trilogy (Driven, Fueled, and Crashed). This novella is a compilation of reader requested scenes from the series retold through the eyes of Colton Donavan.


Colton Donavan lived life in the fast lane, but it took Rylee Thomas to teach him what racing was all about.

Arrogant
Rogue
Broken
Conceited
Dirty-Talking
Rebel
Egomaniacal
Voodooed
Bent
Reckless

You think you know me?

Think again.


*Raced is not a complete re-write of the Driven Trilogy. This companion explores pivotal scenes as well as some new ones written in Colton Donavan’s point of view that were not previously published in Driven, Fueled, and Crashed. Hear his thoughts, experience his inner-turmoil, and laugh with him on his journey as he overcomes his demons and accepts what it means to love. 

This novella is for the devoted readers of the Driven series. It is recommended that this companion be read after Driven, Fueled, and Crashed.

********

Excerpt


“Well, according to you, I took the checkered flag last night, Rylee...” I say as I take a step toward her trying to snap my thoughts in line, make up a reason for being here besides the need to make sure she’s okay when I could have just picked up the fucking phone. I resist the urge to reach out and touch her because I know if I do, my dick will rise to the occasion and do the talking for me. And fuck if I know what it will say.
She licks her lips, dick beginning to win the internal thought process when I suddenly figure out my angle – my in – my stupid ass excuse for showing up the morning after like some pussy-whipped douchebag. Because fuck, you can’t get pussy-whipped after just one taste. Shit like that takes time to acquire.
Or so I’ve heard.
This man might be drawn to the pussy palace but fuck if its queen will hand out orders that I’ll obey.
I take another step toward her, still undecided about my excuse for being here when I glance down momentarily and see her nipples harden through her tank. Well at least I know she’s still attracted to me. Let’s see if I can make her like me again. Give me another chance.
Bingo. Truth shall set me free. There’s the answer. I just want another chance when I’ve never wanted one before.
And therein lies the second question, another chance at what though?

********


Available to by at



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Giveaway

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Thursday, August 21, 2014

Ninja Red Riding Hood by Corey Rosen Schwartz


Companion to the hit The Three Ninja Pigs, this fractured fairy tale is a sure-fire storytime hit.

Wolf just can’t catch a break! Ever since the three little pigs started teaching everyone Ninja skills, huffing and puffing just hasn’t been enough to scare up a good meal.

His craving for meat sends Wolf to classes at the dojo, and soon he’s ready to try out his new moves. A little girl and her tiny granny should be easy targets—right?

Not if Little Red has anything to say about it! Kiya!


******

When I saw this book come through, I had to pick it up for my daughter. A little girl power is always wanted in our house. Especially since she's going through a super hero phase she's going through. Our daughter's biggest request is that the super hero is a girl. Since I brought the book home, I have read this over 20 times. If you have a kid that's a fan of ninja's or even super hero's then this is the book for you. I would say that this is one of the best children’s books of 2014.Ninja Red Riding Hood pacts a great kick!

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Another Mini Post

I sometimes wonder how it takes so little to pack and go and so long to get back to regular life after you returned from a vacation. Here's the second of my two mini blog postings since I'm still recovering from vacation and have a ton of books to share.

Rogue by Katy Evans
I don't think it's a secret on this blog that I'm a big fan of Katy Evans and Real. I loved Remy and the story from start to finish on all three books. When I learned she was going to come out with a story on Melanie, I did a "squeeeeeee". What you might not know is the author originally had a story in mind, set to write it and felt awful at the end. Why you ask? Because Greyson, her alpha male in this story demanded attention from her (the author) and a different outcome from what she wrote. So, she scrapped the whole story and started over. This is one of the things I love about the NA book genre. We get to hear these great stories from the author's on their process and what's happening behind the scenes. I loved learning that Greyson too over Katy Evans thinking and mind and demanded a different outcome. The outcome of the new book was amazing and I was glad that Greyson demanded this storyline. I loved him as a character and the debts he provided to it. Melanie was a great character as well. We get to see more into what makes her tick. We also get little snippets from the rest of the gang. If you were a fan of Real, than I would recommend Rogue as your next read. (Now, how do we find out from the author why Greyson has that piercing? I would love to hear the story behind that one.)


 Beautiful Oblivion by Jamie McGuire
Another "squueeeeee" moment was when I learned that Jamie McGuire was going to write about the Maddox boys. A group of bad boys who love fiercely and fight hard for it. What's not to love about that in a male book character? We met both Cami and Trent in the first book, Beautiful Disaster. What I really liked about this book was that we got behind the scenes of what was happening while Abby and Travis were falling in love. Trent and Cami's story takes place during the same time. So, going into the story you're thinking one thing and by the end, you're turned completely around. Now a warning....do not, I'm serious about this, DO NOT read ahead or check out the last few pages. It will spoil the big ending. Trust me since I sneaked a peek. I honestly don't think I would have been able to guess it if I hadn't ruined it by taking a peek. So, don't sneak a peek and defiantly read the book a second time since it will take on a whole new meaning and feel after learning the big secret. My only wish....more at the end. An epilogue would have been awesome. However, we'll see more of the other Maddox brother's which means we'll get to hear how these two are doing.


Graduation Day by Joelle Charbonneau
The final book in the testing brings it back around like the Hunger Games but with a better resolution. I loved the hunger games but at the end kept asking, "what about that darn pearl?!" I didn't have any lingering questions at the end of this book. However, I do think the author could write and write and write some more on what happens next. I really felt there was more story to be told. To me, that's a sign of a great read. Wanting more and seeing the potential for it to be there. Time and time again, these books have shown Cia to be a wonderful hero for girls to read. Cia is a character that believes in herself but doesn't think she can do it alone. She trusts herself to make the right decisions and find the right people to trust. We need more stories like this for our daughters to read. Trust and math/science winning the day. What's not to love? If you haven't read The Testing yet, make it your next YA read. If you have, make sure to check out Graduation Day!

All books posted today were borrowed from our local library.

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Sing, Sing a Song

As you might have noticed, it's been a few days (or weeks) since I last posted. I went away to music camp for 8 days to become qualified to teach bass in the Suzuki method. While completing 30 hours of classroom time and 15 hours of observation, I didn't have much time for anything else. Oh, other than reading after a very long day. I managed to go through three books while there but no time to post. My daughter and husband also joined me for music camp and they had a blast. Only three hours of music a day for those two and lots of fun activities in the afternoons.

Then we came home and a cold started working through each member of the house. Needless to say, I'm now sick and cranky for being sick. But this does mean more reading time for me.

To make up for being gone so long, I thought I would do 'mini' post for the next two posts with the books I read while at missing in action. Hope you enjoy!



Beautiful Player by Christina Lauren

Beautiful Bastard is one of my all time favorite NA books. I love how strong Chloe is and how she's with Bennett. I love how attracted to each other the couple is. With every book in this series, the couple was unique and their own. Nothing was based on a formula. I loved that the most with this series. So, when I first read Beautiful Player, I was more in love than when I first started reading the series. Hanna and Will are prefect for each other. I like how we get to see the other two couple interact with Will and the jokes the boys play on each other. I love how will sits and waits for Hanna to date other people while he's secretly in love with her. There is great laughs and sexy time throughout the entire book. This was my second read of Beautiful Player. I used this book to read at night and to help my mind relax. Instead of humming tunes I heard and talked about all day, I was able to fall easily in the Beautiful world all over again. If you haven't read this series yet, I would insist that it's your next NA read. Warning...it's a very hot book!


The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness

This is the third book in the Discovery of Witches series. I've always been a huge fan of fantasy and when you combine vampires, witches, and daemon's...what's not to love. The series has always balanced a prefect line between history, lore, fantasy, and sexy. The third book was the best of them all, bringing everything together. And as Philippe says, "an ending is always a beginning." I sure hope this means we'll see more in this world from other characters. I can't name the one's I would like to see carry on the story without spoiling it. Trust me...it was epic and my favorites all came back in the end. If you like fantasy and stories with vampires, try this one out. The lore built throughout the book is amazing and a wonderful read!



Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

This was our August pick for our NA book club. Fangirl has such a unique voice. People either love it or hate it. I liked it. But any girl/boy can relate to the story of Cath, fan fiction writer waiting for her favorite series to come to an end with that one last book. Cough. Cough. Harry Potter. Cath is a fan fiction writer and a good/popular one at that. But Cath is also a freshman going off to college without the help of her twin. Learning how to be on your own at college can be very scary. Thank goodness for a kick butt roommate and a swoon worthy boy. With any good writer, when you finish a book wanting more story, you know they've done their job. I had questions. Lots of them. I wonder with Rowell left it that way so people could come up with their own fan fiction. What I loved about this book was the reminder of what it was like to wait for the last Harry Potter book. I think I told my husband "no questions or talking" while I read it. We even went to the mid-night release to pick it up. Lucky for me he was studying for the bar and needed the quite time as well. If you've been a fangirl, this book will be a great read for you.

And now I'm off to read my copy of Outlander. I watched the preview on Starz and LOVED it. I can't wait to read the book. I was warned that it was quite the sexy for for the 80's when it came out. I'm interested to see how it compares to books nowadays marketed that way. Happy reading!

PS. Sorry for any editorial mistakes. Just wrote this to get it up on the blog =P