Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This week's pick is Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard, coming March 13, 2012 from Delacorte.

Summary: It all begins with a stupid question:

Are you a Global Vagabond?

No, but 18-year-old Bria Sandoval wants to be. In a quest for independence, her neglected art, and no-strings-attached hookups, she signs up for a guided tour of Central America—the wrong one. Middle-aged tourists with fanny packs are hardly the key to self-rediscovery. When Bria meets Rowan, devoted backpacker and dive instructor, and his outspokenly humanitarian sister Starling, she seizes the chance to ditch her group and join them off the beaten path.

Bria's a good girl trying to go bad. Rowan's a bad boy trying to stay good. As they travel across a panorama of Mayan villages, remote Belizean islands, and hostels plagued with jungle beasties, they discover what they've got in common: both seek to leave behind the old versions of themselves. And the secret to escaping the past, Rowan’s found, is to keep moving forward.

But Bria comes to realize she can't run forever, no matter what Rowan says. If she ever wants the courage to fall for someone worthwhile, she has to start looking back.


My Thoughts: I loved Kirsten's debut, Like Mandarin, and it's definitely one of my favorite books of 2011. Her writing is astoundingly gorgeous, and so achingly enticing. I love the sound of this one, and not to mention the bad boy trying to be good thing. Do I smell some romance in the air this time around? I hope so, because something tells me it is going to be hotter than the Texas heat wave going on right now. I am stoked to read about the setting, to see and smell and feel Central America, and have no doubt in Kirsten's ability to bring every angle of it alive. I think this one is going to be a great mix of character development, awesome setting, hot romance, and just an all over fantastic story. 2012 is so far away, and I am dying for this book and really, have been since I read Like Mandarin. Want want want. I might even take another few weeks of 100+ weather to get this book. Yeah. That's serious.

Character Interview + Contest: Aaron from Bad Taste in Boys

What's it like to be a zombie? And date the girl trying to kick your butt? Well, Aaron Kingsman doesn't actually know. Or does he? But he does like Kate, the heroine of Carrie Harris's awesome debut Bad Taste in Boys, and he's even brought you guys a contest, so with that I bring you: Aaron.


What is your favorite thing about Kate?

I think she’s funny. I’ve dated a lot of girls that were really hot, but they couldn’t make me laugh like Kate. Sometimes you just want somebody you can chill and have fun with; know what I mean? Of course, the fact that she’s hotter than she realizes doesn’t hurt either. It turns me off when a girl knows she’s got my attention, but when they have no idea? Awesome.

Sorry. I know you said one thing, and that was two. But maybe it’s a good thing that I can’t stop at one.

When people started becoming zombiefied, what was your main concern? 

I didn’t know what was going on until it was all over. So mostly, my thoughts can be summed up as, “What the eff is going on?” and “No, REALLY! What the eff is going on?!?” Only I didn’t censor the f-bomb in my thoughts. I’m the captain of the football team, you know. I’ve got a responsibility toward the guys, so to have them all get sick like that scared the crap out of me.

If you had to choose between Kate or a family member to save from zombies, who would it be? 

Man, that’s harsh! I can’t choose just one; I’ve got to save them both. I’d grab whichever one was closer and then go back for the other. Maybe I’d get eaten in the process, but that would be okay with me. I don’t have a death wish, but I can think of worse ways to go than death by zombie.

You're dropped into a room full of Death Eaters! What do you do? 

Dude. I can’t decide whether that’s awesome or terrifying. I guess it would depend on which Death Eaters we’re talking here. Like, if we’re talking Draco Malfoy and his goons, I might try to fight my way out. But if it’s Bellatrix and the big V? I think I’d do my best impression of a tree and hope they didn’t notice I was actually a person. I’m no coward, but I know when I’m outmatched.

Boxers or briefs? 

I prefer boxers, but I play a lot of sports, so mostly I wear briefs. It’s a support thing. I can’t believe I’m broadcasting my underwear preference over the internet, but there you go.

What's it like to kiss Kate?

I was taught that a gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell. Sorry. But I don’t think it’s ungentlemanly to tell you that our first kiss had me reeling. On any other day, I would have taken one look at the evidence and dragged Kate and all her data straight to the health department. But I wasn’t exactly logical right then. I wish I’d stopped to think things through, but I don’t regret kissing her. Never will.


So there you have it: Aaron Kingsman, in which a kiss really can outshine even the zombiepocalypse.

Congrats, Carrie, on the release, and thank you for sharing Aaron and his underwear.

Bad Taste in Boys is out TODAY so run out and grab it because trust me, it's funny- no, hysterical- with a good story and yes, an endearing hot boy. And a kickbutt heroine. So go get it!

But if you really want a signed copy, then now is your chance because Carrie and Aaron have been nice enough to bring you the chance to win one!

Just fill out THIS form.

This contest IS international, so have at it! Contest ends July 22.

Meet the Characters of Keri Mikulski

Here today to celebrate the release of the next Pretty Tough novel, Stealing Bases, is author Keri Mikulski. But instead of asking Keri a few questions, I fired off several for her characters. So with that, meet Kylie, the focus of Stealing Bases, Amber, Kylie's competition and nightmare, and Zach, a cheating horndog of a guy (even though he's hot. And sometimes charming.)


Describe your perfect date. 

Kylie – Guys suck. No dates for me.

Amber – How exciting! =D Definitely a nice dinner at the Beachwood Country Club and a romantic stroll on the beach. I can picture it right now. And maybe a movie. How about you?

Zach – A hot tub with as many chicks I can fit. JK.

You're dropped into a room full of Death Eaters! What do you do?

Kylie – Kick ass. I never go down without a fight.

Amber – Death Eaters? Gross. I’d love to just talk to them. I mean, can you imagine the major baggage they’re dealing with to want to kill people and eat them?

Zach – Run!

What is the one book you recommend everyone reads?

Kylie – He’s Just Not that Into You

Amber – Jennie Finch’s Throw Like a Girl

Zach – Who needs books?

What god/goddess would be your nemesis?

Kylie – Definitely Aphrodite

Amber – Erida because mean people suck.

Zach – Huh?

What kind of vegetable or fruit would you describe yourself as?

Kylie – A peach

Amber – When I’m on the mound I’m as cool as a cucumber.

Zach – This one is easy. A hot tamale. 


Thank you, Kylie, Amber and Zach for stopping by and answering my questions!

Now make sure you guys all check out Stealing Bases, in stores now! Who doesn't want a flirty, fun, sporty romance?

In My Mailbox

Got some books this week I'm really looking forward to, and ordered a few books that showed up this week as well. Yay!

 For Review:

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally (Already read- cute book and yum hot boys!)

Making Waves by Tawna Fenske

Paradise Rules by Jimmy Gleacher

The Auslander by Paul Dowswell

Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep

(Huge thanks to Miranda Kenneally, Sourcebooks, Gallery Books, Paul Dowswell + Bloomsbury, and Kensington Teen)

Bought:

Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma (One of my favorite books of the year!)

Brother/Sister by Sean Olin

The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

IMM a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.

Book Review: Supernaturally by Kiersten White

SUMMARY: Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be . . . kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.

But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself.

So much for normal.


MY OPINION: 5 STARS

The Short Version:
Feisty and funny, Supernaturally has the same humor and spunk as Paranormalcy but adds a whole new level to everything in a fantastic way. Pulling in different creatures, some new and memorable characters, and propelled by an incredibly unpredictable plot, Supernaturally takes the series to a new level while still maintaining things set forth in the first book. This one hits on some deep emotions and rough situations, but handles it with humor and realism, and allows for some great character strides.

The Extended Version:
Evie is just as sprightly and spunky as in the first book, and is quick on the uptake with her retorts and humor. She continues to have a notable inner strength, and the book opens with her in a mostly okay place after Paranormalcy’s events. Though her decisions in this book aren’t always the best, she faces the consequences and does a remarkable job of trying to consider the various sides. Her character develops on some fantastic ways as the book progresses, leaving her a different place than she started, and with a very understandable path for it. She is the kind of character that can take several steps forward for everyone one she’s knocked back, often without realizing it which adds a very genuine element. Her view on things change dramatically throughout the book, experiencing a wide range of emotions and responses from anger to understanding, confusion to determination, with a very clear final outcome for each.

Her relationship with Lend plays a strong role throughout and holds a constant presence in the book, but it’s a quiet and subtle one that doesn’t steal the focus or factor unrealistically into things. Though they certainly do face some struggles with this one, they have a strong foundation and intense reaction to each other that they both rely. The full nature of a young love is captured beautifully, from a kiss that still sends a thrill through someone to the way a simple touch can make everything better. The romance, however, certainly isn’t to fill in the gaps or fluff things up, but has an easy flow in the midst of everything else, nor does it come across as stereotypical simply because it’s teenagers. Lend has a prominent role in this book, as is expected, but the focus remains on Evie and never once does Lend seem to be on the pages just to be there because he’s her boyfriend.

One of the most notable things about this book is what a fantastic blend of light and dark it is. The funny and the emotional tie together with perfectly timed lines to crack the tension at all the right moments while still fully getting across the intensity of a situation. Evie’s voice continues to jump off the page, completely distinct and unlike any other, from the first page and never relents. Though the supernatural world has a very constant presence, the reader still sees Evie struggle through school in this installment, and White finds plenty of things to forge a strong and relatable connection between Evie and the reader. Some very realistic ties can be made to everyday life, and Evie’s reaction remain completely believable, rather than seeming like an overreaction for the sake of drama. From feelings of inadequacy to devastation over certain events, the responses are gutting and real in a beautifully done way.

The events of this book are almost completely unpredictable, throwing plenty of unexpected hooks at the reader from the start. Whether it’s a new character or another piece of the overall plot puzzle, White continually has something new to sideswipe her readers with that is completely smooth to read. This one has its own overall plot and purpose that maintains a very steady pace, while still bringing in things from the first book and setting the stage for the third. The events directly related to this book, however, are pretty much all tied up, leaving the reader in a good place. So many things play a big role later, and there are some big events in this one that are gutting and potent in devastation and consideration.

As with Paranormalcy, this one is clean both in content and language, but it’s completely appreciated and fun. This isn’t one that seems like it’s clean only to prove a point, but because it’s simply the world and the characters. I cannot imagine any of these characters being any way other than how they are, and White navigates this perfectly.

White’s writing continues to be fun and filled with humor that is natural and hilarious. Her word economy is fantastic, with a striking ability to say so much in just a few words. Whether its intense emotion or vivid description, a powerful punch comes with even a simple sentence. The descriptions are new and imaginative rather than trite or cliché, playing on all the senses, without being out there in nature or hard to really picture or relate to.

This is not a book that is simply “as good as” the first, and is certainly not a letdown. Rather, it explores new areas, tests the characters in new ways, and never once does it slack simply because it’s the middle book in a trilogy. White has very clearly put just as much thought, effort, and heart into this book and rolls off the pages in the same fantastic and brilliant way.

Details:

Source: ARC received from author 

Reading level: Young Adult 

Hardcover: 352 pages 

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication Date: July 26, 2011

Mini Reviews: Legend and Amplified

Woohoo! It's mini review time again, in which I tell you more briefly than normal about some upcoming books I've already read and enjoyed.

Legend by Marie Lu: This one has an interesting setting, similar to other dystopians while still being very different. What makes it stand out though is the dual perspective, one privileged and one from the slums, and Marie does a really good job of blending their stories together as things go on. There's a slowly building mystery that will keep the pages turning, but the growing relationship between the two drove things far more for me. Day is a fantastically well done characters, so protective of his family and friends, so perceptive, and so genuinely caring and yet he acts out just enough, commits just enough crime however petty and no matter his motive good or otherwise, to be the Republic's most wanted criminal. He walks that line so well, and Marie really captures the full scope of who he is. June is this mix of stuck up and ready to break out, and though I admit I liked Day's character a little more, she still held her own. This one has a good plot, not necessarily the most original but Marie definitely throws plenty of her own things in there and puts the entire story together really well. If you're a fan of dystopian, definitely pick this one up.

Amplified by Tara Kelly: I. Love. This. Book. It's got its emotional parts, and pulls in some hefty stuff, but overall it's this funny, make you grin kind of read. Whether you love music or not, you'll love the way Tara turns music and beats into words that any reader can understand. The story is fantastic, very well paced and thought out, with just a few beautifully built subplots that weave together in the best way. But what really shines is the characters. Jasmine is the girl who speaks her mind and doesn't take people's crap, yet she's shy and awkward and scared. Even with this, she has great internal strength and determination that flies off the pages. Then there's Sean. Perfectly tormented and angsty with just the right amount of broken, yet sensitive and sweet and this soft kind of sexy that melts you faster than ice cream in the summer. He's far from perfect, but man do you just want to steal this boy. And closing that out is the rest of the stellar cast, each one so well written and defined, and some of the most memorable and sprightly characters around. From the solid, amazing writing to the fab characters and the awesome story line, this book is just an all over hit and an absolute must read.