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2014 release

Speed Review: “The Rosie Effect” by Graeme Simsion

Title: The Rosie Effect (Don Tillman #2)

Author: Graeme Simsion
Genre: Adult – Contemporary Romance
Release Date: December 30th, 2014 (UK)
Published by: Penguin 

AUTHOR SITE  | TWITTER | GOODREADS                                                                        
I received this from Penguin (with thanks to LoveReading) in exchange for an honest review. As always, my reviews are fair and non-bias. 

Join everyone’s favourite unconventional couple Don Tillman and Rosie in the next chapter of their love story

With the Wife Project complete, Don settles happily into a new job and married life in New York. But it’s not long before certain events are taken out of his control and it’s time to embark on a new project . . .

As Don tries to get to grips with the requirements of starting a family, his unusual research style soon gets him into trouble. To make matters more difficult, Don has invited his closest friend to stay with them, but Gene is not exactly a prime example of marital happiness, and as his life with Rosie continues to be unpredictable Don needs to remember that emotional support is just as important as his practical expertise . . .

definition: a “speed review” is a new meme on Pretty Little Memoirs, specialized for short reads, galley copies, reviews for lovereading.co.uk or novellas!


With thanks to Lovereading.co.uk and Penguin for the copy of The Rosie Effect for review! 

First thought when this arrived in my mailbox: YAY, YAY, YAY! 

The Rosie Effect is the immensely and highly anticipated sequel to The Rosie Project. I thoroughly adored The Rosie Project last year and as anyone who has read the book will know, it’s pretty unique. 
Don Tillman is quite the inimitable character as we learned in his Wife search in book one, when he found the woman he would love called Rosie in his “Wife Project”. Now married to Rosie in a lovely ceremony and then living in New York, Don is slowly adapting to his new life. That’s until Rosie drops the unexpected news that she’s pregnant, and it shatters Don’s plan for the near future. So armed with this new news, Don has to rethink everything he planned for him and Rosie, creating a whole new project for him to focus on that inevitably starts one of the best novels I’ve read this year. 
Don and Rosie really are the most hilarious, unique and fun characters in a book you’ll find. They’ll have you in hysterics, then crying, and then laughing again. The Rosie Effect was the perfect addition to The Rosie Project and I can’t wait to read more from Graeme Simsion’s witty, imaginative writing style. A marvellous, incredible story that will be top of everyone’s to-read list! You’ll fall for Rosie and Don time after time. 5 stars doesn’t cover it.  




Have you read The Rosie Effect?


What did you think?


Tell me in the comments, on twitter or by using the hashtag #TheRosieEffect




happy reading!



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Cover Reveal: “Between Now and Goodbye” by Hannah Harvey



Title: Between Now and Goodbye
Author: Hannah Harvey
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Release Date: September 22nd 2014


Three friends. One eventful summer.

Libby finally has the settled life she’s always wanted, and never before had. She has a happy family, two best friends Julie and Charles, and loves her home.
This summer will be the best of her life. A summer spent learning in a culinary camp in New York, but when something happens at home and she’s forced to return, how will her summer turn out?

 Charles had big dreams for his future, college, medical school, and spending as much time as possible with his girlfriend Julie. This summer will change all of that. His mom’s sick, his dad’s gone and he’s left trying to hold his family together. On top of that, Julie’s pulling away from him. Will he be able to fix things before they fall apart?

 Julie is bored. She’s bored of her private school. Bored of always doing the same thing. Bored of having plans cancelled by her boyfriend who’s always busy. She’s bored and she wants a change. When she attempts to liven things up with some of her school friends, she ends up making a mistake. How will that mistake end up shaping her summer?

 Follow Libby, Charles and Julie as they fight their way through an emotional summer, as they learn that sometimes theirs no escaping goodbyes, but that they aren’t always bad things.


Hannah is a young adult fiction author from the UK. She lives at home with her parents, brother and sister, and spends a lot of her time reading and writing.
She also runs two blogs, one focussed on all things bookish, and the other dedicated to other things she loves.


You can find Hannah here:
The Book Tower| Messy Little Moments | Goodreads | Twitter







happy reading!
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Book Blitz: “Channel 20Something” by Amy Patrick {Interview + Giveaway!}



Title: Channel 20Something 

(20Something #1) 
Author: Amy Patrick

Publication date: August 12th 2014 

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

AMAZON | NOOK | KOBO | ALL ROMANCE

From award-winning author and two-time GOLDEN HEART® finalist Amy Patrick comes a New Adult contemporary series about twenty-somethings entering the world of TV broadcasting, where what happens behind the scenes is the real news.

22-year-old Heidi Haynes is almost one year into her “real life”. She has her first reporting job, her first apartment, and a comfortable relationship with her college sweetheart. But for some reason she’s not as eager to talk about walking down the aisle as he is.

 Heidi secretly longs for big cities, big-market breaking news, and real independence from her way-too-close-by helicopter parents. Problem is, the last time she left the security of home for new places and new people, things didn’t go so well. Disastrously, in fact, and she came running back to a local college and a “safe” boyfriend.

 Aric Serrano is definitely not safe.

He’s six-feet-four-inches of missing-Hemsworth-brother-hotness and plans to stay in small-market-Southern-Hell just long enough to grab a cup of coffee and put together a kick-ass “escape tape”. He’ll serve his one-year contract, then he’s taking off for a higher rung on the TV sports ladder—alone—the way he likes it. Then he meets his new co-anchor.

 Heidi would be so much more comfortable if she could simply ignore Aric. He’s just her type—the type she’s so careful to avoid these days. But that becomes impossible when she’s forced to work closely with him on the weekend newscast. Now the attraction between them is growing even faster than the ratings, and what happens behind the scenes is the real news.


Amy is a two-time Golden Heart finalist (2013 and 2014) who writes Young Adult fiction as Amy DeLuca and New Adult romance as Amy Patrick.  She lives in Rhode Island with her husband and two sons and actually craves the heat and humidity of Mississippi, where she grew up. She’s been a professional singer and news anchor and currently narrates audio books as well as working as a station host for a Boston TV station.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | GOODREADS 




CHANNEL 20 SOMETHING INTERVIEW #2
1-      Your main character in CHANNEL 20 SOMETHING, Heidi, is a first-year TV news reporter/anchor. You were also a TV news reporter, right? Is Heidi anything like you? Well, she’s definitely not me, but I did give her some of the same struggles and experiences I had as a newbie reporter/anchor. And like me, she grew up in a small Mississippi town. We also shared the same *unfortunate* nervous-stomach issue.
2-      Did you actually throw up in front of the governor of Mississippi one minute before going on live TV like Heidi did? Why yes. Yes I did. Nothing like rookie reporter nerves. J Happy to report I did eventually get over that little problem and can now appear on television without any threat of my lunch reappearing.
3-      Do you have a favorite character in CHANNEL 20 SOMETHING? It’s really hard to choose. I really relate to some of Heidi’s passion and confusion and mistakes. I love her sister Jane Elaine. But I’d have to say Aric is my favorite. I mean, what’s not to love? Ultra-hot guy who’s also funny and kind? Yes please.
4-      Do all the 20 Something novels take place in the South? As you know, book 1, CHANNEL 20 SOMETHING, is set in Mississippi, where Heidi gets her first job. Book 2, STILL YOURS, takes place in Providence, Rhode Island, the news market where Heidi’s friend Mara is starting a new job (and running into the ex she hoped she’d never lay eyes on again). Meanwhile, Heidi’s other best friend Kenley has moved to Atlanta and is starting a job at WNN. We’ll hear her story in Book 3, STILL ME.
5-      Beyond being a writer, what’s going on in your life? I narrate audiobooks for other authors, and I’m in the middle of a fun small-town mystery series for author Sandra Balzo. I have a small recording studio in my house where I lay down my tracks, then I send them to a sound engineering for post-production. I also have two boys who are about to go back to school, so we’re making preparations for that while trying to squeeze in a bit more summer fun. It goes so fast!
6-      What’s one crazy fact about you that most people who meet you probably wouldn’t guess was true? I used to be a professional singer. I’ve sung in several bands and did background vocals on a smooth jazz album. I also sang the theme song for SAS Airlines years ago. “Welcome aboard… to the skies… of S-A-S… where you’ll find… happiness.”
Thank you so much for having me today. It’s been so much fun being on your blog!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This sounds SO incredible, right?! 


Don’t forget to add it to your Goodreads and get reading!


happy reading!

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Book Review: “Searching For Sky” by Jillian Cantor

Title: Searching For Sky

Author: Jillian Cantor
Genre: Young Adult – Contemporary
Release Date: July 3rd, 2014 
Also by the Author: The September Sisters
Published by: Bloomsbury Childrens 

I received this from Bloomsbury in exchange for an honest review. As always, my reviews are fair and non-bias. 


*Contains minor details of the story*

Sky and River have always lived on Island, the only world they’ve ever known. 

Until the day River spots a boat. 

Across Ocean, in a place called California, Sky is separated from River and forced to live with a grandmother she’s just met. 
Here the rules for survival are different. People rely on strange things like cars and cell phones. They keep secrets from one another. And without River, nothing makes sense. Sky yearns for her old life where she was strong and capable, not lost and confused. 
She must find River so they can return to Island, but the truth behind how they ended up there in the first place will come as the biggest shock of all.

Searching For Sky had a completely different first reaction for me when I first see a book or hear about it. I didn’t even think about it, I just knew that there was an amazing story in the pages. And that COVER…is even more beautiful in person, believe me. I love the US one, but my favoritism stays with the UK version for definite. 
Sky and River have lived on Island for as long as they can remember, and it’s the only place that each of them can call home. They call it “Island”, where they have adapted to their limited resources not knowing any different, like “Bathroom Tree”, “Falls” and “Ocean”, everything had a certain name for them. They live there alone after Sky’s Mother and River’s Father were found dead, and had to survive by themselves, only counting on each other. 
River sees a boat one day when he’s catching fish for him and Sky, but they aren’t certain what a boat even is. They soon find that the people on the boat arrive at the Island to take them home – even though Sky has no idea where that place even is – to a place called California. There, things are very different. Sky is separated from River and meets her grandmother who immediately tries to connect her to a new way of living by getting a team of experts to teach her everything someone of her teenage-age should know and do. 
Being set in Sky’s POV, nothing was limited at all by not being able to get inside her head and emotions. I instantly connected with her, through sympathy and compassion for her confusion and brand new eyes at California, a place she didn’t even know existed. Things in the real world are painstakingly difficult to grasp and day after day, Sky – who’s been told that her name isn’t even her own – feels lost by association in her new life. All she knows is Island, and even though she tries and learns new things every day, she just wants to be reunited with River. 
It was tragic what happened in Sky’s life, and as she learns the startling new information about where she came from, who her Mother and River’s Father; Helmut, really were, Sky can’t help but try and grip the good memories tighter. All she knew was that with the help of her grandmother’s neighbour; Ben, she needed to find River. She had to go back to Island. 
Searching For Sky really made me feel for the characters, in a way that I could picture Sky vividly in this world that felt so dystopian to her. I felt so bad for River, and although selfish at times, I felt remorse for Sky’s grandmother who so desperately just wanted for her to feel at home. After all, she had lost two people she loved and never thought she would see again. 
Overall, Searching For Sky is a book filled with the qualities in a book I love; an impeccable plot, an ending to make you tear up, characters I empathized and a story that won’t leave my mind. 
Searching for Sky definitely made my favourites list for this year – an exceptional and impressive five-star novel.

I loved moments between Sky and Ben, and even though she felt more inclined to feelings toward River, they seemed like they really hit it off. He was more gentle in the way he taught her things about the World, unlike her grandmother, so she felt more relaxed about trusting him and it showed.

For fans of YA Contemporary, particularly if you’re a fan of hard-hitting novels (in the emotion sort of way). Adult readers will love Searching for Sky alike with it’s readability being perfect for all ages from teens and up.



Have you read Searching For Sky?


Tell me what you think in the comments or on twitter!

happy reading!

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Book Blitz: “Ransom” by Rachel Schurig {Giveaway + Teasers!}



Ransom by Rachel Schurig 
Publication date: April 28th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance


Synopsis:
**The first book in a brand new series from USA Today bestselling author Rachel Schurig. This New Adult Contemporary Romance novel is a complete story with no cliffhanger.**


Daisy Harris has no reason to suspect that her day will be any different than usual. She’ll go to class, alone. She won’t speak or make eye contact. She’ll spend her entire day doing her best to go completely unnoticed. That’s what life is like for Daisy now—an endless cycle of loneliness and fear. A life lived hiding behind the walls she so faithfully maintains.

Then she sees it. A magazine, left behind in class. A simple picture—just his face. And it changes everything.

It’s been a year since she’s seen Daltrey Ransome. A year since he and his brothers left town to pursue their dreams of rock and roll superstardom. A year since he left Daisy behind—left her to watch as everything she knew crumbled around her. She’s been running from Daltrey ever since, desperate to keep her secret.

But she can’t run anymore. And now that Daltrey has found her—the girl he’s loved his entire life, the girl he’d give up everything for—he’s determined never to let her go again.



AUTHOR BIO

Rachel Schurig lives in the metro Detroit area with her dog, Lucy. She loves to watch reality TV and she reads as many books as she can get her hands on. In her spare time, Rachel decorates cakes. Her THREE GIRLS series is available now from Amazon!




Q & A
What was your inspiration for writing Ransom?
I’ve wanted to write a rock star romance for a long time. When I was in college some friends and I spent a few months following our favorite band on tour. It was one of the best times I’ve ever had! There’s something about a good road trip with good friends—add in the thrill of live music and it can’t be beat! I wanted to write about girlfriends going on an adventure like ours—and finding love along the way. Who doesn’t want to fall for a rock star??
What can you tell us about Daisy?
Poor Daisy’s had a rough year. After her best friend, Daltrey, left to hit it big with his band, Ransom, things went south for Daisy. The victim of some pretty vicious online bullying, she began to withdraw from the world around her. Severe panic attacks brought on by the trauma make it very difficult for her to interact with her peers as she starts college. By the time she meets Ransom fans Karen and Paige, she’s almost forgotten what it’s like to have friends. Karen and Paige help her regain her confidence and find the strength to rekindle her friendship with Daltrey.
What about Daltrey?
Daltrey is one of my favorite characters I’ve ever written. In many ways he’s your classic rock star—sexy, kind of dangerous, very talented, a little cocky. But he’s also incredibly sensitive and emotional. He never got over losing Daisy and now that she’s back in his life he’s determined not to lose her again. His dedication to the girl he’s always loved is pretty swoon worthy!
Can you give us three random facts about Ransom?
1. I plotted this entire book, right down to the names of all the characters, in one afternoon. In fact, I was waiting in line for a ride at Disneyland when inspiration struck. I was so glad I had my cell phone to take notes! By the time I reached the front of the very long line I had all the details squared away.
2. Daltrey and his brothers are all named after famous rock stars who influenced their father. I spent a lot of time choosing the names; I wanted the most influential musicians I could think of but I also needed to make sure the monikers sounded good as first names.
3.  Music was a very big part of my writing process with this story. I created a playlist as I wrote, adding more songs as I went along. By the time I was finished I had a huge list, and I listened to it every time I worked on the book.
Teaser Excerpt! 

I told him everything, showed him the scarred, broken part of me, and he didn’t run or push me away. Instead, he held me and cried with me until I was sure I would break with the pain of it. And after all of that, he still wants me.
I can feel it in the way he kisses me so desperately, as if he can’t get enough. He trails his fingers across my face and holds me tightly to him until I’m sure I won’t be able to breathe. Daltrey wants me. He loves me.
“I don’t want to waste any more time,” he says, pulling back so he can look into my eyes. “I want this with you. Forever.”


Giveaway!
happy reading!
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Book Review: “Don’t Look Back” by Jennifer L. Armentrout



Title: Don’t Look Back

Genre: Young Adult – Psychological Thriller
Release Date: April 15th, 2014 
Also by the Author: Obsidian, Half-Blood
Published by: Hodder (UK) 






Thanks to Hodder for the ARC of this book! As always, my reviews are fair and non-bias.





What if you had the chance to start again…but only if you promised never to look back? 
Samantha is popular, rich, and seemed to have it all…until the night she and her best ‘frenemy’ Cassie disappeared and only Sammy resurfaced, with no recollection of who she is or what happened. Sammy’s a stranger in her own life – a life she no longer wants any part of. Losing her memory is a chance to start again. Then Sammy begins receiving mysterious notes warning her about that night, urging her to not look back. But she can’t let it go. As she starts poking around in her past she begins to remember…and something sinister begins to surface.

 Jennifer L. Armentrout is one of the best YA writers out there, and I completely adored Obsidian and I’m dying to finish the series. Don’t Look Back is jumping into another genre, and I was keen to see how the story played out from the summary. It looks eerie, mysterious and I love putting books with puzzles together. 


Straight away, Sam is introduced. She can’t remember a thing – who she is, where she has been for ages, or why she was even where she was – and the story kicks off with fireworks and startling events from there. 
We uncover that Sam and her best friend Cassie had disappeared and now that Sam is back, everyone is wondering where Cassie is. But when the regrettable happens and Cassie’s body resurfaces, everyone is quick to point the finger at Sam – who still can’t remember where she was or even what happened to her best friend. Little by little, Sam starts to piece together facts about her life; she was a really bad person, extremely wealthy and not at all someone she was proud of. Trying to change now was hard, but as Sam starts to twist her life into a different type from her other one, whilst still following the misdirected clues and roller-coaster ride that has become her life, she uncovers the huge twists that had weaved into that time she was gone. 
The conclusion really surprised me – like totally knocked me off guard – and I was so impressed with how this was a true psychological mystery. I didn’t guess correctly, and the plot kept me roped in, dying to find out if the clues Sam was finding out were leading the right way or if they were going to take her on a road to horrible events. With a little romance (Carson and Sam were so right for each other – and their relationship/friendship played out without messing with the storyline of mystery), a lot of mystification and suspicion, Don’t Look Back was one of my most anticipated reads by far this year and it definitely lived up to my expectations! 
This is one of Jennifer’s very best reads that I recommend so highly! I want this made into a movie!

The ending! I won’t give too much away, but when you figure it out, or get totally surprised like I was, you’ll know the part I’m talking about. But the whole thing was totally addictive, sneaky and chilling. 

For fans of Pretty Little Liars – you will eat this up. Anyone, YA readers or Adults who love a good mystery and a dash of romance, Don’t Look Back is going to be next on your to-read list. Trust me. 


5 STARS

happy reading!

Waiting on Wednesday: “The Art of Lainey” by Paula Stokes

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that shines a spotlight on upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.







Title: The Art of Lainey

Author:    
Release Date: May 20th, 2014
Published by: HarperTeen
Genre: Young Adult – Contemporary 

TWITTER | AUTHOR GOODREADS


Soccer star Lainey Mitchell is used to getting what she wants, and when her boyfriend Jason breaks up with her for no reason, what she wants is to win him back before the start of their senior year.
Lainey and her friend Bianca check the interwebz for tips and tricks, but the online dating advice is all pretty lame.

Then the girls stumble across a copy of The Art of War. Didn’t someone once say that love is a battlefield? Jason isn’t going to stand a chance once Lainey and Bee go all Zhou Dynasty on him…

Old school strategy and subterfuge meet modern-day dramarama in the story of a girl who sets out to win at all costs and ends up discovering what’s really worth fighting for.

I couldn’t click want-to-read fast enough when I saw The Art of Lainey on Goodreads! I mean, can you blame me? There are so many awesome things to look forward to – the old-school working in of The Art of War, Contemporary friendships/relationships, good old drama…it looks like an all-around amazing read! I’m definitely waiting on this one. 

Are you waiting on The Art of Lainey like me?


If not, what are YOU waiting on? Tell me in the comments or at @LittleMemoirs on Twitter!

 

happy reading!

Speed Review: “If I Could Turn Back Time” by Nicola Doherty



Title: If I Could Turn Back Time

Author: Nicola Doherty
Genre: Adult – Chick-lit
Release Date: April 10th, 2014 (UK)
Published by: Headline

With thanks to Headline for the copy of this novel! As always, my reviews are non-bias and fair.

What if you found The One, then lost him again? 
Or not so much lost him as became the neurotic, needy girlfriend from hell. The girl who tried to make him choose between her and his job, and got seriously paranoid about his relationship with his best female friend…

Zoe knows she doesn’t deserve another chance with David. 

But if there’s the tiniest possibility of making things right, she’ll snatch it. Even if it means breaking the laws of physics to do so…
def: a “speed review” is a new meme on Pretty Little Memoirs, specialized for short reads, galley copies or novellas!
What is there not to love about Nicola Doherty’s book? For me, it was one of those rare amazing-all-round books, never failing to make me laugh or warm up to the incredible set of events that occurred throughout the plot. 
Zoe, our main character, was this girl who liked fashion and was a strong, determined girl. She had regrets in her life, hence the time travelling aspect of the novel, in life and love. Her life never failed to be action-packed, whether it was in her relationships with friends or love-interests. There was the ever-charming David, sweet and lovely Max, and Jenny, who was quite bizarre! Overall, the people in Zoe’s life crafted the way she looked at things, and throughout the novel she became like a friend figure, not only to her friends, but to us as readers. She was very relateable and her character developed beautifully over the course of the book. 
The time travelling theme was a twist that completed the perfect pieces of the book, that was ultimately a love story with quirky humour, fashion and a story to capture the hearts of readers. Nicola’s book reminded me of the reasons why I love novels like hers and Lindsey Kelk – and why I need to read more of them! 
I was totally won over by this stunning weekend read, that felt like watching a Rom-Com on TV. Anyone who loves an all-around lovely chick-lit novel, will adore If I Could Turn Back Time. With inspiring and thought-provoking wonders, it’s on my favourite Adult-reads of the year list!
Fans of Nicola Doherty’s previous novel, fans of Lindsey Kelk and Sophie Kinsella. Overall, anyone who loves getting lost in a good love story with laughs and twists along the way.



Have you read If I Could Turn Back Time?

What did you think? 

Tell me in the comments or at @LittleMemoirs on twitter!

happy reading!

Spotlight: “Prime Deception” by Carys Jones {releases Monday 7th April!}

 
When Lorna Thomas is found dead in her car everyone believes she killed herself. But the day after her death Lorna was set to sell a scandalous story to one of Britain’s biggest tabloid papers. For six months she had been the Deputy Prime Minister’s mistress.

 
Will Lorna’s secret die with her? While her family try to move on and come to terms with her death one person refuses to believe that Lorna killed herself. Her twin sister, Laurie is convinced that Lorna was murdered and she’ll stop at nothing to prove it, even if that means teaming up the very man her sister had been having an affair with…
 

Release Day! (Monday)
A note from Carys Jones…
 
Today sees the release of my third novel, Prime Deception and rather than be giddy with excitement I’m nervous, terrified even.
I keep wondering what people will make of the story. Will they love it or hate it? The most important thing for me is that readers enjoy my books. Ideally, I’d want the reader to love the story and enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
I’m also too shy to really promote myself. I’m from a very traditionally British family and we celebrate success with a quick hug and a cup of tea, nothing more.
I am spending today with just my dog, Rollo for company. We’ll go on our usual walk through the woods and to him it’s just a typical day, whilst I nervously fret over how the book will be received. But there’s something comforting about his lack of knowledge. He reminds me that no matter what, life goes on. If everyone hates the book and pull it apart he will still want to sit on my lap in the evening while we watch Being Human.
As a story, Prime Deception is hopefully an exciting read. It was born out of an idea I had some years ago, probably around the time of the last British general election. I don’t follow politics, at all. In fact, I find it all rather boring. So much so that I got thinking about what would make the whole political world more appealing to me and nothing piques my interest more than a delicious scandal! And so out of that, the story was born.
My main wish is that people enjoy reading it. So today, as it gets downloaded to kindles, i-pads and e-readers I hope everyone is able to get lost in the story. And if they care to spare a thought for me, I’ll be either in the woods with Rollo or celebrating with a cup of tea, and if the first reviews are good I might even push the boat out and have a biscuit or two!
 
Exclusive extract!
Despite dealing in the pain of others, John Quinn knew little of suffering. He had closed
himself off from a great number of emotions to help him deal with his line of work more
efficiently. Mourning and grief were foreign concepts to him. To John, a death was nothing
more than an obituary to write and potentially a story ,depending on the circumstances. But
he knew that it wasn’t healthy for this young, beautiful woman to be dwelling on the demise
of her twin sister.
‘I’m afraid that I don’t have answers for you.’ He picked up his Dictaphone and went to
return it to his bag when Laurie reached across and grabbed his wrist, her eyes pleading.
‘Please,’ she begged. ‘Please, tell me how she was when you met her, that night in the club.’
John sighed and dropped the Dictaphone and reluctantly allowed his mind to wander back to
the night in question.
‘Honestly, she was a mess.’ He saw immediately that it wasn’t the answer which Laurie
wanted but it was the one she needed to hear. ‘She was out with some other interns, blind
drunk by the time we got talking. She was all over the place in more ways than one. Kept
going on about some guy who had broken her heart.’ John hesitated before carrying on,
unsure if Laurie wanted to hear more, but he took her silence as a signal to proceed.
‘I mean, being out, you get used to seeing girls who are a mess like that. I just assumed she
was cut up about a boyfriend, and I won’t lie, I’m the sort of guy who would take advantage
of that. So I talked with her for a bit, asked questions, and then she dropped the bombshell
about who the guy was.’
Laurie’s composure was stoic at this.
‘Can you at least give me that? Can you confirm who the guy was?’ John asked, wanting to
walk away with something, but Laurie merely shook her head in refusal.
‘You want answers, well so do I!’ he said angrily, his desire for the story getting the better of
him.
‘No, you want to write a sordid story. I want to find out why my twin sister died when she
was only twenty two!’ Laurie spat each word out with an angry venom which surprised John
into submission.
‘Fine. Your sister suddenly became a potential story. I gave her my card, told her the paper
would be willing to pay big, that sort of thing. She seemed so drunk I doubted that she’d
taken any of it in. To her credit, she seemed pretty horrified when I told her I was a journalist,
and swore she didn’t want to sell her story. Then a few months later, she called. They always
do.’
It saddened Laurie to imagine her sister selling herself out like that.
‘How did she seem when she called?’
‘Down, really down. Most women, when they do a kiss and tell, have a lot of spite and
resentment, but Lorna just seemed … sad.’
‘And that didn’t strike you as odd?’ Laurie challenged, anger rising in her voice once more.
‘Look, it’s not my job to be a counsellor,’ John reasoned to her. ‘I merely relay events which
have already unfolded. Don’t shoot the messenger.’
Laurie was quiet for a moment, mulling things over. When she spoke, her voice trembled
slightly, as though she were fearful of the truth she was uncovering.
‘Did you tell anyone else, about Lorna?’
‘And have someone try and steal the story?’ John scoffed. ‘No, I did not. Did she tell you?’
‘Yeah, we spoke about it. She said she didn’t want to do it, but that she couldn’t turn the
money down.’
‘One thing I’ve learnt is that everyone has their price,’ John stated nonchalantly as though
he were remarking on the state of the weather. ‘So she didn’t want to do it, but she was going
ahead with it anyway. A story which could potentially destroy a very powerful man and her
own reputation?’
‘Yeah.’ Laurie shifted uncomfortably in her chair.
‘Either, you have all the answers you seek, and your sister did kill herself,’ John paused
before delivering the second part of his conclusion, wanting to ensure that he had Laurie’s
complete undivided attention. ‘Or, she was involved with a very powerful man who found out
what she was going to do.’
‘No, I told him about it and he said he had no idea.’
‘He would say that, wouldn’t he?’
Laurie felt an icy blast whip around her frame and then sweep beneath her clothes, chilling
her to the bone as she processed what the journalist was implying.
‘You seem like a smart girl,’ John continued. ‘I suggest you forget all about this little
investigation you’ve been conducting and go back home. Losing your sister is an awful
tragedy, don’t let things get any worse.’
 

Carys Jones loves nothing more than to write and create stories which ignite the reader’s imagination. Based in Shropshire, England, Carys lives with her husband, two guinea pigs and her adored canine companion Rollo.

When she’s not writing, Carys likes to indulge her inner geek by watching science- fiction films or playing video games.

She lists John Green, Jodi Picoult and Virginia Andrews as her favorite authors and draws inspiration for her own work from anything and everything.

To Carys, there is no greater feeling then when you lose yourself in a great story and it is that feeling of ultimate escapism which she tries to bring to her books.

 
 
happy reading!
 

Book Blitz: “Transformed” by E.V. Fairfall {Q&A + Giveaway!}







Title: Transformed 
Author: E.V. Fairfall
Publication date: January 1st 2014
Genres: Paranormal, Romance

Synopsis:
Since the beginning, two entities have had complete, unquestioned control over Thea: the Earth and God.

But when Thea suddenly figures out that the Earth has  trapped her within a forest, she discovers that the only way to set herself free is to break God’s one rule; she must forsake her animal form and become human.

The result is nothing she could ever have expected. Lost within the torrent of human emotions, Thea starts to lose who she is and even begins to fall in love with the one thing she always hated: a hunter.

As her act against God proves more problematic than anticipated, it is only a matter of time before her punishment may prove to be worse than Earth’s entrapment.



About the Author:
I love to write just as much as I love to read. I try to read a book per week, which doesn’t always work out, but it’s the thought that counts. Aside from all that I am a huge animal person.
Transformed is my first novel, but it isn’t my first publication; I’ve had several short stories published over the last two years. My main goal as a writer is to explore humanity and to give people something fun to read. 

| GOODREADS  |

Q&A with E. V. Fairfall


What makes Transformed a unique story? 
            Well, let me first
ask you this: how often have you read a book in which God and Mother Earth are
siblings? Or a book in which Earth itself is an entity of its own, and prevents
God from doing anything he wants? How often have you read a book in which
Mother Earth is able to take any form except for that of a human because it is
forbidden? Though Transformed is a story about finding one’s self, it
also explores the foibles of being human and the value of all life. It is about
making mistakes and finding a solution, even if that solution isn’t what was
originally intended. 
Where does the story take place? 
            Transformed
takes place in a small mountain town in Colorado. This fictitious town resides
next to a forest and is green and lush (Colorado can get very dry), and because
of its high elevation, it has strange weather patterns. 
How important are names to you in your books? Do you choose the names
based on the way they sound or the meaning? Do you have any name choosing
resources you recommend? 
            Names! Names are so
important to me, mostly because I can’t actually write a character without
first knowing their name. I can have the perfect scene in my head but until I
find a name that I know fits the character, I just can’t write them in. I don’t
pick names based on the sounds, but sometimes I pick a name because of its
meaning. Mostly I just know when a name works for my character. As for
resources, I tend to use lots of baby naming websites.
Who is your favorite character from Transformed and why? 
            Oh gosh, I’m going to
say Cricket. I love Chamber of course, but Cricket is just so fun. Cricket is a
girl who Thea turned into a squirrel because she needed to borrow her apartment
while she was human. Even though Cricket is now a squirrel, she insists on
taking special care of the clothes that she reluctantly let Thea borrow—more
like take. Thea, who doesn’t understand why Cricket cares about the clothes,
tends to leave them wherever she might drop them. Here is a quick excerpt from
the book: 
            “’You have a squirrel in your
sweater.’ Brice cocked his head to the side. ‘Actually, I think it’s stealing
it.’ 
            Thea
looked over her shoulder to see the little squirrel dragging the sweater across
the floor toward the closet. If Brice saw a squirrel put a sweater on a hanger,
she would never hear the end of it. She shook her head toward the squirrel,
causing the ball of fur to stop and glare before continuing to drag the sweater
out of sight. If Thea didn’t start hanging up the squirrel’s clothes, she had a
feeling the little rodent would attempt to kick her out.”
Give us
some insight into your main character. What does she do that is so
special? 
Thea is God’s sister and has spent her life filling the
role of Mother Earth, creating the plants and animals and serving as their
guardian. Alongside her brother God, the two siblings used their light to
create for hundreds of years. She doesn’t understand humans, and she likes them
even less. It isn’t until she takes a human form that she begins to understand
what she has been missing out on, and ultimately she gains a deeper
understanding of her brother and what it means to be a part of a family. 
Did you have a specific song or playlist that you listened to when you
were writing Transformed?
             I actually
can’t listen to music when I write. I wish I could. Sometimes a song will
inspire me or motivate me, but while writing I need quiet. Of course, that
never really happens because I live in an apartment with paper thin walls—but
that is part of the adventure. 
What writing advice do you have for other aspiring authors?
             Never give up, and go to writers conferences! I wish I had gone to a
writers conference earlier. They open your mind to a side of book writing that
you normally wouldn’t consider. You can meet people who love what you love, and
it is a great chance to break out of your shell and read some of your work out
loud. Not only that but you will meet other writers who will help you through
the hard times. 
What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it
successful? 
            Reviews! Social media
posts on Facebook, Tumblr, Goodreads and so on. Word of mouth is huge for any
author. There are so many great books in the world that people haven’t
discovered, but they only need to be pointed in the right direction. 
_________________________________________________________________
Exploring the subplot of Transformed with E.V. Fairfall:
Hey you guys, E.V. here. I wanted to tell you a little about my book Transformed
because, aside from the typical coming of age story, it is a book of self
discovery in many other ways. The subplot of Transformed has an aspect
of religion. Religion is a huge part of the world; not only are there many
religions out there, but also within each religion people believe and adopt
different practices. That is the reason why I felt compelled to incorporate it,
even though another part of me wanted to leave it alone. Through the course of
writing Transformed, I’ve studied religion. I’ve taken cultural
diversity classes and religious studies classes. It was a mind opening
experience and it also led me to the thought of bringing them all together. The
subplot of Transformed does just that. Some aspects of different
religions are stronger than others, while some are quite subtle and may be
passed over without a second glance. I’ve also incorporated Earth,
who isn’t a character in the book per se, but more of an omnipresent figure
that forces God and Mother Earth to let their creations evolve. Overall
the subplot of Transformed presents a new type of creation myth
while demonstrating the way in which the characters navigate their life, and
how their different religious upbringings influence them. If a reader can take
anything away from Transformed, I hope it is a broader understanding of
the world and a fun love story. 
_________________________________________________________________
E.V. Fairfall’s background with animals. 
A good part of Transformed involves animals, and that is
largely from personal experience. I grew up in a small town with a lot of
wildlife. I had a mountain lion living in my neighbors’ backyard, baby foxes
growing up at the end of my driveway, and a pregnant deer living under my deck
which led to an adorable baby faun. We lived in the mountains; I had my own
little forest, and to me those animals were an extension of myself. They shaped
who I am today, and I had experiences that I’ll never forget. One time I was
painting outside and a large bear walked right in front of my canvas, no more
than 6 feet away. He was just minding his own business and enjoying a stroll,
but it scared me half to death and I ran into the house. I have sad stories
too, times that I’ve experienced people’s lack of compassion toward these
animals, and it always was hard for me to understand. My inclusion of animals
in Transformed is a little cathartic, and a little bit unavoidable. When
I set out to write a book, I always pour a little part of myself into the ink,
the paper, the binding. Adding the animals just happened to be the part of
myself that I chose to share with the world.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
happy reading!
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Waiting on Wednesday: “Rebel Belle” by Rachel Hawkins

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that shines a spotlight on upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.






Title: Rebel Belle 
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Release Date: April 8th, 2014
Published by: Putnam Juvenile
Genre: Young Adult – Fantasy  
Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. 


But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper’s destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts. 
Just when life can’t get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she’s charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper’s least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him–and discovers that David’s own fate could very well be to destroy Earth. 
With snappy banter, cotillion dresses, non-stop action and a touch of magic, this new young adult series from bestseller Rachel Hawkins is going to make y’all beg for more.

This sounds like just the book I’ll be looking forward to during my Birthday-month. It’s got the pretty, girly looking cover and a killer storyline that’s Fantasy-filled. Plus, it’s got that Southern-charm that I adore completely. I’ll definitely be waiting on this one! Can’t wait to get my hands on it. 



Are you waiting on Rebel Belle, like me?


If not, what are YOU waiting on? Tell me in the comments or at @LittleMemoirs on Twitter!

 

happy reading!

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Book Review: “The Secret Diamond Sisters” by Michelle Madow

Title: The Secret Diamond Sisters (The Secret Diamond Sisters #1)

Author: Michelle Madow
Genre: Young Adult – Contemporary 
Release Date: February 25th, 2014 (US) March 7th, 2014 (UK)
Also by the Author: Remembrance 
Published by: Mira Ink / Harlequin TEEN
Purchase at: Amazon, Book Depository 


With thanks to Mira Ink/Harlequin TEEN for the review copy of this novel! As always, my reviews are non-bias and fair.





Savannah. Courtney. Peyton. 


 The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite. 
Suddenly the Strip’s most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.

Las Vegas, Sisters and an amazing synopsis and I was hooked. I mean, look at that gorgeous cover and I dare you not to want just a peak inside the pages, especially after reading that synopsis. I was so happy to get to read a copy thanks to Harlequin Teen and Mira Ink – I always seem to fall in love with all the books they publish so I was dying to read The Secret Diamond Sisters.

 I have never read a book set in Las Vegas for the majority of the plot, but that’s all about to change with The Secret Diamond Sisters, because I’ll be returning happily with every new addition to this welcomed new series. I was hoping right from the start that there would be just more than one book because I just couldn’t stop reading page after page with every exciting new turn.

 This is definitely a glamorous modern fairytale, where three sisters who had a rough start in life with their mother who a drinking problem, who get their lives turned around when she goes to rehab and they are shipped off to live with their father who they haven’t the slightest idea who he is. But another bend in the roller-coaster sees him announced as Adrian Diamond – the billionaire hotel franchise owner. But not all fairy tales get a happy ending and they aren’t all simple, and so things only get more interesting and additive from here for the fifteen, sixteen and seventeen year old sisters.

Savannah, the youngest of the three sisters, was probably the most welcoming of the new lavish lifestyle. She was happy to have more money to spend on all the things she couldn’t afford before, in her true free spirited way. She was a little naive in places in the new lifestyle in the Vegas lights, but nevertheless the most fun and charismatic sister. 
Courtney was the middle sister, but I was startled to find that she wasn’t the oldest. She totally took control and was the peacemaker in the situations where responsibility was required. She was a bookworm, like me, and sensible, not to mention very driven and humble. I liked her the best out of the three sisters by far, possibly because I could connect with her in similar ways. 
Peyton is the oldest of the Diamond sisters and the one with the rebellious attitude to pretty much everything, although entertaining in that very same way. She really didn’t like her father and pretty much rejected everything like the credit cards that he gave the sisters, which she prompted to throw in the trash. But I understood her hostility, because being the oldest, she had been through more than the other sisters and that way, I could see why she had an attitude to most things.
I’m not sure how I felt about Adrian Diamond, because I was influenced by so many different ways of thinking of him by each sister, so I guess I’m pretty much torn in each direction. Then there’s Rebecca (name twin!), who is Adrian’s fiancee, Madison, Damien, Brett…and so many other characters with mixed feelings about. They all had less frequent roles compared to the sisters so it’s hard to pinpoint how I felt about each one, but again, each was engrossing in their own ways, whether fueled by hate or love for them. 

Compelling, magnetic and enchanting, The Secret Diamond Sisters is a story I’ll never forget. It could be compared to the likes of Pretty Little Liars and Gossip Girl, but it’s in a total world of it’s own – unlike anything before it. I’m hugely anticipating the next in the series and I can’t wait to read more of the alluring and dazzling writing styles of Michelle Madow. 

Have you read The Secret Diamond Sisters?

What did you think? 

Tell me in the comments or at @LittleMemoirs on twitter!

happy reading!
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