Review: Losing Gabriel by Lurlene McDaniel

Losing Gabriel by Lurlene McDaniel

This emotionally-charged novel about three high school seniors who in the midst of planning their futures after high school are instead faced with present circumstances that force them to grasp what it means to make choices, take responsibility, and truly become an adult.
Lani Kennedy has dreamed of becoming a nurse since her cousin Arie died of leukemia. Nothing will stop her from getting into the local nursing program.
Dawson Burke hasn’t dealt with his mom’s death, and he’s angry at his dad for moving them to Windemere right before senior year. He grudgingly accepts that he must wait till graduation before he leaves.
Sloan Quentin can belt out a song and knows that her band is her ticket to fame and fortune. When she discovers that her boyfriend—the band’s lead guitarist—is cheating on her, she finds comfort—and revenge—in someone else’s arms.
When the lives of Lani, Dawson, and Sloan become entangled in unexpected ways, reality hits harder than anyone could have imagined.

Publishes in US: June 14th 2016 by Delacorte Press
Genre: ya contemp
Source: bought
Series? no

Buy it: 

Author stalk away: website
Become a fan on Facebook
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   I wanted to read this one because I love Lurlene McDaniel, and have since I was preteen. She is an automatic buy for me and she delivered in Losing Gabriel.

   I def wondered how these three could be so connected, but I got lost in their stories and personalities and the changes of life that brought them all so intertwined. 

   I read this in one sitting, it had me glued to the pages, and I didn't want to stop. 

    This was hard core emotionally charged, and there was so much in in that made me want to cry. Lurlene has always know how to draw these amazing characters that have to face hard real life situations. She knows how to write heartbreak and make the reader feel it. 

    This book has romance, and it has tragedy to it, but its about so much more. Family ties, friendship, relationships, hardships. It melds three very different characters-- Lani who want to be a nurse after being by her cousin's bedside and seeing her die from cancer, Sloane, a singer who wants to make it big but who has a rough upbringing with absent and drunk mother, and at first angry Dawson, who is close with his father, but they are still reeling from the loss of his mother. 

Bottom Line: Emotional, all I expect from a book by McDaniel.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
ever in a band? want to be?

Waiting on Wednesday, WoW

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. I also feature books that may have already released, but I am anxiously waiting to read.

This week, I'm featuring:

Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)
by Sarah J. Maas

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those don't.

As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

Aelin's journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down?

Releases: September 6th 2016 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens

What are you waiting on?

It's Not You, It's Me: The Memory Book by Lara Avery

 The Memory Book by Lara Avery

They tell me that my memory will never be the same, that I'll start forgetting things. At first just a little, and then a lot. So I'm writing to remember.
Sammie was always a girl with a plan: graduate at the top of her class and get out of her small town as soon as humanly possible. Nothing will stand in her way--not even a rare genetic disorder the doctors say will slowly start to steal her memories and then her health. What she needs is a new plan.
So the Memory Book is born: Sammie's notes to her future self, a document of moments great and small. It's where she'll record every perfect detail of her first date with longtime crush, Stuart--a brilliant young writer who is home for the summer. And where she'll admit how much she's missed her childhood best friend, Cooper, and even take some of the blame for the fight that ended their friendship.
Through a mix of heartfelt journal entries, mementos, and guest posts from friends and family, readers will fall in love with Sammie, a brave and remarkable girl who learns to live and love life fully, even though it's not the life she planned.

Publishes in US: July 5th 2016 by Alloy Entertainment
Genre: ya contemp
Source: earc via Netgally from Little Brown
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.

Other Lara Avery books I've reviewed: Anything But Ordinary , A Million Miles Away,

Author stalk away:
tumblr: http://findlara.tumblr.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaraAvery
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laraaverybooks

     I have done this several times on my blog. Books that just don't work for me. I know my reading style pretty well, and I can tell whether I will like the book or not accurately about 80-90% of the time. If I finish a book, then there are aspects of that book that I enjoyed. I never talk about the author in a negative way, I only say what doesn't work for me. Normally if I finish a book, I give it at least 3 stars, meaning that I liked it.

Stopped after skimming at 10%

This is totally a it's not you it's me


I let the description of a young girl who has a disease and she's going to lose her memory woo me because that is exactly the kind of thing that I would normally be into.


And I say normally because I also saw in the description that it said it was told in journal entries and letters and such and that is not usually my thing. But like I said I requested it hoping that I could get into it but the format just didn't mesh with me

  That isn't to say that the writing is poor or the characters are poorly constructed, it's personal on my end.
Positive Reviews:
Between Dreams and Reality
The Best Books Ever

Stacking the Shelves, The Sunday Post, Bought Borrowed and Bagged

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews,  check it out and sign up  here

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

Bought, Borrowed, & Bagged is a weekly meme, hosted by TalkSupe, where I share with you the books I have bought, borrowed, or bagged. Link up with me here.

Currently reading:

Losing Gabriel source: bought

McDaniel, Lurlene *

What I read:

Source: twilight fanfic

Fridays at Noon

troublefollows1017

The Blessing and The Curse

Arrow, The Black

Emancipation Proclamation

Kharizzmatik

Sempre (Forever, #1)

Darhower, J.M. *

Sempre: Redemption(Forever, #2)

Darhower, J.M. *

Transcendence

Savage7289

Last Week on the blog:

• Looking for Beta Readers
• Waiting on Wednesday, WoW

Defending Taylor Source: earc from netgalley review

Kenneally, Miranda *

Gemini Source: earc from Simon teen via Edelweiss Review

Mukherjee, Sonya *

Derision: A Novel source: author and then bought ADULT review

Wolfe, Trisha *

My week: Hanging in here. I think that I told everyone my mom is finally home from the hospital.
I have tried to visit some blogs this week and slowly get back into it.
I've been writing and I am almost done with my story, still need a couple of betas if anyone is interested, let me know.
I finally read something besides twilight fanfiction today, so maybe I can get back in the reviewing books and reading things on the market. No promises though.

What are you reading? Any of my books new to you or have you read any of my books? If so, what did you think?
Also, feel free to link up your blog and mailbox post.

Review: Defending Taylor by Miranda Kenneally

Defending Taylor by Miranda Kenneally

Captain of the soccer team, president of the Debate Club, contender for valedictorian: Taylor’s always pushed herself to be perfect. After all, that’s what is expected of a senator’s daughter. But one impulsive decision—one lie to cover for her boyfriend—and Taylor’s kicked out of private school. Everything she’s worked so hard for is gone, and now she’s starting over at Hundred Oaks High.
Soccer has always been Taylor’s escape from the pressures of school and family, but it’s hard to fit in and play on a team that used to be her rival. The only person who seems to understand all that she’s going through is her older brother’s best friend, Ezra. Taylor’s had a crush on him for as long as she can remember. But it’s hard to trust after having been betrayed. Will Taylor repeat her past mistakes or can she score a fresh start?

Publishes in US: July 5th 2016 by Sourcebooks Fire
Genre: ya contemp
Source: earc from netgalley
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.
Series? Hundred Oaks but can read as standalone
my other series reviews:
Catching Jordan
 Stealing Parker
 Racing Savannah
Breathe, Annie, Breathe

Buy it: Amazon | Apple iBooks |Barnes and Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound |Powell's | Wal-Mart

Author stalk away: ~site Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Wattpad

 

   I wanted to read this one because I have enjoyed Miranda's other books in this series. I usually like the characters and romance, and hoped this would follow the same pattern. 

   Taylor is new to the high school since she got kicked out of her private school. She worries about grades and college, and losing the approval and support from her parents. She has a hard time fitting in her new school and the soccer team doesn't really feel like a team. She struggles with covering up the lie, and the consequences of both the drug charges and the lie building up everywhere she turns. 

   The romance is nice, Taylor and Ezra has liked each other for a while, but miscommunication and timing has always gotten in their way of becoming more. I liked that they were finally able to talk and work things through then act on their attraction. They were able to encourage the other to figure out what they want as far as college and careers, and pushed the other to go after it. 

   The family aspect was interesting as well. She felt a lot of pressure from her parents, because her dad is in politics and trying to get re-elected. Her getting kicked out of school and the misunderstanding about the prescription pills (not hers) that was in her system and found in her possession does not look good for the presses. But she came to more of an understanding with her parents and siblings, and they all acknowledged how they'd been hurt and worked on their relationship, and that was nice to see. 

   It was a quick read with a nice HEA.

Bottom Line: Good read, what I have come to expect from this trilogy.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
any extra curriculars in high school?

Waiting on Wednesday, WoW

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. I also feature books that may have already released, but I am anxiously waiting to read.

This week, I'm featuring:

Nevernight (The Nevernight Chronicle #1)
by Jay Kristoff\

The first in a new fantasy series from the New York Times bestselling author.

In a land where three suns almost never set, a fledgling killer joins a school of assassins, seeking vengeance against the powers who destroyed her family.

Daughter of an executed traitor, Mia Corvere is barely able to escape her father's failed rebellion with her life. Alone and friendless, she wanders a city built from the bones of a dead god, hunted by the Senate and its thugs. But her gift for speaking with the shadows leads her to the hearth of a retired killer, and a future she never imagined.

Now, Mia is apprenticed to the deadliest flock of assassins in the entire Republic—the Red Church. Treachery and trials await her with the Church’s halls, and to fail is to die. But if she survives to initiation, Mia will be inducted among the chosen of the Lady of Blessed Murder, and one step closer to the only thing she desires.

Releases: August 9th 2016 by Thomas Dunne Books

What are you waiting on?

Review: Gemini by Sonya Mukherjee

Gemini by Sonya Mukherjee

In a powerful and daring debut novel, Sonya Mukherjee shares the story of sisters Clara and Hailey, conjoined twins who are learning what it means to be truly extraordinary.
Seventeen-year-old conjoined twins Clara and Hailey have lived in the same small town their entire lives—no one stares at them anymore. But there are cracks in their quiet existence, and they’re slowly becoming more apparent. Clara and Hailey are at a crossroads. Clara wants to stay close to home, avoid all attention, and study the night sky. Hailey wants to travel the world, learn from great artists, and dance with mysterious boys. As high school graduation approaches, each twin must untangle her dreams from her sister’s, and figure out what it means to be her own person.
Told in alternating perspectives, this unconventional coming-of-age tale shows how dreams can break your heart—but the love between sisters can mend it.

Things you can’t do when you’re permanently attached to your twin sister’s back:
• Snowboard
• Rock climb
• Be ignored by strangers
• Kiss a boy (Stupid thing that my sister believes. Are you really letting her write this? – Hailey)
Clara and Hailey love each other, and they’re comfortable in their conjoined bodies. It’s the stares and whispers they could do without.
Hailey’s a pink-haired artist who longs to explore the world and question every limitation. Clara’s an aspiring scientist who would rather stay home, avoid strangers, and study the night sky.
Yet Clara has secret, impossible dreams, like seeing Earth from space, and falling in love with a guy who could actually love her back.
Then telescope-loving Max comes to town, and Clara starts to question her definition of “impossible.”
Soon, both Clara and Hailey are forced to ask: Is it possible to pursue their dreams together? Or should they consider the risky, life-threatening surgery to separate them? And what does it really mean for each sister to be herself

Publishes in US: July 26th 2016 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Genre: ya contemp
Source: earc from Simon teen via Edelweiss
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.
Series? no

Buy it:

Author stalk away: ~site 

    I wanted to read Gemini because I think that conjoined twins are fascinating, especially the ones that are different from each other, or have separate interests and goals. They were once the same cell, identical twins that the cells didn't split, so the DNA is the same, but something in them and their upbringing and their own minds diverge.

    Hailey and Clara are indeed very separate identities with different thought processes and ways of looking at life. Hailey is more upbeat, she has pink hair and a tattoo. Clara is more practical and down to earth.

    It is a neat perspective because they have their own routines and life this way is normal for them. They gave daily challenges including physical limitations but also respecting their sister who is their constant companion. What one wants to do, sometimes the other has to be bored, when one talks to a friend or a boy, the other cant give them time or escape if they don't like the person.

   It wasn't what I expected but still had its good points. 

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Would you separate if part of a conjoined twin pair?

Looking for Beta Readers

I am working on another novel, and I need some of your help. Email me brandileigh2003@yahoo.com
if you are interested or leave contact info in comments.

Summary:
Being in a wheelchair is nothing new for 17-year-old Abby Legend—what is new is being thrown into a new school to start all over again.. When she meets a girl with best friend potential, that should be enough, but finding Carter makes Abby desire so much more. Mysterious and talented, Abby knows he’s hiding something beneath those long sleeves and behind those sad eyes. From the moment he picks her up, cradles her in his strong arms, she’s doomed.

I need someone for content, someone for grammar, someone for tense (I am horrible at sticking to past), someone for dialogue. Let me know what you might be able to help with.

Thank you in advance!

Waiting on Wednesday, WoW

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. I also feature books that may have already released, but I am anxiously waiting to read.

This week, I'm featuring:

 

A Shadow Bright and Burning (Kingdom on Fire #1)
by Jessica Cluess Henrietta Howel can burst into flames. 
Forced to reveal her power to save a friend, she's shocked when instead of being executed, she's invited to train as one of Her Majesty's royal sorcerers.

Thrust into the glamour of Victorian London, Henrietta is declared the chosen one, the girl who will defeat the Ancients, bloodthirsty demons terrorizing humanity. She also meets her fellow sorcerer trainees, handsome young men eager to test her power and her heart. One will challenge her. One will fight for her. One will betray her.

But Henrietta Howel is not the chosen one.
As she plays a dangerous game of deception, she discovers that the sorcerers have their own secrets to protect. With battle looming, what does it mean to not be the one? And how much will she risk to save the city--and the one she loves?

Exhilarating and gripping, Jessica Cluess's spellbinding fantasy introduces Henrietta Howel, a powerful, unforgettable heroine, and an entertaining world filled with magic, monsters, and mayhem.


Releases: September 20th 2016 by Random House BFYR

What are you waiting on?