Taylor Fenner's Blog, page 149
May 23, 2017
{Release Day Blitz} Sexy Stranger by Kendall Ryan
I'm back to remind you that the sexy, not-to-be-missed enemies to lovers standalone novel, Sexy Stranger by Kendall Ryan hits bookstands today!
Sexy StrangerBy Kendall Ryan Standalone, Contemporary RomanceRelease Date: May 23, 2017About the Book From New York Times Bestselling Author Kendall Ryan comes a sexy and sizzling, enemies-to-lovers romp with bite.
He's rude. Arrogant. And too hot to handle.
And she's stranded with him for an entire week.
He knows the sexy stranger doesn't belong in his small town, but he's determined to keep her there. The second she opens her smart mouth, he wants to swap a whole lot more than insults with her.
She’s got a secret. But he’s got his own agenda.
Buckle up.
"A steamy and red-hot enemies-to-lovers romance like I've never read before!" - Beneath the Covers Book Blog
"It was FREAKING FANTASTIC! Sexy, charming, and full of witty banter, I couldn't get enough of Luke and Charlotte!" - Shayna Renee's Spicy Reads
Scoop up your copy today: Amazon US | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Australia | Amazon Paperback | iBooks | Nook | Kobo | Add to Goodreads
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 1.5 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. She's a traditionally published author with Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins UK, as well as an independently published author. Since she first began self-publishing in 2012, she's appeared at #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.
Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras
Subscribe to Newsletter Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page
May 22, 2017
{Book Review Tour} Sexy Stranger by Kendall Ryan
Sexy Stranger by Kendall Ryan
Sexy StrangerBy Kendall Ryan Standalone, Contemporary RomanceRelease Date: May 23, 2017
Blurb:
From New York Times Bestselling Author Kendall Ryan comes a sexy and sizzling, enemies-to-lovers romp with bite.
He's rude. Arrogant. And too hot to handle.
And she's stranded with him for an entire week.
He knows the sexy stranger doesn't belong in his small town, but he's determined to keep her there. The second she opens her smart mouth, he wants to swap a whole lot more than insults with her.
She’s got a secret. But he’s got his own agenda.
Buckle up.
"A steamy and red-hot enemies-to-lovers romance like I've never read before!" - Beneath the Covers Book Blog
"It was FREAKING FANTASTIC! Sexy, charming, and full of witty banter, I couldn't get enough of Luke and Charlotte!" - Shayna Renee's Spicy Reads
My Review: When Charlotte Freemont walks into What the Cluck one Sunday morning Luke Wilder knows one thing for certain: she's not from Shady Grove, Texas. And outsiders never stick around. But he'd have to be blind not to be attracted to the beautiful brunette with the smart mouth.
Charlotte just wants her Audi to get repaired so she can be on her way to her new life in LA with her friend Valentina. After the recent disastrous end of her last relationship, the last thing she's looking for is a rude hick that makes her blood boil - even if he is completely sexy.
With nothing better to do, Charlotte quickly finds herself spending extra time with Luke, his twin brother Duke, and their sister Molly. When an offer to help Luke with a marketing strategy for his family's whiskey distillery turns into a private tasting sparks fly and neither one can deny the chemistry between them.
But will a short fling between sexy strangers be enough? What will happen when Luke begins to see that Charlotte isn't like the other women that have walked out of his life? Will he have the courage to ask Charlotte to stay? Or will his fear of letting someone in cause Charlotte to slip right through his fingers? And how will he handle it when Charlotte's past comes knocking at the door?
First of all, Sexy Stranger was the first book I've read by Kendall Ryan but let me tell you - it definitely won't be the last! Sexy Stranger was addicting, cute, and oh so sexy! I was hooked from the first page with the easy storytelling and witty writing.
I loved the names of all the businesses in Shady Grove and the town itself made you wish it was a real place you could visit. Charlotte and Luke were both strong characters and the chemistry between them leaped right from the page.
My only concern was that the relationship between Charlotte and Luke almost developed a little too quickly for me in the beginning. One minute they couldn't stand each other then the next they wanted to rip each other's clothes off. Sure, the timeline of the story meant they didn't have a lot of time together but can someone really go from dislike to lust within the span of a day or so? But perhaps I'm just being a skeptic.
I also really loved Duke and Molly. I'm left wondering if in the future they'll get books of their own. I'd really love to see them both find someone that's right for them!
Overall, I have no major (or even minor) complaints about Sexy Stranger. It was a fantastic read and I look forward to reading more by this author. This is one book you should definitely place at the top of your To-Be-Read list!
My Rating:5 of 5 Stars
Sexy Stranger by Kendall Ryan is out tomorrow, MAY 23, 2017! Pre-order your copy today!Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Add to Goodreads | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Australia | Paperback
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 1.5 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. She's a traditionally published author with Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins UK, as well as an independently published author. Since she first began self-publishing in 2012, she's appeared at #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.
Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras
Subscribe to Newsletter Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page
Sexy StrangerBy Kendall Ryan Standalone, Contemporary RomanceRelease Date: May 23, 2017
Blurb:
From New York Times Bestselling Author Kendall Ryan comes a sexy and sizzling, enemies-to-lovers romp with bite.He's rude. Arrogant. And too hot to handle.
And she's stranded with him for an entire week.
He knows the sexy stranger doesn't belong in his small town, but he's determined to keep her there. The second she opens her smart mouth, he wants to swap a whole lot more than insults with her.
She’s got a secret. But he’s got his own agenda.
Buckle up.
"A steamy and red-hot enemies-to-lovers romance like I've never read before!" - Beneath the Covers Book Blog
"It was FREAKING FANTASTIC! Sexy, charming, and full of witty banter, I couldn't get enough of Luke and Charlotte!" - Shayna Renee's Spicy Reads
My Review: When Charlotte Freemont walks into What the Cluck one Sunday morning Luke Wilder knows one thing for certain: she's not from Shady Grove, Texas. And outsiders never stick around. But he'd have to be blind not to be attracted to the beautiful brunette with the smart mouth.
Charlotte just wants her Audi to get repaired so she can be on her way to her new life in LA with her friend Valentina. After the recent disastrous end of her last relationship, the last thing she's looking for is a rude hick that makes her blood boil - even if he is completely sexy.
With nothing better to do, Charlotte quickly finds herself spending extra time with Luke, his twin brother Duke, and their sister Molly. When an offer to help Luke with a marketing strategy for his family's whiskey distillery turns into a private tasting sparks fly and neither one can deny the chemistry between them.
But will a short fling between sexy strangers be enough? What will happen when Luke begins to see that Charlotte isn't like the other women that have walked out of his life? Will he have the courage to ask Charlotte to stay? Or will his fear of letting someone in cause Charlotte to slip right through his fingers? And how will he handle it when Charlotte's past comes knocking at the door?
First of all, Sexy Stranger was the first book I've read by Kendall Ryan but let me tell you - it definitely won't be the last! Sexy Stranger was addicting, cute, and oh so sexy! I was hooked from the first page with the easy storytelling and witty writing.
I loved the names of all the businesses in Shady Grove and the town itself made you wish it was a real place you could visit. Charlotte and Luke were both strong characters and the chemistry between them leaped right from the page.
My only concern was that the relationship between Charlotte and Luke almost developed a little too quickly for me in the beginning. One minute they couldn't stand each other then the next they wanted to rip each other's clothes off. Sure, the timeline of the story meant they didn't have a lot of time together but can someone really go from dislike to lust within the span of a day or so? But perhaps I'm just being a skeptic.
I also really loved Duke and Molly. I'm left wondering if in the future they'll get books of their own. I'd really love to see them both find someone that's right for them!
Overall, I have no major (or even minor) complaints about Sexy Stranger. It was a fantastic read and I look forward to reading more by this author. This is one book you should definitely place at the top of your To-Be-Read list!
My Rating:5 of 5 Stars
Sexy Stranger by Kendall Ryan is out tomorrow, MAY 23, 2017! Pre-order your copy today!Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Add to Goodreads | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Australia | Paperback
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 1.5 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. She's a traditionally published author with Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins UK, as well as an independently published author. Since she first began self-publishing in 2012, she's appeared at #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras
Subscribe to Newsletter Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page
May 21, 2017
Book Review: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3) by Sarah J. Maas
Blurb:
Looming war threatens all Feyre holds dear in the third volume of the #1 New York Times bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series.
Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.
As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places.
In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.
My Review:
Have you ever seen a movie preview and it looks good, but then they really start promoting it and when you finally see the movie its not what you were expecting or hoping for?
That was ACOWAR for me. The ending of ACOMAF was agonizing - I wanted to find out what was going to happen so badly and then I had to wait a whole year for ACOWAR to come out, which was excruciating. But I let the excitement build, I bought into the hype, I preordered three different copies, and worst of all, I sped through other amazing books while waiting for ACOWAR to arrive in the mail.
And on May 3rd, the day after the release when I received two of my copies, I eagerly began reading. Now, two weeks later I just can't do it anymore and it makes me want to cry. I'm stopping at page 320.
Why, you ask? Because I am so unbelievably bored.
Let's start at the beginning (and I'll try not to be too spoilery):
Back in the Spring Court with Tamlin:
I was expecting that Feyre would make Tamlin pay for what he'd done. I wanted her to torture him and make him suffer. Did I get that? No :( it was pretty unexciting. She turned his people against him. Big whoop. I mean I loved what she did Ianthe but Tamlin got off way too easy. And I also expected him to put up more of a fight. I never did see him reenter the story because I stopped before that.
Return to the Night Court, Rhys, and the Inner Circle:
Is it just me or is Rhys completely boring in this book? I know, I know.. you're hating me right about now. I'm hating myself. But he just wasn't as good in this book. He was kind of a pushover when it came to Feyre, just kind of... soft. Where was the cockiness and the swagger? I saw hints, but it wasn't the same.
Nesta & Cassian: Are they mates? I never got that far so I don't know but dammit I just wanted them to hop in the sack and put everyone else out of their misery.
Elain: Possibly the most depressing character of all. Seriously, someone get the girl some uppers! I felt so sorry for Lucien as Elain sat staring out a window whining that her human fiance wouldn't want her anymore. Hell, I wouldn't even have minded if she'd gotten with Azriel!
Ok, mini rant over... Basically what it boils down to is that I've read and loved three novels by SJM: ACOTAR, ACOMAF, and Empire of Storms (because I'm reading that series in reverse). SJM was a major contributor to me falling in love with the High Fantasy genre in the first place.
Maybe the excitement and the pacing of EOS ruined me but this book really seemed to drag. As far as I got, there were a few sections of action, but mostly it was stagnant and inactive. Instead of the story progressing it was repetitive: Feyre trains with Cassian, Feyre trains with Azriel, Feyre has fairly boring sex with Rhys (more on that later), Feyre coddles Elain and squabbles with Nesta. Yawn. Where was the action? Where was the adventure? Did SJM really cram all the epic battle scenes into the end and I just not get there?
Back to the sex scenes - I know a lot of people say SJM's scenes are too steamy but I disagree. For me they usually pack the perfect amount of heat - but hey, I'm 24 and I like it dirty. But in all honesty I found the sex scenes in ACOWAR to be rather dull and again repetitive. There was no heat for me.
Overall, I had so much excitement riding on this book and in the end I was left feeling let down and disappointed. Feeling like my fandom let me down. Will I read another SJM book in the future? Probably. I need to see how the TOG series ends. I just need a break after ACOWAR.
My Rating:
2.5 of 5 Stars
Blurb:
Looming war threatens all Feyre holds dear in the third volume of the #1 New York Times bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series.Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.
As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places.
In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.
My Review:
Have you ever seen a movie preview and it looks good, but then they really start promoting it and when you finally see the movie its not what you were expecting or hoping for?
That was ACOWAR for me. The ending of ACOMAF was agonizing - I wanted to find out what was going to happen so badly and then I had to wait a whole year for ACOWAR to come out, which was excruciating. But I let the excitement build, I bought into the hype, I preordered three different copies, and worst of all, I sped through other amazing books while waiting for ACOWAR to arrive in the mail.
And on May 3rd, the day after the release when I received two of my copies, I eagerly began reading. Now, two weeks later I just can't do it anymore and it makes me want to cry. I'm stopping at page 320.
Why, you ask? Because I am so unbelievably bored.
Let's start at the beginning (and I'll try not to be too spoilery):
Back in the Spring Court with Tamlin:
I was expecting that Feyre would make Tamlin pay for what he'd done. I wanted her to torture him and make him suffer. Did I get that? No :( it was pretty unexciting. She turned his people against him. Big whoop. I mean I loved what she did Ianthe but Tamlin got off way too easy. And I also expected him to put up more of a fight. I never did see him reenter the story because I stopped before that.
Return to the Night Court, Rhys, and the Inner Circle:
Is it just me or is Rhys completely boring in this book? I know, I know.. you're hating me right about now. I'm hating myself. But he just wasn't as good in this book. He was kind of a pushover when it came to Feyre, just kind of... soft. Where was the cockiness and the swagger? I saw hints, but it wasn't the same.
Nesta & Cassian: Are they mates? I never got that far so I don't know but dammit I just wanted them to hop in the sack and put everyone else out of their misery.
Elain: Possibly the most depressing character of all. Seriously, someone get the girl some uppers! I felt so sorry for Lucien as Elain sat staring out a window whining that her human fiance wouldn't want her anymore. Hell, I wouldn't even have minded if she'd gotten with Azriel!
Ok, mini rant over... Basically what it boils down to is that I've read and loved three novels by SJM: ACOTAR, ACOMAF, and Empire of Storms (because I'm reading that series in reverse). SJM was a major contributor to me falling in love with the High Fantasy genre in the first place.
Maybe the excitement and the pacing of EOS ruined me but this book really seemed to drag. As far as I got, there were a few sections of action, but mostly it was stagnant and inactive. Instead of the story progressing it was repetitive: Feyre trains with Cassian, Feyre trains with Azriel, Feyre has fairly boring sex with Rhys (more on that later), Feyre coddles Elain and squabbles with Nesta. Yawn. Where was the action? Where was the adventure? Did SJM really cram all the epic battle scenes into the end and I just not get there?
Back to the sex scenes - I know a lot of people say SJM's scenes are too steamy but I disagree. For me they usually pack the perfect amount of heat - but hey, I'm 24 and I like it dirty. But in all honesty I found the sex scenes in ACOWAR to be rather dull and again repetitive. There was no heat for me.
Overall, I had so much excitement riding on this book and in the end I was left feeling let down and disappointed. Feeling like my fandom let me down. Will I read another SJM book in the future? Probably. I need to see how the TOG series ends. I just need a break after ACOWAR.
My Rating:
2.5 of 5 Stars
May 19, 2017
Why Writing 2 Books A Year Is Good for My Writing Process
Writers work at all different paces. I learned that recently at the Afternoon with the Authors event at the Shawano Library. Some writers can sit down on a Friday and have a fifty-thousand-word manuscript completed by Monday morning, others spend years working on the same project.
Over the past ten years, it has taken less and less time for me to complete a writing project. The Haunting Love took me a little over a year to complete. Finding Elizabeth and Out of Darkness were on and off the back burner for 2 years, during which time Out of Darkness had three different versions before I reached what it finally became.
But after that, I finished Into the Light in one month, during NaNoWriMo 2015 and Through the Fog was written in 3 months hard-writing time. Eternal Fire was shorter in length, only taking 6 weeks to write and then CurseBreaker poured out of me last NaNoWriMo.
Now I'm working on my seventh full-length novel (eighth major writing project), Headless, which I am on track to finish (hopefully) by the end of June. This will make it another 3-month project.
I've fallen into a pattern. I've learned that two major writing projects a year is what works best for me and for my writing project. In the spring I can commit more time to writing one project, then rest up over the end of summer and start planning that big push, the big NaNoWriMo project as fall begins. That way I don't push myself too hard, I keep up with my publishing deadlines, and I don't feel the burnout as much.
Burnout is the one thing I, as a writer, fear. I admit it, I'm a workaholic. When I'm not writing, I'm blogging, when I'm not blogging I'm reading a book to review. I work on promotion, writing, and publishing during the day when able, then stay up, sometimes until 2 am or later writing again. But I figure, at this pace, I can give myself plenty of downtime throughout the year.
It's all about finding what's comfortable for you. Don't feel the need to push yourself to compete with another writer who's working at a different pace. It's your story, and although it's occasionally fun to be competitive (like during NaNoWriMo), in the end, it's about writing something that can be shaped into a publishable product in the end.
Are you a writer? What is your average time spent working on a project? Do you have more than one project going on at a time? Let me know in the comments!
May 18, 2017
#BookMail Thrusday #21
This #BookMail Thursday is nearly as awesome as the week I got my Apollycon book order! Its like Christmas came early! Here's what was in my mailbox this week...
Signed copies of: - Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins- Unknown by Wendy Higgins- Unrest by Wendy Higgins- The Wish Granter by C.J. RedwineStar Lights & Bookmark for the When It's Real Preorder Incentive
I also got...
My author copy of Through the Fog (Eternals Trilogy #3)
June Waiting On: Signed Copies of:- Roar by Cora Carmack- The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh- The Rose and the Dagger by Renee Ahdieh- Ivory and Bone by Julie Eshbaugh-Obsidian and Stars by Julie Eshbaugh
Thinking of Buying: A physical copy of Sexy Stranger by Kendall Ryan (I had an eARC
Signed copies of: - Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins- Unknown by Wendy Higgins- Unrest by Wendy Higgins- The Wish Granter by C.J. RedwineStar Lights & Bookmark for the When It's Real Preorder Incentive
I also got...
My author copy of Through the Fog (Eternals Trilogy #3)
June Waiting On: Signed Copies of:- Roar by Cora Carmack- The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh- The Rose and the Dagger by Renee Ahdieh- Ivory and Bone by Julie Eshbaugh-Obsidian and Stars by Julie Eshbaugh
Thinking of Buying: A physical copy of Sexy Stranger by Kendall Ryan (I had an eARC
May 17, 2017
"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #75
It is my goal to finish ACOWAR by Friday night, Saturday morning at the latest but there are no guarantees when competing with my writing schedule. So since I'm still reading ACOWAR, this "WIR"-Wednesday I'm giving you a preview of my next read, an awesome looking e-ARC I just got from Entangled Teen...
Secrets of Skin and Stone by Wendy Laine
Blurb:
Something is wrong in Hidden Creek. The sleepy Alabama town is more haunted than any place fiend hunter Grisham Caso has ever seen. Unearthed graves, curse bags, and spilled blood all point to an evil that could destroy his gargoyle birthright. The town isn’t safe for anyone, and everyone says fiery Piper Devon knows why.
Piper wants to leave Hidden Creek behind. She’s had enough of secrets—they hide in the shadows of her room and tell her terrible things are coming. Too-charming city boy Grisham might be her only chance to save herself.
To survive, Piper and Grisham have to shed their secrets and depend only on each other. But what lurks in Hidden Creek still might take everything away from them, including each other.
Why I Requested This Book: I'll confess, part of it was because of the awesome cover but the blurb really sounds interesting. I've only read two other books with gargoyle characters but both of those were great and I'd like to see this take on them since they're not something you see a lot of in paranormal or fantasy fiction.
Secrets of Skin and Stone by Wendy Laine
Blurb:
Something is wrong in Hidden Creek. The sleepy Alabama town is more haunted than any place fiend hunter Grisham Caso has ever seen. Unearthed graves, curse bags, and spilled blood all point to an evil that could destroy his gargoyle birthright. The town isn’t safe for anyone, and everyone says fiery Piper Devon knows why.Piper wants to leave Hidden Creek behind. She’s had enough of secrets—they hide in the shadows of her room and tell her terrible things are coming. Too-charming city boy Grisham might be her only chance to save herself.
To survive, Piper and Grisham have to shed their secrets and depend only on each other. But what lurks in Hidden Creek still might take everything away from them, including each other.
Why I Requested This Book: I'll confess, part of it was because of the awesome cover but the blurb really sounds interesting. I've only read two other books with gargoyle characters but both of those were great and I'd like to see this take on them since they're not something you see a lot of in paranormal or fantasy fiction.
May 12, 2017
The 13 Reasons Why Phenomenon
The "13 Reasons Why" Phenomenon: Learning Tool To End Bullying or Glamourizing Teen Suicide?
You've seen it on Facebook News, Skimmed articles on Buzzfeed and Yahoo, Heard news reports and even heard Dr. Phil bash it: the Netflix Original Series, 13 Reasons Why based on Jay Asher's novel of the same name.
But is 13 Reasons a haunting series about the consequences of bullying or a glamorization of teen suicide? Viewers are divided.
Do you want my honest opinion? Do you really?
You do? Cool! - I watched the show starting the night that it premiered on Netflix and continued by watching 2-3 episodes a night until I got to the end. And it hooked me. I had to keep watching to see what the next tape would reveal. Personally, as I also read the book after I watched the series, I liked the show better than the book. It had way more meat to it. The book was like an empty shell.
But did the show make me want to commit suicide? I mean, I may not be a teenager anymore but 24 isn't that old. The answer? Hell no! To me, although yes, Hannah does commit suicide, the show wasn't really about suicide at all. It was about bullying.
Maybe I saw it that way because I was bullied in my early teen years, but for that reason, the show spoke to me. Let me be straight with you, I have never been suicidal in my life. Never. Not one single thought of ending it all. I fit onto the other end of the spectrum, I fear death in a find-me-Edward-Cullen-to-bite-me-and-make-me-immortal type of way. I'm not kidding. I'm literally terrified of death - to the point that if I even think the word death for too long I start hyperventilating and having a panic attack. But enough about me.
Here are a few reasons I think the "13 Reasons Why glamourizes teen suicide" notion is a bunch of b.s.:
1: The book first came out ten years ago. If it made it so glamorous to commit suicide as a teen, why has it been on and off the best-seller list for the past 10 years and nobody took issue with it before?
2: Anyone with half a brain could see that Hannah had issues long before any of the events listed on the tapes. The book and the show both hint at issues at her previous school and her family obviously was having issues too, so in a way most of the "reasons" she listed were nothing but excuses to blame someone else for her decision.
3. Tagging on point 2, none of the "reasons" Hannah gives (save for maybe tape 12 and even that isn't enough of a reason) are enough of a reason for me (remember me? fear of death girl?) for someone to kill themselves. Um, a guy said he felt you up to the guys at school? Another guy said you had the best ass in the class? You made out with a girl and some guy took a picture? A guy published a poem you wrote that he thought was great in his newspaper? Seriously? Even in my teen years, I would have laughed most of that crap off (or been flattered in the case of the poem).
4. If Hannah's parents (or the critical parents taking issue with the show) had paid a little more attention to their child and found out what was going on at school - maybe taking the teachers/school/parents of classmates to task when the crap was going on then their child wouldn't have thought the only solution was to commit suicide. I mean I'm not a parent, but come on. In this day and age parents aren't like how my grandmother raised me. They're not like the parents of my classmates when I was in elementary school. They're so preoccupied with their own crap - their search for a new man/woman in their life, drama at work, having time with their friends being priority #1, etc. that they really have no idea what is going on in their kid's life. And most of the time they don't care. And seriously, before you jump on me for that comment, I'm speaking from experience here. I've seen a lot of parents like that so I'm not making it up.
5. This isn't the only book with a teen suicide subject matter. In that case, you should probably go after Gayle Foreman's I Was Here and Albert Boris's Crash Into Me as well.
***I'm not trying to trivialize or downplay depression or suicide in any way. I'm really not. Someone very close to my heart struggles with both of those issues and my heart breaks for that person constantly. Loving someone that is depressed or suicidal is hard. You feel helpless like you're powerless to do anything except try to be there for them in any way you can.
If you or someone you know battles depression or suicidal thoughts please, please consider seeking professional help or telling someone close to that person (a parent, teacher, loved one, etc) what's going on. They may be mad at you now, but it is the right thing to do. Through it all, remember that people do love you and would be devastated if you were no longer there and if it's someone you know is suffering make sure they know that every chance you get.
You never know what may make a world of difference in a person's life.
You've seen it on Facebook News, Skimmed articles on Buzzfeed and Yahoo, Heard news reports and even heard Dr. Phil bash it: the Netflix Original Series, 13 Reasons Why based on Jay Asher's novel of the same name.
But is 13 Reasons a haunting series about the consequences of bullying or a glamorization of teen suicide? Viewers are divided.
Do you want my honest opinion? Do you really?
You do? Cool! - I watched the show starting the night that it premiered on Netflix and continued by watching 2-3 episodes a night until I got to the end. And it hooked me. I had to keep watching to see what the next tape would reveal. Personally, as I also read the book after I watched the series, I liked the show better than the book. It had way more meat to it. The book was like an empty shell.
But did the show make me want to commit suicide? I mean, I may not be a teenager anymore but 24 isn't that old. The answer? Hell no! To me, although yes, Hannah does commit suicide, the show wasn't really about suicide at all. It was about bullying.
Maybe I saw it that way because I was bullied in my early teen years, but for that reason, the show spoke to me. Let me be straight with you, I have never been suicidal in my life. Never. Not one single thought of ending it all. I fit onto the other end of the spectrum, I fear death in a find-me-Edward-Cullen-to-bite-me-and-make-me-immortal type of way. I'm not kidding. I'm literally terrified of death - to the point that if I even think the word death for too long I start hyperventilating and having a panic attack. But enough about me.
Here are a few reasons I think the "13 Reasons Why glamourizes teen suicide" notion is a bunch of b.s.:
1: The book first came out ten years ago. If it made it so glamorous to commit suicide as a teen, why has it been on and off the best-seller list for the past 10 years and nobody took issue with it before?
2: Anyone with half a brain could see that Hannah had issues long before any of the events listed on the tapes. The book and the show both hint at issues at her previous school and her family obviously was having issues too, so in a way most of the "reasons" she listed were nothing but excuses to blame someone else for her decision.
3. Tagging on point 2, none of the "reasons" Hannah gives (save for maybe tape 12 and even that isn't enough of a reason) are enough of a reason for me (remember me? fear of death girl?) for someone to kill themselves. Um, a guy said he felt you up to the guys at school? Another guy said you had the best ass in the class? You made out with a girl and some guy took a picture? A guy published a poem you wrote that he thought was great in his newspaper? Seriously? Even in my teen years, I would have laughed most of that crap off (or been flattered in the case of the poem).
4. If Hannah's parents (or the critical parents taking issue with the show) had paid a little more attention to their child and found out what was going on at school - maybe taking the teachers/school/parents of classmates to task when the crap was going on then their child wouldn't have thought the only solution was to commit suicide. I mean I'm not a parent, but come on. In this day and age parents aren't like how my grandmother raised me. They're not like the parents of my classmates when I was in elementary school. They're so preoccupied with their own crap - their search for a new man/woman in their life, drama at work, having time with their friends being priority #1, etc. that they really have no idea what is going on in their kid's life. And most of the time they don't care. And seriously, before you jump on me for that comment, I'm speaking from experience here. I've seen a lot of parents like that so I'm not making it up.
5. This isn't the only book with a teen suicide subject matter. In that case, you should probably go after Gayle Foreman's I Was Here and Albert Boris's Crash Into Me as well.
***I'm not trying to trivialize or downplay depression or suicide in any way. I'm really not. Someone very close to my heart struggles with both of those issues and my heart breaks for that person constantly. Loving someone that is depressed or suicidal is hard. You feel helpless like you're powerless to do anything except try to be there for them in any way you can.
If you or someone you know battles depression or suicidal thoughts please, please consider seeking professional help or telling someone close to that person (a parent, teacher, loved one, etc) what's going on. They may be mad at you now, but it is the right thing to do. Through it all, remember that people do love you and would be devastated if you were no longer there and if it's someone you know is suffering make sure they know that every chance you get.
You never know what may make a world of difference in a person's life.
May 11, 2017
"Book Mail" Thursday #20
This week's book mail actually arrived last week just hours after I posted that I was waiting on it...
Target Exclusive Copy of A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas + Book Map
My Opinion of this version vs the BAM Exclusive Copy: The Target edition comes with SJM's signature embossed on the cover (under the dust jacket), a "this book belongs to" book plate, a letter from the author at the beginning of the book, and a full color map of Prythian. You could also be receiving the map if you sent in your receipt from ordering from any other retailer but this one came with it right away. As for the other things that made it exclusive? Not worth it! The BAM Exclusive copy has all that beautiful fan artwork to look at so in my opinion, go for that version.
Still Waiting On: Signed Copies of:Unknown by Wendy HigginsUnrest by Wendy HigginsSweet Evil by Wendy HigginsThe Wish Granter by C.J. Redwine
Recent Book Splurges: Signed Copies of:Roar by Cora CarmackThe Wrath and the Dawn by Renee AhdiehThe Rose and the Dagger by Renee Ahdieh
Ordering Soon: Signed Copies of:Ivory and Bone by Julie EshbaughObsidian and Stars by Julie Eshbaugh
PSST: Other Virtual Signings You Should Be Aware of: Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas on GCRUntil It Fades by K.A. Tucker on GCR
Target Exclusive Copy of A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas + Book Map
My Opinion of this version vs the BAM Exclusive Copy: The Target edition comes with SJM's signature embossed on the cover (under the dust jacket), a "this book belongs to" book plate, a letter from the author at the beginning of the book, and a full color map of Prythian. You could also be receiving the map if you sent in your receipt from ordering from any other retailer but this one came with it right away. As for the other things that made it exclusive? Not worth it! The BAM Exclusive copy has all that beautiful fan artwork to look at so in my opinion, go for that version.
Still Waiting On: Signed Copies of:Unknown by Wendy HigginsUnrest by Wendy HigginsSweet Evil by Wendy HigginsThe Wish Granter by C.J. Redwine
Recent Book Splurges: Signed Copies of:Roar by Cora CarmackThe Wrath and the Dawn by Renee AhdiehThe Rose and the Dagger by Renee Ahdieh
Ordering Soon: Signed Copies of:Ivory and Bone by Julie EshbaughObsidian and Stars by Julie Eshbaugh
PSST: Other Virtual Signings You Should Be Aware of: Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas on GCRUntil It Fades by K.A. Tucker on GCR
May 10, 2017
"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #74
This "WIR"-WEDNESDAY I'm not doing too much pleasure reading. That's not true, I'm enjoying what I'm reading but in truth I'm doing a final proofing of Through the Fog now that my editor has finished with it...
Through the Fog (Eternals Trilogy #3) by Taylor Fenner (me)
Blurb
:
Two Souls
After Thierry traps Luke in a coma-like slumber with the help of a powerful Voodoo priestess, Lizette, Sam, Keiran, Finn, and Wes must leave New Orleans and journey through the fog to the mythical Garden of Eden.
One Unbreakable Binding
There Claudette tells them they must harvest the blood of a rare animal native only to the Garden of Eden which contains the only antidote to Luke’s curse. They’ll have to hurry back to deliver the antidote before the binding that merges Luke and Lizette’s powers kills Lizette from being so far away from Luke.
If One Dies, So Does the Other
Where is the Garden of Eden? How can they be so sure that it even exists? Lizette will need the help of all of her friends as they travel through war-torn countries and battle mythical creatures that guard the Garden of Eden and the mysteries trapped within to save the life of the man she loves.
It’s More Than a Hunt for the Antidote; It is a Fight for Survival.
Will they get the antidote to Luke in time? Or have they come across the one curse strong enough to destroy an Eternal? Find out in the stunning conclusion to the Eternals Trilogy.
Bonus: Included Exclusive Eternals Trilogy Novelette "Eternal Fire"
Two years before Out of Darkness, eighteen-year-old Finn Madigan is your average teenage guy. He has friends, cuts an obscene amount of class, and has hooked up with nearly every girl in the senior class. But Finn has a secret - he's an Elemental, a person capable of creating bursts of fire and spouts of water from thin air.
Finn just wants to bide his time in his hometown, Ishpeming, Michigan, until he graduates and can put as much distance between himself and the town, his parents, and his perfect brother as possible.
Then he meets a green-haired beauty named Arianthe and everything changes. Finally, Finn has someone who understands what he's going through and before he knows it he's falling in love.
But like William Shakespeare said, the course of true love never did run smooth. Can Finn hang on to Arianthe? Or will his brother Keiran steal her away?
How the proofing is going: So far I'm just dealing with a few formatting issues which I will correct upon finishing reading but this is one of my favorite of my novels. This is actually the first time I've read it all the way through at once and if I as the writer am hooked, I know you will be too!
I'm also still reading...
A Court of Wings and Ruin (ACOTAR Series #3) by Sarah J. Mass
Blurb:
Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.
As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places.
In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.
What I Think So Far: ***Spoiler Free***I was seriously excited for this book but so far it's not exactly what I was expecting. I can't even say why but it's kind of dragging for me. You know how sometimes you see a preview for a movie and think it sounds good but then they start really pushing it marketingwise then you see it and it isn't as good as you hoped? That's kind of ACOWAR for me.
Through the Fog (Eternals Trilogy #3) by Taylor Fenner (me)
Blurb
:Two Souls
After Thierry traps Luke in a coma-like slumber with the help of a powerful Voodoo priestess, Lizette, Sam, Keiran, Finn, and Wes must leave New Orleans and journey through the fog to the mythical Garden of Eden.
One Unbreakable Binding
There Claudette tells them they must harvest the blood of a rare animal native only to the Garden of Eden which contains the only antidote to Luke’s curse. They’ll have to hurry back to deliver the antidote before the binding that merges Luke and Lizette’s powers kills Lizette from being so far away from Luke.
If One Dies, So Does the Other
Where is the Garden of Eden? How can they be so sure that it even exists? Lizette will need the help of all of her friends as they travel through war-torn countries and battle mythical creatures that guard the Garden of Eden and the mysteries trapped within to save the life of the man she loves.
It’s More Than a Hunt for the Antidote; It is a Fight for Survival.
Will they get the antidote to Luke in time? Or have they come across the one curse strong enough to destroy an Eternal? Find out in the stunning conclusion to the Eternals Trilogy.
Bonus: Included Exclusive Eternals Trilogy Novelette "Eternal Fire"
Two years before Out of Darkness, eighteen-year-old Finn Madigan is your average teenage guy. He has friends, cuts an obscene amount of class, and has hooked up with nearly every girl in the senior class. But Finn has a secret - he's an Elemental, a person capable of creating bursts of fire and spouts of water from thin air.
Finn just wants to bide his time in his hometown, Ishpeming, Michigan, until he graduates and can put as much distance between himself and the town, his parents, and his perfect brother as possible.
Then he meets a green-haired beauty named Arianthe and everything changes. Finally, Finn has someone who understands what he's going through and before he knows it he's falling in love.
But like William Shakespeare said, the course of true love never did run smooth. Can Finn hang on to Arianthe? Or will his brother Keiran steal her away?
How the proofing is going: So far I'm just dealing with a few formatting issues which I will correct upon finishing reading but this is one of my favorite of my novels. This is actually the first time I've read it all the way through at once and if I as the writer am hooked, I know you will be too!
I'm also still reading...
A Court of Wings and Ruin (ACOTAR Series #3) by Sarah J. Mass
Blurb:
Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.
As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places.
In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.
What I Think So Far: ***Spoiler Free***I was seriously excited for this book but so far it's not exactly what I was expecting. I can't even say why but it's kind of dragging for me. You know how sometimes you see a preview for a movie and think it sounds good but then they start really pushing it marketingwise then you see it and it isn't as good as you hoped? That's kind of ACOWAR for me.
May 7, 2017
{COVER REVEAL + GIVEAWAY}: The Librarian by Christy Sloat
Today I'm really excited to help author Christy Sloat and Rockstar Book Tours share with you yet another amazing cover reveal, this one for another Young Adult novel entitled... THE LIBRARIAN which releases June 17, 2017! There's also a giveaway to go along with the cover reveal so check out the gorgeous cover and enter to win some awesome swag! Be sure to read to the bottom of this post for the giveaway!
On to the reveal!
Title: THE LIBRARIANAuthor: Christy SloatPub. Date: June 17, 2017Publisher: CHBB PublishingFormats: Paperback, eBookPages: 230Find it: Goodreads
He’s from 1892 England, she’s in a small library in 2017. And that's just the start of their troubles.
Emme never meant to stay in Maine. She'd come only to find a librarian for her Gram's library, a custodian for the collection of mysterious books she'd promised to protect. On a dark, wintery night, alone in the library, she takes her first glance into one of the antique novels and finds herself transported to 1892 England staring into the eyes of handsome and dashing hero Jack Ridgewell. As each chapter passes she learns you can truly fall in love with a character in a book, that book boyfriends are real and Emme must choose between the real world, and his.
When the last page is read he's gone and Emme feels the cold loneliness of lost love. Will she find Jack again, or will their love be forever lost? The answer lies within the pages…
Exclusive Excerpt!The Librarian excerpt© Christy Sloat
I bent down on my hands and knees and felt along the floor hoping not to touch anything gross. My hands grazed something odd. I felt along its edges. It was hard and didn’t seem to belong there. Now my curiosity had me crouching in the dark trying to figure out what this was. Finally I found the flashlight and clicked it on. Focusing the light, I saw the odd thing sticking up like a broken piano key. It was a floorboard upended. I pushed it to get it back into place, but all that did was make it fly up further and then completely out of the floor.
“Well, that’s just great,” I told myself.
I was here in the dark talking to myself. I dared to take a look into the floor, hoping not to find a rat family living inside or a web housing a large spider. I did find something, but it wasn’t sinister; it was a set of books in a case covered in plastic wrap. Reaching in, I pulled them out. The dust on it was at least three inches thick. This must be the special book collection Gram told me to read and to keep safe. Anything that was precious to her, she hid—like the money I found pinned to her clothing in her closet, or the other jewelry she had taped to the back of her dresser.
I brushed the dust off and opened the plastic to find four books inside. They were pretty good in size and looked to be in great condition. They didn’t have traditional covers that you’d see in a bookstore. Instead they were covered in a thick material to keep the books clean and the binding solid. I pulled the first book from the case and placed the others back into the hole. Covering it back with the loose board was easier than taking it out. I held the book close, and instead of going upstairs I went to my book nook. I had just washed the blankets the day before. Cozied up in the nook, I stared out the window one last time before opening the book. I decided I would only read for a little while before going up to bed. Gram did want me to read them after all.
I opened the first page to the title page; it was blank. I flipped the page and snuggled deeper into the blankets preparing to read the first chapter and that’s when things changed.
About Christy:
I am Southern California native, now living in New Jersey! How did that happen? I am married and have two beautiful little girls who love to read just like Mommy. I have had a passion for books since I was a little girl and an imagination for just as long. I hope my books can inspire others to read and to write too.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads
Giveaway Details:
5 winners will receive a THE LIBRARIAN Magnet, US Only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
On to the reveal!
Title: THE LIBRARIANAuthor: Christy SloatPub. Date: June 17, 2017Publisher: CHBB PublishingFormats: Paperback, eBookPages: 230Find it: Goodreads
He’s from 1892 England, she’s in a small library in 2017. And that's just the start of their troubles.
Emme never meant to stay in Maine. She'd come only to find a librarian for her Gram's library, a custodian for the collection of mysterious books she'd promised to protect. On a dark, wintery night, alone in the library, she takes her first glance into one of the antique novels and finds herself transported to 1892 England staring into the eyes of handsome and dashing hero Jack Ridgewell. As each chapter passes she learns you can truly fall in love with a character in a book, that book boyfriends are real and Emme must choose between the real world, and his.
When the last page is read he's gone and Emme feels the cold loneliness of lost love. Will she find Jack again, or will their love be forever lost? The answer lies within the pages…
Exclusive Excerpt!The Librarian excerpt© Christy Sloat
I bent down on my hands and knees and felt along the floor hoping not to touch anything gross. My hands grazed something odd. I felt along its edges. It was hard and didn’t seem to belong there. Now my curiosity had me crouching in the dark trying to figure out what this was. Finally I found the flashlight and clicked it on. Focusing the light, I saw the odd thing sticking up like a broken piano key. It was a floorboard upended. I pushed it to get it back into place, but all that did was make it fly up further and then completely out of the floor.
“Well, that’s just great,” I told myself.
I was here in the dark talking to myself. I dared to take a look into the floor, hoping not to find a rat family living inside or a web housing a large spider. I did find something, but it wasn’t sinister; it was a set of books in a case covered in plastic wrap. Reaching in, I pulled them out. The dust on it was at least three inches thick. This must be the special book collection Gram told me to read and to keep safe. Anything that was precious to her, she hid—like the money I found pinned to her clothing in her closet, or the other jewelry she had taped to the back of her dresser.
I brushed the dust off and opened the plastic to find four books inside. They were pretty good in size and looked to be in great condition. They didn’t have traditional covers that you’d see in a bookstore. Instead they were covered in a thick material to keep the books clean and the binding solid. I pulled the first book from the case and placed the others back into the hole. Covering it back with the loose board was easier than taking it out. I held the book close, and instead of going upstairs I went to my book nook. I had just washed the blankets the day before. Cozied up in the nook, I stared out the window one last time before opening the book. I decided I would only read for a little while before going up to bed. Gram did want me to read them after all.
I opened the first page to the title page; it was blank. I flipped the page and snuggled deeper into the blankets preparing to read the first chapter and that’s when things changed.
About Christy: I am Southern California native, now living in New Jersey! How did that happen? I am married and have two beautiful little girls who love to read just like Mommy. I have had a passion for books since I was a little girl and an imagination for just as long. I hope my books can inspire others to read and to write too.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads
Giveaway Details:
5 winners will receive a THE LIBRARIAN Magnet, US Only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
