Seven Steps's Blog, page 5
June 7, 2017
Book Review - The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler
Book Review - The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler
Click HERE to download The Future of US
Review
One Computer + 1 AOL disc + 2 Teenagers = Facebook Drama
The Future Of Us is set in the 1990’s, so, being a 90’s child myself, I was immediately invested. I loved the 90’s references to movies, tech and television shows. The plot was intriguing. Two teens access Facebook and see their post from 20 years in the future. The setting plus the plot set this up to be an epic book. Unfortunately, it was not. The book was good, don’t get me wrong. It just didn’t live up my expectations. There are three things that I didn’t like about this The Future Of Us.
1 - It was definitely on the older YA side for me as far as the language and the references to sex.2- The story went on waaaayyyy too long. Emma continues trying to change her future, even when everyone else has given up on it. Even when it becomes clear that she will never find the happy ending that she’s seeking on Facebook (moral lesson here). Even when I’m done with the story, she still goes on. And on. And on. Not that I minded her continuing to try, but the outcome isn’t always interesting. Then again, how much can you do when you are literally fighting your future Facebook statuses.3- Too much filler. I am all for a well-rounded story, and there is something to be said for character development and setting. However, this book has a lot of unnecessary scenes and dialogue. I don’t mind dialogue, but none of these scenes moved the story forward or deepened my connections to the characters. It was just… filler.
Overall, the book was good, but not great. With a little more action, more conflict, less filler, and some sort of a chase scene, it would have been epic.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FUTURE OF US
BLURB
Josh and Emma are about to discover themselves--fifteen years in the future
It's 1996, and Josh and Emma have been neighbors their whole lives. They've been best friends almost as long--at least, up until last November, when everything changed. Things have been awkward ever since, but when Josh's family gets a free AOL CD-ROM in the mail, his mom makes him bring it over so that Emma can install it on her new computer. When they sign on, they're automatically logged onto Facebook . . . but Facebook hasn't been invented yet. Josh and Emma are looking at themselves fifteen years in the future.
Their spouses, careers, homes, and status updates--it's all there. And every time they refresh their pages, their futures change. As they grapple with the ups and downs of what their lives hold, they're forced to confront what they're doing right--and wrong--in the present.
Click HERE to download The Future of USReview
One Computer + 1 AOL disc + 2 Teenagers = Facebook Drama
The Future Of Us is set in the 1990’s, so, being a 90’s child myself, I was immediately invested. I loved the 90’s references to movies, tech and television shows. The plot was intriguing. Two teens access Facebook and see their post from 20 years in the future. The setting plus the plot set this up to be an epic book. Unfortunately, it was not. The book was good, don’t get me wrong. It just didn’t live up my expectations. There are three things that I didn’t like about this The Future Of Us.
1 - It was definitely on the older YA side for me as far as the language and the references to sex.2- The story went on waaaayyyy too long. Emma continues trying to change her future, even when everyone else has given up on it. Even when it becomes clear that she will never find the happy ending that she’s seeking on Facebook (moral lesson here). Even when I’m done with the story, she still goes on. And on. And on. Not that I minded her continuing to try, but the outcome isn’t always interesting. Then again, how much can you do when you are literally fighting your future Facebook statuses.3- Too much filler. I am all for a well-rounded story, and there is something to be said for character development and setting. However, this book has a lot of unnecessary scenes and dialogue. I don’t mind dialogue, but none of these scenes moved the story forward or deepened my connections to the characters. It was just… filler.
Overall, the book was good, but not great. With a little more action, more conflict, less filler, and some sort of a chase scene, it would have been epic.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FUTURE OF US
BLURB
Josh and Emma are about to discover themselves--fifteen years in the future
It's 1996, and Josh and Emma have been neighbors their whole lives. They've been best friends almost as long--at least, up until last November, when everything changed. Things have been awkward ever since, but when Josh's family gets a free AOL CD-ROM in the mail, his mom makes him bring it over so that Emma can install it on her new computer. When they sign on, they're automatically logged onto Facebook . . . but Facebook hasn't been invented yet. Josh and Emma are looking at themselves fifteen years in the future.
Their spouses, careers, homes, and status updates--it's all there. And every time they refresh their pages, their futures change. As they grapple with the ups and downs of what their lives hold, they're forced to confront what they're doing right--and wrong--in the present.
May 17, 2017
Book Review - By Your Side by Kasie West
Book Review - By Your Side by Kasie West
Click Here To Download By Your Side
Review
Is this a trend? Three Kasie West books in a row? Honestly, YES! I couldn't help it. She's just that good. Any book that can have me crying at work is a book worth reading. But I digress.
Autumn Collins finds herself locked inside of a library with the school bad boy, Dax Miller. At first, they hate each other, but then they realize that they need each other for food, warmth, and companionship. The story really takes off from there. Add one almost boyfriend, some absentee foster parents, and an accident that changes Autumn's life and, as Carl Weathers would say, you've got a stew going.
Remember the book, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg. It's the one where the brother and the sister run away and live in a museum. This book is a lot like that, only there is a hot guy, they're in a library, and the girl has an anxiety disorder. Oh, and no one washes in a fountain.
I gotta say that I felt bad for the almost boyfriend. He was super nice and funny. I mean, yeah, he wasn't right for autumn but I really rooted for him to get his happily ever after. Maybe one day.
I loved Autumn and Dax. I love the friends to lovers storyline and boy did they work it! I have to admit that when they finally got together I cried. At my desk. At work. Yes, it was that good. So good that I might just get myself locked in a library.
Excellent book. 5 stars!
Click Here To Download By Your Side
Blurb:
An irresistible story from Kasie West that explores the timeless question What do you do when you fall for the person you least expect?When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left her in the library and comes to rescue her.Only he doesn’t come. No one does.Instead it becomes clear that Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he and Autumn at first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other, Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side?
Click Here To Download By Your Side Review
Is this a trend? Three Kasie West books in a row? Honestly, YES! I couldn't help it. She's just that good. Any book that can have me crying at work is a book worth reading. But I digress.
Autumn Collins finds herself locked inside of a library with the school bad boy, Dax Miller. At first, they hate each other, but then they realize that they need each other for food, warmth, and companionship. The story really takes off from there. Add one almost boyfriend, some absentee foster parents, and an accident that changes Autumn's life and, as Carl Weathers would say, you've got a stew going.
Remember the book, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg. It's the one where the brother and the sister run away and live in a museum. This book is a lot like that, only there is a hot guy, they're in a library, and the girl has an anxiety disorder. Oh, and no one washes in a fountain.
I gotta say that I felt bad for the almost boyfriend. He was super nice and funny. I mean, yeah, he wasn't right for autumn but I really rooted for him to get his happily ever after. Maybe one day.
I loved Autumn and Dax. I love the friends to lovers storyline and boy did they work it! I have to admit that when they finally got together I cried. At my desk. At work. Yes, it was that good. So good that I might just get myself locked in a library.
Excellent book. 5 stars!
Click Here To Download By Your Side
Blurb:
An irresistible story from Kasie West that explores the timeless question What do you do when you fall for the person you least expect?When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left her in the library and comes to rescue her.Only he doesn’t come. No one does.Instead it becomes clear that Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he and Autumn at first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other, Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side?
May 10, 2017
Book Review - Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon
Book Review - Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon
Download Everything Everything
Review
Madeline Whittier is the female version of the bubble boy. She is stuck in a house with a disease that makes her allergic to the world. Each day bleeds into the next, with very little difference in between. That is, until she meets Ollie.
So first off, OH MY GOD! THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD!
Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way… I THREW MY PHONE WHILE READING THIS BOOK.
And finally… I HAVE NEVER SEEN A PLOT TWIST LIKE THIS.
Ok, I digress. This book was awesome. I picked it up because I saw the commercial for the movie on Facebook (lame I know) and I wanted to be prepared. I didn’t just read this book. I devoured it!
Maddie Whitter is such a likable character with a very distinct voice. Every word is very simple and deliberately chosen. She is brilliant, interesting, and runs a book review blog (so cool). She is also very hopeful. For such a sick girl, she never loses hope that things will get better, or, at least, not worse. It was inspiring. I loved her relationship with her nurse, Carmen. It was so natural, almost like Carmen was a really cool aunt.
I loved Maddie and Ollie. And kudos to Nicola Yoon for throwing in some parkour references in there. Ollie’s specific set of movements wasn’t just a description, it was a part of the character. Ollie wouldn’t be who he was without his parkour. I loved how that was worked in.
This book will make you laugh, cry, and, if you are like me, ultimately throw something. It was that good. Great characters, great story, great visuals, just great everything. Do yourself a favor and pick up the audio book too. The narrator is awesome.
Ok, I’ll stop now. Go read the book and, when you get to the plot twist, come back here and scream with me.
Download Everything Everything
Blurb
The instant #1 New York Times bestseller--soon to be a major motion picture! In theaters May 19, it stars Amandla Stenberg as Maddy and Nick Robinson as Olly.
Risk everything . . . for love.
What if you couldn’t touch anything in the outside world? Never breathe in the fresh air, feel the sun warm your face . . . or kiss the boy next door? In Everything, Everything, Maddy is a girl who’s literally allergic to the outside world, and Olly is the boy who moves in next door . . . and becomes the greatest risk she’s ever taken.
My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.
But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He's tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.
Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.
Everything, Everything will make you laugh, cry, and feel everything in between. It's an innovative, inspiring, and heartbreakingly romantic debut novel that unfolds via vignettes, diary entries, illustrations, and more.
everythingeverythingfilm on Instagram
@everythingfilm on Twitter
@everythingeverythingmovie on Facebook
everythingeverythingmovie.com
And don’t miss Nicola Yoon's The Sun Is Also A Star , the #1 New York Times bestseller in which two teens are brought together just when it seems like the universe is sending them in opposite directions.
Download Everything Everything
Download Everything Everything
Review
Madeline Whittier is the female version of the bubble boy. She is stuck in a house with a disease that makes her allergic to the world. Each day bleeds into the next, with very little difference in between. That is, until she meets Ollie.
So first off, OH MY GOD! THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD!
Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way… I THREW MY PHONE WHILE READING THIS BOOK.
And finally… I HAVE NEVER SEEN A PLOT TWIST LIKE THIS.
Ok, I digress. This book was awesome. I picked it up because I saw the commercial for the movie on Facebook (lame I know) and I wanted to be prepared. I didn’t just read this book. I devoured it!
Maddie Whitter is such a likable character with a very distinct voice. Every word is very simple and deliberately chosen. She is brilliant, interesting, and runs a book review blog (so cool). She is also very hopeful. For such a sick girl, she never loses hope that things will get better, or, at least, not worse. It was inspiring. I loved her relationship with her nurse, Carmen. It was so natural, almost like Carmen was a really cool aunt.
I loved Maddie and Ollie. And kudos to Nicola Yoon for throwing in some parkour references in there. Ollie’s specific set of movements wasn’t just a description, it was a part of the character. Ollie wouldn’t be who he was without his parkour. I loved how that was worked in.
This book will make you laugh, cry, and, if you are like me, ultimately throw something. It was that good. Great characters, great story, great visuals, just great everything. Do yourself a favor and pick up the audio book too. The narrator is awesome.
Ok, I’ll stop now. Go read the book and, when you get to the plot twist, come back here and scream with me.
Download Everything Everything
Blurb
The instant #1 New York Times bestseller--soon to be a major motion picture! In theaters May 19, it stars Amandla Stenberg as Maddy and Nick Robinson as Olly.
Risk everything . . . for love.
What if you couldn’t touch anything in the outside world? Never breathe in the fresh air, feel the sun warm your face . . . or kiss the boy next door? In Everything, Everything, Maddy is a girl who’s literally allergic to the outside world, and Olly is the boy who moves in next door . . . and becomes the greatest risk she’s ever taken.
My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.
But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He's tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.
Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.
Everything, Everything will make you laugh, cry, and feel everything in between. It's an innovative, inspiring, and heartbreakingly romantic debut novel that unfolds via vignettes, diary entries, illustrations, and more.
everythingeverythingfilm on Instagram
@everythingfilm on Twitter
@everythingeverythingmovie on Facebook
everythingeverythingmovie.com
And don’t miss Nicola Yoon's The Sun Is Also A Star , the #1 New York Times bestseller in which two teens are brought together just when it seems like the universe is sending them in opposite directions.
Download Everything Everything
May 5, 2017
A Free Book To Start Your Weekend
A Free Book To Start Your Weekend
Hey Gang,
Looking for a sci-fi romance to kick off your weekend? Saving Kiln is full of LOVE, ACTION, WORLD BUILDING, and just the right amount of POLITICAL INTRIGUE to keep your heart pumping. And the best part of all? It's FREE all weekend long.
Download your copy Free
Until Next Time!
Hey Gang,
Looking for a sci-fi romance to kick off your weekend? Saving Kiln is full of LOVE, ACTION, WORLD BUILDING, and just the right amount of POLITICAL INTRIGUE to keep your heart pumping. And the best part of all? It's FREE all weekend long.
Download your copy Free
Until Next Time!
May 2, 2017
The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back by Sariah Wilson
Book Review - The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back
By Sariah Wilson
Download The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back
Mattie and Ella are complete opposites. Ella is perfect while Mattie is, well, not. But things change when Mattie has to do a school project with her crush, Jake. The only problem is that Jake is Ella's boyfriend.
This book was awesome. Surprisingly, the best parts were Ella and Mattie's interactions. Ella is perfect. Perfect looks, perfect behavior, and the perfect boyfriend. Mattie is plain, a rebel artist, and is best friends with a goth. They are complete opposites but their love for one another is unmistakable. Even when Mattie doesn't believe it, Ella still loves her and tries to help her.
I enjoyed the backstory between Mattie and her mom. We really get to see where all of Mattie's confidence problems come from - her shockingly evil mother. Every time she spoke to Mattie, I wanted to jump up and slap her. She was nefarious and mean spirited.
Mothers, be good to your daughters. They will love others like you love them.
And now, Mattie and Jake. *sigh*. Jake started off like a jerk but he ended dreamy and delicious! Like cotton candy and a strawberry milkshake.
I love the references to eighties movies like Sixteen Candles and Pretty in Pink. As an eighties baby myself, it gave me serious nostalgia.
The Evil Step Sister Strikes Back is five-star magic. Pick up a copy today, if you dare.
Download The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back
Blurb
Everyone knows how all those fairy tales go. The princess gets beautiful, nabs her prince, falls instantly in love, lives happily ever after and leaves her evil stepsisters in the dust.
But what happens when you’re the ugly stepsister and your obnoxiously perfect—read pretty, smart, and, worst of all, sickeningly nice—stepsister is dating the charming, tall, devastatingly handsome guy you’ve had a thing for since you were nine years old?
Quirky, artistic and snarky Mattie Lowe does not lead a charmed life. Her mother is constantly belittling her on Skype. Mercedes, the school mean girl, has made it her personal mission to torment Mattie. But worst of all? Her stepsister Ella is the most beautiful, popular girl in school and is dating Mattie’s secret longtime crush, Jake Kingston.
Tired of being left out and done with waiting for her own stupid fairy godmother to show up, Mattie decides to change her life. She’ll start by running for senior class president against wildly popular Jake.
Ella can keep her Prince Annoying. Mattie’s going to rule the school.
And no one, not even a cute and suddenly flirty Jake, is going to stop her.
"The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back" is a sweet, clean, contemporary young adult romance.
Download The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back
By Sariah Wilson
Download The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back
Mattie and Ella are complete opposites. Ella is perfect while Mattie is, well, not. But things change when Mattie has to do a school project with her crush, Jake. The only problem is that Jake is Ella's boyfriend.
This book was awesome. Surprisingly, the best parts were Ella and Mattie's interactions. Ella is perfect. Perfect looks, perfect behavior, and the perfect boyfriend. Mattie is plain, a rebel artist, and is best friends with a goth. They are complete opposites but their love for one another is unmistakable. Even when Mattie doesn't believe it, Ella still loves her and tries to help her.
I enjoyed the backstory between Mattie and her mom. We really get to see where all of Mattie's confidence problems come from - her shockingly evil mother. Every time she spoke to Mattie, I wanted to jump up and slap her. She was nefarious and mean spirited.
Mothers, be good to your daughters. They will love others like you love them.
And now, Mattie and Jake. *sigh*. Jake started off like a jerk but he ended dreamy and delicious! Like cotton candy and a strawberry milkshake.
I love the references to eighties movies like Sixteen Candles and Pretty in Pink. As an eighties baby myself, it gave me serious nostalgia.
The Evil Step Sister Strikes Back is five-star magic. Pick up a copy today, if you dare.
Download The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back
Blurb
Everyone knows how all those fairy tales go. The princess gets beautiful, nabs her prince, falls instantly in love, lives happily ever after and leaves her evil stepsisters in the dust.
But what happens when you’re the ugly stepsister and your obnoxiously perfect—read pretty, smart, and, worst of all, sickeningly nice—stepsister is dating the charming, tall, devastatingly handsome guy you’ve had a thing for since you were nine years old?
Quirky, artistic and snarky Mattie Lowe does not lead a charmed life. Her mother is constantly belittling her on Skype. Mercedes, the school mean girl, has made it her personal mission to torment Mattie. But worst of all? Her stepsister Ella is the most beautiful, popular girl in school and is dating Mattie’s secret longtime crush, Jake Kingston.
Tired of being left out and done with waiting for her own stupid fairy godmother to show up, Mattie decides to change her life. She’ll start by running for senior class president against wildly popular Jake.
Ella can keep her Prince Annoying. Mattie’s going to rule the school.
And no one, not even a cute and suddenly flirty Jake, is going to stop her.
"The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back" is a sweet, clean, contemporary young adult romance.
Download The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back
April 19, 2017
The Fill In Boyfriend by Kasie West
Book Review - The Fill In Boyfriend by Kasie West
Download The Fill In Boyfriend
Gia is trying to convince her friends that her college boyfriend is real. Too bad he dumps her in the parking lot before the big moment. But Gia is not one to be outdone. She falls back to plan B: Pick up a random boy in the parking lot.I really loved this book. After I read P.S I Love You, this was my next stop on the Kasie West train. I was not disappointed. This author is amazing at keeping simple stories interesting. An excellent example of this is the fact that we don’t even know one of the main characters names until several chapters in. I won’t lie. I may have dramatically screamed a time or two in frustration.Gia was super relatable. I felt for her and her struggles. It was like Pinocchio. She went from this wooden, fake people pleaser to a real girl with real feelings. After reading this book, I may have to buy a car to throw rocks at. It seems like a great stress reliever. I loved the supporting cast. The fill in boyfriend’s little sister (I won’t spoil the fun by revealing his name), was dark and dramatic and perfect. You’ll also love the villain in this book. She’s a J.E.R.K. Like a super jerk! Like, OMG I want to throw something at her. Maybe a rock? Hmmm…There is a really cool FIREFLY reference so keep an eye out for it.I completely vibed with his book. It was like a perfectly made cup of coffee. So satisfying.
Five stars!
Download The Fill In Boyfriend
Blurb:When Gia Montgomery's boyfriend, Bradley, dumps her in the parking lot of her high school prom, she decides to do the unthinkable…convince the cute guy waiting to pick up his sister to pretend to be her boyfriend for the night. The task is simple: two hours, zero commitment, a few white lies.The problem is that days after prom, she can't stop thinking about her fill-in boyfriend. But can Gia turn her fake boyfriend into a real one without exposing her lie and possibly destroying her friendships and her newfound relationship?Smartly observed and wonderfully romantic, Kasie West's talent shines in this tale of one girl's unexpected quest to find love…and possibly herself.
Download The Fill In Boyfriend
Download The Fill In Boyfriend
Gia is trying to convince her friends that her college boyfriend is real. Too bad he dumps her in the parking lot before the big moment. But Gia is not one to be outdone. She falls back to plan B: Pick up a random boy in the parking lot.I really loved this book. After I read P.S I Love You, this was my next stop on the Kasie West train. I was not disappointed. This author is amazing at keeping simple stories interesting. An excellent example of this is the fact that we don’t even know one of the main characters names until several chapters in. I won’t lie. I may have dramatically screamed a time or two in frustration.Gia was super relatable. I felt for her and her struggles. It was like Pinocchio. She went from this wooden, fake people pleaser to a real girl with real feelings. After reading this book, I may have to buy a car to throw rocks at. It seems like a great stress reliever. I loved the supporting cast. The fill in boyfriend’s little sister (I won’t spoil the fun by revealing his name), was dark and dramatic and perfect. You’ll also love the villain in this book. She’s a J.E.R.K. Like a super jerk! Like, OMG I want to throw something at her. Maybe a rock? Hmmm…There is a really cool FIREFLY reference so keep an eye out for it.I completely vibed with his book. It was like a perfectly made cup of coffee. So satisfying.
Five stars!
Download The Fill In Boyfriend
Blurb:When Gia Montgomery's boyfriend, Bradley, dumps her in the parking lot of her high school prom, she decides to do the unthinkable…convince the cute guy waiting to pick up his sister to pretend to be her boyfriend for the night. The task is simple: two hours, zero commitment, a few white lies.The problem is that days after prom, she can't stop thinking about her fill-in boyfriend. But can Gia turn her fake boyfriend into a real one without exposing her lie and possibly destroying her friendships and her newfound relationship?Smartly observed and wonderfully romantic, Kasie West's talent shines in this tale of one girl's unexpected quest to find love…and possibly herself.
Download The Fill In Boyfriend
April 12, 2017
Bella and the Beast Snippet
It's snippet time! Please enjoy this unedited snippet from my upcoming YA Romance, Bella and the Beast:
“That was quite a performance.”
I turned around to see Cole casually leaning on the weight room wall. My mouth dropped open in shock at the Adonis that stood before me. His jet black hair was thrown up into a messy man bun and his wide chest bulged beneath his sleeveless shirt. I had to admit, he was handsome without his ever present hooded, black sweatshirt. No, not handsome. Drool worthy. I couldn’t keep my eyes from roaming over his amazing body. Why did he keep himself hidden away beneath unflattering clothes? Why didn’t he show off like the other boys?
He walked towards me, stopping only a foot away. He was close. Too close.
Electric goosebumps of delight broke out over my arms and shoulders as his eyes settled on mine. My stomach felt like I had swallowed a thousand panicked butterflies. My heart beat double time, filling me with nervous energy. I sucked in a breath at his nearness, picking up his scent in the process. He was slightly sweaty, but he didn’t smell like a locker room. It was more like man musk and Old Spice. It smelled… good. Not freshly showered good, but still nice. Slightly intoxicating. I swallowed to stop myself from taking a long sniff. What was it about Cole Castle that was so intriguing? Why did he make me feel so anxious and fidgety?
He raised an eyebrow and, to my horror, I realized that I hadn’t answered his question. I was just standing there, staring at his man bun and muscles like an idiot.
I’m sure that my cheeks turned apple red.
To my surprise, his long lashes shaded his eyes and he blushed.
My heart went from double speed to triple.
Great. He noticed me gawking. Now he thinks that I’m some weird girl who just leers at people. Just perfect.
Angry and embarrassed, I glared at him and crossed my arms across my chest.
“What performance?” I demanded.
“You know,” he leaned in and his voice dropped low. I tried to keep my breathing steady. “The one where you lied and said that Tommy was your boyfriend.” His eyes rose to meet mine. They were full of accusation and, worse, disappointment.
My chest constricted in alarm. Had Cole heard Tommy and I in the hallway? No. It was impossible. Tommy had closed the door tight. Whatever Cole thought he knew was unsubstantiated. Conjecture. A crackpot theory. He couldn’t prove a thing.
I scowled darkly at him. I would not allow Cole to stand in judgment of me. Not even with his rippling muscles or gorgeous hair. And especially not with his eyes that saw entirely too much.
“That was quite a performance.”
I turned around to see Cole casually leaning on the weight room wall. My mouth dropped open in shock at the Adonis that stood before me. His jet black hair was thrown up into a messy man bun and his wide chest bulged beneath his sleeveless shirt. I had to admit, he was handsome without his ever present hooded, black sweatshirt. No, not handsome. Drool worthy. I couldn’t keep my eyes from roaming over his amazing body. Why did he keep himself hidden away beneath unflattering clothes? Why didn’t he show off like the other boys?
He walked towards me, stopping only a foot away. He was close. Too close.
Electric goosebumps of delight broke out over my arms and shoulders as his eyes settled on mine. My stomach felt like I had swallowed a thousand panicked butterflies. My heart beat double time, filling me with nervous energy. I sucked in a breath at his nearness, picking up his scent in the process. He was slightly sweaty, but he didn’t smell like a locker room. It was more like man musk and Old Spice. It smelled… good. Not freshly showered good, but still nice. Slightly intoxicating. I swallowed to stop myself from taking a long sniff. What was it about Cole Castle that was so intriguing? Why did he make me feel so anxious and fidgety?
He raised an eyebrow and, to my horror, I realized that I hadn’t answered his question. I was just standing there, staring at his man bun and muscles like an idiot.
I’m sure that my cheeks turned apple red.
To my surprise, his long lashes shaded his eyes and he blushed.
My heart went from double speed to triple.
Great. He noticed me gawking. Now he thinks that I’m some weird girl who just leers at people. Just perfect.
Angry and embarrassed, I glared at him and crossed my arms across my chest.
“What performance?” I demanded.
“You know,” he leaned in and his voice dropped low. I tried to keep my breathing steady. “The one where you lied and said that Tommy was your boyfriend.” His eyes rose to meet mine. They were full of accusation and, worse, disappointment.
My chest constricted in alarm. Had Cole heard Tommy and I in the hallway? No. It was impossible. Tommy had closed the door tight. Whatever Cole thought he knew was unsubstantiated. Conjecture. A crackpot theory. He couldn’t prove a thing.
I scowled darkly at him. I would not allow Cole to stand in judgment of me. Not even with his rippling muscles or gorgeous hair. And especially not with his eyes that saw entirely too much.
April 5, 2017
Book Review - P.S I Like You By Kasie West
Book Review - P.S I Like You By Kasie West
Click Here To Download P.S I Like You
Review
Have you ever read a book with so much tension that you wanted to throw it against a wall in frustration? The tension between the two main characters, Cade and Lily, was palatable. It was like there was an elephant in the room and absolutely no one wanted to address it. It was infuriating, frustrating and addicting all at the same time. I became obsessed with this book. It was absolutely riveting.
Besides the tension (did I mention how good that was by the way) Lily, the main character, is very well-rounded. She loves her big, crazy family, she's an awesome guitar player, lyricist, sister, and friend. And she’s hilarious to boot. I really, really liked her.
The premise of this book, - a secret pen pal – will have your stomach in knots. It was so interesting and fun! I found myself looking forward to the next letter as much as Lily was. And the tension! I know that I've mentioned this before but the tension between the two main characters is off the charts! There is this one scene in Cade's kitchen when I was literally shaking. Shaking! Kasie West is an absolute genius and one of my favorite authors!
This book is amazing and definitely worth a re-read. As an added bonus, the audio narrator had a pleasant voice for both the boy and girl characters. I loved listening to her.
Five stars all the way!Click Here To Download P.S I Like You
Blurb
Signed, sealed, delivered...
While spacing out in Chemistry class, Lily scribbles some of her favorite song lyrics onto her desk. The next day, she finds that someone has continued the lyrics on the desk, and added a message to her. Intrigue!
Soon, Lily and her anonymous pen pal are exchanging full-on letters -- sharing secrets, recommending bands, and opening up to each other. Lily realizes she's kind of falling for this letter writer. Only who is he? As Lily attempts to unravel the mystery, and juggle school, friends, crushes, and her crazy family, she discovers that matters of the heart can't always be spelled out...
Kasie West brings irresistible wit, warmth, and sparkle to this swoon-worthy story of love showing up when you least expect it.
Click Here To Download P.S I Like You
Click Here To Download P.S I Like YouReview
Have you ever read a book with so much tension that you wanted to throw it against a wall in frustration? The tension between the two main characters, Cade and Lily, was palatable. It was like there was an elephant in the room and absolutely no one wanted to address it. It was infuriating, frustrating and addicting all at the same time. I became obsessed with this book. It was absolutely riveting.
Besides the tension (did I mention how good that was by the way) Lily, the main character, is very well-rounded. She loves her big, crazy family, she's an awesome guitar player, lyricist, sister, and friend. And she’s hilarious to boot. I really, really liked her.
The premise of this book, - a secret pen pal – will have your stomach in knots. It was so interesting and fun! I found myself looking forward to the next letter as much as Lily was. And the tension! I know that I've mentioned this before but the tension between the two main characters is off the charts! There is this one scene in Cade's kitchen when I was literally shaking. Shaking! Kasie West is an absolute genius and one of my favorite authors!
This book is amazing and definitely worth a re-read. As an added bonus, the audio narrator had a pleasant voice for both the boy and girl characters. I loved listening to her.
Five stars all the way!Click Here To Download P.S I Like You
Blurb
Signed, sealed, delivered...
While spacing out in Chemistry class, Lily scribbles some of her favorite song lyrics onto her desk. The next day, she finds that someone has continued the lyrics on the desk, and added a message to her. Intrigue!
Soon, Lily and her anonymous pen pal are exchanging full-on letters -- sharing secrets, recommending bands, and opening up to each other. Lily realizes she's kind of falling for this letter writer. Only who is he? As Lily attempts to unravel the mystery, and juggle school, friends, crushes, and her crazy family, she discovers that matters of the heart can't always be spelled out...
Kasie West brings irresistible wit, warmth, and sparkle to this swoon-worthy story of love showing up when you least expect it.
Click Here To Download P.S I Like You
March 31, 2017
Bella and the Beast Snippet
Hey peeps!
I'm happy to announce that I am working on a new book, Bella and the Beast. It is a YA Fairy Tale Retelling set in a New York City High School.
Here is an unedited snippet. Have a great weekend:
I found Cole Castle at his locker, sorting through a stack of bulky textbooks for his next class.
Dread glued my red sneakers to the floor. A nervous shiver ran through my body. He’d heard me call him Beast, a name that most students called him behind his back. How did he feel about that nickname? What would he say to me? How would he react?
I briefly considered not doing the English project at all, but I was already falling behind in class, and, with this project making up a third of my grade, I couldn’t afford not to do it. Regardless of our rocky start, I was determined to make this partnership work.
Gathering my courage, I took a deep breath and squared my shoulders. It was time to put on my big girl pants and talk to Cole. He wouldn’t bite my head off in the middle of the hallway, would he?
Honestly, I wasn’t exactly sure that he wouldn’t.
I reluctantly forced my feet to move forward. My lungs felt tight, my stomach clenched with worry. Every fiber in me wanted to turn and run. I’d never said two words to this boy, but his sheer size and his penchant for fighting scared me. I tried to ignore the other feeling that tinted my fear. Curiosity. This boy had been blacklisted by the entire school. He was a loner, whispered about in the shadows and never approached in the light. He wasn’t as socially invisible as I was, but he was definitely not a part of the crowd. He was off-limits. Strictly forbidden.
I didn’t know how I felt about that. Confused. Hesitant. Unsure. I was usually good at reading people, but Cole was like a Rubix Cube. I couldn’t figure him out. What was his deal? Was he always an outsider? If he wasn’t, what had happened to him that made him this way?
I let the distracting thoughts float out of my mind. I couldn’t think about them now. Not when my English grade depended on Cole and I playing nice together.
My feet carried me to the side of his locker and I cautiously examined his profile. He didn’t acknowledge me, though his hands had frozen on a red math book. I didn’t immediately speak. I couldn’t. Seeing Cole across the room was one thing, but seeing him up close was overwhelming. He looked like a biker who'd gotten trapped in high school, with his big muscles, black clothes, and long hair that laid in stringy waves on his shoulders. He stood nearly a foot taller than me, his body wide, and strong. A patch of black stubble covered his cheeks and chin. I imagined him ripping a phone book in half with his bare hands and chewing on the remains, and my lungs clenched a little tighter. I gathered up my nerves, tied them tight, and strapped them to my chest.
“Hey.” My voice came out low. I gripped my book bag straps and tried not to shuffle my feet. Animals can smell fear, can’t they? If that were true, I probably smelled like a steak dinner right about now.
Cole’s head turned slowly, his eyes latching onto mine.
Did I notice a slight tremble in his hands, or was it my imagination?
“Hey.” His words rumbled around me, like a storm brewing in his throat.
I felt like the temperature in the hallway rose another ten degrees. My sweaty hands slipped down the straps of my backpack.
“So, we have a project due,” I said.
He grabbed two books from the inside of his locker and slammed it shut. His body casually leaned against the metal, legs crossed at the ankles, arms over his chest. He was guarded. Off-putting. Unavailable. He didn’t respond to me right away. He just looked at me with the same hard stare as when I’d seen him in the classroom earlier.
I caught several students watching us with curious eyes and sly grins. I couldn’t recall ever seeing anyone speak to Cole before. I swung my eyes back to his, wondering how I had become such a spectacle. Me, the girl who ate lunch in the library. The girl who was invisible at St. Mary’s Academy.
Finally, he spoke up, the thunder rumbling around me again.
“Don’t worry about it.” I snorted. Don’t worry about a third of my grade? Yeah, right.
“Look,” I said. “I’m sorry for calling you Beast.”
“Why? Everyone else calls me that. Why would you be different?”
He spat the words at me, and my cheeks heated in shame. So he did know his nickname after all and, by the looks of it, he was not happy about it.
An errant piece of hair had worked its way out of my French braids. I smoothed it behind my ear and cleared my throat.
“Like I said. I’m sorry.”
His eyes slowly looked me over, making my heart beat a little faster. His eyes left trails of fire where they touched me. I felt exposed. Vulnerable. The confusing feelings froze me in place. I blinked, unable to understand why I would feel that way. By the time I regained my voice again, he was already done with his inspection and pushing off his locker. He shifted his books in his other massive hand.
My brain felt overheated. Mushy. Stupid. Why did he make me feel so crazy? It was like he'd put me under a spell or something.
He walked past me, stopping to whisper in my ear.
“Your apology is not accepted. Turn in the project yourself.”
And just like that, he was gone, stalking through the hallway to his next class.
I'm happy to announce that I am working on a new book, Bella and the Beast. It is a YA Fairy Tale Retelling set in a New York City High School.
Here is an unedited snippet. Have a great weekend:
I found Cole Castle at his locker, sorting through a stack of bulky textbooks for his next class.
Dread glued my red sneakers to the floor. A nervous shiver ran through my body. He’d heard me call him Beast, a name that most students called him behind his back. How did he feel about that nickname? What would he say to me? How would he react?
I briefly considered not doing the English project at all, but I was already falling behind in class, and, with this project making up a third of my grade, I couldn’t afford not to do it. Regardless of our rocky start, I was determined to make this partnership work.
Gathering my courage, I took a deep breath and squared my shoulders. It was time to put on my big girl pants and talk to Cole. He wouldn’t bite my head off in the middle of the hallway, would he?
Honestly, I wasn’t exactly sure that he wouldn’t.
I reluctantly forced my feet to move forward. My lungs felt tight, my stomach clenched with worry. Every fiber in me wanted to turn and run. I’d never said two words to this boy, but his sheer size and his penchant for fighting scared me. I tried to ignore the other feeling that tinted my fear. Curiosity. This boy had been blacklisted by the entire school. He was a loner, whispered about in the shadows and never approached in the light. He wasn’t as socially invisible as I was, but he was definitely not a part of the crowd. He was off-limits. Strictly forbidden.
I didn’t know how I felt about that. Confused. Hesitant. Unsure. I was usually good at reading people, but Cole was like a Rubix Cube. I couldn’t figure him out. What was his deal? Was he always an outsider? If he wasn’t, what had happened to him that made him this way?
I let the distracting thoughts float out of my mind. I couldn’t think about them now. Not when my English grade depended on Cole and I playing nice together.
My feet carried me to the side of his locker and I cautiously examined his profile. He didn’t acknowledge me, though his hands had frozen on a red math book. I didn’t immediately speak. I couldn’t. Seeing Cole across the room was one thing, but seeing him up close was overwhelming. He looked like a biker who'd gotten trapped in high school, with his big muscles, black clothes, and long hair that laid in stringy waves on his shoulders. He stood nearly a foot taller than me, his body wide, and strong. A patch of black stubble covered his cheeks and chin. I imagined him ripping a phone book in half with his bare hands and chewing on the remains, and my lungs clenched a little tighter. I gathered up my nerves, tied them tight, and strapped them to my chest.
“Hey.” My voice came out low. I gripped my book bag straps and tried not to shuffle my feet. Animals can smell fear, can’t they? If that were true, I probably smelled like a steak dinner right about now.
Cole’s head turned slowly, his eyes latching onto mine.
Did I notice a slight tremble in his hands, or was it my imagination?
“Hey.” His words rumbled around me, like a storm brewing in his throat.
I felt like the temperature in the hallway rose another ten degrees. My sweaty hands slipped down the straps of my backpack.
“So, we have a project due,” I said.
He grabbed two books from the inside of his locker and slammed it shut. His body casually leaned against the metal, legs crossed at the ankles, arms over his chest. He was guarded. Off-putting. Unavailable. He didn’t respond to me right away. He just looked at me with the same hard stare as when I’d seen him in the classroom earlier.
I caught several students watching us with curious eyes and sly grins. I couldn’t recall ever seeing anyone speak to Cole before. I swung my eyes back to his, wondering how I had become such a spectacle. Me, the girl who ate lunch in the library. The girl who was invisible at St. Mary’s Academy.
Finally, he spoke up, the thunder rumbling around me again.
“Don’t worry about it.” I snorted. Don’t worry about a third of my grade? Yeah, right.
“Look,” I said. “I’m sorry for calling you Beast.”
“Why? Everyone else calls me that. Why would you be different?”
He spat the words at me, and my cheeks heated in shame. So he did know his nickname after all and, by the looks of it, he was not happy about it.
An errant piece of hair had worked its way out of my French braids. I smoothed it behind my ear and cleared my throat.
“Like I said. I’m sorry.”
His eyes slowly looked me over, making my heart beat a little faster. His eyes left trails of fire where they touched me. I felt exposed. Vulnerable. The confusing feelings froze me in place. I blinked, unable to understand why I would feel that way. By the time I regained my voice again, he was already done with his inspection and pushing off his locker. He shifted his books in his other massive hand.
My brain felt overheated. Mushy. Stupid. Why did he make me feel so crazy? It was like he'd put me under a spell or something.
He walked past me, stopping to whisper in my ear.
“Your apology is not accepted. Turn in the project yourself.”
And just like that, he was gone, stalking through the hallway to his next class.
March 29, 2017
Book Review - I'll Be Yours By Jennie B Jones
Click Here To Download I'll Be Yours
Review
Oh my goodness! This book was amazing! I devoured this book like it was my mom's macaroni and cheese.
I loved Harper. She was damaged and broken but not hopeless. She was quirky, funny, brave and devoted. And talk about FEARLESS. This girl was willing to brave bullets to rescue a helpless animal. How awesome is that? And Ridley Estas. Can you say H-O-T? OMG he was everything. There is this one scene on the balcony at his job that gave me all of the feels. Buy this book and read it! Then read it again. Then fan yourself and read it a third time. Then thank me for making you read it. Yes, it is that good.
Jenny B Jones puts together an awesome, sweet read here. It is PG-13 and full of drama, tears, romance, and a very entertaining cast of characters. The book doesn't tie up in a nice little bow, but the way it does end is very emotionally satisfying. Finally, if you have the opportunity, get the audio version. It is very well done and adds a nice layer onto the reading.
Blurb and buy links below:
Click Here To Download I'll Be Yours
BlurbShe’s the coach’s brilliant daughter, clueless about love. He’s the dethroned football star, ready to teach Romance 101. When dark secrets and sparks collide, there’s no playbook for what happens next.
The day Andrew Levin arrives at Washington High, Harper O’Malley knows he’ll make the perfect starter boyfriend. The school’s newest band geek is totally in Harper’s league, yet completely out of this late-bloomer’s reach. Between fitting in with a new family, scoring the first chair in band, and rescuing dogs for the local animal shelter, Harper’s never had the opportunity to hone her dating skills. But even though Harper’s love life is far from perfect, she’s got the perfect plan.
Harper knows she’s insane to agree to tutor Ridley Estes, a notorious heartbreaker and the star of her high school’s football team—but in exchange, he’s offered to school her in the game of love. Just when she sees promise with her crush, a football scandal rocks her family, her town, and Ridley’s entire future. Harper suddenly has everything to lose—her family, friends, and even her heart. When the dust of the scandal settles, nothing will be the same. Including the girl who asked the most popular jock to teach her about love.
Award-winning author Jenny B. Jones returns to YA with a sweet, funny novel about first love and the power of letting go.
"I'll Be Yours is a perfect YA literary concoction of angst, attraction, heartbreak, romance, authenticity, and humor. Captivating and real, I'll Be Yours is both swoon-worthy and heartrending, begging for a re-read as soon as the last page ends." Rel Mollet, RelzReviewz.com
"Jones's sassy style is merely one of this romance novelist's many endearing talents." Publisher's Weekly
"Jenny B. Jones is my go-to author for a hysterical beach read!" Best-selling author Kristin Billerbeck
"Funny, insightful, sheer joy--that's what you always get with a Jenny Jones story." --Award-winning author Sibella Giorello
Click Here To Download I'll Be Yours
