Blog Tour: There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins

Scream meets YA in this hotly-anticipated new novel from the bestselling author of Anna and the French Kiss.

One-by-one, the students of Osborne High are dying in a series of gruesome murders, each with increasing and grotesque flair. As the terror grows closer and the hunt intensifies for the killer, the dark secrets among them must finally be confronted.

International bestselling author Stephanie Perkins returns with a fresh take on the classic teen slasher story that’s fun, quick-witted, and completely impossible to put down.

I cannot describe what I felt when this ARC showed up at my house. I've been a Stephanie Perkins fan for a long time so I just knew that I had to read this. Much like her other books, I read this one in one sitting because there's no way to walk away from one of her stories. 

"Scream meets YA" is such a great way to describe this. I loved that it contains romance (because Stephanie is the queen of that genre) even though it is a mystery/thriller. The two elements never clashed, if anything the love story worked well with the rest of the plot. The romance was cute and gave me swoon-worthy moments galore, while the horror was on point and very graphic at times. I really enjoyed the way the mystery aspect of it as well. The murders are creepy and definitely clever. I didn't find that the killer was obvious so that's a huge plus. I did feel like the story lacked a little bit in the character development department but I enjoyed everything else enough to overlook it. 

All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait to read whatever Stephanie writes next!

Blog Tour: Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore

About the book:

If you could change your story, would you?

Jane has lived a mostly ordinary life, raised by her recently deceased aunt Magnolia, whom she counted on to turn life into an adventure. Without Aunt Magnolia, Jane is directionless. Then an old acquaintance, the glamorous and capricious Kiran Thrash, blows back into Jane’s life and invites her to a gala at the Thrashes’ extravagant island mansion called Tu Reviens. Jane remembers her aunt telling her: “If anyone ever invites you to Tu Reviens, promise me that you’ll go.”

What Jane doesn’t know is that at Tu Reviens her story will change; the house will offer her five choices that could ultimately determine the course of her untethered life. But every choice comes with a price. She might fall in love, she might lose her life, she might come face-to-face with herself. At Tu Reviens, anything is possible.

Review:

I can honestly say that I've been waiting for this novel ever since I finished the Graceling books. So that's a lot of hype and definitely high expectations surrounding Cashore's new novel. I am so glad it didn't disappoint. 

Jane, Unlimited is definitely a novel that stands out, from the characters to the storyline. Even though the novel is a tad slow at times, I enjoyed the story tremendously.  The main character is likable so I was more than willing to go on this crazy adventure with her. The story itself is so intricate that some readers might be put off by it but I really loved every layer. And boy, does this novel have layers. The structure is like nothing I've ever seen before, which was an added bonus. Cashore makes very bold choices that pay off and kept me reading. I am definitely glad that I was able to read this beauty early. 

It is a must read if you are looking for something unique. This quirky little gem will be a great addition to any bookshelf but it is a must for a Cashore fan. 

Blog Tour: The Refrigerator Monologues by Catherynne M. Valente

About THE REFRIGERATOR MONOLOGUES:

The Refrigerator Monologues is for anyone who ever got upset at the way women were treated in comic shows, movies or books.

The lives of six female superheroes and the girlfriends of superheroes. A ferocious riff on women in superhero comics

From the New York Times bestselling author Catherynne Valente comes a series of linked stories from the points of view of the wives and girlfriends of superheroes, female heroes, and anyone who’s ever been “refrigerated”: comic book women who are killed, raped, brainwashed, driven mad, disabled, or had their powers taken so that a male superhero’s storyline will progress.

In an entirely new and original superhero universe, Valente subversively explores these ideas and themes in the superhero genre, treating them with the same love, gravity, and humor as her fairy tales. After all, superheroes are our new fairy tales and these six women have their own stories to share.

Amazon | B&N 

About Catherynne M. Valence

Catherynne M. Valente was born on Cinco de Mayo, 1979 in Seattle, WA, but grew up in in the wheatgrass paradise of Northern California. She graduated from high school at age 15, going on to UC San Diego and Edinburgh University, receiving her B.A. in Classics with an emphasis in Ancient Greek Linguistics. She then drifted away from her M.A. program and into a long residence in the concrete and camphor wilds of Japan.

She currently lives in Maine with her partner, two dogs, and three cats, having drifted back to America and the mythic frontier of the Midwest.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Review:

This book, guys. THIS BOOK. This is the perfect time to read something like The Refrigerator Monologues. With Wonder Woman receiving so much praise and feminism taking a new shape, it is time we see more examples of how not-so-woman-friendly a lot of media is. In this book, Valence gives a voice to those women that have been nothing more than accessories in all of the superhero stories out there. 

The worse part of it is that I've never considered that to be odd. It's the norm, the guy is the one with the power. The woman is just there. The end. But this new take is so heart breaking and much needed. The reader gets to see these female characters as people, not just plot devices. It is brilliant and such a great conversation starter. 

Although this is a quick read, it leaves a lasting impression. Whether you're a fan of superhero stories or not, this book will give you a new perspective of that world.  


Tour Schedule:

6/6: The Novel Hermit - My Favorite Superheroes

6/7: Avid Reader - Superhero Looks

6/8: The Irish Banana Review - Superhero Makeup

6/9: Little Red's Reviews - Q&A

6/10: Quarzfeather - Review

6/11: Megnificent Books - Q&A

6/12: Don't Fold the Page - Review

Giveaway:

2 Finished Copies of THE REFRIGERATOR MONOLOGUES (US Only)

Rafflecopter Code:

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#ReadADessen : Lock & Key

When I think of Sarah Dessen, Lock & Key immediately comes to mind.  Even though Sarah is the queen of romance, this novel stands out because it is centered around family. I love that the complicated relationship between sisters is the main focus of the novel. Sure, you'll find a super swoon-worthy boy in this one but the family aspect is so much more present and dynamic. It doesn't hurt that the main character, Ruby, is seriously amazing. 


So, in honor of sisters, let's talk about some of my favorite literary siblings:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: 


When you talk about sisters, there is no way to not mention the Bennets. Yes, I've seen every adaptation because I'm a little obsessed with Elizabeth and Darcy BUT the relationship between the sisters is what drives the story. I love that it is so easy to see yourself (or your sister) in one of them. And, even though they are all different, they all care about each other. Well, everyone except for Lydia. 

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes: 

Even though Louisa and Katrina have absolutely nothing in common, they are the most realistic sisters I've come across. Sure, Katrina is selfish and Louisa is pretty much a doormat but the sacrifices that they make and the support they give each other is the perfect example of what it means to be someone's sister. 

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell:


Twins! Going away to college! My favorite Rainbow Rowell novel! Honestly, I didn't know what to expect when I picked this up but I loved every minute of it. The family in this novel, much like Lock & Key, takes this story to the next level. The relationship between the sisters is so complex and there's something so interesting about twins. Add fan fiction and this is such a fascinating read. 

About Once and for All:

As bubbly as champagne and delectable as wedding cake, Once and for All, Sarah Dessen's thirteenth novel, is set in the world of wedding planning, where crises are routine. 

Louna, daughter of famed wedding planner Natalie Barrett, has seen every sort of wedding: on the beach, at historic mansions, in fancy hotels and clubs. Perhaps that's why she's cynical about happily-ever-after endings, especially since her own first love ended tragically. When Louna meets charming, happy-go-lucky serial dater Ambrose, she holds him at arm's length. But Ambrose isn't about to be discouraged, now that he's met the one girl he really wants. 

Sarah Dessen’s many, many fans will adore her latest, a richly satisfying, enormously entertaining story that has everything—humor, romance, and an ending both happy and imperfect, just like life itself.

Giveaway:

Enter for a chance to win one (1) set of Sarah Dessen’s books in paperback (ARV: $132.00).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on April 17, 2017 and 12:00 AM on May 29, 2017.  Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about June 1, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

Schedule:

JUST LISTEN

May 8 – Reed’s Reads & Reviews

May 8 – Picture Books to YA

May 9 – Xingsings

May 10 – Tales of the Ravenous Reader

May 11 – Dazzled by Books

YA Bibliophile

A Perfection Called Books

Paper Trail YA

Mundie Moms

Library of a Book Witch

Dark Faerie Tales

Oh the Book Feels

LOCK AND KEY

May 8 – Bookmark Lit

May 8 – Dazzled by Books

May 8 – Live Love Read

May 8 – Picture Books to YA

May 10 – Peace Love Books

May 10 – Don’t Fold the Page

May 11 – Arctic Books

Reader’s Candy

Little Lillie Reads

The Young Folks

Review: A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

When four classmates from a small Massachusetts college move to New York to make their way, they're broke, adrift, and buoyed only by their friendship and ambition. There is kind, handsome Willem, an aspiring actor; JB, a quick-witted, sometimes cruel Brooklyn-born painter seeking entry to the art world; Malcolm, a frustrated architect at a prominent firm; and withdrawn, brilliant, enigmatic Jude, who serves as their center of gravity. Over the decades, their relationships deepen and darken, tinged by addiction, success, and pride. Yet their greatest challenge, each comes to realize, is Jude himself, by midlife a terrifyingly talented litigator yet an increasingly broken man, his mind and body scarred by an unspeakable childhood, and haunted by what he fears is a degree of trauma that he’ll not only be unable to overcome—but that will define his life forever.

I love to read. That's obvious. But the reason I love to read is because once in a while, out of the blue,  a book comes around that takes you by surprise. That makes you dig deep, infiltrates your darkest thoughts, and cuts you to the core. I live for these rare instances. I devour books to find that gem and let me tell you,  A Little Life was that book for me. It is a monster of a book (at over 700 pages) and there's so much you can take before you have to step away. But it won't be long before you run back to it because, even though it hurts, the characters in this Yanagihara's novel become a part of you. I've never read a book with such raw characters, with such complex but simple lives, that represent the very definition of being a human being. There's no sugar coating, no silver lining, no magic cure. And that alone made me love this novel even more. 

A Little Life takes place during a very large time span, which is incredibly well done. It had the potential of not translating well or of dragging for too long but it doesn't. I loved that I got to take my time with these characters, that new aspects of their personalities were peeled back slowly, and that their demons revealed themselves at a natural pace. The relationship between the four friends is so complicated and not always perfect because...isn't that life? Relationships evolve and this novel captures this beautifully. 

I wouldn't change a single word in this book. In fact, I would fight anyone in order to preserve this story until the end of time. Even though I don't have time to reread such a large novel, this story is so dear to my heart that I cannot wait to get lost in it again.  If that's not commitment right there then I don't know what is. 

Doctor Who meets Roger Hargreaves!

If you know me you know that my love for Doctor Who is out of this world (get it? GET IT?) so when I first heard about these books, made in the incredible Roger Hargreaves style of Little Miss (who doesn't love Little Miss?) and Mr. Men, I had to have them. Just look at them:

Aren't they precious? 

These are not only an adorable addition to my (very large) Doctor Who collection but they are also a perfect way to celebrate the new season of the show. And these are such a great way to introduce the little ones to the best TV show ever. To tell you the truth, I cannot wait until my nephew is old enough to have these because I fully intend on making him a Whovian. I do have to get him his own copies because there's no way I'm parting with mine. 

These cuties are out TODAY! So go pick up one of each! 

*I received a finished copy of each book through PRHPartner. Thank you, Penguin!* 

#ReadADessen - Someone Like You

281 pages

Published by: Penguin

Rating: 4/5

Source: PRH Partner

Halley has always followed in the wake of her best friend, Scarlett. But when Scarlett learns that her boyfriend has been killed in a motorcycle accident, and that she's carrying his baby, she was devastated. For the first time ever, Scarlett really needs Halley. Their friendship may bend under the weight, but it'll never break--because a true friendship is a promise you keep forever. 

What I love the most about Someone Like You is that it is a novel about friendship. Sure, Sarah Dessen is the queen of romance but I absolutely love the relationship between Halley and Scarlett. There's nothing better than the love between best friends. So, with that in mind, I thought I would honor this novel by sharing my top three favorite friendships (other than the one in this novel, of course): 


1. Jess and Cece (New Girl): 

I mean, Jess and Cece are friendship goals. They have each other's back regardless of the situation--the good, the bad, and the ugly. I love that they represent a positive female friendship, one that consists of nothing but (sometimes tough) love for each other. 

2. Rebecca and Paula (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend):

Even though this friendship is a little one-sided at times, I adore their dynamic. Paula is Rebecca's biggest cheerleader. And is there anything better than a good friend who lets you be a little crazy? I don't think so.  

3. Sherlock and Watson:

You cannot talk about friendships and not mention Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. There's a reason why so many people ship these two. It doesn't matter if you look at the TV show(s), movie(s), or any other adaptations. Their friendship is beautiful. They complement each other and, at the same time, they push each other to be better version of themselves.  Isn't that what friendship is all about?

About Once and for All:

As bubbly as champagne and delectable as wedding cake, Once and for All, Sarah Dessen's thirteenth novel, is set in the world of wedding planning, where crises are routine. 

Louna, daughter of famed wedding planner Natalie Barrett, has seen every sort of wedding: on the beach, at historic mansions, in fancy hotels and clubs. Perhaps that's why she's cynical about happily-ever-after endings, especially since her own first love ended tragically. When Louna meets charming, happy-go-lucky serial dater Ambrose, she holds him at arm's length. But Ambrose isn't about to be discouraged, now that he's met the one girl he really wants. 


Sarah Dessen’s many, many fans will adore her latest, a richly satisfying, enormously entertaining story that has everything—humor, romance, and an ending both happy and imperfect, just like life itself.



Giveaway:

Enter for a chance to win one (1) set of Sarah Dessen’s books in paperback (ARV: $132.00).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on April 17, 2017 and 12:00 AM on May 29, 2017.  Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about June 1, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.