Always Emily by Michaela MacColl

Always Emily by Michaela MacColl

Release Date: April 8, 2014
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Rated: YA 13+
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
Buy: AmazonThe Book Depository
Goodreads Website

Emily and Charlotte Brontë are about as opposite as two sisters can be. Charlotte is practical and cautious; Emily is headstrong and imaginative. But they do have one thing in common: a love of writing. This shared passion will lead them to be two of the first published female novelists and authors of several enduring works of classic literature. But they’re not there yet. First, they have to figure out if there is a connection between a string of local burglaries, rumors that a neighbor’s death may not have been accidental, and the appearance on the moors of a mysterious and handsome stranger. The girls have a lot of knots to untangle—before someone else gets killed.

When I heard that Michaela MacColl was going to write a novel featuring the Brontë sisters, I was overjoyed. I loved her last novel, Nobody’s Secret, and while I haven’t read Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë is one of the best classics I’ve ever read– the recent movie adaption was amazing too! So you can imagine my utter glee upon finding out about the premise and getting the chance to review this book. Trust me, it did not disappoint.

What I enjoy the most about Michaela MacColl’s books is how she manages to weave fact and fiction seamlessly to write her novels. I always love reading the end note from the author after finishing the book because she always explains which parts of the book were real and which were reimagined from fact or created from her own imagination. I also really love seeing how bits and pieces of the plot can be found in Jane Eyre and (from what I’ve heard) Wuthering Heights. It really creates a more believable story and even though Always Emily is fiction, it’s much “closer” to the truth.

While I did like both characters, to me, while I would definitely align more with Charlotte, I found myself liking Emily’s story more. It might be because Emily does take on more of an active role during the action in the story, but also the romance does tend to revolve around her, which is something I usually look forward to in a story. I liked how the perspectives alternated as it built up more suspense and really created the thrilling narrative that can be similarly found in the Brontë sisters’ books. I like the other characters’ involvement, as some of them are real and some not so real, but they all helped to detail a richer story.

MacColl has done her research very well and it all pays off with this fantastic novel about the lives of two women who’ve written stories more than a hundred years ago that remain popular today. Always Emily was a fast-paced contemporary-classic that I’m sure fans of gothic literature and YA alike will love.

If you like this, try...


▪ ▪ ▪ Thank you so much to Mia from Chronicle Books for sending a copy for review! ▪ ▪ 

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The Half Life of Molly Pierce Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway


The Half Life of Molly Pierce by Katrina Leno

Release Date: July 8, 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Rated: YA 14+
Format: eGalley
Source: Edelweiss
Buy: AmazonThe Book Depository B&N iTunes Kobo
Goodreads Website

You take it for granted. Waking up. Going to school, talking to your friends. Watching a show on television or reading a book or going out to lunch.

You take for granted going to sleep at night, getting up the next day, and remembering everything that happened to you before you closed your eyes.


You live and you remember.


Me, I live and I forget.


But now—now I am remembering. 


For all of her seventeen years, Molly feels like she’s missed bits and pieces of her life. Now, she’s figuring out why. Now, she’s remembering her own secrets. And in doing so, Molly uncovers the separate life she seems to have led…and the love that she can’t let go.


The Half Life of Molly Pierce is a suspenseful, evocative psychological mystery about uncovering the secrets of our pasts, facing the unknowns of our futures, and accepting our whole selves.

With the slightly eerie cover and the intriguing title, there was no doubt that I had to get my hands on this book. The Half Life of Molly Pierce was extraordinary. I was immediately captivated from the start, with the promise of a unique premise and unraveling the past, which sounded too good to pass up. It was a short read, and not much happened during the present action of the story, but the depth and style was incredible.

We don’t really learn too much about Molly’s character. I liked the distance between character and reader in this book because for once, due to the subject matter, it actually worked as a reflection of the events that occur during the book. I also enjoyed the narrative structure of the book– the literal sentence length was chopped and that also really made it seemed like a way to create an isolated atmosphere as well as a sharp tone to the novel. Character-wise there is a really big twist that comes along which I didn’t suspect at first, but then everything pieces together as past and present come to a close, and while Molly doesn’t really do much throughout the book except piece together what exactly has happened in the past year, it was a profound exploration into the subject matter (which I won’t mention because it’ll give the whole story away!).

The only problem I would have with this book would be that when the story did come to a close, everything seemed a little too convenient to be true. I don’t know whether or not it was just me and my lack of sleep trying to finish this book, because, trust me, it is very suspenseful, but things wrapped up pretty darn quickly. The book also deals with a lot of other issues other than the main subject matter, which again, I won’t mention due to the spoilery-ness of it all. Suicide, namely, as well as the classic bildungsroman novel-style of accepting oneself and coming to terms with who one really is.

The Half Life of Molly Pierce was remarkable, slowly leading to a shocking twist and terrifying realisation. A shining debut, Leno’s one-of-a-kind novel will be sure to enthral readers from the first word to the last.

If you like this, try...


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KATRINA LENO

I am a writer from the East Coast, currently living in Los Angeles.

My first book for young adults – The Half Life of Molly Pierce – will be published on July 8, 2014 by Harper Collins.

Website Blog Goodreads Twitter Facebook Tumblr

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Giveaway time!

Enter to win...

A Half Life of Molly Pierce T-shirt  

(US Only)
**The photo attached in the giveaway banner is what it's on the T-shirt**


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Click on the button below or on the tour banner at the top of the post to follow the rest of the tour!


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Thank you so much to FFBC Blog Tours for having me along!

Essence Blog Tour: This or That + Giveaway


Essence by Lisa Ann O’Kane

Release Date: June 3, 2014
Publisher: Strange Chemistry
Buy: AmazonThe Book Depository B&N
Goodreads

Autumn escaped a cult, but now she realizes she’s fallen into another.
Growing up in San Francisco’s Centrist Movement, sixteen year-old Autumn Grace has always believed emotions—adrenaline, endorphins, even happiness—drain your Essence and lead to an early death. But her younger brother’s passing and a run-in with a group of Outsiders casts her faith into question.

Ryder Stone, the sexy, rebellious leader of the Outsiders, claims Essence drain is nothing more than a Centrist scare tactic — and he can prove it.

Autumn follows Ryder to his Community of adrenaline junkies and free spirits in Yosemite National Park, and they introduce her to a life of adventure, romance, sex, drugs and freedom. But as she discovers dark secrets beneath the Community’s perfect exterior, she realizes the more she risks in search of the perfect rush, the further she has to fall.

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THIS OR THAT
with Lisa Ann O’Kane

Mountains or the Beach?

The beach! Ideally, I would love both at the same time, but if I had to choose, I would pick the beach every time. The only time I have ever lived away from it was the two years I spent in Colorado, and I often felt like my gills were shriveling. Once a beach bum, always a beach bum! 

Bad Boys or Good Guys?

Good guys. I have dated enough bad boys in my life to know they usually can’t change—even when they want to. Life is too short to spend time with people who treat you like an afterthought, so bring on the good guys!

Happily Ever After or Cliffhangers?

I love a good happily-ever-after as much as the next girl, but I also enjoy occasional loose ends, because they give me the freedom to insert my own resolutions. 

Ice Cream or FroYo?

I dig frozen yogurt at those places where you can pile on all of your own toppings. I justify going there because the yogurt is almost always low fat, but then I immediately nullify this with a mountain of cookie dough, crumbled candy bars and caramel sauce. 

Cats or Dogs?

Dogs. Big, obnoxious, wolf-looking mutts like German Shepherds and Alaskan Malamutes. No time for doggie outfits or carry-on pets here. ;)

Indoors or Outdoors?

Outdoors! I did live in a tent for four and a half months, after all. However, I will be the first to admit that air conditioning and heating feels SOO good when you need it. I am particularly cranky in hot places when I don’t have any way to cool off.   

Movies or TV?

I don’t watch nearly as many movies as I should, but I definitely get excited about particular ones every now and then. I also enjoy those reality shows where people create stuff, like Project Runway and Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. Oh, and I’m obsessed with Deadliest Catch. Big time.

A life without reading or a life without writing?

A life without reading. This pains me to say, because I can’t imagine my life without reading, but it’s even harder to imagine my life without writing. It’s a compulsion sometimes, and I can’t think until I’ve cleared my head or put my thoughts down on paper. Would probably stop functioning as a human being if I wasn’t allowed to do it anymore. 

Noise or Silence?

Silence often makes me uncomfortable. Raging noise isn’t great, either, but I prefer it to pure, sustained silence—which usually makes me twitchy.

Early Bird or Night Owl?

SUCH a Night Owl. Whenever I’m left to my own devices, I generally turn nocturnal. I also feel my most creative at night, so it’s hard to force myself to go to bed early.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Ann O’Kane is a young adult author and former vagabond who once camped out in Yosemite National Park for an entire summer, an experience that inspired her debut novel ESSENCE.

Her background is in zookeeping and environmental education, and she has been kicked, cornered, bitten and chased by nearly every animal she has ever loved. She currently resides in Florida, and she is now a huge fan of shooting stars, indoor plumbing and keeping both her feet planted firmly on the trail.


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Giveaway time!
Enter to win...

1 Winner will receive an E-Copy of ESSENCE, a Vintage Yosemite Map Pendant, Two collectible ESSENCE Buttons and a Metal Cuff.

Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

Enter via the rafflecopter below!


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Thank you so much to Book Nerd Tours and Lisa Ann O’Kane for having me along!

CLICK HERE OR ON THE TOUR BANNER TO FOLLOW THE REST OF THE TOUR!

Waiting on Wednesday – Week 116

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It’s to spotlight upcoming books that I’m DYING to get my hands on!

This week’s WoW is:
Forged by Erin Bowman

**WARNING: Spoilers from Taken and Frozen**
THE TIME HAS COME TO MAKE A STAND.

Gray Weathersby and his group of rebels are determined to bring down the Franconian Order. But they may be too late. The Order is closer than ever to its ultimate goal—building an unstoppable army—and every generation of Forgeries is more sophisticated, harder to detect, and deadlier than the one before.

Now the rebels have joined forces with new allies, the Expats. But when even the most familiar faces can’t be trusted, Gray will have to tread carefully if he wants to succeed—or survive.

April 14, 2015 ● Goodreads

I freaked out a few days ago because Richa (City of Books) told me that the cover was released and I spent some time going completely gaga over it, because it’s GORGEOUS! Can’t wait for this one, it’s sad the trilogy is coming to an end, but I’m sure it’ll be an amazing finale :D

What are you waiting on?

I Kill the Mockingbird by Paul Acampora

I Kill the Mockingbird by Paul Acampora

Release Date: May 20, 2014
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Rated: MG 12+
Format: eGalley
Source: NetGalley
Buy: AmazonThe Book Depository
Goodreads Website

When Lucy, Elena, and Michael receive their summer reading list, they are excited to see To Kill A Mockingbird included. But not everyone in their class shares the same enthusiasm. So they hatch a plot to get the entire town talking about the well-known Harper Lee classic. They plan controversial ways to get people to read the book, including re-shelving copies of the book in bookstores so that people think they are missing and starting a website committed to “destroying the mockingbird.” Their efforts are successful when all of the hullabaloo starts to direct more people to the book. But soon, their exploits start to spin out of control and they unwittingly start a mini revolution in the name of books.

I Kill the Mockingbird caught my interest with the title. I read To Kill a Mockingbird four or five summers ago, and it’s a fantastic book, one that I desperately want to re-read upon finishing this one. Even though the main characters in this book – Lucy, Elena and Michael – are younger than I am (not too young though), I could still remember what it was like to get summer reading lists from English teachers, and how excited I would be compared to some of my classmates to finally catch up with some amazing books during the holidays.

Normally I would find it a little difficult to read books with younger protagonists without making them seem way younger than they actually are. However, this was totally the exception. I felt that the language used was quite middle school but the characters I pictured were not too far off of my age. I liked Lucy’s story, but I felt that we didn’t get to learn a lot about the characters in depth. That’s sometimes the problem with short books: we get plot but not much character development. As this is aimed for a younger age group, of course this is more appropriate but I felt that if it had been more flushed out, there could be more interesting things to learn about our heroine and her two best friends.
I will admit– out of curiosity I checked out the website (of course it was directed to the authors site) because it would actually be so cool to have this in real life. More appreciation for the classics please! I’m sure now I’m going to be diving into some of the ones I have left unread on my shelf...

I Kill the Mockingbird is the perfect read for a Harper Lee fanatic, lover of classics or a curious middle grade or young adult reader. Cute, warm and heartfelt, Acampora’s novel is one readers of all ages will enjoy from start to finish.

If you like this, try...

  • Matilda by Roald Dahl Goodreads
  • (You know this HAD to be included) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Goodreads

The Secrets of Lily Graves by Sarah Strohmeyer

The Secrets of Lily Graves by Sarah Strohmeyer

Release Date: May 13, 2014
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Rated: YA 14+
Format: eGalley
Source: Edelweiss
Buy: AmazonThe Book Depository
Goodreads Website

With the intrigue of Pretty Little Liars and plenty of romance, bestselling author Sarah Strohmeyer weaves a story of secrets and lies—set in a funeral parlor.

Growing up in a house of female morticians, Lily Graves knows all about buried secrets. She knows that perfect senior-class president Erin Donohue isn’t what she seems. She knows why Erin’s ex-boyfriend, hot football player Matt Houser, broke up with her. And she also knows that, even though she says she and Matt are just friends, there is something brewing between them—something Erin definitely did not like.


But secrets, even ones that are long buried, have a way of returning to haunt their keeper.


So when Erin is found dead the day after attacking Lily in a jealous rage, Lily's and Matt’s safe little lives, and the lives of everyone in their town of Potsdam, begin to unravel. And their relationship—which grew from innocent after-school tutoring sessions to late-night clandestine rendezvous—makes them both suspects.


As her world crumbles around her, Lily must figure out the difference between truth and deception, genuine love and a web of lies. And she must do it quickly, before the killer claims another victim.

Being a huge fan of Sarah Strohmeyer’s Smart Girls Get What They Want, I wanted, no, I NEEDED The Secrets of Lily Graves. I probably did the largest internal squeal possible when this popped up Edelweiss, and so my life was made having the chance to read this early. It sounded interesting, really mysterious and thrilling, nothing like her cutesy YA debut... but then again I found out that she’s written quite a few award-winning mystery novels so I knew this was going to be good.

I LOVED Lily. This author has yet once again made me fall in love with the main character. A strange feat since lately I’ve been finding myself on the fence about the protagonist or just flat-out hating him or her. Thank goodness for breaking the trend! I would have honestly done what her character does in the book – go to the police and come clean about herself. For reasons I cannot understand, most YA heroines or heroes tend to keep the important details to themselves and that ends up going VERY well *note the sarcastic tone.
MATT IS THE LOVE OF MY LIFE AT THE MOMENT. After a dry spell of book boys who are simply meh or not-too-bad (but not-too-great either), in comes this hunk of pure swoony-ness. I love that we see the stupid bone-head side of him as well as the version of him that hangs out with Lily, because clearly there’s so much more to his character. There were so many cute scenes between the two of them. I mean, the driving lesson? *fans self and swoons to the point of fainting*

I loved the concept. Yes, there are probably a bajillion YA murder mysteries, but books about morticians? Nope. Nothing comes close! And you can really tell, Strohmeyer has clearly done her research. I actually learned a lot from reading this, particularly on how to prep a dead body. Does this mean I’m qualified? Only time will tell... (A joke. Clearly, even though I watch some of the goriest shows out there, I will FREAK if I’m presented with a dead body.)
There’s a huge twist that I did not see coming. It was the absolute last person I would suspect, literally the furthest person away from who I thought did it. At first I was so confused and a little befuddled by the revelation, and then it all pieced together and made total sense. Really a thrilling ending, one that made me catch my breath and hold it all the way till the end.

I am so excited about Sarah Strohmeyer because I’m clearly loving everything she writes. The Secrets of Lily Graves was a spine-crawling mystery with a romance (and swoon-worthy boy) to top it off. Chilling and beguiling, I would recommend that you immediately stop what you’re doing and run to your closest bookstore, because you need this book – trust me, you do. Loved it!


If you like this, try...

Waiting on Wednesday – Week 115

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It’s to spotlight upcoming books that I’m DYING to get my hands on!

This week’s WoW is:
Atlantia by Ally Condie

Can you hear Atlantia breathing?

For as long as she can remember, Rio has dreamt of the sand and sky Above—of life beyond her underwater city of Atlantia. But in a single moment, all her plans for the future are thwarted when her twin sister, Bay, makes an unexpected decision, stranding Rio Below. Alone, ripped away from the last person who knew Rio’s true self—and the powerful siren voice she has long hidden—she has nothing left to lose.


Guided by a dangerous and unlikely mentor, Rio formulates a plan that leads to increasingly treacherous questions about her mother’s death, her own destiny, and the complex system constructed to govern the divide between land and sea. Her life and her city depend on Rio to listen to the voices of the past and to speak long-hidden truths.

October 28, 2014 ● Goodreads

I read Ally Condie’s Matched a VERY long time ago, but unfortunately didn’t continue with the series. I hope that I can finish the series before delving into this one, but no matter, because Condie’s writing is gorgeous and the concept of her upcoming novel sounds intriguing. I can’t wait!

What are you waiting on?

The One by Kiera Cass

The One by Kiera Cass

Release Date: May 6, 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: The Selection, Book 3
Rated: YA 14+
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Buy: AmazonThe Book Depository
Goodreads Website

Read my review of The Selection HERE
Read my review of The Elite HERE

The Selection changed the lives of thirty-five girls forever. And now, the time has come for one winner to be chosen.

America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the competition approaches its end and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants.

From the very first page of The Selection, this #1 New York Times bestselling series has captured readers' hearts and swept them away on a captivating journey... Now, in The One, Kiera Cass delivers a satisfying and unforgettable conclusion that will keep readers sighing over this electrifying fairy-tale long after the final page is turned.

**WARNING: Do NOT read this if you haven’t read The Selection or The Elite. Some spoilers (and fangirling) ahead.**

Guys– I think my heart just broke in to a million pieces.
What? 
The series ended horribly, you ask?
Nope. 
It was perfect.

My heart has just broken into a million pieces because one of my series has come to a close.

I’ve been wanting to read The One for a very, VERY long time now. Roughly a year-long wait, which I know is not that long compared to some other people, but it’s killed me since I started The Selection, because the suspense could not be held out fore me any longer. The day my exams ended, I headed to the bookstore and bought this book. Initially they were out of stock, but then, this amazing girl who works there found a copy and handed me this book, this absolutely heartbreaking book, to me. I got home and immediately dove into it, no hesitations, only some awe-struck ogling at the gorgeous cover. 
And I didn’t stop until I’d read the last page.

After that I got up, walked around in a daze, fingers shaking because I had just finished this amazing series, and I knew they would not stop until I’d written this review.

So. Here we go.

I don’t think I’ve ever internally bawled at something so hard and so much. This was like The-Fault-in-Our-FREAKING-Stars-worthy bawling. I tend not to cry for books so yeah, it’s pretty major when I say that I freaking died when I read this book. A perfect end to a perfect series. 

I love how the stakes are so much higher in this book, and because of this, everything is so much more intense. America's conflict with herself, with her feelings for the two boys she loves, with the King, and with the system: Kiera Cass is truly a master story-teller because the way in which she crafts words really conveys the raw emotions of characters as well as the fantastic plot that has gone on for three books.
I also liked that the world building developed much more with this book, and that the story of the rebellion comes to light and we see more of this side, compared to just the competition as it’s been with the previous two books – well, more The Selection than The Elite. Getting to know more about the Northerners, bringing along some surprising twists as well, just made this story a lot more richer.

America Singer, my favourite literary red-head. Her character is definitely more challenged in this book, as we find in the previous book that King Clarkson isn’t all that he seems to be. I love her determination and fierce confidence that she approaches everything with. I think we all yell out a little cheer whenever she defies Illéa’s caste system and rules!
If you’ve read my previous reviews about the series, then you’ll know who I’m rooting for. Maxon and Aspen are both amazing guys, but ultimately it’s time for America to choose her one. I don’t want to give too much away, but the ending works out well for (almost) everyone, so there’s really a definite outcome. I’m sad to see it end though– this is one of the best written love triangles I have ever seen in YA. It’s made it a challenge to pick one side in all of this, but of course, everything must come to an end.

I have a major hangover from this book, because now, just after I’ve finished the series, I wish that I could pick up The Selection and start all over again. The One is the crème de la crème, an absolutely flawless finale to the series that will bring tears, smiles and many, MANY swoons. While it’s painful to say goodbye to characters I’ve come to love and a world I’ve envisioned and brought to life in my mind, this bittersweet ending is everything I could have hoped for and more. Kiera Cass’ books are truly glittering gems worthy of any crown...or tiara!


If you like this, try...


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#scandal Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway


#scandal by Sarah Ockler

Release Date: June 17, 2014
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Rated: YA 14+
Format: eGalley
Source: Edelweiss
Buy: AmazonThe Book Depository Kindle B&N iTunes Kobo
Goodreads Website

Lucy’s learned some important lessons from tabloid darling Jayla Heart’s all-too-public blunders: Avoid the spotlight, don’t feed the Internet trolls, and keep your secrets secret. The policy has served Lucy well all through high school, so when her best friend Ellie gets sick before prom and begs her to step in as Cole’s date, she accepts with a smile, silencing about ten different reservations. Like the one where she’d rather stay home shredding online zombies. And the one where she hates playing dress-up. And especially the one where she’s been secretly in love with Cole since the dawn of time.

When Cole surprises her at the after party with a kiss under the stars, it’s everything Lucy has ever dreamed of… and the biggest BFF deal-breaker ever. Despite Cole’s lingering sweetness, Lucy knows they’ll have to ’fess up to Ellie. But before they get the chance, Lucy’s own Facebook profile mysteriously explodes with compromising pics of her and Cole, along with tons of other students’ party indiscretions. Tagged. Liked. And furiously viral.


By Monday morning, Lucy’s been branded a slut, a backstabber, and a narc, mired in a tabloid-worthy scandal just weeks before graduation. 


Lucy’s been battling undead masses online long enough to know there’s only one way to survive a disaster of this magnitude: Stand up and fight. Game plan? Uncover and expose the Facebook hacker, win back her best friend’s trust, and graduate with a clean slate.


There’s just one snag—Cole. Turns out Lucy’s not the only one who’s been harboring unrequited love...

I’ve always wanted to read one of Sarah Ockler’s books– all of them sound so enticing! Twenty Boy Summer, Fixing Delilah... and then came this amazing opportunity to be a part of the #scandal blog tour, and so of course, I was signing up faster then you could say “hashtag”. You guys... this book was amazing. I fell in love with the writing style, the characters, the storyline, EVERYTHING. I didn’t care that it was 400+ pages long. If it was any other book, I might have balked at the idea of reading such a long contemporary, but nu-uh, I enjoyed every single part of the plot because nothing was filler. If it wasn’t adding to the plot, it was developing the characters or background story. It was so rich in detail and that’s mainly the reason why I adored this book.

I loved the characters. Lucy’s character was so great, I could really relate to her, and I like that she broke the mould. At the start, she seems set up to be this generic character, the somewhat anti-social chick who enjoys online gaming, the younger and much ignored sister of someone famous. However, I like that she didn’t have a tough exterior all the time, and that she did enjoy being “girly” and doing things that many characters fit into the stereotype wouldn’t even DREAM of doing.
Cole was super cute, but I feel we didn’t see him for a lot of the novel. Which I mean was pretty great, since there were some fabulous other characters, such as Franklin and Asher, which leads to a more developed plot. I also really enjoyed Jayla’s role in the story. She definitely added a lot of the hilarious moments in the book as the plot to uncover who posted the photos gets deeper and deeper.

Speaking of, holy moly, I totally did not see several things coming. I love how the book had a Gossip Girl-vibe to it and that there wasn’t just one big twist, but several things were revealed along the way. The conspiracy group (e)VIL (who are not really, well, evil) was such a fabulous addition as well because everything adds up in the end, and it’s a well-constructed storyline that everyone has a role in. 
Ockler’s novel really explores the many problems we have with social media today. Privacy, cyberbullying, and the misinterpretation of events. This happens all the time, and during high school, it can be hurtful and could end up ruining many people’s lives. Thankfully, I’ve had no such experience in the past four years of high school, but it’s definitely happened to people that I know and I could only imagine the repercussions of the damage done.

#scandal was everything you could possibly want in a contemporary novel. Filled with humor, drama, and an adorable romance, Sarah Ockler’s latest had my jaw dropping several times, and sent my into multiple fits of giggles. This was a fantastic portrayal of the digital age we live in, and truly captures the ups and downs of being a teenager. Do not pass this one up!

If you like this, try...


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SARAH OCKLER

Sarah Ockler is the bestselling author of novels for teens, including The Book of Broken Hearts, Bittersweet, Fixing Delilah, and the critically acclaimed Twenty Boy Summer, a YALSA Teens' Top Ten nominee and IndieNext List pick. Her latest, #scandal, hits the shelves in June 2014. 

Sarah is a champion cupcake eater, coffee drinker, night person, and bookworm. When she's not writing or reading at home in Colorado, she enjoys taking pictures, hugging trees, and road-tripping through the country with her husband, Alex.

Website Goodreads Twitter Facebook YouTube Tumblr

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TEASER

#NotEvenClose

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a picture tagged on Miss Demeanor’s Scandal of the Month page is worth about a million. Especially when the story all those words tell is an absolute lie.

Well, mostly a lie.

The part about falling asleep in his arms is sort of true. I don’t remember the details about the horse, or how it got into the living room exactly, but judging from the smell that morning, that part’s true too. And yes, the Harvard-bound debate team captain definitely cannonballed into the pond wearing only tuxedo socks and silver fairy wings. Everyone got shots of that.

But there’s no way the other stuff happened. 

Not like the pictures are saying it did. 

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Giveaway time!

Enter to win...

Win a prize pack with 4 Signed HB of Sarah Ockler's books: Twenty Boy Summer, Fixing Delilah, Bittersweet, and The Book of Broken Hearts

US ONLY

Specifics:

- Must be 13 or older to enter
- Giveaway ends 
- A false entry will be consider as cheating, so this person will be disqualified. 
- Winner will be notified via email and needs to answer in 48 hours letting us know if he/she accepts the prize and send us his/her full name and address.
- Your personal information won't be used or be seen unless you're the winner of the giveaway. We won't sell it nor use it in a bad way.


Enter via the rafflecopter below!


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Follow the rest of the tour by clicking on the tour banner at the top of the post or on the button below!


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Thank you so much to FFBC Blog Tours for having me along!