Joyride by Anna Banks

Joyride by Anna Banks
Release Date - June 2, 2015
Publisher Website - Raincoast Books
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 288 pages
My Rating - 3.5/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A popular guy and a shy girl with a secret become unlikely accomplices for midnight pranking, and are soon in over their heads—with the law and with each other—in this sparkling standalone from NYT-bestselling author Anna Banks.

It’s been years since Carly Vega’s parents were deported. She lives with her brother, studies hard, and works at a convenience store to contribute to getting her parents back from Mexico.

Arden Moss used to be the star quarterback at school. He dated popular blondes and had fun with his older sister, Amber. But now Amber’s dead, and Arden blames his father, the town sheriff who wouldn’t acknowledge Amber's mental illness. Arden refuses to fulfill whatever his conservative father expects.

All Carly wants is to stay under the radar and do what her family expects. All Arden wants is to NOT do what his family expects. When their paths cross, they each realize they’ve been living according to others. Carly and Arden’s journey toward their true hearts—and one another—is funny, romantic, and sometimes harsh.

Opposites attracting, diversity and the promise of some laughs made me want to grab Anna Banks' newest novel. While there is plenty to love within these pages, there were also a few minor issues that kept this novel from truly resonating with me.

Carly's character is, without a doubt, the strongest element of the story. Anna Banks carefully constructs a character who deals with an insane amount of pressure from her family, and herself. She adeptly weaves in racism and makes both these storylines feel realistic. My heart ached for what Carly was putting herself through, while still recognizing the why behind her drive to do it. Both sides are given equal weight and you get to see the good and bad behind Carly's single minded obsession to get her parents back into the United States. The guilt she felt around doing anything for herself, and taking time to be a child was crushing. You wanted both scenarios for her - for her to help her family, and still get to have a childhood.

The racism found within these pages is also heartbreaking. There are stereotypes that Carly is judged upon and we're shown how inaccurate those assumptions are. Carly has a backbone and I delighted in every single instance where she stood up for herself. She had pride in who she was, and what she was doing for her family. Anna Banks also sneaks in judgement and how we view others into Arden's story. Carly misjudges Arden. She's heard the playboy rumours and accepts them at face value. Arden is more than the rumours, and perhaps not all of them are true. It's a positive message of not believing everything you hear, and getting to know someone before you make decisions about who they are. It's all done in a way that feels organic to the story, instead of being a 'lesson' that a story was built around.

The romance is very sweet, and actually read like a highschool relationship. Arden and Carly are both so well developed and fleshed out that the relationship works well between the characters. You see why each of them would be attracted to the other and why it would develop into something more. The pranks they pull are hilarious and silly but felt true to who the characters are. You can easily see them doing these things together, and that is what pulls the story together. It's the characters that allow any kind of connection and their relationships to each other.

The 'villain' of the story - Arden's racist father - starts out promising. There is some hint of motivation and depth to the character. Sadly, he becomes one dimensional and a caricature. It's the only real misstep in the story but it's one that I couldn't ignore. His actions drive a lot of the story (particularly later on) and the aftermath felt rushed and undeveloped. I would have liked to have the characters react more to what happened. To have the consequences of what happen resonate with them, rather than rushing through it. In other words, allowing the characters time to process, and breathe. This novel could have benefited with 25-50 more pages to flesh out the ending and it could have pulled it from a decent novel, to a fantastic one.

This is a story that touches many topics from racism, immigration, and everything in between. A story that went much deeper than I was anticipating, but didn't quite follow through on the potential that was there. An enjoyable read that I predict many will love more than I did and one that shows Anna Banks is comfortable in a variety of genres and her growth as an author.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

A slower week in my mailbox which is a good thing with BEA just around the corner. I did get on physical review book in the mail.

The Heart of Betrayal by Mary E Pearson (goodreads)

A huge thank you to Raincoast Books for this!

I also have some ebooks/egalleys that made their way onto my Kobo this week...

It's Just A Jump To The Left by Libba Bray (goodreads)
Joyride by Anna Banks (goodreads)

I purchased the Libba Bray book because it had me at friendship and Rocky Horror Picture Show. A huge thank to Raincoast for the chance to review Joyride. I've heard excellent things!

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

2015 Most Anticipated ........ Joyride

My next selection is a novel that has midnight pranks, romance, and has been called Pretty in Pink meets Bonnie and Clyde. Sign me up. Immediately.

Just check out this Goodreads synopsis and you'll be counting down the days until you can get your hands on this fun, sweet sounding contemporary...

A popular guy and a shy girl with a secret become unlikely accomplices for midnight pranking, and are soon in over their heads—with the law and with each other—in this sparkling standalone from NYT-bestselling author Anna Banks.

It’s been years since Carly Vega’s parents were deported. She lives with her brother, studies hard, and works at a convenience store to contribute to getting her parents back from Mexico.

Arden Moss used to be the star quarterback at school. He dated popular blondes and had fun with his older sister, Amber. But now Amber’s dead, and Arden blames his father, the town sheriff who wouldn’t acknowledge Amber's mental illness. Arden refuses to fulfill whatever his conservative father expects.

All Carly wants is to stay under the radar and do what her family expects. All Arden wants is to NOT do what his family expects. When their paths cross, they each realize they’ve been living according to others. Carly and Arden’s journey toward their true hearts—and one another—is funny, romantic, and sometimes harsh. 

This is a must read for contemporary fans. I have high hopes for an incredibly cute romance. It also has the added bonus of some diverse characters.

I got Anna to discuss one of her own pranks, ice cream and more in this Q and A she was gracious enough to answer.

1 Describe Joyride in Twitter format (140 characters or less)

Bonnie & Clyde meets Latina Pretty in Pink

2 If someone were to make an ice cream flavour to represent your book, what might be included?

Mint Chocolate Chip--Refreshing mint, and little chunks of chocolate sweetness scattered throughout.

3 Can you share a secret about your book (either it's world, it's characters, or something that helped inspire the story)?

When I was a teenager I used to waitress at a restaurant where there were some undocumented Mexican immigrants working there as well. They were, by far, the hardest working employees in the entire place and I always admired their work ethic. As I began to get more acquainted with them, and learn their story of the difficulties of making it across the border and the constant struggle to stay here in order to make a better life for their families...It really touched me. I know people are ready to riot, screaming that the US should deport undocumented immigrants and such, but the truth is, coming from a human standpoint, and not a political standpoint, I feel that if I were in that same position, where I could move to a better place and help my family pull out of the grasp of poverty and suffering, then I would do it too. I always wonder how many teens I went to school with at the time were struggling with this kind of problem, while all I struggled with was how much money I was going to have for prom. I want to open eyes, to help people peer into a world different from their own and to look at the situation as a human and not whatever their political party demands.

4 The synopsis mentions midnight pranks. Which of the pranks included in the story would you be most likely to do?

Honestly, I did ALL the pranks in this book (I could write a how-to guide for pranking, seriously), but the one I will tell you about is driving around town and shooting firecrackers out of the window with my slingshot. Very effective way to produce a bowel movements for pedestrians who may have been previously constipated...

5 If you could travel to anywhere, in any time period, when and where would you want travel? 

I would go back to the 1700s because chunky pale chicks like me were in high demand and I would for sure snag a prince or some sort of royalty. :)

6 What three things do you need while revising?

1.) I need to sort out the changes into a checklist to break my edits down into doable chunks.
2.) Wine for the funny parts.
3.) Coffee for the serious parts.

7 If possible, please share the first line of Joyride. (only answer if not too spoilery).

Mr. Shackleford shuffles in the front door of the Breeze Mart, jingling the bells tied to a red velvet string on the handle.
Please don't die on my shift.
Please don't die on my shift.
Please don't die on my shift.

This sounds both funny, and heartfelt and the combination could create a really amazing read. I am really curious about the pranks that these two characters pull off during the novel.

Joyride is released June 2nd but you can pre-order it now

Amazon USA/Canada // Chapters // Barnes and Noble // 

Be sure to check back later on during the event for a chance to win a copy of Joyride (or any of my featured titles).

You can follow Anna Banks on Twitter, visit her official website, and learn more about the book from the publisher website.

NYT Bestselling YA author of The Syrena Legacy series: OF POSEIDON (2012) OF TRITON (2013) OF NEPTUNE (2014). Repped by rockstar Lucy Carson of the Friedrich Agency. I live with my husband and daughter in the Florida Panhandle. I have a southern accent compared to New Yorkers, and I enjoy food cooked with real fat. I can't walk in high heels, but I'm very good at holding still in them. If you put chocolate in front of me, you must not have wanted it in the first place.

Have you ever pulled a prank? What is your favourite prank in a movie or book? Let me know in the comments.

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOK

Cover of Joy Preble's Finding Paris (Goodreads)

I love every single thing about this cover. Everything. I need this book in my life as soon as possible. The synopsis sounds amazing, and this cover just cemented my book love.

Cover of Joyride by Anna Banks (Goodreads)

This is such a fun cover. It's sweet and really fits the synopsis of the book. Anything described as Bonnie and Clyde meets Pretty In Pink will immediately pique my interest, so this is another one of those books that I am very excited to get my hands. It sounds like it'll be a fun read, and one that has the potential to be super adorable.

Victoria Schwab's New Series

Let the flailing begin because this series sounds AMAZING! The first book in the series is called Monster, and it's being called (by Victoria) Sin City + Romeo and Juliet + monsters. If that doesn't make you immediately want to read it, check out the amazing synopsis...

Monster tells the story of a teen boy and girl who never should have met, since their fathers are rival leaders of a divided city where violence breeds literal monsters. Conspiracies and betrayals send the teens on the run for their lives, but together, they could become each other's worst nightmare.

Given the fact that Victoria's novels are always amazing, I have REALLY high hopes for this one. I NEED IT.

Cover of Marie Rut The Winner's Crime (Goodreads)

I ADORE these covers. I really do love the second book's cover. The blue colouring of her dress, and the dagger now taking a more prominent spot on the cover. I have been hearing amazing things about the book itself, and I cannot wait to read it.

TV/MOVIE

Gone Girl movie

It's finally here! You can go see Gone Girl at your local cinema now! If you devoured the book I am happy to report that you will love this movie. It's a faithful, incredible adaptation that is filled with amazing performances. Rosamund Pike is stunning as Amy. Ben Affleck was perfectly cast as Nick. The secondary cast was just as delightful, in particular Neil Patrick Harris as Desi Collins. I intend to see it again before it leaves theaters, and urge you to do the same.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week.

BOOK

Joyride by Anna Banks (goodreads)

I came across this recently It's been described as Bonnie and Clyde meets Pretty In Pink. So obviously I need it. I am very excited to read this.

The Queen of the Tearling (goodreads)

I haven't been able to stop thinking about this since I finished reading it. I am dying to discuss it with people, so if you've read it let me know on Twitter or something and we can discuss! I have feelings about The Fetch in particular.

TV/MOVIE

Gotham Teaser Trailer #2

Loving everything I've seen so far from this movie. It might be wishful thinking but that Welcome Home message written across that newspaper screams of The Joker, no? I am very excited to see what they do with the show, but everything seems very promising so far.

OTHER

2015 Most Anticipated Event

I am busy planning my 2015 Most Anticipated Event. I tend to plan things really early, and get things set well in advance. I am in the process of contacting authors and publishers and such. I am really excited to share these titles with you though in Nov and Dec.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Of Triton by Anna Banks

Of Triton by Anna Banks
Release Date – May 28, 2013
Publisher Website -  Raincoast Books/Fiewel and Friends
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages - 256 pages
My Rating- 3/5
**obtained for review from publisher**

**SPOILERS FOR OF POSEIDON** 

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In this sequel to OF POSEIDON, Emma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess, and now struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she’s a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm below. Syrena law states that all Half- Breeds should be put to death.

As if that’s not bad enough, her mother’s reappearance among the Syrena turns the two kingdoms—Poseidon and Triton—against one another. Which leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen’s request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? Or should she risk it all and reveal herself—and her Gift—to save a people she’s never known?

Mermaid stories and I tend to not mix very well. I can't put my finger on what it is, but they normally are a miss with me. I was pleasantly surprised when I read Of Poseidon last year. I was won over by it's charm, humour, and refreshing take on the genre. Of Triton is everything Of Poseidon was, and as a result it's a rather enjoyable read. However, there were a few little things that made this end up just being an okay read for me.

Anna Bank's humour that everyone loved in the first novel is back with a vengeance in the sequel. Funny, and a little sarcastic, it's the type of book that makes you feel good. Toraf especially provides delightful one liners that left me giggling. It's the humour that makes this novel so endearing.

My biggest issue was the pacing. It felt slower, and less urgent than the first. The major plot points were easily dealt with and resolved. The heart of the novel, Emma discovering her mother's deception and the aftermath, didn't pack the emotional punch I was expecting. Her mother sends Emma's life into a tailspin, and I wish they would have delved further into that, especially with the bombshell that is dropped regarding Emma's father. I didn't feel as connected to the characters in this installment and was therefore less invested in it's outcome.

The Syrena politics takes center stage in this novel. Emma's mother reappearing sends them into a frenzy and Emma's existence is just another potential complication. Filled with possible betrayals, and last minute revelations it made for an exciting part of the novel. I just wish the stakes felt a little higher, and the outcome a little less predictable. It was harder to become invested in the journey when you are certain about it's outcome.

Those who found the end to Of Poseidon torturous will be happy to learn that Of Triton has a non cliffhanger ending. It leave enough unanswered to warrant a third installment, but without the heart stopping ending.

A fun mermaid tale that fans of the first one devour and immediately look for more. For myself I found it on par with the first, but with a slower pacing that left me feeling like something was missing. I felt, overall, that the novel could have been a little longer to flesh out the plot points, but was otherwise an enjoyable summer read.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews). 

I won some ARCs by taking part in Epic Reads Tea Time. It was a surprise which ones I was getting and was thrilled to find Taken in there! Can't wait to start reading them.

Taken by Erin Bowman (Goodreads)
Wasteland by Susan Kim and Laurence Klavan (Goodreads)

I also was given access to an eARC of Of Triton. I am very much looking forward to this one!

Of Triton by Anna Banks (Goodreads)

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOKS

Just One Day by Gayle Forman

This book! I had such a deep and personal reaction to this book, and especially the main character. Willem is totally swoon worthy, and EVERYONE will be gushing about this one when it's released. It made the plane ride to Florida so much better!

Cover for Of Beast and Beauty by Stacey Jay

I have always loved the Beauty and the Beast fairytale. This twist on the classic tale sounds amazing, and that cover...well it's simply beautiful. The red and black combination is a favourite of mine. Check out the Goodreads synopsis for more details.

Cover for Of Triton by Anna Banks

Pretty steamy right? I love the underwater kiss, and the little bubbles look like sparkles (or diamonds) floating around them. All around a pretty hot cover. Add it to your Goodreads (beware of spoilers for the first book though!).

TV

Bates Motel trailer



This looks really good. I am loving everything I have seen so far. I am a little apprehensive about the fact that they have moved this into current times though. I thought it was a straight prequel where they showed how Norman became the man we see in Psycho.  However, this still sounds like it'll be fantastic. The acting looks solid, and it seems well cast. I have high hopes for this, and can't wait to watch it in March.

OTHER

Disney World

The trip was fantastic. I can't wait to go again. If you missed my recap and want to see photos, I have a post written up already.

So what are you obsessed with this week?

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks
Release Date – May 22, 2012
Publisher Website –  Feiwel & Friends /Raincoast Books
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages -  324 pages
My Rating- 4/5
**obtained from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Galen, a Syrena prince, searches land for a girl he's heard can communicate with fish. It’s while Emma is on vacation at the beach that she meets Galen. Although their connection is immediate and powerful, Galen's not fully convinced that Emma's the one he's been looking for. That is, until a deadly encounter with a shark proves that Emma and her Gift may be the only thing that can save his kingdom. He needs her help--no matter what the risk.

Mermaid books and I tend to not mix very well. I am not sure what it is, but I think I have a harder time with them as the mythology tends to be something I find unrealistic.  However, Anna Banks has convinced me. I enjoyed the mermaid mythology in Of Poseidon and foud myself really enjoying the novel.

Syrena (mermaids) are divided into two “families” consisting of the Triton tribe and the Poseidon tribe. Each tribe as a special gift, and Poseidon’s is the ability to communicate with fish. Galen is searching for a Syrena who has this gift in order to cease a war and save not only his Kingdom, but all of Syrena.

Galen both bothered me and intrigued me at the same time. I had issues with his treatment of Emma. He does things “for her own good” and to “keep her safe” but they just ended up making me think he was a bit of a jerk. I did like that Emma didn’t really put up with it and challenged him. I didn’t like that he thought her saying NO and telling him not to tell her what to do was “cute” and “adorable”. However, I did like that he was there for Emma and supported her through things.

Emma was a fun character. She has a temper, is quite stubborn, and doesn’t back down. I found her “voice” to be quite amusing. The girl says “OHMYSWEETGOODNESS” which I found highly funny.

What kept me reading was Anna’s writing. It’s highly addictive, and the plot is well developed.  I enjoyed the different perspectives we got by switching the chapters between Galen and Emma’s view point. The switching for first person, to third person was a little jarring at first, but once you are used to it you barely notice. The mermaid mythology was one I very much enjoyed and am anxiously awaiting to learn more about the Poseidon and Triton tribes and the rift that happened to separate them.

There is a shark attack early in the novel that I felt was well done. I could feel the panic, and fear. It was a very intense moment and it was moments like these that made the novel really stand out.

The ending provides a killer cliffhanger that made me want to grab the second book immediately. I guessed part of the twist, but not the full extent of what was going to be revealed. I admire the subtle clues Anna hints at without making anything glaringly obvious. The mythology kept expanding and changing throughout the story. I liked that it unravelled slowly and that we learnt things as Emma did.

While I had some issues with the characters (mainly the guys) the plot, and writing more than made up for any disconnect I felt with them to provide a highly enjoyable mermaid read. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. For those who might be sceptical about mermaid books this is the perfect book to dive in with - romance, action, and mystery are all waiting for you in the deep blue ocean.

In My Mailbox

This is a weekly meme hosted by the awesome Kristi at The Story Siren. It gives us a chance to showcase the books we got during the week.

Starting my IMM with the eGalley copies I got for review this week

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa (goodreads)
Dreamless by Josephine Angelini (goodreads)

Huge thanks to Harlequin Teen, and Harper Collins for the chance to review. I am a huge fan of Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series, so I am so excited to dive into this one. Starcrossed left me wanting more, so I am excited to get to read Dreamless.

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks (goodreads)
Scarlet by A C Gaughen (goodreads)

Of Poseidon was provided for review by Raincoast Books. Huge thanks to them. I obtained Scarlet from my library. I am very excited for both of these I have heard nothing but amazing things about both. Of Poseidon especially.

Happy reading everyone.

Waiting on Wednesday....Of Poseidon

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Emma and her friend Chloe are spending vacation in Florida. When Emma (literally) runs into a hot guy named Galen on the beach, little does she know he’s a prince of the Syrena. Galen and Emma both feel something strange – is it attraction? – and Galen suspects that Emma might well be the girl he’s heard of – a human who can communicate with fish.

What follows is a deadly scene with a shark in which Galen witnesses Emma’s gifts. He must know more about her, and follows her back to New Jersey, and high school, to find out for sure if she’s the key to saving his kingdom. Soon, Emma can’t deny her feelings for him, but can’t explain them, either – and both she and Galen must learn more about where she comes from and what her powers are before they can trust one another and their feelings.

Doesn't that synopsis just make you want to read this RIGHT NOW?! The cover is stunning and it sounds so good. 2012 really is shaping up to be an amazing book year.

Expected release date - May 22, 2012