The Key To Everything by Paula Stokes

The Key To Everything by Paula Stokes
Release Date - January 9, 2018

Publisher Website - self published 
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  328 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

College senior Oakland Fuller has always believed in signs and soulmates, so when both a therapist and a fortuneteller say that her repeated relationship failures are due to unresolved feelings for her high school boyfriend, Seth, Oakland tries desperately to get back in touch with him. Problem: Seth isn’t responding to her online messages.

To rescue Oakland from a pathetic Christmas break of sitting in front of the computer, her best friend Morgan books the two of them on a guided excursion of Thailand. When the girls meet a pair of American soldiers in Bangkok, Oakland takes Morgan’s advice and engages in a little harmless holiday hooking up. Sergeant Tyson Banks is the perfect mix of sexy and fun. Two weeks with him might just turn out to be the best relationship Oakland has ever had.

Until the day she spots someone familiar across a crowded temple complex—it’s Seth! Somehow the boy she’s been trying to reconnect with is in Bangkok too. If that’s not a sign, then what is?

Filed with friendship, romance, and gorgeous faraway settings, The Key to Everything is a book for anyone who's ever dreamed of finding love when (or where) they least expected it.

Contains explicit content. Recommended for ages 16 and up. 

Paula Stokes has more than proven herself capable of writing within various genres so I was intrigued when I heard she'd be writing her first New Adult novel. The Key To Everything ended up being a read that, along with being sexy, ignites your travel lust. It also showcases Paula's versatility as an author along with being a quick, fun read.

The travel parts of the novel are incredibly appealing. They read as more realistic than some of the other novels that have I've read with travel elements in them. The characters have to use frequent travel points, more economic means of travel, and stay in more modest accommodations in order to make their travel plans happen. It made the story feel more relatable, and made the travel seem more accessible than it has in previous novels I've read. There is still that element of wanderlust and wish fulfillment but it is painted in a more accessible way. I wish the culture and history would have been explored more, but it just entices me to do some of my own research on the locations mentioned.

The romance is both a huge part of the character development that Oakland goes through and smoking hot. There is scorching chemistry between the characters that is evident in every interaction they share. Those who read the synopsis may think that there is a bit of a triangle, but it really is not one. At least, not in the way you might think or expect. It's really more about Oakland's character arc and how she grows as a person due to the experiences she is having. The connection between the characters is just a cute bonus that adds to the novels charm.

The friendship in this novel between Oakland and Morgan is just as important as the romance. Morgan and Oakland balance each other and push each other in a lot of ways. Oakland's journey would not have been complete without Morgan. Even when there was friction in the friendship, I always felt like they would be there for each other. It was nice to see this kind of friendship and have it take such a vital role in a New Adult novel.

The real heart of this novel is Oakland's journey. She has to reconcile some things about herself and have some self discovery while on this trip. She becomes so fixated on what she thinks she should want that she ignores what is right in front of her. This fixation makes her act recklessly but I think the fact that she wouldn't make my choices is what I loved most about this novel. They choices she makes on her journey felt right for the character and that, for me, made all the difference.

I hope that this is just the beginning of Paula Stokes writing New Adult novels as I enjoyed this one quite a bit. I highly recommend The Key Of Everything for anyone who wants a New Adult read with a strong character arc. It's a perfect book for those wanting a little New Adult sexiness but still want a great plot that focuses on the characters.

Waiting On Wednesday ... The Key To Everything

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

This week's pick is The Key To Everything by Paula Stokes

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

College senior Oakland Fuller has always believed in signs and soulmates, so when both a therapist and a fortuneteller say that her repeated relationship failures are due to unresolved feelings for her high school boyfriend, Seth, Oakland tries desperately to get back in touch with him. Problem: Seth isn’t responding to her online messages.

To rescue Oakland from a pathetic Christmas break of sitting in front of the computer, her best friend Morgan books the two of them on a guided excursion of Thailand. When the girls meet a pair of American soldiers in Bangkok, Oakland takes Morgan’s advice and engages in a little harmless holiday hooking up. Sergeant Tyson Banks is the perfect mix of sexy and fun. Two weeks with him might just turn out to be the best relationship Oakland has ever had.

Until the day she spots someone familiar across a crowded temple complex—it’s Seth! Somehow the boy she’s been trying to reconnect with is in Bangkok too. If that’s not a sign, then what is?

Filled with friendship, romance, bromance, and gorgeous faraway settings, The Key to Everything is a story for anyone who’s ever dreamed of finding love when (or where) they least expected it.

I have enjoyed quite a few New Adult novels and this one caught my eye for quite a few reasons. I have enjoyed many of Paula Stokes books, and I am so excited to see what she does with the New Adult genre. She will, in my opinion, provide a story that is not just about the sexytimes which I am very much looking forward to.

Not too long to wait for this one as it comes out in November of this year!

Expected release date - November 7, 2017

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

So many exciting things this week! I am so excited about all of these things!

BOOK 

Cover Of The Key To Everything by Paula Stokes (goodreads)

I have been excited about Paula Stokes writing a New Adult novel since she announced that she was working on one. The cover was finally revealed and I think it's kind of perfect.

I like that it is an New Adult novel cover that looks different from a lot of the New Adult covers I have seen. It isn't focused on the sexy aspect of New Adult novels, and that gives me hope for a plot driven story that just happens to include some sexy scenes. I predict this is exactly what Paula will deliver, so it makes me even more excited to get my hands on this.

TV/MOVIE

American Horror Story: Cult Poster #1

Each season of American Horror Story provides creepy, but stunning, poster art. They typically release a few posters (with one piece being the key art for the season). The first one symbolizes the 'hive mind' mentality of cults, and is pretty eye catching at the same time.

It is combing the theme with the clown imagery this season seems to be using. These always make me more excited for the upcoming season and this is no exception.

American Horror Story: Cult Promo #1

After the theme was revealed, they also revealed the first promo/trailer for the season. Again, they typically release a few of these to get people excited. The first one they released was, as expected, pretty unsettling.

It sounds like Evan Peters is doing the voice over, and rumour has it that this season features his biggest role yet in the franchise so I am going to go ahead and guess he's the cult leader. Pretty brilliant if you ask me. I cannot wait to see what else they release to tease this season.

My Friend Dahmer Teaser Trailer 

I have always been fascinated by true crime, and that fascination has been reignited by the amazing My Favorite Murder podcast.

I had heard about this movie when people were gushing about it after an early screening at a recent film festival. Ross Lynch, by all accounts, gives a chills inducing performance in this, and the trailer makes it clear that the buzz was warranted. 

It makes me want to watch this IMMEDIATELY. An official release date has not been revealed, but I am hoping it is soon.

Stranger Things Season 2 Trailer

The most exciting thing to come out of San Diego Comic Con (at least for me). This trailer is EVERYTHING. It has, if possible, made me even more excited for the second season to arrive on Netflix this October. It has certainly made the wait even harder.

The use of the Thriller voice over is perfect, and I have so many questions after seeing this trailer. I am not even going to lie - I've watched it about 20 times since it was released. 

What are you obsessed with this week?

This Is How It Happened by Paula Stokes

This Is How It Happened by Paula Stokes
Release Date - July 11, 2017

Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 384 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Somehow I’ve become a liar. A coward. Here’s how it happened.

When Genevieve Grace wakes up from a coma, she can’t remember the car crash that injured her and killed her boyfriend Dallas, a YouTube star who had just released his first album. Genevieve knows she was there, and that there was another driver, a man named Brad Freeman, who everyone assumes is guilty. But as she slowly pieces together the night of the accident, Genevieve is hit with a sickening sense of dread—that maybe she had something to do with what happened.

As the internet rages against Brad Freeman, condemning him in a brutal trial by social media, Genevieve escapes to her father’s house, where she can hide from reporters and spend the summer volunteering in beautiful Zion National Park. But she quickly realizes that she can’t run away from the accident, or the terrible aftermath of it all.

Incredibly thought-provoking and beautifully told, Paula Stokes’s story will compel readers to examine the consequences of making mistakes in a world where the internet is always watching… and judging.

I wasn't sure what to expect from Paula Stokes' newest novel. All I knew going in was that it looked at internet culture. I didn't expect it to be a book that took a hard look at mistakes, forgiveness, and the nature of judgment and internet culture.

Paula Stokes moves with ease between various genres in her writing. Contemporary is where, I feel, her writing style really shines. She creates characters that are so humanly flawed. The characterization in her novels allows the plot to resonate a little more deeply. You feel it more, because you recognize and relate to the characters the plot is happening to.

The internet is a wonderful tool. It allows us easy access to information. It makes daily tasks, like banking, easier. It both educates and entertains. It also serves to bring the entire world closer together. It allows us to interact with people from all over the world, servicing as a bridge that links us together. The internet, however, also has it's negative sides. Every mistake you make is now there for public viewing. Cell phones are able to catch everything and everything can be shared with ease. People can instantly tweet their opinion with little thought to the person on the other end of the message they are sending. This latter aspect is what This Is How It Happened looks at.

We've all seen people rush to judgement before having all the facts regarding something they read online. Information gets shared without verification, and snap judgments are made and acted on. I, myself, am guilty of this. Paula Stokes shows how, in the aftermath of a rising celebrity being killed in a car crash, things can get out of hand. Nobody knows what or who caused the car to crash, but assumptions are made. Vile messages are sent on the internet and things quickly spiral out of control. It's eerily recognizable because we all know this situation is entirely too plausible. We've seen it happen.

The novel hammers home the point that while that you may not think your one message means anything, it could mean everything. You may not even think the person you're tweeting to will see it, but your message could be one of countless that drown the person in hate. It also shows that a hive mind mentality can take over and those messages and judgments can quickly become a swarm. This part of the novel is so incredibly thought provoking and timely. I thought it was well done, and showed the messily grey area that internet culture exists in.

Part of the novel examines how easy it is to send a hurtful message to someone because of the lack of face to face interaction. There is also an element of how unforgiving people can be of genuine mistakes, even when the person shows remorse. The permanence of internet ensures those mistakes follow you forever, even if you make amends. It makes a case for waiting, and reacting once you know all the facts, because you cannot take things back one they are out there. It is easy to assume, but assumptions can be wrong.

This novel, while providing plenty of discussion material for book clubs, also has some great parent/child bonds at its core. Genevieve's parents are not perfect, but their love for her is never in doubt. The heart of this novel is forgiveness and that theme is woven through all of the story arcs within the novel. I predict people will have strong opinions about the various relationships in this book, but I think that fits with what the message the novel is attempting to convey.

Paula Stokes keeps writing fantastic contemporary reads that should definitely be on your radar. This Is How It Happened is a good choice for teen book clubs, or fans of thought provoking reads. It's a novel that asks us to strive for empathy, and to perhaps think before reacting to something; especially online. 

Waiting On Wednesday ... This Is How It Happened

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 This Is How It Happened by Paula Stokes

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

Somehow I’ve become a liar. A coward. Here’s how it happened. 

When Genevieve Grace wakes up from a coma, she can’t remember the car crash that injured her and killed her boyfriend Dallas, a YouTube star who had just released his first album. Genevieve knows she was there, and that there was another driver, a man named Brad Freeman, who everyone assumes is guilty. But as she slowly pieces together the night of the accident, Genevieve is hit with a sickening sense of dread—that maybe she had something to do with what happened.

As the internet rages against Brad Freeman, condemning him in a brutal trial by social media, Genevieve escapes to her father’s house, where she can hide from reporters and spend the summer volunteering in beautiful Zion National Park. But she quickly realizes that she can’t run away from the accident, or the terrible aftermath of it all.

Incredibly thought-provoking and beautifully told, Paula Stokes’s story will compel readers to examine the consequences of making mistakes in a world where the internet is always watching…and judging.

I am a fan of all of Paula's previous novels and I am pretty much going to read anything she writes next. I am really excited for this one because of the premise and the information she has revealed about how it came about.

If you haven't read anything by Paula before I highly recommend that you do!

Expected release date - July 11, 2017

Girl Against The Universe by Paula Stokes

Girl Against The Universe by Paula Stokes
Release Date - May 17, 2016

Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 382 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received from publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

From the author of The Art of Lainey and Liars, Inc. comes a fresh, contemporary story about one girl’s tragic past and a boy who convinces her that maybe her luck is about to change. Perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen or Jenny Han.

Maguire knows she’s bad luck. No matter how many charms she buys off the internet or good luck rituals she performs each morning, horrible things happen when Maguire is around. Like that time her brother, father, and uncle were all killed in a car crash—and Maguire walked away with barely a scratch. But then on her way out of her therapist’s office, she meets Jordy, an aspiring tennis star, who wants to help Maguire break her unlucky streak. Maguire knows that the best thing she can do for Jordy is to stay away, but staying away may be harder than she thought.

Fate. Destiny. Good luck. Bad luck. Many of us attempt to assign meaning to the events in our lives, particularly the more traumatic events, in order to process them. We often agonize over the seemingly bad events instead of appreciating those happy coincidences when things go our way. Girl Against The Universe is a story of a girl who thinks she's cursed with bad luck, but it's also a story of a girl finding her way back to herself after a tragedy and the path she takes to get there.

Maguire thinks she is cursed. She thinks those around her are potential collateral damage of the bad luck that seems to follow her. She's built up walls, and hidden herself away, to create a sort of shield between her and the world. She's crafted coping mechanisms that allow her to function, but don't allow her to fully live life. There is something so endearing about Maguire that she immediately lights up the page. She has a big heart, and a tenacity that surprised me. Her voice is one of the strongest elements of the story, and Paula has crafted her with skill and care. She takes the time to make sure the reader knows who Maguire is, and why she is making the choices she makes. It's easy to see things from her perspective because she's written so well. She reads as a younger teen, even younger than her years, which felt in line with her character. She's sheltered herself away and hasn't had a lot of the experiences her peers have and that was captured subtly through her voice.

With her voice in mind, this is the perfect bridge novel for those readers venturing from middle grade to young adult. It is humorous and light but also manages to tackle some pretty deep topics. It explores mental illness in a very authentic, approachable way but above all else in a way that is hopeful. This, combined with the fact that Maguire's voice feels authentically teen, makes it a book tailor made to appeal to a wide range of ages. It's a book that leaves you smiling, even as it opens the door for meaningful conversation about mental illness and therapy.

Hope is the heartbeat of this story. There is so much hope in Maguire and her story. This novel is a light to those who may be suffering like Maguire is. It tells them that with therapy and support they can make improvements to their life. The biggest message is that there is no easy fix. Sometimes it's 3 steps forward and four steps back but that doesn't mean you've failed. It stresses the need to bask in the little victories because those are what will add up to the big ones in the end. There is a very real, and well researched, tone to the therapy Maguire is receiving and her journey also feels honest and true. I loved that it's shown that Maguire cannot, and should not, do it on her own. It's when she allows herself to be vulnerable with other people, and accepts their support that she makes the greatest strides. It shows how vital and necessary it is to be there for loved ones who need it.

The romance is perfectly sweet with a wonderfully written love interest in Jordy. I appreciated that Jordy had his own plot outside of the romance and that each of them were struggling with their own issues. This is a relationship that highlights respect, support, patience and understanding as staples to any healthy relationship. Jordy and Maguire only work because they are good for each other and that comes from a place of respect. It's a refreshing change of pace from the abusive bad boy love interest that is becoming all too common in young adult novels.

Girl Against The Universe is, perhaps, Paula Stokes' best book to date. Filled with humour, heart, and well crafted characters, it's a read that has a little something for everyone. If you're a fan of contemporary young adult novels this is one not to be missed.

Girl Against The Universe BOOK BLAST + GIVEAWAY!

I am very excited to share details about a new book from an author whose work I really enjoy. Paula Stokes' newest sounds like a fantastic contemporary read that should be on your radar for this summer! 

Paula has shared some details about Girl Against The Universe below and I am fairly certain you'll be running to add it to your TBR pile when you are done (just don't forget to enter the giveaway before you do)

Paula: Girl Against the Universe will release on May 16, 2016. I am so excited to share this book with the world, and particularly with people who are struggling with PTSD, survivor’s guilt, anxiety, shyness, or people who just feel like the odds are stacked against them. Maguire’s story is full of struggles and triumphs, new friends and family bonds. Even if your life is totally peachy at the moment, there’s a good chance you’ll find Girl Against the Universe funny and inspiring. I hope you give it a try.

Here’s what some amazing authors had to say about the book:

“Filled with equal amounts of empathy, humor, and heart, Girl Against the Universe is an empowering story about finding the courage to piece your life back together, even when it feels irreparably broken.”

                        --Tamara Ireland Stone, NYT bestselling author of Every Last Word

“I loved this sweet, slow-burn romance. Sports fiction at its best!”

                        --Miranda Kenneally, bestselling author of Catching Jordan

“Romantic, honest, and deep, Girl Against the Universe is one of those books where I couldn’t believe that the characters were only a figment of the author’s imagination—they simply jumped off the pages with their beautiful flaws and hard-earned wisdom.”

                        --Sarvenaz Tash, author of The Geek’s Guide to Unrequited Love

"Absolute perfection. Completely magical. Girl Against the Universe is a poignant, beautiful story."  -- Ann Aguirre, NYT bestselling author of The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things

Here’s the official flap copy for the book:

Maguire is bad luck.

No matter how many charms she buys off the internet or good luck rituals she performs each morning, horrible things happen when Maguire is around. Like that time the rollercoaster jumped off its tracks. Or the time the house next door caught on fire. Or that time her brother, father, and uncle were all killed in a car crash—and Maguire walked away with barely a scratch.

It’s safest for Maguire to hide out in her room, where she can cause less damage and avoid meeting new people who she could hurt. But then she meets Jordy, an aspiring tennis star. Jordy is confident, talented, and lucky, and he’s convinced he can help Maguire break her unlucky streak. Maguire knows that the best thing she can do for Jordy is to stay away. But it turns out staying away is harder than she thought.

Just for fun, here’s my idea of the book in a single word:

And the book in a single GIF:

And even the book in a single song:

Want more info? Click here to read the first three chapters of Girl Against the Universe.

And what would a book blast be without a GIVEAWAY? Check out the Rafflecopter for how you can win a finished copy of the book—INT. US winner will received signed book. INT winner will receive order from The Book Depository + signed bookplate. If you live in a non-TDB country, you can win an e-copy of the book. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here’s even more good news: Score an e-book of The Art of Lainey for just $1.99 all week!

Liars, Inc by Paula Stokes

Liars, Inc by Paula Stokes
Release Date - March 24, 2015
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 368 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

For fans of Gone Girl, I Hunt Killers, and TV's How to Get Away with Murder.

Max Cantrell has never been a big fan of the truth, so when the opportunity arises to sell forged permission slips and cover stories to his classmates, it sounds like a good way to make a little money and liven up a boring senior year. With the help of his friends Preston and Parvati, Max starts Liars, Inc. Suddenly everybody needs something and the cash starts pouring in. Who knew lying could be so lucrative?

When Preston wants his own cover story to go visit a girl he met online, Max doesn’t think twice about hooking him up. Until Preston never comes home. Then the evidence starts to pile up—terrifying clues that lead the cops to Preston’s body. Terrifying clues that point to Max as the murderer.

Can Max find the real killer before he goes to prison for a crime he didn’t commit? In a story that Kirkus Reviews called "Captivating to the very end," Paula Stokes starts with one single white lie and weaves a twisted tale that will have readers guessing until the explosive final chapters.

Who killed Preston DeWitt? That is the question that starts off one killer mystery in Liars, Inc. Paula Stokes masterfully weaves a tale of murder, lies, revenge and romance to create an immensely enjoyable read.

Lies are the foundation, building blocks, and decoration of this novel. It makes you question the lies you tell, the ones you might be told, and the ones we tell ourselves. Trust and where it is placed is something that you'll leave this novel pondering. It is rather thought provoking and will leave you questioning connections and how well we know those around us, even those we might be close to.

With Liars, Inc Paula Stokes shows that she can move easily from one genre to another. While mystery appears to be her calling, it seems that she is comfortable in any of them. Her versatile writing manages to retain the tone and feel that are her trademark while embracing the particular genre that she is writing at the same time. The banter of The Art Of Lainey is found within these pages. The attention to detail from Venom is there as well. The meticulous plotting of the Venom series serves her well in relation to the mystery elements. She grows with each novel and only gets better. This adaptability, along with her talent, means that fans can eagerly anticipate a wide variety of books to come from this impressive talent.

The voice in this novel, that of main character Max, is one of the stand out elements. Max as a character comes to life. He was easy to picture, and Paula captured his voice perfectly. It, to me, came across as the way real teenage boys would talk and think. Characters are one of the strongest aspects of Paula's novels, and Max was no exception.

The character that will win your heart, however, is Parvati. She is intelligent, a total liar, and an incredible bad ass. I loved her, and how she was written. She felt like a character in her own right and not just there as an extension of the plot, or a character created only to further Max's story. A story from her point of view would be most welcome as I feel this novel only scratched the surface of the depth of her character and her complexities.

A mystery novel is only as good as it's core mystery and Liars, Inc delivers in more ways than one. I expect that more than a few harden mystery lovers will be pleasantly surprised by the who, why and how of this nuanced plot. It blind sided me, and yet made complete sense within the story. There are subtle clues if you know where to look for them, but the framework of the story allowed for a pretty impressive final act. One that is not only smartly planned out but felt logical and plausible.

A gripping mystery, a believeable voice, and surprising romance all make Liars, Inc a must read. It's one that mystery fans will not want to miss with it's sharp, and smart unraveling and outcome. Paula adeptly showcases that she's one to watch in this genre and I cannot wait to see what she releases next.

#LoyalLiars - Liars Inc Pre-Order Campaign and More

It's no secret that I love Paula Stokes books (and Paula herself) and with the release of her newest book, Liars Inc, just around the corner I wanted to make sure you knew about a few VERY exciting things happening in the Liars world.

First up - If you pre-order the book this week (I believe the cut off date is the 20th) and are one of the first 50 people to do so, be sure to send proof of purchase to Paula as she will gift you with this...

Photo from Paula's website

Yup. It's an awesome swag pack with amazing book marks, a signed book plate, and magnet. Full details are available on Paula's blog (including where to send proof of purchase and more). If you've pre-ordered already take advantage of this. If not, and you're going to pick up a copy, DO IT NOW!

Next is up a fun game Paula will be hosting via Twitter. It's a murder mystery involving some bloggers and will be sure to include some great prizes and a lot of fun! If you fancy yourself a wannabe detective be sure to take part as you just might win an awesome prize.

Lastly, Paula wanted to share her release day fun with the most people so she's hosting an online release party on Twitter! On the 24th of March join in the fun using the hashtag #LiarsIncBook. She'll be giving away more prizes, and most likely answering questions.

Be sure to check out one, or all, of these amazing events and help Paula celebrate the release of Liars, Inc!

Who is your favourite detective? Let me know in the comments!

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 few books made their way into my mailbox this week. Both are books that I was highly anticipating and am beyond grateful I get to read them early.

 

Atlantia by Ally Condie (goodreads)
Liars, Inc by Paula Stokes (goodreads)

A huge thank you to Penguin Canada for the copy of Atlantia. I LOVE the cover so much. It's striking. Another thank you to Paula Stokes for the contest that won me this copy of Liars, Inc. I can't wait to dive into this mystery.

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy weekend, and happy reading!

Cover Reveal for Liars, Inc by Paula Stokes

Paula Stokes asked me to help reveal the cover for her February 2015 release, LIARS, INC. Here’s more info about the book from Goodreads:

It all starts with one little lie.... 

Max Cantrell has never been a big fan of the truth, so when the opportunity arises to sell lies to his classmates, it sounds like a good way to make a little money and liven up a boring senior year. With the help of his friends Preston and Parvati, Max starts a business providing forged permission slips and cover stories for the students of Vista Palisades High. Liars, Inc. they call it. Suddenly everybody needs something and the cash starts pouring in. Who knew lying could be so lucrative.

When Preston wants his own cover story to go visit a girl he met online, Max doesn’t think twice about hooking him up. Until Preston never comes home. Then the evidence starts to pile up—terrifying clues that lead the cops to Preston’s body. Terrifying clues that point to Max as the murderer.

Can Max find the real killer before he goes to prison for a crime he didn’t commit? Paula Stokes starts with one single white lie and weaves a twisted tale that will have readers guessing until the explosive final chapters.

And now the moment you’ve been waiting for—THE COVER!

Here’s a little more info from Paula:

OMG, I’ve been flailing about the awesomeness of this cover since April. I saw it and was basically like HOLY COVER LOTTERY!! :D 

I’ve talked about how LIARS, INC. is very different from THE ART OF LAINEY, and this cover really highlights that. LIARS has first-person narration, a bit of romance, and similar fast-paced dialogue to LAINEY, but that’s where the major similarities end. This book is a dark mystery for fans of I HUNT KILLERS, PRETTY LITTLE LIARS (the TV show, because I’ve never read the books), or old-school Christopher Pike novels. I hope you love it, because if it does well I might get to write a companion novel, and I’m seriously not ready to let go of these characters. Max is a little aloof and slackerish so it might take you time to warm up to him, but his girlfriend Parvati is totally badass and fun, and both of them really grow and change over the course of the novel. (You know how I love me some character development!) And no worries, this is a total standalone book, plotted and written as a solo novel.

What do you think? Do you like this cover? Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a signed, personalized ARC of LIARS, INC.

The contest is open internationally! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Art Of Making A Book Boyfriend - Blog Tour Post

Today, Paula tells us all about crafting that perfect book boyfriend. Micah totally deserves to be on some end of the year swoon worthy book boys lists, and here is how Paula created him!

Deconstructing Micah

Kathy asked me to talk a little bit about how I crafted the my perfectly delicious book boyfriend, and of course I never miss an opportunity to blather on about Micah. He is so awesome he has his own book boyfriend post over at Reading Lark! Here are a few reasons I think he works so well as the swoony guy in THE ART OF LAINEY.

1. He’s awesome. Micah possesses the four most important traits a guy can have— kindness, honesty, a sense of humor, and a mohawk. Okay, maybe the mohawk is optional. Maybe. Bonus factor: he can bake.

2. He’s not too awesome. I love a guy with magical powers who speaks six languages and owns a mansion as much as the next girl, I’ve just never met one. I worked hard to make Micah feel like a real teen boy, with real teen boy habits and flaws. He tapes sheets over his windows, skips the occasional shower, and says inappropriate things without thinking. He snaps at his mom, acts out when he’s upset, he even smokes! (He’s totally trying to quit, though.) And like most guys, he’s not good at expressing his feelings. It’s easier for him to give Lainey a cookie at work or pretend a kiss is part of a game than it is to just tell her that he likes her. Basically, I wanted Micah to be an awesome guy, but still feel attainable. You, reader-person. You can absolutely have your own Micah. You deserve your own Micah. 

3. He’s a little bit real. So yeah, unfortunately Micah doesn’t exist. Most of him is completely made up, but tiny parts of him were inspired by four different guys I dated or used to know. A coffee shop barista shared the story behind his Roky Erickson pyramid tattoo with me. The mohawk was (is? I hope is, but I can’t say for sure) sported by one of the funniest guys I ever knew. Micah’s sweet side comes partially from the Perfect Ex-Boyfriend who shall remain nameless. And then there’s the Musical Genius, who taught me so much about music. It can be scary to use real-life people as inspirations, but I also think it can add a layer of authenticity. Fun fact: When Lainey’s mom talks about seeing a guy in a movie cutting up six-pack rings to save baby animals? Yeah, I saw the barista doing that one day and was instantly charmed.

4. He grows. A lot of readers have come down hard on Lainey for being judgmental in the beginning of the story, and I understand why. But Micah is just as judgmental (as you’ll see in the novella INFINITE REPEAT if you didn’t see it in Lainey) when it comes to Lainey and her “popular friends.” She thinks he’s weird. He thinks she’s made of plastic. I’ve actually experienced the whole book from Micah’s POV, too, and he’s just as freaked out by the idea of dating someone so radically different as she is. He goes through really similar questions—Is it just a physical attraction thing? Would we get along if we dated for real? Am I just rushing into something new?—and comes to the same conclusion as Lainey does: he no longer wants what makes sense for him, what he’s sure he can make work. He wants what he wants, even if it feels a little crazy to him.I’ve seen a lot of readers use the L-word to describe these two, and that makes me kind of happy because Micah and Lainey do not say “I love you,” and will not, for several months. They’re just more guarded than that. Yet when I finished the book, it felt like the beginning of love to me. Seeing so many people agree makes me feel like I did a good job showing instead of telling.

If you’re interested in getting to know Micah even better, definitely check out his e-novella, INFINITE REPEAT. It features Micah, Amber, and Trinity most prominently, with just a few dashes of Lainey for comedic relief.

Paula Stokes is half writer, half RN, and totally thrilled to be part of the world of YA literature. She grew up in St. Louis, Missouri where she graduated from Washington University and the Goldfarb School of Nursing. When she's not writing, she's kayaking, hiking, reading, or seeking out new adventures in faraway lands. Paula loves interacting with readers! Find her online at www.authorpaulastokes.com or on twitter as @pstokesbooks.

Here are a few places to purchase The Art of Lainey

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Lainey-Paula-Stokes/dp/0062238426/
Amazon Canada: http://www.amazon.ca/Art-Lainey-Paula-Stokes/dp/0062238426/
B and N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-art-of-lainey-paula-stokes/1117005011
Chapters Indigo: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/the-art-of-lainey/9780062238429-item.html
The Book Depository: http://www.bookdepository.com/Art-Lainey-Paula-Stokes/9780062238429
Or order a signed copy from Paula's favourite indie, Left Bank Books. More info here: 
http://www.authorpaulastokes.com/2014/04/win-win-win-get-signed-books-and-help.html

Here is a rafflecopter for you to win a copy of The Art of Lainey! It's open internationally as well. Other giveaways are included with other posts on the blog tour!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes

The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes

Release Date - May 20, 2014
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 384 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received in exchange for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Soccer star Lainey Mitchell is gearing up to spend an epic summer with her amazing boyfriend, Jason, when he suddenly breaks up with her—no reasons, no warning, and in public no less! Lainey is more than crushed, but with help from her friend Bianca, she resolves to do whatever it takes to get Jason back.

And that’s when the girls stumble across a copy of The Art of War. With just one glance, they're sure they can use the book to lure Jason back into Lainey’s arms. So Lainey channels her inner warlord, recruiting spies to gather intel and persuading her coworker Micah to pose as her new boyfriend to make Jason jealous. After a few "dates", it looks like her plan is going to work! But now her relationship with Micah is starting to feel like more than just a game.

What's a girl to do when what she wants is totally different from what she needs? How do you figure out the person you're meant to be with if you're still figuring out the person you're meant to be?

Authors who have the ability to write in multiple genres always impress me. Paula Stokes proves that she can move easily from historical mystery to contemporary with the delightful The Art of Lainey. It's a novel that is fun, humourous, and filled with heart.

Lainey is a complex character. She's not someone I would be friends with when we first meet her. She's judgmental, and a little selfish. I, sadly, predict many will find her 'unlikeable'. Lainey, for all her faults, is something more than that though. She's a character that you understand. Her motivations, her intentions, and even WHO she is (even at the beginning) are not only recognizable, but all too real. We know people like Lainey. Perhaps have even been friends with people like Lainey. Paula Stokes uses her flaws to allow for a stunning transformation that happens slowly, and realistically.

Plenty of gushing will be had of the romance, and more specifically Micah. All of it totally deserved but, in my opinion, the bright spot of the novel is Lainey herself. Her character growth and transformation is the heart of the story. It's what makes you want the romance. It is what makes you want to keep reading. She changes, and it's a joy to read. Her progression and eventual self awareness are what, in my opinion, make this story.

The secondary characters provide the necessary plot progression but there is one worth noting. Bianca, Lainey's best friend. This friendship is one of the best I've come across in a really long time. Bianca's unwavering support, and gentle nature contrast with Lainey. Through Bianca we get to see Lainey's growth all the more clearly. The ups and downs of the friendship only serve to strengthen the bond that these two young women have. I wish more novels would showcase friendships like this. Ones free of the typical cliche ridden drama so often found plaguing them. While they do sometimes hurt each other, there is no willful maliciousness. The message of finding who is truly important, and not taking them for granted is speckled throughout the novel, and it's even woven into this friendship. With all that said, Bianca is basically one of the best 'side kick best friends' I've had the pleasure to read about.

Micah, and the romance itself, are both very adorable and swoon worthy (as previously mentioned). Love should let you grow, and introduce you to new things. It shouldn't define you, but rather help you see new things about yourself that you never knew were there. Micah and Lainey both challenge each other to go outside their comfort zone. They broaden each other's experiences, and help them find out who they truly are. Lainey's someone that has always defined herself through her friendships and relationships. Micah helps her see that there is someone she'd been ignoring along the way - herself.

The Art of Lainey won me over with it's charm, heart, and it's sweet, almost John Hughes like nostalgia. It's a read that left me smiling and giddy. It's a perfect read when you need cheering up, and I recommend it for anyone who loves cute contemporaries with a little more character development.

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).

Another awesome mailbox this week. Pretty much feeling like one of the luckiest book nerds ever!

The Lemon Grove by Helen Walsh (goodreads) **Adult Novel**
The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes (goodreads)

A huge thank you to Random House Canada for The Lemon Grove. I was visiting my favourite gossip website Lainey Gossip and saw a mention of it, and knew I had to read it immediately.

A huge thank you Harper Collins Canada for a copy of The Art of Lainey. Jess from Read my Breath Away and I are hosting the Canadian Blog tour for this title, and if you're a Canadian blogger you should SIGN UP!

I also have some incredible e-books for review from Harper Collins as well.

The Murder Complex by Lindsay Cummings (goodreads)
After The End by Amy Plum (goodreads)
Wicked Games by Sean Olin (goodreads)

Hope you had a fantastic book haul this week too!

Happy Reading, and Happy Weekend!

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

Cover of The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes

Cute right? Totally cute. Mix this cover with a fun synopsis and you have the makings of a perfect summer beach read. I hope it's as adorable as I think it's going to be!

Cover of Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman

Read the synopsis...I'll give you a second. HITLER IS HER UNCLE! I am sold. Sign me up. May I have this book now please?! Yup, it's going to be an intense historical. Super excited.

OTHER

Ontario Blogger Meet Up

Less than a month until the Ottawa blogettes all travel to Toronto for an amazing weekend of bookish fun with the other Ontario bloggers. Super excited to see so many of the Toronto bloggers again!

So what are you obsessed with this week?