Sunday, September 18, 2016

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)

No new books this week, but some movies did make their way into my house!


Kelly, Christy and I have started a monthly thing where we'll watch a movie and tweet at the same time. We have chosen The Breakfast Club for September and I didn't have a copy yet. I was also shocked to discover I did not own Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory so I had to grab that at the same time.

What bookish items made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Saturday, September 17, 2016

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 for The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich (goodreads)

This cover for this amazing sounding novel was released just the other day. and it is amazing.


If the cover doesn't make you want to immediately pick this one up, the Goodreads synopsis will. It twists the usual love triangle premise and adds spies, secrets and danger. I am pretty much dying to get my hands on this one.

TV/MOVIE

Fifty Shades Darker Trailer

Not even going to lie, I am excited to see this because of Jamie Dornan. I was one of the minority who actually didn't hate the first movie. I am not a fan of the books (mainly due to the writing) but was curious enough to go see the first movie.

The trailer for the sequel hints as some danger, has a really hot looking shower scene, and lots of grey clothing. I get not everyone is going to be excited about this, but I am not apologizing for my guilty pleasures, either.


I hope that Dakota Johnson is just as charming as she was in the first one. She really was the reason that the first movie be anywhere near enjoyable.

I also happen to love the movie poster as well.


I need to know what lipstick shade Dakota is wearing in this poster. It's fantastic.

American Horror Story Theme Revealed

After much speculation the theme for season 6 of American Horror Story was finally revealed.


If you are unfamiliar with Roanoke, just google it (or the phrase The Lost Colony) for a crash history course. It's basically a settlement that disappeared with nobody really knowing what happened. There are urban legends, and plenty of logical explanations as well, but I am excited to see American Horror Story's take on it. The first episode was unsettling and I predict this will have more of a season one vibe and tone to it. It felt like this season has the potential to be terrifying. My recap of episode one will go up Monday. I am hoping to have most of them up on Friday's but if I am already scheduled for something the date may move a bit.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Friday, September 16, 2016

Overdrive Week - Review and Giveaway



Overdrive by Dawn Ius
Release Date - September 13, 2016
Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 352 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received from publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis
Jules Parish has screwed up.

After three years of boosting cars, she got caught. She's too good to get caught, but she let her (ex)-boyfriend talk her into a questionable job. And now, she and her little sister, Emma, will be kicked out of their foster home, left to survive on the unforgiving streets of Las Vegas alone.

Unless.

Eccentric, wealthy Roger Montgomery wants to open up his mansion to Jules and Emma. The only catch? Jules must steal seven of the rarest, most valuable muscle cars in the world—in seven weeks. Even worse, she’s forced to put her trust in three complete strangers to help her do it.

First there’s Chelsea, the gorgeous redhead with a sharp tongue and love for picking locks. Then there’s Mat, who hasn’t met a system he couldn’t hack. And finally there’s the impossibly sexy car thief Nick, whose bad attitude and mysterious past drive Jules crazy.

With nothing in common and everything to lose, can Jules and her amateur crew pull off what could be the biggest car heist in history? Or will things spin out of control faster than a Nevada dust devil?
Fun books are often underappreciated. We all marvel at books that make us cry. We rarely, at least for me, consider what goes into the opposite. Those books that fill us with giddy adrenaline, and a smile on our face. There is a talent in creating what is the equivalent of a summer blockbuster movie in book format, and this is case with Overdrive. It's the type of book you can easily picture on the big screen because it reads like a movie.

Car heists back dropped against the Last Vegas strip. There is something sleek and sexy about the cars, the adrenaline, and the risks. Combine this with some serious sexual tension, a few make out scenes, and you get a book that has plenty of appeal. Add to it a cast of characters that are endearing and you have a highly readable, enjoyable thrill ride.

Jules is the character we get to know the most, as she is our narrator and we see this world through her eyes. She's fiercely protective of those she loves, doing bad things for what she deems a good reason, and more complex than she appears. This is true of all the characters in this novel. The characters are the heart of this novel. They are crafted with care, and infused with personalities that shine though. They are given time to breathe and are written in a way that ensures you feel attached to them. You end up caring about them and that creates higher stakes for the heists and the precarious positions they find themselves in. It also ensures you'll be demanding a sequel. Each of these characters has a story to tell, and I hope I get to read them.

The thing that is important in heist novels is the reasoning for those involved. We have to understand why these characters would attempt to pull off the heist and what they stand to lose and gain by doing it. That is what creates the tension, and what compels us to become invested. Dawn Ius ensures that we not only understand each of the characters reasons for agreeing to pull off the heist, but also makes them sympathetic at the same time. Each of them has their own reason for agreeing, and each of these reasons highlights the characters and their progression throughout the novel.

There is a mystery that thrums throughout the novel. Why these particular cars, and why the tight time frame, but this takes a back seat to the heists themselves. Taunt tension jolts through each heist with the risks only increasing as they closer to their goal. You're constantly aware of the danger of being caught, and what that would mean for the characters. Many of these scenes left my heart racing, and desperate to see how they would pull off the next one. The fact that these are teenagers is never far from your mind. There is a vulnerability that comes through even in the most daring moments. It's a terrific balance that adds some contrast to the bravado.

Dawn Ius masterfully drives the story to it's natural conclusion, but ensures that there are plenty of detours along the way. The story has a few unexpected surprises that left me pleasantly surprised. The conclusion also leaves more than enough room for a continuation while still feeling complete story all on its own.

A book that grips you from it's pitch perfect opening chapter, until its final pages. It offers a fast paced, tension filled thrill ride that has a lot of heart at it's center. It's a book that leaves you begging for a companion or sequel just so you can return to this world and these characters. If you're look for a read that's a little unique, or one that offers a little pick me up after a more intense read, I highly recommend this one.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Overdrive Week - Meet Chelsea and Matias


Today I finish introducing you to the group of teens who must steal seven cars in seven weeks. Friday will be my review and a fun giveaway so be sure to stop by for that.

If you missed meeting Jules, do stop by Tuesday's post to meet her, and if you missed meeting Nick, be sure to drop by yesterday's post to meet him.

Just in case anyone missed it,  here is the Goodreads synopsis for the book

Jules Parish has screwed up.

After three years of boosting cars, she got caught. She's too good to get caught, but she let her (ex)-boyfriend talk her into a questionable job. And now, she and her little sister, Emma, will be kicked out of their foster home, left to survive on the unforgiving streets of Las Vegas alone.

Unless.

Eccentric, wealthy Roger Montgomery wants to open up his mansion to Jules and Emma. The only catch? Jules must steal seven of the rarest, most valuable muscle cars in the world—in seven weeks. Even worse, she’s forced to put her trust in three complete strangers to help her do it.

First there’s Chelsea, the gorgeous redhead with a sharp tongue and love for picking locks. Then there’s Mat, who hasn’t met a system he couldn’t hack. And finally there’s the impossibly sexy car thief Nick, whose bad attitude and mysterious past drive Jules crazy.

With nothing in common and everything to lose, can Jules and her amateur crew pull off what could be the biggest car heist in history? Or will things spin out of control faster than a Nevada dust devil? 
Meet Chelsea, a girl who I could totally be friends with. We'd have epic Taylor Swift dance parties and swear up a storm.

Name: Chelsea Lynch
Age: 17
Favourite Movie: Pretty Woman
Favourite Car: Lamborghini Veneno 
Top 3 Favourite Songs: Royals by Lorde, ANYTHING by Taylor Swift, One More Night by Maroon 5
Favourite Quote: “Get in loser. We’re going shopping.” (from Mean Girls)

I pretty much want to watch Pretty Woman now.

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Here are Chelsea's favourite songs via Spotify. I've basically been blasting Royals since I got these interview questions back.


Now, you may be thinking... I thought she liked Taylor Swift. She does! I couldn't find Taylor on Spotify so here is a video where I hear Taylor bares a resemblance to Chelsea (the red hair) and because I ALSO LOVE TAYLOR, I am including Blank Space. 




Blank Space is my favourite Taylor Swift video (and I love this song so much). I am pretty sure Chelsea would love both of these videos as well.

Next, meet  Matias, a guy who will win the hearts of the people not already in love with Nick. He's a sweetheart, and also happens to be a talented hacker.

Name: Matias “Mat” Rojas
Age: 16
Favourite Movie: The Godfather 
Favourite Car: James Bond’s Aston Martin—for all the gadgets. (Mat isn’t much into actual cars…his fascination is more with their toys.) 
Top 3 Favourite Songs: Take Me To Church by Hozier, Until We Go Down by Ruelle, Pistols at Dawn by Senabo Sey 
Favourite Quote: “Do, or do not. There is no try.” ~ Yoda 

Here is where I admit I have never seen the Godfather, or a James Bond movie.

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Here are Matias' favourite songs via Spotify. This is all new to me music so if nothing else this feature has broadened my music exposure.



Hopefully this tease has made you excited to meet Chelsea and Matias! You can do so by picking Overdrive up from your local bookstore or any of the following retailers


Tomorrow, you'll get to read my review, and I'll be giving away a copy of Overdrive, plus a copy of Dawn's first book, along with some swag! 

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Overdrive Week - Meet Nick


Continuing my Overdrive week, I have a new character for you to 'meet'. The tattooed, broody guy who gets under Jules skin and revs up her engine (so to speak). He makes quite the splashy entrance and I predict much swooning happening over him.

If you missed meeting Jules, do stop by yesterday's post to meet her!

Just in case anyone missed it,  here is the Goodreads synopsis for the book

Jules Parish has screwed up.

After three years of boosting cars, she got caught. She's too good to get caught, but she let her (ex)-boyfriend talk her into a questionable job. And now, she and her little sister, Emma, will be kicked out of their foster home, left to survive on the unforgiving streets of Las Vegas alone.

Unless.

Eccentric, wealthy Roger Montgomery wants to open up his mansion to Jules and Emma. The only catch? Jules must steal seven of the rarest, most valuable muscle cars in the world—in seven weeks. Even worse, she’s forced to put her trust in three complete strangers to help her do it.

First there’s Chelsea, the gorgeous redhead with a sharp tongue and love for picking locks. Then there’s Mat, who hasn’t met a system he couldn’t hack. And finally there’s the impossibly sexy car thief Nick, whose bad attitude and mysterious past drive Jules crazy.

With nothing in common and everything to lose, can Jules and her amateur crew pull off what could be the biggest car heist in history? Or will things spin out of control faster than a Nevada dust devil? 
Meet Nick, a guy I predict many of you will want to see more of......

Name: Nick Barker
Age: 17
Favourite Movie: Lost Boys (but Breakfast Club is a close second…)
Favourite Car: 1969 Mustang Boss (but pretty much any Mustang will fire him up)
Top 3 Favourite Songs: Light My Fire by The Doors, Anarchy in the UK by The Sex Pistols, Hurts So Good by John Cougar Mellancamp 
Favourite Quote: “Drive fast on empty streets with nothing in mind except falling in love and not getting arrested.” ~ Hunter S Thompson 

Nick's taste in movies is pretty much my taste in movies so he gets extra points for that.

I mean, The Lost Boys is perfect 80's vampire camp! I love it so much.

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Who didn't love The Breakfast Club?! *immediately starts singing Don't You Forget About Me*

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They both fit Nick pretty well actually and also happen to be really great movies.

Here are Nick's favourite songs via Spotify. Hurts So Good is a song you HAVE to sing along to as loud as you can. It basically demands it.



Light My Fire is also one of my favourite songs from The Doors so I was happy to see it on this playlist. I think it gives you an accurate picture of the sort of guy Nick is. I am very excited for you all to meet him.

Hopefully this tease has made you excited to meet Nick! You can do so by picking Overdrive up from your local bookstore or any of the following retailers


Tomorrow, you'll get to meet the last two members of this heist team. A girl who loves Taylor Swift as much as I do, and a computer hacker who could give Elliott Alderson a run for his money (yes, that is a Mr Robot reference).

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Overdrive Week - Meet Jules


Today offers a new thing I am trying out on the blog. I am having a sort of impromptu Overdrive week and figured this would be a great way to debut a possible new feature. Each day from now until Friday I'll be introducing you to some of the characters you'll meet in Overdrive by sharing little bios about each of them. I'll all lead up to my review on Friday and a fun giveaway.

First up, here is the Goodreads synopsis for the book (in case you haven't heard about it yet)

Jules Parish has screwed up.

After three years of boosting cars, she got caught. She's too good to get caught, but she let her (ex)-boyfriend talk her into a questionable job. And now, she and her little sister, Emma, will be kicked out of their foster home, left to survive on the unforgiving streets of Las Vegas alone.

Unless.

Eccentric, wealthy Roger Montgomery wants to open up his mansion to Jules and Emma. The only catch? Jules must steal seven of the rarest, most valuable muscle cars in the world—in seven weeks. Even worse, she’s forced to put her trust in three complete strangers to help her do it.

First there’s Chelsea, the gorgeous redhead with a sharp tongue and love for picking locks. Then there’s Mat, who hasn’t met a system he couldn’t hack. And finally there’s the impossibly sexy car thief Nick, whose bad attitude and mysterious past drive Jules crazy.

With nothing in common and everything to lose, can Jules and her amateur crew pull off what could be the biggest car heist in history? Or will things spin out of control faster than a Nevada dust devil? 
Seeing as how today is release day for Overdive, I figured we'd start with the main character of the story. She's complex, loyal, makes mistakes, and happens to be really good at hot-wiring cars.

Meet Jules ......

Name:  Julia “Jules” Parish (aka: Ghost)
Age: 17
Favourite Movie: Drive (Um, Ryan Gosling!)
Favourite Car: 1967 Shelby GT 500 (aka: Eleanor)
Top 3 Favourite Songs: Nightcall by Kavinsky, Alive by SIA, Painted on my Heart by The Cult
Favourite Quote: “Forget what hurt you, but never forget what it taught you.” ~ Anon

Pretty sure that most of us can agree that Jules choice in movies is, obviously, A+ (because Ryan Gosling).

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Here are Julia's favourite songs via Spotify. It'll totally put you in the mood for fast car chases.


I am including this video for her third favourite song as I couldn't find the song on Spotify and it has the added bonus of featuring scenes from a move that heavily influenced Overdrive.


Hopefully this tease has made you excited to meet Jules! You can do so TODAY by picking Overdrive up from your local bookstore or any of the following retailers


Tomorrow, you'll get to meet the boy who makes Jules heart race (even if she wishes he wouldn't).

Sunday, September 11, 2016

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)

Some pretty awesome arrivals into my mailbox this week.

I am pretty sure this book will be in plenty of mailboxes this week. I haven't had a chance to start this yet, but it is high on my list of books to sneak in as soon as I have a chance. This cover is even more striking in person. I love the colour scheme.


Empire of Storms by Sarah J Maas (goodreads)

It is no secret that I love Stranger Things. I saw this mug and HAD to order it. I especially love that Will's name is upside down (those who have watched it will understand why).


Lastly, Raincoast Books had their winter/spring blogger preview event this weekend. Everyone who participated received a swag pack filled with amazing things.

I lucked out and got lots of Sarah J Maas awesomeness. I am super curious about Freeks as I have been wanting a good paranormal read for some time now.


Freeks by Amanda Hocking (goodreads)
The Bone Witch by Riu Chupeco (goodreads)

A huge thank you to Raincoast Books for the amazing event, and the swag bag! It was a fun bookish time as always!

What bookish items made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

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