How To Break A Boy by Laurie Devore

How To Break A Boy by Laurie Devore
Release Date -  January 31, 2017

Publisher Website - Raincoast Books
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  352 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received for review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Keep your enemies close, but your friends closer.

Olivia Clayton has mastered the art of tearing others down to stay on top. She and her best friend, Adrienne, rule their small southern town like all good mean girls do--through intimidation and manipulation.

After Olivia suffers a family tragedy and catches Adrienne sleeping with her boyfriend, Olivia is over it. She decides to make a change--but it's impossible to resist taking Adrienne down one last time. Up to her old tricks, Olivia convinces golden boy Whit DuRant to be her SAT tutor and her fake boyfriend. But when it starts to feel real, Whit gets caught up in Olivia and Adrienne's war.

Olivia may ruin everything she touches, but this time she won't go down without a fight--not if it means losing Whit.

And definitely not if it means losing what's left of herself. 

Unlikeable is a word that gets used for female characters a lot. It usually means that the character in question made a decision the reader wasn't comfortable with, or made decisions that are morally skewed. I've noticed that female characters are held to a ridiculously high standard, or at least they used to be. Books like How To Break A Boy are starting to change this viewpoint. It unapologetically has characters that will be called unlikeable and I am so happy it does.

Laurie Devore's debut novel is written with precision. It's as bold as a dark red lipstick, and screams just as loudly. It's, at times, hard to believe that this is a debut novel because of how well crafted it is, and it is one that delivers a message as sharp as it's writing.

All the girls in this book make bad decisions. There are bad life decisions happening all over the place in this novel. These are not girls you're going to necessarily want to be friends with. You definitely wouldn't call them 'nice'. They are, however, complex, vivid, and realistic. We've all known girls like this, some of us may have been girls like this, and that makes this book instantly recognizable. I think it is important that this book shows girls like this that they can change. That their decisions do not have to define them forever. That you can make mistakes, and atone for them, and grow as a person.

As much as this book allows its female characters to be flawed, it never makes excuses for them. It shows the hurt that is caused to others, and themselves unflinchingly. It advocates for accepting the consequences of your actions, and showcases that you cannot control anyone else's actions but your own. It zeros in on manipulative toxic friendships and how hard it can be to break that cycle. It's easy to be sucked back in and we see that with Olivia and Adrienne's war. There are bystander casualties and that makes this book just a little more heartbreaking.

Olivia is such a nuanced character. Laurie has created a backstory for her that is simply heartbreaking, and as a result being inside her head gave me a bit of whiplash. She goes from having these redeeming moments, to making the worst possible decisions for reasons that make complete sense for her character even as you want to yell at her not to make them. Her voice is so strong, and vibrant that she effortlessly comes to life. It is her voice that compels the reader, and ensures you'll follow her through her bumpy journey.

Whit DuRant is definite book boyfriend material. He is forgiving, patient, and sweet. He calls Olivia out when she needs it, and encourages her to be the person she wants to be. He sees her not as the sum of her previous actions, but as someone who can be more. He may help Olivia find the path, but he recognizes it is her path to navigate. He cannot fix her, and I like that he didn't try. He just showed her that he felt she could change and that support was vital to both his character growth and Olivia's own journey. It doesn't hurt that their romance is basically the 'hate to love' trope which is one of my favourites.

If you like your female characters complex, messy, and razor sharp I recommend you pick up this stunning debut. If you like well written novels that are going to make you a little uncomfortable, I recommend this book.  Laurie Devore is a fierce new voice in young adult literature and I cannot see what characters she gives us next.

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)

Lots of exciting things arrived in my mailbox this week. Two books I am VERY excited about and some yummy treats.

First up, Raincoast Books sent me this book which made me squeal and most likely annoy my neighbours, but I am sure you won't blame me.

The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord (goodreads)

Next up is another book from Raincoast Books. I am also squealed when I received this one. It sounds amazing! I cannot wait to see how it twists the usual tropes and creates something really unique.

The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich (goodreads)

A huge thank you to Raincoast Books for both of these. I have already read the Emery Lord book and trust me, you want to pre-order this!

Lastly, my friend Kelly is amazing. She sent me some Oreo cookies that you cannot get here in Canada, as well as some fancy peanut butter (that is also not available here in Canada). Both are delicious and I am pretty sure this is my new favourite peanut butter. (Thank you, Kelly!)

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.

Everything is pretty awful right now but there were still a few things to get excited about released this week.

BOOK

A Blade So Black by LL McKinney (goodreads)

Just read this deal announcement and tell me you don't want to read this immediately.

Pitched as a retelling of Alice in Wonderland with the butt-kicking of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, with a black teen heroine at its center, Alice is a warrior who battles Nightmares in the dark and terrifying dream realm known as Wonderland.

I love Buffy. I love retellings. This is obviously something I am going to be very interested in reading! I am excited to hear more about this title as the 2018 release nears.

TV/MOVIE

Bates Motel Final Season Key Art

The key art is just as creepy as you would expect. They released multiple ones but this one is my favourite.

The key art is perfectly unsettling and perfect for the final season which takes Norman into Psycho territory to close out the show. I am going to miss this show so much. It holds some of the best acting on television right now and it pains me that it never got the awards recognition it deserves.

Beauty And The Beast 

The new live action Beauty and the Beast continues to be high on my must see list. They recently released a set of motion posters that introduce the characters. 

I particularly like the one for Gaston. He is exactly what I would expect him to be. The raised eyebrow and smirk are basically perfect. 

OTHER

Mr Robot Funko Pops 

Funko recently announced a whole lot of upcoming Pops and Mr Robot was one of the collections they teased with some concept art.

I will obviously be needing the entire set. I especially love Darlene's glasses. The set did leave me asking one question though...

Which seems fair considering the second season. I hope he's just a store exclusive and is part of this first wave. I do not want to have to wait for the second wave.

What are you obsessed with this week?

By Your Side by Kasie West

By Your Side by Kasie West
Release Date -  January 31, 2017

Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages -  352 pages
My Rating - 3.5/5
**received for review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In this irresistible story, Kasie West explores the timeless question of what to do when you fall for the person you least expect. Witty and romantic, this paperback original from a fan favorite is perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins and Morgan Matson.

When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left her in the library and comes to rescue her.

Only he doesn’t come. No one does.

Instead it becomes clear that Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he and Autumn first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other, Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side? In this irresistible story, Kasie West explores the timeless question of what to do when you fall for the person you least expect. Witty and romantic, this paperback original from a fan favorite is perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins and Morgan Matson.

When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left her in the library and comes to rescue her.

Only he doesn’t come. No one does.

Instead it becomes clear that Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he and Autumn first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other, Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side? 

Stranded in a library for an entire long weekend. Pretty much every book nerd's dream come true, at least on the surface but maybe not so much in theory. There may be all the books you could read but there are thing like the lack of food and heat that make this the opposite of fun. Kasie West mixes this premise with some sweet romance to create a novel that is classic Kasie West.

There is a lot of cute fluff within these pages, especially in the beginning of the novel, but the story does take a more serious turn once Autumn's panic attacks and Dax's past begin to play a larger role. Their romance is slowly built on how much they actually have in common and how right they are together. Dax calms Autumn and vice versa. They are simply what each other needs. It's like a perfectly fitting puzzle piece, even if it takes them a little while to realize this.

Autumn's need to please others, and not create waves stems from her desire to be liked. She doesn't want her friends looking at her differently. Her panic attacks ensure that she doesn't like being the centre of attention either. Plenty of people will be able to relate to aspects of her personality.

The biggest stand out, however, were the friends Autumn has. They were so supportive of Autumn and each other in general. Kasie West always tends to write really great friendships and this is no exception. It showcases how friendships should be, and I think that is an incredibly important message for everyone to learn.

This is a story of finding the courage to seek out what you actually want for yourself, and discovering what is good for you versa what is not. It's about knowing your limits and not being scared to voice what makes you uncomfortable. It may be about romance on the surface, but underneath each of the characters is discovering how to use their voice to get what they really need.

A cute, feel good novel for when you need to escape. A novel that will delight Kasie West fans as it gives you exactly what you're hoping for. It's exactly the kind of read you want to pick up after finishing something heavy as it'll leave you with a smile on your face.

The Deal by Elle Kennedy

The Deal by Elle Kennedy
Release Date -  April 9, 2015

Publisher Website - Createspace Independant Publishing Platform
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 330 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**borrowed from a friend**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

She's about to make a deal with the college bad boy...

Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she's carting around a full set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush's attention, she'll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice...even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date.

...and it's going to be oh so good

All Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA is threatening everything he's worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure his position on the team, he's all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn't take long for Garrett to realize that pretend isn't going to cut it. Now he just has to convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like him. 

Unlike most Canadians I am not all that into hockey. I was intrigued however when I heard about this New Adult series that features hockey players. The Deal did not disappoint. Elle Kennedy heats things up on and and off the ice and delivers one of the best new adult novels I've read.

Pretend relationship to real relationship is always a good trope and Elle Kennedy uses it to perfection here. Hannah and Garrett entering into a mutual beneficial agreement leads to all kinds of delicious tension and relationship drama. I loved experiencing them navigate towards each other and overcoming the obstacles that stood in their way.

Despite the fun, light feel of the novel as a whole, there are some darker issues that are dealt with within the pages. Hannah's "baggage" when it comes to sex is on of these. I will not spoil where her baggage comes from but it makes complete sense for her character, and makes some of her choices more clear. Garrett is patient and allows Hannah to control what happens between them which added another sweet layer to their growing bond. I do wish that this had been a little more of the focus, and that it had gone a little deeper.

The other is related to Garrett's issues and what made him the character we know. His rough relationship with his father sets up a side story arc that not only explains a lot about Garrett's character and his attachment issues, but makes a statement about abuse in general. The way this story is woven into the main storyline is wonderfully done and it is not just used for dramatic purposes. There is a reason, and it also is such a large part of who Garrett is.

The other guys on the team are just as memorable as Hannah and Garrett. They leave a lasting impression which will undoubtedly carry over to the other books in this series. It was nice to see the friendships between the players and have Garrett interact with them when Hannah was not around. The dual perspective was used effectively to not only flesh out both Hannah and Garrett but added to the tension. This is a novel where communication would clear a lot of things up, but because the reader knows everything it ends up being all about the journey.

If you're not a sports person let me assure you that you will still very much enjoy this novel. It is a relationship novel first and foremost. It is not about the game as much as it is about the players. It really will appeal to non sports fans, especially if they love romance.

If you like hockey players, romance, sexytimes, and some fun banter I highly recommend you check out The Deal. Elle Kennedy has written a fun, sexy novel that leave you reaching for the next novel in this companion style series. 

Waiting On Wednesday .... Bad Romance

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 Bad Romance by Heather Demetrios

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

Grace wants out. Out of her house, where her stepfather wields fear like a weapon and her mother makes her scrub imaginary dirt off the floors. Out of her California town, too small to contain her big city dreams. Out of her life, and into the role of Parisian artist, New York director—anything but scared and alone.

Enter Gavin: charming, talented, adored. Controlling. Dangerous. When Grace and Gavin fall in love, Grace is sure it's too good to be true. She has no idea their relationship will become a prison she's unable to escape. 

Deeply affecting and unflinchingly honest, this is a story about spiraling into darkness—and emerging into the light again.

Abusive relationship books have to be done right in order for me to want to read them. Romanticizing the behaviour does not send the right message, and I find a lot of books tend to do that.

I, however, trust Heather Demetrios to write about this particular subject with the proper care and attention it deserves. I am hopeful that this book is going to be a contrast to the many that have come out where the love interest is actually abusive but is presented as a romantic option for the heroine of the novel. I also think this will be much more hopeful and inspiring than it appears at first glance. It'll be about the light that comes after the dark and I anticipate Heather will do justice to that element as well.

I anticipate that this will be a great summer read as it comes out in June, and I cannot wait to get my hands on it!

Expected release date - June 13, 2017

Blog Tour - Caraval by Stephanie Garber

I am honoured to be part of the kick off for the Canadian blog tour for Caraval. It is a dizzying, magical, enchanting read that I am so excited for everyone to experience. 

Be sure to stop by and check out the other stops on the tour for more Caraval fun and surprises. 

Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Release Date -  January 31, 2017

Publisher Website - Raincoast
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 416 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received for review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Whatever you've heard about Caraval, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or a performance. It's the closest you'll ever find to magic in this world . . .

Welcome, welcome to Caraval―Stephanie Garber’s sweeping tale of two sisters who escape their ruthless father when they enter the dangerous intrigue of a legendary game.

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever. 

There is a magic that happens when you've been swept away by a book. It has the ability to transport us into the story and creates a long lasting impression. Stephanie Garber has crafted a novel that does exactly this, and more. Caraval is a decadently enchanting novel that holds writing just as spellbinding as its setting and celebrates the bonds of sisterhood. It's magic and wonder wrapped in a little romance and entirely addictive.

The world building is so vivid, and lush that it comes alive as you're reading. It's a sort of wonderland filled with magic, excitement, and breathtaking discoveries. There are magic dresses, interesting forms of payment, and more than a few secrets waiting within these pages. It's the kind of world that you want to lose yourself in completely because it is so well crafted. You want to stay a little longer in it so you find yourself savouring the descriptions, and lingering over the magic of what Stephanie has created. It's the type of world that begs to be brought to life on the movie screen.

The novel's heart and soul is the bond between Scarlett and Tella. They are fiercely loyal to each other, and this bond is the central focus of the story. It is a not a perfect relationship, and I appreciated the nuances that are woven in. They can deeply annoy and disappoint each other, but the bond between is always there. This bond is what motivates Scarlett and drives many of the choices she makes. It drives the story and I hope it remains the focus in further sequels.

This is a story of secrets, mind games, and illusion. You'll feel as if you've been thrown down the rabbit hole and into Caraval yourself. You'll quickly learn to trust nothing, but do allow the magic of the novel to enchant you. Part of the novel's charm is falling into it along with Scarlett and discovering the world that awaits. It makes for a dizzying, twist filled read that leaves you questioning what was real even while providing answers. It's masterfully put together, and almost feels like an illusion itself at times as there is a sense of controlled abandon to it all. It seems like there are no rules, even as everything is meticulously plotted. 

There is a darkness to this world. It's woven into the very fabric of Caraval. Participants are warned that previous players have gone insane and not to get too swept away into the game. This set up, combined with the unease of not knowing what is real, who to trust, and sensory overload create a more sinister tone that contrasts the alluring side of the game. It creates a delicious tension that only adds to the speed of the pages turning as you won't be able to read fast enough.

Scarlett is a delight. She's not someone who possess strength in the typical way we may talk about when we consider strength. Her love for her sister is a strength. Her determination is a strength. Her willingness to take chances is a strength. Her agency is one of the things I love most about her character. She makes her own choices, and follows what she believes to be the right path. She isn't dependent on others (even if she receives help from time to time) and often follows her gut instincts instead of what people are telling her. This combined with her fierce bond to her sister made her an easy character to root for. You understand her, and therefore her choices.

The romance is as seductive as the rest of the novel. It boasts adorable nicnames, earned trust, and some incredibly romantic moments that will leave you swooning. While the romance may not be what drives the novel, it does play a large role. The backdrop of Caraval only highlights the magic of falling in love and Scarlett's journey to find Tella would not be complete without it.

The jaw dropping set up for the sequel is enough to make you want to win a wish of your own so that you could get your hands on it immediately. It peels just another layer from the mysterious world and the characters that inhabit it while giving readers plenty to theorize about. 

A magical adventure that transports you into the world of Caraval along with Scarlett. Stephanie Garber announces herself as a new voice in young adult literature with this stunning, and decadently written debut. This is a novel that will undoubtedly sweep you too far away, but you'll enjoy every moment of it.

Now that you've seen what I thought of Caraval, perhaps you want a little taste for yourself? Click the below image to be transported to Caraval and get a teaser of what awaits. You can also click the above image to check out more photos from Stephanie's Caraval Pinterest board!