Book Review: Firsts by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn

Firsts

By:
Laurie Elizabeth Flynn

Published:
Jan. 5, 2016

Publisher:
St. Martin's Griffin

Add to
Goodreads

Source:
eARC from publisher in exchange for a honest review

GR's Summary:

Seventeen-year-old Mercedes Ayres has an open-door policy when it comes to her bedroom, but only if the guy fulfills a specific criteria: he has to be a virgin. Mercedes lets the boys get their awkward, fumbling first times over with, and all she asks in return is that they give their girlfriends the perfect first time- the kind Mercedes never had herself. 

Keeping what goes on in her bedroom a secret has been easy- so far. Her absentee mother isn’t home nearly enough to know about Mercedes’ extracurricular activities, and her uber-religious best friend, Angela, won’t even say the word “sex” until she gets married. But Mercedes doesn’t bank on Angela’s boyfriend finding out about her services and wanting a turn- or on Zach, who likes her for who she is instead of what she can do in bed. 

When Mercedes’ perfect system falls apart, she has to find a way to salvage her reputation and figure out where her heart really belongs in the process. Funny, smart, and true-to-life, FIRSTS is a one-of-a-kind young adult novel about growing up.

  

My Thoughts:

Firsts was a multi-faceted story that wrecked havoc on my emotions.  I would classify this story as mature Young Adult or New Adult in genre.  Many of the subjects addressed are for a mature audience.  This story encompassed so much more that I initially expected, and was difficult for me to read at times.

Firsts is a unique, raw, and powerful story.  It is the story of Mercedes "Mercy" Ayres, and told exclusively from her point of view.  Mercy lost her virginity at the young age of thirteen, and it was a horrible experience.  She doesn't want any other girl to go through what she did.  Therefore, she decides to have sex with virgins, and instruct them on how to make a girl's first time special.  Mercy let's the guys know that they are to keep it a secret, unless they know of somebody in need of her services.  

On the side, Mercy has Zach, her chemistry partner and Wednesday "lunch partner, " who wants more than just sex from her.  Her best friend, Angela's boyfriend, wants a shot at her as well.  Now, Mercy's life is spiraling out of control, and one thing is for certain, things will never be the same again.

Firsts addressed a multitude of issue's relevant to growing up.  It explored the effects of coming from a dysfunctional family, various issues concerning sex and intimacy, as well being bullied by peers.  Mercy was a complex character, and I think that teens will be able to relate to her in one way or another.

I enjoyed the cast of characters in this story.  My favorite's were Zach, and Mercy's friend Faye.  Zach was such a sweet guy, and my heart broke for him.  It was obvious that he had strong feelings for Mercy, but she was emotionally unavailable.  Mercy was in a lot of emotional pain, and it came through as anger, and the need to be in control of every facet of her life.  She didn't know how to deal with her emotions, and her pain came through the pages, as if I was experiencing it firsthand.  Faye was a new friend to Mercy, but ended up becoming her most powerful ally.  I loved Faye's strength, loyalty, and compassionate understanding concerning Mercy.  She was an amazing friend, and supporting character.     

My Rating:

I give Firsts, by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, 4 Emotional, Raw, Complex Layers, Growing Up, and Angst-Filled Stars.  It was a story that drew me in, and held my attention from beginning to end.  Firsts did an excellent job of making me see what it's like for a teenager growing up in a time where social media is used as an added tool for bullying.  I do not envy what teens have to go through in the present time. 

Book Teaser:

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About Laurie Elizabeth Flynn:

Laurie Elizabeth Flynn writes contemporary fiction for young adults. Her debut, FIRSTS, will be published by Thomas Dunne Books/St Martin’s Press on January 5, 2016. 

Laurie went to school for Journalism, where the most important thing she learned was that she would rather write made-up stories than report the news. She also worked as a model, a job that took her overseas to Tokyo, Athens, and Paris. 

Laurie now lives in London, Ontario with her husband Steve, who is very understanding when she would rather spend time with the people in her head. Laurie can mostly be found writing happily at her desk, with the world’s most spoiled Chihuahua on her lap. Laurie drinks way too much coffee, snorts when she laughs, and times herself when she does crossword puzzles. 

Laurie is represented by the amazing Kathleen Rushall of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter 

Blog Tour: Naked by Stacey Trombley

Naked

By:
Stacey Trombley

Published:
July 7, 2015

Publisher:
Entangled Teen

Add to Goodreads

Source:
eARC from publisher for a honest review

GR's Summary:

The best place to hide is in a lie… 

I could never fit in to the life my parents demanded. By the time I was thirteen, it was too much. I ran away to New York City…and found a nightmare that lasted three years. A nightmare that began and ended with a pimp named Luis. Now I am Dirty Anna. Broken, like everything inside me has gone bad. 

Except that for the first time, I have a chance to start over. Not just with my parents but at school. Still, the rumors follow me everywhere. Down the hall. In classes. And the only hope I can see is in the wide, brightly lit smile of Jackson, the boy next door. So I lie to him. I lie to protect him from my past. I lie so that I don’t have to be The Girl Who Went Bad. 

The only problem is that someone in my school knows about New York. 

Someone knows who I really am. 

And it’s just a matter of time before the real Anna is exposed…

My Thoughts:

Naked is an excellent debut by Stacey Trombley.  It is the powerful and eye opening story of Anna Rodriguez.  Anna ran away from her dysfunctional family at the young age of thirteen.  She left with the naive dreams of a young girl hoping to become a star in New York.  Instead, she ended up being thrust in to a life of teenage prostitution and misery.  When Anna is sixteen, she is discovered as the runaway that she is, and returned to her family.

Anna's parents expect her to live a "normal" teenage life, and attend the local high school.  She is shunned, gossiped about, stared at, and treated horribly.  Luckily, Anna is able to forge a strong friendship with two other girls that are outcasts, and she develops both a friendship and crush on the sweet, good looking, and nerdy Jackson.  Things are not going well at home, due to Anna's temperamental, overbearing, and abusive father, but at least her mother is standing up to him, and trying to show her daughter how much she loves her.  

Anna's life takes a turn for the worse, when she begins getting anonymous notes in her locker from someone calling her by her prostitute name, claiming to know about her secret past, and threatening to reveal all of her secrets.  What will happen is Jackson discovers that she lied to him about her past, and about being a teen prostitute?  Jackson's already told Anna that the number one thing he hates is a liar.  Will Anna eventually lose her new friends and the guy who makes her happy?

Naked was a highly emotional read for me.  It was raw, and revealing to the horrors that can befall a teenage runaway.  It hurt my heart to read as Anna had flashbacks and reflected on her past experiences.  It was also heartbreaking watching her try to assimilate back in to normal life.  She was bullied by her peers, as well as by her father.  Yet, Anna had an inner strength.  She was a survivor.  Despite everything she went through, she was very compassionate and a leader.  I loved how she stood up for what she believed in, and was very courageous.

Jackson was a wonderful character as well.  He was genuinely caring, and tried to be a friend to Anna from the beginning.  Jackson didn't give up, when she pushed him away, and eventually he won her over.  Jackson had his own demons to contend with, and had been bullied in the past.  However, that didn't stop him from being like a bright ray of sunshine in Anna's life.

At the root of this story we get very powerful messages.  These include the fact that everyone has their secrets, and nobody is perfect.  Also, a message about healing, and regaining your power from those who like to bully and hurt others.  I loved Naked.  Despite the topic discussed, there were not any sexually explicit scenes in the story.  I would recommend this book to older/mature teens and adults.  It is a very meaningful story that will impact readers, and hopefully make people think about judging others, gossiping, and bullying, as well as give a clear cut warning about the dangers lurking for teen runaways.

My Rating:

I give Naked by Stacey Trombley, 4 Powerful, Emotional, Healing, and Sweet Romance Filled Stars!  I am looking forward to seeing what Ms. Trombley writes next!

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

About Stacey Trombley:

About the Author Stacey Trombley lives in Ohio with her husband and the sweetest Rottweiler you’ll ever meet. She thinks people are fascinating and any chance she has, she’s off doing or learning something new. She went on her first mission trip to Haiti at age twelve and is still dying to go back. Her “places to travel” list is almost as long as her “books to read” list. 

She wants to bring something new to the world through her writing, but just giving a little piece of herself is more than enough. 

Keep a look out for her debut novel NAKED, coming from Entangled Teen in 2015.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour Hosted By:

YA Bound Book Tours

Book Review: Last Year's Mistake by Gina Ciocca

Last Year's Mistake

By:
Gina Ciocca

Published:
June 9, 2015

Publisher:
Simon Pulse

Add to Goodreads

Source:
eARC from publisher for a honest review

GR's Summary:

Before: 

Kelsey and David became best friends the summer before freshman year and were inseparable ever after. Until the night a misunderstanding turned Kelsey into the school joke, and everything around her crumbled—including her friendship with David. So when Kelsey's parents decided to move away, she couldn't wait to start over and leave the past behind. Except, David wasn't ready to let her go... 

After: 

Now it's senior year and Kelsey has a new group of friends, genuine popularity, and a hot boyfriend. Her life is perfect. That is, until David's family moves to town and he shakes up everything. Soon old feelings bubble to the surface and threaten to destroy Kelsey's second chance at happiness. The more time she spends with David, the more she realizes she never truly let him go. And maybe she never wants to. 

Told in alternating sections, LAST YEAR'S MISTAKE is a charming and romantic debut about loving, leaving, and letting go.

My Thoughts:

Last Year's Mistake is a book that I was drawn to based on the pretty book cover and synopsis.  It is Kelsey's story and told exclusively through her point of view.  Each chapter alternates between the present day forward, and than goes back to a year ago in the past, and moves to the point in which Kelsey and David stopped being friends.  In the present time, Kelsey is in her senior year of high school, and is happy with her hot boyfriend, Ryan, and a close-knit group of friends.  

However, her life is turned upside down when she see's David at school, a guy that you can immediately tell once meant a lot to her and still does.  However, for an unknown reason, they are uncomfortable with one another, and at times there is tension and animosity between the two of them.  What happened a year ago to cause Kelsey and David to drift apart?  

I loved Last Year's Mistake.  Seeing the way that Kelsey and David's friendship started out, and then blossomed in to something beautiful touched my heart.  Even though Ryan appeared to be a pretty good boyfriend, I felt that what Kelsey and David had was very special and unique.  Their families were close, and they had been there for each other through a lot of happy and tough times.

The story truly depicted what many teens and even adults go through.  Kelsey and David had growing pains, poor communication with one another at times, which was very frustrating, and they both made a lot of mistakes along the way.  Yet, these very things are necessary for growth, and learning.  

It was hard reading about the way Kelsey was treated at her original high school.  A group of girls made her life miserable, and David was a bit naive to it all.  The plot of the story was very fast paced, had some exciting twists, and kept my attention the whole way through.  This story wrecked havoc on my emotions!  I even found myself crying a few times as I read.

Last Year's Mistake brought me back to my teenage years, when you are learning who you are, social cliques can make or break you, and your first love is someone that you'll always remember.

My Rating:

I give, Last Year's Mistake, by Gina Ciocca, 4 Beautiful Friendship, Growing Up, and Falling in Love Filled Stars!!!

Book Teaser:

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | kobo

About Gina Ciocca:

Author of LAST YEAR'S MISTAKE (Simon Pulse, 2015) Respecter of the Fluff. Lover of love. I am represented by John M. Cusick at Greenhouse Literary.

Blog | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Release Day Blitz: The History of Us by Nyrae Dawn

The History of Us

By:
Nyrae Dawn

Release Date:
June 11, 2015

Publisher:
Harmony Ink

Add to
Goodreads

Source:
eARC from author for a honest review

GR's Summary:

Sometimes it's not about coming out, it's about settling in. 

Eighteen-year-old Bradley Collins came out a year ago and hasn't looked back since. Who cares if he doesn’t know any other gay people? Bradley has friends and basketball—that’s all he needs. Even if that means always sitting on the sidelines when the guys go out looking for girls. 

When cute film-boy TJ tries to flirt with Bradley while his friends are doing their thing, he freaks. Yeah, he’s gay, but he’s never had the opportunity to go out with a boy before. He’s never had to worry about how his friends will react to seeing him with a guy. 

Bradley accompanies TJ on a road trip to film TJ’s senior project documentary. In each city they visit, they meet with people from different walks of life, and Bradley learns there’s a whole lot more to being honest about himself than just coming out. He still has to figure out who he really is, and learn to be okay with what he discovers.

Book Teasers:

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

About Nyrae Dawn:

Writing has always been Nyrae Dawn's passion. Nyrae gravitates toward character-driven stories. She loves going on emotional journeys with characters whether it be reading or writing. And yes, she's a total romantic at heart and proud. Nyrae resides in sunny Southern California with her husband (who still makes her swoon) and her two awesome kids. When she's not with her family, you can be pretty sure you'll find her with a book in her hand or her laptop and an open document in front of her. Nyrae also writes adult romance under the name Kelley Vitollo.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Book Review: Modern Monsters by Kelley York

Modern Monsters

By:
Kelley York

Published:
June 2, 2015

Publisher:
Entangled Teen

Source:
eARC from publisher for a honest review

Add to Goodreads

GR's Summary:

Vic Howard never wanted to go to the party. He’s the Invisible Guy at school, a special kind of hell for quiet, nice guys. But because his best friend is as popular as Vic is ignored, he went… 

And wished he hadn’t. 

Because something happened to a girl that night. Something terrible, unimaginable, and Callie Wheeler’s life will never be the same. Plus, now Callie has told the police that Vic is responsible. Suddenly, Invisible Vic is painfully visible, on trial both literally, with the police, and figuratively, with the angry kids at school. As the whispers and violence escalate, he becomes determined to clear his name, even if it means an uneasy alliance with Callie's best friend, the beautiful but aloof Autumn Dixon.  

But as Autumn and Vic slowly peel back the layers of what happened at the party, they realize that while the truth can set Vic free, it can also shatter everything he thought he knew about his life…

My Thoughts:

Modern Monsters was a thought-provoking read.  There are certain circumstances that are revealed during the story that had me questioning how I would feel and what I would do if I was placed in a similar situation.  I cannot reveal these situations, because I do not want to spoil the story for anyone, but I must mention that I enjoy a book that makes me contemplate, question, and reflect.

Modern Monsters is told soley from Vic Howard, a senior in high school's, point of view.  Vic attended a party with his best friend Brett.  During the party, a classmate of his, Callie Wheeler, was extremely intoxicated and getting sick in the bushes.  Vic ends up helping taking Callie to an upstairs bedroom and lays her down on her side, so that she can feel better.  He then returns to the party.  The next morning Vic is shocked and traumatized to learn that Callie was raped, and she is accusing him of being her rapist.  Vic eventually gets to know Callie's best friend Autumn, and convinces her, along with Callie, of his innocence.  From this point on, Vic and Autumn decide to  investigate and figure out who Callie's perpetrator really was.

The pacing of the story was very slow.  We get to know Vic really well, and I loved his character.  He is a bit awkward, and shy. Vic is a loner and his only friend is Brett.  I loved how genuine, sweet, and sympathetic Vic was.  He is not your typical main character, and could have easily been the boy next door.  The first two-thirds of the story focused on the harsh treatment of Vic by his mother (I couldn't stand her,) his peers, and the small community that he lived in.  It also focused on the foundation of friendship that was built between Vic and Autumn.  I loved Autumn's character as well.  She was sassy, independent, and knew how to take charge.  She was fiercely loyal and supportive, as well as caring and compassionate.

The plot didn't pick up until the last third of the story.  This was the point  in which Vic and Autumn's investigation really begins to reap results, and their friendship turns in to something more.  Callie was more of a secondary character in this story, but I enjoyed seeing her strength, bravery, and resilience.  She may have been victimized, but she held her head up high, and faced her demons!

My Rating:

Modern Monsters was more character driven than plot driven, which surprised me.  I really enjoyed the main characters, but would have liked the plot to move forward faster.  It was a bit stagnant, until the last third, when all of the plot twists, and action came in to play.  I give Modern Monsters, by Kelly York, 3.5 Deceitful, Crime-Solving, Thought-Provoking Filled Stars! 

Book Trailer:

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

About Kelley York:

"I like unicorns and cats and games...and stuff..." - quality author quote by Kelley 

Kelley York was born in central California, where she still resides with her lovely wife, step-daughter, and way too many cats, while fantasizing about moving to England or Ireland. (Or, really, anyplace secluded.) She has a fascination with bells and animals and Disney. Her life goal is to find a real unicorn. Or to at least write about them. She occupies her spare time with video games, designing covers, playing on Tumblr, and watching anime. 

Kelley is a sucker for dark fiction. She loves writing twisted characters, tragic happenings, and bittersweet endings that leave you wondering and crying. She strives to make character development take center stage in her books because the bounds of a person's character and the workings of their mind are limitless.

Website | Blog | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Release Week Blitz, Review & Giveaway: Nowhere But Here (Thunder Road #1) by Katie McGarry

Nowhere But Here
Thunder Road #1

By: 
Katie McGarry

Published:
May 26, 2015

Publisher:
Harlequin Teen

Add to Goodreads

Source:
eARC from publisher for a honest review

Book Summary:

An unforgettable new series from acclaimed author Katie McGarry about taking risks, opening your heart and ending up in a place you never imagined possible.   

Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighborhood. Sure, she's curious about her biological father—the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent—but that doesn't mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns to an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both. 

Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They're the good guys. They protect people. They're…family. And while Emily—the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club's most respected member—is in town, he's gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it's his shot at his dream. What he doesn't count on is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down. 

No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home.

My Thoughts:

Katie McGarry's, Pushing the Limits Series, is in my top favorites, as far as young adult contemporary romance is concerned.  The appeal of her stories, their authenticity, and relatability cross over to a diverse group of people.  Therefore, when I heard that she was coming out with a new series, I was on board!  To top it off, this series deals with a Motorcycle Club, called the Reign of Terror, and I have a thing for hot MC guys!

The first story in the series, Nowhere But Here, is about two teens, Emily and Oz.  Emily has grown up in Florida, in the sheltered, privileged, and conservative home of her mother and adoptive father.  She see's her biological father, Eli, once a year.  Eli is a highly respected member of the Reign of Terror, and Emily's mother has lead her to believe that Eli abandoned them both when her mom found out that she was pregnant with Emily.

A variety of circumstances lead Emily to her father's small hometown of Snowflake, Kentucky.  She will be staying with Eli and his side of the family for the summer.  While at first, Emily, is unhappy about her forced visit dealing with people that she considers dangerous, rough around the edges, and lacking in integrity; she quickly realizes with the help of Olivia (her paternal grandmother,) and Oz (a gorgeous prospective MC member tasked with protecting her,) that everything she was told and taught to believe about Eli and his family was a lie.

Nowhere But Here was a great beginning to a new series! I loved the characters in this story.  Emily and Oz were both intelligent, caring, and stubborn individuals, and they both had their own set of preconceived ideas about one another.  I loved how little by little, they chipped away at each other's surface, and got to know one another on a deeper level.  They helped each other expand their world views, and it was beautiful watching these characters transform.  Emily became more open-minded as she learned not to see things in just black and white, embraced her father's side of the family, and with the help of Oz, learned how to start conquering her fears.  Oz learned how to speak up, be his own man, and not just blindly follow orders.

The secondary characters in this story were excellent.  Olivia, Emily's grandmother, was my favorite.  She was tough, courageous, blunt, sassy, and had a huge heart!  I enjoyed getting to know the members of the MC Club, and their families.  I am looking forward to Razor, as well as Chevy and Violet, getting their own stories.

Even though I would consider this a character driven story, there were still plenty of secrets, surprises, and twists to keep me hooked to the storyline.  Emily and Oz's story was sensational.  They had a rocky start based on prejudices, and assumptions that lead to a push-pull dynamic.  However, Emily and Oz eventually supported one another, built a strong foundation of friendship, and had a slow-burning romance that was both believable, and so sexy with the budding chemistry, and anticipation of every kiss and intimate moment.       

My Rating:

I give, Nowhere But Here, by Katie McGarry, 4.5 MC Ridin', Dangerous Rival MC, Secrets Hidden, and Romantic Anticipation Filled Stars!  I'm excited to continue this series!!!  

Book Teasers:

Book Trailer:

Book Excerpt:

From Oz's Point of View. Set up: Emily has been separated from her parents and after a long night of worrying, her emotions and exhaustion catch up to her and it causes Oz to have his first fluttering of emotion for Emily. 

WIND BLOWS IN FROM THE NORTH AND A FEW pieces of Emily’s dark hair sweep across her face. One min­ute Emily’s a bright flame, then a gust snuffs out her light. Her body sways like a top at the tail end of a spin and I lunge forward. 
     Emily’s knees give out and her eyes roll back into her head. I catch her inches before she crashes onto the porch. She’s light as I swing her into my arms and her head circles onto my shoulder, reminding me of one of those rag dolls Violet used to play with when we were kids.
     “Emily!” Eli’s on top of me, attempting to yank her out of my arms. “Open your eyes.” 
     Her eyelids flutter, but remain closed as her hand limply clutches my shirt. Eli rams his arms underneath mine and he makes Emily a rope in a tug-of-war. I should let her go. I should want to let her go, but then Emily goes and screws it up for me. “Oz.” 
     It was a damn whisper, but I heard my name on her lips and so did Eli. His eyes flash to mine and Cyrus’s words repeat in my mind. That girl trusts you. And screw us both for that. 
     “She’s exhausted,” I say. “Hasn’t slept at all tonight.” 
     Eli’s expression hardens as he glares at me. I’ve seen Eli throw a coma-inducing punch for less defiance and I readjust the sleeping girl in my arms. A reminder if he decks me now, he’ll be putting his daughter at risk. 
     Temporarily surrendering, Eli cups Emily’s face in his hands and angles her toward him. “Emily, please open your eyes.” 
     She does. It’s barely a crack and they’re completely glazed.
     “Everything’s going to be okay,” Eli affirms. 
     “I want my mom and dad,” she mumbles. 
     “You’ll see them tomorrow.” Eli pushes a strand of hair from her cheek. “You’re safe here. I promise.” 
     She rejects Eli by curling into me. Her head fits perfectly in the crook of my neck and I loathe the wave of protective­ness that rumbles through my body. Emily’s fingers tighten their grip near my shoulders and the impulse is to shield her from the guys gawking at this intimate scene. Yeah, this is club business, but Emily never asked for any of this.

Purchase At:

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | IndieBound | BAM!

About Katie McGarry:

Katie McGarry was a teenager during the age of grunge and boy bands and remembers those years as the best and worst of her life. She is a lover of music, happy endings, reality television, and is a secret University of Kentucky basketball fan. 

Katie is the author of full length YA novels, PUSHING THE LIMITS, DARE YOU TO, CRASH INTO YOU, TAKE ME ON, BREAKING THE RULES, and NOWHERE BUT HERE and the e-novellas, CROSSING THE LINE and RED AT NIGHT. Her debut YA novel, PUSHING THE LIMITS was a 2012 Goodreads Choice Finalist for YA Fiction, a RT Magazine's 2012 Reviewer's Choice Awards Nominee for Young Adult Contemporary Novel, a double Rita Finalist, and a 2013 YALSA Top Ten Teen Pick. DARE YOU TO was also a Goodreads Choice Finalist for YA Fiction and won RT Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Best Book Award for Young Adult Contemporary fiction in 2013.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Pinterest | Tumblr | Instagram

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Week Blitz Organized By:

http://www.inkslingerpr.com