Morgan Matson Signing

So in spirit of Amy & Roger's Epic Detour being about road trips, let me show you several pictures of the California freeway! The drive was only about 35 minutes long, and my 8 year old sister insisted on taking these pictures of the road! There's actually more, but I figured you'd rather hear about the signing.

Anyways, prior to the signing, I was freaking out on Twitter.If you were online at the time, you'd probably see me tweet things like, "OH NO. WHAT IF I HAVE A PANIC ATTACK AND PASS OUT." Unfortunately, readers, that did not happen...but mountains of awesomeness did! I literally do not have words for this special night. I'm actually typing this an hour after I left the signing. Plus, I am using a thesaurus because I just can't think of any more words. I am speechless!

Wow, I babble a LOT... So once we arrived, we sat in one of those comfortable chairs at Vromans. This was actually my first bookstore signing! So I was pumped up, a nervous wreck, and excited. Lots of emotions, right? Ah, when I got there, I wasn't sure if it was

Morgan Matson going around talking to people, but then it was! She looked so crazy beautiful in real life I didn't notice her from the book jacket.

I tried taking lots of photos but then my stupid camera starting making everything super bright. The photo to the right is the only one that wasn't blurry. (Note to self: Bring better camera next time.) But see? Doesn't she look amazing?

Morgan Matson was is absolutely the sweetest person ever. She knew how to make everyone laugh, and the room was just abuzz with her bubbly personality. I actually calmed down a bit due to her presence. My heartbeat slowed down, which was good. She read a little part of her novel (The cabin in Yosemite part which was HILARIOUS)

Anyway during the Q&A, she was asked a bunch of questions like, Would she write a screenplay for the book? (She's hesitant about it, and sorry fans, no film options yet *tear*) What her playlist was like, How she was inspired to write this novel with her roadtrips, and What the age range was for the book. There were more questions, but the dumb ol' me can't remember anymore, but all questions were answered very cleverly with a dash of humor! :) I wish I'd spoken up more though!

...OH AND GET THIS, SOME PERSON ASKED ABOUT BOOK TRAILERS (in general)!!! She mentioned the two she had (one from the lovely librarians and the one from me!) Of course, being the shy one, I didn't speak up. It'd be rude to just pipe up during the Q&A, wouldn't it? Ah well, it's too late now. But I was SO happy when she mentioned mine. There was a lot of freaking out although I didn't show it on the outside. I am quite the expert at looking plain boring. See, this is WHY I blog, read, and love books. No one is as nice as an author--sorry best friends!

You can see the beginning of her talk below! Unfortunately, it gets cut off because my camera ran out of memory. I needed pictures so I stopped. Please put down the pitchforks! I guess this isn't a good time to mention that my hands were shaky too...

So when it was time to line up for the signing, my heart began to pound more and more. But as I introduced myself as the one who made the trailer, everything began to slow down. (Thank goodness...) She was more than happy to sign my things! (I had found postcards in my house for some reason! Ha! I didn't get anything for a reader on here though. I was too worried it was too much...Oh and they sold some at the bookstore too. I should make note of that. Yeah I'm babbling again... )

She was incredibly friendly and I think I may not just have a new favorite book, but a new favorite author too! I wish I had talked more, but it was okay. I expressed my love for her book...sorta. I took a picture, and then I left to the YA section! I must say, their selection beats any other chain store!

This just might be the longest post I've written on the blog, but it doesn't even describe how happy I was to be at her signing! I realized that even if it was across the country, I would have gone. Road trip, anyone? ;)

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour Trailer!

Hello, my fellow readers of the universe. As you may know, Amy & Roger's Epic Detour is a favorite of mine ♥ and many other readers. Let's face it. Every single word, picture, and page in that book is pure genius! And if you haven't read it already, go now! Yes, NOW. If that doesn't have you convinced, then read the many reviews online! Mine is here #shamelessplug...ooh, look! This review is also amazing. And this one. Are you clicking? You should be clicking. Alright, review linking time is over. Maybe just one more ;)

Well, that was surely a mouthful xD What was I going to say again? Oh right. I hope you're reading every word I'm typing out and not just clicking on the video below. Aha! I caught you! Yes, you in that shirt! (Even if everyone wears shirts ...)

As you may also know (or not...it's been quite a long while) I have a liking for making trailers. But it doesn't show since I've previously made only one titled Two Way Street? Ring a bell? No, okay. I promise all my trailers are NOT going to be about road trip books (even if they pwn), I just happened to really love Amy & Roger's Epic Detour! It is my favorite read this year

Onward! Thank you if you've actually read all this. Please take a minute to pat yourself on the back. I really appreciate you enduring my ramblings that are not funny at all even if I hope to have that effect. Now, before you watch this trailer --or even after-- yes, I know, my trailer is really off. It's not even as third as good as the real book itself. But comments are appreciated--either below this posting or on the YouTube video itself. And I want to thank those lovely people who watched this vid beforehand and told me what to fix!

...and now...

*drum roll*

Well, that's it. Hope reading this post wasn't too much trouble!

---Oh! If you live in SoCal, hop on over (or drive...though, I prefer hopping) to Vroman's to meet the lovely author herself THIS Friday, July 9th at 7 p.m.! If you are, please let me know as I'll be there too. Lil' ol me. I hope I won't be bringing TOO MUCH for her to sign :( Only a book, a few postcards (for three of my blogging friends!), and a map or two (one for me and a reader on here, or maybe just the reader, or no map at all since I don't want to push it) Tell me, readers, is that a lot? :( I've only been to one other signing, which wasn't really a signing ...just a book festival... Call me a noob, please give me some advice on this and where to buy postcards...

One Night That Changes Everything

One Night That Changes Everything by Lauren Barnholdt

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis: Eliza is in a full-blown panic. Her notebook has been stolen—the one that lists everything she wants but is afraid to go after. And the absolute worst person in the world has it: her ex-boyfriend, Cooper.

Like it’s not enough Cooper was lying to Eliza for their entire relationship, now he and his friends are blackmailing her. They’re giving her just one night to complete the most humiliating tasks on her list or they’ll post her secrets online—including the ones that aren’t just about her.

Eliza’s sure of only one thing: she isn’t going down without a fight. Cooper may have what’s left of her dignity, but she’s not the only one with something to hide …

Review: For all of those who've never ever read this book, started it, or even heard of it, I suggest you slap yourself right in the face. RIGHT NOW. I am proud to say that once I saw it was in stock at my B&N, I begged for a ride there. Even if it was the middle of the night.

While it isn't as amazing as Two Way Street (nothing in my heart besides A&R'S Epic Detour beats it!), One Night That Changes Everything is definitely one of the best books. EVER. See that summary above? You think it's good? Well, it's even BETTER. Barnholdt perfectly captures the teen voice in all of our souls into Eliza, a perfectly flawed and strong heroine. I wish I knew a girl who wrote all her fears down into a purple notebook. Anyway, moving forward!

The plot goes into full force in the first three chapters, leaving me and hopefully some of you guys addicted. I like how the summary doesn't tell you what Eliza's fears are-that way they really are unexpected. It doesn't stop there though. Soon, the pages are flying with hilarity, suspense, romance, and lots and lots of brilliance! And for the secondary characters in this book...not really happy with Eliza's friends. They're there for her, but I feel like she could do better. As for Cooper? Ha. One of the best YA boys this year.

I am SO glad I bought this book because I'm never going to be the same again. I read this book the same night I bought it, and it changed everything! (see what I did there? xD) I lost a whole heck of a lot of sleep, but who CARES?! With such a refreshing plot, I'm DYING for Barnhold's next YA novel, ACES UP. To all those have the ARC, I ENVY you. It's going to be agony waiting a whole month.

What I thought of...

The Beginning: Hooked right away. But what else is new with Barnholdt's books? They're addicting. They're remarkable. And they know how to draw you in.

The Middle: Hahahahahahaha. I didn't expect ANY of this. XD

The End: I. WANT. MORE. WHY IS THIS SO SHORT? I'M SUING AMERICA!!

Favorite part from book: (Yes it is between Cooper and Eliza. Because they are awesome.)

He smells like soap and shampoo and that same yummy smelling cologne. Wait a minute. I give the air another sniff.

"Are you...are you wearing the cologne I gave you?" I ask incredulously.

"No." He gets a panicked look on his face and takes a step back.

.....

"Take it off," I demand.

"I can't take it off," he says.

"Don't ever wear it again," I command.

He rolls his eyes. "You don't own the cologne."

FTC: Bought! :D You should buy it too.

THIS COMES OUT TODAY! :D

Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs

Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis: Lily Sanderson has a secret, and it’s not that she has a huge crush on gorgeous swimming god Brody Bennett, who makes her heart beat flipper-fast. Unrequited love is hard enough when you’re a normal teenage girl, but when you’re half human, half mermaid like Lily, there’s no such thing as a simple crush. Lily’s mermaid identity is a secret that can’t get out, since she’s not just any mermaid – she’s a Thalassinian princess. When Lily found out three years ago that her mother was actually a human, she finally realized why she didn’t feel quite at home in Thalassinia, and she’s been living on land and going to Seaview high school ever since, hoping to find where she truly belongs. Sure, land has its problems – like her obnoxious, biker boy neighbor Quince Fletcher – but it has that one major perk – Brody. The problem is, mermaids aren’t really the casual dating type – when they “bond,” it’s for life. When Lily’s attempt to win Brody’s love leads to a tsunami-sized case of mistaken identity, she is in for a tidal wave of relationship drama, and she finds out, quick as a tailfin flick, that happily-ever-after never sails quite as smoothly as you planned.

Review: Forgive My Fins was more than merely pages of an adorable romance. The characters popped, and the plot consisting of mermaid drama was as delicious as ever. I heard people call this an easily predictable romance, but honestly, my guesses were WAY off. I guess my brain is just not suited enough to make legit predictions. Let's start with the blurbs--it's vague, which makes it all the more better. Many blurbs give out the entire story! I didn't even expect anything but the climax happening. And that epilogue? It definitely added a shocking twist to the story.

The main character had her perks--many, in fact--but there were times I wanted to strangle her. Give her a good beating! (Har-har) The inevitable is going to happen anyway, just deal with it, Lily!

I've always loved mermaids, and I can imagine most of the people who read this blog do too! Forget Ariel, Lily has me hooked!

What I thought of...

The Beginning: It had me quite hesistant, but within minutes, I warmed up!

The Middle: So. Much. Cuteness!

The End: I did NOT see this coming! O_O Sequel? Heck, yes! :D

Favorite quote from book:

Didn't really have one! Just so good!

~~~

I am a member of the street team for this, and I have a couple of leftover swag from this book that will be in the blogoversary giveaway! (12 more days!)

FTC: Bought this!

13 to Life by Shannon Delany

13 to Life by Shannon Delany

Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis: Something strange is stalking the small town of Junction…

When junior Jess Gillmansen gets called out of class by Guidance, she can only presume it’s for one of two reasons. Either they’ve finally figured out who wrote the scathing anti-jock editorial in the school newspaper or they’re hosting yet another intervention for her about her mom. Although far from expecting it, she’s relieved to discover Guidance just wants her to show a new student around—but he comes with issues of his own including a police escort.

The newest member of Junction High, Pietr Rusakova has secrets to hide--secrets that will bring big trouble to the small town of Junction—secrets including dramatic changes he’s undergoing that will surely end his life early.

Review: I absolutely loved this book. It had almost everything I looked for in a book; a satisfying heroine, mystery, and action. The pacing was as natural as it could get, and Jessie's voice was very distinct. Her relationship with Pietr is very sweet, not like most relationships in YA today. Even the secondary characters were molded in very well. I have a soft spot for her friend Amy.

Delany's retelling of werewolves is very refreshing. I happen to really like Russian history so that just made the book more appealing! Of course, the whole revelation thing with the wolves drags out til the end, but it works. This is one of the best werewolf stories I've ever read!

There's only several things I disliked like the characters, Jenny and Macie. They just seemed a bit superficial. And it was also frustrating when Jessie kept lusting after her crush, and her constant acts of self-sacrifice. However, I could see why she always lives for others and not herself.

Other than that, the writing itself was brilliant! I don't think I've ever read a book where the voice of the character stood out so much. It's like you're RIGHT inside her head. I can't wait for the sequel!

The book officially releases today so...happy birthday book!

What I thought of...

The Beginning: I was hooked very early on. I found myself already understanding the backstory and everything at pg. 18!

The Middle: So, so good! I flipped through this one.

The End: Ends on a mini cliffhanger, but it was satisfying. :)

Favorite Quotes/Lines From Book:

"Oh. Your name's not Peter," I said, wondering if I'd been pronouncing it all that correctly. Huh. P-i-e-t-r. "It's Pie-eater--" ..."No, Pee-yoh--ter."..."Pay-oder?"

"I have never heard so many--creative--pronounciations of my name."

FTC: Bought at store

Win Clockwork Angel and Beautiful Darkness

I was chosen as one of the judges for Lauren's new contest. This is my first time being a judge for ANY contest so *breaks out into happy dance* Anyway, I haven't read both of the books offered in the giveaway, but I can tell they will be awesome. I believe there are TWO copies of Clockwork Angel to be given out along with some awesome swag, and ONE copy of Beautiful Darkness also with swag. So enter now! You never know...you might be able to win...go on over to here, and enter!

And now for pictures of the fabulous prizes, please see below:

Here is an awesome video with Lauren, herself, talking about the contest (And if I may say, awesome accent! xD):

...so what are you waiting for? Get your butts on over to her site! It's really easy. Heck, I could have gotten FIVE entries just for writing up this post here! ;D I look forward to judging your vids for Clockwork Angel. *cough* Bribery is recommended. I accept marshmallows of any kind.*cough* Just kidding. Good luck to everyone!

Dream Reading Room

Summer is here, and I'm fantasizing about various things. For one, how cool would it be to have my own dream reading room? Just because I know that won't ever happen, I'm going to lay it all out here in this post.

With a reading room, you need books, of course. Most of mine are all over the place in boxes right now, so what would be a great solution? A book wall. Or a bookcase. I'm not going to complain with either one... There isn't one that flows endlessly, but I can dream. And you know, maybe one or two sectional sofas on the side of the room along with a desk. The floor needs to be either wooden flooring or purple/pink carpetting to make the room go POP! Maybe a stereo somewhere--who am I kidding? I NEED a stereo to be in there. I can't read without some good music.

If only money came from a tree. Is there a money tree anywhere that I can buy? What do you say? There is NOT? *sniff* One day...just wait...bahaha.

Back to business here, what's the point of having such a big room without BOOKS? Books of any kind because quite frankly, I want my own library. Everything would have to be in alphabetical order by an author's last name, because I'm just nitpicky like that. Of course, I'd love for the books to be in genres, but that would take forever! Have I mentioned I'm also very lazy? Maybe I have...

Well, just last week, my dream started coming true! CSN contacted me to do a giveaway OR a review. Because I needed a bookshelf so, so badly, I jumped at the chance and opted for a review, but don't fret. I felt kind of bad doing a review when I should have chosen a giveaway so I chose to have a giveaway of my own! Since my blogoversary is coming up, I will be hosting a little practice for the upcoming giveaways. I'm not sure how much the gift certificate will be for one lucky reader here, but since CSN has so many offers, it wouldn't be that hard. So stay tuned for a giveaway post!

Anyway...what's YOUR dream reading room like? Please comment! Maybe it's better than mine--heck, it probably is!