Review Policy

Monday 20 August 2012

Book trailer: My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century

Have you checked out the trailer for the new book My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century yet? Well here is the video for it. This is set to release September 11th 2012 so go make sure you check that out soon :D

Join the flirt squad and WIN goodies!

 
My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century is about to be unleashed on the world, and my team of highly trained (and frankly awesome) publicists and I would love your help!

We've created an ultra fantabulous (and super secret) street team, THE FLIRT SQUAD, and I'd love for you to be a part of it. (And yes, this is open International!)
Why Should You Join?
Besides being propelled to the status of my favorite person ever, you'll win awesome prizes and get special perks!
Like:
  • Exclusive contests and prizes just for Flirt Squad members
  • Teaser chapters and special snippets from future books, including My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century, and the sequel, A Tale of Two Centuries, along with my current project, Rearview Mirror
  • Tons-o-swag
  • Your name in the acknowledgements of A Tale of Two Centuries
  • A special note from me with secret tidbits
  • A chance to become a character in a future book
  • And the ultimate Sweet Sixteen prize, a sparkly tiara (for becoming the official Sweet Sixteen diva), a necklace with the Super Sweet cover as a charm, and a Signed copy of My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century
What will the Flirt Squad actually DO?
There's several different levels based on point totals, and at each new level you win some of those awesome prizes. The more points you have, the bigger the prizes. As you earn points, you can always email Rachel at FlirtSquad@gmail.com or tweet Rachel at @RachelHarrisYA, but the main way that point totals will be kept is on the Flirt Squad Google doc (we're very official here, peeps).
And here's how to earn points:
1. Tweet any of the following ( +1 per tweet, only one tweet counted per day!! Post link in doc):
  • Wanna be a character in @RachelHarrisYA 's future book? Join the #FlirtSquad to find out how #16C
  • I'm in love with a 16th century boy. Are you? #FlirtSquad #16C
  • Unleash YOUR Inner Flirt, read My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by @RachelHarrisYA #16C
  • Swooning over Lorenzo in #16C
  • Best Sweet Sixteen ever! #16C @RachelHarrisYA
  • OR Tweet any favorite one-liners from the book, or facts about Cat or Lorenzo. Just be sure to include #16C so I know, and post a link in the doc.
2. Put the cover of My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century as your avatar on FB and Twitter (+5 for the first site the avatar is placed and +1 for each additional, post link on doc *updated*)
3. Pre-order My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century! If YOU pre-order it OR get a friend/family member/acquaintance to do so, email me a copy of the receipt (Flirtsquad@gmail.com) and you get (+15) for each book sold! **NEW!!**
4. Blog About the Flirt Squad (+5, must post link in the doc)
5. Mention the Flirt Squad on Facebook (+5, post link to the doc)
6. Write an honest review for Goodreads once you read the book (all reviews count!!) (+5, post link on doc)
7. Write an honest review for Amazon (all reviews count!!) (+5, post link on doc)
8. Write an honest review for Barnes and Noble (all reviews count!!) (+5, post link on doc)
9. Retweet any posts about the book or my upcoming book tour from me (@RachelHarrisYA) or any of my peeps' (+1 point per retweet, one per day only, let me know in doc)
10. Recruit subscribers to my Newsletter--see sidebar (+5 for anyone who signs up and mentions your name as referral. Can only earn points for this once)
11. Promote My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century on Facebook by posting Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or any other retail buy page links in a status (+15, Only one link per day by any social media **update**and let me know on the doc)
12. Add my Book Trailer (click the link) to your Blog, Website, or Facebook account (+10, leave the link for proof)
13. Recommending My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century to your friends on Goodreads (+15, take a screen shot and email it to FlirtSquad@gmail.com)
14. Email a friend or YA book loving family member and ask them to join the Flirt Squad ( + 25 for all future *active* members when they join, make sure they email me at FlirtSquad@gmail.com and mention that you referred them so you can get the points!)
And now for the real fun.... THE PRIZES:

    First level (25 points): A Super Sweet bookmark and tattoo
  • Second level (75 points): All prizes above PLUS a set of trading cards (your very own pocket-sized Lorenzo and Cat!), and a Super Sweet bracelet
  • Third level (150 points): All prizes above PLUS your name in the acknowledgements of book 2 in the Super Sweet series, A TALE OF TWO CENTURIES
  • Fourth level (250 points): All prizes above PLUS a special note from me inviting you to the sequel to My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century, A TALE OF TWO CENTURIES, including a special sneak peek!
  • ALL Participants who Reach Fifth Level (500 points): All prizes above PLUS an entry into a drawing to make a special appearance as a character in a future book.
  • And the FIRST to Fifth Level (1000 points): Wins all the prizes above PLUS a sparkly tiara (you ARE an official Sweet Sixteen diva now after all), a special necklace with the cover of my book as a charm, and a signed copy of My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century.
Twitter Fun:
Use the hashtags #16C, #FlirtSquad, or #16CFlirtSquad to join in the fun!
I would love to join in the fun, but how?
Email Rachel at FlirtSquad@gmail.com and tell her that me, Kelsey Simpson @Enchantedbooks, recruited you. :) Oh and don't forget, subscribe to Rachel's newsletter (check the side bar) and tell her that I recruited you. :)

Monday 13 August 2012

Review: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Genre: Young adult / Contempary/ Romance.
Publisher: Dial Books For Young Readers.
Rating: 5.0 stars / A+

Summary: A gorgeous debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another

“One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.


Review: Wow just wow. From the moment I pre ordered this book from amazon I knew that this was going to be amazing, it didn't help with all the goodreads five stars either. From the moment I picked this book up I just couldnt stop reading it, it was very addicting. We have Samantha the star of the story. Who lives with her mother and sister. Living a very sheltered, strict life since her mother is how do we put it? A very strong minded, controlling, clean freak parent? Yes thats how I will put it, shes a buisness woman who thrills on her job and is very judgemental on everything Sam does. Unlike The Garretts who are messy, fun and a caring, loving family. Everything Sam desires for. Everything her mom detests. She watches from her roof everynight fascinated with how their family work and how she wishes she could be apart of it. Then one night out of the bloom, Jase Garret one of the Garrets sons climbs her roof and this when the amazing love story starts.

It reminded me a little of Romeo & Juliet except we were in the 21st century and no one killed no one. The characters in this were just everything I wanted them to be. I loved Samantha I felt for her in certian situations because while she was trying to be the perfect poster daughter she just wanted to be able to have a mind of her own. And Jase (oh my god) one of my favourite young adult characters. He isnt a bad boy, he isnt the rich golden golden boy. He is just a normal, sweet, kind hearted boy. I loved him. I love the way he is with his family and how family means everything to him and how everyone rely on Jase because hes the peacemaker in the family. The way he is with Samantha how he treats her like shes the only girl in the world and how much passion and love you can feel for the two of them. Also I did like Tim at first I thought he was going to be one of those annoying stoner heads but he grows up and really comes a good friend to Sam and Jase, hes really funny too.

If there was one family you always wanted to be apart of it would be the Garretts there so much fun! There was a little twist in this book and it was nice because it kept the book going just when I thought that maybe nothing was happeneing so I was happy for that. The ending is sweet and I will deffinetly read this book over and over again in the future. It gives you that nice summer feel and I didnt think it was too much of a deep read. My only little critique on this book was the friendship with her and Nan, it never resolved and I was just a little confused but that didn't put a scratch on my thoughts of this book.

Buy this book from: AmazonUK AmazonUSA BookDepository
Authors Website:

Thursday 9 August 2012

Review: Babe In Boyland By Jody Gehrman

 Babe In Boyland by Jody Gehrman

Genre: Young Adult/ Contemporary.
Publisher: Dial.
Rating: 3.0 stars/ B.

Summary: When high school junior Natalie-or Dr. Aphrodite, as she calls herself when writing the relationship column for her school paper-is accused of knowing nothing about guys and giving girls bad relationship advice, she decides to investigate what guys really think and want. But the guys in her class won't give her straight or serious answers. The only solution? Disguising herself as a guy and spending a week at Underwood Academy, the private all-boy boarding school in town. There she learns a lot about guys and girls in ways she never expected-especially when she falls for her dreamy roommate, Emilio. How can she show him she likes him without blowing her cover?

Review: I was sent this book from the author herself Jody, thank you! And immediately loved the cover. It was so beautiful. With the way she has the mistash on her finger, it represents the book well. The story is about a girl named Natalie who has her own relationship column which seems to be going down hill when everyone starts criticising her work for they think she writes what they want to hear. So to get back in the good books of her school fans and to win the newspaper article competition she decides to go under cover to a guys private school, as 'Nat' a boy, and get answers from the boys at Underwood Academy about what boys really want. But along the way she meets new friends and a boy that she actually finds herself falling for.

First impressions was the film Shes the man. And when reading this book I had that vibe to it aswell. I think I would of enjoyed this book allot more if I had never watched that film. But saying that Shes the man is one of my favourite all time films. It just annoyed me in parts because some of the scenes going on were actually like the film and even some of the comments they made were the same. It annoyed me a little because I found myself thinking has this story been written from certain parts of the film.

I did enjoy the whole idea of her going undercover though. I really liked how her friends helped her get in and how hard it was to be a completely different agenda. This book was very funny and I did laugh in certain places. I like how we got to see how boys act totally different to relationships and situations to girls and how sometimes girls are way to paranoid over things and should take a step back and think first.

The relationship between Natalie and Emilio was cute yet strange all at the same time. I felt myself enjoying it and not liking it all together. It was cute but then I kept thinking Emilio's connecting with someone he thinks is a boy.. so it was just hard to place and love at certain times. I also wanted more background on him. I felt we didn't know him as well as we could have done, just that he wasnt orignally from America but from Mexico and maybe that's where their relationship would of connected more.

I did love the ending though. I felt it ended really sweet and the way it would in a movie. If you are looking for a light summer read then I definitely recommend this book.

You can buy this book at AmazonUK, AmazonUSA, BookDepository
Authors website: http://www.jodygehrman.com/


Tuesday 7 August 2012

Blog Tour: Last Summer review



Last Summer By Rebecca A. Rogers
Genre: New Adult
Rating: 3.5 stars/ B

Summary: All Chloe Sullivan wants to do is get through the summer. Her life has been in disarray for more than six months, and she knows the only reason her parents made one final trip to Sandy Shores is because of her. They are, after all, two seconds away from filing for divorce. When Chloe stumbles upon a boy in one of her childhood hangouts, she’s in for more than just a relaxing summer vacation.

Logan Andrews is exhausted, famished and, quite frankly, kaput. His parents kicked him out when he refused to attend a rehabilitation program for his drug addiction. Now, he wishes he would’ve listened; he’d be receiving appropriate medical care rather than living in a dingy, godforsaken shack, holing up from money-hungry drug dealers.

Logan’s godsend arrives in the form of Chloe, who can’t hold her tongue when it comes to matters of the heart. They’re both in for a rude awakening when Logan’s past catches up to them, though. Can they escape the drug dealers showing up at every twist and turn, or will things end much worse than they ever imagined?

WARNING: contains strong language, drug use, and sexual situations, including an explicit sex scene and a near-rape scene. Mature audiences only. 17+


Review:
This was probably the quickest book I've ever read. It took me just over four hours, which is extremley quick for me. But I must say I enjoyed those four hours quickly taking in everything that went on.

This book is based around drugs. Which I'm not used to reading much of. But when I do read books that use this topic I always like to see how its played out. You have the main character Chloe who happens to be going back to her lake house for the summer with her parents who cannot stand each other.  She feels the summers going to be terrible and tends to distance herself from her family and goes for a walk where she finds a cottage she used to hide out at when she was a little girl. Which is where Logan comes into the story. Straight away Chloe knows somethings off about Logan and when she sees him taking drugs she knows she has to do something about it.

The romance was quickly developed, so much that I wanted more to happen between them. I felt it was a little rushed and that they could of took a bit more time getting to know each other. I wanted more emotions between the two. But saying that - the characters were developed so well that I felt I didnt mind it all happeneing quick because the passion these two characters had was amazing. Of course because these feelings to Logan were new.

I liked what Rebecca was trying to get at her authors. There was a message to this story. And it was showing you how drugs can actually affect people. It can affect people who arent even taking it and how serious the issue really is. Logans addiction in this story was actually very mild to what some cases are actually like, so to get a feel to what it would be like if you knew someone who was doing drugs it brings you to reality that this story felt very real.
Overall I did enjoy this book. I liked the ending even though some of it seemed a little quickly developed but I guess choosing other options for this book to end could of given it a different view. The epilogue was cute and deffinetly gives you that summer feel to the book. Thankyou Rebecca for sending me the book and allowing me to read/review a deep meaning story.

You can buy this book at AmazonUSA
Authors website: http://www.rebeccaarogers.com
Blog Schedule
WEEK ONE
Monday, August 6
Amber @ Amber’s Supernatural & YA Reviews
Tuesday, August 7
Kelsey @ Enchanted Books
Wednesday, August 8
Riya @ The Teen Book Guru
Thursday, August 9
Candace @ Woven Myst (YA Magazine)
Friday, August 10
Trini @ A Book Lover’s Review
Saturday, August 11
Emily @ Emily’s Crammed Bookshelf



WEEK TWO
Monday, August 13
Ellen @ Always YA at Heart
Tuesday, August 14
Faye @ A Daydreamer’s Thoughts
Wednesday, August 15
Melissa @ Harley Bear Book Blog
Thursday, August 16
Maghon @ Happy Tails and Tales Blog
Friday, August 17
Donna @ Book Passion for Life
Saturday, August 18
Brianne @ Memories Overtaking Me

WEEK THREE
Monday, August 20
Lyn @ Writing on the Sunny Side of the Street
Tuesday, August 21
Hannah @ The Girl in a Café
Friday, August 24
Emma @ BelleBooks
Saturday, August 25
Kelly Cabral and Lisa Soares @ Book Mark Belles

WEEK FOUR
Monday, August 27
Kara @ Kara Loves Reading
Tuesday, August 28
Samantha @ Book Crazed Reviews
Wednesday, August 29
Lori @ Writing My Own Fairytale
Friday, August 31
Laura @ What’s Hot



Sunday 5 August 2012

Birthday Giveaway Edition

Hey guys. So since its my birthday august the 18th (I'm so excited) I decided to do a special giveaway for you all to celebrate my 17th. So all you have to do is follow the rafftlecopter rules. This is international because I will ship it from The Book Depository if I have to. The closing date will be August the 21st. Happy Reading. I have picked six books that are releasing this month :D

a Rafflecopter giveaway