Out Now: ACCIDENTALS by Sarina Bowen!

Accidentals by Sarina Bowen

Coming July 10^th

SUMMARY

A YA novel from USA Today bestselling author Sarina Bowen.

Never ask a question unless you’re sure you want the truth.

I’ve been listening to my father sing for my whole life. I carry him in my pocket on my mp3 player. It’s just that we’ve never met face to face.

My mother would never tell me how I came to be, or why my rock star father and I have never met. I thought it was her only secret. I was wrong.

When she dies, he finally appears. Suddenly I have a first class ticket into my father’s exclusive world. A world I don’t want any part of – not at this cost.

Only three things keep me going: my a cappella singing group, a swoony blue-eyed boy named Jake, and the burning questions in my soul.

There’s a secret shame that comes from being an unwanted child. It drags me down, and puts distance between me and the boy I love.

My father is the only one alive who knows my history. I need the truth, even if it scares me.

LINKS

Amazon Global Link: http://geni.us/ACCAmazon 

Audio: http://geni.us/ACCaudio 

Paperback: http://geni.us/ACCpaperback 

iBooks: http://geni.us/ACCibooks 

Kobo: http://geni.us/ACCkobo 

Nook: http://geni.us/ACCnook 

Find Sarina!

https://www.sarinabowen.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7737308.Sarina_Bowen

https://www.facebook.com/authorsarinabowen

https://twitter.com/SarinaBowen

https://www.pinterest.com/sarinabowen/

https://www.instagram.com/sarina.bowen/

EXCERPT

After the last course—chocolate mousse—the three of us go tripping back across
the cold lawn in the dark, Aurora in the lead. I’m the tiniest bit tipsy and wearing heels.
So naturally I stumble on a frozen clod of snow and nearly fall. But Jake catches my
hand to steady me. “Thanks,” I breathe.
Curiously, his warm fingers remain curled around mine until we reached the door
of Habernacker.
I try not to feel ridiculously excited about it.
He lets go when we all reach the third floor. When Aurora opens the door, he
follows us inside until we all collapse on the S.L.O., with me in the center.
“Oh! I forgot to steal my plate,” I realize.
“Me too.” Aurora sighs.
Jake reaches into his jacket and pulls out a plate.
“Well done, Mr. Jake!” Aurora laughs. “The party in the annex starts in fifteen
minutes.” She heaves herself off the squishy couch. “I have time to redo my makeup.”
I watch her walk over to the stereo, where my phone is already ensconced, and
turn on our Christmas playlist. Then she grabs her makeup bag off her desk and leaves
the room.
When the door clicks shut, neither Jake nor I speak for a moment. The low
chords of a Straight No Chaser song play through our little speakers.
Suddenly, it’s awkward. We’ve been circling each other for a while now—since
the night he was trying to be nice and I wrecked it.

“You’re probably sick of a cappella by now,” I say, just to find something to talk
about.
But Jake turns slowly toward me and says something unexpected. “Rachel, I
need to ask you a question.”
My stomach does a little flip flop, and I turn to face those blue eyes I love so
much. “What?” I whisper.
“Well…” He clears his throat. There is a very long pause, during which I hold my
breath. “Will you come skiing some time?”
I exhale. “I guess so?” Another beat of silence passes. “That was your big
question?” I ask, feeling like I’ve missed something.
His color deepens. “Well, no. I just…” His brow furrows, as if he’s trying to
explain some point of astronomy. I love his look of concentration. I’ve missed it.
Jake’s blue eyes lock on mine, and I see how our own orbits might finally collide.
This time, I will not send the moment winging back into space. Instead, I lean an almost
imperceptible degree in his direction.
And that’s all it takes.
Reaching up, Jake cups his hand to the side of my face. I’m still processing the
sweet touch of his fingers when he leans in farther, his lips brushing the sensitive corner
of my mouth. His eyes are tentative, seeking permission. My heart thuds with
expectation.
And then—finally—Jake kisses me for real. We come together the way a well-timed
drummer kicks into the chorus of a song—swiftly, and without hesitation.
We broke apart a moment later, eyeing each other while I try not to smile. “Can I

do that again?” he asks, his voice rough. “That was my real question.”
“Well, since you asked so nicely…”
Jake makes a low noise of approval, then draws me closer. I reach up for the
back of his neck, my fingers grazing that golden patch of skin I’ve always wanted to
touch. He kisses me again, his arm finding the velvet waist of my dress and encircling
me.
My heart flutters, but not from fear. Warm lips tease mine gently apart. And when
his tongue tangles with mine, I lose myself.
He tastes like champagne. Everything is wild and sweet, until the moment
Aurora’s voice rings out. “Ay, caramba!”
I feel an unwelcome rush of cool air between us as Jake retreats.
“I did say I was going into the bathroom, right? And not on a trip to Fiji?”
Neither of us says a word; we only look sheepishly at Aurora.
“Just to be clear, now I’m ducking into the bedroom for my coat, which only takes
a second.” She steps into the bedroom, and I hear the rustling of fabric. Then she peers
dramatically around the door frame. “Good listening! Now I’m going to the party. Will I
see you both there? Don’t answer that. We’ll speak later.”
Jake laughs. “Sorry, Aurora.”
“I’ve seen worse.” She departs, the door closing behind her.
And now I’m self-conscious. Rising, I decide to fiddle with the music playlist. “Do
you want to go to the party?”
“I’ll go. But I’m not great at parties. It’s all shouting over the music, drinking warm
beer out of a plastic cup.”

“Then let’s not.” My fingers shake as I adjust the volume. I go back over to the
sofa and sit down.
“So.” He clears his throat. “Where are you going for break?” As he asks, he takes
one of my hands in his, massaging my palm with his thumb.
His light touch is so distracting that I almost forget to answer. “Kansas City,” I
manage. “To meet my grandfather for the very first time.”
“Um, what?” He squeezes my hand.
So I tell Jake the embarrassing highlights of my weird story—that I hadn’t met
Frederick until this past summer.
“Wow. I’m sorry,” he says.
“Don’t be.”
“I guess I’m not that offended now that you wouldn’t introduce me. If the normal
waiting period is seventeen years.”
My laugh begins with an unladylike snort. Ah, well. “With me it’s just all soap
opera, all the time. Believe it or not, a year ago I was really a boring person.”
“I don’t see how.” He regards me with darting eyes. “You look beautiful tonight.”
“It’s Aurora’s dress,” I whisper.
But Jake doesn’t seem to care. He slips his arms around my waist. Scooting
closer, he slides his lips from my forehead, down my nose and onto my mouth. And we
begin again.

Review & Except: TRUST by Kylie Scott!

 My Review: I... guys, I don't know if I have enough words. I am writing this review seconds after finishing the book, and I am in an absolute giddy phase. Kylie Scott is one of my favorite authors. And this book is just another example of how amazing she is. First off, she gives her readers an immediate punch to the chest, and then we get to spend the rest of the book trying to recover. But you know what? She can hit me again whenever she wants.

I will admit, I was nervous how this book would turn out - after all, Kylie Scott is most definitely an adult writer. I wasn't sure she could pull off a young adult novel - it takes a special author to conquer both. But she did it. She crossed that bridge with elaborate fanfare, and I feel like a fool for even thinking of doubting her. It takes a little time, but her humor and snarkyness comes through, and fits her young adult characters just as well as her adult ones.

Trust is well written, absolutely engrossing, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

 Cover Lovin': Yum, indeed.

Recommendation: Trust stands alone. This is listed as Young Adult, but I would firmly list it as 16+, for some mature content.

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE stars (5/5)!! I'm in love with this book. It's action packed, exciting, suspenseful, funny, and just everything I didn't know I needed.

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Being young is all about the experiences: the first time you skip school, the first time you fall in love…the first time someone holds a gun to your head.

After being held hostage during a robbery at the local convenience store, seventeen year old Edie finds her attitude about life shattered. Unwilling to put up with the snobbery and bullying at her private school, she enrolls at the local public high school, crossing paths with John. The boy who risked his life to save hers.

While Edie’s beginning to run wild, however, John’s just starting to settle down. After years of partying and dealing drugs with his older brother, he’s going straight—getting to class on time, and thinking about the future.

An unlikely bond grows between the two as John keeps Edie out of trouble and helps her broaden her horizons. But when he helps her out with another first—losing her virginity—their friendship gets complicated.

Meanwhile, Edie and John are pulled back into the dangerous world they narrowly escaped. They were lucky to survive the first time, but this time they have more to lose—each other.

 

Amazon US | Amazon Aus | Amazon UK | iBooks US | iBooks Aus | Kobo | Nook

      TRUST by Kylie Scott (Official Book Trailer) from FILM 14 on Vimeo.    

“You were going to give it up to Duncan Dickerson?” he sneered. “Are you serious?”

I halted, staring at him. This was not good. “How do you know about that?”

“Anders overheard you and Hang talking.”

“Bastard.”

“Well?” he demanded, acting all authoritarian. Idiot.

“To be fair, I didn’t know his last name was Dickerson,” I said. “That’s unfortunate. Though, I wasn’t actually planning on marrying him, so . . .”

“Not funny.”

I shrugged.

“You barely know the guy.”

“Um, yeah. None of your concern. We’re not talking about this.” How mortifying! My face burned bright. People should just gather around and cook s’mores. “I appreciate that we’re friends. You mean a lot to me. But this is going to have to fall under definitely none of your damn business, so go away please.”

“We’re talking about it.” He advanced a step.

“No we are not.” And I retreated.

“You were going to let a complete stranger touch you.” Advance.

Retreat. “People do it all the time. You do it all the time.”

“But you don’t,” he said, taking the final step, backing me up against the side of his car and getting all in my face. “Edie, this is your first time we’re talking about. Isn’t it?”

“Yes, and it’s going to be messy and painful and probably horribly embarrassing and I just want it over and done with.” I tried to meet his eyes but failed, settling for a spot on his right shoulder. “You’re not a girl; you wouldn’t understand. Also, last time I checked, you’re not the gatekeeper of my hymen, John Cole. So back the fuck off.”

He said nothing.

Deep, calming breaths. “Look, someday I’ll meet someone I really like and we’ll have a deep and meaningful relationship and go at it like bunnies. But I don’t want to be the dumb virgin in that scenario.”

He slowly shook his head.

“Also, I do not want to die a virgin.”

“What? What the hell are you talking about?”

“Hey, you and I both know death can occur at any time.”

“This is crazy.”

“I’m seeing a therapist!” I told his shoulder. “I don’t know if you noticed, but I’m a little bit messed up these days. It’s hard for me to trust people. That’s not going to change anytime soon.”

He screwed up his face at me. “Wha—”

“I’m just trying to be practical.”

“Well, you’re being ridiculous. None of this makes sense.”

“It does to me.”

Again, he said nothing.

In fact, he said nothing for so long that I finally looked him in the eye. The anger had left him, replaced by an emotion I didn’t recognize. Worst of all, he still smelled like summer. A little sweat and the open night air, everything I loved. Liked. I meant liked.

“What?” I said, finally.

He let loose a breath. “I’ll do it.”

                  Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013 & 2014, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet. You can learn more about Kylie from http://www.kylie-scott.com/   FACEBOOK | TWITTER | FACEBOOK FAN GROUP | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS | NEWSLETTER  

Disclaimer: I received a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Somewhere good. REVIEW of "Where She Went" by Gayle Forman

 Why this book?: I read "If I Stay" not long ago, and it was so good, I just had to get the sequel when it was released. Also... it's due back today, so had to read it NOW and return it.

Disclaimer: I do not own this book, nor was I given it in exchange for a review. This book is on loan to me from my local library.

Type: Sequel, Teen Fiction, Crossover to adult fiction, Years Later, Epic loves, Dealing with tragedy

Publisher: Dutton Books.
Pages: 260.

About the book: It's been three years since Adam's love saved Mia after the accident that annihilated life as she knew it... and three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever. Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is L.A. tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hears to the future - and each other. (From the bookjacket)

My Review: "Where She Went" is just as emotionally charged as "If I Stay." The first book, from Mia's perspective, followed her journey from the accident to waking up from the coma, and her battle with herself over staying alive or dying with her family. In "Where She Went," Mia is back, but this time we see her through Adam's eyes, and how he dealt with the horror of the crash, and almost losing Mia. After the accident, Mia had Adam and family to help her deal, but Adam had no one to lean on, and when Mia dumped him, he had no one at all. While that may have been good for Adam's music career, since it gave him the passion to write the songs that rocketed his band to stardom, it was so painful for Adam. And the reader really sees how this hurt has changed him. The glimpses of him and Mia in the past, and how he acts in the present, are so blindingly different. My heart broke for Adam in this book. It felt like he was stuck in some hellish limbo.

"Where She Went" is beautifully, almost poetically, written. You really feel Adam's emotions, and I'll admit it, my heart broke for him. There was no epic mistake made by Adam or Mia in the past that tore them apart, it wasn't one person's fault. Something terrible happened, and they were left to deal with the aftermath. Things just fell apart. But when Adam and Mia meet again in this book, it takes them a while, but they find a way to deal with that pain, to get past it, and maybe find a way to really live again.

Cover Loving: I'm not feeling great about this cover. Yes, this book is about Adam AND Mia... but it's from Adam's perspective and Adam's journey.. I think it should be a male on the cover. Or made to look more like the older "If I Stay" covers.

Recommendation: If you need a good, but sad, book, definitely pick up both "If I Stay" and "Where She Went." Maybe you need an epic love story, or you just want a good cry/sniffle.. these books are perfect. I actually think this book would be good for both guys and girls, if the guys can get past the kinda girly cover.

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE (5/5). I really loved 'Where She Went." I stayed up way later than I should, glued to the page and to Adam's story. Excellent sequel to an equally good first book. Make sure to pick up both "If I Stay" and "Where She Went" by Gayle Forman!

Have you read "If I Stay" or "Where She Went"?  Do you think the sequel measured up to the first? Tell me your thoughts in the comments! Want to pick up a copy? Get it from Amazon.com!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Abandon hope all ye that enter here. REVIEW: "Abandon" by Meg Cabot

Why this book?: Well, I'm definitely riding the Greek Mythology in YA trend, especially when it involves my favorite myth story, Hades and Persephone. Also.. it was due back to the library tomorrow.

Disclaimer: I got this book from my local library. I am reviewing this for my own enjoyment.

Type: Young Adult, Teen, Young Adult Romance, Trilogy, Book One, Series, Greek Mythology, Hades and Persephone

About the book: Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can't help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she's never alone . . . because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back. But now she's moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid. Only she can't. Because even here, he finds her. That's how desperately he wants her back. She knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven, yet she can't stay away . . . especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most. But if she lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself back in the one place she most fears: the Underworld.
My Review: I'm conflicted about this book. I enjoyed it over all, but for every good thing I liked about it, there was something about it that just didn't work for me. I'm all for jumping right into a story - but "Abandon" starts when Pierce moves to her new home, which happens to be almost ten years after she first meets John, and a full year and a half after her death and her deal (sorta) about staying with John. The first several chapters were incredibly confusing, because Pierce would make vague references to things that happened in the past, and you'd eventually get told what happens.. but usually not right away. So be prepared to pay a lot of attention while reading.

The author mentions "Abandon" is book one in a trilogy, which is great - because "Abandon" felt like all set up, with little of it's own plot and story. This book might by the type that is hard to judge without reading the rest of the series, because you can't really review it without reviewing the rest (and I will, when they're released). And even then, it's not so much set up in the present, as learning about John and Pierce's past together, and then we'll get the rest in books two and three. And then the word "love" is mentioned (C'mon people, it's a YA romance, you knew the L word was going to be there), and it seems like it came out of left field. It doesn't feel like they have enough history to be tossing around that word, not when we've only been present for a few days worth. Hopefully this will be addressed in the future novels.

That said, yes, there were things I liked about "Abandon." I love this take on the Hades and Persephone myth, and the history behind the gift (a necklace) that John gives Pierce. I cannot wait to see what Cabot will do with the rest of the series, and how she will further blend the mythology in with what she has already started. I also like Pierce's family dynamics. Her parents are actually present in the story, or at least her mother is. But Pierce doesn't just have her mother to rely on, her father is still a presence in her life, as is her Grandmother, uncle and cousin - she has family, and isn't totally alone, something that isn't too prevalent in young adult fiction.

Cover Loving: This cover is very well done. Simple, and elegant. The gold and black tones seem perfect for the story.

Recommendation: It's a good story, and one I would feel confident recommending to younger teens to read, since it doesn't deal with subjects that are too mature. And fans of "The Goddess Test" by Aimee Carter will want to check out "Abandon."

Final Rating: THREE out of FIVE (3/5). I toyed with giving this a lower rating, maybe 2.5 or even 2, but as mentioned above, that might just be because this book is so hard to judge without reading the rest of the trilogy. I'm seeing a lot of things in "Abandon" that show it has the makings of a great series, but there are equal amounts of issues and problems.

Have you read "Abandon" by Meg Cabot? Share your thoughts in the comments! How would you compare this book to other mythology-based YA releases? Would you like to pick up a copy of "Abandon?" Get it at Amazon.com!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Test me next! REVIEW: "The Goddess Test" by Aimee Carter

Why This Book: Mythology! Not only mythology, but Hades and Persephone (which is totally my favorite myth). Also.. my netgalley request was about to expire, so I needed to review it NOW.

Disclaimer: This ecopy was given to me by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Type: Young Adult, Mythology, Hades and Persephone, Olympians, Greek mythos, Paranormal Romance, Teen Romance, Parental loss

About the book: It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.



Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.


Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.
My Review: I found "The Goddess Test" to be an interesting take on the Hades and Persephone myth. However, this book isn't so much a retelling as a continuation - a sort of "what happen's way down the line," or maybe a sequel. And the idea of someone taking Persephone's place so Henry isn't so alone any more is a nice one - even better when it's not just a case of taking the position, but having to be tested first. I liked the idea of the tests, and even more so after I learned more about them in the end.

I did find parts of the story to be a little predictable. I guessed the villain early on, and kept hoping to be surprised or thrown for a loop near the end. While I did correctly guess the villain, I didn't know the how or why, so there was some mystery to be had in the story. The other issue I found was - again with the idea of immortals going to high school. Personally, I couldn't wait to get out of highschool, but it seems ancient beings are lined up out the door to get back in. The exception seems to be Henry (which was a nice change from many YA books), who steered clear of the school.

I did enjoy the main characters. Kate's feelings seemed genuine, and really felt like that cute, adorable first love that teenage girls fall into. And Henry - I can really get behind Henry. I just wanted to hug him and make it all better. Alas, Kate beat me to it, but I did enjoy seeing the two play off each other throughout the course of the story. I will say I'd love for Henry to be a little more stuck in his ways, and seeing Kate pull him in a different direction. Here's hoping we'll get some more interesting interactions between the two in the next book!

Cover Loving: I'm torn between liking it and not. I love that the text is in semi-greek lettering, and I think the layout and placement of the text is well done. But I'm not sure about the girl - the outfit and background are good, but I think the model is a little too old looking for Kate.

Recommendation: Fans of mythology and young adult novels will enjoy "The Goddess Test." I would probably recommend this for older teens, as sex and sexuality is mentioned and dealt with (though dealt with extremely well) on a few occasions.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE (4/5). Definitely some good points - likeable characters, very interesting sequel to one of my favorite myths, and I liked it enough that I am eagerly anticipating the sequel.

Have you read "The Goddess Test" by Aimee Carter? Share your thoughts in the comments! Want to pick up a copy? Get it from Amazon.com! The second book has a title - "Goddess Interrupted" - and is currently scheduled for release near the end of January in 2012.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

My mind says "Good!" REVIEW of "The Mind Readers" by Lori Brighton

 Why this book?: Received it to review - I love this author!

Disclaimer: I received this book for free, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Type: Young Adult, Psychics, Mind Readers, No one is what they seem, Young Adult Paranormal Romance

About the book: Cameron can read minds. It's not the worst thing in the world, well.. maybe when she was younger and hadn't learned to keep quiet. But in highschool, it's a golden ability. She knows how to keep the popular kids apeased, and she manages to get excellent grades. But when a girl is found murdered, Cameron has the ability to find out who, but she can't expose him without exposing herself. And when a new guy joins her school, and proves to have similar abilities, it will take everything Cameron has to deal with the curveballs life is throwing her. And not everything is what it seems.

Review: I got the privilege to read the first part of this novel before it was published, and I was hooked. Cameron is an interesting character with a fascinating outlook on her abilities. Yes, she has the traditional and expected difficulties with what she can do, but she's also learned how to use them to better her social standing. Sometimes it is difficult for adult fiction authors to enter the YA field, since that teenager voice is a tough thing to pull off - but Cameron felt dead-on. She was insecure, she had that giddy and happy hearts feeling when she first met Lewis, she felt like a regular teenager. Well, a regular teenager that can read minds, and maybe do even more.

Another thing I enjoyed about "The Mind Readers" was the fact that I honestly couldn't tell where the plot was heading. A lot of fiction is predictable, which isn't always bad - it's more about the journey than the destination. But this book kept me second guessing my thoughts about each person. Not only was the journey a thrillride, but the destination itself ended up being quite the shock as well. This made it that much easier to identify with Cameron, because she was just as much in the dark as I was.

The ending was left open just enough that I'm hoping for a sequel. The author's website lists "The Mind Readers" as book one, so fingers crossed that we'll get one soon!

Cover Loving: Oh yes. I think this cover is excellent - simple, and perfect.

Recommendation: Definitely recommended for fans of young adult paranormal fiction.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE (4/5). Really good young adult paranormal fiction/romance. Quite the thrillride - non stop action!

Have you read "The Mind Readers" by Lori Brighton? Tell me your thoughts in the comments! Want to read it? Pick up your copy today at Amazon.com!

Happy reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~