Friday, August 30, 2013

More Mockingjay Casting!

Wahoo!  I'm already excited for Catching Fire, and then I hear this news??


I have the original article link for you, but basically all you need to know is this...

Natalie Dormer= CRESSIDA


Evan Ross= MESSALLA



Stef DawsonANNIE


I don't know much about these actors.  I've only heard of Evan Ross because he was in According to Greta and I'm an obsessive Hilary Duff fan.  However, I'm most eager to see Annie come to life.  Finnick is my favorite character by far of The Hunger Games trilogy, and I love his story with Annie.  Stef Dawson is beautiful and delicate looking, just like I imagined.

How excited are you for Catching Fire and Mockingjay?

Book Blast: After Alex Died by Dakota Madison


“Don’t be someone who defines her life by someone else’s death.”

Dee Dee DeMarco’s brother, Alex, was funny, free-spirited and creative. He was also gay. Tormented by bullies, Alex killed himself on his 15th birthday.

Two years later, and now in college, Dee Dee believes getting a summer job working with a college-prep program for disadvantaged high school students is a stroke of luck, until she discovers that the guy assigned to co-lead her group is Cameron Connelly, a star basketball player and one of the bullies who tormented her brother to death. How can Dee Dee possibly spend the entire summer working so closely with one of the boys she blames for her brother’s death?


Dakota Madison
Dakota Madison has been writing since she learned to read and fell in love with books. When she’s not at her computer creating spicy new romances, Dakota is traveling to exotic locales or spending time with her husband and their bloodhounds.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

More TFIOS CASTING: Patrick

Yup, he's been cast!


I can't wait for when the trailer releases!  Until then, here's the review, book trailer, and other fun videos about TFIOS.






Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Cover Reveal: Through Glass by Rebecca Ethington


We are so excited to be able to bring to you the cover reveal for Rebecca Ethington’s THROUGH GLASS which releases in less than a month on September 20th, 2013.

Both the book’s cover and description are awesome and more than a little bit chilling and we cannot wait for its release.

If you’d like to know more about the author, Rebecca Ethington, be sure to check out her website, or any of the other places she hangs out online.

And if you can’t wait until September 20th for the release of THROUGH GLASS, the first book in her Imdalind series, KISS OF FIRE, is now available in eBook format for free at AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE and for the KOBO.

We love the cover, but what do you think?


COMING SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2013

About THROUGH GLASS

Everyone remembers the day the sky went black. They remember the screams as the blackness ate those who were out in the open, those who surrounded themselves by light, and those who made noise.

Everyone remembers the voice from the sky, the way food disappeared.

Everyone remembers the day the sky went black, and the sun was wiped from the sky.

At least that’s what I hope. I hope that there is an ‘everyone’ that will remember.

I hope that I am not alone.

Because I remember.

I remember, because it was the day I became alone.

It was the day the house went silent, and the birds stopped singing. It was the day when everyone disappeared, everyone except the boy, the only person I have seen in two years.

The boy I talk to through the glass.


***


About Rebecca Ethington

Rebecca Ethington has been telling stories since she was small. First, with writing crude scripts, and then on stage with years of theatrical performances. The Imdalind Series is her first stint into the world of literary writing.

Rebecca is a mother to two, and wife to her best friend of 14 years. She was born and raised in the mountains of Salt Lake City, and hasn’t found the desire to leave yet. Her days are spent writing, running, and enjoying life with her amazing family.


Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Review: The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus

The Nanny Diaries (Nanny #1)The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary: Wanted: 
One young woman to take care of four-year-old boy. Must be cheerful, enthusiastic and selfless--bordering on masochistic. Must relish sixteen-hour shifts with a deliberately nap-deprived preschooler. Must love getting thrown up on, literally and figuratively, by everyone in his family. Must enjoy the delicious anticipation of ridiculously erratic pay. Mostly, must love being treated like fungus found growing out of employers Hermès bag. Those who take it personally need not apply. Who wouldn'twant this job? Struggling to graduate from NYU and afford her microscopic studio apartment, Nanny takes a position caring for the only son of the wealthy X family. She rapidly learns the insane amount of juggling involved to ensure that a Park Avenue wife who doesn't work, cook, clean, or raise her own child has a smooth day.  When the Xs' marriage begins to disintegrate, Nanny ends up involved way beyond the bounds of human decency or good taste. Her tenure with the X family becomes a nearly impossible mission to maintain the mental health of their four-year-old, her own integrity and, most importantly, her sense of humor. Over nine tense months, Mrs. X and Nanny perform the age-old dance of decorum and power as they test the limits of modern-day servitude.  Written by two former nannies, The Nanny Diaries deftly punctures the glamour of Manhattan's upper class.

Characters: Uh, I think I listened to the abridged version because Harvard Hottie never appeared.  So, I wonder how much of the story I missed. Stupid CD didn't even list the story's duration! Anyway, Nan is a fantastic nanny. Not only does she raise little Greyer who is ever so cute, but she deals with that witch Mrs. X.  Her thoughts are smart and funny, depicting the wealthy housewives in a sardonic light.  Very entertaining.  You'll want to give Mr. and Mrs. X a nice slap in the face because they are terrible, terrible parents.  I don't understand why people who care more about themselves have children.  I'm no parent, so I guess my opinion doesn't count for much, and I can expect the hate to come flooding in.

Plot: I had seen the movie before I started, so I wasn't shocked about anything, not like chick lit is very heavy on the plot.  It's realistic and fun.

Sequel: Nanny Returns takes place when Greyer is a teen and Nan is married to H. H.  I know the ratings are a bit low on goodreads for all of Emma and Nicola's books, but I still want to read them all.  The ladies are super sweet, and their books are so light and easy to read.

Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, I thought this book was pretty funny with a lovable narrator and child.  There is something special about it, thus so many have read it.




View all my reviews

Monday, August 26, 2013

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick Sequel!!!

AHHHH!!! I LOVED My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick! Sam and Jase are great characters that I'd love to hear more about, but I don't believe that the focus of this next novel will be on them.

Here is the link to the article, but I've pulled out the most important part of it so you don't have to go scrolling:)

Editor Turned Author Re-ups at Penguin
Former romance editor Huntley Fitzpatrick, whose debut My Life Next Door was published by Dial in summer 2012, closed a new deal with the Penguin imprint for two more contemporary romances for teens. (Dial is releasing Fitzpatrick’s sophomore novel, What I Thought Was True, in April.) Jessica Garrison bought world rights to the books from Christina Hogrebe at the Jane Rotrosen Agency, and the first title in the new deal is to be a sequel to My Life Next Door.

I'm soo excited for this one and the other upcoming contemporary romance.  Don't forget to check out my review of My Life Next Door to see if you'd be interested!


More Exciting than Miley Cyrus' Twerking: Divergent Trailer Reveal


I know that Miley Cyrus' performance at the VMA's kinda stole everybody's attention.  I mean, just look at the Smith family's reaction.


Meanwhile, the fangirls were going nuts over the first trailer of Divergent.  I guess this makes me a poser, but I was very tired yesterday and did not see it live.  I saw it first thing this morning, and I'm really looking forward to the movie.  It looks great, but I kept thinking that Theo James looks way older than he should.  I'm always wary of book to film adaptations since you have such impossible hopes, for no one can bring what you personally envision to life.  However, I'm confident that Divergent won't majorly disappoint.


Thoughts?

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Update: New Instagram!

Hello everybody!

I made a new Instagram account specifically for the blog.  The username is still lisleslivres.  Frankly, I just felt weird putting book/blog related photos up on my personal account, icarlyr, because my friends really could care less.  So, I made one for all of you bookish people.  Hit me up with a follow!  I'll follow back if you are an ardent book lover!  My account looks quite sparse right now, but I'm working on it.  I didn't realize how long it takes to build up.  Silly me!

I'll post pictures of book signings that I go to, me with authors, and maybe I'll even get into posting pictures related to certain fandoms.

I'm not sure how many of my book photos I'll be keeping on the icarlyr account, but feel free to stalk me on that account too.  I know how interesting I am.  Haha, not really.

FOLLOW ME Y'ALL
  

Movie Trailer: The Book Thief by Mark Zusak


This looks GREAT! I haven't read the book and I don't know a ton about it.  All I know is that you could kill someone with this book because it is so long and thick!  However, it is a book on the Reading Olympics list so I will most likely read it.  I have to say that the people that choose the Reading Olympics books know what books are popular with the kids these days!  Go librarians!!!!

I am hopeful for this movie since it's a work of the people who brought Life of Pi to theaters which was absolutely beautiful!

Have you read The Book Thief by Mark Zusak?  Would you see the movie?

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Shailene Woodley Chops it Off and TFIOS Production Starts

Yeah, I know I'm a little late on the former.  I think it is so awesome that Shailene donated her signature locks to someone in need.  I've donated my hair 4 times in 6 years I believe.  Yes, my hair grows pretty fast.  I am currently sporting a pixie and I know how brave you have to be to get rid of it.  it seems silly because it grows back but I know so many people that wouldn't donate it because it takes too long to come back.

BEFORE


AFTER


In other news, production for The Fault in Our Stars started officially!  I'm so excited because this is a wonderful book, but I'm also looking forward to seeing their trip to Amsterdam because I have just visited it.  I like nostalgic stuff like that.



Have you ever donated your hair?  Are you excited for TFIOS?

Release Day: Enduring Light by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Enduring Light (The Afterglow Trilogy #3)

Fighting darkness takes light.
Desperate to save James, Charlotte scours Energo for answers with Calvin and Liam at her side. Kevin and Samantha head to Alaska to find the one item that might destroy Blake, but the search is only the beginning.
As time runs out, Charlotte and Kevin discover that keeping Energo from eternal darkness will take a sacrifice no one expects.





About Alyssa Rose Ivy:

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

Links:


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Monday, August 19, 2013

Review: Into the Deep by Samantha Young

Into the Deep (Into the Deep, #1)Into the Deep by Samantha Young
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Summary: Live young. Live hard. Love deep.

Charley Redford was just an ordinary girl until Jake Caplin moved to her small town in Indiana and convinced her she was extraordinary. Almost from day one Jake pulled Charley into the deep and promised he was right there with her. But when a tragic incident darkened Jake’s life he waded out into the shallows and left Charley behind.

Almost four years later Charley thinks she’s moved on. That is until she takes a study year abroad in Edinburgh and bumps into none other than Jake Caplin at a party with his new girlfriend. The bad-boy-turned-good attempts to convince Charley to forgive him, and as her best friend starts spending time with Jake’s, Charley calls a truce, only to find herself tumbling back into a friendship with him.

As they grow closer, the spark between them flares and begins playing havoc with their lives and relationships. When jealousy and longing rear their destructive heads, Charley and Jake struggle to come to grips with what they mean to one another.

And even if they work it out, there is no guarantee Charley will ever trust Jake to lead her back into the deep…

Characters: Charley is selfless, funny, and smart, and she doesn't deserve to lose her love, Jake.  I came to love seventeen year old Jake through the flashbacks, but I wasn't too crazy about present day Jake.  He was so kind and carefree, but not so much as he got older.  The tension between these two is so frustrating at times!

Plot: Are you kidding with that ending? Ugh, why must this be a series? I just want my happy ending now!!!!!! For me, the plot was a little too slow.  I felt like Jake and Charley had too many issues with their past and Jake's girlfriend that prevented them from connecting again. Even by the end, their relationship is still strained, and it seemed to me that thy only got together because they gave in to physical attraction.

Would I recommend it to a friend? No, I love Samantha Young, so I guess my expectations were really high.  I was disappointed with this, but I know I'll read the sequel because I'll read anything by this author and I still want the happily ever after.  If it were another author though, I'm not so sure I'd pick up the sequel.

View all my reviews

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Fallen by Lauren Kate Movie Cast


It's been super long that we have been waiting to hear who got cast in Lauren Kate's Fallen.  Remember when Lucy Hale was supposed to play Luce?  I thought the movie got dropped, but it's in full swing with casting for Luce and Daniel just announced.  So here we go...





JEREMY IRVINE is DANIEL

MY THOUGHTS: Oh my goodness, these people are perfect in terms of physical looks!!!!!!!! I've never heard of Addison Timlin, and I only know that Jeremy Irvine was in War Horse, so I hope their acting is good.  This news has gotten me very excited for the movie.  Now, I've only read Fallen when it first came out, so I'm extremely fuzzy on the plot.  I can remember that there is an epic love triangle and Luce's school is full of angels, and that's about it.  What else do I need to know, right? Haha, I am going to continue on with the series because Lauren Kate will be visiting my local Barnes and Noble for the release of Teardrop, her new series.  My friend Dani and I are probably going to dress up with wings because we are nerdy like that and because it will be the Sunday before Halloween.  If you come to the signing, you will know who I am:)  I let you know when Cam is cast.  I can't wait to see who gets chosen!!


Thursday, August 15, 2013

Vampire Academy Teaser Release

I saw that if some tweet got tweeted x amount of times, a teaser would be released so I guess the goal was reached.  Here it is...


MY THOUGHTS: I know I'm going to see this either in the theater or on DVD, but this looks like it's going to flop.  Film adaptations seem to always stink, but us fans love it anyway.  I know I keep saying it, but I'll work on reading it.  I just have so much work to do right now that I don't want to do.  Lots of reviews that I'm behind on and I'm sorry about that.

Audio books for the Car

I got my driver's license a little while ago.  I actually just had a fight with the curb and tire, and the curb won today.  Yes, I smashed my car into the curb and need a new tire so I'm feeling depressed.  Anyway, I don't like to listen to music.  I swear that I won't even know what a hit song is now that my sister is away at college.  So, I went to the library and picked up an audio book.  Oh my good golly day, they are all soooo long.  Who can kill 10 hours?  So, I chose The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan.  3 Discs.

I'm not sure if I like audio books yet.  Well, I keep forgetting to turn it on.  But, I find myself not paying careful attention to the story because I'm concerned about driving and not getting lost.  But I suppose that's because I'm a brand new driver.

Oh, and another weird thing is the narrator!  Sometimes you can have a really good one, but I think this one sounds really weird.  He has a young voice, and all I can think of is Logan Lerman as Percy.

Do you like audio books? Where do you listen to them? Or do they put you right to sleep?




What is Wrong with Children? (Hunger Games Camp Article Repost)

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

First Stills of Vampire Academy!

How excited are you for this film? The Weinstein Company has released the first stills of the adaptation that finished filming in July.  I better get to reading these books!!!!

Zoey Deutch (Rose), Lucy Fry (Lissa), Sarah Hyland (Natalie) 

Zoey Deutch (Rose), Danila Kozlovsky (Dimitri)

Zoey Deutch (Rose)









Book Blast: An Aria In Venice (A Musical Interlude Novel) by KaSonndra Leigh

Release Date: Fall, 2013

His goal…One night with the ballerina.
Her goal…To beat the player at his game.
The outcome...Something completely unexpected.

Adriana Dostov pegged Luca Martuccio from day one: gorgeous, talented, arrogant, a man who has had difficulty committing to one woman in the past. He is known in fashion circles as the player with a scandalous history. So when the girls in her ballet troupe suggest she gives up her virginity to him, she doesn't say no. But she’s not sure that a ‘yes’ is the right answer either. Yet, she can’t stop herself from making the offer...a one night stand in Venice.

Luca wanted feisty little Adriana the moment they first met - and he fully intends to have her, hence why he's agreed to accept her proposal. In the end, he'll get what he wants. No commitment. All sex.

But, as Luca discovers, there's more to the ballerina with the overbearing mother - and he can't help but care about the frightened girl behind those sad eyes.

Adriana discovers Luca isn't just walking sex on a stick - he has a wildly passionate side, a lost soul who has suffered just as much grief as her. And it could be, they're exactly what the other one needs.





About the Author:

Author of the Lost Immortals Saga and the Path Seekers Series. I’m also a mother, blogger, reader, gardener, home renovator, and a slayer of undead Egyptian mummies in Tomb Raider. I believe in karma, coffee, and seriously wish that the producers of Xena would bring my favorite show ever back.

I was born in the race-car city of Charlotte, NC, and now live in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, NC, when I’m not hanging out in Bardonia (Lost Immortals). Most of my characters are based on people that I’ve met throughout my travels and adventures. People tend to stop and start conversations with me as if I’ve known them my entire life. Does this freak me out? Not really. My mom says that one day I’ll get kidnapped by one of them. I told her that if it weren’t for these lovely people then I wouldn’t be able to create the stories that I do.

Some other common tidbits…hmm. I’ve watched the movie Under the Tuscan Sun almost 200 times. Seriously, the way I see it is if I keep watching it enough, then suddenly the house that Diane Lane lives in will magically appear in my backyard. I know. I have a huge imagination!

Links to Fun Stuff:

Join thousands of Musical Interlude Fans on the Facebook FanPage: https://www.facebook.com/KaSonndraLeighBooksPage
Author Website: www.kasonndraleigh.com

Newsletter Signup:  The Seraphine News

How do You Feel About Spoilers?

Do you hate when someone tells you what happens?  Does the plot and excitement then get ruined for you?

Have you ever heard of someone reading the end of a book before the beginning? 

Well, that has been me for awhile.  I used to read the last page of the book to see what would happen, usually looking for a happy ending.  Recently, I have been reading really predictable books so I've been resisting the urge to read the end.  But I went against my pattern and went back to my old ways with the book I'm currently reading, and I'm not a fan of what I've read.  So what do I do?  Well, I've continued reading...

I've noticed that books that are in a series have annoying cliffhangers or non happy endings.  Makes sense, the author wants me to be able to keep writing and keep readers reading.  But sometimes, I really hate series!  It annoys me having to wait for the next one and by the time the next one comes, I forgot what  happened in the previous one.  I do best when the entire series is finished and can read them subsequently. 

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Happy Book Birthday, Samantha Young!

I guess it's different in the UK because Samantha Young's NA Into the Deep has come out today and it's not even a Tuesday!  Yup, all books come out on Tuesdays in the US.  Nerdy me actually looked that up.  Anyway, I've already read the first two chapters from Samantha's website and it is super great like always!!!! Jake is a cutie already.  I can't wait to read the rest.  Go check it out because this woman's books are super duper :)



Saturday, August 10, 2013

Shatter Me #3 by Tahereh Mafi Title and Cover Reveal

It's called IGNITE ME! And here are some words from Tahereh:

" Hi guys!
I'm so so thrilled to be able to share this final cover with you all. The "Shatter Me" series is swiftly coming to a close, and though it's a bittersweet feeling, I'm anxious for everyone to know how the story will end. Also I'm hoping we can still be friends after you finish reading.Ahem.
If you follow me around the internet, you know I've teased you a lot about what may or may not happen in book 3, but the truth is, most of the time I was just messing with you. What actually happens in the third book is probably almost definitely not what you think is going to happen. (Don't let the title fool you! "Ignite" is so much more than it seems.)
Of this final book I can promise you this much, though: Juliette is back. She's pissed. And she's ready to kick some ass. No regrets.
And mom, if you're reading this, I'm sorry I just said ass on the Internet. Twice."
-Tahereh Mafi 

COVER TIME!!!


MY THOUGHTS: AHH the cover is so gorgeous! Tahereh is a great writer and though I've only read Shatter Me, I'm still super excited.  I had the pleasure of meeting Tahereh and Ransom Riggs when Unravel Me and Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (paperback) came out, and she sweet and hilarious as was he.  And guess what?  This OTP is engaged.  I didn't think it was real because Tahereh is sarcastic as you can get but they seem really good together.  Only fellow book nerds would be excited over this :)




Friday, August 09, 2013

Review: There is No Light in Darkness by Claire Contreras

There is No Light in Darkness (Darkness, #1)There is No Light in Darkness by Claire Contreras

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Summary: A past hidden in darkness. Her present cloaked in secrets. The future holds the only truth that cannot be escaped.

After the mysterious and violent death of her parents, Blake Brennan finds comfort with an unconventional family. As the dramatic loss of her parents continues to haunt her—and hinders her from reciprocating love that others give freely—Blake embarks on a harrowing journey in search for the truth.

Living in a constant state of fear and need for control, vivid nightmares reveal details that lead to perilous situations. The past begins to collide with the present, and Blake must decide if the truth is worth losing the ones she loves. 

Can love conquer all as her past comes to light? Or will Blake realize that there is no light in darkness?

Characters: Blake is a pretty cool girl that has been dealt a bad hand.  Her actions may be frustrating, but her motives are understandable.  Thank goodness she comes to her senses and gets together with the amazing Cole.  Cole is flirty and makes it obvious that he cares about Blake from the start.  He treats her like gold, wanting to protect her always.  He is the character you dream is real. Auburn is another character that I loved.  He cares for Blake like an older brother and is pretty funny.

Plot: This is another one of those NA books that involves violence, gangs, crime... I have quickly become so sick of these.  The plots are just so affected for me.  Especially this book, there were some things that were too coincidental.  They defy day to day odds.  And the ending was just cruel! I'm not so sure I would want to continue on with a sequel.  I live the characters, but I'm not a fan of this plot line and I'm expecting the next will be along the same line.

Would I recommend it to a friend? Knowing my friends, no.  They love happy endings like me. If you're looking for a romantic drama, you might like this.  Or if you are someone who doesn't mind bad plots if there are awesome characters, this will provide you some satisfaction.


View all my reviews

Happy Book Lover's Day!

I didn't know this was a real day until someone at http://ghergich.com told me about it.  So go out to your library, bookstore, wherever and grab a nice book to enjoy today.  Read it in a comfy place you fancy and have a happy day!!!

Tuesday, August 06, 2013

Cover Reveal: Out of Line by Jen McLaughlin



Desperate to break free…

I've spent my entire life under my father’s thumb, but now I'm finally free to make my own choices. When my roommate dragged me to my first college party, I met Finn Coram and my life turned inside out. He knows how to break the rules and is everything I never knew I wanted. A Marine by day and surfer by night, he pushes me away even as our attraction brings us closer. Now I am finally free to do whatever I want. I know what I want. I choose Finn. 

Trying to play by the rules...

I always follow orders. My job, my life, depends on it. I thought this job would be easy, all the rules were made crystal clear, but when I met Carrie Wallington, everything got muddy. She's a rule I know I shouldn't break, but damn if I don’t inch closer to the breaking point each time I see her. I’m ready to step out of line. And even worse? I’m living a lie. They say the truth will set you free, but in my case…

The truth will cost me everything.


Author Information

Jen McLaughlin writes steamy New Adult books for the young and young at heart. Her first release, Out of Line, is due out September 2013. She also writes Contemporary Romance under the pen name Diane Alberts. She is a multi-published, bestselling author and is represented by Louise Fury from the L. Perkins Agency. Since receiving her first contract offer under the pen name Diane Alberts, she has yet to stop writing.

Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, a cat, and a Senegal parrot. In the rare moments when she’s not writing, she can usually be found hunched over one knitting project or another. Her goal is too write so many well-crafted romance books that even a non-romance reader will know her name.


SPECIAL CONTEST: 
Jen McLaughlin (aka Diane Alberts) is also offering up a special contest. For every 100 adds she gets on goodreads for OUT OF LINE before the release (September 10), she will reveal 5 pages of the book early!

If the book hits 600 adds before the release, she will release a bonus scene from Finn's POV! She will also choose random people who use the tag #OUTOFLINE on twitter and facebook, or adds the book to their TBR list, to receive swag! 

GIVEAWAY: 
Jen is offering a signed/personalized copy of OUT OF LINE to one lucky reader! The rafflecopter is below. 
a Rafflecopter giveaway