LIFE BY COMMITTEE (Review)

Title: Life by Committee
Author(s): Corey Ann Haydu
Edition: ARC, 304 pages
Publisher: Katherine Teagan Books
Publication Date: May 14, 2014
Source: Inkwood Books (Blog ARCs)
Buy: Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Book Depository - Inkwood Books

The Summary

Some secrets are too good to keep. 

Tabitha might be the only girl in the history of the world who actually gets less popular when she gets hot. But her so-called friends say she’s changed, and they’ve dropped her flat. 

Now Tab has no one to tell about the best and worst thing that has ever happened to her: Joe, who spills his most intimate secrets to her in their nightly online chats. Joe, whose touch is so electric, it makes Tab wonder if she could survive an actual kiss. Joe, who has Tabitha brimming with the restless energy of falling in love. Joe, who is someone else’s boyfriend.

Just when Tab is afraid she’ll burst from keeping the secret of Joe inside, she finds Life by Committee. The rules of LBC are simple: tell a secret, receive an assignment. Complete the assignment to keep your secret safe. 

Tab likes it that the assignments push her to her limits, empowering her to live boldly and go further than she’d ever go on her own.

But in the name of truth and bravery, how far is too far to go?

(Goodreads)

My Opinion

I was happy to get this ARC from the awesome staff at Inkwood Books (PLEASE check out this amazing indie bookstore if you're ever in Tampa, Florida).  Sometimes, if I'm an especially good customer that day I am gifted with some ARCs to dive into.  I was browsing the ARC shelf (yes they have an ARC shelf, but it's in the back and only available to super secret awesome people), when I saw the spine of this book.  I had heard of Corey Ann Haydu's first book, OCD Love Story, so her name caught my eye.  Even though I had not read that book, I read great reviews on it, so I figured her sophomore novel would be good as well.  I was right!

I really enjoyed this book.  It was an interesting mix of contemporary with a little bit of  mystery.  I thought that the characters were portrayed as realistic, and I could totally relate to the concept of the secret sharing because when I was in 9th/10th grade I use to post to an anonymous forum where we would tell secrets and write poetry and be all "emotional".  A little different, but a lot of the same feelings welled up in me when I read about Tab and her secret sharing.  This is the best part of Life by Committee; Haydu has crafted a slice of life that feels real.

Tab is a teenager, so sometimes she's whiney, sometimes she's ungrateful, but at other times she's loving and insightful.  Just like any young adult, she is trying to figure out her place in the world and she doesn't do it gracefully at all times.  But this expansive emotional range is what I really love about teenagers; they have such big feelings because everything is so personal to them.  Haydu captures this brilliantly.  Of course I know some may find Tab annoying for this reason, with the whole "typical teen" attitude, but I loved her and found her very relatable. 

As I mentioned above, the idea of secret sharing was very cool, and intrigued me.  Can you imagine divulging some deep secrets and then allowing complete strangers to decide what you have to do in order for those secrets to stay secret?  I don't think I'm either brave enough or reckless enough to do something like that.  Of course, it could be freeing at the same time, which is the precipice Haydu works with.  At any moment Tab's world could get so much more complicated than it already is, but that's what makes being a member of the Committee that much more enticing.

Overall, this is a fun contemporary that has both real feelings and humorous moments throughout.  I think it is a good sophomoric follow up to Haydu's previous book OCD Love Story, and makes me want to pick up her next works.  I would recommend it to readers who want a contemporary with a secret twist.

Extras

Other Books by Corey Ann Haydu
(Click on the images to go to Goodreads)

Final Rating

Book Cover: 4/5
Book Title: 4/5
Plot: 8/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 9/10
Ending: 9/10
Overall: 43/50: B

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Waiting on Wednesday (82)

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we seriously can’t wait for.

Here's my pick for the week, that I seriously can't wait for:

Loop

by Karen Akins

Publication Date: October 21, 2014

A time traveler accidentally brings a boy from the past into the 23rd century, only to discover he’s already in love with her future self and is keeping his own set of secrets.

Uh, while this is a tiny summary for a book, it has got me hooked for sure!!!  I love time travel, I like the whole idea of it, I like the consequences that can happen, and I certainly like the possibilities it has.  Add that to the romance in the book, and I am sold!  can;t wait until October!  (If any of you lovely people in the book world get an ARC, I would love if you could send it my way once you're done! ^_^)

What book are you waiting for?

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Waiting on Wednesday (81)

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we seriously can’t wait for.

Here's my pick for the week, that I seriously can't wait for:

Falls the Shadow

by Stefanie Gaither

Publication Date: September 16, 2014

When Cate Benson was twelve, her sister died. 

Two hours after the funeral, they picked up Violet’s replacement, and it was like nothing had ever happened. Because Cate’s parents are among those who decided to grant their children a sort of immortality—by cloning them at birth. So this new Violet has the same smile. The same laugh. That same perfect face. Thanks to advancements in mind-uploading technology, she even has all the same memories as the girl she replaced. 

She also might have murdered the most popular girl in school. 

Or at least, that’s what the paparazzi and crazy anti-cloning protesters want everyone to think: that clones are violent, unpredictable monsters. Cate is used to hearing all that, though. She’s used to standing up for her sister too, and she’s determined to prove her innocence now—at whatever the cost. But the deeper she digs for the truth, the further Cate's carefully-constructed life begins to unravel, unveiling a world filled with copies and lies, where nothing and no one—not even her sister— is completely what they seem. 

In a pulse pounding debut, Stefanie Gaither takes readers on a nail-biting ride through a future that looks frighteningly similar to our own time and asks: how far are you willing to go to keep your family together?

This sounds so very cool.  I like the sci-fi aspect of it, and clones have always fascinated me.  I could see our society going in this kind of direction one day.  There are so many leaps in medical advancements, that why wouldn't you want to be able to "never die"?  It is an interesting concept, and I'm excited to see how it reads!

What book are you waiting for?

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The Seven Days of Secret Diamond Sisters Day 7 - Book!!

IT'S HERE!!!!

TODAY IS THE DAY!

The book will be hitting the shelves at a bookstore near you! What book am I talking about?  Well just the one I've been talking about for the past SEVEN days, Michelle Madow's newest book, THE SECRET DIAMOND SISTERS.

She has written a fun, sexy, and fast-paced novel about the lavish world of the Las Vegas elite, and the three everyday sisters caught up in it's web!  I loved the book so much, and I'm very excited to be a part of this amazing 7-day countdown organized by Tiffany at About to Read.  First, don't forget to catch up on all the posts!

SO as today is release day I am going to have ALL the links for online buying that I can think of, and of course if the book isn't at a bookstore near you DEMAND they order it!  I have a soft spot for fun contemporaries, and SDS just hits all the marks so well.

And because I loved the book so much I am holding a giveaway for TWO lucky winners to receive a personalized copy of The Secret Diamond Sisters as I am driving my butt to Miami to be at Michelle's release party for the book!  HOORAY!!  BUT you only have ONE day left to enter so hurry!

Also don't forget to scroll down for more info on the book, as well as check the link at the end for all the other blogs hosting giveaways/posts/reviews.

LAST FUN FACT ABOUT THE BOOK:

Researching these books is the most fun thing ever, because it involves going to Vegas and partying with friends <3 p="">

BUY ALL THE BOOKS!!

 Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Book Depository - Books-A-Million - Inkwood Books 

The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow

Savannah. Courtney. Peyton. 

The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite. Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.

(Goodreads)

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE OTHER BLOGS' GIVEAWAYS

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Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott (Review)

Title: Fire & Flood
Author(s): Victoria Scott
Edition: ARC, 320 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication Date: February 25, 2014
Source: Received from publisher for review
Buy: Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Book Depository - Inkwood Books

The Summary

A modern day thrill ride, where a teen girl and her animal companion must participate in a breathtaking race to save her brother's life—and her own. 

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She's lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying—and she's helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.

The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can't trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place?

(Goodreads)

My Opinion

This book is hands down one of my favorite in 2014.  Full of mystery, danger, death, and heartbreak, Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott chews you up on page 1 and spits you out on page 320.  I have never read a book so fast; you can't help but dive headfirst into the story of the mysterious Brimstone Bleed with Tella and the rest of the Contenders.

First things first, let's talk about plot.  This world is set in our reality, well a version of our reality.  All the Contenders that Tella, the protagonist, meets has a loved one who is sick and dying, just like she does.  This is the motivation for them all to go on this race with little to no information besides the fact that the winner of the race will receive a cure for their loved one.  And this race, think of it as a mix between The Amazing Race and Man vs Wild, is filled with so many different dangers that regular people don't think about.  But the Contenders do have an advantage; Victoria has created things she calls Pandoras to pair with the Contenders.  Each Pandora has a unique skill that will help the Contenders along their journey.  These can range from being able to breath fire, to shooting barbs out of their skin.  So these seemingly ordinary people are thrust into this extraordinary circumstance, and out of all of them Tella is one of the Contenders you least expect to survive.

But survive she does.  Tella is a quintessential girl.  She's into shopping, makeup and boys.  But that doesn't mean she's weak as many people assume.  She is time and time again faced with overwhelming conditions, but she finds ways of surviving.  Of course she complains, and cries, and wishes she was anywhere but in the middle of the race, but she reaches inside and finds her strength.  And maybe that strength is to allow herself to be whiney and miserable for a little while.  But the point is that Tella is a girl and she is strong.  In the words of Victoria herself, "...femininity and strength are not mutually exclusive.  You can like nail polish AND conquer the world" (3 February 2014, 3:25 p.m. Tweet).

Besides being pulled along this crazy race, you get to learn about the people behind the Brimstone Bleed the further you read.  But in great mystery style, you just get more and more questions popping up.  I'm not going to divulge more information than that the people behind everything clearly have more motives than you think.  And what's special about this plot line is that it creeps up on you unexpectedly just like it does Tella, as both you and her start to realize her own personal connection to the race.

Heart-stopping, inventive, and action-packed, Fire & Flood needs to be on your Must Read List for 2014!  Victoria Scott has produced a winner, and I for one am going to be anxiously awaiting the arrival of the next book (which based on this YouTube video may be called Salt & Stone, which makes sense because we still have ocean and mountain to get through!)  Grab your own copy of the book, which is out TODAY in bookstores across the country.  You won't be disappointed!

Extras

Check out the first 4 chapters of Fire & Flood and some background on the research Victoria Scott did over at Wattpad!

Also check out her other series, The Dante Walker Trilogy
Here's the book trailer for the first book, The Collector:

Final Rating

Book Cover: 3/5
Book Title: 4/5
Plot: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Writing: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Overall: 46/50: A-

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The Seven Days of Secret Diamond Sisters Day 6 - Sisters!

In just 2 days, an amazing new book will be hitting the shelves at a bookstore near you! I'm talking about Michelle Madow's newest book, THE SECRET DIAMOND SISTERS.  She has written a fun, sexy, and fast-paced novel about the lavish world of the Las Vegas elite, and the three everyday sisters caught up in it's web!  I loved the book so much, and I'm very excited to be a part of this amazing 7-day countdown organized by Tiffany at About to Read.  First, don't forget to catch up on all the posts!

To kick off Day 6 of the Seven Days of Secret Diamonds, I'm talking family; specifically my sister and what I love best about her!  Sisterly love is at the very core of this book, with three Diamond sisters of different ages coming together through this new experience.  What I loved about how Michelle wrote Peyton, Courtney, and Savannah, is the fact that I can envision them in real life as flesh and blood sisters.  They squabble and bicker, but at the end of the day they have each other's backs.  That, besides anything else, is what made me love this book so much.

Don't forget to scroll down for more info on the book, as well as check the link at the end for all the other blogs hosting giveaways.  Keep checking back here through February 25 (Release Day) for more awesome Secret Diamond Sisters posts!

FUN FACT ABOUT THE BOOK:

The character of Jackson wasn’t in the original draft — he was written in during the editing phase!

The Sisters!!

Me and my older sister

My sister Melissa is 4 1/2 years older than me, so that made growing up a challenge for her, as I was always the annoying baby always running after her, bothering her and her friends.  I was just a little brat, but I wanted my big sister's attention because to me she was everything.  And even though I annoyed her like crazy, she was always there to protect me.

Now that we're both older, we have become best friends.  She's the one I turn to, and vice versa.  I don't know what I'd do without her and I'm so blessed to have her in my life.  She is the person who can infuriate me the most, and comfort me the best.  She and I have complimentary personalities and strengths, so together we make a great team.  People who don't have this kind of relationship with their siblings are missing out because there's nothing like having a best friend for a sister.

The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow

Savannah. Courtney. Peyton. 

The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite. Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.

(Goodreads)

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE OTHER BLOGS' GIVEAWAYS

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The Seven Days of Secret Diamonds Day 5 - Las Vegas!!

In just 3 days, an amazing new book will be hitting the shelves at a bookstore near you! I'm talking about Michelle Madow's newest book, THE SECRET DIAMOND SISTERS.  She has written a fun, sexy, and fast-paced novel about the lavish world of the Las Vegas elite, and the three everyday sisters caught up in it's web!  I loved the book so much, and I'm very excited to be a part of this amazing 7-day countdown organized by Tiffany at About to Read.  First, don't forget to catch up on all the posts!

To kick off Day 5 of the Seven Days of Secret Diamonds, I'm talking Las Vegas, specifically what would I do if I just woke up there!  Now I've never been to Vegas, but I've always had a fascination, especially after watching the Ocean's 11 movies.  So with my interest peaked, after reading SDS I want to go even more!  The picture of Vegas Michelle paints makes it sound like this fantasy world, and that is definitely enticing.

Don't forget to scroll down for more info on the book, as well as check the link at the end for all the other blogs hosting giveaways.  Keep checking back here through February 25 (Release Day) for more awesome Secret Diamond Sisters posts!

FUN FACT ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Diamond Hotel and Residences are based off of Michelle's favorite hotels in Vegas: The Wynn and the Encore.

The City!!

Just from the sign alone you know that you're in store for a show when you roll into Vegas.  Like the Diamond sisters before Dear Old Dad took over, I have never been to Las Vegas.  But as a vacation spot it has gotten so big that I needed to do more research.  And just like the Diamond Sisters, I'll probably be overwhelmed the first time I ever visit the city.  BUT I am nothing but prepared, and because I like to be prepared I searched for the top ten things to do in Las Vegas.  Here are the results.

First things first, I'm heading to the Bellagio to witness the awesome water fountain!  Whenever I see it in movies it looks beautiful, and I'm a sucker for water set to music.

Next up, I'm heading to one of Michelle's favorite hotels, The Wynn, for their delicious buffet.  There are 15 live-action cooking stations and food from all over the world.  Uh, I am there for sure!!

Then it's back to close out the night with some hard partying at the Bellagio's The Bank.  I'd have to hit it on Thursday in order to take part in Glitz & Glamour Champagne Thursdays where ladies get complimentary entry and open champagne bar until 1:00am.  YES please!

But I'll wind the whole trip down with a visit to The Venetian's Canyon Ranch SpaClub for some luxury relaxation.  I'll need it after partying at the clubs.

And then I shall board my plane and start my normal life again.  Because after all, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!

The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow

Savannah. Courtney. Peyton. 

The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite. Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.

(Goodreads)

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE OTHER BLOGS' GIVEAWAYS

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The Seven Days of Secret Diamonds Day 4 - Characters!

In just 4 days, an amazing new book will be hitting the shelves at a bookstore near you! I'm talking about Michelle Madow's newest book, THE SECRET DIAMOND SISTERS.  She has written a fun, sexy, and fast-paced novel about the lavish world of the Vegas elite, and the three everyday sisters caught up in it's web!  I loved the book so much, and I'm very excited to be a part of this amazing 7-day countdown organized by Tiffany at About to Read.  First, don't forget to catch up on all the posts!

To kick off Day 4 of the Seven Days of Secret Diamonds, I'm talking favorite sister!  It is awfully hard to pick between the Diamond sisters because all three are such fun and real characters.  But I did make the choice, and I'm very happy with it!

Don't forget to scroll down for more info on the book, as well as check the link at the end for all the other blogs hosting giveaways.  Keep checking back here through February 25 (Release Day) for more awesome Secret Diamond Sisters posts!

FUN FACT ABOUT THE BOOK:

Michelle has one brother and no sisters, so she got a lot of help from her best friends who have sisters to make the Diamond sisters’ relationships authentic!

The CHARACTER!!

Drumroll please.............It's Courtney!!  Woooooh!  Yes my FAVORITE Diamond sister has to be, hands-down, no contest, Courtney!  She is by far the most relatable character for me.  She is studious and serious and would do anything for her sisters.  Those are all qualities I admire immensely.   The biggest thing I think we have in common (and one of the biggest reasons I like her so much) is her love of reading!  Reading is the best, so whenever a character is really into it I become extremely happy.

I do wish that she took a page out of Peyton's book and became a little more outspoken and assertive. While she doesn't do things just to be popular (unlike Savannah), Courtney thinks things through before she acts.  BUT she does do things she thinks will make other people happy, which is almost ad worse.  If she had a little bit of Peyton's attitude, I think she would be much happier.

So Michelle did this awesome post about The Secret Diamond Sisters, which is awesome and really gives you a sense of how the girls look.  And has I'm all about Courtney, I wanted to share the actress Michelle picked for her: Alexandria Deberry; you may recognize her from the Disney show A.N.T. Farm.  I love this pick because she is so fresh faced, and her wavy blonde hair is Courtney's to a T.  Good choice for sure!

The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow

Savannah. Courtney. Peyton. 

The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite. Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.

(Goodreads)

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE OTHER BLOGS' GIVEAWAYS

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