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Wednesday, June 26, 2013

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Faking it By Cora Carmack

Disclaimer: I received this book from BEA 2013 for myself and to give it an honest opinion.



Faking It
Losing it #2

Author: Cat Carmack
Paperback
Pages: 304
Published: June 4, 2013
Publisher: William Morrow & Company

Overview:
Mackenzie “Max” Miller has a problem. Her parents have arrived in town for a surprise visit, and if they see her dyed hair, tattoos, and piercings, they just might disown her. Even worse, they’re expecting to meet a nice, wholesome boyfriend, not a guy named Mace who has a neck tattoo and plays in a band. All her lies are about to come crashing down around her, but then she meets Cade.

Cade moved to Philadelphia to act and to leave his problems behind in Texas. So far though, he’s kept the problems and had very little opportunity to take the stage. When Max approaches him in a coffee shop with a crazy request to pretend to be her boyfriend, he agrees to play the part. But when Cade plays the role a little too well, they’re forced to keep the ruse going. And the more they fake the relationship, the more real it begins to feel.

My Take:
Oh my gosh!! I have never heard of Cora Carmack until I attended the BEA 2013 in NYC! I got her autographed for this book and was thrilled. Once I saw the book was about (the cover was eye candy), I knew I had to get it. The line was long but it was so worth it! I did start this book on my way home from NYC to Chicago as I could not put it down. It took me about two days to read and let me say wow!!! (yeah I finally get around to writing a review!...eeps)

I have not read the first book so I jumped into the second book and it was awesome. You can still follow along but I am curious of the first book. Anyways onwards to the review...

Basically the book is based on Cade Winston who was mentioned in the first book. He is living in Philadeplina and finds himself at odds end with life and love. From what I could tell that he was very into Bliss and sadly it did not work out. To be let down is always a bummer. You could the emotions from Cade which I enjoyed. Bliss invites Cade to Thanksgiving dinner but Cade is not up for it. I would be feeling the same way, wouldn't you? Anyways Cade tells Bliss he's heading home for Thanksgiving as Bliss accepts that even though Cade isn't really going home. Meanwhile, Max comes in with her boyfriend who she is dating at the coffee shop as she gets a phone call from her parents who are going to meet her there.

Pure shock and panic hits Max! She then tells her boyfriend, Mace to just leave because she knows her parents will not like him at all and disown her. Cade is watching all of the action of Max and Mace, after Bliss and her boyfriend depart. Max manages to spy Cade and talks him into acting as her boyfriend as her parents arrive. Cade agrees as he does such an excellent job charming Max's parents. Her parents adore Cade. They get to hang out together for 24 hours. After the 24 hours are done, they go their separate ways but somehow they can't get each other off their minds. They do see each other time to time in certain places as I loved how they react to each other in those events. It's a combination of soft and hard.

Cade gets a more of an understanding how Max is when she's with her family and how she is alone. Max learns more about herself when she is with Cade. Eventually tells her parents of her music and tattoos which I think is powerful thing to do. Even Max helps Cade with his pain too. There is some angst between them and drama but that what makes the book great too. Cora writes amazing characters with their point of views into a plot that will take you on a rollar coaster ride!

Will Cade and Max actually be together or not? Will Max parents find out? What will happen? I totally recommend this book! It made me laugh, smile and gasp! The interaction between Cade and Max is a combination of humor, heat, passion and softness. They click with each other so well when they want to. They are opposites. You so need to get this book and read it. You will fall in love with the characters and swoon at Cade and root for Max! I look forward to reading more of the lovely Cora Carmack!!

Story: A
Cover: A

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Monday, June 24, 2013

Cora Carmack ebook prices dropped




An e-book price drop for our New York Times bestselling New Adult sensation Cora Carmack! LOSING IT is $1.99 and FAKING IT is $2.99 at e-retailers everywhere.


FAKING IT
Mackenzie “Max” Miller has a problem. Her parents have arrived in town for a surprise visit, and if they see her dyed hair, tattoos, and piercings, they just might disown her. Even worse, they’re expecting to meet a nice wholesome boyfriend, not a guy named Mace who has a neck tattoo and plays in a band. All her lies are about to come crashing down around her, but then she meets Cade.

Cade moved to Philadelphia to act and to leave his problems behind in Texas. So far though, he’s kept the problems and had very little opportunity to take the stage. When Max approaches him in a coffee shop with a crazy request to pretend to be her boyfriend, he agrees to play the part. But when Cade plays the role a little too well, they’re forced to keep the ruse going. And the more they fake the relationship, the more real it begins to feel.


LOSING IT Virginity.

Bliss Edwards is about to graduate from college and still has hers. Sick of being the only virgin among her friends, she decides the best way to deal with the problem is to lose it as quickly and simply as possible-- a one-night stand. But her plan turns out to be anything but simple when she freaks out and leaves a gorgeous guy alone and naked in her bed with an excuse that no one with half-a-brain would ever believe. And as if that weren’t embarrassing enough, when she arrives for her first class of her last college semester, she recognizes her new theatre professor. She’d left him naked in her bed about 8 hours earlier.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She’s done a multitude of things in her life-retail, theatre, teaching, and writing. She loves theatre, travel, and anything that makes her laugh. She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too.

Friday, June 21, 2013

Sneak Peek of Cora Carmack

Preview Package: Cora Carmack's KEEPING HER by AvonBooks




Cora Carmack and Jay Crownover will be participating in a Goodreads chat on 6/26 and that we will be hosting a FAKING IT book club on Cora’s facebook page on 6/27 from 3-4 p.m. EDT where you can live chat with Cora about the book and ask her all your burning questions!!

Good Reads Chat Link June 26th

Cora Carmack Facebook Page - Check it out!

BEA 2013 Trip







FRIDAY
In this wee hours of darkness, I am off to the airport. I get dropped off and inside I go! I am sooooo glad that I printed out my boarding pass because there is a long line of people waiting to get checked in. I asked one of the people at the airport about which gate do I go as they looked it up quickly and wrote it down. I thanked them and off I went to the security line as it was quick.

Onwards to find some food! Good thing McDonald's was open as I snagged some breakfast food. Next step was to go to my terminal to wait. I sat and nibbled on my food as best as I could. My tummy was not feeling the best that morning.

The waiting did not take long. I found my seat and sat down as the flight was booked! 5:45 am flight to NYC was booked! I honestly thought it would not be full. We headed on out as I managed to read a bit on the plane but also went back to sleep. Most of the other passengers did the same too. I knew I would need it.

I came out of the doors of the airplane and into the airport of NYC. Airports are always busy no matter what. I followed the signs to 'Ground Transportation!' Once I got outside, it was warm compared to Chicago weather. I spied the line for taxi as it was long but the line of taxi's was long too! The wait lasted about 10 minutes tops. I got in and off I went in a busy taxi cab to NYC. Well, traffic came up! Nine o'clock would do that on a Friday I believe. I saw cars about and tall buildings that was filled with wonderful architecture.

I saw traffic cops directing traffic which you rarely see in Chicago and it was pretty cool. People on bikes. All life was bursting alive. The cab driver was nice and had an accent which made it hard for me to understand. I arrived at the hotel as I was quite early! I could not get in until later. So I sat there thinking what to do. Part of me wanted to explore as the other part of me wanted to just relax. I gave into the exploring side of things.

I checked my luggage in so the hotel could keep it while I go out as I got a map as well. I headed off thinking I can do this! Within a block there was a 'Starbucks'! I went inside snagged some water, a sandwich and a lemon cake pop! Boy I was hungry. After eating the food I decided to hit up the Empire Building.

Out the door I went! People walking and cars honking as I moved my feet. I turned down the one street and passed by buildings. I then found myself at the Empire State building as I looked up feeling awesome to be here. The building also hit me up a bit with the movies and history behind it. I snapped shot a photo outside and then saw tons of people go in. I was thinking the lines were going to be long but it's a risk to take. I entered as I saw the stunning artwork as I took another photo.

Up the elevators I go to purchase a ticket. I got the basic ticket for now to the 86th floor. One line after another. Tons of people there of all ages. Once inside the first elevator, it took us to the 80th floor. Then I walked some more in another line. I think this was to keep everyone moving. It was almost like a traffic control. Then to another elevator that took us up 6 more flights. 86th I arrived! I went outside and saw the amazing views. You could see North, South, East and West views. I could see a bit of Central Park and the amazing buildings around. The cars and taxis down below were small. It was a bit breezy up there but was getting hot! I savored the views and snapshot some photos here and there.

Then after being up there for a bit seeing people with their family and friends, I kind of wanted to get back to the hotel to rest. Off I go back down. Into the first elevator down 8 flights to do conquer first. Then there were some more lines zig zagging away. I had to wait at the next elevator for a bit and then back down to second floor where I exited out of this store as I entered on the main floor of Walgreens.

Walgreens I snagged some goodies to take back to the hotel. You never know what you might need. I had ginger ale, water, saltine crackers, kit kate and raisins. Off I go back into the hot water. I headed back to where I came from as the city was bursting with life as always.

Once I arrived to the hotel, I could go in! Yay! Up on the 10th floor of Eventi Kimpton Hotel, I could see the Empire building which was pretty neat. My hotel was simple: bathroom, bed, small desk, and tv. The wood work was dark which I liked and the bathroom had marble I think. The stone in the bathroom was white, gray and black. I decided to rest. After all I had a Book Blogger picnic to go to at Central Park! Oh and my room was chilly but hey it felt good after being outside.

After resting for a bit, I changed into shorts and a tank top with a light weight black jacket. I knew I should eat before I headed out. I found some restaurants that were right next to the hotel. I had a chicken sandwich which was pretty good. I sat there and watched people come and go out in the busy streets. It was interesting. Sadly I could not eat the whole sandwich. Quickly I headed back to my hotel to drop off the food.

Heading to the lobby, I asked how far Central Park was. The guy at the front desk was very helpful and said I could walk it and I would be fine. I was up for it. So off I went walking down on 6th Ave as it turned into Broadway. I was walking and walking and looking and looking. Next thing I knew I was in Times Square..how did that happen? I thought it was another block over. I saw a variety of characters which was fun to see. Then I wondered if I was ever going to make it to Central Park. I pulled out my iPhone and checked the map..yup I was on the right track!

I saw this cool building and could not help but take a photograph of it with my phone. Architecture rules! I saw the park! Now off to find where those bloggers were. Southwest in Central Park…I found them. All of us bloggers were women. There was one guy there which I believe was someone's husband. We chatted and hung out. It was fun. I admit I was a bit shy. I did get to meet Book Soulmates bloggers who were the sweetest ever!

After that was over I was going to walk back. One of the bloggers said I was nuts. I did have good shoes on for this trip because I knew I'd be walking tons. Doesn't that make sense? Of course the shoes go with jeans or shorts..not so much for dressy like events. So on my way back walking, the lights came alive in NYC. Times square busy as usual. I saw the Cowboy guy that sings in boots and speedo with his guitar! Sadly I did not take a picture but the image remains in my head. I found my way back to the hotel with no problem whatsoever!

I entered my room and drawn the curtains as I saw the Empire building lit up! It was yellow. That was so cool to see it from the hotel. I then got read for bed and watched some tv as sleep was calling to me because tomorrow as going to be a busy day!

SATURDAY
My alarm went off! My first time using my iPhone as an alarm. I already had my clothes set out so up and at them. I had a banana to eat along with some of the goodies I had in my room that I bought from Walgreens. Sadly I did not really stop for breakfast. I was on a mission. I was going to walk from my hotel to Penn Station to find the shuttle bus!

Life was alive on a Saturday in NYC as I walked down the streets. Once I made it to the corner, some guy was trying to get money from me as I told him I had nothing on me which was true. I saw the huge post office across the street from where I stood as you cannot miss this building. It's white and huge! So where was the shuttle bus? I had no idea what kind of bus it was going to be. This was my first time going to BEA!

I saw a lady putting on a pass that had the BEA symbol as I asked her where the bus was. She did not know either. Then I saw a huge bus as another guy came up to us and told us that the bus was for BEA! I hopped on. There were only eight of us on the bus as the bus went off to other pick up stops. It was an adventure being in NYC on a huge bus.

Arriving at Javits, I headed inside to get registered and such. That went quick! So that was a big thumbs. Then I saw the line for people who were waiting. Well I arrived at 715-730 am perhaps? The whole thing did not open until 9 am. So while in line, I looked at the map and marked it to the exhibits I wanted to go to. I did learn of authors signing as well! Sadly I did not plan my whole agenda out, I winged it! I thought I did well for my first time.

I met some lovely bloggers while waiting in line and we chatted about book blogging and where we were from. We exchanged cards and some of them gave me some good tips. I loved everyone who gave me tips and ideas of what to do!! Thank you so much.

Once the line started, I was excited and off I went. Oh my gosh..some people were out for a mad dash! I was more laid back a bit. I ended up going by one booth as they were handing out bags and people were snatching them up like it was candy. Hands flying in front of me left and right. I did get a bag in a nice calm way. Then I headed off. I was stuck with a dilemma! Sarah Dressen or Spencer Hill Publisher? That was my first tackle.

I thought I'd do Spencer Hill Publisher first since they had two authors signing. I snagged "PODS" and . After I got the books, I went off to see if I could get in to see Sarah Dessen. Sadly, the books sold out! Holy cow…I was amazed by this. The one thing I liked about the autographing section of BEA is that those amazing people who stood out there holding the books for us to see before making a decision either or not to get in those lines was a fantastic idea. Good job!

I went on to exhibits here and there. Then headed off to get some autographed books. A young girl was there from PA got an autographed of Jim Carrey! Lucky her! I missed that. Sure there were some things I missed but hey you can't win them all. I did take a few breaks but I had energy and stayed the entire time. There was one line that was very long and I had to sit at times in order to make it through. I was glad I wore my good walking shoes.

My husband wanted me to get 'The Oatmeal' signature, but he was only there on Friday! Darn! Maybe next year I can snag it for him. I was surprised when my husband asked me to do this.

The place started to pack up around 2-3 pm. I knew it was time to go. So off I went to find the shuttle. Once I was on the bus, I was tired and wondered if I was going to able to fit all these books in my bag going home. I did get a text message from someone I knew in NYC but sadly could not meet up. Then my co blogger from "Me, Myself and I" Amber did not get a chance to meet up either. So I was alone.

I admit it did feel a little weird being by myself and not sharing this event with anyone but at the same time it was an adventure! I arrived back at my hotel as my shoulders ached from the books that were in my bag. I sat on the bed and chilled out. I then went through the goodies I got enjoying them. Two hours later I was hungry so off I went to eat by myself at the hotel restaurant. I had this pasta that was very good but sooooo rich. I was in a pasta mood. Perhaps next time I'll hit up one of the restaurants that was two blocks away or so for pasta.

After dinner, I went back to my room and got ready for bed again. I saw the Empire Building as I drew the curtains and it was blue! My favorite color as it made me smile. I did get everything organized because I had to leave tomorrow morning. Bed, book and movie was next! Then sleep came as I could hear the traffic all about as it wasn't that bad. I did get all the books in my carry on and in my back pack.

SUNDAY
Sunday came as I woke up and slowly moved about. I went downstairs to check out and then snagged a taxi to the airport as there was not that much traffic this time. I had to find what gate I was in since I was already printed out my pass! Good thing to do when traveling about. Off to security lines as they kept moving. Everything went well. I got my books on the plane..whoo! Once I was through security, I needed food. Cereal, cheese stick and a banana was what I managed to snag while at the airport.

Time to get on board to the airplane. The one thing when I travel by myself is the boarding number or by seats is always hard to hear because they announce it on the speaker which sounds always weird to I. One in my seat, I got comfortable and off we went. People slept on the plane ride back as I did too. I also did get to start a new book by Cora Carmack "Faking It." I did not finish the book on the plane but the next day I did. :) Anyways, Chicago was quite chilly and I got picked up by my lovely mom who I took out for breakfast for her birthday that weekend. After breakfast I headed home as my kids were sooooo happy to see me and wanted to spend time with me. My husband said they kept asking about me.

So that was my trip and I sure plan on going back out there again soon I hope! Thank you to hotel staff, BEA staff, bloggers, and everyone. It was fun.


Photographs!!

Hotel Room


Hotel Lobby/Check in



Empire State Building Photographs and Views



Autograph section at BEA 2013 and Spencer Hill Press Booth



Bloggers ~ Picnic in Central Park



I met Isalys from Book Soulmates! And also Vanessa!!


Buildings and other shots

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris Review

Disclaimer: I bought this book to read for myself and to give it an honest opinion.



Unraveling (Unraveling #1)

Author: Elizabeth Norris
Paperback
480 Pages
Published: April 23, 2013
Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Overview
Two days before the start of her junior year, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed—as in blinding light, scenes of her life flashing before her, and then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she's opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And even though it isn't possible, she knows—with every fiber of her being—that Ben has somehow brought her back to life.

But her revival, and Ben's possible role in it, is only the first of the puzzles that Janelle must solve. While snooping in her FBI agent father's files for clues about her accident, she uncovers a clock that seems to be counting down to something—but to what? And when someone close to Janelle is killed, she can no longer deny what's right in front of her: Everything that's happened—the accident, the murder, the countdown clock, Ben's sudden appearance in her life—points to the end of life as she knows it. And as the clock ticks down, she realizes that if she wants to put a stop to the end of the world, she's going to need to uncover Ben's secrets—and keep from falling in love with him in the process.

My Take
I attended a book signing where Elizabeth Norris was there! I decided to give her book a try. She was promoting the sequel to Unraveling so I decided to get the first book to see if I liked it. I did get the paperback book signed which is always awesome to do. It was fun to meet her and the other authors that were there as well. I had an open mind when I began to read this book.

Janelle is a teenager who lives with her mother, father and brother. Her life looks great on the outside to everyone but inside it is chaos. Her mother is bipolar and is constantly taken care of. Her father works long hours and is rarely home to help out when needed. What it boils down is that Janelle does most of the work around the house. She is almost taking on second mom duties. She gets along with her brother great as I loved their relationship with each other. She is just an amazing character. Pretty busy life, Janelle has!

One day things all seem normal until Janelle dies and then comes back to life! Well that sure got my attention. It took Janelle a while to put the pieces together on what had happened to her. When she figures it all out, it's quite a shock considering it is also related to her father's work. She began to snoop and let her interest fall into the depths of investigating. She is one smart cookie! Even I was shocked when I read what had happened to Janelle. This point in the book left me wanting to know more! So that required more reading.

She also did not expect to fall in love with Ben. Ben is quite the guy. He's a quiet guy around at the school. Even though the spark is there for Ben and Janelle! They know there is work to be done to solve the mystery and save the world. While trying to solve the mystery, they uncover some gruesome scenes which is a combination of science fiction and paranormal. It was different and unique. There is trust, devotion and love between Ben, Janelle and others when they go through this adventure together. All relationships have those components and I loved how this was shown in the book through the good and the bad events that happen.

Adventure goes to one thing after another. You get the action, the drama, the love, the hardships and choices that are hard to make. All the emotions explode in this book! I was feeling quite a bit of things. You will fall in love with the story and the characters. I loved how Janelle learns the secret of Ben and his friends which was awesome. The way it unfolded was not what I expected. Janelle is such a strong character considering what she has been through. Some people would not be that strong.

I'm not going to give any of the spoilers out and about on this book because it is so great. Plus I want you to go get it. It's different and had me hooked on from the first chapter. There is one line that everyone talks about that Ben says and I totally agree with them that it is such a fantastic line! Curious what it is? You'll have to go get it.

I am so getting the next book in this series! Thanks for Elizabeth Norris for writing such an amazing story. Plus it was lovely to meet you too!

Liz and I at Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville, IL



Story: B
Cover: B

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