Blog Tour: Anything to Have You by Paige Harbinson

Nothing should come between best friends, not even boys. ESPECIALLY not boys.

Natalie and Brooke have had each other's backs forever. Natalie is the quiet one, college bound and happy to stay home and watch old movies. Brooke is the movie—the life of every party, the girl everyone wants to be.

Then it happens—one crazy night that Natalie can't remember and Brooke's boyfriend, Aiden, can't forget. Suddenly there's a question mark in Natalie and Brooke's friendship that tests everything they thought they knew about each other and has both girls discovering what true friendship really means.

Title: Anything to Have You
Author: Paige Harbinson
Series: None
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: January 28th, 2014

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Excerpt:

BROOKE

First Semester, Junior Year

The new guy was hot. People had been talking about him all day long—well, all right, girls had been talking about him all day long—but I had yet to see him. I knew everyone in the school except the new freshmen, so I was sure that when I saw him, I would know it was him.

It would have been impossible to miss him, even if I hadn’t been keeping my eyes peeled for hours. I was sitting at my usual lunch table holding court with my friends, as I generally did, when he walked through the doors. I was struck speechless—something that was verifiably difficult to do. I stared at him and was instantly infatuated by his good looks and charmed by the nervous way he looked around the cafeteria.

I almost stood up and invited him to come sit with us, but resisted. I was glad I did when a girl named Kylie went up to him and did, and I saw how pathetic she looked.
“Brooke?” asked Alexa.

“What?” I responded dumbly, not able to take my eyes off him.
“You just...stopped talking.”
“Right.” I snapped my gaze back to her and tried to look unrattled. “The point is, everyone should

watch the 1968 version of Romeo and Juliet and the ’96 one back-to-back at least once in their lives. You’ll never look at love the same way again.”

God, would someone else come up with something to talk about for once? Why is the burden of conversation always on me? This was fine except for when I didn’t feel like it.

The next day, I was lucky enough to be standing in the right place at the right time in the hallway. “Excuse me.”
I turned to see Hot New Guy behind me, holding a schedule and looking lost. And still superhot. “What’s up?” I tossed my hair to one shoulder.

“Can you tell me where to find room 324? It jumps from 318 to 400... .”
“It’s down this one weird hallway. Here, I’ll show you.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want you to be late to class.”
I was almost always late to class, but I liked that he thought I might be the studious kind of girl

that hated tardiness.
“It’s fine,” I said. “My teacher will understand when I say I was helping the new kid.” He gave an adorably timid laugh. “Thanks so much.”

 

“No problem. So...are you a junior?” I asked, like I didn’t know damn well that he was. We started making our way down the hall.
“Yes, ma’am.” Was that an accent? “And you?”
“Yes, I am. And you just moved here from...”

“Texas.”

We were already almost at his classroom. “Wow, Texas. Must be a big change for you, then.”

He breathed in and nodded slowly. “It definitely is. But I’m excited to be here. I knew all the same people back home for most of my life. Pretty small town. So I’m lookin’ forward to meeting new people.”

There was definitely a slight accent, and I couldn’t help but smile at it. “Here’s 324.”
“Yeah...I would never have found this.”
“It’s a tough one. Well, hey, if you want to, then look for me in the cafeteria at lunch, and you can meet some new people.”

“Sure, I’ll look for ya. Thanks again. What was your name?” “Brooke.”

“Brooke. I’m Aiden Macmillan. Pleased to meet you.” 

Paige Harbison recently graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts. She grew up on the outskirts of Washington D.C. She spends most of her time with friends- who give her constant inspiration for characters--and calls it research. The rest of her time is spent writing, painting, and following all of the worst TV shows.
Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

***GIVEAWAY***

5 print copies of Anything to Have You are up for grabs!

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• US and Canada only
• Must be 18 year or older to enter, or have parent's or guardian's permission to enter
• Winners will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond. If they do not respond within those 48 hours, another winner will be selected
• No cheating! The entries will be checked.

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Waiting on Wednesday (20)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, which showcases books we're eagerly anticipating.

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Rapunzel’s tower is a satellite. She can’t let down her hair—or her guard. 

In this third book in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles series, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army. 

Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker—unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice. 

When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can.

Title: Cress
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: Lunar Chonicles #3

Publication Date: February 4th 2014

Why am I waiting?

This series has always had a special place in my heart. Book one, Cinder, was light and cute and fun, and then book two, Scarlet, was just as much fun but considerably darker. I've heard SO much good about Cress so I really hope it delivers!

What are you waiting on?

Top Ten Books That Will Make You Cry

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.
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Ooh. This is actually quite a tricky topic for me since I do not cry over books. So beneath is basically a list of books that made me either really sad or go "NOOOOOOOOOO!".

1. Me Since You by Laura Wiess

You guys, this is one of the saddest books EVER. Like I said, I don't cry over books, but damn if I didn't get close to it. I read this with tears in my eyes, which to me is the equivalent of bawling your eyes out. So sad and beautiful.

2. Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

This is definitely one of those "NOOOOOOOO!" books. If you've read this, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, why? Get on with it, ruin your life. This book will devastate you.

3. Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Beautiful and absolutely heartbreaking. The prettiness of this book alone makes me want to cry, but it's really really sad too. Believe me when I say that you need this in your life: this is definitely one of the most under-appreciated novels ever.

4. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

This is such a beautiful novel and definitely one of my favorites. Just wait until you get to the end - I definitely had a *gasp* "Wait wait wait wait wait. This did not just happen. It DID NOT." - moment.

5. Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor

Because this is my list so I can cheat all I want. Either way, DoBaS is just so sad. This is one of the few books that has made me really feel war. It's all so bleak and cruel, and those little moments of hope and happiness break your heart all the more.

6. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

While I know that many did not like it because of the main character, this is actually my favorite Oliver book. I think it's just beautiful (can we all agree that apparently all books that made me sad are also beautiful?) how everything unfolds and it sends out a really strong message of "live like you'll die tomorrow" - because that might actually happen. And most of us won't get the chance to make things right.

7. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Honestly, you could put any Hunger Games book on this list. I'm going with Mockingjay because there are so. Many. Deaths. It's so heartbreaking. I'm still not over it.

8. These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

All is well, you're enjoying this book and it's kinda fun. AND THEN. FREAKINESS AND AHHH WHAT IS HAPPENING WHY WHY WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO ME WHY.

9. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

For a large part of the book, this isn't that sad. Well, a little, but nothing you can't handle. And then the ending happens and oh dear, we're all fucked. It is very likely you'll cry. Just sayin'.

10. Heartbeat by Elizabeth Scott

Nothing absolutely devastating happens in this book, but there's a reason I created a "sad-sad-sad" shelf for this. This is definitely an extremly sad book and if you don't hate it, you just might cry.

So show me YOUR Top Ten! I love books that make me (want to) cry. (Is that weird?)

ARC Review: Me Since You by Laura Wiess

Are there any answers when someone you love makes a tragic choice?

Before and After. That’s how Rowan Areno sees her life now. Before: she was a normal sixteen-year-old—a little too sheltered by her police officer father and her mother. After: everything she once believed has been destroyed in the wake of a shattering tragedy, and every day is there to be survived.

If she had known, on that Friday in March when she cut school, that a random stranger’s shocking crime would have traumatic consequences, she never would have left campus. If the crime video never went viral, maybe she could have saved her mother, grandmother — and herself — from the endless replay of heartache and grief.

Finding a soul mate in Eli, a witness to the crime who is haunted by losses of his own, Rowan begins to see there is no simple, straightforward path to healing wounded hearts. Can she learn to trust, hope, and believe in happiness again?

Title: Me Since You
Author: Laura Wiess
Series: None
Publisher: MTV Books
Publication date: February 18th

Rating: Undecided between 4.5 and 5.

Thoughts:

Me Since You is an incredibly sad book. This is not a light and fluffy contemporary, and I think you've got to be in the right mood to read this. If you want to read something light and fun, don't start Me Since You. It's an incredibly emotional and powerful read, and it will make you extremely sad. As I have mentioned before, I am not someone who cries over books. That ugly sobbing that everyone seems to do because of a book? No, not for me. Me Since You brought me closer to tears than any other book. While I did not cry, my sight got blurry a couple of times because tears started welling up in my eyes. It's just about the highest praise I can give a book.

Rowan's pain and misery are described so well, are so tangible. I got swept up in her emotions and it all felt so devastatingly real. I just... I don´t have words to describe this book. I just don't. All you need to know is that it's so emotional and devastating and it will make you cry a thousand times. The pain and emotions are described so honestly, they flow off the pages and straight into your heart.

For those who did read the synopsis and are afraid: do not worry. The romance in this book doesn't take over the plot, nor is the romance that which helps Rowan heal. All too often we see books in which the romance/love interest are what makes the MC want to live on/better her life/etc. Not in Me Since You. The romance is, in fact, a very minor part of the book, purposely kept on the background. No premature 'I love you's are thrown around, there is no controlling and slightly abusive love interest. Only a very sweet boy who understands what Rowan is going through and who goves her space, enough space to let her slowly heal herself.

In all

Highly emotional and powerful, Me Since You will make you cry over and over again as you are swept up in Rowan's journey. It's the saddest book I have ever read, and it will leave you devastated.

Exciting News!

Yes, yes, y'all! I have some really great news to share with you!

Honestly, it was SO hard to keep my mouth shut about this, haha. But here it is...

 *drumroll*

*dramatic silence*

I'm going to be co-blogging at YA Midnight Reads! 

This is so awesome! I've known Melanie for a while now and I can safely say that she's one of the awesomest people out there. I've loved her blog ever since I discovered it and I can't tell you how excited I am to be a part of that blog now!

http://yamidnightreads.com/2014/01/welcoming-celine-and-larissa-to-ya-midnight-reads/

This does leave us a question, though, and that is what will happen to The Book Shimmy?
To be honest - I don't know. I actually wanted to co-blog so I would have more time on my hands, not less. But I also think I have too many posts to post them all on YA Midnight Reads. So basically, The Book Shimmy will still be there. I'll still post reviews and TTTs and discussion posts. The only difference is that I'm not going to force myself to post every day or every two days or something. I'll post whenever I feel like it, so there could be gaps of a week or even more between posts. I'll post regularly on YA Midnight Reads, so at least you can find me there, haha. The motto still is school before blog though, and I hear this year is going to be particularly busy. So no posts for a few days probably means that I have a test that week or some big project or something. But don't worry - I'll be back!

Review: Mind Games by Kiersten White

Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her—except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future. 

Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways…or risking each other’s lives by refusing to obey.

In a stunning departure from her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy, Kiersten White delivers a slick, edgy, heartstoppingly intense psychological thriller about two sisters determined to protect each other—no matter the cost.

Title: Mind Games
Author: Kiersten White
Series: Mind Games #1
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: December 3rd 2013

Rating: 3.5 stars

Thoughts:

To say that Mind Games surprised me is kind of an understatement. I originally didn't even plan on reading this, but I got a galley for Perfect Lies, and I though"why not?". Well, I'm glad I did, because I found myself actually quite enjoying this! Maybe it's because I went in with such low expectations, but this novel just worked for me.

Everyone's biggest problem seems to be the writing. And I have to say, in the beginning of the book there are a few awkward sentences. But I personally thought that it got much better along the way. Although it was an annoyance for many, I was actually quite pleased with the way the number three was incorporated in everything (for example, by Fia tapping 3 times or repeating certain things 3 times). The number three is important to Fia - it's her number of kills - and it pops up everywhere in her narrative, showing that those kills are still on her mind. This does not happen in the POV of her sister, Annie, so I think I can safely say that this was indeed done on purpose by the author. Humans have these little tics all the time, so I actually thought that it was quite realistic. And yes, the writing is a bit jumbled at times, but I think that this, too, was done on purpose (since the writing was much clearer in Annie's POV). Fia may or may not be going crazy and this is reflected in the writing. It really brought that sense of 'craziness' to her character.

Another thing everyone is falling over: the romance. Or as I would say it, the 'romance'. I personally didn't think it was a real romance, although it might've been intended as one? Either way, I really felt that the relationship between Fia and James was based purely on lust and that bit of craziness that Fia has. James is douchebag, there's no denying that. However, I never felt that Fia's feelings for him were entirely real or that she thought he was her 'one and only'. She mostly uses him as an escape - to forget her miserable life, to forget the people she killed, to forget everything - and I never quite got that feeling that he was a 'real' love interest. She kisses him because he makes her forget, not because she really wants him. That is, she might want his body, but she never really fell for the mind inside it (although this is just my impression). I also really don't think they'll end up together, simply because I don't think that whatever they have can be described as real.

Then there's the sisterly bond between Annie and Fia. I personally think this relationship could have been developed more. We know that they'll do anyhting for each other, but we see few examples of their deep love for each other. Yes, they're pretty much constantly worrying about the other or thinking about the other, but I never really felt that deep love you (can) have for family. This also caused a certain thing Annie does toward the ending a bit unbelievable. I was a bit disappointed because there aren't many books in which the main character has a really deep bond with their siblings (or at least one the reader can feel as well) and I hoped Mind Games would be a fresh change.

Speaking of the ending though, WHOA. That was some seriously unexpected STUFF that went down and it was absolutely awesome. I really never saw that coming and it sure shocked me! Especially because intentions aren't clear and THINGS are happening and whaaaaaaaat.

In all, Mind Games was a pleasant surprise. I found myself actually enjoying the book - especially the slow descent into craziness - and I actually rather liked the way it was written. This is most certainly not for everyone, though. I'd recommend you check out some negative reviews as well and then decide whether you want to read this. It happened to be my particular taste of madness, but I'm also sure there are a lot of people out there who would absolutely NOT like this book. I did like it, though! So now I shall immediately plunge myself into Perfect Lies.

Review: The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa

In the real world, when you vanish into thin air for a week, people tend to notice. 

After his unexpected journey into the lands of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to normal. Well, as "normal" as you can be when you see faeries every day of your life. Suddenly the former loner with the bad reputation has someone to try for-his girlfriend, Kenzie. Never mind that he's forbidden to see her again. 

But when your name is Ethan Chase and your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, "normal" simply isn't to be. For Ethan's nephew, Keirran, is missing, and may be on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever, and give rise to the dangerous fey known as the Forgotten. As Ethan's and Keirran's fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan's next choice may decide the fate of them all.

Title: The Iron Traitor
Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #2
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: October 29th 2013

Rating: 3.5 stars

Thoughts:

I'm quite certain that Julie Kagawa is a cruel person. I mean, WHO ends a book like that? Who leaves us hanging like that? I have a feeling that Kagawa enjoys ripping out our hearts and shredding them to pieces. That ending... And how long till book 3? A year? This is pure cruelty ;_;

In all seriousness, though: I did have some problems with The Iron Traitor. I felt that this book was a bit.. too long. I mean, Kagawa only describes the necessary things and I can't think of anything that needn't be there. Still, this book dragged a little and I had trouble getting through it. Especially the middle felt really slow, and, to be honest, didn't exactly have me flipping the pages. In fact, I found that I could lay away this book far too easily, while Kagawa's previous books were really addictive.

A lot of the book feels, in a way, 'low'. Or maybe 'passive' is a better word. Don't get me wrong - the characters do a lot of things and never stand still. But I never really felt that urgency. Also, there was a lot less fun banter. Which is a shame, because Kagawa excels at banter! There is some, especially when Puck shows up, but I felt the book really needed that lighter tone and that there simply was too little of it.

There were a lot of positive things to be found in The Iron Traitor, though. As always, the originality and imagery in the book is great. Kagawa has a really visual way of describing things, and it was really easy to picture everything (especially the Nevernever). And the plot with the Forgotten keeps getting better an better.

The characters were pretty great, too. Their personalities are still well-thought out. Ethan can be a bit of a jerk sometimes, but he recognizes that and tries to tone it down. Kenzie is getting stronger and stronger and still won't take 'no' for an answer. The only 'weak' character (for a lack of a better word) for me is Annwyl. I still don't have a grasp on her personality and she felt a bit bland to me. I don't feel like I really know her, nor could I describe her to someone who hasn't read these books. I really disliked Keirran in this book, but I do understand why he acted the way he did. He was just a bit scary and also a bit of a jerk, and I was never sure where his loyalties lay. (Hence the title: The Iron Traitor.) However, the reason for his actions were clear and while I didn't like him at all, I did understand him.

In all, I did enjoy The Iron Traitor. While I felt that the middle of the dragged a little, Kagawa made up for it with that ending. THAT ENDING. THAT VERY CRUEL ENDING.

**Review copy provided by Harlequin Teen. Thank you! No money or favors were exchanged to alter this review. **