Around the Book Blogosphere #21 – Reviewing, Promoting, and Fifty Shades Fan Art

Around the Book Blogosphere #21 – Reviewing, Promoting, and Fifty Shades Fan Art

“Around the Book Blogosphere” is a feature to share posts from other book blogs or other book-related websites that I have enjoyed reading.  Book blogging is all about sharing the love, right?

Top Ten 2014 Releases I Didn’t Get to

The blogosphere shares some of the 2014 book releases they didn’t get a chance to read yet. Did you miss out on any that you plan on reading in 2015?

Two Chicks on Books Pop! Goes the Reader
I Heart YA Fiction Lost in Literature
Fiction Fare Great Imaginations
The Starry-Eyed Revue Once Upon a Twilight
Book Bumblings Xpresso Reads
Effortlessly Reading  Book Rock Betty

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642 Ways Writing Saves my Soul

That’s What She Read shared a book of writing prompts and some of her answers. I don’t know about you guys but I thought this was cool. Even if you aren’t a writer (which I most certainly am NOT), it would be fun to do. Stretch those creative juices!!

Purchase 642 Things to Write About

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12-Month Reading Challenge!

More from That’s What She Read!  A couple weeks ago I posted Popsugar’s amazing reading challenge.  Jennifer from That’s What She Read created this simple reading challenge where you have one goal each month.  Sounds cool!

12-MONTH BOOK CHALLENGE That's what She Read

Read her post

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Fifty Shades of Grey Fan Art

Ruffles and Restraints has made some awesome fan art. If you’re a Fifty Shades fan, you should check out their posts! They have art for some of the best scenes from the trilogy!

Fifty Shades of Grey Ruffles and Restraints

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Are You The Tortoise or the Hare?

Belle of the Literati wrote an awesome post a couple of weeks ago about the final books in series. Do you devour the final book when it comes out or do you savor it or are you a little bit of both?

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The November Criminals Casting!

The November Criminals by Sam Munson

Ansel Elgort and Chloe Grace Moretz are set to star in an screen adaptation of “The November Criminals” by  Sam Munson.

“This is a beautiful love story between two teenagers set against the backdrop of a murder mystery. It’s thrilling to have an amazing cast taking shape.”

Source: Page to Premiere

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WTF Friday from Black Heart Reviews!

The ladies at Black Heart Reviews have some really fun features!! You should follow their blog. They have one called WTF Friday where they share some rather strange book-related things. Last week it was weird book titles. Where in the world do you find these books? LOL!

Prepare to laugh!

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A Kid’s Perspective on YA Book Covers!

Want to know what some kids think of these YA book covers? The Starry-Eyed Revue got this idea from Forever 17 Books and I really thought it was fun! They featured I’ll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios.

Read Their Post

I’ll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios:
Amazon | Goodreads

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No More Waiting!

Reading is my Breathing has a new feature called “No More Waiting” where she spotlights a complete series and posts a neat graphic.  You MUST check see the beautiful graphic she created for Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo.

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Are you a reviewer or promoter?

I loved this discussion post from Kayla at My Book Muse. Bloggers, are do you see yourself as a reviewer, promoter, or a little bit of both?

Personally, I see myself as a reviewer. I post positive and negative reviews. Promotion more a result of what I choose to post, rather than my main goal. I feature books that I like and/or want to read. But there are a lot of blogs out there that are more promotion-focused. There is no right or wrong way to do it, it’s just different styles. Which are you?

Read her post

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Writing Like a Book Blogger

Writing like a book blogger

I loved this post from Asheley from Into the Hall of Books on finding your writing voice as a blogger!

“I want to start with finding a voice in this community, whether you blog or review books on Goodreads or comment as a reader, because we are all connected and our interaction is so fantastic and brings us together. Having a voice that is my own makes me stand out and makes me unafraid to connect with other people.”

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What’s the next big Trend in 2015?

My Book Muse wrote another awesome post this week speculating on what the next big thing is going to be in 2015.  Any guesses on what she said?

Read her post

 

COVER REVEALS

* Click on the links to check out some of the cover reveals you may have missed! *

Reviews I enjoyed reading!

Note: I haven’t read many of these books. I’m simply sharing my fellow bloggers’ reviews. I hope you find some book recommendations from these!

Golden Son by Pierce Brown

Golden Son (Red Rising #2) by Pierce Brown — 5 stars
Reviewed by Lucia from Reading is my Breathing

“Writing style has this special melancholic and gutsy quality into it. It fits Darrow’s character perfectly. It feels like it truly mirrors his deepest thoughts and moods without any sort of prettification or reserves.”

Amazon: USUKCAN | iBooks | GR

The Girl in 6E by A.R. Torre

The Girl in 6E by A.R. Torre
Reviewed by Abby from Blushing Babes are Up All Night Book Blog

“There were twist and turns that kept me turning the page. I did feel like there was a lot of fillers and the same points kept being reiterated made the pace of this seem slow.”

Amazon: USUKCAN | iBooks | GR

Owning Violet by Monica Murphy

Owning Violet (Fowler Sisters #1) by Monica Murphy — 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Julie from Little Read Riding Hood

“While the heat factor was definitely a plus, I found the character of Violet a bit lacking. Don’t get me wrong….I enjoyed the romance that was growing between Violet and Ryder. It just needed more depth.”

Amazon: USUKCAN

Breathe, Annie, Breathe by Miranda Kenneally

Breathe, Annie, Breathe by Miranda Kenneally — 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Montana at The Book Belles

“One of my favorite things about their relationship was how it was built on a strong friendship, which I think is one of the most important things for a relationship to be built upon. They were so cute together!

Amazon: USUKCAN

Amour Amour by Krista and Becca Ritchie

Amour Amour by Krista & Becca Ritchie — 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Obsession with Books

“Unfortunately, I didn’t feel the connection and the chemistry between Thora and Nikolai, it was a romance that wasn’t rushed but they seemed so different and I saw them more as student/mentor rather than anything more most of the time. I was actually enjoying the interactions between John and Timo more which I thought were hilarious. The romance didn’t take away from the overall storyline.”

Amazon: USUKCAN

Wide Awake by Shelly Crane

Wide Awake by Shelly Crane — 5 stars
Reviewed by Julie from Little Read Riding Hood

“Wide Awake is an amazing and original story. There are so many layers that add to the complexity of the story, but these nuances give this novel the depth that makes it truly unique. While reading, you can’t help but feel the turmoil that Emma is going through.”

Amazon: USUKCAN | iBooks | GR

I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios

I’ll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios — 5 stars
Reviewed by Nick’s Book Blog

“With every word that Heather wrote, she punched me right in the feels. Only on rare occasions will I sit down and attempt to continue to read the book in one seating (mostly because of school and work), but this book, damn, this book overtook my LIFE. I was so consumed in it that I was ready to not go to classes to finish it up.”

Amazon: USUKCAN | iBooks | GR

Mai Tai'd Up by Alice Clayton

Mai Tai’d Up by Alice Clayton — 4 stars
Reviewed by Nereyda from Mostly YA Book Obsessed

“Their friendship was so freaking sweet but loaded with sexual tension that they did their best to ignore. It mostly just had a huge grin on my face. I loved the way they called each other ‘rebound.’ The great thing about Clayton’s books, besides the humor, is that you know you are in for a crazy attraction that builds up for a while, but will be so worth it in the end. This is no exception.”

Amazon: USUKCAN | iBooks | GR

Falling Away by Penelope Douglas

Falling Away by Penelope Douglas — 2.5 stars
Reviewed by Jenn from Book Jems

“While this book maybe didn’t rub me the right way, I did like Douglas’s style of writing and am interested in reading the others in this series. Jaxon just wasn’t my swoonworthy guy.”

Amazon: USUKCAN | GR

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
Reviewed by Jen from YA Romantics

“But all in all, I thought that All the Bright Places was a beautifully written book, a book that shows how you can connect with someone on a deep and meaningful level, and yet there can be things about that person that you can never understand.”

Amazon: USUKCAN | iBooks | GR

The Sweet Gum Tree by Katherine Allred

The Sweet Gum Tree by Katherine Allred — 5 stars
Reviewed by Shh Mom’s Reading

“This couple will go through a full circle journey that will touch your soul. You will forget about the outside world for a little while as you immerse yourself into their beautiful world never wanting to stop because it’s so addictive.”

Amazon: USUKCAN | GR

Graffiti Moon cover

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley — 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Bekka from Great Imaginations

“Another thing to mention about this book is Cath Crowley’s gorgeous writing. Honestly, the entire book is quotable. She has this lyrical prose that I find so compelling – I’d read only that kind of prose for the rest of my life if it were possible. But instead of being stuffy and pretentious, the writing was engaging and accessible and beautiful.”

Amazon: USUKCAN | iBooks | GR

Inspire by Cora Carmack

Inspire (Muse #1) by Cora Carmack — 4 stars
Reviewed by Lisa from The Reading Room

“Wilder comes across as such a beautifully complex human it’s easy to believe this would be the guy to get an immortal Muse to break away from her duties and tempt the wrath of the Gods. Inspire is a completely different animal then any of author Cora Carmack’s stories and I loved its originality. Cora can also set a scene like nobody’s business.”

Amazon: USUKCAN | iBooks |

Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

Never Never (Never Never #1) by Colleen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher
Reviewed by Jessica from Angie and Jessica’s Dream Reads

“The story keeps you guessing. It’s hard to box this story, this baby, into a genre until you know the outcome, an outcome we don’t get in this installment. Whatever THIS is, could be anything. Is it a dream? Is it a fairytale? Is this a result of illness, or medication, or drugs? Are they just crazy? Are they test subjects in a science experiment? Who are these people and how’d this happen? The questions only mount as the story unfolds.”

Amazon: USUKCAN | iBooks | GR

Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead

Silver Shadows (Bloodlines #5) by Richelle Mead — 4 stars
Reviewed by Under the Cover Book Blog

“I just think that Mead’s writing fits the Young Adult genre so well, but at the same time she is so easily able to adjust for older audiences.”

Amazon: USUKCAN

After Us by Amber Hart

After Us by Amber Hart — 5 stars
Reviewed by Samantha from I Heart YA Fiction

“I really loved how Faith, a character in the previous book, stayed a big part in Melissa’s story and how it showed the realistic aftermath between them with what happened in the first book.”
Amazon: USUKCAN | iBooks

Last Will and Testament (Radleigh University Book 1) by Dahlia Adler

Last Will and Testament (Radleigh University Book 1) by Dahlia Adler — 5 stars
Reviewed by Jaime from Fiction Fare

“I love slightly nerdy guys… and doesn’t Byzantine History TA just scream nerdy? Connor certainly doesn’t have all the answers but he offers Lizzie an ear and a shoulder and though he fights his feelings for Lizzie for a long time, things finally come to a head… literally… HOLY HOT *fans self*”

The Untouchables by J.J. McAvoy

The Untouchables by J.J. McAvoy — 4 stars
Reviewed by Katie from The Review Loft

“Each chapter starts with a quote that builds anticipation into what is going to unfold in that chapter. As I got into the story, I started looking forward to the chapter quotes as much as I did the next chapter. J. J. McAvoy knows how to not just write a story but to create an environment that pulls the reader in before the chapter even starts.”

One of the Guys by Lisa Aldin

One of the Guys by Lisa Aldin — 2.5 stars
Reviewed by Sharon from Obsession with Books

“Toni was a sweet character but came across as a little immature, she was seventeen and holding on to her childhood, I felt the book came across as quite juvenile; the silly prank, believing in a lake monster and then her ‘business’ of setting up her friends with girls from her school to make some money and bring them together unfortunately didn’t work for me.”

Paper or Plastic by Vivi Barnes

Paper or Plastic by Vivi Barnes — 4 stars
Reviewed by Nick’s Book Blog

“Oh this book! What a delightful little thing Paper or Plastic was! I enjoyed every minute of it and had butterflies in my tummy by the end.”

the opportunist

The Opportunist, Dirty Red, and Thief by Tarryn Fisher — VIP
Reviewed by Kelly from Belle of the Literati

“This story is not easily won and these characters demons are not easily conquered by a knight in shining armor. These people are the antithesis of a fairy tale and I loved them the more for it. What I loved about this series is that it is real. It is crazy and messy and fucked up.”

Pieces of You by Ella Harper

Pieces of You by Ella Harper — 4 stars
Reviewed by Arlene from Waves of Fiction

“I don’t want to share all of the details, because to experience this story first hand is a privilege, so let me just tell you… there’s Luke’s family, a great set of friends, a tragic accident, an unexpected pregnancy and an unforgivable event that just had my heart and emotions all over the place.”

Please Remain Calm (This is Not a Test #2) by Courtney Summers

Please Remain Calm (This is Not a Test #2) by Courtney Summers
Reviewed by Giselle from Xpresso Reads

“And in true Courtney Summers’ style, the ending makes you feel both elated and startled. Her endings have always been blunt; you never get the true closure you want, but they’re memorable and realistic. But… IF ONLY THERE WAS 1 MORE PAGE! GAAAAH! Still, it’s why I love her.”

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