Small Admissions by Amy Poeppel | ARC Review

Small Admissions by Amy Poeppel
Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books
Publication Date: December 27, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Women's Fiction
Source: Received eARC from Publisher through Netgalley
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Goodreads Description

For fans of The Nanny Diaries and Sophie Kinsella comes a whip-smart and deliciously funny debut novel about Kate, a young woman unexpectedly thrust into the cutthroat world of New York City private school admissions as she attempts to understand city life, human nature, and falling in love.

Despite her innate ambition and Summa Cum Laude smarts, Kate Pearson has turned into a major slacker. After being unceremoniously dumped by her handsome, French “almost fiancé,” she abandons her grad school plans and instead spends her days lolling on the couch, watching reruns of Sex and the City, and leaving her apartment only when a dog-walking gig demands it. Her friends don’t know what to do other than pass tissues and hope for a comeback, while her practical sister, Angela, pushes every remedy she can think of, from trapeze class to therapy to job interviews.

Miraculously, and for reasons no one (least of all Kate) understands, she manages to land a job in the admissions department at the prestigious Hudson Day School. In her new position, Kate learns there’s no time for self-pity or nonsense during the height of the admissions season, or what her colleagues refer to as “the dark time.” As the process revs up, Kate meets smart kids who are unlikable, likeable kids who aren’t very smart, and Park Avenue parents who refuse to take no for an answer.

Meanwhile, Kate’s sister and her closest friends find themselves keeping secrets, hiding boyfriends, dropping bombshells, and fighting each other on how to keep Kate on her feet. On top of it all, her cranky, oddly charming, and irritatingly handsome downstairs neighbor is more than he seems. Through every dishy, page-turning twist, it seems that one person’s happiness leads to another’s misfortune, and suddenly everyone, including Kate, is looking for a way to turn rejection on its head, using any means necessary—including the truly unexpected.

My Thoughts

When I started reading this book I was really confused. After reading the description I thought the main focus would be on Kate and getting her life back on track but that wasn't the story line we were following in the beginning. It took maybe halfway through the first chapter to fully understand what was going on. I struggled a little to get into the story, partially because of this and partially because it was told in 3rd person (it's not my favorite) but I'm glad I stuck with it because I really ended up enjoying the story.

I don't know anything about the setting personally but it seems realistic. I had some personal issues with some of the characters, mainly their personalities, but I think that shows how strong Amy Poeppel's writing is. The characters I disliked/had problems with were true to themselves while trying to move forward and grow as time passed.

This was my first time exploring this genre and I would definitely be willing to try more. I really enjoyed the humor and there were times where I actually laughed out loud. I think Amy Poeppel did an amazing job showing just how much life can change in a year. Small Admissions is a strong debut and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

ORDER HERE: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound | Apple | Blio | Google | Kobo

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About the Author

Amy Poeppel is a graduate of Wellesley College. She lives with her husband and three sons in New York City, where she worked in the admissions department of a prestigious independent school. She workshopped a theatrical version of SMALL ADMISSIONS at the Actors Studio Playwrights/Directors Unit. She later expanded it into this novel.

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October/November Wrap Up

So we are already in December and the year is almost over. I told myself that I would strart being more active on this blog since I wouldn't be able to film for a while but clearly that didn't happen. I will be finishing up my hours for cosmetology school on Wednesday so that should free up some more of my time. Since I have been seriously slacking here is my wrap up for the past 2 months.

New to My Shelves in October

New to My Shelves in November

Books I Read in October

The Grownup (4 stars) | The Score (5 stars) | Food Wars Volume 14 (5 stars)

The Stone Keeper (3 stars) | The Goal (5 stars) | Frostblood (4 stars)

A Monster Calls (5 stars) | Monster (5 stars) | The Titan's Curse (4.5 stars)

Sex Criminals Volume 1 (2 stars) | Anya's Ghost (3 stars)

Books I Read in November

Shadow and Bone (4.5 stars) | Doubt Volume 1 (4 stars) | Doubt Volume 2 (4.5 stars)

Vasilia the Beautiful (3 stars) | The Selection (3.5 stars) | Why We Broke Up (4 stars)

Bad Romeo Christmas (4 stars) | Siege and Storm (4 stars)

2016 Reading Challenge

At this point my main goal is to finish as many books on the Around the Year in 52 Books challenge. As of today (the day I'm posting this) I have 11 books to read to finish this challenge. I highly doubt I will finish this challenge but I know at least a few of the books I would like to read during the rest of the month will work for some of the challenges. As far as the Finishing the Series challenge, I think I will use this as an ongoing challenge for myself.

What's Happening in December

Since we are almost halfway through the month I figured it would be best to just update you guys on the second half of the month. If you don't already know Cramathon, created/hosted by WhittyNovels, will be taking place December 16-23. I will be participating since I think sometimes it's fun having reading challenges to complete during a week. Like I mentioned before, I'll be done with school by the middle of this week so that should mean more time for reading. Also, this month I want to start really investing time into my writing!

What are your plans for the rest of the year? 

Until It Ends by K.A. Tucker | Cover Reveal

I'm excited to be participating in the cover reveal for Until It Ends by K.A. Tucker. She is a new to me author but this books sounds really interesting. I can't wait to get my hands on it!

Twenty-four-year-old truck stop waitress and single mother Catherine Wright has simple goals: to give her five-year-old daughter a happy life and to never again be the talk of the town in Balsam, Pennsylvania: population three thousand outside of tourist season.

And then one foggy night, on a lonely road back from another failed attempt at a relationship, Catherine saves a man’s life. It isn’t until after the police have arrived that Catherine realizes exactly who it is she has saved: Brett Madden, hockey icon and media darling.

Catherine has already had her fifteen minutes of fame and the last thing she wants is to have her past dragged back into the spotlight, only this time on a national stage. So she hides her identity. It works.

For a time.

But when she finds the man she saved standing on her doorstep, desperate to thank her, all that changes. What begins as an immediate friendship quickly turns into something neither of them expected. Something that Catherine isn’t sure she can handle; something that Catherine is afraid to trust.

Because how long can an extraordinary man like Brett be interested in an ordinary woman like Catherine…before the spark fades?

Until It Fades will be releasing May 2, 2017 through Atria Books but it is currently available for preorder. Make sure to check out the links.

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo | BAM | Indigo

About K.A. Tucker

K.A. Tucker writes captivating stories with an edge.

She is the USA Today bestselling author of 14 books, including Ten Tiny Breaths and Burying Water, and her latest Adult Suspense novel, He Will Be My Ruin. Her books have been featured in national publications including USA Today, Globe & Mail, Suspense Magazine, and Publisher's Weekly.

K.A. Tucker currently resides in a quaint town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and a Chug.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

Frostblood by Elly Blake | ARC Review

Frostblood by Elly Blake
Publisher: Little, Brown
Expected Publication Date: January 17, 2017
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 384
Source: Received through the NOVL's newletter
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Goodreads Description

Seventeen-year-old Ruby is a fireblood who must hide her powers of heat and flame from the cruel frostblood ruling class that wants to destroy all that are left of her kind. So when her mother is killed for protecting her and rebel frostbloods demand her help to kill their rampaging king, she agrees. But Ruby's powers are unpredictable, and she's not sure she's willing to let the rebels and an infuriating (yet irresistible) young man called Arcus use her as their weapon.

All she wants is revenge, but before they can take action, Ruby is captured and forced to take part in the king's tournaments that pit fireblood prisoners against frostblood champions. Now she has only one chance to destroy the maniacal ruler who has taken everything from her and from the icy young man she has come to love.

Fast-paced and compelling, Frostblood is the first in a page-turning new young adult three-book series about a world where flame and ice are mortal enemies—but together create a power that could change everything.

My Thoughts

As you can see from the description, Frostblood follows 17 year old Ruby who is fireblood among a ruling class of frostbloods so she has to hide her powers. The main character has something about her that makes her special and suddenly she's alone with no family and imprisoned. Eventually someone comes and offers her freedom in exchange for her help. Honestly, going into this book I was a bit worried because of the cliches. I will say that although this book did follow along with those cliches, I was still surprised with the direction that Elly Blake took the story.

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before but I haven't read a lot of fantasy so I always get worried that I will have difficulties following along with the world. That was not the case with Frostblood. I was able to fall right into the world without getting lost. In addition to being easy to follow along with, I was able to see and feel the world that was introduced. I also really liked the writing style. Elly Blake's writing isn't super complex but it kept me interested in what was going on and what would come next.

When it came to the characters I was back and forth. I definitely had my favorites, which I'm not going to get into because I don't want to spoil anything. There was some nice character development throughout this first book. I wish there could have been more time for some characters because I would have loved to see their story arc. It is obvious that there is still a long way for the characters to go in the future and I'm looking forward to seeing that growth.

The most surprising part of the story was the plot. After the opening I wasn't really sure where the story would go. The middle of the book was a little dull since there wasn't a lot going on and because of this that period of time was summed up to make more for the actions parts that were coming. Around the last 150 pages things really started picking up. There was a lot more action while also learning a little more about Ruby and the kingdom she's living in. At times I felt like some things were resolved too simply to be realistic. I was not expecting the story to go in the direction it did and the ending left it so there are a lot of ideas that can be explored in the future.

Overall I really enjoyed this debut by Elly Blake and I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars. Frostblood is a book set in a magical world that is beautiful and dangerous. I'm a little sad that I read this so early because now I have to wait even longer for the sequel. I'm excited for you guys to read this book next year so we can discuss it together.

Favorite Quotes

"I breathed in a gasp that stole the air from the sky, the trees, the world."

"Those who can't control themselves will find themselves under the control of others."

"Ruthlessness is not power. Tyranny is not strength."

"My heart beat once, twice, and I was filled with a terrible pressure of countless sunsets."

A Raven's Touch by Linda Bloodworth Cover Reveal + Contest

I'm not sure if you guys remember but at the beginning of the year I participated in a blog tour for A Raven's Touch. Linda Bloodworth contacted me and asked if I would be interested in her cover re-reveal. Here's the updated cover for A Raven's Touch. It was created by Amanda Walker.

Summary: Bullied through high school, seventeen-year-old Justice St. Michaels is grateful for the help of her best friend Moira O’Fhey. Together they’re just managing to scrape through the nightmare they call high school. Between Justice’s bizarre body changes and being involved in explosive school fights, things are going from bad to worse. Darien Raventhorn arrives on the scene only to add fuel to an already burning question—has Justice been living a lie her whole life? Thrust into an unwanted revenge mission Justice must avenge a family death, embrace her birthright, and slay a demon before all Hell breaks loose.


I haven't personally read the book yet so I can't give you my personal opinions. Since it's release I've seen a lot of good reviews. I do own the book and hope I can get to it soon because it sounds really interesting. If you would like to get a copy for yourself, head here to see all the retailers you can purchase from.

CONTEST TIME!! -  THIS IS A 2 PART CONTEST

HOW TO ENTER:  

1. Post a screen shot of your confirmation order for A Raven's Touch in the comment section on Linda's BLOG: https://lindabloodworth.wordpress.com/2016/10/22/cover-reveal-a-ravens-touch-linda-bloodworth-contest It doesn't matter when you've purchased the book now or before.

2. Subscribe to her newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bLecmr. PLEASE MAKE SURE SHE CAN IDENTIFY YOU. Your screen shot + sign up name should be the same. You MUST approve the subscription email you receive.

PRIZE: A $3 Amazon Gift Card!

TIMING: Linda will randomly pick the winner Oct. 23 @ 10 AM ET.

Are any of you planning on checking out this book?

September Wrap Up

Well it hasn't been that long since I posted my August Wrap Up. There isn't too much I really need to update you guys on. I'm still working on a schedule for myself to make sure I'm posting consistently. The closer we get to the end of the year the more stressed out I will get. I'm almost done with cosmetology school and I'm preparing to take my test to get my license. If it gets a little too hectic I might have to stop blogging for a while but I try to make a post if that happens.

New to My Shelves

I'm feeling a little less lazy this time around so I decided to include the books that I got in September. I thought I didn't do that bad but after filming my book haul I realized I got I got almost the same amount of books as last month. I blame it on Book Outlet!

Books I Read

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry (4.5 stars) | Everything, Everything (4 stars)

The Deal (reread 4.5 stars) | The Mistake (4.5 stars)

What Light (2.5 stars) | The Last of the Firedrakes (2.5 stars)

2016 Reading Challenge

I came so close to finishing my overall reading goal of 52 books at the end of August that I finished it within the first couple weeks of September. Since I was able to finish that goal I've been trying to be a little more focused on completing the Around the Year in Books challenge. However I may change my mind and just read whatever for the rest of the year.

To Come in October

I've been having a good reading month so far which I'm excited about. I feel there's so much I want to read but there just isn't enough time. I'm slowly making my way through my unread physical books. I really want to participate in in NanoWriMo this year since last year was a complete fail for me. I'm mentioning this now because if I do participate I want to start planning now and with my already busy schedule it can affect my blogging.

How was September for you? Is there anything you're really looking forward to in October?

The Last of the Firedrakes by Farah Oomerbhoy | Review

The Last of the Firedrakes by Farah Oomerbhoy
Publisher: Wise Ink
Publication Date: August 15, 2015
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Magic
Pages: 488
Source: Received through Booktube Tours
Find on Goodreads

Goodreads Descritpion

16-year-old Aurora Darlington is an orphan. Mistreated by her adopted family and bullied at school, she dreams of running away and being free. But when she is kidnapped and dragged through a portal into a magical world, suddenly her old life doesn’t seem so bad.

Avalonia is a dangerous land ruled by powerful mages and a cruel, selfish queen who will do anything to control all seven kingdoms—including killing anyone who stands in her way.

Thrust headlong into this new, magical world, Aurora’s arrival sets plans in motion that threaten to destroy all she holds dear.

With the help of a young fae, a magical pegasus, and a handsome mage, Aurora journeys across Avalonia to learn the truth about her past and unleash the power within herself. Kingdoms collide as a complicated web of political intrigue and ancient magic lead Aurora to unravel a shocking secret that will change her life forever.

My Thoughts

I decided to take a different approach with this review just to switch things up a little. 

Pros

• For someone who hasn't read a lot of fantasy, this book was easy to get into. It was also easy to follow along with.

• The world, characters, and how everything is connected seems to be really well thought out. I never questioned the world or how everything worked in the world while reading.

Cons

• All the characters were too trusting. No one, especially the main character, questioned anything that was said to them. I didn't find this very believable especially when you start to learn about the rivalry between family. This could have caused a lot more conflict than it did.

• I don't think I've ever read a book where the main character makes as many bad decisions as Aurora does. It seems like whenever she has the opportunity came around she chose the wrong action, even when she knew it wasn't right. 

• There didn't seems to be any consistency in the timeline of the story. A certain even would happen then a few sentences later Aurora is talking about that same event like it happened a long time ago. For the most, the pacing for the story seemed to take place a day at a time so when I found out at the end that the entire book took place over 3 months I was confused. 

Overall

I enjoyed the general story. Although the cons took away from the reading experience, I'm still interested in continuing this story and seeing what happens next.