Fierce Reads Spring 2016 Author Tour

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Spring is here for many of you, and on its way for the rest (hang in there!). That means the Fierce Reads Spring tour is upon us! Check out the stops, enter the giveaway, and see what else we have going on.

This may be the most fierce tour ever planned. Marie Rutkoski, Cecelia Ahern, and Harriet Reuter Hapgood are headlining. And then we have Marissa Meyer, Leigh Bardugo, Jennifer Mathieu, Caleb Roehrig, Emma Mills, Anna Banks, Kami Garcia, and Sandy Hall special guest starring. It's basically like a Taylor Swift tour, but with authors.

Events will be held across the country from May 3 through May 10. There will be authors; there will be books; there will be signings; there will be giveaways; there will be a Fierce Reads coloring book (it's awesome). In short it's going to be great, and you won't want to miss it. Check out the full lineup and see what guest author will be at your stop.

• May 3, 2016 @7pm - Third Place Books in Seattle, WA.
• May 4, 2016 @6pm - Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena, CA. 
• May 5, 2016 @7pm - Blue Willow Bookshop in Houston, TX.
• May 6, 2016 @7pm - Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville, IL.
• May 7, 2016 @3pm - St. Louis Public Library - Schlafly Branch in St. Louis, MO.
• May 8, 2016 @5pm - Little Shop of Stories in Decatur, GA. 
• May 9, 2016 @7pm - Bethesda Library in Bethesda, MD.
• May 10, 2016 @7pm - Wellesley Books in Wellesley, MA.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE TOUR!!!

Book Review: Joyride by Anna Banks

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Joyride
Author: Anna Banks
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: June 2 2015
Review Source: Feiwel & Friends

A popular guy and a shy girl with a secret become unlikely accomplices for midnight pranking, and are soon in over their heads—with the law and with each other—in this sparkling standalone from NYT-bestselling author Anna Banks.

It’s been years since Carly Vega’s parents were deported. She lives with her brother, studies hard, and works at a convenience store to contribute to getting her parents back from Mexico.

Arden Moss used to be the star quarterback at school. He dated popular blondes and had fun with his older sister, Amber. But now Amber’s dead, and Arden blames his father, the town sheriff who wouldn’t acknowledge Amber's mental illness. Arden refuses to fulfill whatever his conservative father expects.

All Carly wants is to stay under the radar and do what her family expects. All Arden wants is to NOT do what his family expects. When their paths cross, they each realize they’ve been living according to others. Carly and Arden’s journey toward their true hearts—and one another—is funny, romantic, and sometimes harsh.

A girl whose kept hidden for so long and doesn't want to be noticed, a boy only looking for someone to help him stay hidden with the chance of being noticed. When Carly meets Arden it isn't the most conventional way, and it's not the most ideal. But it's one of the best chance meetings that has happened to either of them - pretty much ever. Carly just wants to help her family, but she isn't prepared for what comes along with being a teenager with hormones.

Honestly was really surprised by this book. I started it one morning and finished it that night. I plowed through it, and I would hope that others could too. It's a short read, and it'll keep you intrigued for the whole read as well. From the start the story gripped me. From Carly and Arden's meeting - and the switching of Carly and Arden. Not necessarily their POV, it was always from Carly's POV, but you would get a peek into what Arden was up to and how he was handling things. One of my favorite things when reading from Arden's side of the story was when it would say something and then Arden's thoughts would come to the forefront. Usually in a smart aleck remark that made me laugh. Banks had such a good way of writing his story.

Banks also did a really good job at making me not see where the story was going. I remember wondering how things were going to blow up. There was only one sure-fire thing I thought: Arden's dad being racist towards Carly being Latina. But what came around the corner threw me for a loop. She also did a good job of making me feel Carly's pain for certain situations. I have not ever been in the circumstances that she has, but through the book I felt as if I had lived her life. Lived her problems and figured out solutions, Carly is such a strong character and therefore makes you feel as if you are just as strong as she is.

Once Upon a Signing: #FierceReads Miami Tour @BooksandBooks

Let me start by saying Thank You Macmillan for giving us the opportunity to help out with this fun tour. This past Monday on Fierce Reads, I had the opportunity to interview four outstanding authors at the Miami stop (will post later, along with a SWAG Giveaway). I am a chicken when it comes to interviewing people, but I felt so comfortable doing this and it was so much fun. I think I am ready for my next challenge LOL. 

The Fierce Reads tour is not over yet, so I highly recommend that you attend if you have a near stop. You can check here. I had to drive an hour south and it was sooo worth it!

Our fierce authors being interviewed by @twilightsdance at @BooksandBooks before tonight's event! pic.twitter.com/FNbBmBVXBz
— Fierce Reads (@FierceReads) May 19, 2014

Also, CONGRATULATION to all the Fierce Reads winners!

Okay on to the good stuff... 

Here are some of the pictures I took while recording with one hand. (Yes, I had my camera on my left hand and my cellphone on the right... Multitasking!) 

 

 

I am thankful to share the love of books with my fellow book bloggers and friends:

You can watch the event here. Sorry, if its not perfect, remember I only used my left hand!

Miami Join Us at The #FierceReads Event Tonight at @BooksandBooks!

Join us while we live tweet the #FierceReads event on 5/19! Help us spread the word to be entered to win The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkski AND Of Neptune by Anna Banks! 

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