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 We’re super thrilled to host New Adult author Molly McAdams on the blog today and  feature her new novella Stealing Harper, the companion to Taking Chances. Below the post you can find the exclusive excerpt and giveaway! For more fun, check out our interview with Molly when we talked Taking Chances and New Adult here.

STEALING HARPER PLAYLIST::

Hot Tottie – Usher: Ch. 1 First party

Break Your Little Heart – All Time Low: Ch. 1 First party

All American Nightmare – Hinder: Ch. 2 “A girl bring me to my knees? Hell. No.”

Think Twice – Eve 6: Ch. 3, all of

Kush – Dr. Dre: Ch. 4 Party

The Only Hope For Me Is You Acoustic – Gavin Mikhai: Ch. 4 Bruises

Miserable At Best – Mayday Parade: Ch. 5 After driving Harper to the dorms.

Aerials – System of A Down: Ch. 5 Beach fight & surf

Cadence Acoustic – Anberlin: Ch. 6 Sketching Harper

Playing God – Paramore: Ch. 6 “Look in a f***ing mirror, Princess.”

One More Night – Maroon 5: Ch. 6 “I’ll tell you, if you tell me.” & Fight

Crushcrushcrush – Paramore: Ch. 7 New Year’s Eve Poker

Not Strong Enough – Apocalyptica: Ch. 7 “I know she wants me, too.”

I Can’t Stay Away – The Veronicas: Ch. 8 “All I’ve ever wanted is you.”

Poison and Wine – The Civil Wars: Ch. 8 Shower scene

How Long – Hinder: Ch. 8, end of

Perfect – My Darkest Days: Ch. 9, beginning of

The Memory – Mayday Parade: Ch. 9 Harper fainting

It Will Rain – Bruno Mars: Ch. 9 “How can you even ask me to choose between you two?”

I Won’t Give Up – Jason Mraz: Ch. 10, beginning of

Can’t Forget You – My Darkest Days Ch. 10 sick Princess

I’d come for you – Nickleback: Ch. 11 “You’re pregnant, Princess?”

Endlessly – The Cab: Ch. 12 “Today is only allowed to be an I love you day.”

Better Than Me – Hinder: Ch. 13 “What the hell have I done?”

Crash – Sum 41: Ch. 14 The Scene That Shall Not Be Named

Saving Amy – Brantley Gilbert: Ch. 14 The End

Wake Up – Coheed & Cambria: Extra

Crazier – Taylor Swift: Extra

IV The Road and the Damned – Coheed & Cambria: Extra

THE EXCLUSIVE EXPERT - Check out  the excerpt right before this @ Bookfind

“…you kiss anyone tonight?” Bree’s voice reached me as I stepped through the front door and I closed it quietly when I heard Princess murmur, “No.”

“I can help with that!” My hands formed into fists over Zach’s words and I growled. Over my dead body.

“No, no, no. I told you guys, she’s off limits!”

Thatta girl, Bree. I took the last few steps toward the living room when Zach spoke again.

“Come on, Bree, what’s your deal?”

“Cause she’s pure. Completely. Pure.”

I froze. What the hell, Bree? Shit, from the way Harper’s cheeks went fire engine red, Bree wasn’t lying. She was pure. I looked at Harper’s mortified expression and the urge to take her in my arms and take her away from this overwhelmed me. I didn’t know where the protectiveness for her came from, but somehow I knew I’d do anything for this innocent girl and I’d kill anyone that tried to take that innocence from her.

Bree’s index finger went to tap Harper’s lips and Harper grabbed her wrist, pulling it back “Breanna!”

“Shh!” Bree covered her own lips with her index finger this time, “Harper, don’t tell them!”

Harper looked up and her jaw clenched as she took in Brad, Drew, Derek and Zach bursting out laughing. I wanted to punch every single one of them.

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Maid of Secrets (Maids of Honor #1) by Jennifer McGowan
May 7th 2013 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

This book is in the same vein as the His Fair Assassin series by Robin LaFevers, so if you’re a fan of those you’ll like Meg’s tale of life as a thief hired to spy in Queen Elizabeth’s court.

What I really liked: Meg. She is a great protagonist with several layers – a great actress and thief with a moral consciousnesses that she uses to guide herself in her newly appointed duties as the Queens spy, and that’s not all. She’s also has a bit of an Edietic memory and her inner dialogue is the heart of the book.

What else I liked: Rafe Luis Medina, the Count de Martine. This guy is swoony in all the ways guys are meant to be swoony, however he’s not over the top. He plays it cool, because he’s on a mission of his own.

What I really really liked: The perfect balance of plot and romance. The kind where the romance never overshadows the main plot. Why yes, I like my romances to be the “b story.”

What I didn’t like: The beginning was a tad to slow for my taste, and I almost gave up. Though, I am glad I forged ahead.

XOXO, Stacy
received this book for an honest review from the publisher

Buy Links: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | IndieBound | The Book Depository

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Jennifer McGowan writes Young Adult romance full of swash and buckle. Her first novel, MAID OF SECRETS, debuts in Spring, 2013 from Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Age: Royal Secret.
Came From: A small town in northern Ohio.
Became a Maid of Honor: After bringing her tale of spygirls to the noble city, and winning the favor of the great house of Simon (& Schuster).
Special Skill: Matrix-like reflexes, superior strength, fabulous wit… okay, ah – we’ll get back to you on that.

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Dead Ever After (Sookie Stackhouse #13) by Charlaine Harris
May 7, 2013; Ace

This book killed me and had me reminiscing and yearning for the good ole days of Sookie, when shenanigans were high, and the sexual tension was thick.

If you have not read this book and do not want to be spoiled, than do not read any further. SPOLIERS ABOUND.

We all knew that the end was nigh for Eric and Sookie, but I was secretly holding out hope that Charlaine was pulling the wool over our eyes and that Eric and Sookie would end up with a happily ever after. Alas, that did not happen. She picked Sam.

I wanted Eric for several reasons:
*He was the most compelling. interesting and never-the-dull suitor Sookie had.
*He cherished Sookie, but was never overprotective unless need be. In other words, he let her fight/figure out some of her own problems.
*Together they had the best storylines.
*The passions and tension between them was high. Remember book 4?

Why I hated Sam as a choice:
*He was vanilla.
*Their three-sentence “getting it on” scene was vanilla. Ever so vanilla.
*Compared to all Sookie’s other suitors, he seemed the weakest. Just a lurker in the crowd.
*He gave her the nickname “little lady” and to me that is a name you give a dog, or your little girl. Not your lover.
*He said, and I quote, “I’ll ricochet you.”

However, if you read this series because you loved Charlaine’s approach to writing paranormal mysteries, then this book is stellar.

XOXO, Stacy

It’s May and it’s time for another round of BOOK BUZZ. This month’s books have a creepy death theme, but we’re rolling with it.

Dead Ever After (Sookie Stackhouse #13) by Charaline Harris
May 7th 2013 by Ace
Alas, the end of an era has come and the biggest question on everyone’s mind – who will Sookie choose.  Sadly, we know the answer and we don’t like it.

Maid of Secrets (Maids of Honor #1) by Jennifer McGowan
May 7th 2013 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Fans of the His Fair Assassin series by Robin LeFevers will like this new series about a bunch of maids who are spying for Queen Elizabeth. This book is about Meg, and her spunk and wit will leave you wanting more.

The S-Word by Chelsea Pitcher
May 7th 2013 by Gallery Books
This hard-hitting cotemporary book about suicide has been on our radar for months and since it’s such a serious issue, we have nothing witty to say.

Spirit and Dust by Rosemary Clement-Moore
May 14th 2013 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Fans of Texas Gothic will love this book. Heck, fans who love a good book full of laughs will love this book. Daisy is the quintessential odd-ball character that one can’t help but adore.

Death, Dickinson, and the Demented Life of Frenchie Garcia by Jenny Torres Sanchez
May 28th 2013 by Running Press Kids
The title and cover pulled us in, but it’s the description that sealed the deal. We’re ready for Frenchie and what she discovers.

It’s back!! The Occasional YA Book Club (OYABC) will be reading Beauty Queens by Libba Bray May 12 – 19.  

Starting on May 20, we will be doing some posts about this hilarious book, including tie-ins to the book involving our favorite beauty products (ridiculous product advertisements are scattered throughout the book), and Sarah and Amanda will be doing an audio re-review and discussion!

Why did we pick this book?  Quite honestly, the last two OYABC reads have been pretty heavy (Fracture by Megan Miranda and Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky) and we wanted something a little more lighthearted!  This isn’t to say that Beauty Queens  is all fluff; in fact, it tackles some pretty tough subjects like self-perception, beauty in today’s world, and the impact of body image on teenage girls.  But…if you’ve read the book, you understand why we also think it’s hilarious because Libba Bray tackles these topics with wit, flair, and sometimes downright cry your eyes out hysterics.

So join in our reading adventure next week  - and be sure to comment and let us know what you’re thinking as you’re reading!

And here is what we’re currently reading (besides Beauty Queens!)

UNINVITED (Uninvited #1) by Sophie Jordan
March 2014, HarperTeen

You can’t change your DNA…even when it says you’re a murderer.

When Davy tests positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome, aka “the kill gene,” she loses everything. Once the perfect high school senior, she is uninvited from her prep school and abandoned by her friends and boyfriend. Even her parents are now afraid of her—although she’s never hurt a fly. Davy doesn’t feel any differently, but genes don’t lie. One day she will kill someone.

Without any say in the matter, Davy is thrown into a special class for HTS carriers. She has no doubt the predictions are right about them, especially Sean, who already bears the “H” tattoo as proof of his violence. Yet when the world turns on the carriers, Sean is the only one she can trust. Maybe he’s not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly.

Add UNINVITED to goodreads, and learn more about UNINVITED by visiting Sophie’s website.

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HELLO PRETTY COVER.  We’re giving  Sophie a virtual high-five for the cover and that killer tagline. Pun intended

It’s so beautiful here in Ohio that I almost forgot this post!  Though, I think I should get credit for reading outside, because that’s the best!

Icons (Icons #1) by Margaret Stohl
May 7, 2013; Little, Brown Brown Books for Young Readers

Stohl’s done an amazing job on her first solo venture – she’s woven beautiful imagery with a creative concept and I can’t wait for more!!

The Day changed everything, for the world and for Dol. When “they” came they planted 11 Icons around the world to control the masses, and in doing so killed millions and millions of people. Dol survived, but her parents did not. She was raised on the Mission in the Grasslands by the Padre and led a simple life with best friend Ro. Again her life changes when the Occupation Sympathizers capture her and Ro.

They are wanted for their powers. Dol is an empath, she can feel what others are feeling and Ro is a rager, and his anger creates a firestorm of fury that makes him virtually unstoppable. When they arrive at the Embassy they find two others just like them – Lucas, the lover who has charisma and charm and can bend others to his will and Tima who relies on fear and anxiety to control those around her.

Things that had me jumping up and down:
* Dol’s name, Doloria Maria de la Cruz. I will name a car this some day, mark my words.
*Lucas. Granted he wasn’t the most “trust worthy” (the quotes are important here), but if he isn’t the ying to Dol’s yang. Seriously.
*Ro, aka Furo Costas. I love him for his black and white/right and wrong views. This dude sees no gray and it’s refreshing to see him not waver with his beliefs.
*The concept. I had no idea this was an alien book. Really none. I find it interesting the idea of the Icons used as power sources welding the Lords powers over the earthlings.
*The setting. This story takes place in the Los Angeles of the future and I recognized so many things while reading. I kept saying, “I’ve been there and there!”
*The ending. I won’t go into details, just know that there is not a cliff hanger.
*The AI. Yes, all good scifi’s need an AI and this one is awesome.

What had me scratching my head:
*A few things seemed a little too easy , too convenient. I’m hoping these issues will be addressed in the next book.
*The ending. Yes, overall I liked it, but there was this one part I was like, “How did (redacted) happen?”

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Taking a page out of Amanda’s book (like that book metaphor), I thought I would write my own series of mini-reviews, but for audiobooks.  FYI: I found all of these fabulous books at the library-a great place to find good reads (don’t be afraid to ask the library to buy copies of great audiobooks-often, they just need a recommendations).

The Diviners 
Published: 2012, Audiobook Publisher: Listening Library/BOT

Libba Bray at her finest!  You can check out Nancy’s interview with Libba about Diviners here, but do note, it makes more sense after you read the book.  I heart Libba Bray; she was gracious enough to do an interview with me about cool words (on my VocabGal blog here), and she is one of my absolute favorite YA authors.  Stay tuned to our book club selection in May if you want an impetus to read my favorite of her novels!

The Diviners, Libba’s most recent work, is awesome; I learned so much history about the 1920′s (and my students and I have been studying the Harlem Renaissance for years, so I knew a fair bit) -and Libba makes the history fascinating-she clearly has done her research, and the book is that much better because of it.  A great story with a motley crew of unique characters, I had to make sure I was listening with the lights on so as not to be freaked out by all the occult.  Essentially, a mystical serial killer, a cult religion, flappers, numbers’ rackets and more-this book is widely appealing for girls and guys.  Plus, the audio is awesome with January LaVoy as a reader who can tackle the whole range of characters.

Leverage
Published: 2011, Audio Publisher:  Blackstone Audio

Author Joshua C. Cohen delivers a riveting story about football players who take their bullying of the guys’ gymnastics team too far, but still think they can get away without consequences.  I loved how it was told in alternating chapters from the team’s newest football star and the boy’s best gymnast.

The book is definitely Friday Night Lights meets Speak, and I was outraged at how the football players treated others (but hello, I live in Ohio, and we have seen the consequences when football players think they are indomitable).  This book isn’t heavy handed with the issues but packs so. many. punches. -wow!  I was satisfied that I had somewhat predicted the outcome, and that the jocks did get their due.  Cohen was a gymnast himself, and I totally want to track him down now and ask him about his own high school experiences.  The two readers-Kirby Heyborne and Paul Michael Garcia-really articulated each character’s emotional range in the story-which went from elation to terror and back.
 
Silks
Published: 2008, Publisher: Penguin Audio Authors: Dick Francis and Felix Francis

My Dad turned me on to Dick Francis novels in high school; essentially author Dick Francis was a jockey for the queen of England, got injured, and turned his talents to writing horse-racing mysteries.  You would think these would be ordinary mysteries, but they are not!  Each book (with the exception of a small series of three), has a hero with his/her own profession that somehow gets entangled with horse racing (the research Francis does to get the nuances of every profession from jewelry to art fascinates me).  The language is excellent, the pacing is gripping, and I think Francis’s most recent ones with his son are superb.    I highly encourage all Anglophiles to check out these novels-they do not disappoint, especially with reader Martin Jarvis and his lovely his British accent.

 
Happy Listening!
Sarah

Here is what we’re reading this week!