Underneath Everything Tour: Review + Giveaway

Underneath Everything
Author: Marcy Beller Paul
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Release Date: October 27th 2015

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance/GLBT

Rating: 4 Stars!

Synopsis:

Mattie shouldn’t be at the bonfire. She should be finding new maps for her collection, hanging out with Kris, and steering clear of almost everyone else, especially Jolene. After all, Mattie and Kris dropped off the social scene the summer after sophomore year for a reason.

But now Mattie is a senior, and she’s sick of missing things. So here she is. 

And there’s Jolene: Beautiful. Captivating. Just like the stories she wove. Mattie would know; she used to star in them. She and Jolene were best friends. Mattie has the scar on her palm to prove it, and Jolene has everything else, including Hudson.

But when Mattie runs into Hudson and gets a glimpse of what could have been, she decides to take it all back: the boyfriend, the friends, the life she was supposed to live. Problem is, Mattie can’t figure out where Jolene ends and she begins.

Because there’s something Mattie hasn’t told anyone—she walked away from Jolene over a year ago, but she never really left. 

Poignant and provocative, Marcy Beller Paul’s debut novel tells the story of an intoxicating—and toxic—relationship that blurs the boundary between reality and fantasy, love and loyalty, friendship and obsession.

Underneath Everything is a compelling young adult contemporary romance novel that follows our main character, Mattie, as she handles her senior year of high school. Mattie had been one of the popular girls until after sophomore year - when she and her friend Kris swore off everything (and everyone). But now that graduation is in sight, Mattie can't help but wonder about what might have happened if she had stayed friends with Jolene - the main reason she dropped off the radar. Overcome by memories - both good and bad - Mattie decides that she's done hiding in the shadows. The only problem is Jolene. Things are complicated between them and Mattie has a really hard time keeping a clear head whenever Jolene's around.

I don't normally go for YA contemporary fiction because I think most of the books out there are built from the same template with details and some plot changes added in. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but I'm so glad that I took a chance on it! I was immediately hooked from the first page and couldn't stop reading until I had finished the entire novel - which only took a few hours. The author did a fantastic job making the story feel as realistic as possible. The characters were all easy to identify with - especially Mattie, our leading lady. The entire plot of the book was written in a way that felt a bit like a mystery - it keep talking about the Mattie's past with her friends, notably Jolene, and hinting at the reason why she decided to walk away from everything that summer. I was intrigued at what the cause could have been - what could have happened between Mattie and Jolene that would make her shut out everyone basically overnight? The story kept giving us little breadcrumbs of Mattie's story - tidbits about her life before, memories with her old friends and Jolene, and reminders of why she decided to turn her back on it all. I kept trying to figure out the mystery, which gave the book more excitement and had me reading as fast as I could to see what would happen next.

Mattie is a perfect main character for the story. She's down to earth, smart, loyal, a loving friend and daughter, determined, and stands up for what she believes in. The book is written from Mattie's perspective (the first person point of view) - so we get to know her on an incredibly deep level that doesn't otherwise happen. For example, there are lots of memories and flashbacks throughout the book - which we get to see from Mattie's point of view. We also get to hear her inner thoughts, emotions, fears, hopes, and so many other things. Because of these aspects, the reader is able to empathize more easily with Mattie and can identify with her almost instantly. Overall, this was a captivating book with fantastic writing, unique characters, and a story line that's more than your average YA contemporary. I definitely recommend it to fans of the genre along with readers who enjoy contemporary romance and books dealing with GLBT issues.

Follow the Underneath Everything by Marcy Beller Paul Blog Tour and don't miss anything! Click on the banner to see the tour schedule.

Marcy Beller Paul is a young adult author, former editor, and full-time mom who still has all the notes she passed in seventh grade (and knows how to fold them).

She graduated from Harvard University and lives in New Jersey with her husband and two children. Underneath Everything will be published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins, in Fall 2015. It is her first novel.

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The Cellar Blog Tour: Review, Tens List + Giveaway

Welcome to my stop on the official blog tour for The Cellar by T.M. Smith! Today I have my review to share with you, along with a guest post by the author - and don't forget to enter the giveaway! To follow the rest of the tour, click on the banner above.

The Cellar (Opposites #2.5)

Author: T.M. Smith

Genre: Science Fiction/Dystopia/GLBT Romance

Release Date: November 23, 2014

Publisher: TTC Publishing

Description:

It's time to learn the truth about what happened that day in The Cellar.

Taryn and Thanos are the formidable Ambassadors of House Orion. Taryn was born into power, bred from birth to lead the people of Greece along with his sister Theresa, Thanos was never a part of his mother's plan. The son of a fisherman was not a suitable match for the son of Greece as far as their mother was concerned, but Taryn always takes what he wants.

The Cellar is the story of how these two men met and fell in love, and what lengths Taryn went to, to ensure he kept his man. This novella also contains a more detailed accounting of what happened the night Raven and Tanis went for a walk on the beach, and the adult version of Mistletoe and Mayhem that was initially released as a free short through goodreads.

The Cellar is the second novella in the Opposites series, the series should be read in order.

** Warning, Opposites is an Adult Dystopian majorly M/M series that contains explicit sexual content and relationships between gay, straight and lesbian couples. However, The Cellar is strictly a M/M novella **

10 Favorite Books Read This Year:

I just did my top 10 for 2014 on my blog, here they are, in no particular order…

~ A Solid Core of Alpha by Amy Lane
~ City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Claire
~ All The Colors of Love by Jessica Freely
~ Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
~ Gabriel’s Fall by Sandrine Gasq-Dion
~ Girl on a Wire by Gwenda Bond
~ A Heart For Robbie by JP Barnaby
~ The River Leith by Leta Blake
~ Names Can Never Hurt Me by Wade Kelly
~ Bear, Otter & The Kid by TJ Klune

The Cellar is a novella in the science fiction/dystopian romance series Opposites. In the story, our main characters - Taryn and Thanos - are Ambassadors of House Orion. Their story is basically one of star-crossed lovers who will be together no matter what they must go through. Taryn was born into a powerful and wealthy family and was raised to lead the people of Greece along with his sister. Thanos is the poor son of a fisherman, and Taryn's mother believes he's not near good enough for Taryn. The novella is the story of how the two men meet and then fall in love. It also includes extra scenes from the series that will help the reader understand certain parts better. 

I don't normally read fiction of this genre, mainly because I can't relate well with the characters and due to the explicit sexual situations. For those readers who enjoy that genre and have read the other books in the Opposites series, this novella will deepen their knowledge of Taryn and Thanos' relationship. The novella details how the two men meets and subsequently fall in love. It's highly recommended that the books in the series are read in order - which I completely agree with. I haven't read any of the other books, so while I was reading this story, I found myself confused and totally lost at some points. The main plot of the story is easy to follow, but the other details that connect it directly with the series were lost on me. The writing style was very well done with incredibly vivid imagery and detailed descriptions - including explicit sexual scenes. I found it to be a quick read due to the fact that it's a novella, and even though it is something that I'm not used to or quite fond of, I could definitely appreciate the author's writing and talent. Highly recommended for readers who have already read the other books in the series, along with those who enjoy this genre and these types of situations. I do have to say again that it would be in the reader's best interest to reader the series in order to have better understanding of what happens.

A military brat born and raised at Ft. Benning Georgia; Smith is an avid reader, reviewer and writer. She now calls Texas home from her small town on the outskirts of the DFW Metroplex. Most days you can find her curled up with her kindle and a good book alongside a glass of something aged and red or a steaming cup of coffee!

At 42 years young, she's decided to enter the next phase of her life by adding the title of "author" to her list of accomplishments that includes single mom of three disturbingly outspoken and decidedly different kids, one of which is Autistic. Smith is and outspoken advocate for Autism and equal rights for the LGBTQ community.

Her Opposites series is based outside the normal parameters of social acceptability, examining a 'what if'... What If to be gay or lesbian were the norm? What if to be straight labeled you as an Opposite and made YOU the Outkast? 

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(1) Swag Pack (US only shipping)

(2) winners/ E-book copy of 1 of my author's previous books, winner's choice.

(1) winner will receive a $10 Amazon e-gift card

Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

 

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My Thinning Years: Starving the Gay Within Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for My Thinning Years: Starving the Gay Within by Jon Derek Croteau. I'll be sharing my review of the book today and don't forget to enter the giveaway at the bottom of the post. To follow the rest of the tour, click HERE.

My Thinning Years: Starving the Gay Within

Author: Jon Derek Croteau

Genre: Nonfiction/Memoir/GLBT

Release Date: September 9, 2014

Publisher: Hazelden

Description:

As a child, Jon tried desperately to be his father’s version of the all-American boy, denying his gayness in a futile attempt to earn the love and respect of an abusive man. With this he built a deep, internalized homophobia that made him want to disappear rather than live with the truth about himself. That denial played out in the forms of anorexia, bulimia, and obsessive running, which consumed him as an adolescent and young adult.

It wasn’t until a grueling yet transformative Outward Bound experience that Jon began to face his sexual identity. This exploration continued as he entered college and started the serious work of sorting through years of repressed anger to separate from his father’s control and condemnation.

My Thinning Years is an inspiring story of courage, creativity, and the will to live—and of recreating the definition of family to include friends, relatives, and teachers who support you in realizing your true self.

Praise:

 
“A storyteller's job is to help others find their way. Show them choices. Perhaps avoid pitfalls. Jon Derek Croteau's powerful new book is a beacon shining on the puzzle of life.”
—Bob Dotson, New York Times bestselling author of American Story, a Lifetime Search for Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things & NBC News/Today Show Correspondent

“I canceled plans to finish this book, and you will, too. Alternately riveting, heartfelt and horrifying, Jon Derek Croteau's descent into anorexia and obsessive running as a means to deny his true self is spellbinding.”
—Eric Poole, author of Where's My Wand

“Jon Derek Croteau writes with unstinting honesty in his memoir MY THINNING YEARS, and courageously explores the harmful effects of bullies long after they've left the scene. But he also reveals the plain fact that the greatest bully we have to win over is often the one within us.”
—James Lecesne, Co-Founder of THE TREVOR PROJECT

“A fantastic and harrowing story, told deeply and honestly…an emotional read…a generous, hopeful book I dearly hope gets into the hands of the many people who face similar hardships and desperately need to hear Jon Derek Croteau's story.”
—Randy Harrison, actor, Queer As Folk

“MY THINNING YEARS is an inspiring story of one man's struggle with anorexia, with sexual identity, and his struggle for selfhood.”
—Betsy Lerner, author of Food and Loathing

“The story of all of us as we come to terms with who we are. As I raced through these pages like the runner within them, I was reminded of my own trials… It takes courage to tell your story, to come out, to remove yourself from an abusive relationship. These pages help usher in our more tolerant present and our ever-evolving hearts.”
—Award-winning singer/songwriter, Will Dailey

“MY THINNING YEARS is not just a labor of love but a love-letter to those who are struggling silently and suffering deeply with an eating disorder. Jon Derek Croteau sheds incredible insight and a heartfelt vision for surviving and thriving in your life.”
—Jess Weiner, Author, Strategist and Self-Esteem Expert

“MY THINNING YEARS is an emotional journey through Jon Derek Croteau’s struggle with eating disorders and accepting his identity as a gay man. In his struggle to accept his sexuality, Croteau attempts to erase his pain through trying to erase himself. Men’s experiences of anorexia and bulimia are underrepresented in media, medical and personal accounts. This is an honest, powerful and raw insight into the self-punishing, self-harming and consuming force of eating disorders.”
—Grace Bowman, author of Thin

“You do not need an eating disorder, homosexual tendencies, or a terrible parent to love this book. Croteau's story is a universal one, and his painful and hard-won transformation will both move and inspire you.”
—Eric Poole, author of Where’s My Wand? One Boy’s Magical Triumph over Alienation and Shag Carpeting

“MY THINNING YEARS is a powerful story about overcoming adversity. Jon Derek Croteau’s courage, honesty, and unfailing passion are sure to both inspire and keep the pages turning!”
—Jenni Schaefer, co-author of Almost Anorexic, author of Life Without Ed and Goodbye Ed, Hello Me 

My Thinning Years: Starving the Gay Within is the incredibly emotional and powerful memoir of the author's struggle with suppressing his sexual identity along the problems he developed as forms of denial - eating disorders, obsessive exercising, and an intense homophobia. I can honestly say that there wasn't one single part of this memoir that didn't move me in some way. The author writes with an honesty so blunt and open - by the end of the book I felt as though I knew him on a personal level and had gone through all of his struggles, defeats, acceptance, and love right along with him. The book is an emotional roller coaster the entire way through. I don't have visceral reactions (like crying) to books very often, but this one had me sobbing. During the first part - where the author describes his childhood, the emotional and physical struggles he endured, along with the pain - my heart broke for him. Although I don't have any of the same issues the author deals with in the book, I was easily able to identify with him because of traumatic and terrible things that I have experienced. I found that I was able to put myself in his shoes and it was as if I could feel the things he did - emotionally and physically. I almost had to stop reading at a few points because I was sobbing too hard and I was so upset that I didn't know if I could continue reading. I'm so glad that I did, because the second part of the book is one of hope and love. Even though I cried through some of this part of the book too, it was for completely different reasons. The strength and courage the author found in order to not only endure but to overcome his problems and come to accept himself was phenomenal. I was definitely cheering by the end of the book - where things had reconciled themselves. I find that it's hard to review a memoir because of the intense emotional writing along with the extremely personal nature of the story. I want to share what I thought, but it seems like I end up describing how it made me feel instead. Maybe that's the point of a memoir such as this - not only to tell the author's story but to take the reader on a journey. One that makes them stand back and think, to empathize with what the author is experiencing, and - finally - cheer when things are able to right themselves and healing begins. That's how the book went for me at least. It sent me through the entire range of emotions - from shock, anger, heartbreak, and despair to happiness, love, and hope. I highly recommend this book to every reader - regardless of your reading tastes. It's something that everyone can relate to on at least one level, and will leave you with something to think about - if it doesn't change a part of you completely - and you'll still be thinking about it for a long time after you finish.

Jon Derek Croteau, Ed.D., is on a mission to make a difference and help those who are in need, disenfranchised, or impacted by discrimination. A senior partner at a leadership consultancy for higher education and healthcare clients across the globe, he is also deeply involved in several foundations and nonprofits, where he champions for equal rights and effective leadership. The author of three academic books on staff development and leadership as well as numerous articles for journals and periodicals, he is a highly sought-out speaker on the topics of eating disorder recovery, body image, and coming out. Jon legally married his partner, Justin Croteau, in 2007 and currently resides in Vermont.

 Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Buy Links: Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes and Noble

Giveaway: (1) paperback copy of My Thinning Years (Open to US/CAN only!)

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