Sophie Reads YA

April

Stacking the Shelves: April 14th 2018

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Victoria Aveyard

Waiting on Wednesday: War Storm (Red Queen #4) by Victoria Aveyard

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ARC

Blog Tour & Review: Zombie Abbey by Lauren Baratz-Logsted (+US giveaway)

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April

Stacking the Shelves: April 7th 2018

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Rachel Hawkins

Waiting on Wednesday: Royals by Rachel Hawkins

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2018 Contemporary Romance Challenge

Blog Tour & Review: The Rules of Rebellion (The Rules of Persuasion #2) by Amity Hope (+US giveaway)

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The Rules of Rebellion
Series: The Rules of Persuasion #2
Author: Amity Hope
Published April 2nd 2018 by Entangled Crush
Amazon | Amazon Australia | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | B&N| Kobo | iBooks

Goodreads Summary
1. Skinny dip (her idea)
2. Stargaze (his idea)
3. Prank someone (her idea)
4. Go on a date (his idea)

Leo Zimmerman has had a crush on his curvy friend Kylie Jenkins since forever, so when he discovers the girl with a flair for candy making has a newfound plan to rebel against her overbearing parents, he’s determined to be the one to help her carry it out. Who better than himself to show her the ropes of letting loose?

Sure, taking her to her first high school party, helping her sneak out of the house, or watching a sunset together isn’t exactly a hardship, but much harder is masking his feelings the more time they spend together. And when he suggests adding “a first date” to Kylie’s plan and she accepts…suddenly all his dreams seem to be coming true.

But Leo’s got a secret that could change everything between them, and it’s only a matter of time before it comes to the surface.

Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

I've loved all the books I've read from Entangled before, and The Rules of Rebellion was no different. In this companion to Amity's previous book, The Rules of Persuasion, we encounter Kylie and Leo, who both need to rebel against their parents, and when Leo discovers Kylie's secret list of ideas of how to rebel, he thinks that by helping her, he could also finally tell her how he feels.

Because of an awful situation that happened to Kylie's oldest sister, her parents are extremely overprotective, and won't let any of the sisters date until they are over 16, and only if their prospective partner has been interrogated thoroughly. Kylie has never really cared about that, not being one to date, but when she learns just how pathetic her younger sister thinks she is, she decides that enough is enough - she's 'finally' going to live. At first, Kylie only planned to do it alone, but when Leo, someone she's quickly becoming friends with, volunteers to help, why not take him up on it? Leo, on the other hand, has had a serious crush on Kylie for years, but never be able to build up the courage to let her know his true feelings. By helping her take control of her life, maybe, just maybe, this is his chance to let her know.

Both Kylie and Leo's characters were wonderful characters. Kylie reminded me so much of myself - someone who was (and is) more at home with a good book, rather than being at parties or whatnot. Learning that she's 'boring' really got to Kylie, and I love how though her character changed throughout the course of the book, it didn't mean she was wholly unrecognisable from who she was at the beginning; rather, she was a better, fuller version of herself. Leo's history comes through in dribs and drabs, and we learn that he is ignored by his overbearing parents, simply because he is interested in different things to them. As both come closer to each other, and reveals parts of themselves, I loved how the relationship never felt rushed, or fake, but it seemed natural.

Obviously, you can't get through a YA contemporary without their being some drama, and I could've seen it coming from a mile off. That being said, the resolution of the 'issue' was done is a reasonable way, and I liked how it still showed Kylie and Leo to be teenagers, who don't always have their heads screwed on right, and simply aren't perfect. I'm looking forward to reading more from Amity in the future, because The Rules of Rebellion was an amazing YA novel, and more people should read this, ASAP!

Dates Read:

April 4-5, 2018

Rating
4 Stars

Excerpt from The Rules of Rebellion:

Her dimples popped into place, her smile so bright it about knocked me senseless. She bounced a bit on her tiptoes, and for one hopeful second I thought she’d maybe hug me. Unfortunately, she reined in her enthusiasm.

“That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me,” she said. “I’ve got to run. My sister is probably pacing in front of my car by now. See you later.”

She scurried off, and I was disappointed the conversation had ended so quickly. I didn’t mind watching her walk away, though. I loved how the girl filled out a pair of jeans. She had more bounce in her step than most of the cheerleaders. Kylie was just plain…perky. She always seemed to be happy and smiling. I’d suspected Kylie was one of those rare people who was always fun to be around. Spending time with her these past few months had proven I wasn’t wrong.

She finally rounded the corner, slipping from my view. As I twisted back around, something crinkled beneath my foot. On the floor, directly where we’d been talking, was a pink

slip of paper. It looked suspiciously similar to the one that had been sticking out of Kylie’s notebook earlier today.

I swiped it off the floor as I cast another glance down the hallway. It was too late to call after her. I’d have to give it back to her later. I reflexively glanced at the page, assuming it was a recipe, but wanting to be sure it wasn’t something important. Something she might need immediately.

Senior Checklist.

I glanced down the hallway again, confirming that she was out of sight and that she hadn’t realized she dropped the paper and was coming back. The hallway was clearing out, most of us anxious to get out of here at the end of the day.

With no sign of Kylie, I leaned against my locker and glanced at the sheet in my hand again. I was expecting to see items like Choose date and time for graduation party. Or Tour college campus.

I did not expect to see the items that were actually listed.

Senior Checklist

1. Skinny dip (sort of)

2. Sneak out (but don’t get caught)

3. Prank someone (nothing destructive)

4. Go to a party (no drinking)

5. Kiss a boy (finally!)

6. Watch a sunset (so romantic)

If I’d had any idea her list was going to be so private, I wouldn’t have read it. But once I’d seen it, I couldn’t exactly un-see it.

So I read it again.

About Amity Hope:

Amity lives in beautiful northern Minnesota with her two sons, two cats and their Rottweiler. She has a degree in elementary education and worked in that field for ten years before deciding to self-publish. Her first self-published novel, Twisted, was listed by Amazon as a Top 100 Kids & Teens Kindle Book of 2012. It hit Amazon's Teen & Young Adult Contemporary Romance Best Sellers List in several countries. Truths and Dares held the #1 position on Amazon's Best Sellers in Teen & Young Adult Contemporary Romance eBooks in the UK. If she's not writing or spending time with her boys, she's most likely reading.

LINKS: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads

Giveaway (US):

a Rafflecopter giveaway

April

April books on my radar

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Cold Hard Truth
Series: None
Author: Anne Greenwood Brown
April 3rd 2018 by Albert Whitman Company
Emmie O’Brien is a former good girl now on the fringe. She spent a crazy year involved with Nick, her mom’s drug dealer; after her arrest she was lucky to go back to her old life. But she’s haunted by the choices she made—first, to be with Nick, and then later, to testify against him. Max Shepherd is a senior varsity hockey player with serious anger issues. His grief over the death of his girlfriend causes him to see injustice wherever he looks. When they meet in community service, Max is drawn to Emmie’s calm energy, but Emmie knows better than to get too close to anyone. When friends of Nick show up seeking revenge, Emmie is forced to come to terms with her past, while Max has to control his protective instincts. They must trust one another, especially when Emmie’s situation takes a dangerous turn.
Goodreads

Zombie Abbey
Series: None
Author: Lauren Baratz-Logsted
April 3rd 2018 by Entangled: Teen

1920, England
And the three teenage Clarke sisters thought what they’d wear to dinner was their biggest problem…
Lady Kate, the entitled eldest.
Lady Grace, lost in the middle and wishing she were braver.
Lady Lizzy, so endlessly sunny, it’s easy to underestimate her.
Then there’s Will Harvey, the proud, to-die-for—and possibly die with!—stable boy; Daniel Murray, the resourceful second footman with a secret; Raymond Allen, the unfortunate-looking young duke; and Fanny Rogers, the unsinkable kitchen maid.
Upstairs! Downstairs! Toss in some farmers and villagers!
None of them ever expected to work together for any reason.
But none of them had ever seen anything like this.

Goodreads

Rebel with a Cupcake
Series: None
Author: Anna Mainwairing
April 3rd 2018 by Kids Can Press

Jesobel Jones is bold and brash, the daughter of a hand model and a washed-up rock star. Jess sees no need to apologize for her rambling house, her imperfect family, her single status ... or her weight. Jess is who she is. She makes her own cupcakes and she eats them, too. No regrets.
That is, until Own Clothes Day rolls around at school. Jess and her friends dedicate the requisite hours of planning to their outfits, their hair and their makeup for the one day they are free from school uniforms. But a wardrobe malfunction leaves Jess with a pair of leggings split open at the worst spot, and a mean girl calling her the one thing that's never bothered her before: fat.
The encounter shakes Jess's formerly iron-clad confidence, and she starts to wonder if she's been just a little too comfortable in her own skin. When the boy of her dreams invites her to a party, she must decide whether to try to fit in for the first time in her life, or remain true to herself --- whoever that really is.
Debut author Anna Mainwaring is a teacher by day, and her understanding of teenage life shines through on every page. This book is laugh-out-loud funny, and captures teen girl life with all its ironies and contradictions.
Rebel with a Cupcake also explores important questions around body image, fat shaming and self-confidence.

Goodreads

Isle of Blood and Stone
Series: Isle of Blood and Stone #1
Author: Makiia Lucier
April 10th 2018 by HMH Books for Young Readers
Isle of Blood and Stone, the first in a duology, is a sweeping historical fantasy full of intrigue and schemes, romance and friendship, and fearless explorers searching for the truth.
Nineteen-year-old Elias—a royal mapmaker and an old friend of del Mar’s newly crowned king, Ulises—is eager to explore uncharted waters. But when two maps surface, each bearing the same hidden riddle, Elias must put aside his next voyage and join forces with Ulises’s cousin, Mercedes, on a quest to solve a mystery that began eighteen years ago with the disappearance of Ulises’s two brothers. Following the clues hidden in the maps, Elias, Mercedes, and Ulises uncover long-held secrets and unimaginable betrayals.
Goodreads

Suitors and Sabotage
Series: None
Author: Cindy Anstey
April 17th 2018 by Swoon Reads
Two young people must hide their true feelings for each other while figuring out who means them harm in this cheeky Regency romance from the author of Love, Lies and Spies and Duels & Deception.
Shy aspiring artist Imogene Chively has just had a successful Season in London, complete with a suitor of her father's approval. Imogene is ambivalent about the young gentleman until he comes to visit her at the Chively estate with his younger brother in tow. When her interest is piqued, however, it is for the wrong brother.
Charming Ben Steeple has a secret: despite being an architectural apprentice, he has no drawing aptitude. When Imogene offers to teach him, Ben is soon smitten by the young lady he considers his brother's intended.
But hiding their true feelings becomes the least of their problems when, after a series of "accidents," it becomes apparent that someone means Ben harm. And as their affection for each other grows—despite their efforts to remain just friends—so does the danger. . .
In Suitors and Sabotage, author Cindy Anstey delivers another witty young adult historical fiction novel that is the perfect mix of sweetly romantic and action-packed.
Goodreads

Love Songs & Other Lies: A Novel
Series: None
Author: Jessica Pennington
April 24th 2018 by Tor Books

It's summer romance and second chances, the songs that stay in your head, and the boy you'll never forget.
Two years after rock-song-worthy heartbreak, Virginia Miller is looking forward to a fun, carefree summer. Her friends just landed a spot on a battling bands reality show, and Vee is joining them for her dream internship on tour. Three months with future rockstars seems like an epic summer plan. Until she learns she’ll also be sharing the bus with Cam. Her first love, and her first heartbreak. Now Vee has more than just cameras to dodge, and Cam’s determination to win her forgiveness is causing TMZ-worthy problems for both of them. With cameras rolling, she’ll have to decide if her favorite breakup anthem deserves a new ending. And if she’s brave enough to expose her own secrets to keep Cam’s under wraps.
Breaking Vee’s heart was never Cam’s plan. All he wanted senior year was a new life, in a new town, uninterrupted by the tragedy he left behind. Then Vee swept him into a whirlwind of friendship, musical adventure, and a love he didn’t expect or want. Now, he has a second chance to make it right. But things get complicated when ratings-crazy producers, cameramen, and fans are involved. Can he rewrite their love song with the whole world watching?
Sometimes the last note is just the beginning.

Goodreads

Sky in the Deep
Series: None
Author: Adrienne Young
April 24th 2018 by Wednesday Books

OND ELDR. BREATHE FIRE.
Raised to be a warrior, seventeen-year-old Eelyn fights alongside her Aska clansmen in an ancient rivalry against the Riki clan. Her life is brutal but simple: fight and survive. Until the day she sees the impossible on the battlefield—her brother, fighting with the enemy—the brother she watched die five years ago.
Faced with her brother's betrayal, she must survive the winter in the mountains with the Riki, in a village where every neighbor is an enemy, every battle scar possibly one she delivered. But when the Riki village is raided by a ruthless clan thought to be a legend, Eelyn is even more desperate to get back to her beloved family.
She is given no choice but to trust Fiske, her brother’s friend, who sees her as a threat. They must do the impossible: unite the clans to fight together, or risk being slaughtered one by one. Driven by a love for her clan and her growing love for Fiske, Eelyn must confront her own definition of loyalty and family while daring to put her faith in the people she’s spent her life hating.

Goodreads

What has caught your eye for April? Have you read any of these? Let me know :)