The Debt and the Doormat by Laura Barnard

  Poppy and Jazz have been best friends ever since they became adults. Through thick and thin, they've stuck by each other no matter what. Boy, are things about to get thick.
  Poppy was recently dumped by her long-time boyfriend, and she's kind of a doormat. Jazz spends money without thinking about it, and she is in a bit of debt...
  Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce our Debt and Doormat.
  Things are completely falling apart for our dynamic duo, and there is really only one obvious solution... They have to trade lives, apartments, and guidelines with each other. Now Poppy decides what Jazz does with her life, and Jazz gets to pick and choose what Poppy does as well.
  Nothing can go wrong, right?
  This book had me laughing so hard at times, I cried!
  Poppy is such a mess, I was shaking and slapping my head when I wasn't crying from laughing hysterically.
  The Debt and the Doormat is a decently large book, almost five hundred pages, but it was so entertaining and Poppy's misadventures were such an enjoyable train-wreck, I enjoyed every minute- AND I wanted more as soon as it was over.
  I can only compare Laura Barnard's stories to Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. That's how funny they were. Laura Barnard's The Debt and the Doormat and The Baby and the Bride are now my go-to "happy books." These are books that I will read when I need something light, fluffy, and completely entertaining.

  I cannot wait to get back to Jazz and Poppy's story, and see where these two wacky girls go next!

  

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The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

  The Winner's Curse was so good, so intense, and so intriguing, I longed for more of the book as soon as I finished it. This book was brilliant. It was beautifully written, the plot was positively magnificent and intelligent, and I absolutely could not get enough of it.
  I put The Winner's Curse in the same category as The Hunger Games, and I loved The Hunger Games. A lot.
  There are a lot of books I like, and there are a few that I love. I would put The Winner's Curse on my "Suggest to People Who Are Looking for Books to Read That Will Captivate Them Instantly" list. This is not an exaggeration, this book is amazing.
  Being the daughter of a Valorian General is not as easy as it seems. With the constant pressure of either marrying or joining the military looming over Kestrel's tense shoulders, she couldn't be any more uneasy. But things are about to change (and not necessarily for the better).
  When Kestrel is brought to a slave auction in the center of town, she is captivated by a young Herrani man named Arin. The Herrani once ruled side-by-side with the Valorians, but were soon conquered, tortured, enslaved, and taken over by Kestrel's own people. Kestrel is transfixed by this young man, and before she knows what she is doing, she is purchasing the slave.
  But there's a reason why Arin was brought to that slave auction... A reason that will make Kestrel regret purchasing him.
  Yeah, I know. It's incredible.
  The Winner's Curse sucked me in from the very first page, and I loved it to the very end (and long after).
  If you're looking for a good book, pick up Marie Rutkoski's The Winner's Curse. You will not regret it.

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Sekret by Lindsay Smith

  Sekret by Lindsay Smith has to have one of the most intriguing plots I have ever read.
  It's during the Cold War in Soviet Russia, and things couldn't be any more tense. It doesn't help that our main character Yulia is a ward of the state and is constantly on the run in fear for her life. But that's not the only secret (or Sekret) Yulia is hiding. When she picks up items, she can find out details and secrets about their owner...details and secrets the KGB wants and needs from Yulia.
  Yulia is now being held against her will with other young adults with mind powers, learning ways to benefit the KGB and take over Soviet Russia.
  This book is unlike any other. Throughout, I kept thinking to myself, "Is this like (insert book title here)? No, it's like (insert other book title here). Wait, no it's not!"
  It is so different, so unique, and so unlike many YA books out there, it's quite extraordinary.
  This book was very addicting. I couldn't put it down for fear of something bad happening to the characters if I left them alone for more than five minutes.
  At the last stop of the Spring Fierce Reads Tour at the Vero Beach Book Center, I had the pleasure of meeting Ms Smith and I have to say, she was absolutely extraordinary! She was sweet, intelligent, and just amazing. I could easily see where the brilliance of Sekret came from.
  I actually returned to the Vero Beach Book Center a few days later, and on the way home, read as much as I could of Sekret before I got home. I could not put it down!
  The beginning will captivate you, the middle with entrance you, and the end will have you holding your breath. It's fun, exciting, and scary as heck!

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The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

  When I was first introduced to The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay, I could just tell by its cover that it was going to be a book I would treasure. They say to never judge a book by its cover, but are there any rules when it comes to falling in love with a cover?
  The Sea of Tranquility sat on my To Be Read shelf for a year, but it was never read.
  Until now.
  Nastya Kashnikov died two years ago. Everything from the world she knew was taken from her on that one tragic day. Her identity, her life, her history- all gone. But she lives on today, going to high school for the first time, as a walking shadow.
  Josh on the other hand is living, but he is alone. Everyone around him has died and left him to grow up on his own. Josh can't stand the thought of someone else close to him dying, so he's stayed a loner, not allowing anyone else to get close to him.
  Everyone except Nastya.
  There are books by certain authors (like John Green, Rainbow Rowell, Ally Condie, and Markus Zusak) that are just pure magic and escapism. Their normal, every day paragraphs turn into pure poetry, and the simplest sentence can transform into magic. You'll read a sentence, paragraph, chapter, etc. and you'll just stop and savor it in your mind. That's what Katja Millay's Sea of Tranquility was like. It was raw, pure, and genuine poetry. The only frustration I had with this book is when the characters stirred raw emotions in me. You know the writing in a book is good when you feel the same exact emotions the main characters are currently feeling (in addition to a whole boat-load of emotions you feel as the reader).
  When I finished the book, I had a few days (and weeks) of confusion. When someone would ask me, "Did you like the book?" I'd say, "Yeah..." When asked if it was incredible, I tell them yes but I'm confused. Why aren't I gushing about how brilliant this book is? Why aren't I baffled, shocked, surprised, stunned, and completely blown away by this book?
  Because I expected brilliance. I expected this book to be absolutely breathtaking and gorgeously written...and I was right. This book didn't shock me with its brilliance because it lived up to the expectations I never thought could be fulfilled.
  The Sea of Tranquility is beautiful, powerful, emotional, heart-warming, and a definite must read.

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Falling Back Together by Kristen Hope Mazzola

  When I first launched The Literary Connoisseur and dove headfirst into the blogger/Indie author community, I was intrigued by Kristen Hope Mazzola's Crashing Back Down. It seemed that everywhere I looked, I saw that iconic black and blue cover.
  Not to mention every time I turned around, another blogger friend was gushing about how incredible Mags and Walker's story was.
  I started Crashing Back Down, I finished it, my jaw dropped, and I cried out for book two.
  There was no bigger "OMG" moment than the one at the end of Crashing Back Down.
  But soon enough, Kristen Hope Mazzola heard my prayers and published Falling Back Together. It was just as beautiful, just as entertaining, and just as blissful as the first book (minus the major angst that occurred after the book was over).
  Falling Back Together mends our broken hearts and picks up the pieces from where Crashing Back Down left off. Kristen Hope Mazzola's books are truly a treasure to behold.
  These two books completely balance each other out. Where you have angst in one book you have calm in the other. They're both exceptional, they're both addictive, and they've both had my heart pumping.
  When I finished Falling Back Together I was overwhelmed with ease. Everything was right with the world and Mags was happy (therefore I was happy).
  These books are truly irresistible. Kristen Hope Mazzola will forever have a fan in me.



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The Spring Fierce Reads Tour Stop at The Vero Beach Book Center/Book Review for Katie Finn's Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend

After all of the excitement from the Fierce Reads tour stop at The Vero Beach Book Center last night, I'm sad (and pleased at the same time) to say, "I don't know where to begin!" Shall I start with my mind-blowing experience at the ever-so-lovely Vero Beach Book Center? Shall I start with how charming and personable each and every Fierce Reads author was? Or should I start with a book review, so you all can get a good taste of how wonderful these authors' books really are?

It's a tough choice, but I think I'll start with Katie Finn's Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend.

  Well, well, well! Did this book give me a book hangover. Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend has to be one of the craziest, most chaotic, and most head-smacking books I've ever read. I've read about revenge, and I've read about back-stabbing, but nothing compares to our main character, Gemma's, secret. 

  We start off this book with some pretty disappointing news. Gemma's boyfriend thinks it's time for them to move on from each other. Gemma is heartbroken, and she doesn't understand why this is happening JUST as summer's starting, but...life must go on. 

  After a mishap on a train to the Hamptons to visit her father, Gemma has now taken the identity of her best friend, Sophie, and makes her way to the beach, hoping to start again with a clean slate. 

  But of course, Gemma is long overdue for a clean slate after what she did to her former best friend, Hallie. 

  Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend has so many secrets, I could not put the darn book down in fear of them telling themselves without me there to witness it. 

  Then...once I got far enough into the story for things to start unfolding...my heart started to beat out of my chest. I gripped the pages tightly (so tightly I almost, ALMOST bent the cover...but I love my books too much to damage them), my palms got sweaty, and I chewed my bottom lip to bits. 

  Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend is not for the faint of heart when it comes to drama. 

  Katie Finn is a genius! I loved, loved, loved her story and writing! In fact, I loved it so much that I will now read anything and everything by her (and Morgan Matson, since they are the same person). She rocks! 

  Also, the entire way through the book, I kept telling myself, "I'll probably rate it four stars. It's really good!" Oh, no way. This baby deserves five! 

  I cannot wait for Katie's second chaotic book in this series; wait for it...Revenge, Ice Cream, and Other Things Best Served Cold. 

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Now on to some Fierce business!

So, not only did I have the incredible experience of reading Ms Finn's book, Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend, I got to meet her at the Vero Beach Book Center on the last stop of the spring Fierce Reads tour last night along with Anna Banks, Lindsay Smith, and Marie Rutkoski.

I arrived early in the day to help out with some Fierce planning (making sandwiches, setting up questions for the Q&A portion of the event, buying books- of course- etc.), and after a few hours of some hard work, it was almost time for the four authors to arrive!

I had my books all ready! (Thank you, Tiffanie from the Vero Beach Book Center, for helping me organize my book explosion!)

So, with my books all ready, my speech printed out (although not needed because I kind of free-styled once I realized I was in front of a LOT of people), my questions all written down for the authors to answer, and four empty seats at the front soon to be filled, it was time!

(From left to right, Katie Finn, Anna Banks, and Lindsay Smith)

(Katie Finn, Anna Banks, Lindsay Smith, and Marie Rutkoski)

(Anna Banks, Lindsay Smith, and Marie Rutkoski)

(Katie Finn)

(Katie Finn, Anna Banks, Lindsay Smith, and Marie Rutkoski)

Once I was done fangirling (yes, I fangirl), I had the opportunity to sit down and look at the beauties these incredible authors, Fierce Reads, and the ever amazing Vero Beach Book Center had bestowed upon me...

The Fierce Reads stop at the Vero Beach Book Center with Katie Finn, Anna Banks, Lindsay Smith, and Marie Rutkoski was beyond extraordinary. I had the time of my life, and this event absolutely, without a doubt places in my top three favorite days of all time. I had the honor of meeting these incredible authors, introducing them, asking them questions in front of a plethora of fans, and having them sign some of my favorite books. 

This was a once in a lifetime experience, and I could not be more grateful for this memory.

I want to thank Fierce Reads for running this whole tour, and for putting together such a wonderful event. Fierce Reads is the bomb!

I want to thank the four authors who could make this crazy busy tour, Katie (also known as Morgan Matson), Anna, Lindsay, and Marie. Thank you, ladies, for writing such wonderful books, for coming out and meeting devoted fans, and for always being so sweet and personable. You've made so many bookworms' (and my) dreams come true! Thank you.

And last, but definitely not least, I want to thank the Vero Beach Book Center. Thank you to everyone who works, helps to run, and helps manage to the bookstore. You all are rock stars! You make every event special, you make every experience memorable, and you create memories that will last forever. You are the best. You amaze me every time I stop in, and you are- above all- my favorite place to come shopping. I love you all so much!

This concludes my retelling of the Fierce Reads event last night. I hope you all enjoyed my blog post about the book tour! It was so much fun, I am still grinning from ear to ear.

If you're interested in any of the Fierce books, check them out below:

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

Galen, a Syrena prince, searches land for a girl he's heard can communicate with fish. It’s while Emma is on vacation at the beach that she meets Galen. Although their connection is immediate and powerful, Galen's not fully convinced that Emma's the one he's been looking for. That is, until a deadly encounter with a shark proves  that Emma and her Gift may be the only thing that can save his kingdom. He needs her help--no matter what the risk.

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Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend by Katie Finn

In Broken Hearts, Fences and Other Things to Mend by Katie Finn, Gemma had her summer all planned out, but it takes sharp turn when she gets dumped and finds herself back in the Hamptons after a five-year absence. 

Being there puts her at risk of bumping into Hallie, her former best friend (that is, before Gemma ruined her life). But people don’t hold grudges forever. Do they? 

Gemma intends on making amends, but a small case of mistaken identity causes the people she knew years ago—including Hallie and her dreamy brother Josh—to believe she’s someone else. As though the summer wasn’t complicated enough already. 

Can Gemma keep up the charade? Or will she be found out by the very people she’s been hiding from?

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Sekret by Lindsay Smith

An empty mind is a safe mind.

Yulia’s father always taught her to hide her thoughts and control her emotions to survive the harsh realities of Soviet Russia. But when she’s captured by the KGB and forced to work as a psychic spy with a mission to undermine the U.S. space program, she’s thrust into a world of suspicion, deceit, and horrifying power. Yulia quickly realizes she can trust no one—not her KGB superiors or the other operatives vying for her attention—and must rely on her own wits and skills to survive in this world where no SEKRET can stay hidden for long.

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The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

Winning what you want may cost you everything you love

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

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Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

  We've all gotten into the Young Adult paranormal romances that have loved us, had us fall in love with them, used us, and abused us (in the very best ways a book can abuse us), and we all admit that we're hopelessly addicted to them.
  Girl meets boy, boy sees girl, they fall in love, but there is something keeping them apart...
  One of them is a paranormal creature that cannot fall in love with a human! (The best part of the paranormal romance in my humble opinion.)
  But Of Poseidon by Anna Banks is unlike these others... It is a real "fish out of water" story. Almost literally.
  The Syrena Legacy is about mermaids.
  Although Galen, his sister, and his best friend do not like to be called mermaids, they are in fact not mermaids, they are Syrena.
  Emma, our main character, bumps into Galen (literally) on her trip to Florida and cannot stop thinking about him. After Galen recovers from being semi-attacked by Emma, he starts to think about her non-stop as well. But Galen is not the only mysterious being in this new and budding romance... Emma is showing some clear signs of Syrena as well, but nobody has ever seen anything like it before.
  This book is HILARIOUS! I laughed so hard at times, I almost cried! Emma is completely 100% normal. She trips, she falls, she says embarrassing things in front of gorgeous guys, and she's basically like every single normal teenage girl I know. (No typical stereotypes, thank you very much, Anna Banks!)
  Galen is beyond charming, and Anna Banks' secondary characters are the most lovable characters in the bunch!
  Of Poseidon is such a charming read. It's funny, witty, adorable, goofy, and I loved every bit of it!
  Also... If (when) you read Of Poseidon, make sure you have book two (Of Triton) and book three (Of Neptune) right near you. I didn't, because it hadn't come out yet, and it's been killing me ever since!
  These books are so worth a marathon read. Read them straight though, on vacation, near the water, with a floofy summer drink near you, because I cannot imagine anything quite as blissful.

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