Book Review: Date With a Rockstar

rockstar

Date with a Rockstar is about Monet, a teenager who decides to enter a competition to win a date with Jeremy Bane – a rockstar who is having a reality show to date him – in order to try and win the prize money.  She has a disease called Fluxem that is passed through saliva which can be cured with a series of shots – that cost too much for her or her mother to afford.  The prize money, however?  Just what she needs to buy herself the cure.

Monet, unsurprisingly, makes it to the Top 10 in the competition.  Each episode one of the girls goes on a date with Jeremy and at the end, the fans of the show will choose the Top 3 that get to move on.  As with any reality show, there’s a twist – where the producers try to dig up whatever dirt they can on the contestants.  They don’t end up revealing she has Fluxem but they do reveal something that she didn’t even know about herself!

Monet seems to have hit it off with Jeremy from the start, and they are always bumping into each other and getting more time together – which of course annoys the other contestants.

I won’t give away what happens…

I really enjoyed this book and I liked that it seemed to take place in the future or somesort of alternate reality where there no longer was a statue of liberty?  I don’t think it was ever really mentioned in the book though, I just kept picking up on things mentioned throughout which was kind of weird. Unless I missed it. I did kind of want to know how it all ended so I speed-read at times! But it is definitely a fun read for anyone who dreams of winning a date with a rock star 😉

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Only one girl will win the cash prize…and a chance at love with Jeremy Bane.

Monet isn’t just another lust-struck teenager trying to win the heart of Rock God Jeremy Bane–she needs the prize money from his new reality show to cure her illness.

Monet has Fluxem, a contagious disease that’s spread through saliva. It’s completely curable if you have enough money, which she and her single mother don’t. Now that she’s on the show, Monet has to work harder to keep her Fluxem hidden. She only has to keep the secret long enough to woo Jeremy Bane so he picks her as the winner. She doesn’t even care about the love part; the prize alone will change her life.

But the real Jeremy Bane is nothing like she imagined. Monet finds herself fighting against feelings that make her want to give in to her attraction and Jeremy’s attempts for a kiss. The further she goes in the competition, the more impossible it becomes to resist him–and when the producers turn the tables and start digging up dirt on the contestants, Monet fears her secret will be revealed before she’s ready and ruin everything.

The only way to win Jeremy’s heart is to tell him the truth, but confessing her disease could cost her the competition, the prize money, and him

Book Review: Scar Girl

                  Scar Girl is the sequel to Scar Boys, which I had not read. However, that didn’t make a difference as Scar Girl works as a stand alone book as well. The book is written in interview format – with the interviewer talking to the band The Scar Boys.  Each section of the book starts with a question and then one of the characters goes a bit more in depth to tell the story.

The Scar Boys is made up of Harry – who was struck by lightning and has scars on his face, Johnny who was in an accident and lost his leg, Richie and Chey.  Chey finds out she is pregnant and is keeping it a secret, but Richie figures out what is going on. A little while later, Chey finds herself bleeding a lot and heads to Planned Parenthood to find out she is having a miscarriage. Again, Richie figures out what is going on – but not the rest of the band – and Johnny was the father.

This starts a downward spiral for Chey, as she decides that she needs to drink to wash the pain away and her playing in the band is suffering because of it.  Despite a bad performance, a guy named Jeff wants to be the bands manager. He tells them that they are not to hang out with each other outside the band, for the sake of the band.  Of course, then he ends up sleeping with Chey.

When something tragic happens, the band must once again decide if they can power through or if it is time to call it quits.

I really liked this book I thought it would be more about Chey since she is the “Scar Girl”, but it was really more about the band as a whole. It was a quick read, I liked the “interview” style of it too.

I received a free e-copy in exchange for this review.

About the Book

Love, music, and heartbreak take the stage in Len Vlahos’s follow-up to The Scar Boys.

Told as an interview with the band after they reach the pinnacle of success, readers will hear from Cheyenne, Harry, and Richie as they discover the ups and downs of being a rock musician, complete with meltdowns on stage and fights that test the limits of the band.

This is the Scar Boys in their own words.

What defines you?

HARBINGER JONES
You mean aside from my face?

CHEYENNE BELLE
I guess I’d say that I’m not good at asking people for help.

RICHIE MCGILL
How the hell should I know? What defines you?

Praise for The Scar Boys:

“Distinguished in every way.”- School and Library Journal *Starred Review

“…wry, stylish tale” —The New York Times

“Etches its way onto the heart and leaves a mark.”-Kirkus Reviews

“Compelling. This book not only captures the feeling of what it is like to form a band, but also the reasons why you form a band. It took me back to that time of being a van on my very first tour.” – Peter Buck, R.E.M.

Book Review: Rainy Day Women

rainyday

Rainy Day Women is about Austin Starr.  She received a call from her friend Larissa that one of her coworkers and friends was killed and she is the prime suspect.  Larissa swears she is innocent and asks Austin to fly out to Vancouver to help her solve the murder.

Since Austin’s husband won’t be able to stay home and watch their baby, she brings Wyatt along.  This added an interesting element because you were wondering how much danger she would get into and how much danger her baby might be put in and how that might effect her working on solving this case.

The book is set in the 60s, around Woodstock.  This is the second book in a series.  I didn’t read the first one and while I maybe would have liked a bit more back story, but I think that it worked fine as a standalone.

I also, of course, love mystery books with strong female leads! It is a bit rare for this era and you can see the men who work in the chemistry lab where Larissa and her (now dead) friend Shona worked looked down on them because they were women. (Which is actually something that sadly still happens today!)

I enjoyed this book and would like to read more of Austin’s adventures!

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Rainy Day Women is set in 1969 right after the Manson murders and during Woodstock. Intrepid amateur sleuth Austin Starr headlines this historic mystery series. In her second case, with her infant in tow, she flies across the continent to support a friend suspected of murdering women’s liberation activists in Seattle and Vancouver. Then her former CIA trainer warns that an old enemy has contracted a hit on her. How much should Austin risk when tracking the killer puts her and her baby’s life in danger?

Book Review: The Princess and the Fog

princessfogThe Princess and the Fog is a children’s book about dealing with depression. I really liked this book because it showed what the princesses signs were (she didn’t want to do anything she used to like to do, she didn’t want to do anything her friends offered, she wanted to stay inside and felt like she was always alone, even when she wasn’t, etc.) and how the princess was able to get help from her community and just talking to them about the fog.  And while the fog did go away, it also talks about what the princess did on the days that the fog did end up coming back.

This is a great tool to help teach kids about depression and help them realize that there are a lot of people all around them – parents, friends, professionals, who care about them and are there to help them and that they should talk about it if they feel like they have the fog too.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review.

About the book

Once upon a time there was a Princess. She had everything a little girl could ever want, and she was happy. That is, until the fog came…

The Princess and the Fog is picture book to help sufferers of depression aged 5-7 cope with their difficult feelings. It uses vibrant illustrations, a sense of humour and metaphor to create a relatable, enjoyable story that describes the symptoms of childhood depression while also providing hope that things can get better with a little help and support. The story is also a great starting point for explaining depression to all children, especially those who may have a parent or close family member with depression.

With an essential guide for parents and carers by clinical paediatric psychologists, Dr Melinda Edwards MBE and Linda Bayliss, this book will be of immeasurable value to anyone supporting a child with, or affected by, depression, including social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors, arts therapists, pastoral care workers and school staff, as well as parents and carers.

Book Review: The Worst Witch and the Wishing Star

worstThe Worst Witch and the wishing star is about Mildred Hubble and is the 7th book in a series.  I haven’t read any of the previous books and it worked as a stand-alone book.  This is a children’s book and is a quick read with short chapters if your child is looking to read 1 or 2 before bed. There are some great illustrations throughout as well!  Mildred and her friends are working on broomstick management and Mildred is in charge of lighting the lanterns. She’s a bit clumsy so she is trying to be careful and stay out of trouble.  But then she wishes on as star for a dog – and her wish comes true! Now in addition to being careful with the lanterns, she has to sneak off and take her dog for a walk as well.  Will everyone find out about the dog? And what happens if they do?

This was a cute book and maybe I’ll get to read a few others in the series soon!

I received a free e-copy of this book in exchange for this review.

About the Book

Be careful what you wish for! Mildred Hubble, disaster-prone witch in training, is back in a seventh charming magical adventure.

Mildred Hubble may be the clumsiest witch at Miss Cackle’s Academy, but as a senior student she’s been assigned the important task of lighting lanterns and candelabras each evening. Inspired by this responsibility, Mildred tries to stay out of trouble. But there are many opportunities for mayhem when a wish on a star leads to a lovable stray pup who, unlike Mildred’s timid tabby, loves to fly on a broomstick. Can Mildred keep Star a secret and avoid setting fire to the school despite an impending talent competition, the disapproving Miss Hardbroom, and her ever-spiteful classmate Ethel Hallow?

 

Book Review: The Twinkies Cookbook

twinkiesThe Twinkies Cookbook is celebrating 85 years of twinkies! This book contains all sorts of recipes using twinkies – including twinkies + cake, + pie, + fruit, + chocolate, + cream, + meat and + novelty.  The book starts out with a bit of history on the tasty treat – of course talking about how the company went bankrupt in 2012 and many were unsure of the fate of the golden tasty treats! Fortunately in 2013 they were saved and back on the shelves to be enjoyed, hopefully for years to come.

All of the recipes in this book sound (and look) mighty tasty – but I’ll narrow it down to a few favorites that I may have to try making – Twinkie Strawberry Shortcake, Twinkie Toast Pie, Twinkie Orange Bavarian Dream, Twinkie Burritos, Twinkie Bomb, Chicken and Winkies, and French Twinkies.

I’m not sure all the meat recipes are something I would try though. But maybe for those of you who are more adventurous they would be something to try! I figure Chicken and Winkies is a safe enough bet, since I eat chicken & waffles.

I received a free e-copy in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

A comeback cookbook for the perennially popular snack cake, with 50 unique sweet and savory recipes that highlight the whimsical nostalgia of America’s favorite dessert.

For more than 80 years, Twinkies have captivated the cravings of Americans both young and old. The Twinkies Cookbook, Second Edition explores the snack cake’s heritage in the United States while celebrating its popularity in recipes for snacks both sweet and savory. For the first edition, Hostess urged Twinkie-aficionados across the nation to submit their favorite dishes featuring the cream-filled sponge cake. This new edition compiles the best of these colorful concoctions with 25 new recipes and additional photography. From a Twinkie-filled take on chicken and waffles to Twinkie pumpkin pie, these surprising and innovative recipes are a small slice of Americana that will be a hit with Twinkies fans across the country.

Book Review: Dexter Is Dead

dexterDexter is Dead is the last season in the book series that led to the Showtime series – Dexter.  I have watched about half of the episodes of the show and read only 1 other book in the series.  There are definitely some differences from the book to the series.

In this final book, Dexter is facing a murder charge. The funny thing is, while Dexter is a serial killer, this crime he actually did NOT commit. His brother Brian comes to his rescue since his sister Deb has decided she wants nothing to do with him after getting custody of his children. The two are on the run and trying to prove that Dexter is innocent. Of course there is all sorts of stuff going on while they are trying to prove everything – but you’ll have to read the book to find out all the details 🙂

I really enjoy these Dexter books, probably because from watching the show I have an idea of what the characters look like and can picture all the characters without having to make up what they look like with my imagination. I’ll have to go back and read the rest when I find myself with some free time.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

After seven national bestsellers and eight seasons as one of the most successful shows on television, New York Times bestselling author Jeff Lindsay bids a thrilling farewell to his uniquely twisted and beloved serial killer, Dexter Morgan. Dexter Is Dead is the definitive conclusion of the character who has become a global icon.

Dexter Morgan has burned the candle at both ends for many years. Blood spatter analyst . . . husband . . . father . . . serial killer. And now, for the first time, his world has truly collapsed. Dexter is arrested on charges of murder. He has lost everything—including his wife, his kids, and the loyalty of his sister. Now completely alone, Dexter faces a murder charge (for a crime . . . ironically . . . he did not actually commit). His only chance for freedom lies with his brother, Brian, who has a dark plan to prove Dexter’s innocence. But the stakes are deadly, and the epic showdown that lies in Dexter’s path may lead, once and for all, to his demise.
Jeff Lindsay’s trademark devilish wit and cutting satire have never been sharper. Dexter Is Dead marks the end of a beloved series, but is also Dexter’s most satisfying and suspenseful outing yet.

Book Review: I’m with Cupid

cupidI’m With Cupid is the first in the Switched at First Kiss series.  In this book, Lena and Marcus are at a party and are dared to go into a closet and kiss each other.  They both feel energy from the kiss and think maybe it is because they both secretly like each other.  But then they find out they actually switched powers.  Marcus is a match maker “like cupid without the diaper” and Lena is a soul collector.  Except now someone that Lena was trying to collect the soul of is instead in love with the mailman.  The two need to figure out how to get their powers to switch back and all their attempts at kissing to make things switch back are not working.

Will they eventually get their own powers back or will they be forced to do the opposite jobs forever?

This was a sweet book. It’s YA and based on a couple of 8th graders so it was cute to see Lena’s “things to do before I’m 14” list and what was on it and how much she was able to accomplish through the book.  I also liked reading how Lena and Marcus’ relationship changed throughout the course of the book and how they tried to help each other out.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Marcus is a Cupid. Lena is a Reaper. Opposites attract in the exciting new Switched At First Kiss series by the acclaimed author of The Dirt Diary.

When she’s dared to kiss the adorkable Marcus Torelli at a party, Lena thinks it’s the perfect opportunity to cross First Kiss off her list of “Things to Accomplish Before I Turn Fourteen.”

It’s only when she gets sent on an assignment the next day that she realizes something went horribly wrong. That ZING she felt wasn’t the thrill of her first kiss–she and Marcus have swapped powers! Lena is not your average eighth grader; she’s a soul collector with a serious job to do. And Marcus turns out to be a supernatural matchmaker (like Cupid, but without the diaper).

Now logical Lena finds herself with the love touch, and sweet, sentimental Marcus has death at his fingertips. The truth is that Lena should never have taken that dare…because one little kiss has Lena and Marcus in a whole lotta trouble.

Book Review: Out of Sight

outofsightThis book is about Rob, an American living in New Zealand. He loves music, but can’t sing or play. So he decides that maybe managing a band should be his path with music.  He forms a band with his friends called Out of Sight.  Rob also has a crush on this girl named Sarah who is having some medical treatments that are going to cost a lot money.  But, the prize money at a battle of the bands seems like it would be just enough to help Sarah out.  So he plans everything out and has the band ready to play their 12 minute set.  Except that he didn’t take into account the crowd liking him and clapping along and throwing off the tempo when a song needed to be sped up to be over in time for the 12 minute time limit.  After playing 15 minutes, Out of Sight is disqualified from the competition. There goes the prize money.

But wait – good managers get good gigs for their bands, right? And bands play charity gigs all the time to help raise money.  So could he put together a charity gig to raise the money that Sarah needs for his treatment?

I thought this book was great, obviously I loved the band and the band dynamic being a big part of the book, but it is also a bit of a love story with Rob and Sarah.  Young love and them both being a bit shy in the beginning to tell each other they like each other.  But then they learn to always tell someone that they like them so that they don’t lose them. Definitely a great lesson. One I’m still learning myself, a bit.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

 

About the Book

Start a band, make lots of money, change the world. That’s the goal.

Rob loves music. The trouble is, music doesn’t love him. People cover their ears when he starts to sing.

But maybe there’s another way Rob can make an impact. He’s got a bunch of friends who are really talented. David can make the guitar do anything he wants. Jimmy is a star on the drums. And David’s little sister Michelle turns out to be an ace on the bass. Together they form Out of Sight.

Now they just need a manager with initiative. Rob sees a vacancy.

Then there’s Sarah. She’s the smart, cool friend everyone needs, and the band’s no. 1 fan. But Sarah needs to raise money for medical treatment overseas. Maybe Out of Sight could stage a charity gig.

Rob sees an opportunity to launch the band and show his friends just how much he cares.

Book Review: An Introduction to 3D Printing

3d3D Printing is something that fascinates me. It’s amazing to see what can be made on a printer and how it can help people. I’d love to have a 3D printer myself. Not that I have any idea what I’d make with it, but it would be fun. This book is for people who are curious about printing and want more information without going too in depth as well as people who are new to the field who need information and quickly.

The book has a lot of great information in it, with a lot of photos to go along with it.  At the end of each section there is also resources that you can check out if you are looking to find out more about each of the areas of 3D printing. Some of the things shown in this book are amazing – from figurines to castles to prosthetics.

This book was very interesting and I am still hoping that some day I’ll be making something with a 3D printer!

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review.

About the Book

This book is aimed at an audience consisting of two kinds of readers. The first is people who are curious about 3D printing and want more information without necessarily getting deeply into it. For this audience, the first two chapters will be of greatest interest. They provide an overview of 3D print technology. They also serve to take the confusion out of the jargon and make sense out of such shortcuts as SLA, FFM, FFF, FDM, DLP, LOM, SLM, DMLS, SLS, EBM, EBAM, CAD and others. They describe the basic processes, the materials used and the application of the technology in industry, space, medicine, housing, clothing and consumer-oriented products such as jewelry, video game figures, footwear, tools and what must now seem like an infinity of bunnies, eagles and busts of Star Wars and Star Trek figurines in a dazzling array of colors.

This book also addresses the needs of people new to the field who require information in a hurry. Chapter 3 serves as a guide to generating a 3D model by reviewing scanning methodology, the various types of software available to create a model and the steps needed to insure a useful printed object from the 3D model. The chapter has numerous references which, together with the information in the text, will help one find quickly any additional information available on the internet.

Victoria E. Zukas received her bachelor’s degree in Interactive Media and Game Development in 2009 from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She completed her Masters of Professional Studies in Digital Media in 2013 at Northeastern University. She has spent her time since then working as a Freelance Graphic Designer on a number of projects. Her background is mainly focused on creating 3D models for video games. Her published game BLASTiators can be found on the Google Play store.

Jonas A. Zukas, received his doctorate in engineering mechanics from the University of Arizona. He is widely known for his work in numerical modeling of the behavior of structures and materials at high rates of strain. He has co-authored and edited a number of books and conference proceedings and is the author of the monograph Introduction to Hydrocodes published by Elsevier. He is co-developer of the ZeuS code for the analysis of impact phenomena and was a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, a Senior Member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and a member of the American Academy of Mechanics

 

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