REVIEW~ What A Boy Wants by Nyrae Dawn

"Courtesy of watching his mom’s relationships, Sebastian Hawkins knows what girls need to do to get a guy. He has what he considers a PHD in hooking up. When he needs extra cash for a car, Sebastian starts up an online venture as The Hook-up Doctor, to anonymously help girls land the guy of their dreams. Of course, his services don’t offer a happily-ever-after guarantee. He’s seen firsthand getting together never means staying together.

And then he falls in love…

With the last girl he would expect…

Totally not in his game plan.

Suddenly, Sebastian finds himself muddled in the game he’s always prided himself on. He can’t even pick up girls at parties anymore! Why would anyone want to be in love when it turns you into a stuttering, screwed-up, mess with really lame stalker tendencies? Stalking? Totally not his gig.

But the Hook-up Doctor won’t let himself go down easily. He’s always known how to give a girl what she wants and now it’s time to figure out what a boy wants… and he definitely plans on getting it."

 

The author of What A Boy Wants, Nyrae Dawn had me in an instant just by reading her dedication. Then, I flipped to the first page, and then the next... and before I knew it, I was finished. And I loved it. It's one of those books that just makes you feel good with a little bit of intensity.

 

Sebastion had himself a little side job going. A hook up doctor (not to be confused with relationship)--- Yeah baby, Dr. Getchyo Groovon in da hizzay!!

"Getting a guy isn't the same thing as keeping him. I can always promise a hook-up, but I can't control if it lasts or not." -Sebastian Hawkins

He had a challengeable client on his hands. She called him out and wanted to make sure he had the goods to back up his $100 advice. She also ended up bringing his worst fear out. Question is- Does he follow his own advice? Or did it divert him into the suburb of Dumb, Boyland? Not only that, but could it be what it seemed?

Hookup Doctor Advice, take 1: "Girls need to decide who they are: either the strong, confident chick who puts us on our ass and still makes us want more, or the shy girl next door who we want to either corrupt or bring home to our parents."

Holy sack monster!!! That's exactly how a guy thinks, lol!! I gotta hand it to him, Sebastian had some pretty solid advice and his clients got a personalized plan of action! I'm telling you, this boy knew his stuff.

 

"Getting a guy isn't the same thing as keeping him. I can always promise a hook-up, but I can't control if it lasts or not."

Sebastian was sarcastic and arrogant, funny and confused, and he loved his momma. He's all compassionate and sprinkled with powdered sugar to make him sweet as a red velvet cupcake. Can a boy be all of that at the same time? Yes!! He was proof! He had someone that held his heart, but he denied it cause (insert quote marks) he didn't do relationships (exit quote marks). Hmmmm? Defense mechanism? He'd dig himself in little holes with his words and mannerisms and play mind games. Then, it was both funny and sad to read him dig his way out. His dainty gal pal, Woodstock (Aspen) sees right thru his arrogance. And he sees her. She's so adorable, I wanna slip her in my purse and carry her around.

"I think I'm addicted to you. Now that I know I can kiss you and touch you, I don't want to stop." -Sebastian Hawkins *melts*

Everything went good, then the wincing began. And some tears fell- Oh man. *clutches chest*

We got to see Bastian take a path down self discovery. He had a few diversions and break downs, but with a thinking cap and the beats of his heart, hopefully it led him in the right direction. Thing is, he may be too late for his destination. You'll have to see for yourself.

 

I really enjoyed getting to know the deep side of Sebastian and the relationships he had with his friends. It left me with adoration because I was in a group in high school very similar to theirs, and I miss my boys!!

This was a darling, simple YA lit read and the author stays on track throughout the story. Reading boy POVs are always a plus for me as well, especially when they are broken and evolve into this beautiful being. I look forward to reading more of Nyrae's books, both YA and NA.

 

And P.S.- What A Boy Needs is out now!! I can't wait to read this one!!

 

Links to purchase/review What A Boy Wants by Nyrae Dawn

 

Barnes & Noble- Ebook $1.99 (THAT IS A STEAL FOR THIS BOOK!!)

Amazon- Paperback $9.99

Goodreads

For What It's Worth (review)

 

Kimberly

REVIEW ~ Musical Scares by Monique O'Connor James

Musical Scares is a really eerie E short story written by my pal, Monique O’Connor James. The synopsis alone had me wondering if I should even read it. Because I’m a scaredy-cat, and I know Monique’s head. She can come up with some creepy good stuff! But I couldn’t stand not to read it… plus, it gave me a rush- which can be fun when you test your fear.

Six young adults, one haunted house and a melody to remember for the rest of their lives. However short that may be.

When six strangers are joined together to walk through the new haunted house in town, no one is prepared for the coming attractions. Judgments are passed, names are called, and those things just may be the undoing the teens never saw coming.

A freaky mind game with a twisted tune. Would you make it through or fall victim to the Musical Scares?

I can guarantee you next year, if I go to a haunted house, this story will pop back in my memory and I liable bail out in fear. I can tell you two things:

1)   I will never, ever walk into a haunted house again and pass judgment on people. Nah-uh, no sir-eee! IKR?! That would be hard… I mean, I’m only human… but no. After reading this. No! 

2)   I'll never step into a haunted house without an accompanying partner, which I will know. You know… so I wouldn’t feel as bad about throwing them in front of something that freaks me out and then haul ass. Kidding. Maybe not. <-- I'm really kidding. I think.

Cowgirl witnesses horrid events of the strangers she accompanies into the house of musical scares. These events had a strategic purpose and were accustomed to each person, including herself. A sort of morbid fate, maybe?

Props to Mo for cueing in some good music while this poor girl craps her boots and learns a lesson in a very traumatizing way.

You've got to check Monique's work y'all. She's a fantastic indy writer and she'll quickly throw you in her fictional world and loop you around all of her thrilling, plotty twists. http://moniqueoconnorjames.com/

I’d like to also throw out there for all you indy authors—Monique partnered up with some really cool authors and established Bayou Brew Publishing. If you are seeking a small publishing company to represent your book and offers awesome support, then check out their website. http://www.bayoubrewpublishing.com/#

Links to purchase/review Musical Scares by Monique O’Connor James:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Musical-Scares-ebook/dp/B00ADU4C7O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360257160&sr=8-1&keywords=Musical+Scares $0.99 USD

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16176531-musical-scares

Kimberly

Cover Reveal: FORTY DAYS by Stephanie Parent

Cover Reveal: Forty Days (Neima’s Ark, Book One) by Stephanie Parent!

Forty Days (Neima’s Ark, Book One)

By Stephanie Parent

Release Date: 02/12/13

Genre: YA

Cover Artist: Najla Qamber

Summary from Goodreads:

The entire village knows Neima’s grandfather is a madman.  For years the old man has prophesied that a great flood is coming, a flood disastrous enough to blot out the entire earth.  He’s even built an enormous ark that he claims will allow his family to survive the deluge.  But no one believes the ravings of a lunatic…

…until the rain starts.  And doesn’t stop. 

Soon sixteen-year-old Neima finds her entire world transformed, her life and those of the people she loves in peril.  Trapped on the ark with her grandfather Noah, the rest of her family, and a noisy, filthy, and hungry assortment of wild animals, will Neima find a way to survive?

With lions, tigers, and bears oh my, elephants and flamingos too, along with rivalries and betrayals, a mysterious stowaway, and perhaps even an unexpected romance, Forty Days is not your grandfather’s Noah’s Ark story.

Forty Days is approximately 45000 words, the length of a shorter novel, and is the first installment in a two-part epic story.  It does contain a cliffhanger ending.

Readers looking for a traditional, religiously oriented version of the Noah’s Ark story should be warned that Forty Days may not appeal to them.  The novel will, however, appeal to lovers of apocalyptic fiction, historical fiction, and romance, as well as anyone who’s ever dreamed of having a baby elephant as a pet.

About the Author:

Stephanie Parent is a graduate of the Master of Professional Writing program at USC and attended the Baltimore School for the Arts as a piano major. She moved to Los Angeles because of Francesca Lia Block's WEETZIE BAT books, which might give you some idea of how much books mean to her. She also loves dogs, books about dogs, and sugary coffee drinks both hot and cold.

Author Links:

Blog / Goodreads / Twitter