[Year-Round YA and NA Guide: A List of My Most Anticipated 2015 Releases] Q&A with Katie Cotugno, Author of 99 Days

Title: 99 DAYS 

Author: Katie Cotugno (Website | Twitter) 

Publication Date: April 21, 2015

Publisher: Balzer + Bray 

SYNOPSIS 

Day 1: Julia Donnelly eggs my house my first night back in Star Lake, and that’s how I know everyone still remembers everything—how I destroyed my relationship with Patrick the night everything happened with his brother, Gabe. How I wrecked their whole family. Now I’m serving out my summer like a jail sentence: Just ninety-nine days till I can leave for college, and be done.

Day 4: A nasty note on my windshield makes it clear Julia isn’t finished. I’m expecting a fight when someone taps me on the shoulder, but it’s just Gabe, home from college and actually happy to see me. “For what it’s worth, Molly Barlow,” he says, “I’m really glad you’re back.”

Day 12: Gabe got me to come to this party, and I’m actually having fun. I think he’s about to kiss me—and that’s when I see Patrick. My Patrick, who’s supposed to be clear across the country. My Patrick, who’s never going to forgive me.

Why is this book included on my list? It was November of last year that I've read her debut novel, How to Love, and I instantly love her writing. So when I checked on Goodreads if she has an upcoming novel, TADA! I saw 99 Days, read the synopsis (which I really love and made me super excited to read the book) and added it on my TBR list. I'm uber curious as to how the story will flow in this one. Will this be as realistic as How to Love? I hope so! 

GOODREADS

Amanda (A): Hi Ms. Katie! Thank you so much for granting my request and giving me this opportunity of interviewing you in such a short notice. I’m so thrilled to have you on my blog! Can I first say that I’m in love with the covers of your books – How to Love and with this one in 99 days. Who’s in charge of those lovely covers?  Thumbs up to them. 

Katie Cotugno (KC): Thank you so much! The covers are put together by fabulous teams at Alloy Entertainment, Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins, and Quercus.

A: Before I proceed in asking questions about 99 days, I shall ask you first something a little about yourself. Who’s your favorite author and what are your favorite books? How did this author and these books influence you as a person and as a writer? 

KC: I have lots of favorite books and authors--I love Barbara Kingsolver and Michael Chabon, as well as YA authors like Brandy Colbert, Nina LaCour, and Sarah Dessen. Reading their work always inspire me to push myself harder as a writer. 

[Year-Round YA and NA Guide: A List of My Most Anticipated 2015 Releases] Q&A with Emma Chase, Author of Overruled

I recently chatted up with the author of the Tangled Series, Ms. Emma Chase, and we talked about her upcoming new novel and series - Overruled, first book from the Legal Briefs series. I think, this may be one of my favorite interviews that I ever did here in my blog. I just had so much fun asking Ms. Emma some questions and learning more about her and her books. Especially now that she's starting this new series, it's really interesting to know how she came up with idea, what were the preparations she did and those pre-writing thoughts. All great stuff. I've also thrown in a couple of questions wherein I mentioned the Tangled series and you definitely might want to know the answers of Ms. Emma to those. *winks*

I'm sure you'll enjoy this quick and short interview that I did with her. So you better start scrolling now, read the interview and check out the treat that she left in this post. You'll certainly be teased with Overruled.

Title: OVERRULED (The Legal Briefs #1)

Author: Emma Chase (Website | Twitter) 

Publication Date: April 28, 2015

Publisher: Gallery Books 

SYNOPSIS 

Emma Chase, New York Times bestselling author of the Tangled Series, returns with the first installment of the Legal Briefs Series. 

As a DC defense attorney, Stanton Shaw keeps his head cool, his questions sharp, and his arguments irrefutable. They don’t call him the Jury Charmer for nothing – with his southern drawl, disarming smile and captivating green eyes – he’s a hard man to say no to. Men want to be him and women want to be thoroughly cross examined by him.

Stanton’s a man with a plan. And for a while, life was going according to that plan.

Until the day he receives an invitation to the wedding of his high school sweetheart and mother of his beloved ten-year old daughter. Jenny is getting married — to someone who isn’t him.

That's definitely not part of the plan.
***

Sofia Santos is a city raised, no-nonsense litigator who plans to become the most revered criminal defense attorney in the country. She doesn’t have time for relationships or distractions.

But when Stanton, her "friend with mind-blowing benefits" begs for help, she finds herself out of her element, out of her depth, and obviously out of her mind. Because she agrees to go with him – to The-Middle-Of-Nowhere, Mississippi – to do all she can to help Stanton win back the woman he loves. 

Her head tells her she's crazy...and her heart says something else entirely.
*** 

What happens when you mix a one stop-light town, two professional arguers, a homecoming queen, four big brothers, some Jimmy Dean sausage and a gun-toting Nana? 

The Bourbon flows, passions rise and even the best laid plans get overruled by the desires of the heart.

Why is this book included on my list? It's a book coming from Emma Chase, so duh! I need it! Fact: I'm waiting for April to come nearer for me to get started in reading the last book of the Tangled series. Yes, I haven't read it yet. I still can't part with Drew so I'm saving it up and waiting for the release of this one. Me and my weird brain. *shrugs* 

GOODREADS

Amanda (A): Hi, Ms. Emma! Thank you so much for granting my request and giving me this opportunity of interviewing you. I’m so thrilled to have you on my blog! Before I proceed in asking questions about your upcoming book, Overruled, I shall ask you first something a little bit about yourself. Who’s your favorite author and what are your favorite books? How did this particular author and these books influence you as a person and as a writer?

Emma Chase (EC): Thank you for having me! I’ve always loved historical romances – Julie Garwood & Johanna Lindsey are two of my favorites. What I like best about their stories, and how they’ve influenced me as a writer, are that there are real emotions – laughter, tears, heartache and swoons – but there’s a lightness too them as well. A security that things won’t get too dark and the happy ending will come through.

A: Have you really dreamt of becoming a writer? Who or what inspired you to become one?

EC:  I’ve wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember. It’s something that I’ve always loved doing – writing stories for myself, sharing them with friends. Being a published author is truly a dream come true.

[Year-Round YA and NA Guide: List of My Most Anticipated 2015 Releases] APRIL 2015

In the coming days, I'll be resuming and posting the rest for this bookish activity that I have here in my blog. The first three months kind of exploded here in my blog, which made me decide to put a halt into this activity. You, guys, should be excited because there are several months and a couple more of interviews left that I need to share and post. So yeah, exciting stuff will happening here in the following days! 

For the month of April, I have a total of five books on my list and it's quite a mix of genre. Something from the Young Adult, New Adult and Romance. I hope you'll be able to pick and take note again of book titles that you'll be adding up on your TBR list!

Title: THE QUEEN OF BRIGHT AND SHINY THINGS

Author: Ann Aguirre (Website | Twitter) 

Publication: April 7, 2015

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

SYNOPSIS

Sage Czinski is trying really hard to be perfect. If she manages it, people won’t peer beyond the surface, or ask hard questions about her past. She’s learned to substitute causes for relationships, and it’s working just fine… until Shane Cavendish strolls into her math class. He’s a little antisocial, a lot beautiful, and everything she never knew she always wanted.

Shane Cavendish just wants to be left alone to play guitar and work on his music. He’s got heartbreak and loneliness in his rearview mirror, and this new school represents his last chance. He doesn’t expect to be happy; he only wants to graduate and move on. He never counted on a girl like Sage.

But love doesn’t mend all broken things, and sometimes life has to fall apart before it can be put back together again…

Why is this book included on my list? Intriguing last line right there. 

GOODREADS

[Year-Round YA and NA Guide: A List of My Most Anticipated 2015 Releases] Q&A with Moriah McStay, Author of Everything That Makes You

Author: Moriah McStay (Website | Twitter) 

Publication Date: March 17, 2015

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

SYNOPSIS

One girl. Two stories. Meet Fiona Doyle. The thick ridges of scar tissue on her face are from an accident twelve years ago. Fiona has notebooks full of songs she’s written about her frustrations, her dreams, and about her massive crush on beautiful uber-jock Trent McKinnon. If she can’t even find the courage to look Trent straight in his beautiful blue eyes, she sure isn’t brave enough to play or sing any of her songs in public. But something’s changing in Fiona. She can’t be defined by her scars anymore. 

And what if there hadn’t been an accident? Meet Fi Doyle. Fi is the top-rated female high school lacrosse player in the state, heading straight to Northwestern on a full ride. She’s got more important things to deal with than her best friend Trent McKinnon, who’s been different ever since the kiss. When her luck goes south, even lacrosse can’t define her anymore. When you’ve always been the best at something, one dumb move can screw everything up. Can Fi fight back?

Hasn’t everyone wondered what if? In this daring debut novel, Moriah McStay gives us the rare opportunity to see what might have happened if things were different. Maybe luck determines our paths. But maybe it’s who we are that determines our luck.

Why is this book included on my list? Initially, the book cover caught my attention which lead me to check out the synopsis of it. Now, I am very curious how this book will be written and how the story will flow. 

GOODREADS 
Pre-order links: Amazon | B&N | iBooks

Q: Before I proceed, I shall ask you first a little bit something about yourself. What’s your favourite food? Favourite color? Favorite TV show? Pet peeve/s?

A: Fave food: Stuffed pizza from Bacino’s in Chicago—spinach, no mushrooms. Fave color: Orange. Pet peeve: Pointless quotation marks on billboard ads.

Q: Who’s your favorite author and what is your favorite book? How did this particular author and book influence you as a person and as a writer?

A: This changes all the time. Right now I love David Mitchell (Cloud Atlas, Bone Clocks) because he’s just a brilliant, awe-inspiring writer. Growing up I read lots of classics, and Jane Austen was probably my favorite. I’m a sucker for a love story.

[Year-Round YA and NA Guide: A List of My Most Anticipated 2015 Releases] Interview with R.S. Grey, Author of The Design

Up until now, I still can't believe that I did this interview with her. I tell you, it's such a surreal experience when you get to interact with authors. Especially with your favorite ones. The feeling just never gets old. I still do the fist pump thing, squealing and fangirling. Oh I may or may not be fangirling really hard when I was emailing and replying to this author's emails. 

Today's a very special day for me and my blog because I'm going to share an interview that I did with R.S. Grey a few weeks ago. R.S. Grey is just one of my favorite authors. No big deal, right? If you've been following my posts in this blog, I'm quite sure you've seen her name appeared more than once. I did book reviews (gave her books such high ratings because I love them) and Waiting on Wednesday features. Should I stop rambling now? Oh okay, just be sure to check out her books because I really and truly recommend those! 

In this blog post, R.S. Grey talks about herself, her upcoming book, her inspiration for Cammie and Grayson (MY GOODNESS!!!) and her playlist when she was writing The Design. She also has a special message to her Filipino readers! Enjoy reading! <3

Title: THE DESIGN 

Author: R.S. Grey (Facebook Page | Twitter) 

Publication Date: March 1, 2015

SYNOPSIS 

Five minutes until the interview begins. 

Fresh on the heels of her college graduation, Cameron Heart has landed an interview at a prestigious architecture firm.

Four minutes until the interview. 

She knows she’s only there because the owner, Grayson Cole, is her older sister’s friend.

Three minutes. 

For the last seven years, Grayson has been the most intimidating man Cammie has ever had the pleasure, or displeasure, of being around.

Two Minutes. 

But the job opportunity is too good to pass up. So, Cammie will have to ignore the fact that Grayson is handsome enough to have his own national holiday. 

One. 

After all, she shouldn’t feel that way about her new boss. And, he will be her new boss.

…

“I’m not scared of you,” I said with a confident smile.

“Perhaps we should fix that, Ms. Heart. Close the door.” 

Why is this book included on my list? I NEED THIS BOOK since that moment I've finished reading THE DUET, last year! During that book, I've been SUUUUUUPER TEASED about Cammie and Grayson's character and my eyes were itching to read this one already. It's that "need to know factor" on what'll next happen to these two! Gahhhd! The Duet basically built everything up for their characters; how the story will flow, how these two characters will be interacting, how they are towards each other and that frick frack chemistry between them! ///dying 

If you're curious about The Duet, better check out my review here. 

GOODREADS

Q: Before I proceed in asking questions about your upcoming book, The Design, I shall ask you first something about yourself. Who’s your favorite author and what is your favorite book? How did this particular author influenced you as a person and as a writer?

A: J.K. Rowling is my favorite author. I’m a huge Harry Potter nerd and I will always look to J.K. Rowling for inspiration. While our genres and styles are vastly different, I love to think I’m using my imagination as much as she did when writing my books.

Q: Have you really dreamed of becoming a writer? Who or what inspired you to become one?

[Year-Round YA and NA Guide: A List of My Most Anticipated 2015 Releases] EXCERPT from BECOMING RAIN by K.A. Tucker

*SCREAMING* I'm so excited for you guys to read this post! It's an EXCERPT coming from BECOMING RAIN by K.A. Tucker and I never thought that I'd be able to snag something from that book that I could feature here on my blog! I'm fangirling really hard over this, especially with that excerpt they gave me! Thank you so much, Ms. K.A. Tucker and Ms. Kelly Simmon of InkSlinger PR! *Hugs and Kisses all the way from the Philippines* 

Title: BECOMING RAIN (Burying Water #2) 

Author: K.A. Tucker (Website | Twitter) 

Publication Date: March 3, 2015

Publisher: Atria Books

SYNOPSIS 

Luke Boone doesn't know exactly what his uncle Rust is involved in but he wants in on it-the cars, the money, the women. And it looks like he's finally getting his wish. When Rust hands him the managerial keys to the garage, they come with a second set-one that opens up the door to tons of cash and opportunity. Though it's not exactly legal, Luke's never been one to worry about that sort of thing. Especially when it puts him behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 and onto the radar of gorgeous socialite named Rain.

Clara Bertelli is at the top of her game-at only twenty-six years old, she's one of the most successful undercover officers in the Washington D.C. major crime unit, and she's just been handed a case that could catapult her career and expose one of the west coast's most notorious car theft rings. But, in order to do it, she'll need to go deep undercover as Rain Martines. Her target? The twenty-four-year old nephew of a key player who appears ready to follow in his uncle's footsteps.

As Clara drifts deeper into the luxurious lifestyle of Rain, and further into the arms of her very attractive and charming target, the lines between right and wrong start to blur, making her wonder if she'll be able to leave it all behind. Or if she'll even want to.

GOODREADS 

Pre-order links: Amazon | B&N | iBooks |Kobo

Why is this book included on my list? In love with the first book of this series and am really curious with Luke Boone's character. Luke's a side character in Burying Water and he's living a very interesting life in that book. I don't know how the cards will play out for his character this time around. Plus, I love the conflict that'll be happening between the two main characters. 

I think, I've been very vocal about it in my social media accounts that my favorite book written by K.A. Tucker is Burying Water. Seriously. I love everything about that book. I'm still in love with it. I totally recommend that book. To know more about it, here's my review for Burying Water. 

“Good night, Luke,” she says, lifting onto her toes to lay a light kiss on my lips. “See you in the morning.” The door shuts and, a moment later, I hear the interior latch. 

Dammit. It’s going to be a long night. “Follow her lead… follow her lead…” I mutter, tossing my suit jacket toward a small table. Missing it completely. My fingers fumble with the buttons on my shirt as I head back to my own room. Stripping off my pants and shirt, I toss my clothes onto a side table and drop down to begin my obsessive nightly regime. Because, fuck, maybe that’ll keep me from heading back out and knocking on her door. 

[Year-Round YA and NA Guide: A List of My Most Anticipated 2015 Releases] March 2015

My March 2015 list is quite balanced with four Young Adult novels and four New Adult novels included in it. Some of the authors in this list are my ultimate favorites *winks at these NA authors* and some are quite new to me.  I can tell that March is going to be a very exciting month for all of us, book nerds. 

I hope this list will be able to help you and introduce you to some interesting books that will be releasing this coming March. And if you know more books that are set to be published on that month, please do comment on this post because I would really love to check those out! 

Title: THE DESIGN 

Author: R.S. Grey (Facebook Page | Twitter) 

Publication Date: March 1, 2015

SYNOPSIS 

Five minutes until the interview begins. 

Fresh on the heels of her college graduation, Cameron Heart has landed an interview at a prestigious architecture firm.

Four minutes until the interview. 

She knows she’s only there because the owner, Grayson Cole, is her older sister’s friend.

Three minutes. 

For the last seven years, Grayson has been the most intimidating man Cammie has ever had the pleasure, or displeasure, of being around.

Two Minutes. 

But the job opportunity is too good to pass up. So, Cammie will have to ignore the fact that Grayson is handsome enough to have his own national holiday. 

One. 

After all, she shouldn’t feel that way about her new boss. And, he will be her new boss.

…

“I’m not scared of you,” I said with a confident smile.

“Perhaps we should fix that, Ms. Heart. Close the door.” 

Why is this book included on my list? I NEED THIS BOOK since that moment I've finished reading THE DUET, last year! During that book, I've been SUUUUUUPER TEASED about Cammie and Grayson's character and my eyes were itching to read this one already. It's that "need to know factor" on what'll next happen to these two! Gahhhd! The Duet basically built everything up for their characters; how the story will flow, how these two characters will be interacting, how they are towards each other and that frick frack chemistry between them! ///dying 

If you're curious about The Duet, better check out my review here. 

GOODREADS

Title: BECOMING RAIN (Burying Water #2) 
Author: K.A. Tucker (Website | Twitter) 
Publication Date: March 3, 2015
Publisher: Atria Books

SYNOPSIS 

Luke Boone doesn't know exactly what his uncle Rust is involved in but he wants in on it-the cars, the money, the women. And it looks like he's finally getting his wish. When Rust hands him the managerial keys to the garage, they come with a second set-one that opens up the door to tons of cash and opportunity. Though it's not exactly legal, Luke's never been one to worry about that sort of thing. Especially when it puts him behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 and onto the radar of gorgeous socialite named Rain.

Clara Bertelli is at the top of her game-at only twenty-six years old, she's one of the most successful undercover officers in the Washington D.C. major crime unit, and she's just been handed a case that could catapult her career and expose one of the west coast's most notorious car theft rings. But, in order to do it, she'll need to go deep undercover as Rain Martines. Her target? The twenty-four-year old nephew of a key player who appears ready to follow in his uncle's footsteps.

As Clara drifts deeper into the luxurious lifestyle of Rain, and further into the arms of her very attractive and charming target, the lines between right and wrong start to blur, making her wonder if she'll be able to leave it all behind. Or if she'll even want to.

Why is this book included on my list? In love with the first book of this series and am really curious with Luke Boone's character. Luke's a side character in Burying Water and he's living a very interesting life in that book. I don't know how the cards will play out for his character this time around. Plus, I love the conflict that'll be happening between the two main characters. 

I think, I've been vocal about it in my social media sites that my favorite book written by K.A. Tucker is Burying Water. Seriously. I love everything about that book. I'm still in love with it. I totally recommend that book. Oopsie, here's my review for Burying Water. 

GOODREADS 
Pre-order links: Amazon | B&N | iBooks

[Year-Round YA and NA Guide: A List of My Most Anticipated 2015 Releases] Q & A with Lisa Aldin, Author of One of the Guys + US ONLY GIVEAWAY

Title: ONE OF THE GUYS 

Author: Lisa Aldin (Website | Twitter) 

Publication Date: February 10, 2015

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

SYNOPSIS 

Tomboy to the core, Toni Valentine understands guys. She'll take horror movies, monster hunts and burping contests over manicures. So Toni is horrified when she's sent to the Winston Academy for Girls, where she has to wear a skirt and learn to be a "lady" while the guys move on without her. Then Toni meets Emma Elizabeth, a girl at school with boy troubles, and she volunteers one of her friends as a pretend date. Word spreads of Toni s connections with boys, and she discovers that her new wealthy female classmates will pay big money for fake dates. Looking for a way to connect her old best friends with her new life at school, Toni and Emma start up Toni Valentine s Rent-A-Gent Service. But the business meets a scandal when Toni falls for one of her friends--the same guy who happens to be the most sought-after date. With everything she's built on the line, Toni has to decide if she wants to save the business and her old life, or let go of being one of the guys for a chance at love."

Why is this book included on my list? It feels and sounds like that it's just something that I would have fun reading.

GOODREADS 

Pre-order links: Amazon | B&N

Hi Ms. Lisa! I’m really thrilled to have you and your book featured on my blog. Before I proceed in asking questions about your upcoming book, One of the Guys, I shall ask you first a little bit something about yourself. What’s your favourite food? Favourite color? Favorite TV show? Pet peeve/s?

A: Thanks, Amanda! Thanks for interviewing me!! Favorite food: Pizza. Favorite color:  purples and blues and sometimes greens. Favorite TV show: Gilmore Girls. Pet Peeve: When the person next to me on an airplane decides to BURP the entire flight. Not cool.

Q: Who’s your favourite author/s and what is your favourite book/s? How did this particular author/s and book/s influence you as a person and as a writer?

A: Tough one. Changes all the time, it seems. But I’d say my favorite book right now is THE DOGS OF BABEL by Carolyn Parkhurst. It moves me every time I read it.