If We Were a Movie by Kelly Oram {Book Tour}

    If We Were a Movie by Kelly Oram (Power of the Matchmaker #3) Music meets Movies in this sweet college romance from the bestselling author of Cinder & Ella. NYU freshman Nate Anderson is a triplet who is desperate to escape his wild and crazy brothers. After they screw things up for him one too many times, Nate flees his housing situation and takes the first available room for rent as far from his brothers as he can get. Enter his new roommate Jordan--a quirky LA girl who believes that everything in life has already been done in the movies. In this heartfelt tale of love, friendship and family, Nate learns how to deal with his new adult life using Hollywood films as a guide.

My Review:

 I know this is just one book in a series, but I haven't had the chance to read the other books by different authors in this series. All I know is that I am a fan of Kelly Oram after reading her Cinder & Ella book. So... I jumped on the opportunity to review this one. I was not disappointed either! 

I fell for Nate immediately! It was such a nice change to read it all through a male POV even though I was curious as to what was going through Jordan's head... like... ALL THE TIME! And triplets? Perfect! What young (old in my case) girls wouldn't love to read about 3 handsome, attractive, young freshmen guys starting college in the big city of NYC? Throw in some boy-ish antics, pop-culture references, music, laughter, an evil girlfriend, magical romance and you've got a great read on your hands! This book had me laughing one minute and cussing at the evil girlfriend the next. I loved it. 

Oram does such a great job building her characters whether they are the main ones or the side ones, but they all leave a place in my heart. She even makes the not-s0-nice-girlfriend a person you love to hate. They all grow throughout the book and become bigger and better. The romance was sweet and endearing. I was cheering for Jordan from the beginning because you could see how much Nate deserved so much better. 

I look forward to reading the other books in the series.

TEASER: “So this is what a Pearl-approved guy looks like.” She shook her head once and cracked a smile. “She’s got good taste, I’ll give her that. You’re an odd mix of sexy and adorable. Don’t see that often.”

I was a little taken aback by the compliment, if that’s even what it was. She may have just been stating what she considered to be fact. She laughed at my surprise and held out her hand to me. “Nice to meet you. I’m Jordan Kramer.”

I’d been afraid of that. “You’re a girl.”

Jordan laughed. “That’s what it says on my birth certificate, but I’m really glad you were able to figure it out without needing to read it.”

Nope. I definitely didn’t need that.

TEASER: I handed Jordan the electric guitar that I’ve had since I was twelve, and laughed when her eyes got really big. “You play the electric guitar, too?” “Music major,” I teased, picking up my keyboard. “I play this, too. A little. And the bass guitar.” “Awesome.” She examined the electric guitar with awe. “Why do you seem so surprised?” She looked at me as if the answer to that question should be obvious. “Hello. Have you met yourself? You with an acoustic guitar singing soft songs around a campfire or in a coffee house makes perfect sense. But I can’t picture you up on a stage, jamming on your electric guitar like a rock star.” She studied me a moment, then shook her head. “You’ll have to play for me, or I’m not going to believe it.”

 

Author Kelly Oram

Kelly Oram wrote her first novel at age fifteen--a fan fiction about her favorite music group, The Backstreet Boys, for which her family and friends still tease her. She's obsessed with reading, talks way too much, and likes to eat frosting by the spoonful. She lives outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, four children, and her cat, Mr. Darcy.

 

   

Don't miss the latest news from Kelly Oram! Sign up for her newsletter to receive e-mail notifications for all of her new releases, events, sales, & giveaways. This is a monthly newsletter often with exclusive giveaways and freebies from some of her favorite authors.

               

Giveaway

Signed copies of V is for Virgin  A is for Abstinence (1 winner, 2 books)

Open Internationally

Ends 3/18/16

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Legally Undead by Margo Bond Collins {Audiobook Review}

Legally Undead by Margo Bond Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary:  A reluctant vampire hunter, stalking New York City as only a scorned bride can.

Elle Dupree has her life all figured out: first a wedding, then her Ph.D., then swank faculty parties where she’ll serve wine and cheese and introduce people to her husband the lawyer.

But those plans disintegrate when she walks in on a vampire sucking the blood from her fiancé, Greg. Horrified, she screams and runs—not away from the vampire, but toward it, brandishing a wooden letter opener.

As she slams the improvised stake into the vampire’s heart, a team of black-clad men bursts into the apartment. Turning to face them, Elle realizes Greg’s body is gone—and her perfect life falls apart.


I was so excited to receive this book in audiobook to review! I am a huge fan of audiobooks and this one was a big hit! And as much as I love paranormal books, vampires are one of my favorites!

Usually I read more YA books and tend to lean that way because of the content in adult books. I was so happy to see this book had very little of the *adult* content.. including sex scenes and foul language. But BEWARE!! This book is not for the faint of heart! This is a REAL vampire book! Lots of violence and a little gore... so that means...IT ROCKED!! I loved how it kept moving, keeping me waiting for the next attack or the newest twist to come about!

Elle Dupree is a woman who has her life planned out until she walks in on a vampire feeding on her soon-to-be-husband. Elle is my kind of woman who takes action and becomes the vampire hunter out to get those who are responsible for taking away her life and the lives of others. I hope I would be able to step up and become that strong woman and not accept being the victim.

The only issue I had in this was the male protagonist. I felt he was lacking in all the areas Elle was strong. I was disappointed in his actions and not fighting for what he wanted. I wanted to smack him around a little to get him to snap out of his cowardly stupor. To BE A MAN already!

The Narrator did a great job adding the defining details to make the listen a great one. Laurel Schroeder was able to bring the characters to life and give them each their own voice adding depth that comes with a great narration.

Thanks to Margo Bond Collins for the audio narration in exchange for an honest review.

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Since You've Been Gone by Mary Jennifer Payne REVIEW

Since You've Been Gone by Mary Jennifer Payne
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Summary: 

Is it possible to outrun your past? Fifteen-year-old Edie Fraser and her mother, Sydney, have been trying to do just that for five years. Now, things have gone from bad to worse. Not only has Edie had to move to another new school she's in a different country. Sydney promises her that that this is their chance at a fresh start, and Edie does her best to adjust to life in London, England, despite being targeted by the school bully. But when Sydney goes out to work the night shift and doesn't come home, Edie is terrified that the past has finally caught up with them. 

Alone in a strange country, Edie is afraid to call the police for fear that she'll be sent back to her abusive father. Determined to find her mother, but with no idea where to start, she must now face the most difficult decision of her life."

I was very disappointed in this book all the way around. Yeah, I know, not a great review. (SADLY) But this was just too depressing and the characters weren't likable to me. The main character came off so bitchy and snotty, stole money, let someone else take the blame, and then it just got worse from there. I can see a character doing this, and during the book, watch her redeem herself, grow, progress... something!! But the romance seemed off and it all just rubbed me the wrong way. I think it was too short, and rushed together. Maybe if it were written longer, there would be more room for character development and growth. This had a great storyline, but I don't feel as though the author used it to it's full potential.

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Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton REVIEW

Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Summary: 

The night Quin Kincaid takes her Oath, she will become what she has trained to be her entire life. She will become a Seeker. This is her legacy, and it is an honor.

As a Seeker, Quin will fight beside her two closest companions, Shinobu and John, to protect the weak and the wronged. Together they will stand for light in a shadowy world.

And she’ll be with the boy she loves–who’s also her best friend. But the night Quin takes her Oath, everything changes.

Being a Seeker is not what she thought. Her family is not what she thought. Even the boy she loves is not who she thought. And now it’s too late to walk away.

I ended up with a big fat DNF (Did Not Finish) on this book. Yeah, not cool I know, but I truly gave it my all. I even purchased the audiobook to help me understand what the freaking HELLO!! was going on! Unfortunately that only got me through half of the book before I wanted to throw it out the window! I didn't because I like my electronic devices and wanted to save those for another day.
The summary sounded so great, so different and exciting! Maybe my brain is just so not functioning on this level, but I seriously couldn't grasp what was going on!! So maybe if my brain develops a new sort of way of thinking I will understand it. So... until then, I give up.

Sorry my good readers!

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Material Girls by Elaine Dimopoulos REVIEW

Material Girls by Elaine Dimopoulos
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Summary:  

In Marla Klein and Ivy Wilde’s world, teens are the gatekeepers of culture. A top fashion label employs sixteen-year-old Marla to dictate hot new clothing trends, while Ivy, a teen pop star, popularizes the garments that Marla approves. Both girls are pawns in a calculated but seductive system of corporate control, and both begin to question their world’s aggressive levels of consumption. 

Will their new “eco-chic” trend subversively resist and overturn the industry that controls every part of their lives? Smart, provocative, and entertaining, this thrilling page-turner for teens questions the cult like mentality of fame and fashion. Are you in or are you out?

There are just too many thoughts going through my mind as I try to piece together what this read was about. It was a dystopian world built on worldly fame and trends in every media. Far-fetched? Yes. Maybe. Two girls take two different paths with their trendy knowledge and come out in complete opposite ends of this world where not being "In" is detrimental.

This is not my usual type of Young Adult reading I usually like, but this was entertaining and a bit "out there". I am not a huge fan of fashion or trends so those of you who are will probably get a lot more satisfaction out of this read. The writing was great and some humor is around, so it kept me reading.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.



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The Hunter's Moon by Beth Trissell Review

The Hunter's Moon by Beth Trissel
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Summary:  

Seventeen-year-old Morgan Daniel has been in the witness protection program most of her life. But The Panteras have caught up with her and her younger brother. Her car is totaled, she's hurt, and the street gang is closing in when wolves with glowing eyes appear out of nowhere and chase away the killers. 

Then a very cute guy who handles a bow like Robin Hood emerges from the woods and takes them to safety at his fortress-like home. 

And that's just the first sign that Morgan and her brother have entered a hidden world filled with secrets...

I received an e-book copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book had so much potential and the premise was so intriguing, but I just struggled to get through it. I know this sounds harsh, but seriously, It took me months to keep up. I had to put it down and go back to it.

Morgans character was just a little blah for me. She didn't seem to have much to her other than swooning over Jackson from minute one and wondering over and over again how this could be possible. She also complained a lot and had a bad attitude about her soon-to-be-released wolf. I understand the connection between her and Jackson but she just seemed too much of a victim.

The thing I enjoyed about this book was the Shawnee Native American history the author included. Learning about their culture, beliefs and exploring this new world was basically what kept me reading. Another part that caught my interest was the other paranormal creatures included in the story like the were-panthers, the strange birds and other things that go bump in the night. It all had great background. It was just delivered in a way that just didn't keep me locked into the story.

I was confused at times with the way the dialogs were put together. At times the characters, Morgan and Jackson, spoke as if they were from another time; more formal, like they were discussing history with a professor instead of with their peers. Then, they would switch immediately to flirty-banter that teenagers would use today. I think it needed better flow from one topic to the other, or less dictionary-type descriptions of the histories.

As much as I love a good were-wolf book, this one just didn't capture my attention and keep me "in-for-the-long-haul". Because of that reason, I only gave it 2 out of 5 stars.

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If We Were a Movie by Kelly Oram Release Day GIVEAWAY!!

I am currently reading this and loving it! I will have a full review later this month! I am really becoming a big fan of Kelly Oram. Her writing is so fresh and fun... and clean! I am beginning to draw more and more toward the New Adult genre (college) as long as it is clean. Enter the giveaway and check out her new fun book that releases today!  

  If We Were a Movie by Kelly Oram (Power of the Matchmaker #3) Music meets Movies in this sweet college romance from the bestselling author of Cinder & Ella. NYU freshman Nate Anderson is a triplet who is desperate to escape his wild and crazy brothers. After they screw things up for him one too many times, Nate flees his housing situation and takes the first available room for rent as far from his brothers as he can get. Enter his new roommate Jordan--a quirky LA girl who believes that everything in life has already been done in the movies. In this heartfelt tale of love, friendship and family, Nate learns how to deal with his new adult life using Hollywood films as a guide.

 

TEASER: “So this is what a Pearl-approved guy looks like.” She shook her head once and cracked a smile. “She’s got good taste, I’ll give her that. You’re an odd mix of sexy and adorable. Don’t see that often.”

I was a little taken aback by the compliment, if that’s even what it was. She may have just been stating what she considered to be fact. She laughed at my surprise and held out her hand to me. “Nice to meet you. I’m Jordan Kramer.”

I’d been afraid of that. “You’re a girl.”

Jordan laughed. “That’s what it says on my birth certificate, but I’m really glad you were able to figure it out without needing to read it.”

Nope. I definitely didn’t need that.

  

 

Author Kelly Oram

Kelly Oram wrote her first novel at age fifteen--a fan fiction about her favorite music group, The Backstreet Boys, for which her family and friends still tease her. She's obsessed with reading, talks way too much, and likes to eat frosting by the spoonful. She lives outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, four children, and her cat, Mr. Darcy.

 

   

Don't miss the latest news from Kelly Oram! Sign up for her newsletter to receive e-mail notifications for all of her new releases, events, sales, & giveaways. This is a monthly newsletter often with exclusive giveaways and freebies from some of her favorite authors.

Guest Post: The music and movies behind the story (Kelly's If We Were a Movie playlist)!

As I’ve said many times before, I’m one of those authors who needs peace and quiet to write. I’m a music junkie at heart, and if there is music playing, I will sing (and most likely dance) along. Fun times, but as you can imagine, not the most productive writing environment. So while I’m working, I turn the music off. But I still always have a playlist for each book. It’s usually a group of songs that remind me of a scene, or a certain character, or just have the tone that I’m going for. And while I’m working on the book, I will wear the playlist out. (Just not during writing hours.)   If We Were a Movie, despite its title, is almost more about music than it is about movies. My main character, Nate, is a talented musician on scholarship at NYU. Music is an intrical part of the plot, and hits home for me personally as I was a music major in college too. (For a while anyway…) The playlist I have for this book is closer to an actual movie soundtrack than just a random list of songs this time. (Very fitting.) Most of these songs are referenced in the book as well as that they simply remind me of the story. As you read, feel free to listen along.   The book also has a movie playlist and you can watch along as well. As much as Nate is a music junkie like me, his love interest, Jordan, is a movie fanatic. (Like my Hollywood screenwriter/editor/motion graphics artist husband!) The book is all about comparing life to the movies, and is a play on all the classic romantic comedy tropes that we all love so much. There are dozens of movie references throughout the book. In fact, each chapter is titled after a different movie that has something to do with that chapter. I guarantee after the first couple of chapters you will be trying to guess what’s going to happen next based on the chapter headings! I’m not going to give you that list of movies right now, because it may spoil some of the surprises, but I promise it’s a fun list.   So, are you ready to listen to If We Were a Movie? Here it is in my personal playlist order: (Warning, this is my most eclectic playlist yet!)  

1. Fortune Days (The Glitch Mob)
2. Take a Chance On Me (ABBA)
3. Tears In Heaven (Eric Clapton)
4. Jolene (Dolly Parton)
5. Tompkin’s Square Park (Mumford & Sons)
6. Lego House (Ed Sheeran)
7. Hands All Over (Maroon 5)
8. How To Save a Life (The Fray)
9. Inconsolable (Backstreet Boys)
10. Cherry Pie (Warrant)
11. Under Pressure (Queen & Davie Bowie)
12. Zidler’s Rap (Various artists from the Moulin Rouge! Soundtrack)
13. Spontaneous Me (Lindsey Sterling)
14. Superman (Five for Fighting)
15. Clarity (Zedd ft. Foxes)
16. You Belong With Me (Taylor Swift)
17. Marry Me (Train)
18. If We Were a Movie (Hannah Montana)

         

Release Day Giveaway

Signed copies of V is for Virgin & A is for Abstinence (1 winner, 2 books)

Open Internationally

Ends 3/15/16

  a Rafflecopter giveaway