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Category Archives: New Adult Reviews Stir Me Up by Sabrina Elkins ( web | tweet ) Publication Date: October 1, 2013 Publisher: Harlequin Teen Pages: 268 Target audience: Young adult/mature Keywords: Marines, cooking, post-high school fears Format read: ARC from Publisher via NetGalley! (Thanks!) Summary: When Cami’s stepmom’s nephew, Julian, is terribly injured in Afghanistan, he moves into Cami’s bedroom […]  Ready for some hair braiding, pillow fights, and sexy talk? I’m so excited to host our first NA Slumber Party with some fantastic ladies: Asheley from Into the Hall of Books, Betty from Book Rock Betty, Cassie from Books with Cass, and Kelly from Belle of the Literati. So what does this mean exactly? A […]
December 27, 2013 - 9:02 am
[…] 3:AM Kisses with the #NASlumberParty crew was seriously the most fun I ever had reading a book. I was crying from laughing so hard. (Runner […]
December 20, 2013 - 12:03 am
[…] 3AM Kisses by Addison Moore – this was our first NA Slumber Party Book- we had WAY too much fun- hundreds of emails! haha […]
December 10, 2013 - 12:06 am
[…] of our NA Slumber Party picks! LOVE reading those with Estelle, Kelly, Betty and […]
November 4, 2013 - 5:54 pm
I LOVE YOU LADIES! This post made my day. You guys are SO CUTE, and just reading your questions and answers amused me to no end. While I don’t read a lot of NA, it sure is entertaining for me to read your NA Slumber Party thoughts!
November 1, 2013 - 4:57 pm
[…] buddies (Estelle, Cassie, Asheley, Kelly) & I started up a monthly-ish read along called NA Slumber Party. We pick a book, read it together and have a really freaking good time tweeting and sending a […]
October 28, 2013 - 12:02 am
[…] A Little Too Far – Lisa Desrochers (For NA Slumber Party!) […]
October 9, 2013 - 8:55 pm
Bahahaha, I have to say that you girls made me curious about 3:AM Kisses! I want to read it one now! I just commented on Kelly’s review that this book sounds a lot like Losing It by Cora Carmack (which I surprisingly really enjoyed!!). There was one scene in Losing It where Bliss’s (the MC) thoughts on the same topic had me rolling I was laughing so hard! Let’s just say that it involved someone hiding naked behind some shrubbery outside of an apartment building. Hahaha. I LOVE this feature. Y’all come up with the best ideas. Heck, this sounds better than an ACTUAL slumber party. Can’t wait to see what y’all think about next month’s book 🙂
October 9, 2013 - 10:14 am
*gigglesnort* WOW. This one sounds like…something else. But certainly something I’d be able to enjoy along with someone. I’m glad that’s how you ladies got to experience it. Also, I will never view the word “squeezebox” the same way again. Thanks for that, Estelle. 😉 This feature is a BLAST! I love the idea. Thanks for sharing some of the fun! 😀
October 8, 2013 - 4:30 pm
You girls are hysterical! What a fun way to share reading with friends. Looking forward to the reactions of next month’s NA slumber party…
October 8, 2013 - 2:58 pm
Oh my gosh this was AWESOME! You girls rock! I’m super humbled you picked 3:AM Kisses as your group read. And I’m thrilled that you had so much fun with it. It sounds like you had as much fun with Baya and Bryson as I did. Thank you for making my day! xoxo
October 8, 2013 - 2:49 pm
HAHAHA! I LOVE THIS!! I can only imagine how much fun this must have been! 🙂 I’m really looking forward to the next one.
October 8, 2013 - 1:49 pm
This looks like it was so much fun! I love that Cassie’s reading the racy book at work 😉
October 8, 2013 - 9:46 am
HA! Love the pictures. This really was so much fun. I can’t wait until our next sleepover!!! You ladies are the best!!
October 8, 2013 - 9:40 am
This seriously was SO MUCH FUN. Love you guys and this feature! CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE!!
October 8, 2013 - 9:40 am
THIS IS ABSOLUTELY ONE OF THE MOST FUN BOOKISH THINGS I’VE EVER DONE. EVER. IN MY LIFE. Thanks for hosting this month, Estelle! And for the fabulous ideas gals. And that book choice! And everything. Y’all are great slumber party pals! And I’m excited about the next one!  Last week, we revived our Book Reports with Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller. We got some great feedback from you guys, and really, really enjoy diving into these discussions. Estelle was trying to decide what she should read next and we discussed how great it would be to do a Fangirl Book […]
May 6, 2015 - 10:58 pm
[…] by Tara Kelly | Breathe, Annie, Breathe by Miranda Kenneally Charmed Thirds by Megan McCafferty | Fangirl by Rainbow […]
May 1, 2014 - 9:51 pm
September 22, 2013 - 1:06 pm
I loved reading this joint review/chat! And there is something you each said that makes me even more excited to read this book. E mentioned “finding this balance between your passions and also LIVING,” and then later M said “there needs to be a balance between living in the real world and not allowing this to take over our lives.” Right there? SOLD. Good thing I already bought this one! Time to finally start reading it!
September 18, 2013 - 3:16 am
I’m loving this book report too ladies! I agree with a lot of the things you had to say about Fangirl, but I think the aspect that really spoke to me was Cath’s college experience. It certainly reminded me a lot of my own experience as a college freshman, writing classes, awkward moments, holing up in my dorm room and all. That’s what really made the book so relatable to me.
September 14, 2013 - 1:38 pm
I love this discussion so much! Not only everything you guys said, which I’m totally on board with for this amazing book, but it just seems like you guys have so much fun. I want a co-blogger! Magan, I agree with you that the fanfiction was jarring, at the beginning I kind of glossed over it, but by the end I was so invested in what was going to happen to Simon and Baz. I still wish I knew what happened!
September 12, 2013 - 12:42 pm
You guys are insanely creative. I absolutely love this discussion. FANGIRL is amazeballs, and you guys definitely pointed out every nonspoilery reason why people should pick this book up ASAP.
September 11, 2013 - 7:42 pm
Of course, I liked this book a lot but the way the fanfiction was mixed in still made it my least favorite Rowell book. I found the other sections a bit choppy and got a bit confused at times whether I was reading the fanfic or the actual fic.
September 11, 2013 - 5:15 pm
I loved this book as well! Rainbow Rowell is easily becoming one of my all time favorite authors!
September 11, 2013 - 10:32 am
Another wonderful discussion! I am definitely loving these posts, and hope you continue them. I loved Fangirl so much. It was kind of scary, how much I related to Cath, and it seems like most readers have identified with Cath, too. Rainbow really knows how to create realistic characters, and tell their stories.
September 11, 2013 - 9:03 am
I love this type of review/conversation format, and it’s definitely making me want to go and pick up Fangirl even more now! I’m really excited to meet Cath, Levi, and Reagan. I know a lot of people said the fanfiction excerpts were a bit jarring, so I’m interested to see if they effect me the same way. All in all, though, from reviews I’ve read it seems that a lot of Cath’s college experience might be similar to my freshman year experience, and I’m very eager to explore it.  My Favorite Mistake by Chelsea M. Cameron Publication Date: August 27, 2013 Publisher: Harlequin HQN Pages: 400 Target audience: New adult Keywords: college, secrets, love/hate relationship Format read: ARC from Publisher via NetGalley (Thanks!) Summary: Taylor’s sophomore year has a surprising beginning when she finds out housing has paired her with the tattooed Hunter. She […]
September 18, 2013 - 2:58 am
I don’t read new adult books very often, and usually only try them out based on other people’s recommendations. Since you partly liked this one, I might consider giving it a whirl!
September 3, 2013 - 7:14 pm
Hmm, this NA book DOES sound pretty typical, but I couldn’t help but swoon a little when you described Hunter. I’m glad you weren’t too disappointed with the characters though! That’s interesting that they sped up their relationship even though the book was long.. I’ll have to check this one out when I’m in the mood, great review, Estelle!
September 3, 2013 - 7:00 pm
I’m confused about why they were roomed together? I’ve heard of colleges allowing male/female pairings but only if specifically requested. I’m still not really sold on NA though I have enjoyed The Social Code and Fangirl recently, both of which I think technically could be classified as such due to their college-aged protagonists.
September 3, 2013 - 1:28 pm
I’ve struggled with “new adult” books, too, but I really do like reading about college-aged characters. Even if it does slow down half way through I might have to give this one a try given all the other nice things you had to say about it.  New Money by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal ( web | tweet ) Publication Date: September 10, 2013 Publisher: St. Martin’s Press Pages: 336 Target audience: Adult/mature YA Keywords: moving to NYC, family secrets/drama, money Format read: ARC provided by Publisher. (Thank you!) Other books I’ve reviewed by LZR: Other Words for Love Summary: Savannah is a […]
December 4, 2014 - 9:00 am
[…] Wealthy by Lorraine Z. Rosenthal ( web | tweet ) → Book 1: New Money from Fall 2013 Publication Date: 12/2/2014 Publisher: St. Martin’s Press Pages: 336 Target […]
September 22, 2013 - 1:36 pm
Well, I already left this comment earlier, but I totally bought this book because of your review! I already liked the cover, but finding out more about it, hearing from the author and knowing you enjoyed it totally sold me on getting a copy!
August 13, 2013 - 2:36 pm
I’m so happy you liked this one because I am really excited for it. Other Words for Love was kind of a sleeper book for me, I didn’t realize quite how much I liked it until right at the end and then I was kind of blown away by it. Great review and interview!
August 11, 2013 - 11:27 am
This book sounds like such a fun read! I’m always a fan of books that have 20-something characters (!) who are figuring things out for themselves, especially when done well. This is mostly because I feel like I’m in the same boat! Can’t wait to check out New Money.  The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay ( twitter ) Publication Date: June 4, 2013 (in paperback) Publisher: Atria Books Pages: 448 Target audience: Mature young adult/adult Keywords: recovery, trauma, high school seniors Format read: ARC from NetGalley! (Thanks!) Summary: The Sea of Tranquility connects two people who are living in their own voids of loneliness: Nastya, […]
June 12, 2013 - 7:09 am
I thought NA was supposed to encompass the period after high school; university, first real job, etc? I’m super curious about this one because I want to know what happened to Nastya, but I’m also a little apprehensive about the building tragedies that push the believability of the story to a breaking point. I’m definitely going to give this a shot some day, but I’ll try to keep in mind that it might go slowly!
June 10, 2013 - 9:51 am
I’ve seen a lot of interest in this book and never really realized what it was about. I am also often confused by what people apply the “new adult” label too. I feel like it means different things to different people!
June 4, 2013 - 6:36 am
Great review, Estelle. I really enjoyed this one, but I completely understand your thoughts. It was a slow story and it did get a bit dramatic toward the end. I’m happy you still enjoyed it some.
June 3, 2013 - 4:54 pm
This book was a very interesting read for me! I did like it, but not as much as I imagined I would. I’m not sure if it’s because I wasn’t particularly fond of the characters or able to connect with them, or if it has something to do with the story and its ending. Whatever it is, it’s undeniable that in spite of that thing, I did like Millay’s writing.
June 3, 2013 - 2:12 pm
This one has been on my to-read list since it was first released in hardback, and everyone of my friends loved it. I should probably get around to it at some point as it sounds right up my street. Sometimes I wish stories like this would tone down on the drama and tragedy — I think sometimes too much just feels like too much and makes everything a little less realistic. (As for New Adult? I can hardly keep up either!) |
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by Estelle
Unraveled by Jen Frederick (Why in 5) - […] is a Marine. Okay, so what? So what is Julian in Stir Me Up by Sabrina Elkins, Travis in Something Like Normal by Trish Doller and even Aiden The […]
Alexa Y. - I really, really, REALLY want to read this book! I might have snagged a copy after seeing it being talked about on Twitter, but your thoughts on it have definitely convinced me that I should bump it up on the reading list. It sounds fun, but it also sounds like it’s got a lot of depth — and I love that!
Judith - Everyone has been raving about this book lately, which makes me want to pick it up. That’s funny, because I would never read it if it weren’t for all these raving reviews. It’s great that sex is so well handled in this book, because I always roll my eyes at characters whose first time is “perfect”. Yeah right. I’m glad you enjoyed this so much, and I think I just might get myself a copy soon. 🙂
Big Kids' Table: YA/NA Authors Chat "Grown Up" Books, Estelle - […] Follow Sabrina | My review of Stir Me Up | Add The Sun Also Rises to […]
Review: Stir Me Up by Sabrina Elkins | Quinn's Book Nook - […] on this book. So many bloggers loved this book, so I urge you to check out some of their reviews (Estelle, Betty, Cass) because maybe this book will blow you […]
Jess @ Gone with the Words - You’ve convinced me I should REread this one soon! Seriously, thanks for bringing this book to my attention. And I love that our reviews are a bit similar in format and content. That’s why we’re friends. 😀
Gaby @ Queen Ella Bee Reads - EVERYONE is making me want to read this one RIGHT NOW. I might just have to. Oh well.
April Books & Wine - I bought this after “listening” to twitter chatter about it.
There are slow burns? HUZZAH!
Lauren @ Lose Time Reading - *Swoon* I love Julian!!! I’m so glad you loved this one Estelle… and I loved the slow burning romance as well. It’s actually probably my favorite part about the book (well, ok besides the cooking and the swooning :P), it’s so rare to see one of those lately and AH! I died for it 🙂 Love your review!!!
Vivian - While I enjoyed this, I didn’t love it like I was hoping. I def loved J&C’s relationship, the buildup and how real it felt, and all the food references, but besides that, it didn’t do anything for me. I especially hated Cami’s dad, haha. Anyways, glad you liked it Estelle!
Cassie - Obviously I loved this book as well. It was truly so much more than I had expected and I’m glad you enjoyed it so much as well!
I totally agree on the slow burn romance and obviously the whole book is DELICIOUS 😉
Can’t wait for the NEXT!!
Maggie @ Just a Couple More Pages - You know I was totally blown away by this one and absolutely loved it. I’m really glad you and other people have loved it too because when I finished I was so shocked at how much I loved it that I wondered if I was going a little crazy or if it was really that good.
And Something Like Normal is a great comparison. Now that I’m thinking about it I actually think Cami and Harper are a lot a like, too. They both have hobbies and passions, they’re both daughters of single fathers, and they’re both that very real blend of confidence/insecurity that’s totally appropriate for girls their age.
Quinn @ Quinn's Book Nook - Yes! Yes, you have totally convinced me that I need to read Stir Me Up. I wasn’t sure at first, because Cami already had a boyfriend. I wasn’t sure if there would be cheating, so I was a little hesitant. But clearly this book is right up my alley. Plus, yay for funny parts!
Thanks for the review!
Lucy - Oh my this book does sound good! Humor, and food, and slow burn romance are some of my favorite book topics. So eager to read this one.
Maria - Oh, you’re good! Yet so very bad for my wallet. But I’ll forgive you this time since it was basically for free. 🙂
Christina @ Allodoxophobia - YES 100% all of the above. The funny was actually my favorite part and what I felt really sets this one apart from other contemporary YA/NA romances.