Waiting on Wednesday (#100)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Morning swooners!

This week pre-publication "can't wait to read" selection is:

Liars, INC by Paula Stokes

Expected Release Date: March 24, 2015

Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads

Synopsis:

It all starts with one little lie…
Max Cantrell has never been a big fan of the truth, so when the opportunity arises to sell lies to his classmates, it sounds like a good way to make a little money and liven up a boring senior year. With the help of his friends Preston and Parvati, Max starts a business providing forged permission slips and cover stories for the students of Vista Palisades High. Liars, Inc. they call it. Suddenly everybody needs something and the cash starts pouring in. Who knew lying could be so lucrative?
When Preston wants his own cover story to go visit a girl he met online, Max doesn’t think twice about hooking him up. Until Preston never comes home. Then the evidence starts to pile up—terrifying clues that lead the cops to Preston’s body. Terrifying clues that point to Max as the murderer.
Can Max find the real killer before he goes to prison for a crime he didn’t commit? Paula Stokes starts with one single white lie and weaves a twisted tale that will have readers guessing until the explosive final chapters.

Doesn't this sounds so good?! I mean, what's going to happen?? I need this book!

What are you "Waiting on?"

Book Blast + Giveaway: Liars, Inc. by Paula Stokes

Liars, Inc. By Paula Stokes

Expected Release Date: March 24, 2015

Publisher: HarperTeen

Amazon / Barnes & Nobles / Book Depository

Synopsis:

For fans of Gone Girl, I Hunt Killers, and TV's How to Get Away with Murder.

Max Cantrell has never been a big fan of the truth, so when the opportunity arises to sell forged permission slips and cover stories to his classmates, it sounds like a good way to make a little money and liven up a boring senior year. With the help of his friends Preston and Parvati, Max starts Liars, Inc. Suddenly everybody needs something and the cash starts pouring in. Who knew lying could be so lucrative?

When Preston wants his own cover story to go visit a girl he met online, Max doesn’t think twice about hooking him up. Until Preston never comes home. Then the evidence starts to pile up—terrifying clues that lead the cops to Preston’s body. Terrifying clues that point to Max as the murderer.

Can Max find the real killer before he goes to prison for a crime he didn’t commit? In a story that Kirkus Reviews called "Captivating to the very end," Paula Stokes starts with one single white lie and weaves a twisted tale that will have readers guessing until the explosive final chapters.

For more information, check out THE OFFICIAL LIARS, INC. WEBSITE.

The Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About The Author

Paula Stokes writes stories about flawed characters with good hearts who sometimes make bad decisions. She’s the author of several YA novels, most recently Liars, Inc. and The Art of Lainey. Her writing has been translated into nine foreign languages. Paula loves kayaking, hiking, reading, and seeking out new adventures in faraway lands She also loves interacting with readers. Find her online at authorpaulastokes.com or on twitter as @pstokesbooks.

Author Links: Website / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / Goodreads

This book blast is hosted by:

Review: The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes

The Art of Lainey
Author: Paula Stokes
Release Date: May 20, 2014
Publisher: Harper Teen
Source: Edelweiss
Review by: Jenn

Soccer star Lainey Mitchell is gearing up to spend an epic summer with her amazing boyfriend, Jason, when he suddenly breaks up with her—no reasons, no warning, and in public no less! Lainey is more than crushed, but with help from her friend Bianca, she resolves to do whatever it takes to get Jason back.

And that’s when the girls stumble across a copy of The Art of War. With just one glance, they're sure they can use the book to lure Jason back into Lainey’s arms. So Lainey channels her inner warlord, recruiting spies to gather intel and persuading her coworker Micah to pose as her new boyfriend to make Jason jealous. After a few "dates", it looks like her plan is going to work! But now her relationship with Micah is starting to feel like more than just a game.

What's a girl to do when what she wants is totally different from what she needs? How do you figure out the person you're meant to be with if you're still figuring out the person you're meant to be?

3 stars out of 5 stars

*I received an eARC of this book from the publisher but it did not influence this review in any way.*

I was very excited about starting The Art of Lainey. I had several bookish friends who had read and loved it so I was hopeful for a great read. And I did get an interesting read. Here's what I have to say about it.

- Lainey

   - She wasn't the nicest person and to be honest, I found her to be a little mean, selfish, and superficial.

   - I wanted to bop Lainey on her forehead in order to make her see how wrong Jason, the ex-boyfriend, is for her.

   - I can relate to Lainey in a the way she didn't know what she like because she was just following other people. (Side note: you eventually learn to follow your own tune but sometimes you end up reverting to your younger self.)

   - I like that there was some character growth in Lainey. She learned about herself so she was able to stand up for herself and for her friends.

- Micah

    - He's very sarcastic and I love that.

- Bianca and Leo

     - I love them together and I love them seperately.

     - Bianca is a wonderful friend to Lainey. She's very patient Lainey, even when Lainey was moping around and being insufferable.

     - Leo was an absolute sweetheart.

I really like how Paula Stokes writes teenagers, The way she was able to convey their fears and insecurites rings very realistic. I love how she managed to incorporate The Art of War, which is a thousands years old, and managed to make it modern. I really enjoyed The Art of Lainey and I like that I saw character growth in Lainey. It a great, and quick read for a lazy Sunday.