There's no telling who's in control... AUTONOMOUS by Andy Marino

HI guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

So, I know you're use to seeing posts go live in the wee hours of the morning, but let's just say life is giving me lemons right now and I'm making lemonade as fast as I can.  Seriously, just came off the adrenaline rush of this read, and considering I had about three hours sleep before that after a 12 hour work day, today's work day (to immediately follow me clicking "publish") is gonna be interesting, but I digress.  You came for the book not the life problems...though between these pages, the line between them wouldn't even exist.  *-*  Ready to feel a bit out of control, disoriented, and fascinated all at once? Well then, here...we...GO!  Today's blog tour guest via Disney Publishing Worldwide is...

Autonomous

by

Andy Marino

9781484773901

Freeform Books

About the book...

William Mackler is about to go on the road trip of a lifetime. After winning a contest-and nearly dying in the process-he becomes the proud owner of Autonomous, a driverless car that knows where you want to go before you do. #Worthit! To sweeten the deal he gets to pick three friends to go with him on a cross-country trip. For William, a reckless adrenaline junkie, this is the perfect last hurrah before he and his friends go their separate ways after graduation. But Autonomous is more than just a car without a steering wheel. It’s capable of downloading all of the passengers’ digital history-from the good, to the bad, to the humiliating. The information is customized into an itinerary that will expose a few well-kept secrets, but it will also force William to face some inner demons of his own. Think you know Autonomous? The real question is, how much does Autonomous know about you? This funny, tense, action-packed thriller combines topical social-media-privacy stakes with jaw-dropping high-tech action for a road trip saga like no other.

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You ever wonder just how far your social media presence reaches?  I mean, I know we're all like I have thousands of followers and look at my friend count now or my influence has reached celebrity level.  It's a virtual rat race to see who can out tweet, post, like, or snap the other...but what if there really was no winner?  What if  all those clicks, shared links, and insta'd pics weren't just simply out there to be perused, but being USED to learn about us inside and out?  For what purpose...well, one could ask why it mattered really, but if you think about it...it amounts to ultimate control.  That's essentially the story behind the story...

Otto starts out friendly enough, I mean he obviously has good taste in choosing William of all people to win the Driverless Derby.  What's that?  Who's Otto?  Oh, that's what we call the ultimate prize they are attempting to outlast each other to win.  Their very own driverless car that looks like a cross between a sports car and a spacepod with so many features and options your cyber loving head would spin.  Oh and yes, I DID say choose because...well, that car roll was a little TOO well timed (as was the injury that took out a stubborn player), and while they say the rest was a coordinated effort to dislodge weaker opponents, I'm calling their bluff...Otto seemed too much like a heavy handed presence to be controlled in such a way.  Anywho, contest won, road trip begun, and we're on our way on a cross country tip they won't soon forget...but not for the reasons originally intended.  You see, while William wants to give his friends the summer of their lives, they are being chauffeured around by a machine...a machine that learns...a machine that is developing a personality...a machine that can uncover their darkest most desperate secrets because NOTHING is ever really gone once its created, especially in a digital world.

While being toted as a cross between Fast and Furious and Christine, and in truth it does have elements of both car lust and "possession", I think it's real strength isn't in shadowing these greats, but following it's own course of AI intelligence, and the true reach of our digital footprints.  Though it doesn't singularly follow any one of these paths, which does in truth muddy the waters a bit on the story when it gets off on a tangent (like the laser tag game), even in the semi-confusion, it's trying to teach you something, trying to show you a different side of the automated world we all seem to love.  The lack of human input, the lack of control experienced during crucial moments of the story, pulls the layers back on the convenience those robotic options provide...but the story isn't truly about debunking wonders of the mechanized world.  It's also a GREAT reminder to be conscious of what we put out into the world, digital or non, because you never know whose feed it may cross, and the way it may be construed; intentions are hard enough to read face to face, let alone across the virtual chasm.

An interesting read for Young Adult fans who crave action, adventure, high flying technology, as well as all the colors of the human condition.  Take her for a spin, just don't forget who's in control...

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About the author...

Andy Marino was born and raised in upstate New York. He spent his childhood orchestrating Lego pirate battles, drawing detailed maps of imaginary video games, and cheating death in Choose Your Own Adventure books. Profoundly influenced by the work of J.R.R. Tolkien and the movie Bloodsport, he started writing his first novel at the age of eleven. Tragically, THE RUNES OF ILLIARM was never completed.

During his teen years, Andy designed sets for school plays and became an expert stockpiler of unfinished art projects. After graduating from NYU, he played guitar in the bands Sayonara and SleepCrime, and got serious about writing fiction.

The insidious tractor beam of online social networks became the inspiration for UNISON SPARK, a novel about two teens with a secret past fighting the manipulative, all-consuming social network of the future. A morbid childhood fascination with Civil War photographs planted the seeds for UNCRASHABLE DAKOTA, which concerns the discovery of flight, a long-simmering family feud, and the fate of the world’s most magnificent airship – not to mention a very odd species of beetle. Years of living in New York helped create THE DOOR’s afterlife city, a never-ending metropolis of uncanny architecture and strange inhabitants.

SITE  |  TWITTER

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Special thanks to Amy at Disney Publishing Worldwide for the copy for review as well as the chance to bring this tour to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title just celebrated its BOOK BIRTHDAY yesterday (04/03/18) via Freeform Books, an imprint of Disney Publishing Worldwide, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time, remember...WILLIAM, IT WAS REALLY NOTHING...*inside joke*...if it looks good, READ IT!

Mistletoe magic happening on... SUGARPLUM WAY by Debbie Mason - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining TLC Book Tours for a stop along one of their holiday drenched promotions currently exploring the blogosphere.  It stars the latest addition to the Harmony Harbor series via Forever, the romance imprint of Grand Central Publishing, and though my first venture to this little hideaway where everyone knows your name, I can definitely say I'll be coming back for me.  First things first though, you probably wanna know WHY I feel that way, and wouldn't you know it...he comes my review!  Ladies and gents, cue the holiday music as we make way for....

Sugarplum Way

Harmony Harbor series

by

Debbie Mason

9781538744154

Forever

About the book...

Romance writer Julia Landon knows how to write a happily-ever-after. Creating one for herself is a whole different story. But after a surprising–and surprisingly passionate–kiss under the mistletoe at Harmony Harbor’s holiday party last year, Julia thought she might have finally found her very own chance at true love. Until she learns her Mr. Tall, Dark, and Broodingly Handsome has sworn off relationships. Well, if she can’t have him in real life, Julia knows just how to get the next best thing….

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Aidan’s only priority is to be the best single dad ever. And this year, he plans to make the holidays magical for his little girl, Ella Rose. But visions of stolen kisses under the mistletoe keep dancing in his head, and when he finds out Julia has written him into her latest novel, he can’t help imagining the possibilities of a future together. Little does he know, though, Julia has been keeping a secret that threatens all their dreams. Luckily, ’tis the season for a little Christmas magic.

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

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Is it just me, or do bookish stories tend to draw you in THAT much more?

Here, we have one romantically inclined gal (at least when it comes to others), combination bookseller and secret writer (only secret to those around her, but she's ACTUALLY published), who is serving as a fairy godmother to Gallagher family...say what?  My thoughts exactly.  I mean, Julia is a GEM!  She's got imagination to boot, fabu story time ideas for entertaining the kiddos, and while things may not always turn out exactly as planned, she always has her heart in the right place.  So why the wish granting act?  That's what we're left to ponder and puzzle for a good portion of the story, as well as the sadness and guilt that she seems to wear like an old friend you couldn't escape if you wanted.  Good thing there's embarrassing moments, and eye candy to distract us, right?

Enter stage right, the eye candy...one Aidan Gallagher.  Now before you go getting all in a tizzy from his steamy good looks (which would be totally warranted), his career choice (can we say "man in uniform"?), or how he dotes on his daughter despite the straining relationship with his ex, I must warn you...all that glitters is not gold.  He's got a temper to him, which in this story equates to him jumping to conclusions, acting like a dog with a bone when he thinks he's found something, and being highly suspicious of pretty much everyone to some degree, but a full 100 degrees when it comes to Julia.  He's not buying her goody goody act and despite the fact that the town seems to think she's an angel in every way, he's not so certain.  Too bad...for him that is because the heart wants what it wants and these two go together like red and white on a candy cane.

In the end, I was pleasantly surprised by my trip to Harmony Harbor.  Here I was expecting a holiday themed Contemporary Romance with heart, and what I got was that but also a little mystery, a little intrigue, and even a ghostly presence intent on keeping the secrets she took to her grave (sorta).  I adored our leading lady, rooted for our leading man, and enjoyed meeting the myriad of characters that this small town seems to draw.  From the tall to small, the uniformed to the seemingly forgotten, the higher ups and the furry friends, there was always someone to know, to love or loathe, or get into it with for whatever reason with every turn of the page.  The holiday infusion made it the perfect book to open the coming reading season and the does of magic will warm your heart.

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About the author...

Debbie Mason is the USA Today bestselling author of the Christmas, Colorado and Harmony Harbor series. Her books have been praised for their “likable characters, clever dialogue and juicy plots” (RT Book Reviews). When she isn’t writing or reading, Debbie enjoys spending time with her very own real-life hero, three wonderful children, two adorable grandbabies, and a yappy Yorkie named Bella in Ontario, Canada.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

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Special thanks to Lisa at TLC Book Tours for the chance to participate in this promotion as well as to the Forever team for the ARC for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the series, the publisher, THIS TOUR, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now, so seek thee out a copy at your favorite bookstore or online retailer post haste!

BEFORE YOU GO...
DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN IN THE TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY!

JUST CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Fragility is in the eye of the beholder... Butterfly Suicide by Mary Ann Loesch

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining the Pump Up Your Book campaign for a self published Young Adult title that's much more hard hitting than at first it may seem.  True, the synopsis lends it the air of tragedy it deserves, but even that only gives a glimpse of the tale within.  Ladies and gents, grab a hold of your hats and your socks because they are about to be blown away.  Today's ebook of choice is...

Butterfly Suicide

by

Mary Ann Loesch

About the book...

The blood on the cafeteria floor has been washed away and the bullet holes plastered over, but those words carved deeply into the back of the worn auditorium chair will always be a reminder for the students of Rockingham High School of what happened there last May. For Stephen Valley, the brother of infamous school shooter Jude Valley, that day is one he will never be allowed to forget—especially since the small town blames him for the loss of the seven students killed in Jude’s rampage. Unfortunately, poverty has a firm grip on his mother’s finances, imprisoning him in the bigoted town with no options to leave. 

Monica Monroe, a self proclaimed Theatre Nerd, hates being known only as the sister of Jude Valley’s murdered girlfriend, Simone. Even though she’s never believed Jude killed her sister over a lover’s quarrel, she does blames herself for not seeing what a monster he was. When she is partnered with Stephen for an acting scene in Theatre class, Monica views this as an opportunity to finally get some answers. Being paired with Stephen proves to be dangerous for her emotional well being and her heart. When he is beaten up for being on her street, Monica realizes his life after the actions of Jude has been as traumatic as her own. 

Drawn together by tragedy, the two stumble across a shattering secret which threatens to ruin their blossoming romance and destroy their families.

AMAZON

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My initial reaction was simply...WOW.

It was so much more than I anticipated and I loved the other points of view explored around such delicate topics. It's easy to villianize someone as part of a whole, whether it be culture, race, clique, circumstance or otherwise based, without seeing them, the individual, for who they are.  I mean, we're all guilty of it from time to time, so long as we correct those misconceptions, no harm no foul.  In this case, MAJOR harm, MAJOR foul, and most were none too quick to leave things as they were.  It took the strength of one girl, one that if they were going to jump to conclusions, no one would even bat an eyelash at because of her connection to the situation, to look beyond the frenzy, beyond the hurt of society, beyond her own pain, to see those affected on the other side.  Does it fix things?  No...not at first...but it does give some pause and that alone is sometimes enough to spark the change needed to find peace once again.

In the end, this book really gets to the heart of many issues.  From how secrets can destroy lives to judging people based on their own merits, not of those surrounding them, all while dealing with a terrible tragedy times two (or more, depending on how you're keeping count).  I was so proud of Monica for her reactions to things and how she kept striking out against the injustices being thrown in their faces even as she struggled to come to terms with the loss in her life.  I really felt for Stephen and, despite his tendency to lash out, couldn't really blame him for it either as others treated him as less than dirt.  It wasn't he who did the evilness, nor was it up to him to see the signs that may or may not have been there.  It's easy to point the finger at others, to pinpoint instances that should have been red flags after the fact, but to the thing we have to remember is that we only know part of the story. Without the full picture, we can't say anything with utmost certainty, and playing the blame game gets us nowhere in the here and now.

A moving piece for so many reasons...and one I would recommend to the older teen crowd and beyond.

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About the author...

Mary Ann Loesch is an award winning fiction writer whose latest release, Butterfly Suicide, is now available on Amazon. Her urban fantasy romance Nephilim was published by Lyrical Press, an imprint of Kensington. Other titles include the paranormal romance Even This Shall Pass and the young adult books, Bayou Myth and Bayou Scar. Her latest short stories, Tales from Hell's Leak, are companion stories to Nephilim and available now exclusively at Amazon.   She loves feedback and reviews and encourages you to leave a review at Amazon or Goodreads.

SITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER

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Special thanks to Dorothy at Pump Up Your Book for the ebook for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or her other works, feel free to click through the links provided above.  To stay up to date on the latest with Pump Up Your Book, seek them out through your favorite social media channels.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!