/- LA FEMME READERS -/

Cover Reveal Alert: Yesterday by C. K. Kelly Martin

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:32:00 +0000

Hey my lovely followers! I haven't posted in a week and a half, but starting today I'll try my best to go back to regular scheduling. Today I bring you C.K. Kelly Martin's latest novel cover reveal of Yesterday.

There is something quite intriguing about the mysterious chaos taking place around the image. Even though I can't find a summary for it, I feel like it's going to be a dystopian read, which is one of my favorite genres. Anywho, enough blabbing, please feel free to tell me what you think of Martin's new book.

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Yesterday by C.K. Kelly Martin

Published by: Random House Books for Young Readers

Release Date: September 25, 2012

( Add to GoodReads )

Korean Drama Love: Flower Boy Ramyun Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Some of you who know me outside of reading books, know that I am obsessed with Korean dramas. I decided to post about them once in a while just to keep my love for blogging going. I'll be sporadically posting about dramas that I've previously watched or am currently drooling over.

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My current love for the past week has been this drama:

Flower Boy Ramyun Shop

I mean this drama is absolutely addictive! I simply cannot stop watching it. Every moment of my free time has been spent laughing, crying and smiling at my TV screen. The characters are lovable and the guys are just *sighs* so damn dreamy.

This is what the drama is about:

Yang Eun Bi (Lee Chung Ah) is a University student preparing for her civil service exam with the dream of being a high school teacher. She accidentally encounters Cha Chi Soo (Jung Il Woo), an arrogant son of the biggest food conglomerate in Korea. Both of them end up working at a ramen shop run by the lazy Choi Kang Hyuk (Lee Ki Woo). This romantic comedy deals with "pretty boys", who with good looks and individuality, operate a ramen shop with lively college girls and experience the happenings of daily life. -- HanCinema

Check out the trailer:

Interested in watching? Check out these sites for episodes with english subtitles!

http://www.mysoju.com/korean-drama/flower-boy-ramyun-shop/

http://www.epdrama.com/drama/flower-boy-ramyun-shop/

http://www.dramafever.com/drama/4044/1/Flower_Boy_Ramen_Shop/?ap=1

Giveaway Time: ARC of Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I have an extra ARC copy of Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey so what better way to pass it along than a giveaway for my awesome followers!

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:: ABOUT THE BOOK ::

Summary: It’s one thing to find out you’re a vampire princess. It’s a whole other thing to actually rule. Newly married Jessica Packwood is having a hard enough time feeling regal with her husband, Lucius, at her side. But when evidence in the murder of a powerful elder points to Lucius, sending him into solitary confinement, Jessica is suddenly on her own. Determined to clear her husband’s name, Jessica launches into a full-scale investigation, but hallucinations and nightmares of betrayal keep getting in her way. Jessica knows that with no blood to drink, Lucius’s time is running out. Can she figure out who the real killer is—and whom she can trust—before it’s too late?

:: GIVEAWAY ::

-One person will win an ARC of Jessica Rules the Dark Side.

-You must be at least 13 years old to enter.

-This contest is open to U.S. residents only.

-Deadline ends on January 22, 2012.

!! FILL OUT FORM TO ENTER !!

Books for Thought: Which books in 2011 stood out to you?

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Previously known as Monday's Question of the Day, Books For Thought is a feature where I post a book-related question up for discussion. I am open to all opinions and enjoy reading diverse comments from my lovely followers. I look forward to picking your minds!

Have a question idea? Share it here and I'll feature your blog in this post.

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Which books stood out to you in 2011?

My Response: Last year was jammed pack with great titles. Since I slacked on writing a post on the 'best books of 2011,' I'll take advantage of this discussion where I'll share with you my top five picks. I look forward to seeing which books you enjoyed, maybe I missed some read worthy titles that I should read in 2012. Okay here goes my list, in no particular order...

:: ONE ::

Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna, #1) by Kendare Blake

(GoodReads / My Review)

:: TWO ::

Dead Rules by Randy Russell

(GoodReads / My Review)

:: THREE ::

Divergent (Divergent, #1) by Veronica Roth

(GoodReads / My Review)

:: FOUR ::

Enclave (Razorland, #1) by Ann Aguirre

(GoodReads / My Review)

:: FIVE ::

Wither (The Chemical Garden, #1) by Lauren DeStefano
(GoodReads / My Review)

What are your bookish thoughts?

Guest Post: Emma Carlson Berne (Author of Still Waters)

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

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:: ABOUT THE AUTHOR ::

As a teenager, Emma Carlson Berne spent most her time reading Edith Wharton and Somerset Maugham. Occasionally, she would take a break for some Thomas Hardy. She was not voted prom queen. Emma grew up in Ohio in a house with a creepy little closet in the attic. She went to a small high school, made a lot of unfortunate fashion choices, and escaped to the University of Wisconsin as soon as possible. She now lives in Cincinnati, where she drinks quite a bit of coffee and sometimes writes.

For more info on Emma, visit her sites:

-Website

-Twitter

-Facebook

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:: GUEST POST ::

The Worst Lies I Ever Told

by Emma Carlson Berne

STILL WATERS starts with a lie and the lying continues right through. I don’t want to give away too much, but at the beginning, the only way Hannah can leave town with Colin is by telling her mother a really big, complicated lie. Then she conceals the vacation destination from Colin—which isn’t exactly a lie, but is a deception. And then there’s the lie that. . .well, I don’t want to say any more but basically, the lies just keep on going, right until the end.

So, naturally, all of this got me thinking about lies in general, and the lies I’ve told in particular—especially to my parents.

I have two particularly bad lies—I have to preface this by saying that I was actually a pretty obedient kid and a fairly good teenager. My worst lie from childhood was this sort of weeks-long deception involving my report card. This would have been middle school, and I was horrified to have received a C- in math. I did not want my parents to see this, so I stuffed the report card into the back of my locker. I had no intention of showing it to my parents, ever. Then, to my dismay, I saw that the school had posted “Report Cards, 4/30” or some such, on the notice board outside the school—right off the street where my parents drove every day. I walked around in a cold sweat for about two weeks before my parents finally saw the sign, and asked me for the report card. Then I had to extract it, all crumpled, from the back of my locker. And of course, all the waiting, and the fall-out from the deception, was way worse than just showing it to them in the first place.

My second big lie is from when I was sixteen, and it’s a little more similar to Hannah’s. I’d been sort of seeing a guy who was like a full ten years older than me. In retrospect, I don’t know why a man of twenty-six was interested in a sixteen year-old (actually I do), but at the time, it seemed not at all creepy, just really, really exciting. So, my parents found out and I was expressly forbidden to see him—huge blow-out fight involving screaming and slamming car doors—and so after this, I lied, just flat-out lied to my mother when this guy wanted me to drive to a city three hours away with him one day. I did it, and I can’t even remember where I told her I was going, but I sure as hell didn’t tell her I’d be three hours away with this guy for the whole day.

Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever told her—until now. Sorry, Mom.

How about you? What’s your worst lie ever?

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:: ABOUT THE BOOK ::

Still Waters by Emma Carlson Berne

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: December 20, 2011

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Pages: 240

Summary: Hannah can't wait to sneak off for a romantic weekend with her boyfriend, Colin. He’s leaving for college soon, and Hannah wants their trip to the lake house to be one they’ll never forget. But once Hannah and Colin get there, things start to seem a bit...off. They can't find the town on any map. The house they are staying in looks as if someone's been living there, even though it's been deserted for years. And Colin doesn’t seem quite himself. As he grows more unstable, Hannah worries about Colin’s dark side, and her own safety. Nothing is as perfect as it seems, and what lies beneath may haunt her forever.

Purchase it here:

Amazon / Kindle / B&N / Nook / Book Depository

Waiting On Wednesday: City of Lost Souls + The Temptation

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

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City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments, #5) by Cassandra Clare

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: May 8, 2012

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Pages: 560

Summary: In Book 5: City of Lost Souls, the Shadowhunters struggle to piece together their shattered world after a betrayal by one of their own leaves them reeling.

Oh man this cover is so hot!!!

The Temptation (Kindred, #1) by Alisa Valdes

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: April 24, 2012

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 340

Summary: His touch was electric. His eyes were magnetic. His lips were a temptation.... But was he real? After crashing her car on an empty highway, Shane is miraculously saved by Travis, a mysterious cowboy who walks out of nowhere. She is instantly attracted to him, and for the first time, she believes in “soul mates.” But Shane soon discovers that Travis is dead and that strict rules from the Underworld govern kindred spirits of different dimensions. Breaking these rules could destroy both their souls. And while Travis is almost impossible to resist, temptation proves to be the kindest enemy they encounter. Can true love surpass the power of pure evil? Part love story, part supernatural thriller, this first book in the Kindred trilogy will leave readers lusting for more!

What are your thoughts on these books?

(Add them to GoodReads: City of Lost Souls / The Temptation)

Book Review: Teach Me by R.A. Nelson

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Teach Me by R.A. Nelson

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: March 22, 2007

Publisher: Razorbill

Pages: 272

Summary: Teach Me invites readers inside an experience that fascinates everyone—an affair between a teacher and student—and gives an up-close-and-personal answer to the question: How does this happen?

My Review: Dangerous and unexpected, Teach Me, presented a well-written situation of a wrongful relationship between a teacher and his student. We've all had crushes once in a while on someone we shouldn't be day dreaming of. But, when it reaches the next level, that's when risky consequences are unveiled. This is the case with Carolina (also known as Nine), when she finds herself drawn to Mr. Mann, her inexplicably, intelligent English teacher. As a teacher, his style was intriguing enough to bring Nine to an open stance with poetry.

But, a secret lover? Eh. I never really understood why she was so fond of him. Yes, he was hard to read and of course the chase and thrill could be quite exciting. However, his bland personality didn't really prove why she decided to play this illicit game. Besides my personal feelings towards Mr. Mann, when he abruptly ends the relationship with her, I actually felt sorry for her. And then she goes and acts like an obsessed girl who could commit anything just to be with him. Instead of just moving on and thinking logically, her behavior made her into an ugly person that lost all of my sympathy.

The novel takes a turn where it was hard for me to connect with the characters. The only sane person probably would be Nine's best friend, who I found to be a quirky goofball that would be perfect for her. Her fanatical behavior caused me to shake my head a lot of the times, but I was also glued to my seat wanting to know what she was going to do next. Love can sometimes make us do crazy things so I knew something major was going to happen. All in all, I enjoyed reading non-stop from beginning to end. Even through the flaws, R.A.'s writing ability contributed an interesting read about a controversial affair, which sadly goes on in reality as well. I look forward to picking up more works by him.

My Rating:

Author's Info:

R.A. Nelson is the author of the novels Teach Me, Breathe My Name, Days of Little Texas, and Throat. He was chosen as a Horn Book Newcomer and his novels have been nominated to the YALSA Best Books for Young Adults list, as well as recognized by the Parents’ Choice Awards, the New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age list, Booksense Kid Picks, the Miami Herald Best Books of the Year, teenreads.com Best Books of the year, and the Michigan Library Thumbs Up! list. Nelson’s novels are also published in Hungary and Germany where Breathe My Name is published by Ravensburger under the title Shine. Nelson lives with his family in North Alabama and works at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. He is the recipient of NASA's Silver Snoopy Award in recognition of "outstanding support provided to the Space Shuttle program." His novel Teach Me has been optioned by Protagonist Films for a feature film.

For more info on R.A., visit his sites:

-Website

-Twitter

-Facebook

New Meme: Say Bye to Your Comfort Zone!

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Sometimes stepping out of your reading comfort zone is hard, well at least for me. I've been a dedicated YA reader and never really had the urge to try something new. Well, this year that changes. I will primarily still read my first love in YA, but I want to spice it up with who knows maybe some paranormal romance?

Anywho, this meme, "Say Bye to Your Comfort Zone" will feature a book I'd like to possibly read and who knows maybe it'll catch your eye too. :)

I'd love to hear which book you've been thinking about breaking your reading comfort zone, so make sure you share it with us all by commenting.

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The Iron Wyrm Affair (Bannon & Clare, #1) by Lilith Saintcrow

Release Date: August 8, 2012

Publisher: Orbit

Summary: Emma Bannon, Prime sorceress in the service of the Empire, has a mission: to protect Archibald Clare, a failed, unregistered mentath. His skills of deduction are legendary, and her own sorcery is not inconsiderable. It doesn’t much help that they dislike each other, or that Bannon’s Shield, Mikal, might just be a traitor himself. Or that the conspiracy killing registered mentaths and sorcerers alike will just as likely kill them as seduce them into treachery toward their Queen. In an alternate London where illogical magic has turned the Industrial Revolution on its head, Bannon and Clare now face hostility, treason, cannon fire, black sorcery, and the problem of reliably finding hansom cabs. The game is afoot.

My Reasons: The whole sorcery aspect sounds magically delicious. Plus, Emma sounds like a kick-ass protagonist, even in the cover she looks fierce. I'm very intrigued!

Waiting On Wednesday: Touching the Surface by Kimberly Sabatini

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

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Touching the Surface by Kimberly Sabatini

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: September 4, 2012

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Summary: Life altering mistakes are meant to alter lives…When Elliot dies for the third time, she knows this is her last shot. There are no fourth-timers in this afterlife, so one more chance is all she has to get things right. But before she can move on to her next life, Elliot will be forced to face her past and delve into the painful memories she’d rather keep buried. Memories of people she’s hurt, people she’s betrayed…and people she’s killed. As she pieces together the mistakes of her past, Elliot must earn the forgiveness of her best friend and reveal the truth about herself to the two boys she loves…even if it means losing them both forever.

What are your thoughts on Touching the Surface?

(Add it to GoodReads)

Cinder by Marissa Meyer Book Trailer!

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:56:00 +0000

Oh man, I've been expecting this debut for a while now and finally we have a book trailer! Plus its release is today, so if you're dying to get your hands on it, your lovely bookstore has it. :) Now, if you aren't familiar with Marissa Meyer's book, Cinder, make sure you check it out below...

Also, great news! Marissa Meyer has also kicked off an extensive author tour in the US; you can access all her dates on her blog. Lastly, there will be an author event on January 9th as a Facebook/Twitter party at 7:00 EST.

:: ABOUT THE BOOK ::

Even in the future, the story begins with Once Upon a Time…. Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl. . . . Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future.

:: BOOK TRAILER ::

Love the trailer and want to hear more? Listen to the first chapter on audio here!

:: LINKS ::

-Marissa Meyer's Blog

-Facebook

-Twitter

IN MY MAILBOX + Merry Christmas Eve!!

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 18:15:00 +0000

First, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Hunakkah. This year flew by and I am happy to say I am looking forward to what's in store for us all in the coming year.

I want to thank everyone for sticking with me, especially during my lack of blogging posts. Since I haven't done an 'In My Mailbox' post for a few weeks, these are the books I received during that time.

I wish you all a happy holiday!!

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Credit goes to: Kristi from The Story Siren for 'In My Mailbox' / Inspired by Alea from Pop Culture Junkie

For Review:

-Fever (The Chemical Garden, #2) by Lauren DeStefano + Tarot Cards

-Glimmer by Phoebe Kitanidis

-The Language of Impossible Dreams by Sarah Ockler

-Struck by Jennifer Bosworth

-Don't Breathe A Word by Holly Cupala

-50 Reasons to Hate my Father by Jessica Brody

-Ruthless (Pretty Little Liars, #10) by Sarah Shepard

-Jessica Rules the Dark Side (Jessica, #2) by Beth Fantaskey

-Croak (Croak, #1) by Gina Damic

-Loss (Riders of the Apocalypse, #3) by Jackie Morse Kessler

-Dead is a Battlefield by Marlene Perez

Many Thanks To: Simon & Schuster, Phoebe Kitanidis, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Michelle Zink and Big Honcho Media.

I'd love to hear what you got, so leave a comment!

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:: Book Trailer of the Week ::

:: Song of the Week ::

Tantalizing Future YA Releases: It's back!

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Tantalizing Future YA Releases is a weekly feature where I showcase upcoming YA covers. All titles are linked to GoodReads for summary details. Also, please note that covers may not be final. If changes occur I will replace the covers with the new versions.

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Death and Other Excuses by Jamie Case (Picayune, 1/26/12)
Disenchanted by Sherry Soule (Moonlight Publishing, Inc., 2/2012)

Embrace (The Violet Eden Chaptersm #1) by Jessica Shirvington (Sourcebooks Fire, 3/6/12)
The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden, #1) by Julie Kagawa (Harlequin Teen, 4/24/12)

The Temptation (Kindred, #1) by Alisa Valdes (HarperTeen, 4/24/12)
Being Friends with Boys by Terra Elan McVoy (Simon Pulse, 5/1/12)

Nothing Special by Geoff Herbach (Sourcebooks Fire, 5/1/12)
The Summer of No Regrets by Katherine Grace Bond (Sourcebooks Fire, 5/1/12)

Wentworth Hall by Abby Grahame (Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, 5/1/12)
Slated (Slated, #1) by Teri Terry (Orchard Books, 5/3/12)

Beauty by Lisa Daily (Razorbill, 5/10/12)
Darkness Before Dawn by J.A. London (HarperCollins, 5/29/12)

Transcendence by C.J. Omololu (Walker Childrens, 6/5/12)
Breathing Room by Marsha Hayles (Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 6/5/12)

The Joys of Love by Madeleine L'Engle (Square Fish, 6/5/12)
Wicked Sweet by Mar'ce Merrell (Feiwel & Friends, 6/5/12)

Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne (Feiwel & Friends,6/5/12)
Zoe Letting Go by Nora Price (Razorbill, 6/28/12)

The Girl Is Trouble (Girl is Murder, #2) by Kathryn Miller Haines (Roaring Brook Press, 7/3/12)
Dark Destiny (Dark Mirror, #3) by M.J. Putney (St. Martin's Griffin, 7/3/12)

The Legacy of Tril: Soulbound by Heather Brewer (Dial, 7/5/12)
Lost Girls by Ann Kelley (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 7/10/12)

Spark (Sky Chasers, #2) by Amy Kathleen Ryan (St. Martin's Griffin, 7/17/12)
Drain You by M. Beth Bloom (HarperTeen, 7/24/12)

Capital Girls by Ella Monroe (St. Martin's Griffin, 8/7/12)
Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama (Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 8/21/12)

Dangerous Boy by Mandy Hubbard (Razorbill, 8/30/12)
Vessel by Sarah Beth Durst (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 9/11/12)

Where the beep have I been?

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:05:00 +0000

Hello my lovely followers! As you can see my poor blog has been suffering for a few weeks now. Life grabbed all of my free time and blogging unfortunately took a back seat.

Lately though, I've been contemplating if I'd consider blogging fun anymore. I'm not sure what's wrong with me, I do love all of you and my blog. It's been hard work and I'm very proud of my accomplishment thus far.

But, I am bored. Is it my layout? Maybe, I've had it for two years. I wonder if a new look will re-kindle my blogging obsession. Does anyone have any recommendations on what I should do to get over this funk that I've been in?

I received an e-mail today from one of my loyal readers, Amanda from The Vintage Bookworm (go follow her, super cute blog!) and she actually reached out to see if I am okay. Once I read her e-mail, it hit me that I not only am letting my blog down, but my readers as well. Thank you Amanda so much for taking the time out to e-mail me. I appreciated all her words and it made me remember how much I love communicating with other readers.

So, my goal, especially for the New Year is to spruce this book baby up! It needs a makeover and I definitely will take the time out to make this happen. Does anyone know anybody who creates fun, girlie layouts? I have an idea of what I want, I'm just not sure how to proceed with it.

Thank you everyone for sticking by me even through this silent state on my blog. In the coming week or so, changes will occur so stay tuned!!

xoxo,

Eleni

Guest Post: Emlyn Chand (Author of Farsighted)

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

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:: ABOUT THE AUTHOR ::

From an early age, Emlyn Chand has counted books among her best friends. She loves to hear and tell stories and emerged from the womb with a fountain pen grasped firmly in her left hand (true story). Her affinity for the written word extends to absolutely every area of her life: she has written two-and-a-half novels, leads a classics book group with over three hundred members, and, of course, runs the whole shebang at Novel Publicity, where she contributes her business and marketing savvy as well as her writing and web design talents. The book that changed Emlyn’s life is Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crocket Johnson. It opened her eyes to the world that could exist if only she was willing to create it—a lesson she has never forgotten. She now reads an average of one book per week. While she enjoys all types of novels, her greatest loves are literary fiction and YA. Her first novel, Farsighted, will be available in October 2011.

For more info on Emlyn, visit her site:

http://www.emlynchand.com/

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:: GUEST POST ::

1) Emlyn, what inspired you to write Farsighted?

EC: Everything started with a single image—my face in these tacky oversized sunglasses reflecting out at me from the car’s side mirror. I was daydreaming while my husband drove us across Michigan for my sister’s wedding. Something about my image really struck me in an almost horrific way. I felt the glasses made me look blind but found it so weird that there was still a clear image within them; it seemed so contradictory. At the time, my book club was reading The Odyssey, which features the blind Theban prophet, Tieresias. I started thinking about what it would be like to have non-visual visions of the future and began forming a modern Tieresias in my mind. Lo and behold, Alex Kosmitoras was born. I didn’t want him to be alone in his psychic subculture, so I found other characters with other powers to keep him company. Thank God for my poor fashion sense. :)

2) If you could go back and rename your title, what would you choose?

EC: I wouldn’t. I spent a lot of time pondering over the title and think Farsighted captures its content perfectly. It’s a book that, among other things, is about the ways we see the world around us. Take Alex’s blindness, his psychic powers, his misunderstandings, and we have “farsighted.”

3) Who was the easiest and hardest character to come up with?

EC: The easiest character to write was Shapri Teak; she came to me fully formed and is also my favorite. The daughter of the local palmist, Shapri is in denial about her own psychic powers. Not only is she the most fun of all my characters, but she’s also the kind of the person I wish I could have been like when I was younger. She’s strong, always true to herself, and won’t let anyone disrespect her. Sure, she has fears, but we all do. Shapri is the kind of girl I would love to be friends with. You know she’ll always go to bat for you when you’re too tired to step up to the plate.

The most difficult character to write was Shapri’s mother, Miss Teak, the local palmist and a mentor to the main character Alex although he’s never really quite sure if he can trust her. She was a challenge, because I completed decided to revamp her character midway through to add a layer to the story and get out of cliché territory.

4) Are you currently working on any other projects?

EC: Farsighted is a 5-book series. Each book will be told from a different character’s point-of-view, so in book #2, we’ll actually be able to see what Grandon looks like! Next up is Open Heart. I hope to have that ready by the middle of next year.

5) Besides writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

EC: I like to work, haha. No, seriously. I run my own company, and I love my job. Work is relaxing. When I’ve worked too hard and have to call it quits for the day, I like reading on my Kindle, taking bubble baths, and watching Glee. I also have 5 birds, a dog, and a husband.

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:: ABOUT THE BOOK ::

Alex Kosmitoras’s life has never been easy. The only other student who will talk to him is the school bully, his parents are dead-broke and insanely overprotective, and to complicate matters even more, he’s blind. Just when he thinks he’ll never have a shot at a normal life, a new girl from India moves into town. Simmi is smart, nice, and actually wants to be friends with Alex. Plus she smells like an Almond Joy bar. Yes, sophomore year might not be so bad after all. Unfortunately, Alex is in store for another new arrival—an unexpected and often embarrassing ability to “see” the future. Try as he may, Alex is unable to ignore his visions, especially when they begin to suggest that Simmi is in danger. With the help of the mysterious psychic next door and new friends who come bearing gifts of their own, Alex must embark on a journey to change his future.

Purchase it here:

B&N / Amazon / Smashwords

Waiting On Wednesday: The Hunt + The Raft

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:00:00 +0000

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

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The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: May 8, 2012

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Pages: 304

Summary: In a world where humans have been eaten to near extinction, seventeen-year-old Gene has only managed to survive by painstakingly concealing his true species. If the bloodthirsty creatures surrounding him knew what he really was—a human—he would be devoured swiftly and terribly. When Gene is chosen to participate in the government-sponsored hunt for the last remaining humans, it thrusts him into the fight of his life—and into the path of a human girl who makes him feel things he never thought possible. Now, he must learn the art of the hunt and elude his fellow hunters whose suspicions about his true human nature are growing. But most importantly, Gene and the girl he loves must find a way to forge a life together in a brutal world that’s bent on their destruction.

The Raft by S.A. Bodeen

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: August 21, 2012

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Pages: 240

Summary: Robie, 16, lives with her family on the Midway atoll, a group of islands in the middle of the Pacific. Her parents are scientists; it’s an isolated life. Robie enjoys visiting her aunt in Hawaii – she gets back and forth on a cargo plane that brings supplies to Midway. During a visit, her aunt is called to the mainland for a work emergency, leaving Robie to get home on her own. On her flight back to Midway the cargo plane hits nasty weather, and goes down. It’s just Robie, the pilot, and Max, a co-pilot she’s never met till this flight, on board. Robie is pulled aboard a raft by Max, who is injured and slipping in and out of consciousness. They have a bag of candy and very little water between them. When they finally reach an island that seems abandoned, Robie hopes they’ll be found quickly. But she’s not sure she was even on the flight manifest. Her parents must be looking for her…aren’t they?

What are your thoughts on these books?

(Add them to GoodReads: The Hunt / The Raft)

Books For Thought: What do you think about all the YA books that are being turned into movies?

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Have a question idea? Share it here and I'll feature your blog in this post.

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What do you think about all the YA books that are being turned into movies? Do you like it or are you afraid they'll ruin the books for you?

My Response: For starters, I love the fact that studios are recognizing YA books as great movie makers. But, must you kill some of them? I was a huge fan of the Twilight series, but once the movies came out....blah. I personally think those movies are ridiculous and the actresses and actors just don't capture the feel of my once loved characters. I'm really hoping that The Hunger Games doesn't end up on the same path. I'm not sure what to think, especially after watching the trailer. Does it look cool or a little on the corny, low budgeted side? I'm still on the fence, what did you ladies and gents think about it? I'd really love to hear your thoughts! If you haven't watched it yet, check it out below...

What are your bookish thoughts?

Book Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: Available Now

Publisher: HarperCollins

Pages: 352

Source: BEA

Summary: Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color. The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now. Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

My Review: Breathtakingly written with moments of extraordinary brilliance, Shatter Me, rocked me to my emotional core. The raw vulnerability through Juliette's movements and thoughts were built in such a picturesque way that I couldn't help imagining her every emotion.

The concept behind the idea of not being able to touch another human, was heartbreakingly fascinating. This novel definitely brought to light how we take touch for granted. The worst punishment is knowing you can't hug or kiss the ones you love. It's truly a burden that I wouldn't be able to deal with, so I give Juliette props for being such a strong protagonist.

I was flabbergasted at the roller coaster ride she was put on from beginning to end. I was always on the edge of my seat waiting to see how Juliette was going to get away from enemy grounds. In addition, I became thoroughly engrossed in Adam's demeanor towards Juliette. His charming personality and boyish good looks created a romantic atmosphere I couldn't help but swoon over.

Another character that I couldn't help but hate and enjoy at the same time was Warner, a villainous figure that was trying to take advantage of Juliette's uncommon power. I still don't know how to feel about him. He was one evil son of a beep, but he also had some traits that I found quite appealing, despite his unnatural sense of malevolence.

All in all, as a debut writer, Tahereh's skillful text advances her creative longevity in the Young Adult genre. I look forward to seeing her continuing her intense style and how the story will escalate. I recommend you pick this one up if you're looking for a dystopian book filled with concentrated substance.

My Rating: (4.5)

Book Trailer:

Author's Info:

Tahereh Mafi is a girl. She was born in a small city somewhere in Connecticut and currently resides in Orange County, California, where the weather is just a little too perfect for her taste. When unable to find a book, she can be found reading candy wrappers, coupons, and old receipts. Shatter Me is her first novel.

For more info on Tahereh, visit her sites:

-Website

-Blog

-Twitter

-Facebook

-GoodReads

Tantalizing Future YA Releases!

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:15:00 +0000

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Fated by Sarah Alderson (Simon & Schuster Childrens Books, 1/5/12)
Goddess Interrupted (Goddess Test, #2) by Aimee Carter (HarlequinTeen, 3/27/12)

Immortal City by Scott Speer (Razorbill, 4/3/12)
Quaranteen by Lex Thomas (EgmontUSA, 4/24/12)

Destined (Wings, #4) by Aprilynne Pike (HarperCollins, 4/28/12)
Wanted by Heidi Ayarbe (Balzer + Bray, 5/1/12)

Until I Die (Revenants, #2) by Amy Plum (HarperCollins, 5/8/12)
The Lost Code (The Atlanteans, #1) by Kevin Emerson (HarperCollins, 5/22/12)

Crazy by Amy Reed (Simon Pulse, 6/12/12)
Violins of Autumn by Amy McAuley (Walker Childrens, 6/19/12)

One Moment by Kristina McBride (EgmontUSA, 6/26/12)
Dark Kiss (Nightwatchers, #1) by Michelle Rowen (Harlequin Teen, 6/2012)

Arise (Hereafter, #2) by Tara Hudson (HarperCollins, 7/5/12)
Tempest Unleashed (Tempest, #2) by Tracy Deebs (Walker Childrens, 6/5/12)

Perfect Escape by Jennifer Brown (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 7/10/12)
The Thing About the Truth by Lauren Barnholdt (Simon Pulse, 7/10/12)

Hide and Seek (The Lying Game, #4) by Sara Shepard (HarperTeen, 7/31/12)
Wake (Watersong, #1) by Amanda Hocking (St. Martin's Press, 8/2/12)

Counting Backwards by Laura Lascarso (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 8/14/12)
Smashed by Lisa Luedeke (Margaret K. McElderry, 8/21/12)

The Sweetest Spell by Suzanne Selfors (Walker Childrens, 8/21/12)
Touched (Touched, #1) by Corrine Jackson (Kensington Teen, 12/2012)

Earth Angel (Falling Angels, #2) by E. Van Lowe (Date TBA)

Waiting On Wednesday: Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:00:00 +0000

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

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Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: April 24th 2012

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Pages: 464

Summary: Two days before the start of her junior year, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed—as in blinding light, scenes of her life flashing before her, and then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she’s opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And even though it isn’t possible, Janelle knows—with every fiber of her being—that Ben has somehow brought her back to life. But her reincarnation, and Ben’s possible role in it, is only the first of the puzzles that Janelle must solve. While snooping in her FBI-agent father’s files for clues about her accident, she uncovers a clock that seems to be counting down to something—but to what? And when someone close to Janelle is killed, she can no longer deny what’s right in front of her: Everything that’s happened—the accident, the murder, the countdown clock, Ben’s sudden appearance in her life—points to the end of life as she knows it. And as the clock ticks down, she realizes that if she wants to put a stop to the end of the world, she’s going to need to uncover Ben’s secrets—and keep from falling in love with him in the process. From debut author Elizabeth Norris comes this shattering novel of one girl’s fight to save herself, her world, and the one boy she never saw coming.

My Thoughts: I love the sound of this! I can't imagine what this girl is going to go through in this novel, but I'm eager to find out. Plus, this cover was perfectly done. I love the background and the characters look great, especially Ben. ;)

What are your thoughts on Unraveling?

(Add it to GoodReads)

Introduction to some cool sounding book/writer sites!

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Guardian Teen Books has partnered with Random House for a new interactive, serialised story called Root - a fast-paced thriller set in the shadowy world of computer hacking and espionage.

Every weekday for six weeks a new chapter will be released on guardian.co.uk/teen-books. The content will be directly influenced by readers’ contributions, such as their ideas for characters' personalities and skills.

The heroine Molly Root is a 15 year old computer genius whose friend Danny is killed after being caught stealing priceless data from a ruthless global corporation. Now she's in over her head. So far Molly Root's mission to get to the bottom of her best friend's murder has taken her on a perilous trail across London. Her key lead is a dodgy police detective - and her attempts to expose his shady contacts are testing her ingenuity to the limits.

As well as incorporating suggestions from readers, the story will also be brought to life via several social media platforms. For example, Guardian Teen Books' Twitter and Facebook accounts will be providing behind the scenes updates of how Molly is progressing, along with clips on Audioboo featuring the voicemails that Molly has discovered. This will be accompanied by onsite quizzes and photo puzzles on Flickr.

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Everyone knows that the key to becoming a better writer is consistently writing every day, but that's often easier said than done. A kind of Couch-To-5K for writers, It's Not A Sprint, It's A Marathon is a one-page site that details a simple method for creating a daily writing habit. http://www.notasprint.com

Instead of throwing yourself into another impossible self-imposed writing schedule, you'll be asked to a step back and focus on consistently sitting down to write. In the beginning, your output will be really low, but over time you'll gradually increase your daily word count until, before you know it, you'll be where want to be.

It's not revolutionary or mindblowing, and I'm not pretending to be some kind of guru, but it's what worked for me (after a decade-plus of frustration) and I thought maybe other aspiring writers could benefit from it as well.

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In Need of Gifts for Readers?

GoneReading makes unique gifts for readers and book lovers. Whether you need gifts for the readers in your life, or a bookish treat for yourself, you’ll love what GoneReading has to offer!

Gone Reading International, founded in 2011, has pledged 100% of company profits in perpetuity to fund reading libraries and other literacy projects in the developing world. Read more about our philanthropic mission here.

Visit their online store now to see our full line of gifts for readers!

IN MY MAILBOX: I'm back from my mini break!

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Credit goes to: Kristi from The Story Siren for 'In My Mailbox' / Inspired by Alea from Pop Culture Junkie

For Review:

-The Pledge (The Pledge, #1) by Kimberly Derting

-After the Snow by S.D. Crockett

-Still Waters by Emma Carlson Berne

-Immortal City by Scott Speer

-Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne

-A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink

-Rush by Jeremy Iversen

Many Thanks To: Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, Emma Carlson Berne, and Penguin Group

I'd love to hear what you got, so leave a comment!

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:: Book Trailer of the Week ::

:: Song of the Week ::

I am obsessed with this song!

Tantalizing Future YA Releases!

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0000

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Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler (Simon Pulse, 1/3/12)
Drowning Instinct by Ilsa J. Bick (Carolrhoda Books, 2/2012)

The One That I Want by Jennifer Echols (Simon Pulse, 2/7/12)
After the Snow by S. D. Crockett (Feiwel & Friends, 3/27/12)

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1) by Robin LaFevers (Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 4/3/12)
The Selection (The Selection, #1) by Kiera Cass (HarperTeen, 4/24/12)

Mister Death's Blue-Eyed Girls by Mary Downing Hahn (Clarion Books, 4/17/12)
Welcome, Caller, This Is Chloe by Shelley Coriell (Amulet Books, 5/1/12)

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins (HarperTeen, 5/1/12)
Lucy in the Sky by Anonymous (Simon Pulse, 5/1/12)

Hollyweird by Terri Clark (Flux, 5/8/12)
Ferocity Summer by Alissa Grosso (Flux, 5/8/12)

Crazy Dangerous by Andrew Klavan (Thomas Nelson, 5/8/12)
Fated (The Soul Seekers, #1) by Alyson Noel (St. Martin's Griffin, 5/22/12)

Dreamless (Starcrossed, #2) by Josephine Angelini (HarperTeen, 5/28/12)
For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund (Balzer + Bray, 6/12/12)

Rapture (Fallen, #4) by Lauren Kate (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 6/12/12)
A Want So Wicked (A Need So Beautiful, #2) by Suzanne Young (Balzer + Bray, 6/26/12)

My Life in Black and White by Natasha Friend (Viking Juvenile, 6/28/12)
My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick (Dial Books For Young Readers, 6/2012)

Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard (HarperTeen, 7/24/12)
Endlessly (Paranormalcy, #3) by Kiersten White (HarperTeen, 7/24/12)

The Waiting Sky by Lara Zielin (Putnam Juvenile, 8/2/12)
Auracle by Gina Rosati (Roaring Brook Press, 8/7/12)

Narc by Crissa-Jean Chappell (Flux, 8/8/12)
Burn by Heath Gibson (Flux, 8/8/12)

Waiting On Wednesday: Cold Fury by T.M. Goeglein

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:00:00 +0000

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

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Cold Fury by T.M. Goeglein

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: July 24, 2012

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Pages:288

Summary: Sara Jane Rispoli is just a normal sixteen-year-old girl coping with school and a developing crush— until her parents and younger brother are kidnapped, and she discovers her family has been a key figure of Chicago’s Outfit (aka the mob) for decades. Her father, grandfather and great grandfather all used their special ability, cold fury, to settle disputes between the two mob factions—the muscle and the money. And unless Sara wants the mob to think her now missing family has turned state’s evidence, she will have to fill her father’s shoes as the mob’s peacemaker, using her own cold fury

My Thoughts: Firstly, this cover is so badass. The girl looks like she is going to be one tough protagonist. I also really like the premise surrounding their cold fury ability and fighting mobs. It sounds different from the YA books I've read so far. I'm excited for this one!

What are your thoughts on Cold Fury?

(Add it to GoodReads)

Thanksgiving Day Guest Post w/ Jus Accardo (Author of Touch)

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 23:41:00 +0000

Today, please welcome Jus Accardo, author of Touch. Thank you to Jus and Entangled Publishing for giving me the chance to feature you. If you haven't heard of this book, make sure you check it out below! Also, I'm sure Jus would love to hear your thoughts on what you love or hate about Thanksgiving.

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:: GUEST POST ::

Why I love Thanksgiving—And Why I Hate It.

Thanksgiving marks the beginning of crazy season in my house. All our relatives come here on all the major holidays. I cook for anywhere between 20 and 30—by myself. Really though, that’s my choice. No one is allowed in my kitchen! I thought I’d share a few of the wonderful things I loved about the holiday—and a few I could live without.

What I love…

1. The food. I’m Italian, so pretty much every holiday involves crazy amounts of awesome food. I have pictures of holiday tables decked out with the most amazing dishes you can possible imagine, but none compare to Thanksgiving. There’s just something about it. A golden brown turkey in the middle of a ten foot long table. Sweet potato pie flanked by mashed potatoes with melted cheese and steaming corn bread pudding. Out the window the few leaves remaining on the trees are a mix of brown, red, and yellow. It’s perfection.

2. The family and friends. They don’t call it the busiest travel day of the year for nothing. Family and friends come from all over to sit down together in peaceful reflection. It’s the perfect time to remember and be thankful for all the blessings in your life. You’re home, family, and friends.

3. The memories. Anytime family and friends gather for a holiday, memories are made. There was the first Turkey day with your husband (or wife). You fumbled through making your very first Thanksgiving Day meal, everyone insisting it was fantastic. Or the year your cousin proposed to his girlfriend using three sing-grammers dressed as turkeys. And no one will forget the year you decorated the entire house from top to bottom. Everything from handmade fall inspired table cloth, to scattered fall leaves on the floor.

What I hate…

1. The food. There’s so much of it—and it all looks amazing. You eat and eat and eat until your clothing no longer fits and gravy starts running from your ears. Friday rolls around, and guess what? The food is still there! Each time you open the fridge it’s calling to you. It reappears on the dinner table over and over again for the next week. Turkey pot pie. Stuffing casserole. Turkey pot pie. Crock pot turkey and rice. Turkey pot pie. Turkey stew. Turkey pot pie. It’s never frigging ending…

2. The family and friends. They invade your house like locusts…consuming anything and everything that’s not nailed down. They break your stuff, terrorize your pets, and clog your toilet with things that would make Clive Barker run away screaming.

3. The memories. (aka the nightmares) Who wouldn’t want to remember the year drunk uncle Carmine set fire to the living room rug in an attempt to burn out satan? Or the time crazy aunt Gia ran naked through the house with her eyes closed screaming Marco Polo? And you know you’ll never forget your cousin’s twelve year old twins taking a leak on the fake potted fern because it looked like it needed a drink.

All in all, I really can’t complain. Much. I love Thanksgiving and I love my family—burning carpets and clogged toilets included. So how about you? What do you love (or hate) about Turkey Day?

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:: AUTHOR BIO ::

Jus Accardo is the author of YA paranormal romance and urban fantasy fiction. A native New Yorker, she lives in the middle of nowhere with her husband, three dogs, and sometimes guard bear, Oswald. Her first book, Touch, is due out in November 2011 from Entangled Publishing. She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

:: ABOUT THE BOOK ::

"When a strange boy tumbles down a river embankment and lands at her feet, seventeen-year-old adrenaline junkie Deznee Cross snatches the opportunity to piss off her father by bringing the mysterious hottie with ice blue eyes home. Except there's something off with Kale. He wears her shoes in the shower, is overly fascinated with things like DVDs and vases, and acts like she'll turn to dust if he touches her. It's not until Dez's father shows up, wielding a gun and knowing more about Kale than he should, that Dez realizes there's more to this boy - and her father's "law firm" - than she realized. Kale has been a prisoner of Denazen Corporation - an organization devoted to collecting "special" kids known as Sixes and using them as weapons - his entire life. And, oh yeah, his touch? It kills. Dez and Kale team up with a group of rogue Sixes hellbent on taking down Denazen before they're caught and her father discovers the biggest secret of all. A secret Dez has spent her life keeping safe. A secret Kale will kill to protect."

Title: Touch by Jus Accardo

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

ePub ISBN: 978-1-937044-44-2

Print ISBN: 978-1-937044-45-9

Release Date: November 1, 2011

Buy Links:

-Amazon

-Barnes & Noble

-Website

-Blog

A much needed break....

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni @ La Femme Readers) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 09:17:00 +0000

Hello followers! Sadly, I'll be taking a much needed break from blogging. I'm currently going through some issues at home that need to be taken care of. I'm not sure when I'll be back, I am aiming for about a week. Everything just seems to be falling apart and it is causing me to fall into a depresssed state. When I am sad, I tend to stay away from reading. I'm not sure why, that's just how my mind responds. Anywho, thank you all for support and patience.

I'm sorry to all the authors and publishers who are waiting on reviews. I hope to be back really soon with a strong comeback. Thank you for listening!