A Book-lovers' Review

My Favorite Reads Giveaway Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Thu, 31 May 2012 20:24:00 +0000

My Favorite Reads Giveaway Hop

Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Rachelle's Writing Spot

Here are some of my favorite reads that are up for grab...

Prize 1

Prize 2

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now available!! GIO by Elizabeth Reyes

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Tue, 22 May 2012 23:14:00 +0000

IT'S FINALLY HERE!!!

If you are a seasoned follower of mine you know what a HUGE fan of Elizabeth Reyes I am and I'm so HAPPY, happy, happy to announce that Gio (book two of the 5th Street series) is now available for download at B&N and Amazon (soon). If you haven't read the first book well you are in luck. Noah is only .99 cent right now!! Hurry and get a copy!

When tragedy strikes in the ring, Giovanni Bravo falls into a deep depression, walking away from his dream of boxing to train instead. He agrees to a two month get-away, helping train Felix Sanchez, his high school best friend and now welterweight champ of the world. Once at Felix’s lavish boxing complex, he’s reunited with Bianca Rubio, someone he remembers only as the girl with the innocent doe eyes back in high school. Her refreshing, cheerful demeanor not only takes Gio’s mind off his troubled conscience, he finds himself falling for her fast and hard. The problem—Bianca is Felix’s girlfriend.

Having a sexy, famous boyfriend has its perks, but they come with a price. Bianca not only has to deal with the ongoing tabloid rumors about her boyfriend hooking with other women, but also his constant absence when he is on the road. So now that Felix will be in town for two whole months to train for his next big bout, Bianca is thrilled. He’s even asked her to move into his cabin while he's there. But when he leaves for days at a time to promote his fight, Bianca spends time getting to know Felix’s gorgeous new trainer and good friend, Gio. Increasingly drawn to his sweet smile and smoldering green eyes, she finds herself saying and doing things she normally wouldn’t.

As it becomes more and more difficult for each to resist the other, Gio crosses the line between them. He hopes that one kiss will alleviate the overwhelming temptation and clear both their systems, but it does just the opposite. Their temptation suddenly becomes an obsession—a dangerous obsession that can only lead to heartache—for everyone.--Goodreads

Links

Amazon

B&N

Blog Tour: Author Interview with Stefne Miller

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Mon, 21 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Author Interview

If you had to choose between your books which one would you most like to see up on the big screen? Collision. The story line combined with the scenery and insight into current events would make it a great movie.

Is there something about yourself that most people would be surprised to know?
That moment in church when the pastor tells everyone to stand and greet people is the most anxiety filled few minutes of my life. I usually act like I’m looking for something in my purse. I’m great in crowds but one on one with people I don’t know, freaks me out.

What do you think about the Collision’s book cover?
Love it. I didn’t know if they’d be able to find a way to get Cabot and his two worlds into one cover but they found a way to do it without showing too much of us face – which lets readers picture him how they want.

What would you say was your greatest influence while writing Collision?
My time spent in Uganda. Most of Cabot’s first hand experiences were taken directly from the journal I kept during my visit to Gulu. I loved the country and its people so much that I wanted to tell their story but in a way that would educate and give a great story at the same time.

If you had a day to spend with your characters what would you do?
I’d spend a day with them at Joy House (the orphanage mentioned in the book)

Where have you found inspiration for your stories?
Every book, although very different, has stemmed from a personal experience and the lesson that I learned from that experience.

Have you had an idea for one of your characters that you really wanted to put in your book but it just didn’t work out so you had to delete it?
That has happened a lot. I come up with what I think are great scene ideas but as I get to know my characters more, I realize that it isn’t something that my character would actually do. I save those scenes and hope to use them in future books.

Blog Tour: My POV of Unbreak My Heart by Melissa Walker

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Sun, 20 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Hardcover, 240 pages

Expected publication: May 22nd 2012 by Bloomsbury USA

Sophomore year broke Clementine Williams’ heart. She fell for her best friend’s boyfriend and long story short: he’s excused, but Clem is vilified and she heads into summer with zero social life. Enter her parents’ plan to spend the summer on their sailboat. Normally the idea of being stuck on a tiny boat with her parents and little sister would make Clem break out in hives, but floating away sounds pretty good right now. Then she meets James at one of their first stops along the river. He and his dad are sailing for the summer and he’s just the distraction Clem needs. Can he break down Clem’s walls and heal her broken heart? Told in alternating chapters that chronicle the year that broke Clem’s heart and the summer that healed it, Unbreak My Heart is a wonderful dual love story that fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Susane Colasanti will flock to.--Goodreads

Rating:

My POV

What a great summer read! Emotional yet fun, Melissa Walker takes us on a journey through a teens first true heartache. Our main character is Clem (short for Clementine)and we get to see her work out a very difficult predicament. She has lost her best friend over a boy right before she is to leave on a summer long sailing trip with both her parents and ten year old sister.

While on her family trip she is cut off from the world and has only her thoughts and books to occupy her mind. Feeling guilty and depressed she can't shake the feeling that she is a horrible person and deserves all her misery. Then comes James. A red headed hottie that makes her laugh and forget about the tragic events back home. He is also sailing for the summer. They meet up every chance they get at each port but when he finds out what exactly happened back home with Clem and her best friend he can't help but have second thoughts about their relationship especially because she is not the only one with problems back home.

As realization hits her that she is not the only one trying to get through some difficult times she starts to let go of her guilt a little. She then becomes aware that everyone makes mistakes but life goes on and you deal with them the best way you can. That is part of life.

Cute, fun and heart warming, Unbreak My Heart is a wonderful summer read with solid characters and real life issues. Like with most books I read I wish there was a little more. I would have like to see her return to school and see how it worked out with all her "friends." Either way it still ended well especially since James and her plan on seeing more of each other.

Quote

"What am I doing? What is he doing? It's not even like we were alone-everyone was right there. I know I'm a bad friend. I know I'm doing something terrible. I just don't know hot to stop."

***

"It's almost like you have to hear it out loud, even from yourself, to realize it's not what you think. It's just what you think you think. Maybe because other people would thing that way or something. Right?"

***

" I let a little laugh escape me then, and James pulled me in for a more kissing. I know they say laughter's the best medicine, but kissing? It's definitely also Top 5."

Links
Melissa Walker's Website
Melissa's Blog
Facebook Page

Love In Bloom Giveaway Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:32:00 +0000

Featuring Lighthearted/Contemporary Young Adult Romance

& Sweet, Clean Adult Romance

Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Portrait of a Book

What is up for grabs..

and

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hop on over to the next blog...

Introducing Brandi Peel!! and an ARC Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Thu, 17 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Say Hello to A Book Lovers Review's new review member!!

Brandi Peel

I’m so happy and excited to add Brandi on to the ABLR team!! It has taken me a while to decide on whether or not to add team members to the blog but when Brandi mentioned that she would like to start reviewing I jumped at the opportunity. Not only do I consider her a great addition to the team because she is a reliable kindred book enthusiast but I now consider myself lucky to call her a friend. Thanks Brandi for being so wonderful!!

I thought the best way to introduce Brandi to all of you is by having her do an interview for the blog. So enjoy her answers and help me welcome her to the world of book blogging!

Interview

If you could be any character from a book who would you be and why?

I would be Rose from Vampire Academy, not only is she beautiful and strong, but she can kick some serious butt! Also there is the fact that she has Dmitri. I also love Sophie from the Hex Hall series, her smart mouth and snarky wit crack me up.

Which genre do you tend to love and which do you tend to stay away from?

I'm a sucker for a good love story. A book doesn't have to be a romance per se, it just has to have an element of love to it. I stay away from non-fiction, I read enough non-fiction during my college days to last a lifetime. Make believe is way more fun!! A girl can never have too many kissy scenes!

Which authors and their books/series do you love?

There are so many! Of course, first and foremost I'm a Twihard. I'm such a big Twilight fan I made the pilgrimage that thousands of others fans have made to Forks, Port Angeles and La Push beach. Aaahhh...La Push beach, what was I saying??? I'm also a big fan of the following series: Vampire Academy, Hex Hall, Paranormalcy and the Lux series.

What book hottie would you pick as your book boyfriend? Why?

I have to be very careful how I answer this question, I am a happily married woman, after all *cough* and my hubbie will be reading this. After some serious thought and debate on my part, of course, because no one's better than the hubbie *snicker* It would have to be Daemon from Jennifer L. Armentrout's Lux series. He's dangerous and a real jerk. I alternate between loving him and hating him. It's quite exhausting, just like real life!

Book cover love..give us a title for one of your favorites?

Belle Whittington's Cicada is not only a gorgeous story and one of my favorite's it has a gorgeous cover too! Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins, it's very enticing. I would buy the book, without even reading the synopsis, just based on the cover. Also, Touch by Jus Accardo, take a look at it yourself, and you won't need to ask my why I love it!

Do you have a favorite place you like to read?

I can and will read anytime, anyplace, anywhere. I am NEVER without something to read. I carry books with me everywhere, whether it be a paper book, my kindle or my kindle phone app.

Which author would love to meet that you haven't met yet?

Duh, Stephanie Meyer of course! I do realize with how famous she is now, that might not happen. Another author I'm dying to meet is Myra McEntire, author of Hourglass and Timepiece. I follow her on Facebook and Twitter and she seems like an amazing woman! She has a wonderful sense of humor and I love that. She claims she would love to come to Texas, but I'm still waiting.

Since we go to many book signings..what book signing was your most memorable?

Rachel Hawkins without a doubt. It was fast, but it was one of the best moments of my life! I was the first in line at TLA to meet her, I stood there nervous, possibly sweating, (I said possibly!), wondering if I could think of something intelligent and insightful to say to Ms. Hawkins. Something that would convey to her how much I loved the Hex Hall series, something different that wasn't like every other boring thing that every other fan says. Also, as possibly the oldest person standing in the line, I had to think of something credible to say. When she walked up, all I could do is stare in wonder with my mouth open. Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm NEVER incapable of speech. I sputtered for a minute and to her credit she smiled and was so patient. To tell you the truth I'm not sure what I said, I blabbed on incessantly and squealed like a school girl. It was quite embarrassing and wonderful at the same time.

Do you like stand alone novels are series?

This is a hard question to answer. Part of me loves series because you get so much more story than with a stand alone. You have the potential for a lot of things to happen and you get to spend longer with the characters. The part of me that hates series is that wait and anticipation waiting for the next book to come out. Sometimes, I find it quite painful.

Name a book that you wish never ended?

Everyone that I read!

****

In the spirit of celebration we are giving away

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: My POV While He Was Away by Karen Schrek

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Paperback, 256 pages

Expected publication: May 1st 2012 by Sourcebooks Fire

"This is just something I have to do, okay?" I hear David say. "The right thing."

He cradles my face in his hands. He kisses me hard. Then he lets go of me. His eyes dart from me to whatever's next.

All she wants is for him to stay. She's been doing pretty well, pretending he doesn't have to go. But one day, after one last night to remember, she wakes up and there's no denying it anymore. He's gone.

When Penna Weaver's boyfriend goes off to Iraq, she's left facing life without him. As summer sets in, Penna tries to distract herself with work and her art, but the not knowing is slowly driving her crazy. Especially when David stops writing.

She knows in her heart he will come home. But will he be the same boy she fell in love with?--Goodreads

Rating:

My POV

If you are looking for a happily ever after ending this is not for you. I do not want to discourage you from reading this book at all with this first statement because this is a story worth reading. But what you will get is a reality check. This is about the reality of having a loved one in the armed forces far away in a war zone. It’s about love, life and holding on the best way we can in our own situations whether its in a war zone or back at home dealing with the longing of him or her to come back home safely.

Penna is young and in love with David who has enlisted in the to be a soldier. Life has just began for these two and they couldn’t be more in love but when David leaves for his station in Iraq their relationship begins to slowly unravel. The things that David experiences over seas will change anyone. The longer he's away the more distant he gets with Penna. She doesn’t know what to do but she know she loves him absolutely. Even with David being so uncommunicative and distant Penna finds comfort in helping him with his goal to provide the orphans of Iraq with necessities ,supplies and gifts. This is how she feels she can help him through such a hard time even after he has made an incomprehensible decision concerning there relationship.

The reason for 3.5 stars is that I loved the situation and emotion behind this book but I felt that it dragged in the beginning a bit. Also, there were a few times when I lost connection with the story when I didn't understand what was trying to be conveyed in a passage. Other than that it was an emotional read that had me hopefully to the very end. As this book came to an end I found myself panicking. "This can not be it!" I shouted to the book. There has to be more! I have to see what happens next! I will definitely do the happy dance if a sequel or companion book comes out.

Quote

"This is just something I have to do, okay?" I heard David say. "Something for me. Something for our country." He looks over Beau's shoulder at me. "The right thing."
***
"All these guys have been getting these Dear John letters. Some of the girls here are getting them too. Dear Janes."
"Weird. I don't know that many Johns. Or Janes." My laughter sounded like crying. "They all must be in the army."
David doesn't laugh. "Guess you don't know what a Dear John letter is."
"I guess I don't."..
"It's a break-up letter" he says."
"What does that have to do with us?'..." I only write Dear David letters."

Links
Karen's Blog
Facebook Page
While He Was Away Website

Tuesday Teaser!!

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:42:00 +0000

TEASER

"Thank you," I murmured, breathing in his scent, allowing myself to experience the full brunt of the Aidan effect. "God, you smell so good."

"Better than Dr. Hottie?" Aidan asked huskily, one hand pressed into the small of my back, steadying me.

"Way better," I shot back, before I'd thought better of it. (MIRAGE ARC, page 65)

Proud to be apart of

Blog Tour: Character Interview with Nick and Zara of Endure by Carrie Jones

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Mon, 14 May 2012 03:08:00 +0000

NICK: So, I'm supposed to interview you.
ZARA: Yep!
NICK:
ZARA:
NICK:
ZARA: You sort of have to talk to interview me, Nick.
NICK:
ZARA:
NICK:
ZARA: Seriously, am I that bad?
NICK: You just smell so... pixie....
ZARA (sighing): Well, go in the living room and I will stay in the kitchen and we can shout at each other.
NICK: Good call.
ZARA: Any better?!!
NICK: Yeah!
ZARA:
NICK:
ZARA: Nick, you have to ask a question. The Book Lover Review people are going to get annoyed.
NICK: I'm trying to think of something.
ZARA: I could ask you a question.
NICK: Hell no!
ZARA: You're just afraid of what I'd ask.
NICK: Absolutely... Hold on... Hold on... Um, what is it like to be a pixie?
ZARA: Weid. It's -- um -- it's like feeling everything more deeply. Smells have colors. Emotions feel like you can grab them and bounce them on the floor. And being near steel and metal stings or burns. I get a lot of headaches.
NICK: What about weres?
ZARA: What about them?
NICK: Do you want to kill them?
ZARA; NO!!!
NICK:
ZARA: I am not lying.
NICK: What about people?
ZARA: I don't want to eat them either.
NICK: Good.... good... Well, I guess that's it.
ZARA: That's it? Don't you want to know what it was like missing you, or rescuing you, or what it's like not having you ever talk to me? Don't you want to know how much it hurts that you are all the way in the living room because I smell bad to you? What about those questions, Nick? Don't you want to know them?
NICK: Not really.
ZARA: !!!!
NICK:

***

Thank you Bloomsbury for asking us to participate in this tour!

Blog Tour: MY POV of Collision by Stefne Miller

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Thu, 10 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Paperback, 333 pages

Expected publication: March 13th 2012

Seven minutes inside a hotel room with a complete stranger. A friendly greeting where we pretend to know each other well and are genuinely happy to see each other; then straight to business. None of it meaningful. None of it real. All of it rehearsed, choreographed, and expected.

My life isn’t my own anymore. I pretty much go wherever I’m told and put on the show. It’s my life and whether I chose it or not, it’s the life I’ve got. It’s the world I live in.

And, I’m searching. Always searching… I just don’t know what for.
---
Cab Stone has it all—fame, fortune and the adoration of millions of women across the globe. When the constant attention from fans and expectations from his handlers becomes too much, he escapes the craziness of press junkets and movie sets and escapes to Asheville, North Carolina to hide away for the summer.

He expects peace, quiet, and solitude. What he doesn’t expect is to meet a fiery redhead who changes everything he knows about the world.

The daughter of missionaries, Kei Sallee lives a life of service to others. She has little, expects less, and helps heal the hearts of thousands in Uganda, where she grew up. When she finds herself staying in the same guesthouse as Cab Stone, she vows to ignore his Greek god good looks and spend the summer as she had planned—in peace, quiet, and solitude.

Cab and Kei’s lives couldn’t be more different…or more the same.

Despite, or perhaps because of, their vastly different yet startlingly similar backgrounds, Cab and Kei strike up an unlikely friendship that could possibly blossom into something more. But Kei fears that the truth about her past will prevent pretty-boy Cab, who is used to getting everything he wants, from fully committing to her.

When two completely different worlds experience a Collision, can they exist as one? --Goodreads

Rating:

My POV

Wow! I'm speechless. So many emotions going through me with this ending I can’t put them all into words.

There were two things that kept me glued to these pages. One was the relationship between Kei and Cabot. It was amazing and so hopeful. It left me wanting more at the end of each chapter. Second, the dialog between these two is so much fun to read I was grinning ear to ear with each word.

Cabot and Kei have such different lives. One a movie star and one a saint...well ok she's a missionary in Africa. You would never think that these two could make relationship work or that it could work out for them but they are willing to try. Surprisingly, Cabot is willing to try more so then Kei because she is wary. She views her self as a person undeserving of anyone’s love and affections because of the things she has been through. She’s terrified of getting romantically involved with anyone but Cabot works his way into her into her comfort zone slowly and desperately. Their journey to happily ever after is beautiful and one I will not forget.

Collision was a VERY emotional read! All the things these two characters experience together and how they change as individuals is wonderful to see. This is a very romantic story with very real and serious subjects. The ending was so unexpected and I‘m sure it will always render me speechless when I talk about this book with others. This book was funny, romantic and devastatingly beautiful! This is one of my best reads of 2012!

Quote

"We're worlds apart, you and me."

***

"I realized that you've made so many promisies to me but I haven't made any back. So my promises are to give you my love and hope."

Links

Stefne Miller's Website

Waiting On Wednesday: Mirage by Kristi Cook

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Seventeen-year-old Violet McKenna is back for her senior year at Winterhaven, and thrilled to be with Aidan after a long summer apart. But when a violent and disturbing vision begins to haunt her, Violet suddenly feels unsure of everything: who to trust, if she is in danger, and—worst of all—whether she and Aidan are really meant to be together.--Goodreads

Hardcover, 384 pages

Expected publication: June 5th 2012

by Simon Pulse

Proud to be part of

Blog Tour: Notes to Self Guest Post with Reno

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Wed, 09 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

This or That with Reno

Gators bite or Turtle Soup Turtle Soup
Swim with the dolphins or wrestle with alligators Swim with the dolphins
Theme parks or Water Parks Theme parks
Pool or Beach Beach
Ice Cream or Snow Cones Ice cream
Trunks or Speedos Trunks
Sand dollar or Shark Tooth Shark Tooth
Money or Love Love
House Party or Club House Party
Camping at the river or a day at the beach Camping at the river
Air boat ride or River Rafting River Rafting
Ignorant is Bliss or The Hard Truth The Hard Truth

Teaser Tuesdays!!

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:31:00 +0000

TEASER

"I must have dropped the barrier around my thoughts then, because I heard the sharp intake of his breath, felt his fingers dig into my hips as he dragged me backward, pinning me against the wall in the blink of an eye." (MIRAGE ARC, page 36)

Proud to be apart of

My POV: First Comes Love by Katie Kacvinsky and HAPPY RELEASE DAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Tue, 08 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!

Hardcover, 224 pages

Expected publication: May 8th 2012 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Like his name, Gray is dark and stormy. Dylan, a girl always searching for what’s next, seemingly unable to settle down, is the exact opposite: full of light and life. On the outside, they seem like an unlikely couple. But looks can be deceiving and besides, opposites attract.

What starts as friendship, turns into admiration, respect and caring, until finally these two lone souls find they are truly in love with each other.

But staying in love is not as easy as falling in love. If Dylan and Gray want their love to last, they’re going to have to work at it. And learn that sometimes love means having to say you’re sorry.--Goodreads

Rating:

My POV

What a beautiful love story! Gray and Dylan will forever be in my Love Story Hall of Fame.

Meeting at a community college in Arizona they never thought they would end up in any kind of relationship. Gray and Dylan are polar opposites. Dylan is awkward and artistic but very comfortable in her own skin with an enthusiastic out look on life. Gray is in a very dark place in the beginning of the book. Depressed, moody, distant, and confused he's lost his enthusiasm for life because he has lost someone extremely close to him. Preferring not to share anything about himself he’s closed himself off to the world. He never talks to anyone or never smiles and I guess you could say that curiosity is what drew Dylan to him at first. She knows it will be hard to get Gray to open up but she likes a challenge and has tons of patients and understanding . She never let's anything get her down.

The chemistry between these two is undeniable and beautiful. Dylan is such a free spirit you will lover her right away. She so positive and upbeat you can’t help but adore her. Grays devotions is refreshing and surprising it makes me love him so much. Dylan says she loves everyone freely without regard or hesitation but she's no fool. She knows Gray is someone special. Someone that means more to her than anyone else ever has.

Guys you have to read this book. It’s so good and fun you will regret missing out if you don‘t. Wonderful characters, a passionate relationship and a one great story. Pick it up today! It’s now available

Quote

"You know you love someone when he makes all the ordinary moments feel extraordinary. When doing absolutely nothing feels like everything. Gray assumed he wasn't enough. And what I didn't admit, what I didn't realize at the time, is that it's just the opposite. He was too much."

Links
Katie's Website
Katie's Blog

Blog Tour: When He Was Away Author Guest Post

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Mon, 07 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Karen Schreck

When I'm Not Writing

When I am not writing, I am writing. By this I mean that I also work as a freelance copywriter, doing advertising, magazine, script, and public relations work. (Everything feeds the fire, write? I mean, right?) Also, when I’m not writing, I’m often reading . . . and I believe that reading is a kind of writing, since I’m often voicing my internal opinions in a kind of coversation with the book in my hands and the author.

And in addition to all this, I’m the mom of two kids I adore, and the husband of the photographer, Greg Schreck (also adored by me). In various combinations with these people and my friends, I love to: watch movies, go to museums, plays, and dance programs, travel, eat good food, do yoga, get exercise—if I had my preference, I’d go cross country skiing, bicycling, or do Zumba to accomplish this—and shop in thrift stores. I have a particular passion for beaches and hammocks, too. I guess that’s what comes from enduring so many Chicago winters.

Character Interview: Travis & Harper from Something Like Normal and ARC GIVEAWAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Sat, 05 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Character Interview: Travis & Harper

Harper Gray: Okay, so I’m supposed to interview you for A Book Lovers Review. So let’s start with your favorite color.

Travis Stephenson: That’s what you’re going to lead with?

HG: Well, I have to admit I’m kind of curious. I don’t know the answer.

TS: I don’t really have a favorite color.

HG: Everyone has a favorite color, Travis. I’m pretty sure it’s a rule.

TS: I don’t, though.

HG: So think of one.

TS: What? Like choose one right now?

HG: Yes.

TS: Why don’t we skip this one and come back to it?

HG It’s not that hard. You consider the colors and pick the one you like best.

TS: Desert camouflage.

HG: Really?

TS: What? You asked and I told you.

HG: Desert camouflage is not a color.

TS: Sure it is. There’s tan and brown and––

HG: So, you’re telling me that of all the colors in the world camouflage tan is your favorite?

TS: I was, um––kind of hoping it would get to you move on to the next question.

HG: Travis.

TS: Okay, blue. No, yellow. (falls off the couch)

HG (laughs): Nice Monty Python reenactment.

TS: (from the floor) Yeah, I liked it, too.

HG If you don’t pick a favorite color, I’ll pick one for you.

TS: (returns to couch) Go for it.

HG: My Little Pony pink. Or maybe Barbie pink. With sparkles. Sequins, too.

TS: Okay, fine. My favorite color is the green. Like your eyes.

HG: Oh my God, shut up.

TS I’m being serious now, I swear.

HG: This interview is over.

****

A HUGE thanks to Trish Doller for this interview. I just love these two characters and it is a treat to get a little more time with them. If you haven't put this book on your TBR list I have one question for you...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?? You'll love it I promise!

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MY REVIEW!

The Giveaway!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My POV: Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Fri, 04 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Hardcover, 224 pages

Expected publication: June 19th 2012 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens

When Travis returns home from a stint in Afghanistan, his parents are splitting up, his brother’s stolen his girlfriend and his car, and he’s haunted by nightmares of his best friend’s death. It’s not until Travis runs into Harper, a girl he’s had a rocky relationship with since middle school, that life actually starts looking up. And as he and Harper see more of each other, he begins to pick his way through the minefield of family problems and post-traumatic stress to the possibility of a life that might resemble normal again. Travis’s dry sense of humor, and incredible sense of honor, make him an irresistible and eminently lovable hero.--Goodreads

Rating:

My POV

This book was short, sweet and oh so good! This is the third book I have read about young military men coming back from a war zone and it's not easy on the heart. The things these soldiers go through while in a war zone is unimaginable and life back home seems to be just as difficult once they come back.

This story is about Travis coming back home from Afghanistan to a life he feels he no longer fits into. For one thing his father and brother show no enthusiasm at his coming home for a few weeks and his post-traumatic disorder is in full swing. On the other hand his mother has never loved anyone more and he stumbles upon Harper Gray, a girl from his past. Harper and him do not have a pleasant past but it seems like she is the only one who can make him feel "Something Like Normal" now when things are falling apart around him.

Harper and Travis have a rocky start but things seem to fall into place pretty quickly and easily. I really liked Harper. She is strong, smart, has a great since of humor and really loves Travis. Travis is pretty awesome himself. He cares about the right things and I know he would hate for me to say this but I think he's a hero. Someone who stick up for those he cares about or standing up for himself is not always an easy task especially if it from one of your own parent.

The ending is hopeful and I would love to see what comes next for Travis but I don't think there will be another book. This was a great insight to a soldiers world and I will be forever respectful for what they go. It's not easy but things worth doing never are. Great story! Beautiful characters! Definitely worth reading....a couple of times. Loved it!

Quote

"The things is.." I stop and run my hand across the top of my head, trying to find the right works. "Charlie's dead and I'm still alive, and I don't' think I deserve to be."

"Do you think he'd agree?"

"I don't know," I say. " He'd probably tell me to stop being a idiot."

Harper's smile is so gentle and sweet. "Sounds like good advice to me," she says"

***

"I came over last night," she says. "You were sleeping with her, and all your clothes were on, and...you love her."

Links
Trish Doller Website
Trisha's blog
YOU GUY HAVE TO CHECK THIS OUT!! Trisha's Pinboard. Beautiful!

Blog Tour: Author This or That with Katherine Grace Bond

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Thu, 03 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Katherine Grace Bond

This or That

Chocolate or Vanilla Chocolate. Except in lattes.
Book or Movie Movie. (Dare I admit this?) I love books, too, of course.
Classic or Contemporary Contemporary
Romance or Horror Romance—but I am a literary snob and don’t want anyone to know when I’m reading one.
Sun or Snow Sun. Here in the Pacific Northwest we call it “that strange orb in the sky.”
Train or Plane Plane. I think it’s pretty danged cool that people can climb into a machine and fly.
Angels or demons Angels
Sushi or Oysters Sushi, definitely! (Oysters are slimy. Sushi rocks.)
B&B or Hotel Hmmmm. Depends. B&B if I’m feeling social. Hotel if I’m not.
Blue or Green eyes Green.
Money or Love L’Amour!
Cookies or Cake COOKIES!!!
Coffee or Tea Coffee. Especially nonfat English Toffee lattes with an extra shot of espresso.
Hot Fudge or Caramel Both? (But never mind the bread.)
Strawberries or Raspberries There were raspberries at Cherrywood, so definitely raspberries.
Bad or Good Good. I like good. There’s nothing bad about good.
Sunset or Sunrise Sunrise. I saw the most AMAZING one on San Juan Island last summer. It started with just a big, gray moon hanging over the mountains, and then the birds began landing in the water and calling to each other, and the sea lions were splashing around. Then the sky began to lighten and all the animals got louder until it sounded like a symphony. I cried.

SPRING FLING GIVEAWAY HOP

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:46:00 +0000

Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Eve's Fan Garden

What's up for grabs...

The mind-blowing conclusion to the chilling NUMBERS trilogy: Because everyone wants to live forever.

No matter what it takes, Sarah's desperate to escape from the numbers.

Always numbers. Sarah loves Adam, but can't bear the thought that every time he looks in her eyes, he can see her dying; can see her last day.

It's 2029. Two years since the Chaos. Sarah and Adam are struggling to survive. She knows he always envisioned them together "'til death do us part." But will a child come between them? The child she loves. The child he saved.

Little Mia was supposed to die that New Year's Day. The numbers don't lie. But somehow she changed her date. Mia's just a baby, oblivious to her special power. But ruthless people are hunting her down, determined to steal her secret.
Because everyone wants to live forever.--Goodreads

KYLIE: Tijuana WHAT? I should be putting the finishing touches on my valedictorian speech. Graduation is TODAY, and is this a wedding band on my finger.

MAX: It all started with Kylie's laptop and a truck full of stolen electronics Okay, it was kind of hot, the way she broke us out like some chick in an action movie. But now we're stranded in TIjuana. WIth less than twenty-four hours before graduation. Awesome.

WILL: Saving Kylie Flores from herself is kind of a full-time occupation. Luckily, I, Will Bixby, was born for the job. And when I found out she was stuck in Mexico with dreamy Max Langston, sure, I agreed to bring thier passports across the border--but there's no reason to rush back home right away. This party is just getting started.

LILY: I just walked in on my boyfriend, Max Langston, canoodling with Kylie Flores, freak of the century. Still, I can't completely hold it against him. He NEEDS me. It's even clearer now. And I'm not giving him up without a fight.--Goodreads

Oct. 11th, 1943—A British spy plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France. Its pilot and passenger are best friends. One of the girls has a chance at survival. The other has lost the game before it's barely begun.

When “Verity” is arrested by the Gestapo, she's sure she doesn’t stand a chance. As a secret agent captured in enemy territory, she’s living a spy’s worst nightmare. Her Nazi interrogators give her a simple choice: reveal her mission or face a grisly execution.

As she intricately weaves her confession, Verity uncovers her past, how she became friends with the pilot Maddie, and why she left Maddie in the wrecked fuselage of their plane. On each new scrap of paper, Verity battles for her life, confronting her views on courage and failure and her desperate hope to make it home. But will trading her secrets be enough to save her from the enemy?

Harrowing and beautifully written, Elizabeth Wein creates a visceral read of danger, resolve, and survival that shows just how far true friends will go to save each other. Code Name Verity is an outstanding novel that will stick with you long after the last page.--Goodreads

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Hop on over to the next blog...

My POV: Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 23:04:00 +0000

Hardcover, US, 374 pages

Published January 3rd 2012 by Harper Collins

Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered. This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland - known as The Death Shop - are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild - a savage - and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile - everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.--Goodreads

Rating:

My POV

What an ending! I gasped and furiously started flipping pages because there just HAD to be more..uugghh! There is no way I can peacefully wait for the next installment of this series. I must get my hands on it ASAP!!

Under The Never Sky will keep you on your toes from beginning to end, leaving you breathless and your heart pounding like crazy. This story was definitely something new for me. The story line was refreshing the characters unforgettable. I want so much more of it. This is a world of not only self discovery but love, family and betrayal.

We meet Aria first. A girl who has lived her whole 17 years of life in a safe, disease free dome with 6000 people. She knows nothing of despair, pain, hunger or even love. Not in the beginning. Then a she is cast out for events that are not her fault which leads her to meet Perry. A savage she calls him. A primitive being who has acute abilities suited for his life in the real world. The relationship between these two is very stained and cold at first. Serving only as a means to an end. But as they spend weeks together both Aria's and Perry live through many unfortunate events leading them to have an unspoken understanding and acceptance of one another.

Brilliant, exciting and just wonderful. I can't say enough good things about this book. If you like dystopians then this is one book you can't miss out on. I promise it will leave you wanting more!

Quote

“She'd survived the outside. She'd survived the Aether and cannibals and wolves. She knew how to love now, and how to let go. Whatever came next, she would survive it, too”

***

“She absorbed the terror and beauty of him and his world. Of every moment over the past days. All of it, filling her up like the first breath she'd ever taken. And never had she loved life more.”

Other Books in the Series

Through the Ever Night (Under the Never Sky #2)

Links

Veronica's Blog

Trailer

Blog Tour: My POV of The Summer of No Regrets by Katherine Grace Bond

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Paperback, 304 pages

Expected publication: May 1st 2012 by Sourcebooks Fire

Is he or isn't he? Brigitta's best friend is convinced that Brigitta's new crush, Luke, is actually egotistical teen heartthrob Trent Yves, hiding from his fans in their tiny town. But Brigitta actually likes Luke, whereas Trent is an arrogant jerk. As the two spend the summer together raising orphaned cougar cubs, Brigitta still can't be sure of his true identity. But then again, since her grandparents' death, her father's sudden urge to give away all their possessions and become a shaman, and her own awkward transition from girlhood into a young woman, what can she be sure of?--Goodreads

Rating:

My POV

Brigitta is trying to find out where she fits in in this world among her family and friends. She constantly feels like an outsider because her family is not like others. Her family follows a “free spirited“ kind of philosophy and is very nature oriented. Living at The Center (a completely independent globally-oriented dwelling unit made from materials indigenous to the planet) in which her parents build on their land in order to share with other free thinkers/soul searchers she finds it very difficult to fit in with others her age. Not that it’s horrible at home but she has become socially awkward with others her age. Being home schooled and not having many friends her dealing mechanism has lead her to have a big imagination.

She never though in a million years that anything that she conjured up in her imagination might come true. So when she accidentally falls in the lap of Luke Geoffrey a hottie who suspiciously looks exactly like the bad boy teen actor Trent Yves she does a double take and questions her sanity. As time goes on and her suspicions are on high alert each time they are together (as friends) she finds herself saying “No he’s not Trent” because Luke is nothing like Trent. Luke is pensive, kind and thoughtful. The more she thinks about it Trent and Luke are as opposite as night and day…mostly. As time goes on things seem to fall into place. Telling herself that maybe her imagination is playing tricks on her and that Luke really might be Trent, Brigitta finds time stamped pictures to serve as evidence against that thought. Evidence that proves that one person can’t be in two places at once. But this is not the only thing Brigitta has had on her mind.

Dealing single handedly with saving the lives of cougar cubs that she and Luke found is extremely tiring and draining. Along with feeling stressed and dreadful after having a fall out with her best friend Natalie as well as Luke disappearing for days at a time then also wishing her father would be like he used to. If only he would comfort her, be there for her like he used to. This all leaves her feeling unbearably lonely. But her father is not the same person he used to be before his mother died, Natalie won‘t talk to her and there is no way to get in contact with Luke. At this point she feels the only way to find comfort and solace is to do something extreme. Which leads her to travel on her own to her grandparents place which is a plane ride away, alone. Once there she gets more answers than what she was originally looking for. Even one’s about Luke.

The Summer of No Regrets is funny and hopeful but also provokes deeper thinking. The last few chapters got very emotional for me but it all ended well and I’m very happy with the way things finished up. This book will have you laughing and crying so make sure to add it to your TBR pile. This is a good summer read!

Quote

"Ahh," said Natalie. "You sure you don't want him?"

"That is so cheap," I said. "Can't you see how cheap that is?"

"Do I care how cheap that is?" said Natalie. "Look at him, Brigitta! You want a religious experience?" There's your god."

*****

"Girls aren't supposed to cry when boys send them flowers," he teased, like the old Dad would have.

"What if they're the roses of consolations?"

Dad perched on the edge o the sofa and gave me a quick hug.

"Don't worry, sweetheart, he'll be back."

"If he's Trent Yves I don't know if I want him back."

Links

Katherine Grace Bond's Website

Blog Tour: Angel Evolution Guest Post & Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Angel Evolution Tour Schedule

The Road to Publishing Angel Evolution

The road to publishing Angel Evolution (and the entire Evolution Trilogy really) was definitely a bumpy one, full of twists, turns, highs, and lows. One of the biggest highs was seeing my finished covers for the first time, and the biggest low was receiving a number of rejections from potential agents, but I’ll get to all that soon.

My story really starts when I was a young boy and my mom used to tell me stories. She has an amazing imagination and could make up amazing stories without even thinking about them in advance. The craziest characters and plot twists would just come to her, and me and my brother and sister loved listening to her for hours. I really owe my love of reading to her. Once I could read on my own, I started devouring books, reading series like The Lord of the Rings, and Hardy Boys mysteries dozens of times. Then my dad got me onto Agatha Christie and once more I swept through his collection like wildfire.

For years I dreamed of writing my own stories, but always believed I needed the perfect idea. Many years later, I was still searching for my perfect idea while working a boring office job as an accountant. It wasn’t my true passion—never will be. The YA revolution hit and I began swallowing as many paranormal romance, epic fantasy, and dystopian books (The Hunger Games was my favorite) as I could. But still I didn’t have my perfect idea.

I moved to Australia for work and found my wife, Adele, who helped change my whole perspective. She encouraged me to go with any idea and start writing, so when I had three weeks off in between jobs, I started writing a book about angels. I had a very rough outline in my head, but the story began to take a life of its own as soon as my fingers hit the keyboard. Writing came easy to me—I never suffered from writer’s block the whole way through the series.

Before I started my new job, I had written more than half my first novel and I was determined to finish the rest while working. I committed myself to a strict 2 hours of writing a day—half hour on the ferry to work, an hour at lunch, and half hour on the way home. I stuck to it and finished Angel Evolution a few weeks later. I researched the publishing process and decided to go the traditional route, querying dozens of agents. I got rejected at least 30 times, which was hard to take. At times I got a bit down, but I kept on writing, which is the biggest advice I can give any aspiring authors. My wife and family were very encouraging in this regard.

Next, I took a break from the angel stuff and I started writing a children’s book, which I finished in three weeks. While still querying agents for Angel Evolution, I wrote Demon Evolution in four weeks. My writing process was becoming more refined, more structured and I could see my writing steadily improving. I got some feedback from an agent and further improved my writing. I took another break and wrote a standalone YA paranormal suspense novel. But I kept coming back to the angels and finished Archangel Evolution in four weeks, about 10 months after starting Angel Evolution.

The Evolution Trilogy was finished! But I still didn’t have an agent, nor any leads in getting my series published the traditional way. So I decided to self-publish. I had a number of friends and acquaintances review my work for typos and provide feedback, which I took on board. I also read each of my books 6 times (3 times out loud) to uncover typos and errors.

While I was editing and revising, I hired a cover artist, Claudia McKinney at phatpuppyart, who took my wife’s artistic concept and brought them to life. My friends at Winkipop Designs took the covers and made them professional with custom font and my own symbol for the series. When I got my first proof from CreateSpace in the mail I was so excited. A year’s worth of hard work had finally paid off in something tangible that I could hold and give to people!

I used CreateSpace to publish in print via Amazon.com, and Smashwords and Kindle to publish in all major e-book formats. The hours I spent formatting were some of the most painful, but paid off when my digital and print copies came out looking professional and error-free. I started selling them and I got my first few reviews, which was awesome!

A couple hundred reviews later, the reviews have been mixed which is fine and expected for a first novel. But the reviews on the second and third books have gotten steadily better, which confirms I am improving with each book. I’ve had to grow some pretty thick skin, but I’ve come to realize that everyone has a different opinion and even bestselling books get negative feedback. I never get angry at negative feedback anymore, even if it’s malicious. At the end of the day, you have to focus on being positive and just keep on writing and learning and remembering that you aren’t the best writer in the universe, at least not yet haha!

On that note, there are a few key things I’ve learned throughout the process that I’d like to share with anyone who is considering writing and publishing:

Write every day. Even if it’s only a couple hundred words, it keeps you in your story and makes it easier to pick it up and continue writing. Plus, you’re less likely to forget something and change the storyline or details partway through.
If you can’t afford a copyeditor (which I couldn’t at the time), get a few eagle-eyed people to review for silly errors. Read it yourself at least five times too! No one likes a book they paid for to have a bunch of typos.
Use independent beta readers! This is something I didn’t do for Angel Evolution and now wish I did. I asked friends and family to read and provide feedback and I made some good changes from it, but it wasn’t enough. Make friends on sites like Goodreads and ask people to read your unpublished manuscript to provide feedback, particularly around character development, the beginning, the ending, what annoyed them, etc. I wish I would have done this so I could have avoided some of the negative reviews from my readers.

There are a million other little things I learned but these are the big ones. I am so lucky that I will soon be able to start writing full time. I have 6 books that I haven’t published that I’ll be releasing over the course of the next year, with many more planned, so I look forward to taking my writing career to the next level. Thanks to all my early readers of Angel Evolution (even the critics), and I look forward to seeing what you all think of my new dystopian series, which I hope to publish in the middle of 2012. As always, I appreciate any questions, comments, and feedback on my Facebook page, blog, Twitter, or Goodreads. See below for links for how you can connect with me! Finally, a special thanks to Trini, for allowing me the opportunity to do this post on her amazing site!

David Estes
Author of the Evolution Trilogy
http://davidestesbooks.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/David-Estes/130852990343920
https://twitter.com/#!/davidestesbooks
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3167424

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Taste Book Trailer and Excerpt Reveal

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Taste Blurb:
At Barinkoff Academy, there's only one rule: no students on campus after curfew. Phoenix McKay soon finds out why when she is left behind at sunset. A group calling themselves night students threaten to taste her flesh until she is saved by a mysterious, alluring boy. With his pale skin, dark eyes, and mesmerizing voice, Demitri is both irresistible and impenetrable. He warns her to stay away from his dangerous world of flesh eaters. Unfortunately, the gorgeous and playful Luka has other plans.

When Phoenix is caught between her physical and her emotional attraction, she becomes the keeper of a deadly secret that will rock the foundations of an ancient civilization living beneath Barinkoff Academy. Phoenix doesn’t realize until it is too late that the closer she gets to both Demitri and Luka the more she is plunging them all into a centuries old feud.

Taste Excerpt

I sat up and followed Calixta’s gaze upward. I rubbed my eyes. I didn’t know what
I was seeing at first. A statue? My brain refused to snap together coherent thoughts. I
didn’t realize I’d fallen so close to one of the garden benches until I stared up at the boy
that sat on one. He was strikingly beautiful. His tumble of blonde hair curled just above
his sculpted cheekbones. He wore a silk shirt and a loosened cravat, like he’d become
bored while dressing and decided to leave himself in disarray. His ivory skin and
frozen position was what had me mistaking him for something carved from marble by
Michelangelo. Then he sighed—a lonely, breathy proof of life. If I had to imagine what
Lucifer looked like before he fell from heaven, the boy on the bench would certainly
fulfill that image. My brain told me I had to look away, but I couldn’t.

“Luka,” Calixta said again, her voice unsure, almost nervous. It no longer
contained the steel and bite she had threatened me with, which made me wonder who
the boy was.

He leaned on his hands and crossed his legs, all the while keeping his eyes fixed
on the night sky. His movements spoke of elegance and control. I’d encountered many
people with breeding before, but his took on the air of arrogance and selfassuredness of
someone used to getting what he wanted when he wanted it.

I only realized I’d been holding my breath when my lungs protested. I exhaled.
My heart sputtered and restarted with a vengeance. Luka tore his gaze away from the
stars and settled it on me. I’d expected pitchblack irises, like the other Night Students,
but blue ice stared back at me.

“Human,” he whispered.

He reached out, and with a finger, followed an invisible trail down my cheek. I
stiffened. His touch, cooler than Demitri’s, caused warm sparks to blossom on my face.
He lifted his finger to his lips and licked its tip. He might as well have licked me from the
way my body shivered.

Luka’s curious gaze held mine. “Leave us,” he said, but not to me.

“But—” Calixta protested like a spoiled child.
He spoke in a language I hadn’t heard before, remaining calm yet firm. The words
had a rolling cadence I couldn’t quite follow, like rumbling thunder in the distance. They
contained a harsh sensuality. The consonants were hard and the vowels were long and
lilting.

Footsteps retreated behind me.

Luka reached out again.

It took me a minute to realize he wanted to help me up. I hesitated. He smiled.
I smiled back timidly and took his hand, completely dazzled. Even with my uniform
soaked from melted snow, I didn’t feel cold—all my attention was on him and the way
his callused hand felt on mine. Without moving much from his seated position, he
helped me stand.

“What’s your name?” he asked. He had a voice like a familiar lullaby. It filled my
heart to the brim with comfort.

I swallowed and tried to stop gawking. “Phoenix.”

“The bird that rose from the ashes.” Luka bent his head and kissed the back of my

hand. “It’s a pleasure meeting you.”

My cheeks warmed. My head reeled, not knowing what to think. I couldn’t
understand why I felt drawn to him. And the strange connection frightened me.
From behind, someone gripped my arms and yanked me away before I could sort
out the feelings Luka inspired in me. I found myself behind a towering figure yet again.
Recognizing the blueblack silk for hair tied at the nape, relief washed over me. Calixta
hadn’t come back to finish me off.

Demitri’s large hand wrapped around my wrist. Unlike the night before, no calm
existed in his demeanor. He trembled like a junky in need of a fix. The coiled power in
his tense muscles vibrated into me.

“What are you doing here?” Demitri asked.

I didn’t know he’d spoken to me until I saw his expressionless profile. I sighed.

“Phoenix.”

I flinched. The ruthless way he said my name punched all the air out of me. “You
owe me answers,” I said with as much bravado as I could muster.

“I owe you nothing.” He glared. “In fact, you owe me your life.”

“I don’t think so.”

Ignoring my indignation, he faced Luka, who’d remained seated on the bench
during my exchange with Demitri. “Why is she with you, Luka?”

“I wasn’t going to taste her, if that’s what you’re implying,” Luka said. “Although,
she is simply delicious. I wouldn’t mind if you left us alone.”

There it was again. Taste. The word that kept coming up between these Night
Students and I was connected to it in an increasingly uncomfortable way. To taste meant
to sample, but what? My flesh? They had to be joking because the alternative wasn’t
funny.

“The sins of the father …” Demitri left his sentence unfinished.

Luka’s smile shifted into a snarl. “Obey my command.” His chin lifted. “Kneel.”

Demitri’s stance went rigid. His grip tightened around my wrist.

Okay, weird just got weirder. Why would Luka want Demitri to kneel before him?
I thought back to Eli and the others bowing to Demitri when he questioned them, but
they didn’t kneel. Seriously? Were they all living on a different planet or something?

“Kneel.” Luka’s detestable smirk made his features sinister rather than angelic.

The real Lucifer: a fallen angel.

Without letting go of my wrist, Demitri knelt down on one knee and bowed his
head, his free hand flat at the center of his chest. “Your command has been obeyed,” he
said formally.

Luka nodded once.

Demitri stood up and pulled me toward the school without telling me where we
were going. Not having the time to thank Luka for saving me from Calixta, I risked a
glance back. Luka smiled at me. His smile spoke of whispers, secrets, and promises to be
shared on a later date.

Kate Evangelista Author Bio:

When Kate Evangelista was told she had a knack for writing stories, she did the next best thing: entered medical school. After realizing she wasn't going to be the next Doogie Howser, M.D., Kate wandered into the Literature department of her university and never looked back. Today, she is in possession of a piece of paper that says to the world she owns a Literature degree. To make matters worse, she took Master's courses in creative writing. In the end, she realized to be a writer, none of what she had mattered. What really mattered? Writing. Plain and simple, honest to God, sitting in front of her computer, writing. Today, she has four completed Young Adult novels.

Author Website: www.kateevangelista.com
Twitter: @KateEvangelista
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kate-Evangelista/165693410143202
Find Taste on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13484226-taste
Crescent Moon Press page for Taste: http://crescentmoonpress.com/books/Taste.html

Blog Tour: My POV of A Closer Look by Karen DellaCava

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 05:00:00 +0000

304 pages

Published by Westside Books

Freshman year is going well for Cassie, a standout sprinter who is about to move up to varsity; school has been fine, her best friend Tara is also running track, and Tommy, that cute sax player she likes has asked her to come see his band rehearse. But in a matter of weeks, Cassie has a secret she is trying to hide from everyone. Her hair has started falling out, and she s doing everything possible to keep it from showing. When her parents tell her it happened to her once before, at age 3, she s horrified, and a trip to the dermatologist confirms what she has been afraid of: that all of her hair may fall out. She has alopecia, and there s no known effective treatment. Cassie eventually gets a wig when she can no longer disguise the truth, and she finally confides in Tommy about it. But when he starts being standoffish and avoids her, she feels betrayed. Then, at a track meet, Robin, her rival on the team, exposes her secret to the whole crowd. With her worst fears realized, will Cassie ever be able to face her classmates, her teammates, and most of all, Tommy?--Goodreads

Rating:

My POV

Inspiring to the very end! A Closer Look takes us through Cassie's very emotional journey of living with alopecia. A disease that causes mild to total hair loss.

This is Cassie's freshmen year in high school and things are look bright especially when she see's "first kiss" Tommy at the Battle of the Bands. Reuniting with a crush seem like the perfect start for the new year but her alopecia starts to progress pretty quickly and she has no clues what to do. Thank goodness for her best friends Tara! Through thick and thin this girl sticks with Cassie. But, when all is said and done and you can't deal with your own situation you will miss out on life by letting other dictate how you live. This is what Cassie learns by the end of this book. It was great to see her over come so many obstacles. Very inspiring!

I think it's hard enough going through high school without having any kind of illness that effects your appearance and this kind of disorder almost make life unbearable. Reading this story brings to my attention how brave the real survivors of the this disease have to be. It's very touching and a very good example of the saying "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger".

Quote

"Honey, I know it's hard. But we can't always control what happens to us. the only thing we can control is who we react to the situation. You're going to be all right, Cassie. I know it."

*****

You're incredibly brave, honey. I didn't realize how far this had gone."

*****

"Alopecia is an autoimmune disease..." "Hair follicles are mistakenly attacked by a person's own immune system. Four and a half million people in the country have it. At present, there is no cure."

Links

Karen DelleCava.com

Message from the Author
I'm giving away a signed copy of the book plus a SURPRISE GIFT (but do not open it until page 153) at the end of The {Teen} Book Scene blog tour.

Visit my website www.karendellecava.com for complete details for how to enter to win!

Blog Tour: My POV of Blood Born by Jamie Manning & Giveaway!!

noreply@blogger.com (Trini) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Hardcover, 360 pages

Expected publication: April 24th 2012 by Pendrell Publishing

Waking up in a coffin hungry for blood is only the beginning for sixteen-year-old Ava Blue. When Chance Caldon, the hottie who dug her up, tells her that she’s half vampire, Ava’s world really turns upside down.

Half vamp? Ava can’t believe it...she doesn't even know what that means! Not until Aldric, a thousand-year-old vampire, shows up and tells her it’s true--and that he’s the one who turned her. Then Ava truly begins to believe what she is. Now, she has to deal with a sudden and powerful bloodlust, the desire to see Aldric dead, and her growing crush for Chance. Ava knows she's a monster now, she can feel it; and her life is over.

But redemption isn’t lost. Aldric is giving her a chance to regain her humanity. The price? Kill a hundred vampires, or remain a bloodsucker forever.

So Ava sets out to get her life back. But killing vampires begins a battle that could destroy everything she is working toward. In the end, Ava's decisions will forever change her life and the lives of those she loves.--Goodreads

Rating:

My POV

Ok this book left me hanging so bad. I have to see what happens next!

Blood Born has it's own unique take on Vampires. One that is more humanizing that others (that I've read) in the fact the they can go out during the day under sunlight(no sparkling;) and they live out in the open with the rest of humanity within communities (well some). Other than that we don't get too much more information about the vampires in this book. No history, no back ground, and no structure. But, what we do get is Ava and her journey to discover what she is. Because she is no ordinary vampire. She is a hybrid.

Avaline "Ava" Blue has awoken into a whole new world that she knows nothing about without any memory of who she was before which leaves her with a million question. Questions that can not and will not be answered right away as she would like. Thankfully she has someone to help her. Chance Caldon. The boy who dug her out of her grave. A human with a mysterious background and a more secretive ability. These two have great chemistry but the tension between them is pulled so tight at times it's nerve wrecking. As time goes on and they become more than just friends things take a turn for the worst. Vampires attack and take Chance hostage. Then Ava is left to make the hardest decision of her whole existence.

Full of adrenaline packed action and mystery this book left me with so many questions and such a powerful desire to find out what happens next that I was literately speechless for about an hour. I was trying to figure out if I should beg Jamie to give me a hint as to what happens next. But I took a walk and calmed down. That is when I came to the realizations that of course he will tell me nothing and SADLY I will just have to wait until next year for the next book..uuuhhgg! This was one of my most exciting reads so far this year.

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