Confessions of a Bookaholic

Tour This or That List & Giveaway: Where it Began by Ann Redisch Stampler

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 07:48:00 +0000

I am participating in the tour for Where it Began and today author Ann Redisch Stampler is here to share her This or That list with us.

I was lucky enough to get 2 ARCs of Where it Began so be sure to sign up below for the chance to win a copy!

THIS OR THAT

Peanut Butter or Chocolate

Chocolate. Oh my God, chocolate. I just ate leftover chocolate raspberry birthday cake for lunch.

Coffee or Tea

Mostly tea. Irish breakfast and green.

Writing in quiet or Writing with music

Mornings, maybe music. Night, absolute quiet.

Organized or Cluttered

Aspire to organized. Not entirely successful

Spontaneous or Planner

With writing, in the beginning stages, it has to be spontaneous. No outline. Can’t force anything. Then when I have hundreds of pages of disjointed chapters, and vast numbers of disembodied sentences, lots of catch-up planning.

Beach or Mountains

Beach. I grew up in Santa Barbara. Beach!

Comedy or Horror

Comedy. There’s more than enough naturally occurring horror in the world without cultivating it.

Geek or Chic

I am so chic. Don’t laugh. (There are certain articles of clothing Gabby makes fun of in the book that I actually own.)

Adventure seeker or Couch potato

Adventure seeker. Aspirationally. Unfortunately, writing involves a tremendous amount of sitting on a couch. I actually write on a couch.

Early bird or Night owl

Insomniac. I’m just always up.

Where it Began by Ann Redisch Stampler
Publisher: Simon Pulse (March 6th, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardback: 384 pages

Sometimes the end is just the beginning.

Gabby lived under the radar until her makeover. Way under. But when she started her senior year as a blonder, better-dressed version of herself, she struck gold: Billy Nash believed she was a the flawless girl she was pretending to be. The next eight months with Billy were bliss...Until the night Gabby woke up on the ground next to the remains of his BMW without a single memory of how she got there.

And Billy's nowhere to be found.

All Gabby wants is to make everything perfect again. But getting her life back isn't difficult, it's impossible. Because nothing is the same, and Gabby's beginning to realize she's missed more than a few danger signs along the way.

It's time for Gabby to face the truth, even if it means everything changes.

Especially if it means everything changes.

Prize:

1 winner will receive an ARC of WHERE IT BEGAN.

Rules:

You must be at least 13 to enter.
Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is US Only and ends March 12th.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Cover Reveal: Luminosity by Stephanie Thomas

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:01:00 +0000

Luminosity by Stephanie Thomas

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Date: November 13th, 2012

Series: Luminosity #1

Add it to Goodreads

Summary:

My name is Beatrice. When I was born, I was blessed with the Sight. I was immediately removed from my parents and enrolled in the Institution. At the age of twelve, I had my first true vision, earning my raven’s wings. And when I turned seventeen, one of my visions came true. Things haven’t been the same since.

The Institution depends on me to keep the City safe from our enemy, the Dreamcatchers, but I’m finding it harder to do while keeping a secret from everyone, including my best friend Gabe. It is a secret that could put us all in danger. A secret that could kill me and everyone close to me.

But the enemy has been coming to me in my dreams, and I think I’m falling in love with him. He says they’re coming. He says they’re angry. And I think I’ve already helped them win.

Cover reveals are so much fun and here is another book I immediately added to my TBR list. What do you guys think? Are you excited for this one?

Paperback Available for Pre-Order from Amazon

Tour Guest Post: Daughter of the Centaurs by Kate Klimo

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 07:41:00 +0000

Kate Klimo is here to talk about her novel Daughter of the Centaurs. She will be sharing with us the journey she took while creating the world inside the story.

Daughter of the Centaurs took an incredible amount of world-building. Can you tell us what that process was like, how you organized the material, and what you hoped to capture when describing Malora’s world?

The fact that there were so few centaurs in the literature inspired me to want to tackle centaurs. World building is an exhaustive and exhausting process. Who knew? I’m sure some writers start from inside their characters’ heads and work outward from there to build up an external reality that’s an extension of the characters’ consciousness. I felt I needed to start from the outside and work in.

The first order of business was to create a history leading up to the present action. In world building, context is everything and isn’t history the ultimate context? So I started by researching centaurs, in art and myth. Those results mystified and even slightly terrified me. Except for the wise centaur named Chiron who taught the healing arts to Hippocrates (father of modern medicine), most of the centaurs were pretty rough trade. They were rock-chucking, stick-wielding, meat-eating, booze-swilling lusty boors. Another mystery was that they were all dudes. There were no women and no children. These dudes were real pieces of work: wedding crashers who liked to run off, not only with the bride, but also with all the female guests. Real dream guests, right?

This depiction baffled me. Since the days of cavemen, humans have enjoyed a close bond with horses. So what made this human-horse hybrid so repulsive and savage? Was it digestive difficulties that made the centaurs so rowdy? Seriously! Horses have very sensitive stomachs. A creature that ate like a human and digested like a horse might be permanently dyspeptic and downright surly. Maybe a steady diet of red meat and brandy made them nuts. So that’s where I started. I wrote the centaurs a shady, tumultuous history as rock-chuckers and rapists. It was the centaurs’ raid of one of the last human settlements of Kamaria that resulted in nearly wiping out the human race. Then a wise centaur named Kheiron (homage to Chiron) came along and converted the centaurs from savagery to gentility. No booze, no tobacco, no stimulants, no red meat. The converted centaurs erected a monument to the humans they had murdered and took over their town, calling it Mount Kheiron in honor of the patron. This gave the centaurs not only a religion but also a code of ethics and conduct. In order to stay on the straight and narrow, centaurs adhered to the teachings of Kheiron. They eschew stimulants, spirits, and the eating of meat and revere the works of the hand. All their efforts are dedicated to overcoming the Beast Within. I liked the idea of high-stepping, refined, fastidious centaurs. In early drafts, my editor said I was making the centaurs too effete. “They can’t all be that sissified,” she said. That gave me the idea of creating social strata within Mount Kheiron, with a working class that was more earthy and practical, as compared to the more leisurely patricians. The present action begins when Malora shows up. Not only is she a freak, a biped in a virtually quadrapedal society, but she is also a living (and uncomfy) reminder to centaurs of their less than savory past.

Somewhere around the second draft, with the introduction of Honus the faun and the Leatherwings, it became clear to me that this was not a fantasy set in an alternative world inspired by our mythic past, as I had originally thought, but a far distant future world peopled by human-created hybrids who had turned upon and destroyed their creators, the humans. (Thank you, Mary Shelley!) I loved the variety of hibes that were possible. Like the Mos Eisley canteen scene in Star Wars, it offered a too-too tempting opportunity to play not just with human-horse combinations, but with other mythological hybrids as well, along with more freaky crosses, like bat-human, sheep-human, etc. As the second book opens up to the world outside of Mount Kheiron, these other hibes come more into play.

At the same time as I was figuring out the centaur society, I had to figure out what it must be like to actually be a centaur. If humans have a mind-body split, how much more radical must centaurs’ be? How did it feel to be half horse? How did they go to the bathroom? What was their furniture like? Stairs would have to be shallow, doorways generous, and furniture very sturdy. I think I gave them the Twani, the half-cat servant class, because I thought they would need tiny, spry helpers, given that even the most graceful of centaurs would suffer from a certain ungainliness. The end result of all this thinking, I hope, is a world that is fascinating and unique.

Thanks for having me on your blog!

Daughter of the Centaurs by Kate Klimo
Publisher: Random House (January 24th, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardback: 362 pages
Series: Centauriad #1

Malora knows what she was born to be: a horse wrangler and a hunter, just like her father. But when her people are massacred by batlike monsters called Leatherwings, Malora will need her horse skills just to survive. The last living human, Malora roams the wilderness at the head of a band of magnificent horses, relying only on her own wits, strength, and courage. When she is captured by a group of centaurs and taken to their city, Malora must decide whether the comforts of her new home and family are worth the parts of herself she must sacrifice to keep them.

Kate Klimo has masterfully created a new world, which at first seems to be an ancient one or perhaps another world altogether, but is in fact set on earth sometime far in the future.

Website

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2/20 Tynga’s Reviews

2/21 Insatiable Readers

2/22 Taking it One Book at a Time

2/23 Literary Escapism

2/24 Total Bookaholic

2/25 Livin’ Life Through Books

2/27 The Children’s Book Review

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2/29 The Compulsive Reader

3/1 Sea of Pages

Tour Guest Post & Giveaway: Trafficked by Kim Purcell

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 07:03:00 +0000

Kim Purcell has stopped by today to share the scary statistics of human trafficking. Her novel, Trafficked, explores the life of a girl in one of these situations.

Sign up below for a chance to win a copy.

When I first learned about the scope of modern-day slavery, I knew I had to write a novel about it. I couldn’t believe that someone could do that to another human being, especially in westernized countries. So, I wrote TRAFFICKED, about a girl who comes from Moldova to America to be a nanny and ends up a modern-day slave.

People often want to know what the stats are behind modern-day slavery and sadly, due to the nature of this crime, it seems nobody knows. The stats vary greatly, depending on who’s reporting them. The biggest reason is that it’s such a hidden crime. Modern-day slaves are disposable. If they manage to escape, they have a lot of incentives to stay hidden. They fear their captors. They fear the government. Often, they come into a country illegally and they fear imprisonment and deportation. Maybe their family members have been threatened. Sometimes they’re ashamed. So they never come forward. This is why it’s difficult to get exact numbers.

In any case, here are some stats, which most people agree upon, though they have all been disputed by different NGOs and government organizations.

This information can be found in more detail on two anti-trafficking organization websites: Stop Child Trafficking Now: sctnow.org and Free the Slaves: freetheslaves.net. If you’d like to learn how to help trafficked teens, go to my website: http://kimpurcell.com/Help-Trafficked-Teens

The Stats:

Child/Human Trafficking is one of the fastest growing crimes in the world. Child/ human trafficking is the world’s second largest criminal enterprise, after drugs. U.S. State Department

The global market of child trafficking is over $12 billion a year with over 1.2 million child victims. UNICEF

The average age of entry for children victimized by the sex trade industry is 12 years. U.S. Department of Justice

Approximately 80% of human trafficking victims are women and girls and up to 50% are minors. U.S. State Department

Research conducted with Free the Slaves found documented cases of slavery in over 90 cities in the US.

Human Slaves are cheap. In 1850 the average slave cost $40,000 in today’s money, presently a slave costs an average of $90.

In its 400 years, the transatlantic slave trade is estimated to have shipped up to 12 million Africans to colonies in the West. Free the Slaves estimates that the number of people in slavery today is at least 27 million.

600,000 – 800,000 people are bought and sold across international borders each year; 50% are children, most are female. Most of these victims are forced into the commercial sex trade. U.S. Department of State, 2004, Trafficking in Persons Report, Washington, D.C.

14,500 to 17,500 foreign nationals are trafficked into the United States each year. The number of U.S. citizens trafficked within the country is even higher, with an estimated 200,000 American children at risk for trafficking into the sex industry. U.S. Department of Justice Report to Congress from Attorney General John Ashcroft on U.S. Government Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons

Based on hundreds of cases that filter through their agencies, advocates estimate that domestic workers account for about one-third of the total. In other words, about 5,000 migrant domestic servants take jobs each year in homes where they are highly vulnerable to abuse by their employers.

There have been only 100 prosecutions for involuntary servitude or labor trafficking since the passage of the 2000 anti-trafficking law. US Justice Dept.

Trafficked by Kim Purcell
Publisher: Viking Children's Books (February 16th, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardback: 352 pages

A 17-year-old Moldovan girl whose parents have been killed is brought to the United States to work as a slave for a family in Los Angeles.

Prize:

1 winner will receive a copy of TRAFFICKED.

Rules:

You must be at least 13 to enter.
Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is US Only and ends March 10th.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.

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Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

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Interview & Giveaway: Eden by Keary Taylor

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:02:00 +0000

The wonderful Keary Taylor is here to share with us some news about her book Eden, the bind-up of her Fall of Angels series, and her newest book being released soon!

She has also offered up a copy of Eden for one lucky winner!

1. You've had some fabulous news lately. Would you like to share that with everyone and tell us what your first reaction was after you heard?

So, that fabulous news is that KK&P has acquired the film rights to my dystopian EDEN! Mark Morgan, who produced The Twilight Saga is the producer as well as Kami Garcia, co-author of the Beautiful Creatures series! It was amazing to hear from them and that they loved Eden! It all just didn't feel real when they first contacted me and said they wanted it! I kept waiting for someone to say "Just Kidding!", lol! It's all an amazing time, and I couldn't be happier with how things have been progressing toward the big screen!

2. Your Fall of Angels series has been very popular and is now available as a bind-up of the entire trilogy. What do you think was the biggest key to your success?

Oh man, honestly I don't really know! I want to say it's because I've written a fantastic story, but really it's my readers who have to say that! I think I just published at a great time, e-readers have gone crazy and the genre I write in is huge right now. And I just have some really fantastic readers who are incredibly supportive.

3. Your new book What I Didn't Say is very different from your previous novels. Can you tell us a bit about the book and the characters Jake, and Samantha?

It really is a lot different for me. I'll be honest, when I got the idea for it, I was terrified to actually write it. It's a YA contemporary that's based on a boy who becomes mute after an accident. It's a story that has to be handled very carefully because it is based on a lot of real experiences and stories, many of them my own. It's also different for me considering it's told from the point of view of a 17 year-old boy, Jake Hayes. He's a really great kid who has a lot of amazing support around him during this difficult time, and Samantha Shay is a part of that. Maybe after all that's happened to him he'll have the guts to tell her what he didn't say before the accident ;)

4. Do you have any other projects you are currently working on?

How do I answer this... umm... maybe? Haha. I have a few things that are really up in the air right now, depending on how things play out. I'm afraid I can't say anything more that than. How's that for cryptic? But I do have an idea for a YA science fiction I hope to start on once I finish What I Didn't Say. Not dystopian, but very hard core sci-fi. Think along the lines of The Matrix. I am beyond excited to start on it! As of right now I'm thinking it will be a trilogy.

Eden by Keary Taylor

Published: June 6th, 2011

Reading Level: Young Adult

Paperback: 408 pages

Eve knew the stories of the Fall, of a time before she wandered into the colony of Eden, unable to recall anything but her name. She's seen the aftermath of the technology that infused human DNA with cybernetic matter, able to grow new organs and limbs, how it evolved out of control. The machine took over and the soul vanished. A world quickly losing its humanity isn't just a story to her though. At eighteen, this world is Eve's reality.

In their Fallen world, love feels like a selfish luxury, but not understanding what it is makes it difficult to choose between West, who makes her feel alive but keeps too many secrets, and Avian, who has always been there for her, but is seven years her senior.

The technology wants to spread and it won't stop until there is no new flesh to assimilate. With only two percent of the human population left, mankind is on the brink of extinction. While fighting to keep Eden alive, Eve will discover that being human is about what you will do for those you love, not what your insides may be made of. And even if it gets you killed, love is always what separates them from the Fallen.

Fall of Angels: The Complete Trilogy by Keary Taylor

Published: November 29th, 2011

Reading Level: Young Adult

Paperback: 752 pages

Plagued by nightmares of angels all her life, but left with the scars to prove they’re more than dreams, Jessica has hidden herself away from the world on the shores of Lake Samish, Washington. But when caring but almost too-perfect-to-be-true Alex, and beautiful yet terrifying Cole enter her life, everything about Jessica’s world is about to change. She’ll learn that the angels aren’t content to stay in her dreams any longer and they’ll do anything to drag her into their world. The lines between right and wrong will be blurred as she fights to cling to the life she’s built and the love she’ll find.

Prize:

1 winner will receive a copy of EDEN.

Rules:

You must be at least 13 to enter.
Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is US Only and ends March 7th.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.

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Interview & Giveaway: Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:59:00 +0000

Debra Anastasia is here today to talk about her adult title, Poughkeepsie. I've read this book and I just gotta say...WOW! It's incredible!

Debra has been kind enough to offer up a great giveaway (sign up below) for US and International readers.

Poughkeepsie has a very emotional plot. Can you tell us what inspired this story and the main characters?

The plot was very organic. Actually, I originally thought the whole story would take place on the train station platform. So it would have been centered on only the two lead characters. But when Blake takes Livia into his world, I knew we would meet some interesting people. Beckett was a scariest to write, I never knew what he was going to say next. Interestingly, the thought of a homeless hero harkened back to a trip to New York City with friends when I was a teenager. A homeless man approached us and asked for money for lunch. We walked past ignoring the beggar, as we were taught to do by our parents. I put my hand in my pocket and realized I had five dollars. I turned around and ran back and handed him the money. He looked up and smiled so big, it put tears in my eyes. When I got back to my group of friends they teased me for the rest of the day, but there was a connection when he had smiled at me. That gentleman made me realize that he was not something to avoid, but a person. So when writing a story about an impossible love, I remembered him and thought about that connection.

Did you have any images in mind when you were creating Blake and Livia or did you just start writing?

I’m very visual when I write, so when I began writing about the train station, I picked the pretty one that is close to my in-laws. It’s the Rhinecliff station near Rhinebeck, New York. But when I thought about Livia’s commute, the commuter train doesn’t come all the way to Rhinecliff from the city – its last stop is Poughkeepsie. I was very relived when we drove by the Poughkeepsie station and I remembered how gorgeous it was.

The tattoo the three main boys have became a real symbol for their brotherly connection. I have two designs, one by Steve Zap and the other by Shannon Lumetta. I loved the tattoo so I was thrilled when it was placed on the cover of Poughkeepsie. Four readers have actually gotten the tattoo on their real bodies! I’m going to have to do something really special for them. I guess I’ll have to get it too as soon as I find my courage. One of the things I did for fun was have the tattoos made into temporary tats. So I’ve worn both designs, technically. I toss a few in as swag for anyone that gets their book or bookplate signed. (There are a few tats in this giveaway!)

The other huge symbol for me is the Cardboard Piano that Blake carries with him. I loved how a simple piece of cardboard could mean so much. When I was preparing to make the trailer, (with tremendous help from my author friend Carol Oates) I looked for pictures of a keyboard drawn on cardboard everywhere on the Internet with no luck. Then I decided to stinking make it myself. My husband drew the keys on and we took it to the train station for some pictures. Now, the piano is on a world tour! Readers are sending it to one another and taking pictures. It’s adorable and really fun.

So as far as actors in my head, I pictured Jonas Armstrong as Blake Hartt (the music clef in the tattoo). I fell for him in the BBC version of Robin Hood. He’s got a great, deep smolder:

For Cole Bridge (the cross), my tortured, would-be priest, I found Jesse Williams was a perfect fit. His eyes look endless and deep, just like Cole.

And for Beckett Taylor (the knife), the big ol’ pimp, I’ve got Daniel Conn picked out. Actually, he’s not an actor but a rugby player. Half of the images on Google have him with a bloody face, so he’s even more perfect. I would have never found him if it wasn’t for my friend Jess at Book Passion for Life! She showed me a picture and I was sold.

Bookaholic ETA: "HOLY CRAP. He's hot!"

Can you share with us a few of your favorite lines from the book?

Sure! I’ll find some clean ones for you.

“When you saw me? You saw me. And then you smiled at me like I was the same as everyone else on that platform.” (From Blake)

“It was like he’d just discovered fire, and she was the main ingredient.” (From Cole)

“Blake took her face in his hands. “You let me touch you. Kiss you. Your skin? It feels like piano keys. My hands know just where to go.” (Blake again)

“You make the rest of the beautiful things in the world cry for even trying at all. You make it hard for me to breathe.” (awww, from Blake)

Beckett’s quotes are too dirty for primetime, but he has some great one-liners.

Are you currently working on any other books we can look forward to seeing?

Yes! I’m currently writing my first book’s (Crushed Seraphim) sequel. Then I have a few I’d really love to get to. I have a superhero story and a hotel romance banging around in my head. I’ve had a few requests for a Poughkeepsie sequel, so I’m hashing out a plot for that one as well.

Thank you so much Jessica for having Poughkeepsie and I on your blog!

Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia
Publisher: Omnific Publishing (November 22nd, 2011)
Adult: 17+
Paperback: 384 pages

He counts her smiles every day and night at the train station. And morning and evening, the beautiful commuter acknowledges him—just like she does everyone else on the platform. But Blake Hartt is not like the others . . . he’s homeless. Memories of a broken childhood have robbed him of peace and twisted delusions into his soul. He stays secluded from the sun, sure the world would run from him in the harsh light of day.

Each day, Livia McHugh smiles politely and acknowledges her fellow commuters as she waits for the train to the city. She dismisses this kindness as nothing special, just like her. She’s the same as a million other girls—certainly no one to be cherished. But special or not, she smiles every day, never imagining that someone would rely on the simple gesture as if it were air to breathe.

When the moment comes that Livia must do more than smile, without hesitation she steps into the fray to defend the homeless man. And she's surprised to discover an inexplicable connection with her new friend. After danger subsides, their smiles become conversation. Their words usher in a friendship, which awakens something in each of them. But it’s not long before their bond must prove its strength. Entanglements from the past challenge both their love and their lives.

Blake’s heart beats for Livia’s, even if her hands have to keep its rhythm. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never fails. Love never fails, right?

Prize:

1 US winner will receive a copy of Poughkeepsie, 2 temp. tattoos, a train schedule, and a bracelet!

2 INTERNATIONAL winners will receive the ebook copy.

Rules:

You must be at least 17 to enter.
Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is US/International and ends March 5th.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.

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Cover Reveal: Inbetween by Tara Fuller

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:17:00 +0000

Inbetween by Tara Fuller

Entangled Publishing (August 7th, 2012)

Paperback: 400 pages

Series: Kissed by Death #1

Since the car crash that took her father’s life three years ago, Emma’s life has been a freaky—and unending—lesson in caution. Surviving “accidents” has taken priority over being a normal seventeen-year-old, so Emma spends her days taking pictures of life instead of living it. Falling in love with a boy was never part of the plan. Falling for a reaper who makes her chest ache and her head spin? Not an option.

It’s not easy being dead, especially for a reaper in love with a girl fate has put on his list not once, but twice. Finn’s fellow reapers give him hell about spending time with Emma, but Finn couldn’t let her die before, and he’s not about to let her die now. He will protect the girl he loves from the evil he accidentally unleashed, even if it means sacrificing the only thing he has left...his soul.

Wow, this sounds so good! I can't wait to get my hands on this one. What do you guys think?

Paperback Available for Pre-Order from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Inbetween-Tara-Fuller/dp/1620610833/ref=lh_ni_t
 
Add to your Goodreads TBR:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13055677-inbetween

Review: The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
Publisher: EgmontUSA (December 22nd, 2009)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardback: 372 pages
Source: Won from author
Series: The Dark Divine #1
Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared--the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in his own blood--but she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night held.

The memories her family has tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude's high school. Despite promising Jude she'll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel's shocking artistic abilities, his way of getting her to look at the world from new angles, and the strange, hungry glint in his eyes.

The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life, as her actions stir resentment in Jude and drive him to embrace the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind the boy's dark secret...and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul.

Review: I don't know why I waited so long to read this. I'm a big werewolf fan and this is a book I have wanted to read for a long time. The Dark Divine is from Grace's POV. She is a "good girl" with a loving family and her father happens to be a pastor. But, there is a lot going on behind the scenes.

Grace recalls the odd events that happened around the time her childhood friend Daniel disappeared. Suddenly, Daniel is back and he isn't exactly the same person who left 3 years before. Grace's family is desperate for her to stay away from him but she can't. She is determined to have him in her life and to find out why he went away.

I will say that nothing in particular about this book blew me away; however, it was a very well-rounded story. I enjoyed the characters. I never wanted to put the book down and I had no idea where the plot would take me. Grace was a good girl but she took a lot of risks. Daniel was just fascinating. I was curious to find out more about him because he started off as being very closed off and sad.

Another aspect of the story I really enjoyed was the fact that Grace's family was a critical part of the plot. That is often rare to find in YA books so I liked the fact that we get to know her father, mother, and older brother on a deeper level. It also allows the readers to see why Grace is who she is.

With Daniel's arrival, a lot of bad things start happening around town and people are blaming Daniel. Grace knows something evil is out there but she just can't believe Daniel would be the one causing the problems. The plot in this story was very creative and mysterious. I honestly didn't know what would happen and I was completely surprised many times.

Bree Despain is a fabulous author and The Dark Divine series is one that easily hooked me. Everything about this novel helped to bring the story to life and Bree's writing made me an immediate fan.

Recommended: In case anyone hasn't read this so far -- paranormal/werewolf fans who like a good mystery.

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Valentine's Day Giveaway with Lynn Weingarten

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0000

When thinking of someone to have on my blog for Valentine's Day, the wonderful Lynn Weingarten came to mind. Why? Because she rocks! She obviously knows a lot about love (have you seen her book??) so I had to see what nuggets of romance and wisdom she could share with us today.

Plus, there's a rockin' giveaway below.

Once upon a time there was a man named Claudius who knocked out all of a horse’s teeth with a single punch. Have you seen a horse? Have you seen how big their mouths are and how many teeth they have? Okay, so that story might just be a legend, but here’s what you need to know: even if Claudius didn’t actually do this, he could have. That’s the kind of guy he was.

So jump ahead a bit and it was 268 AD and Claudius, who was a real guy by the way, was now Emperor Claudius II, the leader of Rome. As Emperor he was determined to have a very powerful army only the problem was not enough people were signing up to be a part of it. So ol’ horse-puncher Claudius did something that he must have thought was pretty clever – he outlawed marriage for young people. The underlying idea was that men would be more likely to sign up to go and fight and, well, possibly die if they didn’t have a wife and some kiddies waiting back at home. I suppose this might have been an effective strategy, but certainly not a very nice one.

Fortunately for those young people who still wished to married, there was a priest who would perform the ceremony even though it was now illegal. His name was Valentine. Unfortunately for Valentine, he got caught breaking the law and was put in jail and sentenced death by a combination of stoning, clubbing, and a good fashioned beheading. Before he died legend has it he sent a letter to the daughter of his jailor and signed it “from your Valentine”. His sentence was carried out on February 14^th in the year 269. (Much later he was declared the patron saint of engaged couples, happy marriages, love, lovers, travelers, young people, greetings, epilepsy, fainting, bee keepers and, um, the plague.)

Now on the 1743^rd anniversary of his death, we are still celebrating Valentine’s Day, only today it’s less about dramatic beheadings and secret marriages more about, well. . . what actually?

It’s easy to be cynical about Valentine’s Day. People say it’s over commercialized, that it’s only popular now because it’s pushed by card companies and chocolate stores and whoever makes those roses with the underwear inside as a way to sell products. People say that Valentine’s Day makes single people feel bad for not being in a couple and people in couples feel bad if their relationship isn’t like the ones in the diamond ads. Besides if you really love someone, you shouldn’t need a day to remind you to tell them. And it’s hard to argue against any of that since it’s all, y’know, completely true. But it doesn’t have to be like that.

All of my favorite Valentine’s Day memories have nothing at all to do with suddenly starring in my own De Beers ad. I remember baking heart shaped cookies with my mom, of making silly cards for friends on Microsoft Paint, of being single and watching anti-Valentine’s Day movies with other single people and talking about how stupid Valentine’s Day is, even though secretly we were all loving it.

It’s easy to get roped into the idea that we’re supposed to be having a certain kind of day, and then feel disappointed if we don’t. But instead let’s just say screw it and make it a day about whoever or whatever we love, whether that’s a romantic partner, a platonic friend, a pet, or a heart shaped cake that you plan to eat all on your own. Let go of the supposed-to-s. Just like our buddy St. Valentine did when he wasn’t supposed to marry people, but said oh what the heck and did it anyway. Happy Valentine’s Day!!

The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers by Lynn Weingarten
Publisher: HarperTeen (December 27th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 352 pages

When her boyfriend breaks up with her on the first day of sophomore year, Lucy has no idea how she’s going to make it through homeroom, let alone the rest of her life. Enter three stunning girls with a magical offer Lucy can’t refuse. All she has to do is get a guy to fall in love with her in the next seven days, and then…break his heart and collect one of his brokenhearted tears. As the girls teach Lucy how to hook a guy (with the help of a little magic), she quickly discovers how far she is willing to go—and who she is willing to cross—to get what she wants.

Fans of Lauren Myracle, Jodi Lynn Anderson, and Meg Cabot will love this tale of breakups, friendship, new crushes, and magic. Told with wit and charm, The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers is sure to be one of this winter’s most irresistible reads!

Prize:

1 winner will receive a SIGNED copy of The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers and swag.

Rules:

You must be at least 13 to enter.
Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is US Only and ends February 28th.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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Review: In His Eyes Anthology by Various Authors

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:10:00 +0000

In His Eyes Anthology by Various Authors
Format: ebook (February 14th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Authors
Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Available NOW, just in time for Valentines Day, The Indelibles bring you a one-of-a-kind young adult anthology! Sixteen original short stories, all from the point of view of our favorite male characters - some are old flames from our novels and some were dreamed up especially for this anthology.

Let these imminently crushable, swoon-worthy guys show you what romance looks like – in his eyes.

The contributors to IN HIS EYES include award winners, frequent “Top 100” placers, and hot 2011 debut authors.

Surprise, Surprise by Stacey Wallace Benefiel, author of Glimpse: Half the women in Melody's family can see the future, which makes it nearly impossible for Raleigh to surprise her. What's a guy to do for Valentine's Day when his girlfriend is always one step ahead of him?

First Kiss or First Kill? by C.K. Bryant, author of Bound: Love isn't always rainbows and kittens, sometimes it can be downright deadly. (A deleted chapter from Bound.)

Shattered by Ali Cross, author of Become: James and Desi use each other in an effort to cling to the darkness in each of them, but in the end they discover that love changes you. (A chapter of Become from James’ POV.)

Before by Jessie Harrell, author of Destined: When a younger Eros is exiled to a land that doesn't believe in the Greek gods, he finds the first love of his immortal life. Read Eros' first person account of his romance, and heartbreak, in the time before he met Psyche.

The Qualm Before the Storm by Karen Amanda Hooper, author of Tangled Tides. Yara Jones doesn’t want to be a mermaid. Treygan doesn’t want to be the monster who turns her. You can’t always get what you want. (A short prequel to Tangled Tides.)

Unspeakable by S.R. Johannes, author of Untraceable: When Mo sees a strange girl in the woods, he follows her. He soon realizes they are both in a dangerous position and might not get out alive.

In the Beginning by Katie Klein, author of Cross My Heart: Seth is falling hard for Genesis Green, but the guardian angel is determined not to interfere, until an accident changes the course of their lives forever. (A short prequel to The Guardian.)

A Chance Encounter by Cheri Lasota, author of Artemis Rising: Finnian's eyes hide a terrible secret. But a girl on the train home, the girl in tears with a secret of her own...She sees right through him. A scene from the upcoming novel, Echoes in the Glass.

Family Bonds by Heather McCorkle, author of The Secret of Spruce Knoll: A Halloween party filled with teens who can channel energy and use it to kill, what could go wrong? For Spruce Knoll fans who are dying to read more about Fane.

Getting Closer by Lisa Nowak, author of Running Wide Open: Megan is smart, hot, and an upperclassman—in other words, way out of Cody’s league. So why did she choose him? (An excerpt of Getting Sideways.)

Precalculus by Cory Putman Oakes, author of The Veil: a re-telling of the fateful class period that changed Addison Russell’s life, from Luc’s point of view (a.k.a. Chapter 2 of The Veil from Luc’s perspective)

The Almost Assassin by Laura Pauling, author of A Spy Like Me, releasing Spring 2012: Malcolm tries his hand at the family business but his conscience and a beautiful "spy" may be his downfall.

Mind Games by Susan Kaye Quinn, author of Open Minds: Raf wants to take Kira—the only girl in school who doesn’t read minds—to the mindware Games, but his friends have other plans. (A short prequel to Open Minds.)

By The Firelight by Elle Strauss, author of Clockwise: When Nate McKenzie asks an unpopular girl to dance on a dare, he's in for the time of his life.

A Very Alien Valentine’s Day by Magan Vernon, author of How To Date An Alien: After surviving confinement and an intergalactic war for his human half, Alex, now he has to live through the biggest challenge of them all: Valentine's Day.

Aligned by RaShelle Workman, author of Exiled: A half-Eternal boy and an Eternal girl must free millions of tortured souls from a creature whose been feasting on their pain and suffering.

Review: I love a good anthology. It's a nice break from novel-length stories and often it gives us a glimpse into stories we may not have read in the past. That was exactly what this book was. It was a wonderful book full of cute love stories and perfect for a Valentine's day read.

One of the things i really loved about this anthology is that we get a little explanation of who we will meet before each story. These are often connected to other stories already available by the author. Links are listed as well so it's easy to click on it and go directly to the book page. I found myself doing that often. I would read one of the stories and go back to add the author's book to my list. I was worried I might be confused jumping into different stories that take place in contrasting worlds but that wasn't the case at all. Each story was so amazingly written.

Since these are short stories I won't go into too much detail but I will say that they bring so much emotion in a small package. For example, during the 2nd story First Kiss or First Kill I was cracking up through most of it.

Most people love a good male POV as well so if you are a fan of those, you gotta check this out. It was so adorable to see how these guys felt about love and romance.

In His Eyes was such a cute, enjoyable read. I was happy to get the chance to sample the writings of each author and have added many more titles to my to-read shelf now!

Recommended: Anthology fans. People looking for male POVs, short stories, and new books to read and would like to check out some new authors.

The Indelibles Website

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Review: Amplified by Tara Kelly

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Amplified by Tara Kelly
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (October 25th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardback: 304 pages
Source: Publisher
Rating: 5 of 5 stars

When privileged 17-year-old Jasmine gets kicked out of her house, she takes what is left of her savings and flees to Santa Cruz to pursue her dream of becoming a musician. Jasmine finds the ideal room in an oceanfront house, but she needs to convince the three guys living there that she's the perfect roommate and lead guitarist for their band, C-Side. Too bad she has major stage fright and the cute bassist doesn't think a spoiled girl from over the hill can hack it. . .

Review: I adored this book. I read it a few months ago and it singlehandedly brought me out of my reading slump. I even picked Jasmine as one of my favorite characters of 2011.

Jasmine was a kick-butt character. LOVED her! Even though she had a privileged background she didn't want that life anymore. She ran away with her savings and went off to pursue her dream to play music. She had no idea what was ahead of her but she was willing to jump in headfirst and take on all the obstacles.

As soon as she stars on her journey, she hits a roadblock. Her car breaks down and she has to deal with this guy who has a horrible attitude. He thinks he already knows all about her but Jasmine wants to show everyone that she is much more than what she seems.

She soon explores some ads for housing/bands and finds the perfect opportunity. She could live in an oceanfront house with the band members. But first she has to audition and a few of them have little hope of her impressing anyone.

Jasmine is a little afraid of playing in front of people but she soon shows them just how talented she is. And that guy she met at the body shop? Yeah, he may more a part of her new life than she would have thought.

This book was surprising in so many ways because I loved each and every character. They were so realistic and believable. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to bring a lot of major male characters to life in a story but Tara did an outstanding job! Each guy was so different and interesting. I wanted to live in that house!

Amplified is a perfect example of how characters can break free from stereotypes and show some spunk and personality. Jasmine is a girl so many people can relate to and she just may encourage some people to take a leap of faith on their own.

Tara Kelly, you rock!!

Recommended: Contemporary/music fans looking for a fun, exciting read with a lot of depth.

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Interview & Giveaway: Pure by Julianna Baggott

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Julianna Baggott, the author of Pure, is here today to talk about the book and one lucky winner will get a signed copy!

1. Can you give us 5 words that you would use to describe Pressia and Partridge?

Haves and have-nots collide.

2. Can you share with us a few of your favorite lines from Pure?

There's a character in the novel who only has the ability to echo, more or less, what's been said. There's a term called "echolalia" in which people can say anything they want to but often repeat things they've said or someone else has said -- directly after. I love writing his dialogue because it's never a simple repetition. What Helmud decides to repeat and how are the key to understanding him. What he says can be loaded.

3. Pure involves such a unique and dangerous world, what was the most difficult part of the writing process? How did you build upon the world we see in the book?

I have to see the landscape -- when in the world of PURE -- before I write it. This isn't true of other books I've written where sometimes the words arrive and the setting takes hold. So it's dream first, write second.

4. You've accomplished a lot in the writing world. What would you say is your biggest accomplishment?

PURE exist because of all of the things I've written in the past. Those works have led me here -- as disparate as they seem. And the blurbs for PURE mean an awful lot to me. The range is incredible -- from Pulitzer Prize Winner Robert Olen Butler to the producer of the Paranormal Activity Franchise, Steven Schneider (who's also an author). I don't want to namedrop anymore than I already have -- but I admire the writers who've commented on PURE so damn much -- I'm truly thankful and humbled by their endorsement.

5. Fox 2000 bought the film rights to Pure! Congrats! What did you think when you heard the news and do you have any new details about the deal?

Honestly, I was relieved. There'd been a lot of action and talk and bustle and huge anxiety for a week or so ... and then they swooped in and took it. I knew the producer already and knew immediately that I was in good hands. Deets? I have no idea. My job at present is to keep my fingers crossed.

Pure by Julianna Baggott
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (February 8th, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardback: 448 pages
Series: Pure #1

We know you are here, our brothers and sisters . . .

Pressia barely remembers the Detonations or much about life during the Before. In her sleeping cabinet behind the rubble of an old barbershop where she lives with her grandfather, she thinks about what is lost-how the world went from amusement parks, movie theaters, birthday parties, fathers and mothers . . . to ash and dust, scars, permanent burns, and fused, damaged bodies. And now, at an age when everyone is required to turn themselves over to the militia to either be trained as a soldier or, if they are too damaged and weak, to be used as live targets, Pressia can no longer pretend to be small. Pressia is on the run.

Burn a Pure and Breathe the Ash . . .

There are those who escaped the apocalypse unmarked. Pures. They are tucked safely inside the Dome that protects their healthy, superior bodies. Yet Partridge, whose father is one of the most influential men in the Dome, feels isolated and lonely. Different. He thinks about loss-maybe just because his family is broken; his father is emotionally distant; his brother killed himself; and his mother never made it inside their shelter. Or maybe it's his claustrophobia: his feeling that this Dome has become a swaddling of intensely rigid order. So when a slipped phrase suggests his mother might still be alive, Partridge risks his life to leave the Dome to find her.

When Pressia meets Partridge, their worlds shatter all over again.

Prize:

1 winner will receive a SIGNED copy of Pure by Julianna Baggott.

Rules:

You must be at least 13 to enter.
Name and email must be provided.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is US only and ends February 25th.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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Review: In Too Deep by Amanda Grace

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:58:00 +0000

In Too Deep by Amanda Grace
Publisher: Flux (February 8th, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 228 pages
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 of 5 stars

I never meant for anyone to get hurt. All I wanted to do that night was make a play for Carter Wellesley. His heartless rejection was mortifying, but people got the wrong idea when they saw me leaving his bedroom, crying. That's how rumors of rape started.
Now girls at school are pouring out their sympathy to me. Guys too. But not everyone's on my side. The school has become a war zone and the threats are getting scary. What began as poetic justice has morphed into something bigger--forcing me to make a terrible choice.

Review: Amanda Grace (aka Amanda Hubbard) really knows how to put a spin on contemporary themes. This is a quick read but as with Amanda's previous book But I Love Him, it is highly emotional and significant for teens.

Sam seemed like a typical teenage girl. She wasn't super popular, great with the guys, or someone people noticed often. She does have a fabulous best friend, Nick. She likes Nick and just wanted him to notice her as more than a friend. She takes a chance by going after a popular guy, Carter. She takes her chance at Carter's party and is horribly embarrassed when he not only turns her down, but says some mean comments as well. Since she's drunk she falls down, rips her shirt, looks a mess, and runs out of his room crying. A girl sees her and makes some assumptions for what went on in the bedroom. This one event causes a string of events that change a lot of lives.

I liked that Sam was relatable but I do think she made some bad decisions when it came to setting the record straight. She had some times early on where it seemed it would have been easier to tell the truth than to put up with what was going on around her. Plus, she wasn't exactly shy. She wasn't afraid to tell people off most of the time. If she would have been really shy I might have believed her more when she just seemed too afraid to tell the truth.

I loved how this story comes from a completely different perspective on a situation that, sadly, happens a lot. Usually the girl may be trying desperately to get people to believe her. Now, we see a group of teens that turn on a guy for the wrong reasons. Sam had all the support she could ever want from her peers.

One of her biggest supporters was Nick. Nick was wonderful. You could tell he had a deep love for Sam and that showed a lot with his actions. Sam didn't have a lot of affection at home and her dad was pretty much a jerk so I think Sam turned to Nick a lot to just feel the love she craved.

In Too Deep is a book with an important message for how rumors can get out of control. It is a great book for teens who may not feel the truth is worth telling. Rumors can drastically change lives and it may be impossible to get out of the cycle.

Recommended: Great book for teens and contemporary lovers. Quick read with a great message.

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Giveaway: Devotion by Kristie Cook

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:13:00 +0000

Devotion by Kristie Cook
Publisher: Ang'dora Publishing (February 10th, 2012)
Paperback: 374 pages
Reading Level: 17+ Adult
Series: Soul Savers #3

With powerful abilities gained from the Ang’dora and Tristan back by her side, Alexis thinks she’s ready for the next challenge—protecting her son from what appears to be the inevitable. But she has so much to learn about her powers, her new world and the people in it. Nothing is what it seems to be on the surface, including the Amadis. Having believed the secret society to be definitively good and righteous, she discovers she couldn’t have been more wrong.

Power-hungry politicians comprise the council and make impossible demands. A traitor lurks among them all, inciting trouble that could destroy the Amadis and, ultimately, humanity. The Daemoni wreak havoc in the human world, with the ultimatum that they’ll continue attacking innocents until Alexis and Tristan are expelled from the Amadis’ protection. The couple’s own society begins to shut them out. But that’s not all.

There’s a secret. A big one. And faith and hope in Alexis and Tristan will be restored if she can uncover the truth in time.

But the search for answers leads only to the discovery of more betrayals by those closest to Alexis. Her devotion is put to the test—devotion to her husband, to her family, to her people and to her beliefs—leaving her to question whom she’s fighting for and why she should even bother. But if she won’t fight … who will?

Prize:

1 winner will receive an ebook of Devotion.

Rules:

You must be at least 17 to enter.
Name and email must be provided.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is International and ends February 19th.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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Tour Review: Devotion by Kristie Cook

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Devotion by Kristie Cook
Publisher: Ang'dora Publishing (February 10th, 2012)
Paperback: 374 pages
Reading Level: 17+ Adult
Source: Author (Thank You!)
Series: Soul Savers #3
Rating: 5 of 5 stars

With powerful abilities gained from the Ang’dora and Tristan back by her side, Alexis thinks she’s ready for the next challenge—protecting her son from what appears to be the inevitable. But she has so much to learn about her powers, her new world and the people in it. Nothing is what it seems to be on the surface, including the Amadis. Having believed the secret society to be definitively good and righteous, she discovers she couldn’t have been more wrong.

Power-hungry politicians comprise the council and make impossible demands. A traitor lurks among them all, inciting trouble that could destroy the Amadis and, ultimately, humanity. The Daemoni wreak havoc in the human world, with the ultimatum that they’ll continue attacking innocents until Alexis and Tristan are expelled from the Amadis’ protection. The couple’s own society begins to shut them out. But that’s not all.

There’s a secret. A big one. And faith and hope in Alexis and Tristan will be restored if she can uncover the truth in time.

But the search for answers leads only to the discovery of more betrayals by those closest to Alexis. Her devotion is put to the test—devotion to her husband, to her family, to her people and to her beliefs—leaving her to question whom she’s fighting for and why she should even bother. But if she won’t fight … who will?

Review: Ah, and the epicness continues! If you haven't read the first 2 books in this series, run and do that! Then come back and read this review. :) This series continues to amaze me. I'm not sure how Kristie keeps up with it all because this series creates such a complex world. The characters, the history, the action -- all written with amazing clarity and creativity.

In Devotion, Tristan returns to us! Er, I mean Alexis. They have a moment to be a family and to be happy at last. But that time is brief. Alexis is going through a wide range of emotions. She is dealing with a new power that she isn't able to completely control, and there is a possibility that someone close to her could be betraying her. As she struggles to deal with the person she is now, and the good and bad of having her husband by her side, she discovers more about the Amadis and what could happen to her family. The last thing she wants is for them to be ripped apart again so she fights with everything she can in order to stop what most see as inevitable.

Devotion brings in a lot more characters (I'M ONE OF THEM!). Most of them are political-types who are not open to change within their rules. Then there are a few that are just insanely hot and awesome (ME! Or, at least the fictional me that is insanely hot and awesome). There is a lot of back and forth struggle and Alexis is in the middle of it all. One thing I love about this series is that Alexis truly takes the lead. Tristan is there, but he's more of a support for her. Alexis is the one with the power (as it should be!) and she is the glue holding everything together. Another great thing about this book was that it isn't all sunshine and roses for Alexis and Tristan once they are together. They argue and struggle with how to settle into married life.

And I can't review this book without mentioning Owen. (Did I mention that I get to interact with Owen..yes, me, the character, in the book, with my friend Lisa...). Poor Owen has a lot to deal with in Devotion. I'm begging Kristie for a spin-off with him and his favorite faeries (me and Lisa!).

The Soul Savers series grabs you and refuses to let go! I guarantee a few sleepless nights, racing hearts, and inappropriate fantasies while reading these books. This is the perfect series for paranormal fans who want to plunge into a world featuring a struggle between good and evil, an insanely strong heroine, and a plot that will keep you guessing.

Recommended: Adult readers. Anyone who loves paranormal and a really smokin' hot romance.

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Don't Breathe a Word Trailer Release Party!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:50:00 +0000

The amazing Holly Cupala is having a trailer release party for her newest book Don't Breathe a Word. Holly has incredible book trailers so you gotta check it out!

And there are PRIZES!

PRIZES:

Five Grand Prizes:

Signed copies of Don’t Breathe a Word, Tell Me a Secret, the TMAS special edition audiobook, bookmarks, stickers, and other swag*

Ten Runner-Up Prizes:

Don’t Breathe a Word flyers, bookmarks, stickers, and a TMAS button*

Plus the first forty people who buy the book at this link

between now and Valentine’s Day get DBAW bookmarks and stickers from me!*

*Must include mailing address with entry. All prizes ship to US addresses (sorry!)

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Click here to go to the DBAW trailer link, then click the Share button to send to your Facebook, Twitter, Google+, MySpace, blog, or other social network. 5 pts each

2. Click here to tell us where you posted and enter to win

3. Buy the book at this link for more chances to win!

Guest Post: Artemis Rising by Cheri Lasota

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:22:00 +0000

Cheri Lasota is here today to share with us who she thinks would be perfect to play the characters in her book Artemis Rising.

Movie Casting for Artemis Rising

Who would I cast for my characters if Artemis Rising were made into a movie?

Nelly Furtado as Eva Maré

I always make electronic photo collages for my characters. It's just a part of my process. I had picked singer Nelly Furtado as my main character, because she had the blue eyes and olive skin I needed. When I learned that her family originates from the Azores Islands and she is full-blooded Azorean, just like my main character, I was thrilled! She has a beautiful face and stunning blue eyes. When I lived among the Azoreans for a time, one of the things that surprised me most was just how amazing their skin was. Smooth and glowing and naturally tan. Nelly's skin is like that, and she was a great model for my character.

Tyler Nordby as Tristan Vazante

Along with my Director Bill Thoma and several other of my filmmaker friends, I made a book trailer for Artemis Rising that looks very much like a movie trailer. We hired on local actors, so my two leading male characters are the two featured in my book trailer. I spent a lot of time poring through images and talking with actors. I wanted to get as close to the image I'd had in my mind through the years that I spent writing the novel. Tyler Nordby just had that sweet face and the kind eyes I was looking for. Tristan's blue eyes are a central element of my novel, so it was important that I choose an actor who had the right eye color. Tyler's personality was very similar to Tristan's, so that made it quite easy for me to see him in the role. Tyler

is an up and coming actor, who played a high schooler in Twilight and starred in a short film called Deviation.

Montetré as Diogo Cheia

Montetré is a theater actor, film actor and director. He probably wears more hats than that, but I'm losing count! He's intense, naturally talented, and riveting to watch. And I was privileged to have him in my book trailer as the driven and obsessed Diogo Cheia.

Elisha Cuthbert as Isabel Infante

Isabel is a selfish but attractive girl. Eva even calls her the most beautiful girl she'd ever seen. Elisha Cuthbert, while beautiful, can have that kind of haughty look to her when she's showing emotion. She'd probably nail this character in a film version of Artemis Rising.

Joaquim De Almeida as Conde Estrela

The first time I saw this actor, he was the villain in Clear and Present Danger with Harrison Ford. He had a mesmerizing voice and unusual but compelling eyes. He makes a good fit for Conde Fernando Estrela, Eva and Tristan's adoptive father. Conde Estrela is known in the story as a mysterious and melancholy man. Joaquim's facial expressions definitely play into that tone. The actor is also from Lisbon, Portugal.

Penelope Cruz as Maria Maré

Penelope Cruz has a sort of playful mouth and nose, but her eyes can be very serious. This combination fits Maria, Eva's mother, completely. She would have had a lighthearted personality if life and hard circumstances hadn't stolen her joy. She is a woman of many secrets.

Anthony Hopkins as Padre Salvador

Anthony is one of my favorite actors and Padre Salvador is one of my favorite characters, so he seems like the perfect fit for this character. One of the first films I saw him in was Legends of the Fall. Interestingly, my novel would not exist without this film. I first heard the name Tristan and learned about the Legend of Tristan and Isolde from this film. That led me to research it further and the rest is history. Anthony has a commanding presence and piercing eyes, and I imagine Conde Estrela to be blessed with both of those traits, despite his ill health.

Author Bio:

Cheri Lasota’s first novel, Artemis Rising, is a YA historical fantasy based on mythology and set in the exotic Azores Islands. Currently, Cheri is writing and researching her second novel, a YA set on the Oregon Coast. Over the course of her sixteen-year career, she has edited fiction, nonfiction, screenplays, and short stories for publication. Cheri also has twenty-four years of experience writing poetry and fiction.

Learn more about the novel or contact Cheri at http://www.cherilasota.com

. The book is available in all digital formats and can be purchased at SpireHouseBooks.com

, iTunes, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and KoboBooks.com.

Artemis Rising by Cheri Lasota

Publisher: Spirehouse Books (September 13, 2011)

Reading Level: Young Adult

Format: ebook

On the voyage home to the Azores Islands, Eva accepts the pagan name of Arethusa but learns too late that her life will mirror the Greek nymph’s tragic end. Her mother reveals that her destiny lies with Diogo, the shipowner’s volatile son. But Eva has a vision of another...

When the ship founders in a storm off the coast, Tristan, a local boy, saves her life and steals her heart. Destined to be with Diogo yet aching for Tristan’s forbidden love, Eva must somehow choose between them, or fate will choose for her.

This is an engrossing novel in which several strands of myth combine to create a complex yet beautifully simple romance. It is at its highest level an exploration of fundamental philosophical questions—the debate between fate and choice, the nature of love and desire, the tenacious and often dangerous hold of belief on the human psyche. At bottom, and the reason why you will love it, this is a bildungsroman about a girl finding her way to adulthood and a story about two lovers both separated and entwined by their beliefs.

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Celebrate Valentine's Day with HarperTeen

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:32:00 +0000

HarperTeen has some fantastic things going on to help celebrate the time of looooveeee -- Valentine's Day!

You can go to their facebook page for giveaways, polls, and more. They highlight a book each day. Keep checking back to see what is unlocked.

And, who doesn't need a Crush Calculator!!

Wouldn't it be nice to know what story will lead to a crush?? OF COURSE, so go take the quiz and see who you will like.

Blogger Talk Review: Everneath by Brodi Ashton

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Publisher: Harper/Balzer + Bray (January 21st, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 370 pages
Source: Publisher
Series: Everneath #1
Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

Review: I gotta say, Brodi Ashton sure knows how to put a new twist on an ancient Greek myth. I've never been the biggest fan of these retellings but this is way up on the list for my favorites I've read. When we meet Nikki she has been in the Everneath for 6 months (our time) but much longer than that in her reality. She had let heartbreak and sorrow lead her down a path and pointed straight at Cole -- the new rock star with a few special abilities. Cole was able to give Nikki what she needed at the time and she made the decision to follow him.

Now Nikki is back, sort of. She doesn't feel completely normal and her friends have no idea what she has went through. She just wants a chance to make it okay before she is forced back into that world. Mostly, she wants to do the right thing for Jack, the guy she was dating when she went under.

The beginning of this story was a little confusing for me but that was part of the reason I kept reading. I'm new to these myths so I was interesting to see where everything fit. Nikki struggled to find her place and the only person who understood what was going on with her was Cole. At first I didn't feel really connected with Nikki. I wanted to really grasp why she had fought so hard to be back on the Surface but I didn't at first. The details came later and I felt much more connected with her as the story progressed.

One thing I really liked about the story was the way it was structured. We get to see Nikki as she progresses through her 6 months on the Surface, but we also get to see the time she spent before she went to the Everneath. By the end we have a much clearer picture of what happened and why so many people seem hurt by the situation. Jack was the one who went through the most and he really grabbed my heart. Who wouldn't want a guy like that? Jack was just so kind and mature, and it was so easy to see how he felt for Nikki. There were no games involved-- he just loved her!

It's easy to think that you could and should just hate Cole. He's the bad guy, right? But oh no, I didn't hate him. I felt so bad for him. Darn you Brodi for making him so enticing!! I really felt I understood Cole's actions. He was just doing what he was supposed to do and he didn't plan anything like what had happened with Nikki, not really. He's really a fun character because he has so many "sides".

Brodi did a fabulous job with this modern retelling. The story was easy to follow and the characters really made the story shine. Even without a ton of action, I never had a problem keeping focus on this story. The mystery behind it and the history among the characters was too fascinating for me to even think about putting the book down.
Everneath was a surprising read for me and one I that kept me highly entertained. I'm excited to see what happens with this series. Brodi Ashton has created a fabulous debut novel!

Recommended: Greek Mythology fans or fans of the paranormal. Very good read for young teens.

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Everneath is the February book pick for the new feature Blogger Talk: Novel Exposed. Each Saturday of the month Lisa (A Life Bound By Books) and I will be posting something new from Everneath or its wonderful author, Brodi Ashton.

Interview & Giveaway: Embrace by Cherie Colyer

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Cherie Colyer is here today to talk about her debut novel Embrace. This is a book that I am super excited to read and 3 lucky readers will get the opportunity to check it out as well.

Fill out the form below to be entered to win. 3 winners will get an ebook of Embrace.

1. In Embrace, a lot has happened and Madison is struggling with all the changes, can you tell us a little of what she is dealing with when we meet her character?

We meet Madison in October. She’s a junior in high school, single for the first time since freshman year, and learning to accept the fact that one of her friends returned from summer break with an unfounded hatred toward her. Madison manages to keep her chin up though: staying in touch with her ex who now lives in another state, pretending she doesn’t hate her English class, being the woman of the house, and doing her best to avoid any more changes in her life. When Madison’s best friend tells her that her life’s about to change, Madison is less than thrilled to find out what’s next.

2. There seems to be a lot of mystery in this book. What are 3 words you would use to describe the story?

Fast-paced thriller

3. Tell us a little about Issac.

Isaac’s the mysterious new guy who’s caught more than just Madison’s eye. He’s a senior, six-foot-some, brown hair, velvet brown eyes, and he’s a guy with a secret. It’s the things he doesn’t say out loud that have Madison questioning if he’s right for her. He’s a strong male who knows how to handle himself. Being brought up by parents who know exactly who he his has allowed him to sharpen his abilities. I don’t want to say much more or I’ll give away his secret, but I will say you don’t want to get on his bad side.

4. Embrace is your debut novel. What has been the most surprising part of being a debut author?

I’m going to have to say just how many things have to be done to successfully launch a book. There are so many steps that a novel goes through from the time an author signs the contract to when the book is released and just as many people involved. It can be a bit overwhelming, but I had a wonderful editorial staff, an amazing marketing team that made sure nothing fell through the cracks, and the support of fellow authors to lean on for moral support and guidance.

5. I saw that you are working on a few new projects right now. Can you tell us a bit about them?

I’d love to. I’m currently working on a sequel for Embrace. Madison and her friends will be back, facing new threats and new supernatural elements they’ll have to defeat. I recently finished writing a teen paranormal thriller about a brother and sister who have been Chosen by otherworldly beings to be unwilling participants in a celestial battle that threatens to tear their relationship apart by forcing them to fight on opposite sides. Having both heaven and hell watching their every move is bad enough, but it’s the lengths these siblings are willing to go to save the other that puts them in the greatest danger of all. And last but not least, my middle grade ghost story follows four friends as they search for ghosts, confront their fears, and find the inner-strength needed to face the unknown.

Embrace by Cherie Colyer
Publisher: Omnific Publishing (December 20th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 222 pages

Madison is familiar enough with change, and she hates everything about it. Change took her long-term boyfriend away from her. It caused one of her friends to suddenly hate her. It's responsible for the death of a local along with a host of other mysterious happenings. But when Madison meets a hot new guy, she thinks her luck is about to improve.Madison is instantly drawn to the handsome and intriguing Isaac Addington. She quickly realizes he's a guy harboring a secret, but she's willing to risk the unknown to be with him.Her world really spins out of control, however, when her best friend becomes delusional, seeing things that aren't there and desperately trying to escape their evil. When the doctors can't find the answers, Madison seeks her own.Nothing can prepare her for what she is about to discover.Dangerous, intoxicating, and darkly romantic, Embrace is a thriller that will leave you spellbound.

Prize:

3 winners will receive an ebook of Embrace by Cherie Colyer

Rules:

You must be at least 13 (or have permission) to enter.
Name and email must be provided.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is International and ends February 18th.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.

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Review: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Publisher: Harper Collins (January 3rd, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 374 pages
Source: ARC from Publisher
Series: Under the Never Sky #1
Rating: 4 of 5 stars

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.

Review: I admit, I had no clue what to expect with this book. The summary is a nice start but it doesn't even begin to describe the complexity of this story. For the first 100 or so pages, I was a little lost. I didn't have a problem with the characters but I wasn't able to fully understand their world. At first I thought that only Aria's world was different-- that she lived in a Pod-type atmosphere containing several advanced technological gadgets but that wasn't all. Perry's world confused me even more. He wasn't just an Outsider. There was a lot more to it than that.

This story alternates POVs from Aria to Perry. It starts with Aria as she is going against the rules with a few of her friends and leaving their secure Pod. She wants to find out about her mother, a scientist, and feels that this is the only way to get the help she needs from one of the guys. Instead, she is thrown into a dangerous situation she never expected. I won't go into too many details but a short while later she is placed on a course to come face-to-face with Perry, but it isn't their first meet-up.

Aria has been thrown out and left in The Death Shop, never to return to Reverie. She has heard about the Outsiders and the dangers from the air and disease from being out of their safe environment. Aria assumes that death will be her fate.

Perry has had his own bad luck. From what he feels is punishment to his involvement in 'Dweller' territory, involving Aria, someone close to him is in danger. He will do anything to get them back and Aria will do anything to get to her mother. Together they make an unlikely alliance but one that kept me riveted! This was where I really started to 'get it'. The pieces of the puzzle came together and I could not stop reading. Perry and Aria's journey was unimaginable. The pain Aria had to endure and the worry from Perry made this a very emotional part of the story. Aria learns there is much more to Perry and all of the Outsiders than she would have thought, and Perry learns that not all Dwellers are as spoiled and selfish as he imagined.

Perry was just incredible. His raw strength and courage was astounding! There are very few YA characters that I think I would fear if I ran into them. I would fear Perry! Not because he wasn't nice (well, that may have came later) but because he was just so powerful. He knew how to survive on nothing and he taught Aria to do the same. He definitely didn't baby her and their connection was very far from 'insta-love'. He was exactly what she needed in order to get to a place where she could be capable of taking care of herself.

Aria may have started off as uncertain and a bit timid but she quickly learns the way of the Outsiders. Life is harsh. Death happen. And, you never know what you will be forced to do in order to survive. These were valuable lessons for her. She stood her ground when it came to Perry. Once she got to know him you could really see her respect what he was able to do.

The plot of Under the Never Sky is so original! I read dystopian/post-apocalyptic books often and it was nice to see even more of a spin placed on 2 different cultures that try to exist after so much devastation. The characters Aria and Perry meet along the way carried a lot of significance to the plot and overall feel of the story. None were 'throw away' people to me. I enjoyed each one and saw where they fit within the story line.

I gotta say, once I understood more of the world involved in Under the Never Sky, the more I was impressed with the inventiveness of it. I can't imagine the work Veronica Rossi put into this part of the story development.

Under the Never Sky completely transported me into a foreign word I could never have imagined. The characters were able to slowly build upon a relationship to have it become more and more complex and passionate. The intense action and magnificent world-building Veronica Rossi was able to create still has me amazed.

Recommended: Dystopian/Post-apocalyptic fans. People looking for something 'out of the norm' with a more slow-building romance.

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Cover Reveal: Evergreen by Brenda Pandos

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:22:00 +0000

Evergreen by Brenda Pandos

Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing

Date: June 29th, 2012

Series: Mer Tales #2

Add it to Goodreads

Summary:

A kingdom on the brink of war.
A king on the fringes of insanity.
A family running for their lives.

Ash and Fin’s only desire is to be together and dive into their happily ever after, though their conflicting worlds work to pull them apart. Neither is ready to convert to the other’s life: become a human or a mer. Little do they know that somewhere in Natatoria a secret holds the fine fabric of everyone’s lives together. If the truth is discovered, Ash and Fin will no longer have the luxury of waiting. They’ll be forced to choose. But will it be for loyalty or love? Or will someone else make the choice for them if they can’t decide?

Brenda is also hosting a contest right now on her blog. It's a a 'Name Tatchi's Novella Contest' where the winner will get a $50 Giftcard. Everyone can enter and you can get details by going to Brenda's blog.

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Sharin' the Love: Book Giveaway #1

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:02:00 +0000

Earlier this week I posted the Sharin' the Love: Blogger ARC Giveaway #1 and now it's time for a giveaway everyone can enter. I've been cleaning off my bookshelves and have piles for giveaways, donation, and more. These books were free to me so I don't want to sale them. I'd much rather 'Share the Love' and let some lucky people have them.

One winner will get finished copies of

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey

Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey

Prize:

1 winner will receive the 4 finished copies listed above.

Rules:

You must be at least 13 (or have permission) to enter.
Name and email must be provided.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is US only and ends February 16th.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.

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Review: Where She Went by Gayle Forman

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Where She Went by Gayle Forman
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (April 5th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardback: 264 pages
Source: Won ARC
Series: If I Stay #2
Rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.

Review: Spoilers! I started reading this book right after I finished If I Stay. Although I wasn't crazy bout If I Stay, everyone I talked to said that Where She Went was much better. They were right!

Where She Went is from Adam's point-of-view. It's 3 years after the accident and since Mia left for New York. Adam is a famous rock-star and Mia is a musician but they haven't spoken in years.

Adam is shocked that Mia just left without a word since. Now he finds himself in New York getting ready for a tour and all the memories return. Sometimes it's difficult to find a story with a great male POV but this one has it. I really enjoyed Adam and hearing about his adventures. Even though he was far from a "good guy" he was much more likeable than Mia had been in If I Stay. I believed him more and he showed more emotion.

Adam runs into Mia and they have 1 special night together. She takes him around New York to explore the city before they both go off on tour. Their relationship is strained at first. It takes a long time for Adam and Mia to reconnect. For obvious reasons, Adam is mad. He doesn't understand how someone he loved could leave like that. To make matters worse, Mia doesn't really acknowledge his pain or what she did to him.

The setting and plot in Where She Went was much more interesting to me. We get a glimpse of New York and flashbacks of how Adam got to where he is now, but it wasn't too much. I was still able to stay connected with their present-day time together.

Again, the only downside of this book was Mia. I was furious with her! She left, didn't say a word, then ignored the subject for most of the time they were together. I believed Adam loved her, but I honestly wasn't convinced she felt the same.

Where She Went far surpassed If I Stay, in my opinion. Adam is a fantastic character and his POV truly allowed me to see his personality and his true essence.

Recommended: I would recommend readers check out book 1, If I Stay first. It wouldn't be a must but it would help to understand what's going on. Readers who love contemporary or more emotional reads would enjoy this.

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Review: Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:00:00 +0000

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

Publisher: Tor Teen (January 31st, 2012)

Reading Level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 368 pages
Source: ARC from Publisher

Series: Article 5 #1
Rating: 5 of 5 stars

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard for her to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It’s hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings…the only boy Ember has ever loved.

Review: This review is difficult to write because I enjoyed this book so much! I could never find words to express exactly what this book captures. The world inside Article 5 is startling. The War has changed everything. The rights of each citizen have been revoked and everyone must adhere to the Mortal Statutes. Ember gets a stark dose of reality when she finds out a new revision in Article 5 puts her and her mother's life in danger.

Ember knows of only some of the dangers around her. The world has changed and now people get arrested for the simplest thing. One day when Ember arrives at home, officers soon come to her door -- a familiar face included. Chase, the boy from next door and the boy who had Ember's heart is standing there as Ember and her mother fight to stay together. Ember knows Chase is one of them now. An officer doing what he is told. Ember's mother is soon taken away and Ember is forced into a Girls' Reformation and Rehabilitation Center where she is to stay until she is 18.

While there, Ember is determined to break free and find her mother. Soon she gets her chance but it doesn't come as she would have expected. All of this puts her on a course to rely on Chase, the boy she doesn't know if she can trust, as they try to find her a safe place away from the pains of reality.

Ember is a fighter. She is a bit stubborn but willing to give whatever it takes in order to find her mother. She has a difficult time dealing with Chase because he doesn't seem like the person who used to live next door. He can be cold, deadly, and eerily quiet.

Chase may have changed, but his care for Ember remains the same. He would do anything to keep her safe. He is dangerous but so passionate and selfless. The demons inside of him may keep him more distant but he has a good heart. And, I'd like to mention that he is super hot! That's always important. Oh, and Kristen describes him as being similar to Channing Tatum. Need I say more?

Okay, now for the plot. I was so nervous while reading this book! I couldn't put it down but my eyes were wide and I had to even re-read passages to make sure I didn't miss any little detail. It has an incredible amount of action! I don't think there was one single page where something dramatic didn't happen.

The world inside of Article 5 is truly a bleak depiction of what a country could be after a devastating war. People fighting for food, clothing and shelter. A type of government who can come into any home, take anything, and arrest anyone for any reason. All supplies are scarce and everyone is fighting just to survive.

Kristen Simmons constructed and described this world flawlessly. Each new place Ember explored has its own set of troubles and characteristics. I felt as if I could see it all through Ember's eyes. Everything from the barren lands and deserted homes, to the desperate people. It was haunting and poignant.

Article 5 transported me into a world that was unfamiliar but all too possible. The charming characters, heart-stopping action, and imaginative plot quickly made this book a favorite. Kristen Simmons did an outstanding job and I can't wait to see where she goes next with this series.

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