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Best I've Read Blog Tour 2011

2011-12-11T11:06:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Today begins the Best I've Read in 2011 blog tour! Each day of the tour, I will feature an author and their book as well as refer you to the Best I've Read blog, where we will be featuring an author there each day as well!! There will be loads of giveaways, so make sure you visit each blog participating on the tour. A list of the blogs is on the Best I've Read blog!

For the first day on the tour we are featuring CROSSROADS by MARY TING. Crossroads was one of my favorite reads of the year! You can see my review of Crossroads HERE.

If you haven't read CROSSROADS yet, here is the synopsis from Goodreads - Claudia Emerson has a good friend who shares the same first name and last name. That friend unfortunately dies in a tragic accident during homecoming dance. Claudia is distraught at the loss of her friend, but is even more disturbed by her dreams, which seem to take her to another place called Crossroads. Unknown to her, Crossroads is like a second heaven, a place between heaven and earth. It is where the souls of humans in comas or near death experiences may wander. Where, Claudia meets Michael, a nephilim, a half angel, half human, whom she often meets in her dreams. It turns out that this isn’t her first visit to Crossroads, which is an enigma for no human can ever travel there until Claudia.

Now the fallen and demons are after her, suspecting she must be special and it is up to Michael and the other nephilims to protect her. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed, about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most. Can Michael fight his growing feelings for Claudia and protect her as a guardian angel should?

It won't be long, and Mary will be releasing the awesome cover of BETWEEN, the second book in the CROSSROADS series! She gave me a sneak peek and believe me when I tell you it is AWESOME!!!!!!!

Take a look at my interview with Mary.

1. What can you tell us about book two?

I’m happy to say Between, the sequel to Crossroads, is in editing. I’m really excited about book two because I’ll be introducing more characters. These characters have to work together to keep Claudia safe and sometimes it’s not easy. You’ll also get to know the Twelve. Be prepared, you will go through an emotional roller coaster.

2. When will readers see the book cover and synopsis?

As soon as I get permission from my publisher I will post it on my Facebook and present it to other blogs.

3. What is your favorite holiday tradition?

I LOVE Christmas. Christmas brings family and friends together. It’s a time to be thankful, time to reflect, time to give and share, also time for stress…meaning shopping…lol!!! But I LOVE giving gift cards.

4. What song are you loving right now?

My daughter and I listen to Good Life by One Republic on our way to school and work. The beat makes us happy. I blast it and we sing our hearts off…hehe!!!

5. What is the best present you ever received?

My husband gave me my very own laptop for Christmas. That’s where my dream began to write.

We are giving away a copy of Crossroads. To win, please fill out the form below. We will draw winners after the tour! Don't forget to head on over to the Best I've Read Blog by clicking HERE. Today's featured author is Kristi Cook! Kristi is revealing the cover of HAVEN book 2, MIRAGE!

Book Review - Significance by Shelly Crane

2011-12-09T11:33:00.002-07:00

Book Title - Significance
Author - Shelly Crane
Publisher - Self published
Release date - June 12, 2011

Synopsis from Goodreads - Maggie is a seventeen year old girl who's had a bad year. She was smart and on track but then her mom left, her dad is depressed, she's graduating, barely, and her boyfriend of almost three years dumped her for a college football schalorship. Lately she thinks life is all about hanging on by a thread and is gripping tight with everything she has. Then she meets Caleb. She saves his life and instantly knows there's something about him that's intriguing but she is supposed to be on her way to a date with his cousin. But things change when they touch, sparks ignite. Literally. They imprint with each other and she sees their future life together flash before her eyes. She learns that not only is she his soul mate, and can feel his heartbeat in her chest, but there is a whole other world of people with gifts and abilities that she never knew existed. She herself is experiencing supernatural changes unlike anything she's ever felt before and she needs the touch of his skin to survive. Now, not only has her dad come out of his depression to be a father again, and a pain as well, but Caleb's enemies know he's imprinted and are after Maggie to stop them both from gaining their abilities and take her from him. Can Caleb save her or will they be forced to live without each other after just finding one another?

My Review - I really, really like this book so much. I was in the mood for a romance and my Kindle recommended this book to me, the synopsis was intriguing and the fact that is was only .99. Man did this romance deliver. Meet Maggie. She is from a broken home where her Mom up and left, her Dad is distraught and she's been left to fend for herself. She is graduating highschool and has pretty much zero plans for herself because her main concern has been taking care of her Dad. She also just got out of a long term relationship, in which the guy dumps her for football. Yep... that's right. On the day of her graduation Maggie finally decides to live it up a bit and agrees to go on a date with Kyle, who's been asking her to go out forever. On her way to his place, she has no idea that destiny is about to smack her in the face with the amazing boy named Caleb.

When Maggie and Caleb meet, sparks fly immediately. They both find the other attractive, but it isn't until they actually touch that they actually imprint with one another. And what follows, is an amazing love story that I was both excited to read and so found myself reading fast, but at the same time would keep looking at what page I was on, and would slow down so I didn't finish it too fast!

I LOVE this story. Shelly writes the feelings that Caleb and Maggie are feeling in such a swoon-worthy way that I was trapped in her spell. The premise is intriguing and while supernatural, hasn't really been done before. Yes, there are supernatural elements, but there isn't a vampire or werewolf to be found and I love it.

As soon as I finished reading Significance I was SO excited to see that it's sequel was already out. That book was just as wonderful as the first. I literally cannot get enough. I'm obsessed. The release of book three is TOO FAR AWAY! This series is like an amazing guilty pleasure in which I've been swept away in a story I wish had no ending. After reading the first two in the series, I immediately starting reading Significance again.

My only complaint is that due to the fact it is self published, there are some grammatical errors. The fact is, that story sucked me in enough that I just overlooked them and didn't care. Plus, when you read self published books, it is expected. I am able to put it aside because I understand that self publishing doesn't automatically give you access to awesome editors that don't cost an arm and a leg. So human error is inevitable.

I wish I could tell you exactly what it is that resonated with me, but you should just read it and see for yourself, but be warned, if you aren't a love story kind of person, then this book is not for you. I've been giggling at Shelly's facebook status lately because people have been commenting at how mushy her book is. She readily agrees that is the case... she is 100% a self proclaimed "GUSHY, MUSHY, KISSY, LOVEY DOVEY, SAPPY, HOPELESS ROMANTIC!" I for one, am happy she is.

I am giving away an e-book copy of Shelly's book. If you would like to win, please comment on this post below with your email address. The contest will run for one week, and will end on December 16th. I will contact the winner via email.

Eternal Starling Blog Tour

2011-11-16T22:26:00.002-07:00

Hi Everyone! Today I am happy to be a stop on the blog tour for the book Eternal Starling by Angela Corbett. Check out the review below and leave a comment on the post to be entered into a contest to win the book!

Synopsis from Goodreads - A love so strong, even eternity can’t separate them.

Evie Starling has lived a relatively uneventful life hanging out with friends, gossiping about boys, and driving her 1966 Mustang. All of that changes when she moves to Gunnison, Colorado, to start college and meets two mysterious men.

For centuries, Alex Night and Emil Stone have yearned for Evie—but they each have their own reasons for wanting to be with her. When both men claim to be her soul mate and tell her about an unbelievable past, Evie learns that she’s not the person she thought she was. Soon, Evie finds herself in the middle of an age-old battle between the Amaranthine Society—the soul protectors, and the Daevos Resistance—the soul destroyers. With a past she doesn’t understand, and a future rife with danger, Evie has to decide who she can trust. But Alex and Emil aren’t the only ones who want Evie, and her soul is about to become the rope in an eternal tug-of-war.

My Review - I loved, loved, loved Eternal Starling. Evie is my kind of girl. She's fearless, self-sufficient, drives a vintage car, and likes what she likes, take it or leave it. She has a very happy life, and a great best friend she shares a house with while attending college. When she meets Alex -and later Emil- she has no clue what she is in for. Both men tell her they are her soul mate, and she learns about a past she never knew existed, but at the same time explains some things that she's been experiencing. The Daevos Resistance is after her soul, they don't want her to be with her soul mate, and Evie is forced into a battle to save her soul and two boys she may or may not love.

This story had me paying attention from the first chapter. Alex is the first guy Evie meets and he has a way of grabbing your attention and not letting go. I loved reading the relationship between the two of them develop, Alex is such a gentleman and treats Evie like any girl would want to be treated. Through Angela's writing I swear I could almost see the love in Alex's eyes myself when he would look at Evie. Just as you are getting to love Alex, and the two of the together, Angela Corbett has Alex pull what I like to call an "Edward Cullen". Due to the danger he feels he puts Evie in, he thinks he needs to protect Evie with some distance. At first I was quite upset about this... but then here comes amazing boy number two.

Enter Emil... holy heck the boy is sexy as all get out. Just wait until you read how he introduces himself to Evie! My mouth dropped open, and I giggled in surprise. I can honestly say this is the first time when I have no idea which way a character is going to go in her choice of guys. Both guys are amazingly written, although very different. I am leaning a bit towards Alex, but I honestly have no clue how Evie is going to choose between them!

Eternal Starling is romantic and full of swoon worthy moments. One of my favorite parts is when both guys show up on a family camping trip Evie is on with her parents. And speaking of parents, I love the fact that Evie's parents are prevalent in the novel and they both love and care about their daughter. A lot of times the parents are pretty much MIA, so it was a refreshing change.

That's all I'm going to say because I don't want to give too much away. I promise that the book is full of love, romance, surprise, intrigue, mystery and two hot boys! What more could you want???

About Angela Corbett - Angela Corbett graduated from Westminster
College with a double major in communication and
sociology. She started working as a reporter for her
local newspaper when she was sixteen and won
awards for feature, news, and editorial writing. She
has also done freelance writing. In addition to
writing, she works as a director of communications
and marketing. She lives in Utah with her extremely
supportive husband and their five-pound
Pomeranian, Pippin, whose following of fangirls
could rival Justin Bieber's.

Thanks Yara at Once Upon A Twilight for letting us be a part of this tour! On December 6th, Yara will be hosting a live chat with Angela. Be sure to attend! Again, please leave a comment below to enter to win Eternal Starling!

HUNGER GAMES TRAILER!!!!!!!!!

2011-11-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

Have you guys seen the trailer for HUNGER GAMES?!?!?! SO EXCITING! What do you think?

Book Review - That Boy by Jillian Dodd

2011-11-03T22:27:00.000-07:00

I am excited to tell you about a book that I LOVE! As part of the THAT BOY blog tour, I'm posting my review of the book!

Here is the synopsis from Goodreads - That Boy is a contemporary romance about falling in love with the boys next door.

You know, being friends with two cute boys does have its benefits.

There's Danny. Danny is a golden boy in every way. He has dreamy blue eyes and blonde hair that always looks perfect, even when it’s windblown or been stuck under a football helmet. He’s the boy every girl crushes on. The boy I get into trouble with, the boy I fight with, the hot quarterback no girl can resist, not even me. Being with Danny is like being on an adventure. He has a bright, contagious smile and abs to die for. He’s pretty much irresistible.

Equally crush worthy is Phillip. Adorable, sweet Phillip, who I have known since birth. Phillip has dark hair, a perfect smile, brown eyes, and the sexiest voice I have ever heard. He’s the boy I talk to every night before I go to sleep. The boy who rescues me, the boy who can read my mind, the boy who is always there for me, the boy who tries to keep me out of trouble, the boy who irritatingly keeps getting hotter, and whose strong arms always seem to find their way around me. And when he gives me that grin, I can never say no.

One boy will give me my very first kiss.
One boy will teach me to make out.
One boy will take me to prom.
And finally, one boy will ask me to marry him.
They will both be my best friends.
But only one of them will be the boy I fall in love with.
Only one of them is That Boy

My Review - I can’t even begin to tell you how much I loved this book. Jillian Dodd has developed three fictional characters that grabbed onto my heart and wouldn’t let go long after I turned the last page of That Boy. Jadyn aka JJ, and Phillip are best friends almost from birth. They spend every minute together and when Danny moves in and tries to take Phillip from Jadyn, she does what any smart girl would do… she punches him, thus earning his friendship and devotion. From that day forward, the three of them are inseparable. Jillian Dodd takes the reader through every possible aspect of her characters’ lives. Along with them you will experience their first loves, first kisses, betrayal, sex, loss, and just plain figuring out the mystery of life.

The synopsis of the book above couldn’t be clearer about what the book contains, so let me tell you about Jillian Dodd and her writing. Jillian’s writing is so clever and engaging; she is witty and keeps the reader emotionally involved in the story. I laughed, got exasperated, cried uncontrollably, and connected with the characters because Jillian refuses to hold back in her writing. She lets you into their hearts, and makes you know them inside and out. Even the side characters. I never wanted the book to end.

This book is not your typical love triangle at all. It is sweet and clever and although I stopped rating books on this site, if I still was, it is worth every one of the 5 stars I would give it.

You need to read this book, then you can thank me :)

P.S. The next book will be The Wedding. I CAN’T WAIT!

Book Review DON'T STOP NOW

2011-11-03T21:18:00.004-07:00

Title: DON'T STOP NOW

Author: Julie Halpern
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Released: July 2011

Synopsis from Goodreads:
On the first day of Lillian’s summer-before-college, she gets a message on her cell from her sort-of friend, Penny. Not only has Penny faked her own kidnapping, but Lil is the only one who figures it out. She knows that Penny’s home life has been rough, and that her boyfriend may be abusive. Soon, Penny’s family, the local police, and even the FBI are grilling Lil, and she decides to head out to Oregon, where Penny has mentioned an acquaintance. And who better to road-trip across the country with than Lil’s BFF, Josh. But here’s the thing: Lil loves Josh. And Josh doesn’t want to “ruin” their amazing friendship.

Josh has a car and his dad’s credit card. Lil has her cellphone and a hunch about where Penny is hiding. There’s something else she needs to find: Are she and Josh meant to be together?

My review: Lillian is prepared to spend her summer before college sleeping in, doing nothing except maybe hanging out with her best friend (boy crush) Josh. At 4:00 AM, she gets a cryptic call from her sort of friend Penny. The next thing you know, Lillian is being questioned about a potential kidnapping, and she reels in Josh in the quest to discover Penny's secret. Making their way on a road trip across the US, Lillian and Josh get by on a parent's credit card, a beat up car, and the thickening romantic tension between them.

This book was a lighthearted coming-of-age view of the blur that sometimes happens when you have a best friend of the opposite sex. I loved the quirkiness of the characters, I loved that the trip that Josh and Lillian took almost had a life of its own; each location that they stopped was a character in and of itself. I loved the souvenirs that they bought, and the kitschy motels they stayed in were a world completely separated from their reality. The fact that Lillian sees a prophetic message on one of their stops made the whole story so worth it. While the premise of making it to find out Penny's secret is a little far-fetched, the light and humorous book was just what I needed to read. I loved it, it was cute, quirky, so very appropriate for that transition to adulthood, and a perfect, fun read.

COVER REVEAL

2011-10-31T22:15:00.001-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Want a treat????? Aprilynne Pike released the cover of the 4th and final book in the Wings series DESTINED! Isn't it lovely???? The final book will be released in April, 2012. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the treat Aprilynne!

UK Cover Reveal

2011-10-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

One of my absolute favorite books of 2011 was Die For Me by Amy Plum. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book. If you haven't read it, do yourself a favor and pick it up today. Seriously. You can see my review of Die For Me HERE. Amy revealed the UK cover of the next book in the Revenants series, UNTIL I DIE. It is beautiful. I love the color blue and how the beautiful scroll work from Die For Me is prevalent in this cover as well. Amy promises that the U.S. cover will be released soon as well as the book's synopsis. I can't wait! Until then.... take a look at this lovely...

CROSSROADS BLOG TOUR DAY #8

2011-10-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Today is the last day of the Crossroads blog tour! I hope you've enjoyed this tour and will come and stop by again next year. Today we feature authors Dawn Dalton and Joy Preble. Dawn Dalton is one of the authors featured in the Spirited anthology and she also co-wrote a book with Judith Graves called The Most-Wanted Monsters Deck; 13 volumes. 676 Life Saving Facts.

Joy Preble wrote the Dreaming Anastasia series. The book titles are, Dreaming Anastasia, Haunted, - both available now- and the third in the series will be Again and Again coming out in 2012.

Spirited, the book Dawn Dalton wrote a ghostly story in is available now! All proceeds go to charity! Take a look at our interviews with Dawn and Joy! Enjoy!

What is the best book you’ve ever read? Do you have a favorite(s)?

I’ve kind of been dreading this question because I have read so many wonderful books from almost every genre. It’s impossible to pick one, or even a handful.

I remember key books throughout my life that have impacted me, though – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for introducing me to the awesomeness that is Roald Dahl (and creating my chocolate addiction); John Saul’s Creature for giving me goosebumps and solidifying that I wanted to write a book that someday gave someone else chills; The Princess Bride for introducing me to romance; Alice in Wonderland for showing me a great adventure; and Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse books for introducing me to Eric * cough cough * and for showing me how a great book series can be turned into an amazing TV series.

What do you think is your greatest strength as a writer?

One of my closest writer friends calls me the Jedi Master of Concise Prose. I think I can pack a lot of punch into a sentence without “overwriting.” I’ve been mentored by the amazing and talented NY Yimes Bestselling author Steve Berry whose “write tight” mantra echoes in my head every time I sit down at the computer.

Of course, this “strength” is also a weakness as I can sometimes write TOO tightly.

What is a hobby of yours?

I love to run. I call it a hobby because it seems to only happen when I have “time” for it, instead of being an everyday event. I’m working on that.

What is something your readers would be surprised to know about you?

I have eight fish tanks in my house – and I cry whenever I lose a fish. Before I married my husband, I’d never even owned a Goldfish, but two years later, our house has become a giant aquarium.

1. How did you celebrate when you found out Dreaming Anastasia was going to be published?

Actually, my agent called just as I was going to get my a crown put on a tooth because I had broken it biting on a biscotti at an Italian restaurant in Vegas! (at least that’s my story!) But inside I was jumping up and down. And the next day, my husband took me out to dinner.

2. How many books will be in the series?

3 books. Dreaming Anastasia was the first, Haunted, the second and Again and Again, which is now set to release in Fall 2012, is the final of the trilogy.

3. As a child, which books were your favorites? Did you have a series you loved?

I was a voracious reader. I loved mysteries like the Nancy Drew series. I also read through all the Oz books and loved fantasy like Wrinkle in Time and Half Magic and a book by Eleanor Estes called The Witch Family, which I read over and over and over.

4. I read you love sushi… what is your favorite sushi roll???

Thanks for checking out the website bio (which I really need to update, by the way!) But yes, I still love sushi. Yellowtail rolls. Spicy tuna. And just veggie rolls… Really, it’s all good. And you know, I haven’t had any in a long time! Now I’m craving it. Thanks!

Today is the LAST day to enter the question of the day on Judith Graves' website to win a prize!

CROSSROADS BLOG TOUR DAY #7

2011-10-28T00:01:00.006-07:00

Welcome to day 7 of the Crossroads Book Blog Tour! Are you guys having fun yet? I hope so! Today's featured authors are Kitty Keswick and Linda Joy Singeton. Kitty has written The Freaksville series, books 1 and 2 are out so far. Linda Joy Singleton has written several books, but we are featuring her Dead Girl series! Both authors are included in the anthology titled Spirited: 13 Haunted Tales. Enjoy our interviews with each author below!

Here is the synopsis of the first Freaksville book from Goodreads - Every woman in the Maxwell family has the gift of sight. A talent sixteen year old Kasey would gladly give up. Until Kasey has a vision about Josh Johnstone, the foreign exchange student from England. The vision leads her into deep waters, a lead in a play, and into the arms of Josh. But Josh, too, has a secret. Something that could put them all in danger. To solve a mystery of a supernatural haunting, they must uncover the secrets of the haunted theater when they are trapped on the night of the full moon.

Do you remember the names of any of your imaginary friends you had as a child?

No. I grew up in the country and there weren’t a lot of kids around. Just my little brother. I used to “talk” out my stories; I was a story teller at a very early age. We moved into town when I was in the fourth grade. My friends were flesh and blood after that.

What is your favorite way to relax and get the creative juices flowing?

I like to sit with a notebook and start writing out quirks about the characters. Then, I usually move to my laptop and start writing. I also plot with Post- It Notes. I find it easy to move things around. Having them on my wall above my computer helps me think.

How many books will be in the Freaksville series?

Three: Freaksville, Furry & Freaked and Freaked No More.

I read you are a "romantic sap." What is the most romantic thing that has ever happened to you? Or that you’ve written about?

Yes, very sappy. I think one of the most romantic things a guy can do is write a love letter. My fondest and most romantic memories are scripted. I have a box filled with great love letters. It’s a lost art. Guys don’t tend to write them much now, you get a love text. The sentiment is not the same.

Here is the synopsis of the first book in Linda's Dead Girl series, Dead Girl Walking from Goodreads -
I am so dead...
Now, was I supposed to go left or right at the Light?
Seventeen-year-old Amber Borden has a lousy sense of direction—so lousy that she takes a wrong turn when returning from her near-death experience. She ends up in the body of the most popular girl in school, who has just tried to commit suicide.
Can a girl who can't even navigate the halls of Halsey High discover the secrets of her new identity and find her way back to her own life?
From the author of THE SEER Series.

1. You said when you were young your dream was to write a mystery novel. Why mystery?

Mysteries are about justice. So many injustices happen in our world and little can be done. But in books, the villains are (usually) punished and wrongs are righted. I like happy endings.

2. What is your favorite food and drink?

I love homestyle cooking like fried chicken, mashed potatoes and veggies. For drink, it’s either milk or water or diet Mt. Dew.

3.. Some place you’ve always wanted to visit?

So many places! Prince Edward’s Island, London, Australia, and since I have a lot of fans in Quebec, I’d love to go there, too.

4. What is your greatest strength as a writer?

Cliffhangers. I love to tease readers with suspense. Also, I’m very determined and never give up.

Both authors have written tales that are included in Spirited, pictured above. I am excited to check it out! The over is beautiful! Spirited will be available October 31, 2011! Looks like a perfect book to read after you tuck yourself into bed on Halloween night!

Hope you enjoyed today's tour stop. Don't forget to stop by Judith Graves' website to answer the question of the day and to get details about the live author chat that all authors that participated in the tour will be attending! The chat will be hosted by the amazing Mundie Moms.

CROSSROADS BLOG TOUR DAY #6

2011-10-27T09:39:00.002-07:00

Today's featured authors for The Crossroads Blog Tour are the awesome Shannon Delany and Carrie Harris! Shannon's books are the 13 To Life series. The titles are 13 to Life, Secrets and Shadows, Bargains and Betrayals, and the 4th book in the series Destiny and Deception will be released on January 31, 2012! Carrie Harris is the author of Bad Taste in Boys (Kate Grable #1), the second book in the series Bad Hair Day, will be released November 13, 2012. Below are the synopsis of each author's first book in the series followed by an interview with each. Enjoy!

Synopsis of 13 To Life from Goodreads - Everything about Jessie Gillmansen’s life changed when her mother died. Now even her hometown of Junction is changing. Mysterious dark things are happening. All Jessie wants is to avoid more change. But showing a hot new guy around Junction High, she’s about to discover a whole new type of change. Pietr Rusakova is more than good looks and a fascinating accent—he’s a guy with a dangerous secret. And his very existence is sure to bring big trouble to Jessie’s small town. It seems change is the one thing Jessie can’t avoid...

1. How did you celebrate when you found out 13 to Life was going to be published?

I think I stumbled around in a daze and eventually dragged the family out to eat and made some travel arrangements. I work hard and play hard but I occasionally forget how I celebrate certain things because it’s just a wonderful fleeting moment.

2. What was your favorite book as a child? The Giving Tree and The Velveteen Rabbit.

3. What is your favorite candy? Reeses Peanut Butter cups. Usually.

4. The best Halloween costume you’ve ever worn? I had this really cute tiger costume when I was a kid, but, as an adult I’d like to think I’ve done okay dressing as a Renaissance Period pirate. I worked at Renaissance Faires (sometimes with costumers and sometimes with jousters) so I obtained some pretty cool stuff.

Synopsis of Bad Taste In Boys (Kate Grable #1) from Goodreads - Someone’s been a very bad zombie.

Super-smartie Kate Grable gets to play doctor, helping out her high school football team. Not only will the experience look good on her college apps, she gets to be thisclose to her quarterback crush, Aaron. Then something disturbing happens. Kate finds out that the coach has given the team steroids. Except . . . the vials she finds don’t exactly contain steroids. Whatever’s in them is turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless, flesh-eating . . . zombies.

Unless she finds an antidote, no one is safe. Not Aaron, not Kate’s brother, not her best friend . . . not even Kate . . .
It’s scary. It’s twisted. It’s sick. It’s high school.

1. What is your favorite way to relax and get your creative juices flowing?

I get a lot of ideas from my friends, so any way that I can interact with them is good. I might have them over for a bacon party or a game night, during which someone will do an impression of Forrest Gump in Silence of the Lambs (which is really disturbingly hilarious) or we will end up shouting “Heal my butt growth!” for some strange reason. You know those moments where everything is hilarious, but then later when you try to explain them to someone, you can’t stop giggling and they look like they’re ready to have you committed? Those moments are the inspiration for my books.

2. What is your favorite movie of all time?

Uh…ag…hrgh…my brain is melting. I only get ONE? I don’t think I can possibly do it. I have problems answering my favorite zombie movie let alone my favorite MOVIE movie. I love the rules from Zombieland, and the record flinging in Shaun of the Dead, and the zombie dogs from Resident Evil. Can I just say YES to this question? Or POPCORN?

3. What was your favorite toy as a child?

I went crazy with the Barbies. My Barbie stories were always very convoluted, and none of my friends could follow them. I believe I also went through a phase where I was watching a lot of Scooby Doo, and my Barbie was Daphne and Ken was Fred, and they hunted a lot of monsters and then went out on dates in Fred’s pink convertible. Because we all know that Fred had a pink convertible in secret, right?

4. What made you decide to write in the YA genre?

I’ve been writing for about fifteen years now, and a lot of that time was trying to figure out what the bleep I wanted to write! I did short stories, and a stage play about a couple of girls that held an actor hostage in a laundry bag, and poetry, and enough freelance nonfiction to make anyone start doubting their sanity. And when I started to write books, I started writing these dark and depressing things that quite frankly sucked some serious suckables. Finally, I came up with the genius idea to write what I like to read—funny paranormal. And since my sense of humor hasn’t really matured since I was fifteen, YA was a total fit. I’ve always been a YA reader.

Thanks for joining us today! Head on over to Judith Graves' website to answer the question of the day! I should have my swag package in the mail any time now and I will be posting giveaways! Stay tuned!

CROSSROADS BLOG TOUR DAY #5

2011-10-26T10:25:00.003-07:00

As all of my loyal blog followers know, one of my absolute favorite authors is Rachel Vincent. I have a love/hate relationship with her Soul Screamers series. I loooove it, but hate the fact that it makes me a crazy fan girl who hates the long wait between books! When Judith Graves announced that best selling author Rachel Vincent would be one of the authors headlining the Crossroads Blog Tour, I was thrilled. If you haven't read The Soul Screamers books you are seriously missing out. Because having one awesome series isn't enough :) Rachel also has the Shifters series as well which is just as amazing, but an Adult series while the Soul Screamers is YA. Enjoy our interview with Rachel below!

As a child or teen did you have a book you read over and over? What was it?

Nope. For the most part, I’m not a re-reader. I like new, shiny things. But I did re-read both Swan Song and The Stand every summer while I was in college.

What do you think is your greatest strength as a writer?

I wish I knew. I’ve been told by various people that I’m a character writer, an intricate plotter, and a natural world-builder. I find it hard to believe any of that (I’m still surprised that anyone’s willing to publish me at all) and honestly couldn’t tell you which part I’m the best at.

How many books will there be in the soul screamers series and shifters series?

The Shifters series is complete at six books. I’m currently contracted for seven Soul Screamers books and four online novellas, one of which was previously published in a print anthology.

What is your favorite snack food?

Texas snack mix. It’s a chili-flavored trail mix that Target carries. I rarely let myself eat it, though. It’s a wonderland of carbs. ;)

My Soul To Take is the first book in Rachel's Soul Screamers series. Here is the synopsis from Goodreads - She doesn't see dead people. She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next.

Stray is the first book in Rachel's Shifters series! Here is the synopsis of the first book from Goodreads - There are only eight breeding female werecats left . . . And I'm one of them.

I look like an all-American grad student. But I am a werecat, a shape-shifter, and I live in two worlds.
Despite reservations from my family and my Pride, I escaped the pressure to continue my species and carved out a normal life for myself. Until the night a Stray attacked.
I'd been warned about Strays -- werecats without a Pride, constantly on the lookout for someone like me: attractive, female, and fertile. I fought him off, but then learned two of my fellow tabbies had disappeared.
This brush with danger was all my Pride needed to summon me back . . . for my own protection. Yeah, right. But I'm no meek kitty. I'll take on whatever -- and whoever -- I have to in order to find my friends. Watch out, Strays -- 'cause I got claws, and I'm not afraid to use them . . .

Be sure to add these books to your to-be-read shelf! If you've already read them, let's dish! I LOVE these books and have seriously considered starting a fan site support group forum for those of us that go through withdrawal while waiting for the next Soul Screamers book!

Don't forget to stop by Judith Graves' website to answer the question of the day so you can be entered into her grand prize giveaway!

CROSSROADS BLOG TOUR DAY #4

2011-10-25T10:03:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!! Today the two authors we are featuring for the Crossroads tour are Lucienne Diver and Jackie Morse Kessler! Lucienne is the author of Vamped, Revamped and and in January Fangtastic! While Jackie's books are Hunger, Rage and in March, Loss. You can click the titles to be taken to Goodreads for the book synopsis! Check out our interviews with the awesome authors below!

1. What inspires you?

Paying the bills is very inspiring. ;)

To answer your question seriously…

The Riders books focus on specific topics. At first, it was those topics (eating disorders, for example) that inspired me to write the books. Now I’m equally inspired by the characters (Death is my favorite, and I’m about to write his book, eeeee!) and by my readers, who have emailed me the most amazing, wonderful, personal messages about what my books have meant for them. I couldn’t ask for more.

I’m also working on a project right now for my kids, so they’re my inspiration for this work in progress.

2. I read that you collect dragons, how many do you have? What made you start collecting them?

I had a bunch. Not as many as my comic books, which numbered in the thousands before we had a basement flood a few years ago (mope, whine, sob), but a bunch. I don’t know…fifty, maybe? But then my kids got a little older and said, “Hey, look: DRAGONS!” So they took a few. Some broke. Some got sacrificed to the Great God Of Broken Dragons. Now I have a few scattered here and there around the house. Why? I like dragons.

3. Do you have a favorite t.v. show or movie?

DOCTOR WHO. My other car is a TARDIS!!!

4. Where is your favorite place to go in NY?

A Broadway show, complete with dinner before and, possibly, Lindy’s cheesecake after.

Gina in theVamped series is not exactly your typical vampire. Her fashion sense is so funny! Does she have some of you in her?

Sometimes I can’t figure out whether I’ve poured myself into the character or whether she’s infected me. I was actually watching a true crime show the other day where the convicted killer was in the stereotypical suit of broad black and white vertical stripes. To add insult to injury, they didn’t even match up, so it looked like he’d buttoned up wrong. I could hear Gina in my head…or maybe it was me…saying, “THAT’ll teach you.” Not the incarceration or the cuffs, but the fashion faux pas. Oh yeah, priorities.

What is an article of clothing or an accessory that is your favorite piece you can’t live without?

Just one? Ack, maybe I really am Gina, because I can’t choose! Maybe I ought to go with my wedding and engagement rings. I’m never without those!

How many books will be in the Vamped series?

The third in the series, Fangtastic, will be out in January, and I’m writing the fourth, Fangtabulous now, so there will be at least four.

Do you have an actor/actress in mind that looks similar to Gina/Bobby?

Bobby looks like Zac Efron. Gina looks just like a girl I knew in college, but if I had to pick someone famous, maybe Selena Gomez (though with green contacts).

Thanks so much to Lucienne and Jackie for joining us today! Don't forget to head on over to Judith Graves' blog to answer her question of the day to be entered to win a grand prize!

Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

2011-10-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Today we bring you the blog tour for SHATTERED SOULS by Mary Lindsey! I loved, loved, loved this book and will be posting my review November 21st. Until then, Mary has dropped by the blog to tell us things she loves to do when she's not writing, but first, here is the synopsis of Shattered Souls!!!

About Shattered Souls

A thrilling debut story of death, love, destiny and danger

Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.

Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

When I’m Not Writing

What do I do when I’m not writing? I think about writing. No, really. I do. A creativity coach gave me the perfect imagery for this. It’s my screensaver. She said I shouldn’t consider my stories intrusive or obsessive. Instead, she encouraged me to let my stories run in my head all the time I wasn’t actively engaged in something else--to make my stories my brain’s screensaver.

While my screensaver runs, but I’m not physically writing, I like to walk in the woods or at the beach.

Another place I like to hang out is cemeteries. They are not creepy or sad to me. They are physical tributes to love. I’m not afraid of death at all, which might be why they don’t creep me out or come across as spooky. Whenever we travel, my entire family scouts for graveyards to check out. The older the better.

I love spending time with my kids, and do a lot of that while playing taxi driver for my three teens. My oldest will be driving in a few months, and though I’ll be glad for the driving reprieve, I’ll miss our time together.

Things I don’t do:

I don’t watch TV. I’d much rather read. I also don’t play electronic games of any kind. I’m grateful these things don’t appeal to me because time is so limited as it is.

In reading over this, I realize I’m pretty boring, huh? At least what’s going on in my brain’s screensaver isn’t boring.

Thank you so much for having me on your blog today, Jennifer.

Links

Mary's website:

http://www.marylindsey.com

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Souls-Mary-Lindsey/dp/0399256229/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312213813&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shattered-souls-mary-lindsey/1101075440

Shattered Souls at Penguin

http://us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780399256226,00.html?Shattered_Souls_Mary_Lindsey

Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9366996-shattered-souls

About the Author

Mary Lindsey's debut young adult novel, SHATTERED SOULS, is scheduled for release December 8, 2011 from Philomel/Penguin.

Having received a B.A. in English literature with a minor in drama from the University of Houston, she currently teaches acting to children and teens at a private studio in Houston, Texas.

Mary lives with her husband, three kids, two dogs, her daughter's pet rats, an Australian Bearded Dragon, and dozens of Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches.

She is represented by Ammi-Joan Paquette from the Erin Murphy Literary Agency.

Advance Praise for Shattered Souls

"Drawing readers into a world where the past holds secrets that can offer salvation or destruction, with spirits haunting every nook and cranny, Mary Lindsey crafts a tale that is frightening, beautiful, and wonderfully memorable."

--Andrea Cremer, New York Times bestselling author of Nightshade

For More Information:

http://www.marylindsey.com

Mary loves to receive pictures of pets with her books... here's why

My Wire Fox Terrier, Fig (Go Figure), sat on my feet the entire time I wrote Shattered Souls.
She was the inspiration for Alden's dog, Spook.
Fig passed away the week before Shattered Souls sold to Penguin. She was 17 years-old.
In honor of her love and loyalty, and the special place pets hold in my heart, I dedicated Shattered Souls to her.

So I sent Mary a picture of my Yorkie Wrigley with her book. He is on her website, but here he is. I told him he's famous... he just cocked his head at me and looked at me like he already knew that :)

Thanks so much Mary for visiting with Late Bloomer! I love your book and am anxiously awaiting the next !

THAT BOY BLOG TOUR

2011-10-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

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Today we are interviewing Phillip from Jillian Dodd's book THAT BOY. I LOVED this book so much and my review will be coming November 3rd!! Phillip is one of the SUPER HOT boys in That Boy. Yes... I said ONE of! We asked him to tell us his preferences on a few different topics.

Coke or Pepsi- Coke. My favorite though is Dr. Pepper.

Beach or Mountains- I’d have to say the beach. We went to the beach every year for Spring Break in college, and JJ looks quite good in a bikini. We did have that time in Cancun, where I thought we were going to get together, but didn’t. That sucked. I’ve been thinking a lot about vacation destinations lately, since I’m planning and keeping where we’re going on our honeymoon a secret. I just need to figure out what would be the most fun. I’ve been thinking about somewhere like Paris or the Italian coast. JJ likes adventure and seeing new things, but she also loves the beach. I’ve been doing lots of research. Any suggestions?

Rock or Alternative- I listen to a lot of different music. Rock when I’m working out. Alternative or Country when we’re just chilling. Rap when JJ makes me dance.

Superman or Batman - Superman. He likes to rescue people and as often as I’ve had to rescue JJ, his powers would come in handy.

Invisibility or Flying super powers - Since Superman could fly, I’d pick that. How sweet would that be?

Wii or Xbox- Xbox for sure. All of us get online, chat, and kill a few zombies. JJ sucks at Xbox, so when she gets on to play, Danny accidentally on purpose kills her. It’s hilarious.

Ford or Chevy- I had a sweet blue Mustang in high school, so I’d say Ford, but now I have a BMW.

Blondes or Brunettes - Definitely blondes. And for sure in JJ’s case, they have more fun. She’s amazing, fun, and a handful for sure.

Pepperoni or Sausage - Both. Bring on the Meat Lover’s pizza. Actually, bring a couple.

Baseball or Football - I played and enjoyed both in high school. Basketball too. I go to the College World Series, which is held in Omaha every year, but I prefer football. The Nebraska Huskers are my favorite team. I always liked the Dallas Cowboys growing up, but now that Danny’s playing for the Chiefs, they’re the team we all cheer for. We usually get a big group of friends together on fall weekends for a pick up game, and we’ll always have our annual Thanksgiving day game with our families. So Football.

I just wanted to say thanks for having me. It’s been a pleasure. Hopefully you enjoyed hearing about our lives in That Boy, and I hope you follow along with our wedding planning in That Wedding. I know getting engaged on our first date was kinda crazy, but I couldn’t wait any longer. I’m sure our engagement will be interesting. Let’s just hope she goes through with the wedding. When she got mad at me at the engagement party and shoved her ring back in my hand, I figured it was over. Thank God she said yes. Hopefully she will also say I do.

The lovely Jillian has offered to give away her ebook to ONE lucky winner! Please comment on the post below with your name, email and an answer to the following question to be entered into the contest. I would like to know how you were proposed to if you are engaged/married, or what your ideal proposal would be like!! The contest will run for two weeks!

CROSSROADS BLOG TOUR DAY #3

2011-10-24T08:43:00.001-07:00

Welcome to day three of the Crossroads blog tour! Today the authors visiting us are, Kiki Hamilton with her debut novel The Faerie Ring and Angie Frazier who has written Everlasting, The Eternal Sea (Everlasting #2), The Midnight Tunnel and The Mastermind Plot coming March, 2012.

Kiki Hamilton

1. I am sooo excited to read The Faerie Ring! Thank you! Let’s talk about the gorgeous cover. Since authors don’t get a say in the cover... ah – but I DID get to have input. My wonderful editor, Susan Chang, was gracious enough to ask for my input and then included every single detail that I asked for, even down to the Celtic knot design in the birthmark on Tiki’s mark. I am thrilled with my cover and very grateful to art director, Seth Lerner, and my editor, Susan Chang, for the end result.

how excited were you for yours? Well for me, I thought that was going to be the moment when it all became “real” and the best part of the journey. But in reality, it has been the wonderful, sweet notes from readers all over the world that has been the best part of this journey! It is really pretty! Thank you! I love it too!

2. I read that Harry Potter books inspired you to write YA. Who is your favorite HP character? Harry. Though he certainly doesn’t have the easiest life, does he? But I love how kind he is, how brave, even when he doesn’t know what he’s doing, and how he is so loyal and stands up for the right thing, even when it is difficult. I also love how exceptionally talented he is with producing magic and how well he flies.

3. Which books were your favorite as a teen? I read a lot of different things when I was a teen – mostly adult fiction or romance, as they didn’t have a ‘young adult’ section at that time. There was one book I loved by Kathleen Woodiwiss called THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER. I have to admit I loved that story.

4. How will you celebrate on your books release day???? Ummm….I’ll probably have to cook dinner for my family. :-} Actually, I don’t have any plans – maybe go out to dinner and have lobster? - but our local Barnes & Noble has offered to host a launch party for me on October 19th so I’m going to ‘celebrate’ then.

Thanks so much for having me over! xo Kiki

Angie Frazier

1. I bet your historical fiction novels require a ton of research! Have you come across anything really silly? Something that was prevalent in the past that you are happy we don’t have or do or wear now?

Yes! Lots and lots of research, though I am learning more every day. One thing that I am very glad we no longer have are crinolines—the wire, dome-like contraptions that women used to wear beneath their gowns so they would look like a giant bell. How could that have EVER been fashionable??

2. Why did you choose to write in the YA and MG genre?

I actually didn’t realize I was writing YA fiction. I just had a story to tell and it happened to be YA. Then the same thing happened with my MG mystery. I’m sure I will one day have an adult story to tell, too. I just think so much is happening when you’re a kid and teenager. It’s such an exciting time, and I like reading novels that reflect that.

3. What is something you have to have when writing? Any kind of candles or music or snack you have to have?

I keep it simple: quiet, a comfy spot on the couch, and a drink.

4. What do you think is your greatest strength as a writer?

I think I’m great with creating atmosphere, and dialogue is fun too.

I hope you enjoyed day 3! Be sure to head over to Judith Graves' site HERE! Judith is the hostess of this amazing tour and she is having a daily research question. Find the answer daily and be entered to win an amazing grand prize!!!

CROSSROADS BLOG TOUR DAY #2

2011-10-23T10:57:00.000-07:00

Day 2 for the Crossroads tour we are featuring authors Judith Graves the host of this amazing Crossroads blog tour and Stacey Kade! Take a look at our interviews below!

Judith Graves

What is something readers would be surprised to know about you?

I have a karaoke addiction. Seriously. I have several apps on my cell phone and have used them. Came in especially handy when we ran out of gas on a lengthy car trip (with our two crazy labs) and had to wait two hours for road-side assistance. With no heat. In February. -25C outside is nothing when you have karaoke inside.

Will all the books in the Skinned series be available via Kindle?

Yes. Eventually the series will release in all standard ebook formats.

What was your worst subject in H.S.?

Physics. I’m not a math / science person. I dropped out of Physics 10 after two weeks and earning a devastating 18% on the first quiz. Ironically, Physics is also Eryn McCain’s, the SKINNED series’ main character, worst subject. Go figure. ;)

What is something on your bucket list? Something you HAVE to do some day before you don’t have the chance?

I’m dying to get to Salem, Massachusetts (although I confess I had to look up how to spell Massachusetts…lol…). I have a witch character I’ve been writing about with author, Kitty Keswick. Bea, our witch, lives in a pseudo-Salem world where a contemporary society lives on one side of a river and a magical world lives on the other. One of these days I’ll drag my husband (and maybe the dogs) on a research road trip.

Stacey Kade

IL is my home town! I lived in Bourbonnais for years! What is your favorite thing to do in the city of Chicago?

I love going into the city and just walking around downtown, people-watching. And eating at Pockets, my favorite place to get lunch!

Cubs or White Sox?

Bulls. ;)

What is something readers would be surprised to know about you?

I’m secretly an undercover spy for…Oh, wait, you meant something true? Hmmm. I once worked as a referee for water basketball. That is 100% true. And I was terrible at it. That is also true.

Do you have a favorite snack food?

Cookie dough. Not sure if that’s really a snack food as much as salmonella waiting to happen, but I do love it.

Hope you enjoyed day 2! Be sure to check out Judith's books Under My Skin, Second Skin when it is released October 31st, and in 2013, Skin of my Teeth. Stacey's books are The Ghost and the Goth and The Queen of the Dead (The Ghost and the Goth #2), both available now with the 3rd in the series Body and Soul to be released May 29th, 2012.

CROSSROADS BLOG TOUR

2011-10-21T23:29:00.001-07:00

I am SO excited that Late Bloomer is once again a part of The Crossroads Tour! This year we have some AMAZING authors we will be featuring. This first post is going to be FULL of information, so read carefully!

Each day we will feature two authors and there will be giveaways throughout the tour! Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2011/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour, on Halloween.

Answers are to be emailed to bridgesocialmedia@gmail.com by October 31^st at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on November 1^st, the DAY OF THE DEAD.

Follow the tour on Twitter: @TheCrossroadsBT

And Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crossroads-Blog-Tour/218310244897337

BRIDGE Social Media: http://www.bridgesocialmedia.com is holding a special promotion for public libraries. Libraries that actively promote the Crossroads tour (post a link on their website, mention it in their newsletters, etc) can email us proof of their promotional activities by midnight on OCTOBER 31st to be entered in a draw to win a FREE SKYPE AUTHOR VISIT FOR THEIR LIBRARIES – WITH BEST-SELLING YA AUTHOR, RACHEL VINCENT

The two authors we will feature for our first day/post are

Jeri Smith-Ready and Amanda Ashby.

Jeri Smith-Ready

What is your greatest strength as a writer?

Probably characters. I like to create people who readers can relate to, who are loved even though (or better yet, because) they make mistakes. I love getting into the characters’ heads until I know what they would do or say in any situation. I guess that comes from my background in theatre.

One really fun way this has played out is creating Twitter accounts for Logan Keeley and Zachary Moore, the two boys from the SHADE trilogy. It started out as a special #SHADEboys chat event during the YA Summer Crush Tournament (which Zachary took second place in despite starting out as the 25th and last seed). But now Logan and Zachary converse all the time, both with each other and with their fans. It’s SO fun, for me and for readers. It’s like doing improv theatre! (Logan can be found at http ://twitter .com /keeley _logan and Zachary at http ://twitter .com /moore _zachary )

What is your favorite movie of all time?

PLEASANTVILLE with Reese Witherspoon and Tobey Maguire. That’s the one where the brother and sister get sucked into the world of a 1950s TV show and find themselves playing the teenage characters. Everything starts off in black and white and then as the “invaders” slowly introduce new things and the world slowly loses its innocence, color starts to appear here and there. It’s so amazing on so many levels.

What is the best birthday gift you ever received?

This year for my birthday (and his), my husband and I went to Florida to see the very last Space Shuttle launch. It was a dream of mine since I was a kid when I watched the first launch from our school library. I was sad that it was the last launch, but felt lucky to be there for all the excitement.

What is one of your favorite things to do when you aren’t writing?

What I’m doing right now, which is watching football. It’s the only thing in my life that has absolutely nothing to do with writing. Reading, watching movies, etc., that’s all writing-related. But football is totally useless, so it gives my brain a break. Plus, I like the hitting. ;-)

Amanda Ashby

Why are bananas devil food? What about banana nut muffins? Can you eat those? Or is anything with banana gross?

Hahaha, okay, let me take you into my weird little world! I can’t stand raw bananas. There is something about the sound of them grating down my teeth that makes me gag. However, I’m quite happy to eat banana flavored lollies and any kind of baking so banana nut muffins are most definitely in (not to mention banana cake, which I love!!!!). Oh, but don’t try slipping any raw bananas in my fruit salad because I will find them and I will throw them at you!!!!

If you think Joss Whedon is a genius and David Boreanz is a God then I’m assuming you are a Buffy fan? If so, what is your favorite episode?

I’m such a massive Buffy fan and there are sooooooooooooo many episodes that I love. I’ve just been re-watching Once More With Feeling, which is fantastic (especially because I normally hate musicals). Also, I do have a particular fondness for The Zeppo, which was all about Xander. I also loved when Buffy and Faith did a body swap as well. Oh and of course any scene that involves David Boreanaz with his shirt off!

What is your favorite kind of candy? Skittles ?

Actually, this is going to sound bad but while I do love the deliciousness that is a Skittle, they aren’t my favorite candy. I’m more of a M&M girl!

None of your book covers show the girls face… is this on purpose?

No, it’s a decision that my publisher has made but I think it’s hilarious. Actually, my favorite list that I’m on on Goodreads is “Dude, where’s my forehead?” Though actually the tradition is about to be broken because I’ve just seen the cover for my mid-grade series and yes, I have a real person, face and everything on the cover (and it’s gorgeous!!!)

I hope you enjoyed the first Crossroads post for the tour!!! There will be many more interviews, giveaways and fun information to come! Stay tuned!

Amplified by Tara Kelly blog tour

2011-10-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

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Hi everyone. Today we feature author Tara Kelly and her book Amplified. Here is a synopsis of her book!

From Goodreads - 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. . .

In this fresh new novel by critically acclaimed author Tara Kelly, Jasmine finds out what happens when her life gets Amplified.

We asked Tara what her top 10 favorite foods are! Take a look

1. Avocados (this will probably never change)
2. Pineapple
3. Chocolate Brownie Caramel Luna Bars
4. Chipotle Veggie Bowls
5. Raspberries
6. Basmati rice and fake chicken
7. Fresh salads, preferably with local produce
8. Fresh mozzarella
9. Silk chocolate soymilk
10. Apples and peanut butter

Review of Amplified coming soon!

The Vision by Jen Nadol

2011-10-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

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This is part two of The Vision blog tour. Today the post is a review of The Vision.

Book Title - The Vision
Author - Jen Nadol
Published by - Bloomsbury USA
Release date - September 27, 2011

Just a reminder, here is the synopsis - Cassie Renfield knows the mark tells her when someone is going to die and that she can intervene and attempt to change fate. But she still doesn't understand the consequences, especially whether saving one life dooms another.

With no family left to offer guidance, Cassie goes in search of others like her. But when she meets Demetria, a troubled girl who seems to have the same power, Cassie finds the truth isn't at all what she expected. And then there's her heady new romance with bad boy Zander. Dating him has much graver repercussions than Cassie could ever have imagined, forcing her to make choices that cut to the essence of who she is and what she believes.

Review - Cassie decides to move away from the home she shared with her Grandmother in order to learn more about her gift. Before she leaves she, and Jack break up and the break up gets explained throughout the book in flashbacks, but Cassie spends the whole book missing him. Even her new whirlwind romance with Zander doesn't completely erase the thoughts of Jack.

It isn't long before Cassie realizes that Zander not only has secrets of his own, but he knows more about her and her gift than she ever imagined. It never occurred to Cassie that although she may find people that know about her abilities that their views on the subject may not be something she agrees with. Cassie battles between her feelings for Zander vs. her feelings about what is right and wrong regarding her abilities and Zander's point of view throughout the book.

Overall, the book is good, but I found myself feeling a bit gipped in the Jack/Cassie relationship. I loved when they got together at the end of The Mark (not a spoiler), and then The Vision picks up after they've broken up and she left. Boo! The whole time I was reading The Vision I just kept hoping Cassie would find her way back to him, and realize that she CAN trust Jack with her secret.

If you liked The Mark you will like The Vision. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

Kane Richards Must Die Blog Tour

2011-10-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Late Bloomer is a tour stop for Kane Richards Must Die by Shanice Williams! Here is the synopsis of the book from Goodreads - After an unexpected transfer to the States for her senior year, Suranne's new friends give her just one instruction: stay away from Kane Richards. According to everyone, he's a heartless playboy concerned only for himself. With one glance, it's easy to see why he gets away with it. But things aren't always what they seem- especially when he sets his sights on her and whispers that she's different.

Despite all the red flags, Suranne considers whether or not his intentions are genuine or if she's simply another name on his list. In the process, she may just uncover the real Kane Richards. But, when it comes down to it, the real Kane Richards may not want to be found.
Filled with raw emotion, Kane Richards Must Die explores relationships, trust, love, and what can happen when life takes an unexpected turn.

For the blog tour, we bring you the Top ten TV series watched throughout Shanice Williams' life!!! Enjoy!

10. Sabrina the teenage witch. Man I used to love that show. I used to want that cat so bad. I mean who wouldn’t want a talking cat right?

9. Tracy Beaker. Those outside of the UK may not be familiar with this show but it used to rock! It was basically about this feisty girl with a stinking attitude and her time growing up in a care-home, which everyone referred to as the ‘Dumping ground’. She always had a bit of a crazy imagination and it was just awesome. It’s based on the Tracy Beaker books by Jacqueline Wilson, so y’know. If you’re bored and stuff, check it out!

8. Pokemon! LOL, it’s more of a cartoon TV series but meh. Pokemon made my childhood. I don’t think there was a day when I didn’t wish I could own a little Pikachu. I also kinda used to have a crush on Ash. Just saying.

7. Charmed. I miss these sisters. I used to love watching what they would get themselves into in each episode. And they all had figures to die for!

6. Jersey Shore. When I first watched the trailers for this show, I was like ‘boringgggg’, but then when I was flicking through the channels one day it was randomly on and I was instantly addicted to the drama. It’s more of a guilty pleasure show for me. To be perfectly honest I think I just watch every episode to hear Pauly D say “Yeahh Buddy!”

5. Glee. This show is such a ball of cheese. But it’s my favourite kind of TV cheese out there. I love the underlying message in every episode and the singing is so fun. Even though Sue is the meanie, she’s my favourite character! So funny.

4. The Inbetweeners. A UK comedy series based on these four teenage boys and the things they go through to get girls and to be popular. They recently just released a movie actually. These lads work awesomely together... it’s just hilarious.

3. Skins. I heard that it didn’t take off too well out in US. But the UK Skins was a massive hit here. Once again based on a group of teenagers but it is more on the drama side. Always had loveable characters and plenty of laughs though!

2. Misfits. A show of pure UK genious! The funniest series I’ve watched in a long time. It’s based on a group of ‘criminals’ having to do community service on some crappy estate in London, and then suddenly a storm hits and everything changes. It’s just too epic for words!

1. Band of Brothers. I’m definitely a sucker for war based shows like this. And Band of Brothers was the most epic, epic drama series I have ever watched. It makes you laugh, cry and just fall in love with all the characters. Winter’s was a true hero!

Silence Winner Take 2!

2011-10-12T21:25:00.000-07:00

One of the Silence winners never responded to the congrats email or blog and I gave them A LOT longer than 48 hours, so a new winner was chosen. Say congratulations to.....

ASHLEY BARKER

Ashley, please respond to the congratulations email to claim your prize within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen!