The Goddess Hunt (Goddess Test 1.5)
By Aimee Carter
Release Date: March 1, 2012
Series: Goddess Test
Description: A vacation in Greece sounds like the perfect way for Kate Winters to spend her first sabbatical away from the Underworld...until she gets caught up in an immortal feud going back millennia. Castor and Pollux have been on the run from Zeus and Hades' wrath for centuries, hiding from the gods who hunt them. The last person they trust is Kate, the new Queen of the Underworld. Nevertheless, she is determined to help their cause. But when it comes to dealing with immortals, Kate still has a lot to learn....
Review: This was a great lead way into the next chapter in Kate's life, it was like a side adventure and I loved it. Especially because it was about the Gemini Twins (me being a Gemini adored it). Castor and Pollux are in hiding, until James and Kate run into them in the woods in Greece. Of course being that Kate and James found them, Ava was following them and somehow Ella was too and her with her dogs went after Castor and Pollux. Turns out that Pollux is a god and his twin brother (from different parents but still twins) is mortal. When Castor died Pollux went to his father asking if they could share their immortality,which they could as long as one stayed in the underworld and the other with the living. One day Pollux got Castor out of the Underworld and they have been on the run ever since.
Kate being new to all of this didn't realize how much Pride these Gods and Goddesses have, all she saw was two brothers who loved each other so much they can't live with out each other. Being that her mother just passed away she knows what the feels like. So she fights for them, she fights against the Gods to let them be. It turns out good for them in the end but Kate has learned things she wasn't sure about. With James putting ideas in her mind that she doesn't have to do this, be with Henry and all.
Again I really loved this little side story and I can't wait to get into the next book. The characters are so interesting and seeing them as regular people but also knowing they are gods makes it even more interesting. I love mythology and it's fun to find out new little things, like not all stories are true (at least in the world of the goddess test). On to the next one ...
The Goddess Test By Aimee Carter Release Date: April 19, 2011 Series: Goddess Test
Description: It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.
Review: I received a copy of Goddess Interrupted but couldn't read it till I read this (and the 1.5 book as well). So I picked this up right away and started reading. It was a really great book. I haven't read anything on Mythology but this was a great take on it, and it definitely surprised me by the end of the book. But in a really good way that makes me want to continue reading the story. On to the book then.
Kate and her mother (who is on the verge of dying), are moving to a little town called Eden in the middle of nowhere. They are moving away from New York so her mother could rest before the inevitable happens. Kate has spent her entire high school life just taking care of her mother, so she really didn't want to move or try and make friends so her mother can go peacefully, because of course she didn't want her to go. Kate starts school and meets James, who befriends her immediately even thought she was not looking for friends. Also there is Dylan who is intrigued by her, but he has a girlfriend named Ava. Ava decides one day to befriend her, so that everything will be OK between the two of them so she invites her to a party. Which Kate goes to reluctantly but instead of driving to a party they drive to the Eden Manor where Ava decides to leave Kate. But upon her leaving Ava jumps into the river hits her head, and yes she's dead. There stands Henry asking Kate what she would do to save her friend. Anything. Therefore it is granted, but with the deal she will have to live with him for six months of the year. She agrees as she would do anything for Ava not to be dead.
The Autumn equinox comes and she moves in with Henry. At first she's not that thrilled about it, but as she gets more comfortable everyday that passes she falls more for Henry than she thought she would. She has to past certain test from Henry's family (gods and goddesses) for her to become immortal and be able to stay with Henry those six months out of the year. This is when everything gets interesting and there is a really great sort of twist at the end. I don't really want to tell you too much more I just wanted to get you interested in the book. Cause really, it's a good book. I'm ready to start on the next one Goddess Hunt, hopefully finish it today so I can move on to the next one Goddess Interrupted.
If you like Mythology and a good story you will love this book. And the cover is absolutely beautiful.
“I care," he said in a trembling voice. "I care so much that I do not know how to tell you without it seeming inconsequential compared to how I feel. Even if I am distant at times and seem as if I do not want to be with you, it is only because this scares me, too.”
A weekly meme about (mostly) books and reading. Hosted at Booking Through Thursday. BTT interviewed their readers for a change, and their final question was, “What question have they NOT asked at BTT that you’d love them to ask?” They got some great responses and will be picking out some of the questions from time to time to ask the rest of you. Like now.
Ted and Sarah both asked similar questions about relating to characters: Ted asks:
Are there any fictional characters whom you have emulated (or tried to)? Who and why? Bookish Sarah asks an interesting assortment of questions:
What literary character do you feel is most like you personality-wise (explain)?
I don't think there is anyone I've ever tried to emulate at all. Because I've always believed in the just being you and as long as you're happy that's really all that matters. I just like to read for fun and not to find someone to look up to or be like.
Hm, that's a hard one there are so many great characters out there am I like any of them. Sure I think we all have similar traits to some people after all they wouldn't be great characters unless they were based off of someone else or had those human characteristics that we love to read about. I'm mostly very sarcastic and funny. Off the top of my head I can't think of anyone like that other than the characters in Kody Keplingers books. I think they have a lot of sarcasm and hilarity that represents me best. Maybe it's a NY/NJ thing, who knows lol it's just ME!
The Fine Art of Truth or Dare
By Melissa Jensen
Release Date: February 16, 2012
Description:
Ella is nearly invisible at the Willing School, and that's just fine by her. Still, it's hard being a nobody and having a crush on the biggest somebody in the school: Alex Bainbridge. Especially when he is her French tutor, and lessons have started becoming, well, certainly more interesting than French ever has been before.
Review:
This book was definitely a quick and fun read. The cover is super cute and from just looking at the cover I wanted it to be fabulous. But it was just good, which is fine for me because sometimes you just want to read something quick and easy to ease your mind of all your troubles. Let's get into the story.
Ella goes to a private school on a scholarship, when she was younger she got burned with some hot liquid from her neck to her chest. This of course made her more self conscious. She has two best friends, Jake who sounds totally kickass and needs a book of his own (or even his twin brother they can have a book together, seriously), and Sadie who is one of the rich girls but is always being put down by her mother that she finds solace in her two best friends.
There is this boy, that everyone likes (except Jake), he is one of the Philites (most popular) kids. Ella really seems to like him, but he wouldn't want anything to do with her, because duh look at her, at least that's how she felt. So we open the book with her having found one of his textbooks on the floor, and she's getting the courage to bring it to him. She waits until everyone is leaving or has left (especially his girlfriend) and walks over to him, but he doesn't see her there and bam he pushes his chair back and rams right into her. What a meeting, but it really was kind of an interesting meeting. Alex later in the book describes that meeting again and it's very sweet, made me go aww, along with some other revelations about himself like his name. That moment was sweet too.
Well turns out that Ella is not that great in French and Alex is, so the teacher puts them together so that Alex can tutor her, this is where it gets more interesting. They would meet up and every time tell each other three things about themselves and do something in french. I don't know how easily it flowed but they started hanging out more and more, but always in secret. It was to the point her bff Jake said that she was Alex's dirty little secret. No one wants to be that, so it complicates things a little more, especially when Alex goes to a party and his ex is there, Ella wasn't invited and yeah you can imagine the rest. But I will say this I kind of wish Alex did stand up for Ella at that moment, but he didn't. I think that made me like him a little less. I wanted to see more interaction between them it didn't flow as much as I would have liked. But overall it was a good book.
Once you've seen into the future, can you change your destiny?
In a near future, society is segregated according to whether people are genetically disposed to mental illness. 17-year-old Ana has been living the privileged life of a Pure due to an error in her DNA test. When the authorities find out, she faces banishment from her safe Community, a fate only thwar...moreOnce you've seen into the future, can you change your destiny?
In a near future, society is segregated according to whether people are genetically disposed to mental illness. 17-year-old Ana has been living the privileged life of a Pure due to an error in her DNA test. When the authorities find out, she faces banishment from her safe Community, a fate only thwarted by the fact that she has already been promised to Pure-boy Jasper Taurell.
Jasper is from a rich and influential family and despite Ana’s condition, wants to be with her. The authorities grant Ana a tentative reprieve. If she is joined to Jasper before her 18th birthday, she may stay in the Community until her illness manifests. But if Jasper changes his mind, she will be cast out among the Crazies. As Ana’s joining ceremony and her birthday loom closer, she dares to hope she will be saved from the horror of the City and live a ‘normal’ life. But then Jasper disappears.
Led to believe Jasper has been taken by a strange sect the authorities will not intefere with, Ana sneaks out of her well-guarded Community to find him herself. Her search takes her through the underbelly of society and into the pits of the human soul. And as she delves deeper into the mystery of Jasper's abduction she uncovers some devastating truths that destroy everything she has grown up to believe, but she also learns to love as she has never loved before.
So I'm very excited to be on the Forgiving Trinity Blog tour hosted by Amanda at Letters Inside Out. Below I have a Guest Post from the author herself, Liz Reinhardt, giving us a little something extra! Come back and visit on April 6th for a Review of Forgiving Trinity and a Giveaway!!!
The lovely Cathy asked Aidan to chime in on her blog, and I’m really, super glad she did! Brenna Blixen, the heroine of my first two YA novels, finally had to share her book with Jake and Saxon, and writing from their point of view was a very illuminating after seeing everything through Brenna’s eyes for 200,000 plus words! I loved bringing Trinity’s story out, but poor Aidan! He really had to hang back and let Trinity be her crazy/cool self. So here’s a little post from Aidan’s perspective, and it takes place after Trinity and Ruth went to Ireland for a few weeks over the summer.
Aidan’s Chapter: The Perfect Date Carried on Your Back
By the time Trinity and I were almost at our secluded rock in the woods, my tricep muscles were smoldering, sweat beaded down my back in torturous, mocking little rivers of irritation, and my body chemistry had morphed its composition so I was excreting some kind of strong mosquito pheromone. I was the newest blood delicacy at the all-you-can-suck mosquito bar.
“Aidan, seriously? Let me carry something.” Trinity swatted at a swarm of mosquitoes buzzing so loud next to my ear, it sounded like her voice was a recording off of an old-time phonograph.
I hitched everything higher in my arms and scrunched my shoulders up and down in a useless effort to force the back of my shirt to soak up the sweat that was making me pant with excruciating itchiness. “No way. I’ve got it. This is my special homecoming date, just for you, to make up for the special homecoming date I screwed up. By the way, did I mention how sorry I am about that?”
She pulled a folded rectangle of paper out of her back packet and held it up, a twisted smile on her face. “The ‘Sorry Sonnet’ was enough. It’s very funny and I totally love it, by the way. But you don’t have to apologize, okay? The stuff that went wrong was out of your control.”
I wanted to do something special when Trin got back from Ireland. Something felt so weird and disconnected while she was gone, and, though I trusted Trinity with my life, something about Ruth’s brother, Lachlan, didn’t sit right. He had one of those pretty Hollywood pouty-man faces and that damn Irish accent that makes all the girls lose their minds. I took a pretty sizable chunk of the money I’d saved all summer, planned a night out…and it was a disaster.
I blew a stream of air up on my face in an attempt to keep the sweat that was pooling on my forehead from dive-bombing my eyes in stinging, salty drops. “Maybe. But I kind of feel like two flat tires, a kitchen fire, sexual harassment at the hands of a busboy, and food poisoning were a little much. I need to take a mulligan.”
We were at the rock. I put down the fairly enormous custom-built Adirondack lounge loveseat I’d crafted while she was away and lugged all the way here. I had tweaked, sanded, torn apart, carved into, and rebuilt that damn chair for weeks, and now it was here, where it belonged, the perfect permanent piece of outdoor furniture weirdly settled in the middle of our little bit of wild.
“I hope whatever jerk put nails in the road got a swift kick in the ass from karma. The kitchen fire wasn’t even that bad. And it was really reassuring how fast and orderly everyone exited when the alarms went off. And that busboy explained that, in all the commotion, he thought I was his girlfriend.” Trinity ran her hand along the back of the chair where all the carvings where, her fingers dipping into every notch and groove.
“His girlfriend was six inches shorter and fifty pounds heavier than you, Trin. He was trying to play grab-ass.” I dropped the picnic basket and the blanket, and held my hand out for her to take a seat.
“Can I look close now?” Her blue eyes were open wide, but they stared directly over the top of the chair. I knew there was no way to hide the thing from her, but I’d given strict instructions for her to not examine it closely. Because, honestly, although the chair itself got remade a few times to meet all of my detailed specifications, the beauty was in the carvings.
“You can look.” I got busy spreading out the blanket and watched as she knelt down by the chair.
I tried not to be too nervous, but I wanted so badly for her to be impressed, for her to see how much I loved her and how much I appreciated what she’d done for me and how she’d stood by me when everyone else lost faith. It was watch her examine the minute details of my thank you gift and equally hard to look away.
“Oh, Aidan.” Her voice came out all breathy, and it made my blood grind through my veins in too fast, overheated waves.
She pushed her black hair, kind of wavy and cowlicked from sleeping on it damp, away from her face. Trinity never got very tan, but a few weeks in one of the rainiest, grayest places on earth made her complexion even paler. She had no makeup on, and she was wearing a comfortable tank top and jeans. She was so beautiful, I was having a hard time concentrating on the mundane task of setting up a picnic without sneaking quick looks in her direction. The growl of hunger that snarled through me had nothing at all to do with the food I was setting out.
Sometimes it hit me like a log upside the head how much I loved everything about her; the awkward/comfortable way she held her body, the smiles and little o’s of excitement that shaped her lips, her spine-stiffening confidence, her tongue-curling happiness, and the way, when she looked at me, her eyes were light and eager with pride.
“You like it?” I looked down at the glass containers that held a meal that would have put the finest restaurant’s menu to shame.
I had started it on my own, but my mom can never stay away when someone messes in her kitchen. I tried to explain that it was for Trinity, partially because I knew Trin and Mom didn’t always see eye to eye, and partially because I wanted her to know how special I wanted the whole thing to be.
“For Trinity?” Mom glared for a minute, huffed, then reached on top of the fridge for her tin of super-secret recipes her Great-Aunt Sebastiana left for her. “Go pick a pineapple. Pull one of the leaves out of the top. Make sure it comes out easily, but not too easily, and make sure it smells sweet, but not rotten. We need to make a pineapple upside down cake.”
Great-aunt Sebastiana’s pineapple upside down cake was the high holy of holies in my mother’s kitchen. I was out the door and in search of fresh pineapple before she could change her mind, cautiously happy that my mom and my girl might start making peace around cake.
“Do I like it? I love it! Look at the little armadillos all gathered around Kali! You even gave them little spears, and all her arms have bracelets! Look at the skulls on her belt! And the cranes? They actually look like origami, but they’re carved! Aidan, this is art. This is too amazing. I love it. I love it so freaking much. We can’t just leave this in the forest. Other people should see this.”
She sat back in the chair, a messy-haired, contentedly-smiling queen in her love-carved throne, and I sat next to her so our bodies pressed together, shoulders to knees.
“That’s the whole point.” I ran my lips along her forehead and kissed the top of her head on all her glossy, sweet-smelling hair. “I want you to have beautiful things. Just for you. That I made with my hands. Our secret.” I pointed to the armrest where I’d abandoned all symbolism and carved a big, loopy heart with our initials.
She curled in and nuzzled my chest with her forehead, threw her arms tight around me and pulled my mouth down to give me a kiss that started slow and sweet as letting ice-cream melt on your tongue and ended with the sharp nip of her teeth on my bottom lip. “You know I’m never going to able to date someone else,” she whispered. “You’re like a crazy god of romance.”
I pulled her tight into my arms and mentally ticked off my worries. That I’d fall back to using. That she’d fall back to using. That she’d meet someone new. That our parents would drive a wedge between us. That we’d grow apart.
The few weeks she’d been gone this summer, I felt like I’d been sleepwalking, and I was so happy to be awake again, it kind of scared me. I kissed her long and hard, until she took the bait and climbed up onto my lap where she wrapped herself around me.
Her arms twined around my neck, her hair fell down over my shoulders, her legs squeezed on either side of mine, and I wished I could somehow whittle our bodies into puzzle-perfect pieces that would keep us independent but joined.
“I love you so much. I wish we could just stay here forever,” Trin whispered so close to my ear it made the hairs on my arms stand up.
I locked down my worries and kissed her as if I could transfer every splinter of love I had for her under her skin. Summer wound ahead of us like a slow, lazy creek with unexplored bends, and I wanted to raft down it with Trin at my side.
“So, have you made up your mind about doing the camp counselor thing?” I ran my hands over the silky bumps of her waved hair and my heart whirred and flopped like a drillpress with a loose belt.
“Oh I’m going.” She grabbed my shoulders and squeezed. “Three weeks together? Do you think you’ll be able to handle it, Aidan?”
My heart switched to a calm, steady rhythm of a well-oiled sander at her announcement, and I moved my mouth in the shape of a smile, but couldn’t answer.
I would have to handle it. No screw ups. No fall backs. No upsets. I could do this.
But I was afraid to jinx it all, so I kissed my girl and let her dream of intricately carved thrones in the woods, pineapple upside down cake, and a guy who could carry the perfect time and place on his back just for her.
Thank you so much, Cathy!! Also, you are on my list, because now I’m all excited to do a book from Aidan’s perspective ;)! This was really fun, and I’m so glad you asked for it!
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Check out this great Blog Tour Giveawayit will end on April 20th. Make sure to come back on April 6th where I will have my own giveaway for an e-book version of Forgiving Trinity. a Rafflecopter giveaway
Make sure to check out the rest of the Blog Tour!
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: •Grab your current read •Open to a random page •Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page •BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) •Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Here's my teaser for the week:
Part holiday gala, part celebration of being halfway done with the school year, the party was the stuff that legends were made of - legends that often took another six months to live down.
This year, with Ian Minster's parents away on their second honeymoon, his house was ground zero for reputations to be ruined and reinforced.
Fury By Elizabeth Miles Release Date: August 30, 2011 Series: The Fury Trilogy
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. This feature is great because everyone loves lists, including me.
This week's Top Ten is:
Spring Fever: Top Ten Books I'd Play Hooky With
Since this doesn't necessarily specify if this is book that are already released and books that aren't, I'm just going to put a mix of both, because there are someone I want to sit down and read and not put down at all, and here they are ...
1. Insurgent - by Veronica Roth, I know there are a lucky few out there who have already read this, and I am truly and undoubtedly jealous because I can't wait to get my hands on it. I'm sure it will be read rather quickly.
2. Such a Rush - by Jennifer Echols. She is the greatest, and I cannot wait to read her new book. Another that will be read rather quickly and I know I will enjoy it because she has yet to disappoint me.
3. City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare - because I need to know what is going to happen between Clary and Jace. The story continues and I have to see where it goes.
4. Soul Screamers series by Rachel Vincent - I have heard great things about it and I know it's on the 6th book in the series, but I want to know what all the talk is about.
5. Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols - It's just my all time fave and I haven't had a chance to read it lately because I've been too busy for anything really.
6. Biting Cold by Chloe Neill - I know it's not out yet but I just can't wait I need to see what happens between Ethan and Merit.
7. Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake - I want to see what happens with Anna now.
8. Forgiven by Jana Oliver - I don't know why but I just really want the main character to get with that boy that's known her practically her whole life. And some demon fighting would be fun.
9. Hidden by PC Cast and Kristin Cast - I just want to know what's going to happen with Rephaim and Zoe and everyone really.
10. Last but not Least - Miracle by Elizabeth Scott, just because I've read almost all her books and this will be the newest one in June.
MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.
This week’s musing asks…
Have you ever found a book out of the blue, read it, and then had it be surprisingly good — one that stuck with you for years? If so, what book was it?
Actually I have. It's not a YA Book, as I wasn't always only into reading YA books. This was back in my Christopher Pike loving days, I think I was probably in highschool or something and I randomly picked this book out because I thought the cover fit the genre I was reading at the time. Anyway here it is ...
Cry, Baby, Cry
By G.F. Bale
Release date: 1992
Description:
Two-year-old Jessica is missing-snatched from her baby swing nine months ago. And now her mother, Gwyn Martin, must live with the torment of strange dreams and visions...visions of a psychopath with a hunger for revenge. — Somehow the kidnapping has become a twisted game of hide and seek, life and death... — Gwyn Martin is the chosen player. — Her baby is the prize.
This book really stuck with me not because it's the first book I've ever read that gave me that twist at the end that kept me wanting more. It's the first book I've read that surprised me and it has always stayed with me. This book was also the first and probably only book I've read about multiple personalities, of course I didn't find that out until the end but I was utterly fascinated at that time. I'm pretty sure I still have a copy of the book somewhere in my house. I wouldn't mind finding it and rereading it to see if it would give me such a great impact now. After all it's been many many years and many many changes since I've first read this book.
I went to see this on Saturday. I have been so excited to see this movie since I first heard about this. I love that the main characters aren't over done actors, at least not in my opinion. The day before I couldn't calm my excitement, sure I know lots of people went to midnight showings and then Friday viewings, but I can never do that (I hate crowds, but I'm going to BEA go figure first time though so we'll see lol). Anyway, so Saturday morning comes along and I'm going to the first showing at my local theater. I CANNOT wait I'm literally giddy with excitement. I'm of course going with three people who literally I don't know the last time they cracked a book open but they are happy to go see it with me. I get there, and I'm sitting in my seat in hopes of watching the trailer for The Host, another movie I'm waiting to see based on a book by Stephanie Meyer. But to my disappointment they did NOT show the trailer, tear. Instead I saw a few seconds of Breaking Dawn, which I'm waiting to go see, but am so over Twilight already. Like let's let this die down already you know. Enough is enough. The Hunger Games as my book bloggers know is adopted from a book that is just fabulous (thanks Suzanne Collins) and I have to say it DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!!!
I think Jennifer Lawrence was amazing in this movie. She is all strong, tough alpha female in this movie. I loved that they picked her, she is a strong fierce actress. (Seriously could you imagine someone else in this role doing this good - I know you know who I'm thinking about lol jk well not really). Anyway and Josh Hutcherson was great as Peeta, he really was quite charismatic. Although is it me, maybe it is, but I thought Peeta was taller I could be wrong but it still worked for me either way. I love that they elaborated more than what was in the book instead of taking away from it. Sure they made slight changes, but it's something that needs to be done when you are putting words on paper to the big screen. After all we have to keep the audience captivated. And they were! There are some things that I think probably needed some explaining. Because my brother kept asking me who's that or what is that or why did they do that. Such as, they are that poor, yes they are. Who is that girl making the announcement of who is going to the games. They never really discussed that in the movie. But I explained it to him nonetheless. Just little things like that but overall I thought it was a fabulous movie and I would see it again just to see if I didn't catch anything the first time, or really just cause I want to.
I will say this though, just like in the book I bawled through half the movie it felt like. When Rue died, omg I couldn't take it lol, I was remembering the scenes in the book the whole time, but when Jennifer Lawrence after taking care of Rues body with the flowers and then literally breaking down with the loss of Rue and the stress of the games, it was too much to handle. It was just the kind of thing I wanted her to do and she did it. There was so much emotion it. And when Peeta was hiding camouflaged, wow amazing job, seriously. Anyway I can't give enough praise to this movie and I cannot wait to see what they will be doing for the next movie. And definitely the last movie. The fighting scenes are going to be great and all the visual goodness is going to be even better.
Today's question is:
Ever read a book you thought you could have written better yourself?
First of all, I'm not a writer, nor will I ever claim to be because honestly half the time I write exactly how I talk and even I would get annoyed with it. Could I change stuff around in some books - probably.
It's funny you mention this because I was talking to someone yesterday about this very subject. I was reading this book and telling him all about it. The concept is great, but it's as if they just couldn't put it through right on paper. There were even references that I didn't think need to be in there but that could just be my personal opinion. But I think this could have been done much better. Could I write it better, even though I'm not a writer? I think maybe hehe. It's really all a matter of your own opinion.
Please enjoy this interview with Sheryl Steines, author of the urban fantasy novel, The Day of First Sun. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book.
If you could travel in a time machine, would you go back to the past or into the future? I would go to the past, meet famous people, see history as it happened. I’d be afraid to go to the future. I’m not sure I really want to know when I die.
If you could jump into a book, and live in that world, which would it be? This might be to expected, but I would love to live at Hogwarts, stroll through Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, play with all the magical stuff, and visit the Weasleys at their house. I saw the Harry Potter exhibit at the museum a few years ago, and it just seemed so fun.
If a movie was made about your life, who would you want to play the lead role and why? Sandra Bullock. Since she became a movie star, people all over the place tell me I look like her. She’s also funny. I can only imagine how much more interesting and funny my life would be if she were the lead.
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? I always knew I wanted to be a writer. There were times that I thought I wanted to be an interior decorator, but in the end, I was always much happier writing and creating.
Who are your favorite authors of all time? I have two. The first would be Stephen King. I was always amazed by the detail and imagination he used in his books, especially the earliest books. I watched him on an interview many years ago and he was talking about the things he was afraid of, one of which was sleeping with his feet outside the covers at night. He would always cover his feet so that the monsters under the bed wouldn’t get him. I laughed so hard because I do the same thing. J.K. Rowling is also a favorite. Her life story and Harry Potter reminded me that I wanted to be a writer when I was seven. She reminded me of the genre that I loved. It got me thinking about what stories intrigued me. I watched her interview on Oprah and cried through the entire thing. It got me thinking of ways to take my personal experiences and hide them in the fantasy world.
What do you do in your free time? I read, a lot. In the winter, I spend time at museums and go shopping. In the summer, I love to go to flea markets. You could never have too many fleas. I love to travel. I spend most of the summer driving my 1966 Mustang convertible.
What is your guilty pleasure? I’m a huge fan of Ninja Warrior. Yeah, the Japanese obstacle course. On one side, it’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen. On the other side of it, the obstacles are so challenging, and the participants are so revered for making it through each stage that it is a huge honor to win.
Favorite places to travel? I love Europe, London being my favorite city. I’ve been to Scotland, France, Italy, Germany and Austria. The Austrian/German Alps are some of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen.
Favorite way to spend a rainy day? In front of the television watching my favorite movies. Who doesn’t love Ferris Buehler’s Day Off and Sixteen Candles.
If you could have a superpower, what would you choose? Telekinesis! Then I could clean my house without actually having to do anything.
As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Day of First Sun eBook edition is just 99 cents this week. What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes. The prizes include $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book. All the info you need to win one of these amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment--easy to enter; easy to win! To win the prizes:
Help my blog win:
The tour blogger who receives the most votes in the traffic-breaker poll will win a $100 gift card. When you visit Novel Publicity’s site to fill-out the contest entry form, don’t forget to VOTE FOR ME.
About the book:
A vampire, a rogue wizard and an army of soulless zombies are par for the course for Annie Pearce and Bobby “Cham” Chamsky of the Wizard’s Guard. But when the non-magical princess, Amelie of Amborix, is murdered by magical means, a deeper plot unfolds. Get it on Amazon.
About the author:
Behind the wheel of her ’66 Mustang Convertible, Sheryl is a constant surprise, using her sense of humor and relatable style make her books something everyone can enjoy.
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week I'm "Waiting on":
The Thing About the Truth
By: Lauren Barnholdt
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Description:
In this humorous love story from the author of Two-Way Street, an unlikely romance is the best sort of surprise—but the wrong secret can ruin everything. Kelsey’s not going to let one mistake ruin her life. Sure, she got kicked out of prep school and all her old friends are shutting her out. But Kelsey’s focused on her future, and she’s determined to get back on track at Concordia High.
Isaac’s been kicked out of more schools than he can count. Since his father’s a state senator, Isaac’s life is under constant scrutiny—but Concordia High’s his last stop before boarding school, so Isaac’s hoping to fly under the radar and try to stay put for a change.
When Kelsey and Isaac meet, it’s anything but love at first sight. She thinks he’s an entitled brat, and he thinks she’s a stuck-up snob. So it surprises them both when they start to fall for each other. Kelsey’s happy for the first time in months, and Isaac’s never felt this way about anyone before...But nothing’s ever completely perfect. Everyone has secrets, and Isaac and Kelsey are no exceptions. These two may have fallen hard, but there’s one thing that can ruin it all: the truth.
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: •Grab your current read •Open to a random page •Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page •BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) •Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Please enjoy this excerpt from the urban fantasy novel, The Day of First Sun. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book.
Sturtagaard chose not to speak, though it was he who had called for the meeting. They both checked their watches and realized they had been sitting across from him for ten minutes, watching him sniff the air. If he wanted to play this, they would play along at least for a little while longer, though both were tired of the leering. As the vampire sniffed again, Cham finally figured out why.
"You know, you called us. We really don't have anything to say to you, so if you're just playing games, we're happy to leave. I've got other, more important things to do than watch you sniff and leer," Cham finally said, and stood up.
Sturtagaard smiled as he watched Cham open the door because he much preferred dealing with Annie, but when she stood up, too, he realized he'd overplayed his hand.
"If I talk, my employer will have me staked. I'd like some assurance that you won't do the same," he said rather quickly, before they left.
They turned and looked at him, both rolling their eyes.
"I'll have you staked if you don't talk," replied Cham, as he stood by the door.
"You're out of options if you ever hope to get out of here again," Annie said calmly, focusing on his face.
Sturtagaard squirmed a little in his seat, as Annie's expression was somewhat disquieting and unemotional. He looked at Cham, whose face was expressionless, and then back to Annie, who hadn't moved a muscle. The vampire sighed.
"You heard right. I was hired to create a zombie army to overthrow the Wizard Council," Sturtagaard said. His voice remained steady and calm with resignation.
"Who wants to overthrow the Council?" asked Cham, his hand still clutching the door.
"My employer. I've told you, I don't know who he is. I always dealt with his associate. He'd show up, leave notes, or send others with messages. I've never contacted him." He looked from one to the other, but they both remained stony and detached. "Come on, now. I can't give you information I don't have." Sturtagaard was charming.
Annie rolled her eyes again. "You really don't have any idea who the employer is?" she asked with sarcasm.
"Really, I don't," he said.
"So you're building an army of the dead. How long did you have to get this done?" Annie took out her phone and pulled out her calendar.
"He wanted it ready for September first."
Annie looked up with a grimace, and Cham looked surprised. She didn't need to mark the date on her calendar or research its significance, though neither could figure out why a zombie army had to be created for that day, the Day of First Sun. It was a very powerful and ancient day for good magic.
"So, your employer wants an army of the dead on that day? Why?" Cham asked in a flat, emotionless voice.
"He's a black wizard. What do you think he wants? He wants to overthrow the Council, take over the world, practice magic in the open. You know, the typical magical fantasy." Sturtagaard grinned because he believed that would benefit the entire supernatural world.
"Wipe the smirk off your face, Sturtagaard. Having free reign won't be as good as you think, with all the angry mobs, torches, and stakes through the heart."
Annie smirked at Cham, who shook his head and laughed. He waited to compose himself before looking back at the vampire.
As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Day of First Sun eBook edition is just 99 cents this week. What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes. The prizes include $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book.
All the info you need to win one of these amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment--easy to enter; easy to win! To win the prizes:
Help my blog win:
The tour blogger who receives the most votes in the traffic-breaker poll will win a $100 gift card. When you visit Novel Publicity’s site to fill-out the contest entry form, don’t forget to VOTE FOR ME. About the book: A vampire, a rogue wizard and an army of soulless zombies are par for the course for Annie Pearce and Bobby “Cham” Chamsky of the Wizard’s Guard. But when the non-magical princess, Amelie of Amborix, is murdered by magical means, a deeper plot unfolds. Get it on Amazon. About the author: Behind the wheel of her ’66 Mustang Convertible, Sheryl is a constant surprise, using her sense of humor and relatable style make her books something everyone can enjoy. Visit Sheryl on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.
MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.
This week’s musing asks… Would you choose to review a book if its description sounded interesting but the cover was terrible?
If you hand me a book in person and I don't even like the cover, I might not even bother to read the description just because of that. I do that with other genre books, one look at the book and I already know its not my cup of tea (mind you I do not like tea).
I would like to think that I'm an open person and will try anything and read anything but that's not the truth. I have books on my shelves that I haven't read yet and I've had them for a long time and it's not because I don't like them it's just the cover/description is not catching my interest long enough for me to sit down and read it.
What about you do you judge reading a book based on the description and not the cover or vice versa?
Chain Reaction
By Simone Elkeles
Release Date: August 16, 2011
Series: Perfect Chemistry
Description:
Luis Fuentes has always been sheltered from the gang violence that nearly destroyed his brothers’ lives. But that didn’t stop him from taking risks—whether he’s scaling a mountain in the Rockies or dreaming of a future as an astronaut, Luis can’t stop looking for the next thrill.
Nikki Cruz lives her life by three rules—boys lie to get their way, don’t trust a boy who says “I love you,” and never date a boy from the south side of Fairfield. Her parents may be from Mexico, but as a doctor’s daughter, she has more in common with her north-side neighbors than the Latino Blood at her school. Then she meets Luis at Alex’s wedding, and suddenly, she’s tempted to break all her rules.
Getting Nikki to take a chance on a southsider is Luis’s biggest challenge, until he finds himself targeted by Chuy Soto, the new head of the Latino Blood. When Chuy reveals a disturbing secret about Luis’s family, the youngest Fuentes finds himself questioning everything he’s ever believed to be true. Will his feelings for Nikki be enough to stop Luis from entering a dark and violent world and permanently living on the edge?
Review:
We are back again with the Fuentes brothers, this time we are focusing on the baby brother - Luis. He's smart and has those Fuentes good looks, but he's the daredevil. We start off with him climbing a boulder, without a harness or any safety equipment at all. Of course he strangely gets bitten by a snake (who would expect that) falls and hurts himself. This leads us to Alex and Brittany's wedding, where Luis meets Nikki, a hot Mexican who doesn't speak Spanish. There chance encounter will stay with each of them for a long time. But Nikki has her own problems. Her boyfriend turned gang banger doesn't know she's pregnant and just dumped her. The night of the wedding is when she loses the baby.
Fast forward into the future a couple years and guess who's moving back to Fairfield, Luis (this is where the wedding took place and where he met Nikki). They are both seniors now and he is still as cocky as ever, and she has turned bitter since Marco broke up with her. But there is an undeniable chemistry between the two of them. They try to stay away from each other but it just doesn't work.
While Nikki and Luis are getting closer together, he starts hanging out with the gang his older brother was affiliated with. Which also happens to be the one his father was killed by. He starts doing drug runs, collecting money and just getting into fights and unnecessary things. He had a plan, he was going to study, graduate, go to Purdue to study aeronautics, and one day make it off the plant to see it from the outside. But one thing lead to another this chain of events just changed everything. The deeper he got into the gang, the more he would lose Nikki, and felt as if he was not part of his family.
There are some really great intense moments just with Luis and Chuy the head of the gang, but then there are the sweet undeniable swoon worthy moments had between Nikki and Luis. This book was great. I really loved the epilogue and can totally see this Fuentes family going out for the long haul. (Continuing the story with their kids). This was great, I love Simone Elkeles books and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Today's question is:
Have you ever used a book to instruct someone of something or is there anyone for whom you would like to do that? (I don’t mean a text book for a class, but a work of fiction or non-fiction that would get a certain message across either through plot or character). What is the book and what do you wish to impart?
I have never personally gave anyone a book to try and get a point across or a meaning across to them. but I have read books for my last job that was given to us to help with changes that were going on in the company as well as just more enthusiasm. The books were actually good. Here are two of my favorite that I think about sometimes from time to time.
Fish! A Proven Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results
By: Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul, John Christensen, Ken Blanchard
Release Date: March 8, 2000
This book showed you how the guys at the famous Fish Pike market enjoy their work and how you too can enjoy your work. The fictional manager is charged with the responsibility of turning a chronically unenthusiastic and unhelpful department into an effective team.
It was a fun quick read that everyone in the company read. Another great book was Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson, Ken Blanchard. This book was about how everyone needed to learn to adapt to change and continue to grow as a whole. This came about when we were bought out by a much bigger company and were in the middle of a merger.
They were both really great books and I was glad that I was asked to read them. I've never read books like these, usually just YA or Romance or something like that but nothing educational (other than textbooks which don't count).
Rules of Attraction
By Simone Elkeles Release Date: April 13, 2010
Series: Perfect Chemistry
Description: When Carlos Fuentes returns to America after living in Mexico for a year, he doesn’t want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him at a high school in Colorado . Carlos likes living his life on the edge and wants to carve his own path—just like Alex did. Then he meets Kiara Westford. She doesn’t talk much and is completely intimidated by Carlos’ wild ways. As they get to know one another, Carlos assumes Kiara thinks she’s too good for him, and refuses to admit that she might be getting to him. But he soon realizes that being himself is exactly what Kiara needs right now.
Review: I don't know why I waited so long to read this book. I read the first book Perfect Chemistry a very long time ago. This book I read so quickly because I just couldn't put it down. Ever word had me glued to the page. It had everything I like in a good book.
We start out with Carlos being sent to live in Colorado with his older brother Alex (from the first book) because he got into some trouble in Mexico. Everything doesn't necessarily start out fine but it's manageable. Carlos goes to school and is stuck with a peer guide for the first week - in comes Kiara (I love the name by the way). She's going to have to show him around. Even though he is very good looking she just can't stand his attitude, and the fact that he ditched her so quickly. Wanting someone with more experience like Madison. But Carlos hanging out with Madison only bought him one thing. Trouble. The very thing he was hoping to avoid, but he is a rebel and a gang member that disappeared from Mexico. It was bound to happen.
At school one day, after a night of partying, the school is on lock down for a drug search. Guess where they find enough drugs to seem as if the person is dealing, you got it Carlos. So it's either he goes to jail or goes and lives with Kiara and her family. He really has no option so he goes and moves in with the Westfords, which includes Kiara's parents and Brandon her younger brother. Carlos ever the badass continues with his attitude. And Kiara still isn't too happy about it but there is something about Carlos that just makes her feel.
Throughout the book Kiara grows more confident with Carlos, and he starts to feel for her. Something he promised himself he would never do again. But Kiara trusts him, and that is something he is not used to. Of course he freaks out over this, but this does not deter Kiara one bit. She is still fully into him. Near the end when they are fighting or more like Carlos is attempting to stay away from her because he doesn't want anyone to get hurt, he gets into some trouble with the whole gang life. Finally he smartens up and gets help and with that they pull through, almost cleanly.
This was a really great quick and easy read and I'm so happy I read it. And I can't wait to read the next book which is about the last of the Fuente's brothers - Luis.
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week I'm "Waiting on":
Biting Cold
By Chloe Neill
Release Date: August 7, 2012
Series: Chicagoland Vampires
Description: Turned into a vampire against her will, twenty-eight-year-old Merit found her way into the dark circle of Chicago’s vampire underground, where she learned there was more to supernaturals than met the eye—and more supernaturals than the public ever imagined. And not all the secrets she learned were for sharing—among humans or inhumans.
Now Merit is on the hunt, charging across the stark American Midwest, tailing a rogue supernatural intent on stealing an ancient artifact that could unleash catastrophic evil on the world. But Merit is also the prey. An enemy of Chicagoland is hunting her, and he’ll stop at nothing to get the book for himself. No mercy allowed. No rules apply. No lives spared. The race is on.
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: •Grab your current read •Open to a random page •Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page •BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) •Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Here's my teaser for the week:
“My mom . . . made cookies.” I cringe after the words leave my mouth. Who invites a guy over for cookies? Maybe my brother does, but he’s in kindergarten. “It’s not like it’ll be a date or anything,” I blurt out in case he thinks I’m secretly trying to hit on him. “Just . . . cookies.”
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. This feature is great because everyone loves lists, including me.
This week's Top Ten is:
Top Dystopian Books
A dystopia (or alternatively cacotopia) is a fictional society, usually portrayed as existing in a future time, when the conditions of life are extremely bad due to deprivation, oppression, or terror. Science fiction, particularly post-apocalyptic science fiction and cyberpunk, often feature dystopias. Social critics, especially postmodern social critics, also use the term "dystopian" to condemn trends in post-industrial society they see as negative.In most dystopian fiction, a corrupt government creates or sustains the poor quality of life, often conditioning the masses to believe the society is proper and just, even perfect. Most dystopian fiction takes place in the future but often purposely incorporates contemporary social trends taken to extremes. Dystopias are frequently written as warnings, or as satires, showing current trends extrapolated to a nightmarish conclusion. (referenced from here)
With that said - here are my top ten Dystopian Books
1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - I get chills every time I see the trailer for this movie, I cannot wait for it to come out.
2. The Uglies by Scott Westerfield - really great series, I was with the main character the whole way through.
3. Divergent by Veronica Roth- I know I've only read the first one but I just feel it's going to be fabulous.
4. 1984 by George Orwell - a classic and the first dystopian society book I've ever read, sure it was for school but it was still a great book.
5. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley another classic and also read in school with a great story.
6. Matched by Allie Condie - a great story and can't wait to see how it ends
7. The Host by Stephanie Meyer - I hear there is a second one coming out, I can't wait to see what happens becuase the first story even thought it started out slow ended really well.
8. Shatter Me by Tehera Mafi - I just recently read that and this one also started slow but then we got into some action and really great characters.
9. The Time Machine by HG Wells - classic.
10. Incarnate by Jodi Meadows - Literally just finished reading this book and I need to know how Jonan is, very crazy.
Incarnate
By Jodi Meadows
Release Date: January 31, 2012
Series: Newsoul
Description:
New soul
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.
No soul
Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?
Heart
Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies--human and creature alike--let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?
Review:
We meet Ana just as she is leaving Li (a ruthless mother who only wishes she had Ciana back, but Ana has replaced her soul). In this time and age of Ana every soul is reincarnated over and over again, thanks to Jonan. He has the ability to recreate every soul over again into new bodies, they can come back as male or female. It's all very very weird to me. I just couldn't imagine coming back and being a man. Such an interesting concept to base a book on. Reminds me of Lost but not, if that makes sense.
So Ana then meets Sam on her journey to Heart, he saves her, she saves him. It's all very becoming. So they finally make their way to Heart, where shocker no one wants Ana around because they are scared of her, of what she represents, a new soul. There will always be prejudices no matter what time we live in. So Sam is to be her keeper and teacher so that she can contribute to the society. Which is all well and good because they seem to fit together, even though he fights it eventually they give in. But are rudely interrupted by a beating and an arrest.
Because of this Ana is sent back to live with Li, which is not what she wants, so like any rebellious teenager she runs away, searches for Sam in hopes of helping him escape so they can run away together. But here comes the dragon. Then it gets even stranger as Ana is pulled into the white temple of Jonan - which never had a door before. This is when things become complicated and interesting.
Overall a good read, and I hope you check it out. I am wondering what will happen next and really hope that Ana becomes reincarnated like the others, or not depends on what your view on reincarnation is.
MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.
This week’s musing asks…
What book do you wish you were reading right now? Where would you take it to, if you could go anywhere to read for a while?
I would be sitting on this beach hear, with a nice alcoholic fruity drink resting on that palm tree reading something that I haven't read before - a quick and easy fun read that I can get lost in. I choose - The Fine Art about Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen. It looks like a good read.
Today's question is:
Which non-series book would you most like to read the sequel to? Do you have any wishes for what might happen in it?
This question is literally made for me because I JUST finished a book and in my review I said I wanted more, I need more, I have to have more. Amplified by Tara Kelly. BUT ... my wishes are coming true!!! Because there will be a sequel to it. I just read it on her blog lol. Ok so on to the next one...
Something Maybe by Elizabeth Scott, the main characters finally get together and I want to see what happens next but we really don't know. It would be cute to see how their relationship grows.
The DUFF by Kody Keplinger. That would be an interesting one, I just really loved the banter between the two, makes me want to read it again right now.
If you think about it or at least I know I do, there are a lot of Young Adult Contemporary novels that the end just isn't enough, I always seem to want more. But maybe if they gave us more it just wouldn't be exciting. No one wants to read how happy and fabulous everything is, need just a touch of drama in there to make it interesting. What about you what do you want a sequel to? Which such a high demand there are a lot of things that just come out in series now a days. It's hard to want sequels if they are already in the works.
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week I'm "Waiting on":
Waiting
by Carol Lynch Williams
Release Date: May 1, 2011
Description:
After her brother’s death, a teen struggles to rediscover love and find redemption in this gripping novel.
Growing up in Africa and Latin America as the children of missionaries, London and Zach were as close as could be. And then Zach dies, and the family is gutted. London’s father is distant. Her mother won’t speak. The days are filled with what-ifs and whispers: Did Zach take his own life? Was it London’s fault?
Alone and adrift, London finds herself torn between her brother’s best friend and the handsome new boy in town as she struggles to find herself—and ultimately redemption—in this authentic and affecting novel from award-winning novelist Carol Lynch Williams.
Amplified
By Tara Kelly
Release Date: October 25, 2011
Description:
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.
Review:
We meet Jasmine just after she has
left her house and is on her way to being free to explore her musical talents.
Of course she leaves with all of her savings and not much else. When she gets to
Santa Cruz her car decides to break down. At least it was in front of a body
shop. It was going to take all her money to pay for that car. In the meantime
she goes in search of a band and a room in hopes that she can find both at the
same time. She tries out for a band called C-Side and they like her, at least
the lead singer Veta does. It's instant, she is part psychic so she knows that
there is something special about Jasmine. After a night in her car and a run in
with Sean (part of the band and her first confrontation in Santa Cruz), she
runs into Veta who gets her a job with her mom at the physic store as a
cashier, and is made part of the group. After lying and saying she has played
live in the past.
Sean and Jasmine's relationship
grows day by day and I absolutely could not get enough of them. They seemed
sooo perfect for each other. But he's not 100 percent over his ex - Amy. Who
is/was with his ex best friend Teddy (who formed a rival band together). There
is just so much going on and finally it's time for their fist live show with
Jasmine. Which she of course freaks out because she's never done a live show.
More drama after that especially from Bryn who thinks he owns the band.
Jasmine is now out to prove herself
that she can do this and she wants to be in the band and stay in the apartment.
She's basically fighting for her dream. Her and Sean still grow close but
things happen, and he really isn't over his ex yet. The timing is just not
right. They go on to their second gig with Jasmine and she rocks.
There is just too much going on but
I can't get enough of it. The book is addicting, the banter between everyone is
just addicting.
I. Could. Not. Put. This. Book.
Down!
I was very mad when it ended because I did NOT want this
book to end. I want to see what happens next, I want to go on tour with them. I
need more of these people.
Please enjoy this interview with Sheryl Steines, author of the urban fantasy novel, The Day of First Sun. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book. 
