Review: Good Girls Don't

Good Girls Don't

Victoria Dahl

Copyright 2011, Harlequin

Tessa Donovan is a sister, a small business owner and a good girl. She runs a brewery that her father founded, with her two older brothers Eric and Jamie. The dress code is pretty informal and with her blonde ponytale and upbeat mood, Tessa is seemingly the opposite of jaded Detective Luke Asher. When the brewery is robbed, these two are thrust together - much to her brothers disapproval. You see, Detective Asher has a reputation, one her brother Jamie saw first hand in college.

The divorced LA cop came back to Colorado to escape his heartbreak and is dumped into rumors that he is the father of his pregnant partners baby. Luke is a by the books kind of guy, he'll do what's right no matter what the cost to him - but keeping secrets about his personal life and leads on the brewery's robbery could take away the only thing that has brought him back to life.

I can't say it enough. Dahl is magical. She will write webs that you will get stuck in, you will not be able to put down her books and her characters will stay with you forever. I want to visit the towns they live in, peak into their lives, have a beer at their brewery! The best part is that this is just the first in a three part series! Thanks to Jen at What's On The Book Shelf for such an amazing Christmas gift, I have all three and cannot WAIT to share them with you all!

If you have the chance to pick up a Dahl title, do not hesitate! Even if you're new to the genre! She will change the way you read, write and live!

Review: I'm Not Her

I'm Not Her

Janet Gurtler

Copyright 2011, Sourcebooks, Inc.

I'm Not Her is a book that will grab you, tearing at your heart and soul. Tess isn't her sister. Kristina is popular, athletic, beautiful, she's the it girl. Tess suffers with her red hair (I feel ya, sister!), the brains but not exactly the beauty and athletics - why would she bother? Tess is ok with flying under the radar until Kristina is diagnosed with cancer. While her family goes into denial and Kristina refuses to allow anyone speak of her cancer, Tess is the one stuck in a school that misses their Goddess. With the mysterious and unprecedented abscenses, all eyes are on Tess. For a 15 year old that is struggling with entry to high school and huge self-set expectations, keeping this secret and navigating her normal life while being infiltrated by the schools elite is more than she can take. An emotional break down with an odd companion changes her in ways she won't know of just yet and makes you seriously wonder about the old saying of what's "meant to be."

This is by no means a book you will read quickly and forget. I'm Not Her will get to your heart in ways you don't expect it to and for anyone who has had an experience with cancer or watched someone they love battle it, it will bring those moments back to you full force.



My Pastor/Wrestling Trainor/Friend, Steve Szoke


One of my best friends died after a 10 month struggle with Colorectal Cancer. Vividly, while reading I'm Not Her, the memories came back to me. The news, the disbelief, the denial, even then sleepiness that came with after his chemo. When Kristina is mid-conversation and simply states "I'm tired." and falls asleep, I couldn't help but remember Steve. Knowing someone, even as close as your Pastor/trainer/friend is one thing, but the thought of it being my sister was devastating. Gurtler did an amazing job showing the sisterly rivalry and un-breakable bond that I feel with my own sister. Not to mention the family dynamic. Who doesn't have skeletons in their closet? Gurtler finds ways to navigate a dysfunctional family and each of their quirky members with a flair that makes you feel a sincere fondness for them, even in the midst of turmoil.



Steve clotheslined me on a show. Those are my legs in the air...he's the mass of blue next to me, lol!



Aside from the family issues and sickness, there's Tess. Tess reminds me of a lot of us, aspiring and dreaming. She's the kind of girl that knows her heart and dreams, she wants to make it and she's sure that she will...most of the time : ) It's hard to be sure of yourself when your dreams are considered a "hobby" or when what you want seems to slip from your fingertips.

"I sketch and know I'm not quite where I want to be, but getting closer. I lose myself in my work and slowly the realities of life disappear."

"Winning would change my life. Change how people see me. How I see myself. It would show everyone who I am."

I love these lines especially. They are so true, such real thoughts. And I love that Tess has them, that even though she sees herself as odd and socially inept and unsure she is actually the rock to her family. A rock that has an outlet and can escape into it, a rock that dreams!

"I have it in me to fight for what I want. I won't give anyone the satisfaction of keeping me down or getting the last word."

How wonderful to have such a strong character. I love Tess, I wish she were real so I could befriend her and encourage her dreams!

I'm Not Her is an emotional and intriguing roller coaster that will take you through emotions and memories, rivoting you, keeping you turning page after page. A definite must read!

Cover Reveal!

Coming Soon from

Chosen Ones

By Tiffany Truitt

What if you were mankind’s last chance at survival?

Sixteen-year-old Tess lives in a compound in what was once the Western United States, now decimated after a devastating fourth World War. But long before that, life as we knew it had been irrevocably changed, as women mysteriously lost the ability to bring forth life. Faced with the extinction of the human race, the government began the Council of Creators, meant to search out alternative methods of creating life. The resulting artificial human beings, or Chosen Ones, were extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly. 

 Life is bleak, but uncomplicated for Tess as she follows the rigid rules of her dystopian society, until the day she begins work at Templeton, the training facility for newly created Chosen Ones. There, she meets James, a Chosen One whose odd love of music and reading rivals only her own. The attraction between the two is immediate in its intensity—and overwhelming in its danger. 

 But there is more to the goings-on at Templeton than Tess ever knew, and as the veil is lifted from her eyes, she uncovers a dark underground movement bent not on taking down the Chosen Ones, but the Council itself. Will Tess be able to stand up to those who would oppress her, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?

Chosen Ones is the first of it's YA Dystopian series, coming this Spring!!

Watch for it!! 

Review: Start Me Up

Start Me Up

Victoria Dahl

Copyright 2009, HQN

Let me begin by bowing to Victoria Dahl. Holy, holy, crap, woman.

Lori Love was just a girl stuck in a small town who dreamed of seeing the world. She studied hard and got into the college of her choice. Everything was going according to plan until she got the phone call that her dad had fallen and needed her. Lori dropped her life and raced back home to help him. This included caring for him, his auto shop and taking care of the bills for her semi-vegetative father. Her dreams no longer mattered. So when we meet Lori as an adult woman who lives in coveralls with grease under her nails, it's hard not to love her and want only the best for her - but we also understand her baggage.

Molly is Lori's best friend, who writes dirty books and is by far one of my most favorite characters EVER. She's hilarious. The conversations she and Lori had made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion. Molly also has a nerdy brother, Quinn, whom Lori went to school with. But Quinn is grown up now, a successful archetect who swims when he can't sleep...he's also an insomniac.

When Lori decides it's time to come out of the coveralls and into her own life, she and Molly go out for a girls night. Dresses, heels, the whole nine yards. Low and behold, Quinn shows up at the restaurant and can't keep his eyes off of Lori. But Lori's a wreck, she's just now thinking about living her own life and a relationship doesn't really fit that. But living out fantasies does, and who better than a willing Quinn?

It's not just fun and sexy games and Lori's life is about to get even more complicated. The chief of police is reopening her fathers death - as a murder. Who did it? Why? Motives, suspects, hopes and old dreams swirl together in the delightful romance of Lori Love, girl mechanic.

Dahl is an amazing writer. AMAZING. She can write characters that you sympathize with, lust after, want to be or hold. She can also write one heck of a steamy scene that doesn't even involve the actual act of sex. Lead Me On was the first Dahl novel I read and it's actually supposed to follow Start Me Up so I'm a bit out of order but it doesn't effect just how much I loved this book! I'm so glad Jen got me hooked on Dahl! Look for many many reviews on works of Dahl, I plan on reading them all!

Read My Review of Lead Me On here!

Review: Old Photographs

Old Photographs

Sherie Posesorski

Copyright 2010, Second Story Press

A Big Thank You for the review copy!

Phoebe Hecht is like a lot of us, diving into books and talking to her best friend Yuri about them; and she knows that "sometimes, the only way to get through life is to escape into a good book." Old Photographs takes our beloved "YA Saves" monacher and applies it in a really intriguing way - how reading helps us to help others.

Yuri and Phoebe read Agatha Christie's classic detective novels together, and together, they solve the cases. Yuri's been at it longer, so naturally she's helping Phoebe learn the steps. By the way, I can't help but love to read a book wherein the characters talk about books and book push, that's awesome! Anway, I digress. When a real life robbery takes place in the home of the elderly Mrs. Tomblin, whom Phoebe has grown attached to, it's time to take the skills she's picked up in her mystery reading and put them to work in real life.

Mrs. Tomblin's aunt was a famous photographer, and had entrusted her to several of her most prized photo's before her death. Now, with the photo's gone and Mrs. Tomblin suffering from an early on-set of Alzheimers, it's up to Phoebe to protect the innocent and nab the bad guy.

Yuri is out of the country, so who could be her trusty sidekick? How about Colin, the adorable stock-boy that she stalks on her bike on a daily basis while avoiding the mounting tensions at "home"?! It seems like an unlikely fantasy until Phoebe and Colin are brought together...by Mrs. Tomblin.

With a step-dad that lives off perfection, a mom embarrassed to remember their past and a new half-sister she's only allowed to hold when it's changing time; Phoebe lives by riding her bike, reading her books, texting her only friend Yuri and crushing pretty hard on Colin. Will solving Mrs.Tomblin's crime help solve other parts of her life or will complications mount?

This was my first Second Story Press novel! They are a publishing house in Canada with refreshing stories and inspiring authors! If you're reading this in America, like me, keep in mind when you pick this up that instead of "Officer" it's "Constable" and there's Interpol instead of our police networks BUT you get the gist and how fun is it to read literature from other places?!

Posesorski uses a couple of things that I love the most about books as engaging ways to reach readers; like the mentioning of books, editors, plot points and the application of things we read to our everyday lives! Posesorski writes a clever contemporary novel with Old Photographs that involves a great many aspects of day to day life while intermingling them in new ways! This is one tale in which it clearly pays to be the good guy!

Review: The Black Sheep and The Princess

The Black Sheep and The Princess

Donna Kauffman

Copyright 2007, Kensington Publishing

Donovan MacLeod was the son of a drunk janitor who happened to be handy enough for Louisa Sutherland to keep around as the maintanance of her Summer Camp for rich kids. Donovan was "lucky" enough to spend every season at that camp...a constant outcast. But he was joined by his best friends Rafe and Finn who were also outcasts. The three black sheep ran around as a group calling themselves the Unholy Trinity. Donovan was also pretty handy...but mostly he took pride in being handsy with the rich girls who couldn't resist him. What a slap in the face to the rich boys who thought they were so far above him, while he was hitting it off with their girlfriends. All but one...Louisa's daughter, Kate. Princess Kate snubbed Donovan, sure she oogled him like the rest but she never approached and he never dared - he didn't need that kind of rejection.

Growing up Donovan became a cop, a detective and eventually began working solely for "Trinity" a group he and his childhood best friends put together to help people, while still being unruly and almost getting blown up. On the job one day, Donovan sees the paper - Kate Sutherland is taking claim of the camp. She's giving up a fortune for it. But why? She's in trouble and Donovan can't resist.

So is it the sparks of a love from long ago that they never explored that is heating up the cabin or is this something mature and new? Donovan and Kate are at odds but it's because they are so similar. And like usual, Donovan's right - Kate is in trouble. Can he save her, her camp and keep their relationship casual or will opening up his heart risk everything?

This is my second romance novel! It has a vastly different feel than Victoria Dahl's novel and I'm not going to say that it's a good or a bad thing, but it is different. As I'm jumping into this new category of novels I feel like I'm really learning the ropes. While only a novel ago I blushed merely thinking of reading this type of book, I feel like I've been lucky enough to pick ones where the writing is so clear and emotional that it's not "dirty" like you might expect. It's fun. And isn't that what it's supposed to be?

I would recommend this book to a newbie in the romance department. There's a lot of "thoughts" and daydreams of sorts before anything gets serious and there is a very strong plot line that isn't surrounded by the idea of sexy times all the time!

Review: Hushed

Hushed

Kelley York

Copyright 2011, Entangled Publishing

When I got my Nook the first thing I did was look up e-galleys; the world of e-reading has moved so rapidly, leaving me in the dust. Much to my surprise and honor, Entangled Publishing contacted me to do a review of Hushed for it's blog tour; it happened to be one of the books I had added to my list of galleys to request.

Hushed is not like any other book I have read. There is no paranormal and no hero that I’m dying to kiss. Instead there is the story of a boy, scared and held back; forced to see things he shouldn’t at any age. A guy who has grown up loving fiercely while being only a background piece to those he fights for. And finally, there is a man who is finally seeing love; finally feeling real love for someone, and struggling to keep it.

Archer is cool, distant, calculating. His friends have a quiet respect for him but he comes and goes as he pleases, never really one of them. Except Vivian. Vivian is his life, his best friend, the girl he wants to stand next to for the rest of eternity. But she never sees him that way, only goes to him when she needs something and yet he always takes her back.

Evan is the real hero to this story, to me. He is the one true player in Archer’s life that simply is who he is, no apologies. The dynamic between the two caught me right from the get go; one distant, one friendly, one strong connection.

As body counts start piling, love intensifies (and Viv loses more and more of her marbles), the story goes from enticing to enrapturing. Each page leaves the reader wondering what else could happen, who will end up hurt at the end of this and ultimately, how does a game like this end? What’s enough?

Like stated, not a book I’ve ever read before but I loved it. This is a deep, dark, thriller with a love story that saves the day. But even at that it’s not your “common love story.” Archer has always wanted and loved Viv, his body still responds to hers; but when Evan is around there’s just something about him that makes him want to reach out and touch him. He needs Evan’s voice to calm him. It’s Evan’s arms that are there to sooth him. It’s also different in the sense that, Helloooo – murdering is BAD. But our main character IS the murderer, and we feel for him deeply; we WANT him to be happy, to be loved. It’s a unique standpoint on its own.

This isn't a book I would want to miss! Be sure to click the picture below to order your copy today!!

Also, I had the opportunity to ask Kelley some questions about the book!! Check it out!

Evan is probably my favorite character in the book, how in love with him are you? 

Evan seems to be everyone's favorite! I adore him to pieces. Without him, Archer's story really would have ended entirely different.

How has his strength transferred from your mind to the pages?

Evan needed to be an emotional rock, because Archer isn't easy for anyone to handle. Honestly, his patience surprised me. He does get frustrated now and again, but it's in his nature to stick by people he thinks deserve it. His sympathy also helped me view Archer's situation from different angles. 

This story is SO unique. Where did it come from?

It all started with Archer. I wanted to write a boy who killed people for someone he loved, and the rest fell into place around that. Characters always come to me before plot. If I can get a cast of characters I really love, the rest is easy.

Which character do you most identify with?

I think maybe Archer. I've been the friend who was there for 'convenience.' I've felt a lot of the unwavering (and misplaced) loyalty toward people who used me, and felt, like he does, that nobody really understands. But I connect with Evan, too, because I've also been the person who tries really hard to be an emotional support for the people I love, and it's not always easy.

Which character would be your best friend in real life?

I've actually had a lot of self-destructive friends like Vivian, especially in my later teenage years. But I'd love to have a friend like Evan. Dependable and sweet and fun to be around. (And cute. That's always a bonus.)

If you could stop Vivian for a few moments, what would you say to her? 

I'd probably pop her in the mouth, actually. She and Archer are both perfect examples of how trauma can affect two people entirely different. They both went through a lot in their childhoods, but took opposite directions in dealing with it. Vivian fell apart. Archer tried to be stronger. 

Any special message for any of the characters?

I would tell Evan and Archer both to hang in there, because things will get better for them. 

Hushed reminded me of Lex Luthor: Man of Steel in the sense that Archer really is the bad guy, what with the murdering and what not, and yet he's one of our heroes! What made you want to have us see him that way?

Man, these are good questions. When I first came up with Archer's concept and he was developing in my head, I wasn't honestly thinking about how anyone would see him. It was his story and I wanted to tell it. I knew that, despite that he was doing things people wouldn't agree with, he was still a sympathetic character. I don't think I could've written for him if he weren't doing it for (what he felt was) a just cause.
 

I could feel the love between Archer and Evan, did you start writing this knowing that's where they would be? If not, what changed your mind?

From the beginning, I always knew Archer would have feelings for Evan. I hadn't planned on those feelings being returned. But when I write, my characters take on minds of their own and develop feelings and thoughts I never intended them to have. Pretty early into the story I realized Evan wanted to love Archer, and that love was going to be absolutely crucial to Archer being able to move forward in his life. 

What would you say to someone who might be experiencing some of the feelings that are involved in Hushed? (Loneliness, Uncertainty, Unwanted, Desperate, even Caged?)

Try to get rid of the tunnel vision that makes you think this is how things are always going to be. I spent a very, very long time as a teenager and into my twenties feeling all of these things, and it's so difficult to think there's anything more to life than what you're feeling in that exact moment. But there is. 

Nothing but the best to Kelley!! She's as amazing of a person as she is a writer! Pick up Hushed today!!

About the Author

 

Kelley was born and raised in central California, where she sRll resides with her lovely

wife, daughter, and an abundance of pets. (Although she does fantasize about moving

across the globe to Ireland.) She has a fascinaRon with bells, adores all things furry – be

them squeaky, barky or meow‐y –is a lover of video games, manga and anime, and likes

to pretend she’ a decent photographer. Her life goal is to find a real unicorn. Or maybe

a mermaid.

Within young adult, she enjoys wriRng and reading a variety of genres from

contemporary with a unique twist, psychological thrillers, paranormal/urban fantasy

and horror. She loves stories where character development takes center stage.

Kelley York

Review: Trade Secrets (A Love, Inc. Novel)

Trade Secrets (A Love, Inc. Novel)

Yvonne Collins & Sandy Rideout

Copyright 2011, Smashwords E-Book

Thanks for the wonderful e-galley received for review!

"I like people, especially male people."

I can completely identify with this sentence. Kali, Syd and Zahra had formed Love, Inc. with four goals: matchmaking, revenge taking and mentoring those in need...oh and making some cash flow as well. While their business was put on hold and (to their parents) thought to be dead for good, the girls can't seem to stay away.

While each of the girls is singularly important, the main focus is really on Kali; who as the matchmaker, can't seem to keep a relationship. Caleb is great and she's been going out with him longer than she has with anyone else but it's those little things that keep adding up and sooner or later there's going to be one last straw that breaks the camels back. How far is she willing to go to keep her relationship for the sake of her Love, Inc. front?

Kali is also a singer/songwriter! How cool is that?! And she's ambitious as all get out even though everyone around her (minus the besties of course) have nothing but doubts; sound familiar to anyone's real life?

Love, Inc. is losing clients quickly and the one they had picked up is the snob to end all snobs, constantly harassing and causing headaches for the girls. Even though Kali is only friends with Luke she can't stand to see him hooked up with Hollis. He's so much better than her, but if he wants to oogle her and spend time with her - so be it. While the hook up seems to be making all parties happy, Hollis is only better to Kali and the crew to their faces. Behind everyone elses backs she's an evil evil girl. Hollis takes every chance to rub any and every failure Kali can suffer into her face - to the point of getting in her head before her first performance at open mic night.

When Kali gets played by a jerk who uses her own flirting and pick up methods without any intention of a long term relationship, the girls look deeper into the situation. Someone has set up "Catch of The Day" a rip off of Love, Inc. At least now they know where all of their clients are going.

The hard part? Shutting them down is going to risk everything all three of the girls have, including their hearts.

When I reviewed Girl vs Boy it was because it sounded cute and Ashley from Books from Bleh to Basically Amazing said to read it...this is a serious recommendation to me! When I received a notification that I would be able to review Trade Secrets it looked right up my alley! It SO is!

Trade Secrets is a fun and inspiring story that makes you want to grab your girl friends and go out for a night of fun and flirting. It's a quick read and honestly, there are so many cute boys that you won't want to stop turning pages because you'll want to know more about them and more importantly, to see if they end up where you want them! Let's discuss a couple of the boys briefly. Jesse is HOT and he knows it but he's not all arrogant, he's just flirty and brings it on strong. Luke is a sweetheart, caring and understanding but has some serious judgment lapses from time to time. Brody doesn't really do it for me but I think that's because I identify with Kali really strongly and since Brody is her brother....yeah, I can't do it! lol!

I've heard a lot of people complain about jumping into series because they feel overwhelmed if they missed the first book, be honest - how many shelves do you save for TBR's? While Trade Secrets is indeed a sequel to Love, Inc. believe me when I say that you will want to read Love, Inc. but it isn't necessary. Trade Secrets is a fantastic book, written well with characters that come alive. I for one, will be buying Love, Inc. and reading it even though I'm a little out of order!

Speaking of the writing, I opened with a sentence from Trade Secrets and I want to share this one with you too, after reading it tell me you don't want to know more who this is about?!

"No matter what words he actually uses, it sounds like he's asking you to take off your clothes. And somehow, that doesn't seem unreasonable, even here in the kitchen of the Maternity Ward."

The girls are a blast and if Covergirl was smart they'd tap into this series and push it hard with it's own brand of lip glosses for fans of the books, I know I've already bought a new shade because well...if it works for Kali, I'm willing to give it a shot, too!

Follow this link to purchase Trade Secrets for only $2.99!

Hug An Author Week! Day 5!

Who is the author that created a world so vivid you were actually lost after it was over? i.e. Book hangover from hell.

RICHELLE MEADE.  

Two words:

VAMPIRE ACADEMY.

Dear Makeshift Jen, I love your beautiful face. But more importantly, I love that you buy me books that you know I can't live without, even before I know it. 


Jen got me the first 3 books of the Vampire Academy for Christmas last year. I put it off and put it off, and then FINALLY decided to pick the first one up. Holy. Cow. Many of you saw my obsessive Tweets, and will continue to see #DimitriFTW at random. 


The problem was that I couldn't stop. My entire life revolved around when I could read. I was reading at stop signs while driving. I stayed up late and got up early. I barely breathed during the entire series. And then...it was over. 

 

Where do you go with life after that?? 

I'm sure many of you know what I went through, we're in this together!


How much do we get out of pushing books like this on our friends? Seriously, sharing obsessions is the BEST. Are we evil? Yes. Is it necessary? Yes.

Mead seemingly effortlessly created a world that involves mythical creatures that have, at this point I feel, been taking over everything. Vampires have always been in literature, within the last few years we've had the Twilight Saga and True Blood that have launched empires for authors and vampire lovers to revel in. But there's something different about Mead's vampires. And I don't just mean that they are Dhampirs :) Their society, rules of engagement, hierarchy and personalities set them apart from anything we've met before.

How do you not marvel at the amazing talent of an author who is able to do something like that?

On top of it, Mead doesn't just have the incredible VA Series or the Bloodline follow up - in addition to Succubus titles, Vampire Academy is now a graphic novel and Dark Swan is a comic book series.

So, in the words of Waynes World, "We're Not Worthy!"

Vampire Academy Review!
Frost Bite Review!
Shadow Kiss Review!
Blood Promise Review!
Spirit Bound Review!
Last Sacrifice Review!

Dark Swan Comic Book Review!

Hug An Author Week! Day 4!

Which author wrote the character you would want as your best friend?

From the discussions I've heard, I feel like I may be in the minority in this one but I don't care!!

Becca Fitzpatrick first introduced us to Nora and her BFF Vee in Hush Hush and I completely love Vee. Nora ticks me off...frequently...but Vee is always SO honest! And she's loud! And opinionated! And...wait...crap. I just described myself. Well HEY - I'd want to be my best friend! lol! All ego aside, sure she makes some bad decisions along the way but it's not all her fault and in the world of poor decision making are her mistakes any worse than any others? I mean, it's not like she has found her soul mate, confessess her undying love and then stops to rethink it like so many of our beloved characters do. She knows what she wants and she's not afraid to go after it. And I love that she's so brutally honest and regardless of what anyone might say, I think she's a pretty good BFF!

I think Becca nailed it on the best friend angle. They aren't always perfect. Their judgement may not always be perfect but they will be there for you when you need them. They will do what they think is best for you and most importantly - they will not LIE to you!!

So Kudos, Becca, on writing my fictional bestie!! Long Live Vee!

“It isn't about love," Vee said. "It's about fun.” - Hush Hush

I remember at a signing I was at for Crescendo I asked a question about Vee and the inspiration behind her and Becca asked who I felt the closest too - my answer stands. Team Vee!!

I know there isn't a whole ton of her in Silence but wouldn't it be nice to have a signed copy? Yeah. I thought so too. It's not the end of Patch and Nora's story like we thought it might be (Thank God. I don't know how I can go with knowing there won't be any more Patch one day!) but you can fall in love with him all over again in Silence when you WIN this copy!

Link Up your Hug An Author Posts here!!


And Enter to win a signed copy of Silence, here!

Hug An Author Week! Day 3!

Who was your favorite author when you were a child? A teen? During your 20s? As an adult?

I'm tapping out ladies and gents! Ah but do not fear, I've found help! Please help me welcome the charming, hilarious and lovely Carrie Jones!!!

Ok, Carrie, I know you like fudgsicles and potatoes. And that you graduated from Vermont College's MFA program for writing...but have you always enjoyed reading/writing?

I have. I didn't have a choice really. We were super poor and couldn't afford awesome things like video games or cable. I was the youngest kid by a ton and we didn't live in a neighborhood and my parents worked so I was home a lot all by myself. Books were free. So, I mostly read and wandered around in the woods looking for Bigfoot making up stories in my head about how we'd meet and he'd kidnap me or something. I was a weird kid. Boredom makes you weird. 

OR it makes you an amazing author, lol! Was there an author during those younger years that really caught your attention?

When I was super little I loved Madeline L'Engle and I was also really into stealing my mom's naughty romance books that she hid in between the mattresses. Yes, most people who hide things there hide porn or weapons or something. My mom hid V.C. Andrews. 

So, since you covered the V.C. Andrews a bit early...What kind of books did you like as a teen? 

Oh, pretty much anything. I loved all books. I am naughty like that. Any genre. Anything. As long as it had words. 

Any words that struck you with particularly more love a little later on? :)

I was all social justice Carrie at that point and into Richard Bach's book ILLUSIONS. This embarrasses me now. I was also sort of drama, so I loved Anne Sexton's poetry and Sherman Alexie's stuff. I really had the hots for Sherman Alexie. (runs away and hides now)

In his first book for young adults, bestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot. Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which is based on the author's own experiences, coupled with poignant drawings by acclaimed artist Ellen Forney, that reflect the character's art, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he was destined to live.

Don't hide! There's still something else for you to answer!! Which author do you want to hug?

Um..... Sherman Alexie? 

Oh, I'll hug anyone. I even got smooshed into M.T. Anderson's armpit once when I got an award. The cool thing about children's book authors is that most of us are a very huggy bunch. It's like having this cool extended family where nobody makes you eat celery or talks about how you totally failed to send your Great Aunt Florence a thank you card for the Care Bear pajamas. So it's like family without the baggage.

Ok, serious question time! How has reading influenced your writing?

It's helped me understand structure and inspires me to get better.

Ok enough seriousness. *virtual hugs* How cool is it to know that there are readers out there who would pick you as an author they love?

It is a bit mind blowing. Every day when I get fan mail, I always want to point at my chest and be like, "Me? Um... you do know I'm a dork right?"

Oh, Carrie, we wouldn't have you any other way!! Here's the tough part...Choose if you dare....Fudgsicle OR Potatoes? 

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

You are evil! 

I only just woke up and I'm thirsty so right now I would say Fudgsicle. It's closer to liquid. Plus, straight sugar. Yum! 

Muah -ha - ha- ha! Oh yes, I just evil cackled. Tell me, my pretty, have you any extra thoughts?? 

Even though you are evil, you are awesome and a very good hugger. YOU GUYS MUST COME TO MAINE!

IDK if you guys noticed or not but Carrie is AWESOME. It's impossible NOT to love her. Also, it's even harder not to love someone when you're getting the chance to win one of their books for free. Did I mention it's signed?? Silly me. :)

Sign up here! Giveaway will be drawn Saturday at 5pm CST!

Hug An Author Week! Day 2!

What is your best memory of an author
signing (meeting)?

All of the signings I've been to have been memorable but I'll pick out a couple instances that really stand out!


One thing I love the most about authors is how encouraging they are. If you tell an author that you're an aspiring author 9 out of 10 times they will wish you luck and give you any advice they can to help you out. Sometimes they even tell you things about their experiences that help you relate!


When I went to the Lauren Oliver Delirium signing I told her how she hurt my heart. I was physically in pain while reading. I'm pretty sure she liked that. But then I told her about writing and how I was starting to query. In my book she wrote that she was (kind of) sorry she broke me apart and then added that she hopes to see me on the shelves one day. That kind of encouragement can keep you going after a rejection! THAT makes an author awesome :)

But I think one of my favorite signing moments was at Dark Days. That day was epic in so many ways. I was new to the community, just met a TON of amazing bloggers and was at my first signing as a "blogger" :) I'll admit, I was nervous. These amazing new friends were...amazing. And I was wondering if Courtney would remember me because I'd met her months and months before and had chatted with her - not realizing that she was going to create a book that I LOVE and a demonic reaper that I HAVE to have *cough* Cadan *cough*


So in the middle of answering a question Courtney says, "By the way, I totally know you." 

This chick. Stuff like that makes the day, ya know? And who does it? Awesome Authors.

Awesome authors who write amazing sequels to books we obsess over...you know, like the sequel to Angelfire - Wings of the Wicked.

So...How about an early review? 

Oh. My. God. I can say with no hesitation: YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. The heavily requested sequel to Moulton's debut novel, Angelfire, will hit shelves in February with a Hammer of Gabriel style *BANG.*

From the heat of intense battles to the moments of intense squealing there will not be a single page you won't want to read over.

The reemergence of Cadan came quickly to my, and I'm sure many of you out there's, pleasure as does the intense feelings Will and Ellie share for each other. But one of these things is not like the other - will following the rules keep Will and Ellie from the love they want to share or will a demonic reaper sway an archangel into a whole new meaning of forbidden love?

Be ready and waiting for more classic Ellie wit and charm - the girl we've all wanted to be is back in action and at it heavier than ever. Don't forget the Ellie thought process, especially with the boys: If they're trying to keep a distance you don't want, don't mope - flirt your angelic hiney off and at least make them sorry for it!

Twists and turns await every page of Wings, every calm before every storm has you hoping against hope that this time will be the time. Every swing of a sword, kopesh or otherwise, has you holding your breath. Moulton leaves no stone unturned as she weaves together a story none of us saw coming - all the while making us swoon for the ever building passion.

Courtney is a talented author, I've said it before and I'll say it again. The reality of the characters, the truth to their lives and the feelings they share will grab you by the throat - you won't be able to put this one down!

Posting something fun today?? Sign up here!!

Hug An Author Week! Day 1!

Lets start this week off with a BANG! The first question I choose to answer IS:

The one author that's mere presence would bring you tears of joy?

Literally. I cried. Heidi was there, she'll tell you. I went to the This Is Teen! Event in Naperville for one reason. Libba Freaking Bray.

Libba walked on stage and I felt tears streaming down my cheeks. I can't, even though I repeatedly try to, explain how much respect and love I have for her. Proof? Feel free to check out my Vlog review of Beauty Queens. Or any post, ever, on anything she has to do with.

Typically I'd try to contain my fangirlism but in this instance: IT'S HUG AN AUTHOR WEEK!! WHOOO! Let your Fangirl Flag Fly!

Kartik & Gemma FOREVER

It's not too late! Sign up here, post your own fangirl favorites and come back during the week to watch for special interviews and giveaways!