Forsaken by Strasse Book Trailer

Isn't it awesome?
I'm so excited to read this! I have an interview or guest post in the works with Lisa now, so keep your eyes peeled!


Book deets (from Goodreads)

As an obedient orphan of the U.N.A. (the super-country that was once Mexico, the U.S., and Canada), Alenna learned at an early age to blend in and be quiet—having your parents taken by the police will do that to a girl. But Alenna can’t help but stand out when she fails a test that all sixteen-year-olds have to take: The test says she has a high capacity for brutal violence, and so she is sent to The Wheel, an island where all would-be criminals end up.
The life expectancy of prisoners on The Wheel is just two years, but with dirty, violent, and chaotic conditions, the time seems a lot longer as Alenna is forced to deal with civil wars for land ownership and machines that snatch kids out of their makeshift homes. Desperate, she and the other prisoners concoct a potentially fatal plan to flee the island. Survival may seem impossible, but Alenna is determined to achieve it anyway

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Interview with Krista Holle author of The Lure of Shapinsay

The Lure of Shapinsay by Krista Holle

Ever since Kait Swanney could remember, the old crones of the village have been warning her to stay away from the selkies. They claim that like sirens of old, the seal men creep from the inky waters, shed their skins, and entice women to their deaths beneath the North Sea. But avoiding an encounter becomes impossible when Kait is spotted at the water’s edge, moments after the murder of a half-selkie infant. Kait is woken unexpectedly by a beautiful selkie man seeking revenge. After she declares her innocence, the intruder darts into the night, but not before inadvertently bewitching her with an overpowering lure. She obsesses over a reunion deep beneath the bay and risks her own life to be reunited with her selkie. But when she lands the dangerous lover, the chaos that follows leaves Kait little time to wonder—is it love setting her on fire or has she simply been lured?

Youtube link:



Our Interview:

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.  When Kait is lured by a seal man, she’ll risk more than a broken heart to be with him—she’ll risk her life.  Sexy!

--How did you get the idea for the story? I fell in love with the legends through the child’s picture book The Seal Prince and then again through the 1994 movie The Secret of Roan Inish.   I little bit of research sealed the deal for me.  The selkie males are notorious for luring women to their deaths beneath the sea.

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?  My husband might not like to hear this, but I’d love to have dinner with Eamon, the very naughty selkie who’s repulsed by everything on land.  On second thought, he might be leading me to my death by the second course.  A beautiful way to die.

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?  Twilight will always hold a special place in my heart.  I only read about a book a month because the stories in my head are too darn addicting.  I also love Tracy Chevalier’s books, especially The Girl with a Pearl Earring.

--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?  The Wind Whisperer is the first in a series and will be released later this summer.  It’s about a young Native American girl with the ability to “hear” the spirits of the wind.  While her tribe’s at war with a brother tribe, Anaii inconveniently falls in love with the enemy.  It’s basically a yummy love triangle that takes place before the arrival of the first white man.  It’s filled with intrigue, kidnappings, murder, and battles.  The guys will like this one too. 

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?  I love historical books, so I might become Elizabeth Bennett in Pride in Prejudice.  That way I could wear gorgeous dresses, go to balls, and fall in love with the wonderful Mr. Darcy

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?  I need tomb like silence.  My husband recently bought me some silencing headphones so I can block out the family and be more dysfunctional as a mother than ever. 

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?  It would be cool if I create fire with my thoughts like Enna in Enna Burning.  So much power!

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?  I love to do anything outdoors!  I have an obsession with the beach.  I collect seashells and would spend my life snorkeling and sea combing if I could.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?  The Lure of Shapinsay has cross-over appeal to the young adult audience.  If you like impossible love stories, this is the summer read for you.

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate? Chocolate

Edward or Jacob? Edward

Hockey or soccer? Soccer

Ebook or paper? Both

Salty or sweet? Salty

Beach or mountains? Beach

Phone call or email? E-mail

Early bird or night owl? Night owl

Dog or cat? Dog

Messy or neat? Messy

Ninjas or pirates? Pirate

Giveaway:

-Ebook

-Tshirt

-Swag

-Open Internationally

-Fill out rafflecopter to enter

 

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Giveaway: The Talisman of El and Author interview with Alecia Stone

The Talisman of El by Alecia Stone

One Planet.Two Worlds.Population: Human ... 7 billionOthers ... unknownWhen 14-year-old Char­lie Blake wakes up sweat­ing and gasp­ing for air in the middle of the night, he knows it is hap­pening again. This time he wit­nesses a bru­tal mur­der. He's afraid to tell any­one. No one would believe him ... because it was a dream. Just like the one he had four years ago - the day before his dad died.Char­lie doesn't know why this is hap­pen­ing. He would give any­thing to have an ordi­nary life. The prob­lem: he doesn't belong in the world he knows as home.He belongs with the others.

 Our Interview:

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.

Charlie Blake is an orphan who is trying to find his place in the world. One dream changed everything. It was never supposed to be real.

--How did you get the idea for the story?

In short, I have no idea where the story came from. It was unexpected. It was only when I finished the first draft that I read over it and released what it was I had written. It was a great experience for me, as it felt as though I was reading the story for the first time. Of course, a few factors influenced Talisman Of El but that was after I had written the first draft. The first draft became a guide in the sense that I saw where I wanted to go and where I didn’t. After a few research into some strange real life events, one in particular about an archaeologist by the name of Colonel Percy Fawcett, who disappeared in 1925, I started on the second draft. I have a great fascination for all things supernatural, so it wasn’t hard to open my mind to a world where anything was possible. Talisman Of El features mythology, magic and adventure.

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?

From my book, I presume. The character I would most like to have dinner with would be Candra. She is a very complex character who holds many secrets. Her life certainly hasn’t been easy, and she has the scars to prove it. I would like to get inside her head and see what goes on inside her mind. I have a feeling I would encounter a maze.

The character I would least like to have dinner with would be Jacob Willoughby. There’s something quite cunning about him. He doesn’t give anything away, which leaves you wondering just what he is up to. He’s also quite attentive, which means you most likely wouldn’t get away with anything. He always seems to be one step ahead. I just wouldn’t know how to get around him.

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?

Some of my favourite books are Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie, 1984 by George Orwell, The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, The Perks of being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, The Green Mile by Stephen King and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, to name a few.

I’d like to say I still have a lot of time to read, but that wouldn’t be true. My free time has been greatly reduced, but I still manage to worm some book reading time in there, especially if it’s a book I’m longing to read.

--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?

I have two other books to write for the Talisman Of El trilogy. I’m currently writing book two, which will be released in 2013.

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?

The book I would choose would be Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. I’m not a chocolate person, but I would love to win a golden ticket so I could enter the factory and experience all the strange happenings that go on inside. I’d sing and dance along with the Oompa Lumpas. It would be an exhilarating adventure to explore the world inside the factory. I could come back out looking like a pancake or an elephant. You just never know. Therein lies the fun.

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?

I don’t necessarily need anything in order to write, but a little music does give me a push now and again as I am reliving scenes from the book. I posted a playlist on my site recently of songs that I was listening to while writing Talisman Of El.

Here’s the Talisman Of El Soundtrack:

1. Evanescence – Bring Me To Life
2. Adele – Set Fire To The Rain
3. Coldplay – Viva La Vida
4. Owl City – Fireflies
5. Katy Perry ft. Kanye West – E.T.
6. Nickelback – Hero
7. McFly ft. Taio Cruz – Shine A Light
8. Linkin Park – Numb
9. Snow Patrol – Run
10. Ed Sheeran – Lego House
11. The Fray – Over My head (Cable Car)
12. Brandon Flowers – Crossfire
13. Take That – Rule The World
14. The Fray – How To Save A Life

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

There are a few. I often choose a different answer for each interview so I can spread out my preferences evenly, so on this occasion, I would love to have the ability to read minds. Who wouldn’t want to know what’s going on inside someone’s head? You’d always be one step ahead of everyone else. You probably wouldn’t make so many mistakes, and even if you did, you’ll always know how to make up for it by giving people what they want because you know what they’re thinking. It’s a win win.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?

Listen to music, travel, go to the beach and going to the movies. I love films.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

Yes. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me along this journey. I hope you enjoy my debut novel and I cannot wait to start interacting with you all. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me via twitter, facebook or by using the form on my website: www.aleciastone.com

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate?

Vanilla.

Edward or Jacob?

I’ve become quite the fan of Robert Pattinson, so it’s Edward for me. Go team Edward!

Hockey or soccer?

Hockey.

Ebook or paper?

Paper.

Salty or sweet?

Gotta be sweet.

Beach or mountains?

Beach.

Phone call or email?

Email.

Early bird or night owl?

Night owl.

Dog or cat?

Dog.

Messy or neat?

Definitely neat.

Ninjas or pirates?

Not a fan of either, but as a Johnny Depp fan, I have to go for pirates. “Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum.”

Giveaway: One paperback open Internationally

Ends 7/26

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Waiting on Wednesday 6/27

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating

This week, I'm featuring:

Blink Once by Cylin Busby

West is a high school senior who has everything going for him until an accident leaves him paralyzed. Strapped down in his hospital bed, slipping in and out of consciousness, West is terrified and alone. Until he meets Olivia. She’s the girl next door—sort of. A patient in the room next to his, only Olivia can tell what West is thinking, and only Olivia seems to know that the terrible dreams he’s been having are not just a result of his medication. Yet as West comes to rely on Olivia—to love her, even—certain questions pull at him: Why has Olivia been in the hospital for so long? And what does it mean that she is at the center of his nightmares? But the biggest question of all comes when West begins to recover and learns that the mysterious girl he’s fallen in love with has a secret he could never have seen coming.

Releases Sept 4th
What are you waiting on?

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Review: Hooked by Catherine Greenman

Hooked by Catherine Greenman

Thea Galehouse has always known how to take care of herself. With a flighty club-owner mom and a standoffish, recovering-alcoholic dad, Thea has made her own way in her hometown of New York, attending the prestigious and competitive Stuyvesant High School. But one chat with Will, a handsome and witty senior, and she's a goner—completely hooked on him and unable to concentrate on anything else.
Always worried that she loves Will more than he loves her, Thea is pleasantly surprised when their romance weathers his move to college and Will goes out of his way to involve her in his life. But then, Thea misses a period. And that starts Thea and Will on a wild ride that neither of them could have possibly prepared for. When they decide to keep the baby, their concerned parents chip in what they can to keep Will in school and give both teenagers a comfortable place to raise their child. But when a freak accident leaves Thea shaken and threatens to upend their little family altogether, Thea is forced to turn to the last place she would have chosen for comfort: her stiff, uncompromising father.
This smart, touching first novel brims with realistic, beautifully drawn characters, and reminds us that love is never as easy or predictable as we might like it to be.

Published in US: Aug 9 2011
Source: bought

My Review:
     This was a gritty yet funny at time contemporary. I think that we get a unique view into being pregnant and being a teen mom, and I think that it's an important message. As much as Thea tries at times, she cannot romanticize the idea, especially when her boyfriend Will makes it where she can't stay with him for a while.      Though I liked this book and what it tried to convey, I was left feeling like there is nothing that will make me remember it a year from now. I still think that its worth reading.
    I think that all aspects of characters were done well, Thea was fleshed out, and she had things I could relate to, perfections and faults alike. Will was dreamy at first and then gave a real picture of what happens a lot when a girl gets pregnant and there is a child brought into that relationship at such a young age. Thea's parents are far from perfect, but I really liked how her dad stepped up in the end whereas I wouldn't have expected that. I got to read about a dynamic that is not all that present in the books I read, the father daughter one.
    I also like the stages the book goes through, we get to see the beginning and development of Thea's relationship with Will, and how she is completely hooked on him-to the extent that she doesn't really pay much attention to anything else. What a familiar feeling that is though, the new relationship and the obsession.
    This book took on a whole other dimension with Thea's crocheting. It interested me because I can crochet a bit, and it played a role in a book of helping her to distract herself and also in the end helping to find herself some.
    The ending wasn't tied up completely, but I think that is also life, and hers really was just beginning, so I think that is fitting in its own aspects.

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Interview Michelle Stone author of First Step

A catastrophic infection of land based plant life motivates a wealthy
investor and his colleagues to make the ultimate push for survival. He,
his daughter, and a brilliant young team of scientists do the
unthinkable. They take the first step off planet Earth.
The story is a fresh look at science fiction set in the very near
future. Stone creates unique technologies, an alternative history, and a
weaves together a compelling number of disassociated threads to craft a
very readable dystopian saga.

Our Interview:

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.

What will motivate us to move to space? Who will finance it? What untold secrets hide in our society? The Dimensional Shift trilogy explores the possibilities.

--How did you get the idea for the story?

I grew up with the NASA space program. I’ve been saddened by our loss of interest in space exploration. As an amateur astronomer and a former telescope designer, I’ve wanted to write a story for several years to push us into space. I also wanted to write something technologically sharp, vastly different from most science fiction. I wanted to use really cool stuff, not the old tired wormhole and warp clichés.

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?

In my books, Kelt Nelby is most prominently featured in the series. However, my favorite character is Akhi Richmond. She is the disciplined young scientist that I wanted to be when I was a child.

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?

I read two to four hours a day. I tend to focus on history, archeology, astronomy, and science fiction. I must admit that my voracious appetite for science fiction far outweighs my interests in the other genres. My favorite books? I have so many. These are the first that come to mind: Dune (Frank Herbert), Up Country (Nelson DeMille), The Entire and the Rose series (Kay Kenyon), War of Rivals (Doris Goodwin). Last week, I finished the Lodestone Trilogy (Mark Whiteway). I found it thoroughly engrossing.

--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?

Yes. I am working on two novels. I have yet to decide which will capture my full attention. One of them is a sequel to the Dimensional Shift Trilogy. If that one wins out, I will make it a complete story as I have the others. There is nothing worse than picking up a book and spending the time to read it, only to find there is no ending. Although I enjoy series and trilogies, I do not expect my readers to share that perspective.

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?

Friday by Heinlein. I read Friday when I was a teenager. I remember that I wanted to be like her. She is a strong likeable and beautiful heroine who commanded respect.

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?

I must have absolute quiet and a cold twelve pack of Diet Coke in the fridge. I do my best writing from 10PM to 6AM. Songs? It’s hard to pick one. My collection is eclectic in that I enjoy good music, from my latest Goth to Beethoven. If I had to pick just one, it would be Learning to Fly by Pink Floyd. I used to hang glide. That was my anthem. I suppose it still is.

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

Long life. I want to see the several next big technological breakthroughs. I live for technology and gadgets.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?

I live near Yosemite National Park! I enjoy hiking and photography… that’s why I moved here. I also host several astronomy events each year at my observatory. I play electric bass (Rock-N-Roll), stand-up bass (Blue Grass), and cello with the local symphony orchestra.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

I write for my own enjoyment. If my readers enjoy my story telling, I shall die happy.

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate?

- vanilla

Edward or Jacob?

- Jacob

Hockey or soccer?

- soccer

Ebook or paper?

- eBook

Salty or sweet?

- salty

Beach or mountains?

- mountains

Phone call or email?

- email

Early bird or night owl?

- creature of the night

Dog or cat?

- dog

Messy or neat?

- does neat computer files, messy office count?  Okay. neat.

Ninjas or pirates?

- pirates

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Immb, Stacking the Shelves, Showcase Sunday 6/24

 IMMB was started by Kristi at The Story Siren. I use it to showcase books I receive and as a social aspect for the blog. To sign up and find out more here


Showcase Sunday is hosted by Books, Buscuits and Tea, check it out here

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews, check it out here

What I got:

One Moment Source: netgalley

McBride, Kristina *

The Golden Lily (Bloodlines, #2) bought

Mead, Richelle

Kingdom Keepers
source: Disney

The Messenger source: Lands Atlantic

Rose, Leah *

Somebody, Please Tell Me Who I Am source: bought

Mazer, Harry

Between the Lines source: publicist

Picoult, Jodi

What did you get? What do you think of my books?

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Giveaway: Hoodie and Interview with author Brendon Lancaster

Ben (aka Hoodie) is a contemporary anti-hero, struggling to retain his integrity in a world of shifting values. His escapades provide a blend of up-to-date realism, dream-like escapism and gritty hard-hitting action, all while navigating a magical mystery tour of his mind.

About Brenden, from his site:

Brendon Lancaster

Brendon Lancaster lives in London, married with two daughters. He grew up in the Paddington/Notting Hill area.

‘Hoodie’ is Brendon’s first novel. He was prompted to write it because after spending 25 years in steady, albeit moderately successful, civil service employment he felt it was time to stretch his creative potential.

His relatively newfound passion for writing reflects his long held desire (identified at an early age) to find a way of getting paid to daydream.

Brendon is keen to emphasise that ‘Hoodie’ is entirely fictional and any characters or events are purely the product of his imagination. He is proud, however, to admit to – like ‘Hoodie’ – having simian lines on both of his palms – a rare genetic abnormality shared by drug addicts, mass murderers, scientific researches and religious fanatics  (and, by sheer coincidence, Tony Blair).  Brendon has shown no sign of possessing any of these traits.  Yet.

Our Interview:

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.

Hoodie tells the story of Ben, a teenage contemporary anti-hero, struggling to retain his integrity (and sanity) in today’s competitive, consumerist world.

--How did you get the idea for the story?

A mixture of my own and my friends’ personal experiences over the years, mixed with a massive dose of poetic licence to create a story which hangs together.

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?

Ben.  He’s got a good (but often misplaced) sense of fun and could do with having someone sensible like me (ha ha!) to steer him onto the right track.

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?

I don’t get nearly as much time as I’d like to read, but would list some of my recent favourites as being:

Life of Pi by Yann Martel (had to read it a second time immediately upon finishing it the first);

We need to talk about Kevin by Lionel Schriver (disturbing, haunting);

Dog Boy by Eva Hornung (for invoking such vivid imagery and keeping a difficult story so plausible throughout);

Betty Blue by Philippe Djian (stuffed full of brilliant powerful emotion and totally absorbing)

Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Berniéres (much better than the film, which totally lost it for me as soon as I saw Nicolas Cage playing the role of Captain Corelli)

--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?

Yes, and no.  Sorry!

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?

As a teenager I was always attracted to the idea of having a day like Huckleberry Finn, with no responsibilities and the freedom to take the open road - or raft on the Mississippi - to wherever I felt; fishing, swimming, exploring the unknown wilderness and seeking out adventure at every turn.  I did fish in London’s Thames when I was younger though…not quite the same thing!

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?

It depends which stage of writing I’m at.  I do like a glass (or two!) of wine to accompany the creative, energetic, first drafting stage.  But strong fresh coffee is a much better accompaniment for the disciplined editing stages.  Definitely no music though.  The temptation to get up and start dancing instead of writing is too great.

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

The ability to stay awake permanently.  I could achieve so much more…

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?

I’m an early morning fitness freak and can be found in the gym most mornings.  Aside from that, I’m a father to two daughters and have no concept of free time.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

Is it me, or are people becoming more judgmental of others these days? Keep an open mind.  Don’t prejudge anyone on their appearance, creed, colour, religion or anything else.  Take the time and trouble to get to know and understand others; you don’t know what you might be missing.  We’re all individual and beautiful in our own way.

And on that note, I shall bow out, and look forward to hearing from any readers of Hoodie.

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate?  Chocolate.  Without hesitation.

Edward or Jacob?  Eh?

Hockey or soccer?  Football.

Ebook or paper?  Paper (but ebook is the future).

Salty or sweet?  Salty.

Beach or mountains?  Beach.

Phone call or email?  Email for business, phone call for pleasure.

Early bird or night owl?  Early bird at the gym, night owl when writing.  (I need more sleep!)

Dog or cat?  Cat.

Messy or neat?  Neat.

Ninjas or pirates?  Pirates.

Giveaway:

Ebook, open Internationally

ends 7/20

fill out rafflecopter to enter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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What to read after Hunger Games

I know that Hunger Games the book and movie have made quite a stir, and I am going to give some of my recommendations of what to read if you liked Hunger Games.

Links go to goodreads and my review, pics are from goodreads.

Wither (The Chemical Garden, #1) my review HERE

DeStefano, Lauren *

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.
When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.
But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limted time she has left.

Matched (Matched, #1) my review HERE

Condie, Ally

In the Society, Officials decide. Who you love. Where you work. When you die.
Cassia has always trusted their choices. It’s barely any price to pay for a long life, the perfect job, the ideal mate. So when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is the one . . . until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s known and a path no one else has ever dared follow—between perfection and passion.

The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden, #1) my review here

Kagawa, Julie

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.
Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.
Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.
Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.
Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.
But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

The Hunt (The Hunt, #1) my review HERE

Fukuda, Andrew

Don’t Sweat. Don’t Laugh. Don’t draw attention to yourself. And most of all, whatever you do, do not fall in love with one of them.
Gene is different from everyone else around him. He can’t run with lightning speed, sunlight doesn’t hurt him and he doesn’t have an unquenchable lust for blood. Gene is a human, and he knows the rules. Keep the truth a secret. It’s the only way to stay alive in a world of night—a world where humans are considered a delicacy and hunted for their blood.
When he’s chosen for a once in a lifetime opportunity to hunt the last remaining humans, Gene’s carefully constructed life begins to crumble around him. He’s thrust into the path of a girl who makes him feel things he never thought possible—and into a ruthless pack of hunters whose suspicions about his true nature are growing. Now that Gene has finally found something worth fighting for, his need to survive is stronger than ever—but is it worth the cost of his humanity?

For less personalized recs, click here and scroll through, you'll need to click on older posts at the bottom as well

For more, you can email me brandileigh2003@yahoo.com

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Waiting on Wednesday 6/20

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating

This week, I'm featuring:

Freaks Like Us by Susan Vaught

When Jason Milwaukee’s best friend, Sunshine, disappears from the face of the earth, the whole town, including Jason, starts searching for her. But the insistent voices in Jason’s head won’t let him get to the heart of the mystery—he’s schizophrenic, and the voices make it hard to know what is real and what is not. As the chase becomes more panicked, Jason’s meds start wearing off, and he is looking more and more guilty. But of what, exactly? Both brilliantly witty and intensely honest, this poignant novel draws upon the author’s many years as an adolescent psychologist, but it’s Vaught’s powerful voice and expertly crafted mystery that will keep the pages turning.

Releases: Sept 4thWhat are you waiting on?

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Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop and Author Interview with Jay Province

Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop

The Summer Set by Jay Province

In the summer of 1956 two teenagers rescue a drowning woman from the Susquehanna’s turbulent waters, and their predictable lives suddenly veer on a deadly detour. A tall foreboding man clutching a snake-headed staff and chain-smoking through a hole in his throat wants their names. Dark men in black cars are shadowing their movements.
Fourteen year-old catcher Peter 'Chumbucket' Miller and his best friend pitcher Mike DeSorcier begin the summer on a mission to capture the World Series championship of their youth baseball league. Spying on a league meeting from a sweltering attic perch they uncover a group of extra-dimensional beings infiltrating the league. During their breathless escape, the boys discover two things: they are in mountains of trouble and they need help. Assistance (and more trouble) arrives in the form of two daring and mystifying girls – the unusual Karen Croft and the beautiful Jo Munro. Together, the teens must solve the mystery of the Noqumiut before a fateful August lunar eclipse.
Bizarre and comical events trail the foursome’s investigation: Santa and his merry elf magically appear in June running for their lives from a town hall fire; a teen girl flies her Cessna from the scene of a refinery explosion; and a dead body is left as a present on a leather couch – carefully wrapped in a mink coat and holding a red gift bow.
Unlikely sources aid their efforts. These include an Eskimo shaman, a magic stone carving of a lively seal, a ferociously loyal dog, and an opponent from Roswell, New Mexico whose talents (and origins) may literally be out of this world.
The Summer Set is a humorous, intense, action-packed story about friends, enemies and the pursuit of winning it all. The novel is for all story lovers ages twelve and up.

Our Interview:

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.

In the summer of 1956, four teens solve the mystery of the evil Noqumiut, seek a baseball championship, and become entangled in romance.

--How did you get the idea for the story?

The story idea first came from puzzling over historical events and grew with dream promptings.

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?

I am very fond of a first date/dinner scene halfway through ‘The Summer Set’. I think it would be fun to go out with Jo on that date.

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?

I like a wide variety of books for different reasons. Some are good stories, some are very well written, and others are wildly imaginative. ‘Catcher in the Rye’, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, and ‘The Great Gatsby’ have all those qualities. I read every day, but rarely cover-to-cover.

--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?

The sequel to ‘The Summer Set: The Noqumiut’ is in progress. The working title is ‘The Summer Set: The Arrivalist’. The first novel took me eighteen months. I would estimate another year for ‘The Arrivalist’ I won’t rush any work to press. I will say that the second book’s setting is 2026, not 1956, and Karen and Mike are in for lots of trouble! 

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?

Laura Hillenbrand’s ‘Seabiscuit’. I worked on racetracks in my early twenties and would love to experience the 1930’s racetrack scene up close and personal for 24 hours!

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?

I like to go to McDonald’s for breakfast and mull over the structure of chapters and scenes. I write notes on a yellow legal pad before starting the actual work. I paint with oils and I remember listening to The Pretender’s ‘Brass in Pocket’ for almost 72 hours straight while I worked on a canvas. Listening to music and viewing great art are both important to my creative process.

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

X-ray vision, of course!

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?

Travel and meet new people.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

I hope they will read and enjoy ‘The Summer Set’. The novel is fast-paced, fun, exciting and well-crafted. I really look forward to comments and discussion. If they contact me, I will readily answer any questions they may have.

Lightning round: this or that? That

Vanilla or chocolate? Chocolate

Edward or Jacob? Edward

Hockey or soccer? Hockey

Ebook or paper? Ebook

Salty or sweet? Sweet

Beach or mountains? Beach

Phone call or email? Email

Early bird or night owl? Night Owl

Dog or cat? Dog

Messy or neat? Messy

Ninjas or pirates? Pirates

Giveaway:

5 ebooks and 1 signed paperback, open internationally
ends 6/26

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Visit the other giveaways on the hop:


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Interview with Amy Reed author of Crazy

Join me today with Amy Reed's book Crazy, a part of the Teen Book Scene tour.

-What’s your latest tweet update?

On my way to Chicago for #IRA2012. Come see me at the Simon&Schuster booth Monday at 12:00 for a signed ARC of CRAZY!

-What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?

i don't drink alcohol.

-What were your first thoughts when you met Izzy?

she's misunderstood

-What advice do you have for anyone who has a friend or family member with a mental disorder?

Love them. No matter what. Even if they're driving you crazy, even if they're not taking your advice. Do not judge. Overcoming a mental illness is not a matter of willpower. You can help them find the tools to help themselves, but don't think you are the one who can fix them.

-What’s the deal with Alice? How does that fit into the picture of your emails with Izzy?

There are a lot of different kinds of relationships in Crazy, just like there are all kinds of ways to be close to people. Part of growing up is figuring out how to do that with honesty and integrity. I guess Connor's relationship with Alice was an attempt at that, but it didn't end up working out too well for either of them in the end.

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Immb, Stacking the Shelves, Showcase Sunday 6/17

 IMMB was started by Kristi at The Story Siren. I use it to showcase books I receive and as a social aspect for the blog. To sign up and find out more here


Showcase Sunday is hosted by Books, Buscuits and Tea, check it out here

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews, check it out here

What I got:

Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades, #1) Currently reading borrowed from a friend

James, E.L. *

Hooked Source: bought

Greenman, Catherine

Awake at Dawn (Shadow Falls, #2) Source: bought

Hunter, C.C. *

Won:

Black City (Black City Chronicles, #1) From Kaitlyn in Bookland

Richards, Elizabeth *

 Thirty One Picnic Thermal from Beauty in the Chaos
 Thirty-one square utility tote and thermal tote from Domestic Bliss Diaries


What did you get? What do you think of my books?

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Images from host's site and goodreads.com