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Monday, December 31, 2012

Author Interview: Sheltered by Debra Chapoton

My Giveaway:
Sheltered by Debra Chapoton
Sheltered
Living together unsupervised, five troubled teens confront demonic forces and are compelled to deal with their problems in distinctly different ways. Paranormal meets psycho meets Goth in this story of a supernatural haunting and budding love.
High school junior, Ben, hacks into his step-father's real estate holdings and provides rooms in an old two-story house to various outcasts: the schizophrenic kid, the angry Goth girl, and the homeless girl who worships him. When Megan needs a place to live she comes to the rooming house with a different set of problems and the ability to confuse and attract Ben.
One by one strange and mysterious occurrences stretch the teens’ beliefs in the supernatural. How they deal with demons, real and imagined, has tragic as well as redeeming consequences
”add
Happy New Year 2013 Giveaway Hop
Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Babs Book Bistro

Blkosiner's Book Blog Giveaway
-1 ebook copy, open internationally
-Fill out Rafflecopter to enter
-Ends on 1/7/2013 11:59 pm EST
-Make sure to check out and comment on our interview below for an extra entry
-If you win a review on your blog and/or amazon is appreciated but not required.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author: Debra Chapoton
Websites: www.debrachapoton.com  
                www.bigpinelodgebooks.com

Title: Sheltered

Debra's Bio:

Debra Chapoton has taught kids of all ages in her main career as a teacher. She has a BA in Spanish and a Master of Arts degree in Teaching English. She started writing in 2002 and was surprised to find out that the characters quickly take over the action and dialogue in the stories.
Her first YA novel, Edge of Escape, was self-published and then discovered by Piper Verlag Publishing and translated into German. Stalking and obsession get a sympathetic twist in this story of physical and psychological survival.
Her second YA novel, Sheltered, detours into a different genre as she writes about five teens who confront supernatural forces. Two boys and three girls all harbor secrets which make some of them susceptible to demon possession. Embracing all things supernatural might protect them, but are they ready for the consequences?
Chapoton has also written eleven chapter books for middle grade kids and a non-fiction work for adults, Crossing the Scriptures.
When she’s not writing Chapoton enjoys the quiet of the full log home she designed and built with her husband. They live in the middle of 62 acres of beautiful woods in northern Michigan.

interview with Blkosiner's Book Blog

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.
Five troubled teens confront demonic forces and deal with their problems in different ways; paranormal meets psycho meets budding love.
--How did you get the idea for the story?
The inspiration behind Sheltered came from reading the Bible and observing that everywhere Jesus taught and preached he cast out demons. It must have been a pretty big problem back then, but why don’t we hear about it now? The demon-possessed people of Bible times manifested the symptoms of epilepsy, dementia, super strength, schizophrenia, self-mutilation and so on. Aha, science and medicine have new names for what they used to call demon possession. But what if sometimes they’re wrong?
Anyway, I also wanted to get the message out on the subjects of teen suicide, self-mutilation, depression, homelessness, and the occult.
--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?
I’d dine with Cori and try not to say anything that would set her off.
--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?
The Guardian’s Diary, January 2013, is a YA novel that challenges the world’s view of right and wrong. Jedidiah was born with a gruesome deformity that causes him to drag his foot. He searches for acceptance through drugs and skateboarding. He sets his sights on becoming a champion skateboarder, but amputation, a mission trip and two girls challenge his dream.
--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?
I read every day. I love romance, thriller, mystery, anything in YA, and most classics.
--If a fairy godmother told you you could be put into the world of your favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?
This question has me stumped. I can’t think of a single book I wouldn’t want to get into, but if I had to choose then I’d pick Jane Eyre because the dark setting is attractive in an eerie sort of way and nothing like my own life.
--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 write on an empty stomach in the morning (never been a coffee drinker) in the sunroom of our full log home. It’s completely quiet.
--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
I want to fly.
--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?
I like to play games so my husband and I allot at least an hour a day to play Scrabble, Qwirkle, badminton, or tennis.
--What is one thing you would tell your 15 year old self?
There is no rush to find the right guy. Be patient!
--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?
If the themes in Sheltered are too scary for you, try my first YA novel, Edge of Escape, which doesn’t have any paranormal elements. It’s a story about obsession, stalking, and twisted love. “Special” Eddie fixates on Rebecca throughout high school and abducts her in a deadly attempt to win her affection.
Lightning round: this or that?
Vanilla or chocolate?
Chocolate!!!
Edward or Jacob?
Jacob
Hockey or soccer?
Soccer
Ebook or paper?
Ebook
Salty or sweet?
Sweet
Beach or mountains?
Beach
Phone call or email?
Email
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird
Dog or cat?
Dog
Messy or neat?
Neat
Ninjas or pirates?
Pirates


Excerpt from Sheltered:

Prologue
Next Wednesday
Emily knew the precise moment that Ben returned, she felt him in her scars. She watched him carry some things to the house, heard the door close; she smiled when she heard him call out that Santa was here. He did that once before, in early December, insisting that she accept the gift he held out, not wanting her to wait until Christmas to use the mittens he knew she needed.
She went toward her door now, wondered what he had brought, and then heard Megan’s voice below. Oh no, he probably brought something for her. She scuttled back to her nest by the window and stared outside, was still staring fifteen minutes later when she saw them walk down the street, Ben shouldering a shovel, his other hand knotted with Megan’s.
She touched the skin on her arms, lightly at first, making it tingle. The image of Ben with Megan multiplied across her mind in broken mirrors, a repugnant picture that reflected her own self-loathing. She scratched at her scabs, felt the pricks of pain force away the ticklish sensations. She closed her eyes.
When she opened them she saw a figure standing at her door.
“Who–?” she started, but the figment waned to less than a shadow. Still, though, there was something at her door.
She rose slowly and held her hand out.
Its face was more womanly now, friendly, motherly. Yes, she knew this face. Its pearly white skin so shocking against the ruby lips, the stringy hair a match to her own. Her mother.
She stretched her fingers toward the face. The hallucination faded then sharpened. The eyes began to blaze. She drew her hands back to her own face. What’s wrong with me?  The delusion grieved Emily; all around her fluttered a longing.
And a deadly fear.

Review: Opal by Jennifer Armentrout

Opal (Lux, #3)
Opal by Jennifer Armentrout
No one is like Daemon Black.
When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.
But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.
After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.
Together we’re stronger... and they know it.
”add

Publishes in US: Dec 11 2012
Source: bought
Series? Yes. The 3rd in Lux. 1st is Obsidian (my review here) 2nd is Onxy (my review here), 4th in July 2013 yet to be titled, and 5th sometime probably late 2013

Buy:
Amazon  Barnes & Noble  Book Depository

Find Jennifer:

Book Trailer


Blkosiner's Book Blog review

     This was an emotional and at times hard to deal with book only because I have come to care so much about these characters that it is very hard to see them in pain and struggling ).
    Dawson is so broken, and I can totally understand where Katy and Daemon are coming from wanting to do anything to make things right. I also appreciate the empathy that Katy has for Dawson, and imagining that she would do the exact same thing if not more if it were Daemon.
       It is also so hard to see the friendship between Katy and Dee so broken. I miss their easy and fun way about them and I hated seeing them not getting along. I also long for them to be able to talk about their love life as well a everything else going on with each other. Though if there is ever any blameless motivation for a broken relationship, Dee and her feelings of loss and that Katy didn't trust her and confide in her, they are founded, though I also understand that Katy was trying to protect her. 
      As usual, Jennifer kept me on the edge of my seat, only guessing at what would come next, and being completely blown away by where she takes the plot. I love these characters, this series, and Jennifer as an author. 
     But oh man, talk about one helluva cliff hanger. Sweet alien babies... I mean, really? You're gonna leave my girl like that? But alas, I shall have to suffer with the other fangirls until the next book comes out. 
     Bottom line: Must read series. Opal is hot, fast paced, with amazing characters. 

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Have you ever been in a situation you don't know who to trust?

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Book Giveaway and Author Interview: Secret of the Songshell by Brian Tashima

Cover for 'Secret of the Songshell'
Secret of the Songshell by Brian Tashima
Joel Suzuki gets a huge surprise when he bumps into his favorite rock star while walking down the street. You see, this particular rock star – multiplatinum bandleader Marshall Byle - is supposed to be dead.
Joel gets an even bigger surprise when Marshall makes him the offer of a lifetime: the chance to become a rock star himself. There's a catch, of course, but this one is a little different. To unlock the shortcut to success, Joel must travel to an alternate world where his unique brain waves can be combined with the sound waves of music to create magical effects. If he can learn to harness these powers, he will be able to write songs that capture the hearts of millions.
As a sensitive sixteen-year-old with Asperger's Syndrome living in a single-parent home, Joel leads a stressful life full of bullies, bad grades and money woes. Figuring that stardom will solve all of his problems, he accepts Marshall’s offer. But once Joel arrives in the new world, he finds himself faced with an unexpected audition that is unlike anything he has ever imagined. . . .

Blkosiner's Book Blog Giveaway
- paperback copy, open internationally
-Fill out Rafflecopter to enter
-Ends on 1/28/2013 11:59 pm EST
-Make sure to check out and comment on our interview below for an extra entry
-If you win a review on your blog and/or amazon is appreciated but not required.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

interview with Blkosiner's Book Blog
Find Brian:

Website: www.thespectralandsaga.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheSpectralandSaga
Twitter: @SpectralandSaga
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=secret+of+the+songshell
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/180939

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

A teen guitarist with Asperger’s Syndrome goes to a world where his brain waves, along with the sound waves of music, can produce magic.

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

A few years ago, my son asked me to write him a book. Most of my creative writing over the years had been songwriting, so I wasn’t sure where to begin, even though I’d been an avid reader all my life and writing a book was something I’d always wanted to do.

So I started with the old saying: “write what you know.” I thought about how my son – who has Asperger’s Syndrome – can do a lot of amazing things that almost seem like magic or superpowers to me. I combined that idea with what I know best (music), and that was how it all started.

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

A character from my book? I’d like to have dinner with Marshall Byle, the rock star that tells my protagonist about the secrets to stardom. He has some pretty good backstage stories and can afford to pick up the check.

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

I’m currently hard at work on the follow-up to Secret of the Songshell. Both books are part of a planned series of seven books called The Spectraland Saga. My goal is to release the follow-up in the fall of 2013. People are already asking me “where’s the second book?” so the pressure is on.

--What book(s) is your book’s “cousin”? (Similar set-up or style)

Without apology or excuse, I’m going to reference good old Harry Potter here. My son and I both love that series, and it was a big influence on Secret of the Songshell. My book wants to be just like cousin Harry when it grows up.

I will say that, while I was writing Songshell, I was also reading East of Eden, so some of that might have crept in there as well.

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

I devoured fantasy of all types as a kid – Tolkein; Piers Anthony; David Eddings; Katherine Kurtz; on and on. My favorite books are the ones that force you to postpone real life while you read just one more chapter. The Hunger Games was the last book to have that effect on me.

I don’t have a lot of free time, but I love to read, and I do it whenever I possibly can.

--If a fairy godmother told you could be put into the world of your favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?

I’m going to say my book! I’m not on the Autism spectrum myself, so I wouldn’t have the same abilities that my character does, but it would be a blast to see my imaginary world come to life. Plus, seeing it with my own eyes would help me write descriptive scenes for the rest of the series.

--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?

You would think that as a musician writing a book about music having magical properties, I would listen to all kinds of stuff while I wrote – but oddly enough, I hardly do. I find it distracting, to be honest. Usually just a mug of green tea or a beer (depending on time of day) does the trick.

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

Time travel.

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

I’m in three different rock bands so that pretty much consumes all my extra time. Every so often I manage to get in a round of golf or an hour at the gym.

--What is one thing you would tell your 15 year old self?

Relax. And buy lots of Apple stock as soon as you can.

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

My primary goal with this book (and the rest of the series) is to provide kids on the autism spectrum with a fictional hero that they can relate to and gain a sense of coolness and empowerment from. I’m also donating a portion of profits from the book to Autism Empowerment, a non-profit organization based in my town that works to promote autism awareness and education.

I tried very hard to craft a story that doesn’t beat you over the head with the whole autism angle, but still gives you enough understanding of what a person on the spectrum is possibly thinking and feeling. Most of all, I wanted it to be a fun and entertaining read along the lines of all the other young adult sci-fi/fantasy books that my son and I both enjoy. I hope you’ll check it out and let me know if I’ve succeeded.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Stacking the Shelves, IMMB, Showcase Sunday, The Sunday Post Mailbox Memes


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

IMMB was started by Kristi at The Story Siren. Check it out and sign up here
Showcase Sunday is hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea, check it out and sign up here
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

What I got:
Easy
bought
Nobody But Us
Source: edelweiss
Mind Games (Mind Games, #1)
Source: edelweiss
Prophecy (The Dragon King Chronicles, #1)
Source: edelweiss
Taken at Dusk (Shadow Falls, #3)
source: library
my review HERE
Uses for Boys
souce: netgalley
my review here

My week:
It was a good Christmas but hard being the first one without my dad. I miss my mom too since she already had to go home.
The kids had a great time opening gifts though and it was great to watch them have such a great day.
Had an MRI for my knee seeing if I had to have surgery too.

Last Week on the blog:
Review: Taken at Dusk by C.C. Hunter



Coming up on the blog:
Review: Opal by Jennifer Armentrout
Review: Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha
Review: Doomed by Tracy Deebs
Waiting on Wednesday 1/2
Happy New Year 2013 Giveaway Hop
Book Giveaway and Author Interview: Secret of the Songshell
$50 Amazon or Paypal from Dead Running Author Cami.

What are you reading? Any of my books new to you or have you read any of my books? If so, what did you think?
Also, feel free to link up your blog and mailbox post.


Friday, December 28, 2012

Review: Taken at Dusk by C.C. Hunter

Taken at Dusk (Shadow Falls, #3)
Taken at dusk by C.C. Hunter
Step into Shadow Falls, a camp for teens with supernatural powers. Here friendship thrives, love takes you by surprise, and our hearts possess the greatest magic of all.
Kylie Galen wants the truth so badly she can taste it. The truth about who her real family is, the truth about which boy she’s meant to be with—and the truth about what her emerging powers mean. But she’s about to discover that some secrets can change your life forever…and not always for the better.
Just when she and Lucas are finally getting close, she learns that his pack has forbidden them from being together. Was it a mistake to pick him over Derek? And it’s not just romance troubling Kylie. An amnesia-stricken ghost is haunting her, delivering the frightful warning, someone lives and someone dies. As Kylie races to unravel the mystery and protect those she loves, she finally unlocks the truth about her supernatural identity, which is far different—and more astonishing—than she ever imagined.

Publishes in US: April 10 2012
Source: library
Books in series-- all except chosen are already released: Born at Midnight See my Review HERE  : Turned at Dark : Awake at Dawn Taken at Dusk : Whispers at Moonrise : Chosen at Nightfall (April 2013)

Buy:
Amazon.com Barnes & Noble Katy Budget Books iBooks Book Depository

Find C.C. Hunter online:
Website  twitter

Blkosiner's Book Blog review
     This one sucked me in and didn't let go just like the others in the series. Kylie continues to surprise me with her bravery and determined mindedness to find out who and what she is. Every time something new arises, I am just as surprised and intrigued as she is.
     The plot doesn't get old either, there are new twists, and the characters always have something going on that keeps me guessing, swooning, and wanting to read more.
    Okay, so about the romance, especially at the beginning... Kylie is being blind and unfair about Derek. This observation is from the last of the second book and the first few pages of tad so it may be unfair of me add week, but i think that Derek is right and out odd not that it is too hard to be with her but that she truly hadn't decided and that really want fair to him for her heart too be divided brethren him and Lucas. But from the beginning it seems that Lucas will get house chance to shine and win her heart.
    Bottom line: Great addition to a superb series.

My question to you, my lovely readers:

Thursday, December 27, 2012

$25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway and Guest Post: Dead Running



The genre is romantic suspense but Dead Running was best described by Lexie from The Book Bug - a light-hearted suspense with a side of PG-rated romance.



Dead Running
Cassidy Christensen is running.
Running from the mercenaries who killed her parents.
Running from a scheming redhead intent on making her life miserable.
Running from painful memories that sabotage her dreams of happiness.
With two very tempting men competing for her attention, she hopes she'll finally have someone to run to, but can she trust either of them? When secrets from her past threaten her family, Cassidy decides to stop running and fight for her future.

Dying to Run
Cassidy Christensen wants to run.
Captured by the traffickers who killed her mother, her only hope is Dr. Tattoo, a man she loves but nobody trusts. When she finally gets a chance to run, someone else she cares about is taken. Running might be her only chance at survival, but she won’t allow another family member to be killed in her place.
This must-read sequel to Dead Running will have you laughing, biting your nails, and hoping for more.
Guest post with Blkosiner's Book Blog

Ten things you wish you knew when you were younger.
1.       Lawnmower blades are vicious. I know you think cutting through tender grass wouldn’t require a sharp blade, but those things can cut through skin and bone with unreal accuracy and the recovery from something like that isn’t pleasant.
2.       Confidence is 99.99% internal and quite often you have to talk yourself into having it.
3.       Your hair is always going to be curly and completely out of style so just save yourself a lot of stress and embrace the frizz.
4.       Don’t waste so much time worrying what other people think, chances are they’re doing the same thing and haven’t even noticed you tripping over thin air, again.
5.       Staying on the Lord’s side of the line will make you happier, keep you safer, and take you farther than you can imagine.
6.       Don’t cry over Tyler James (names have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent) for weeks and annoy all your friends. He really wasn’t that cute or that fun to be around and your future husband is a million times better kisser.
7.       Blowing up mailboxes with dry ice bombs isn’t very smart and even though you don’t care now, it’s illegal and it’s going to bite when you get caught.
8.       Stop coating your body with baby oil and laying out on the trampoline until you’re fried. Wrinkles at thirty-eight are going to be entirely your fault.
9.       Look for that kid who doesn’t have a friend and say hello. You can never go wrong being nice.
10.   Smile and be happy. Life’s too short to hold grudges or be annoyed. Smile and everyone you meet will smile with you.
Thanks for asking me to make this list. I really would give myself all of this advice when I was younger. Except for the lawnmower, I kind of like my finger nubbins.
Hugs,
Cami

Blkosiner's Book Blog Giveaway

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday 12/26


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. I also feature books that may have already released, but I am anxiously waiting to read.

This week, I'm featuring:
Fall Guy


Evan Lennox is going nowhere fast. She's living with her grandparents after her parents bailed on her, she got kicked out of her posh private school, her ex-boyfriend proved to be the biggest sleaze imaginable, her former best friend is a back-stabber, and her current best friend is stuck in backwoods NJ. To top it all off, one teeny, tiny fire she lit to burn some memories of her ex goes a little out of control and winds up igniting a good piece of a very powerful family's pecan orchard.
Evan lands her pampered behind in court and gets sentenced to community service. Which she knows she deserves. But the hard labor and humiliation may be her undoing.
Until she meets Winchester Youngblood on the site.
Everything about him is tricky, confusing, not at all what it seems, and so sexy, Evan can't resist pulling closer. But every step she takes to get to know him gives her more of a reason to back up and put him as far out of life as she possibly can. Because Winch is one hundred percent complicated, and Evan isn't looking for that. At all. She needs to meet a nice, responsible guy, not share searing kisses with the charming hustler she met after they both got sentenced in court.
But Winch is so much more than what he seems, and Evan finds out that she's falling hard for the guy everyone underestimates and writes off. And Winch realizes that Evan is the one person who's ever challenged him to ask for more out of his life, and her courage inspires him to try to be the person she sees when she looks at him. With every single odd stacked against them, Evan and Winch need to find out whether they have what it takes to fall for each other.
Releases: Sept 2012

What are you waiting on?

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash by Faith author Heather Bixler



In this four week mini Bible Study you will examine your faith and what it means to have faith in God. He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20 Our faith begins with what we know and believe about God. Our faith will carry us how far we are willing to let it take us. Faith is a choice and we need to begin by choosing to believe in Jesus and His power to move mountains, heal the sick, and save us from all our sins through His sacrifice on the cross. When we believe in God we then learn to walk in faith and trust God. But first we must believe, and it's up to us, we can either choose to believe in Him or not. But faith will mean nothing until we believe with all our heart that God is who He says He is.


Author Bio:


Heather is a Christian Stay at home homeschooling mom of three, married to a firefighter, and a writer. She is founder of www.CSAHM.com among other websites for Christian mothers, and women. Heather is passionate about sharing God's word in a practical and loving way.
Links


Book on Amazon: http://amazon.com/dp/B006SMDGZ0
Blog: http://heatherbixler.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hbixler03
Facebook: http://facebook.com/HeatherbixlerWrites

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Monday, December 24, 2012

Review: Uses for Boys by Erica Lorraine Scheidt

Uses for Boys
Uses for Boys by Erica Lorraine Scheidt
Anna remembers a time before boys, when she was little and everything made sense. When she and her mom were a family, just the two of them against the world. But now her mom is gone most of the time, chasing the next marriage, bringing home the next stepfather. Anna is left on her own—until she discovers that she can make boys her family. From Desmond to Joey, Todd to Sam, Anna learns that if you give boys what they want, you can get what you need. But the price is high—the other kids make fun of her; the girls call her a slut. Anna's new friend, Toy, seems to have found a way around the loneliness, but Toy has her own secrets that even Anna can't know.
Then comes Sam. When Anna actually meets a boy who is more than just useful, whose family eats dinner together, laughs, and tells stories, the truth about love becomes clear. And she finally learns how it feels to have something to lose—and something to offer. Real, shocking, uplifting, and stunningly lyrical, Uses for Boys is a story of breaking down and growing up.
Publishes in US: Jan 15th 2013
Source: St Martin's Press via Netgalley

”add


Find Erica:
http://www.ericalorraine.com/
BlogTwitterFacebookTumblrGoodreads

Blkosiner's Book Blog review

     This is a mature book, with sad themes laced with hope especially at the end. This is not light, not fluffy, and the beautiful cover fits in some ways but if you go in expecting any thing except dark and gritty, you are probably going to be disappointed.
      That said, I don't think I even had seen the cover when I read the blurb, but I knew that it would be a book for me. I just wanted to make clear so that it is not an issue for those who might be expecting something else.
      Anna, the main character grows and learns so much about herself and life in this book. Just when I started to feel sorry for her or get disappointed in her she would start to change and realize things about herself and those around her. I see so much of myself in her, lonely and looking for love in all the wrong places until things finally clicked. Having the right people and some of the people who had been in my life but I finally realized their value or the pain that they themselves are dealing with and they also need a little love and support.
       Sam is so innocent and so whose all at the same time and I love how he saw through her problems to the person she was inside. I also loved reading about his family especially his sister and his mom. She is so involved and had so much to offer, I ish there were more like her in ya lit.
      Anna really breaks my heart how distant and absent her mom was, but it is the sad reality for so many people, and I think that her story can help them feel less alone. And hopefully can also teach from her mistakes, and open eyes to some dark issues. There is many places where I just wanted to hug her and especially one spot where I wish I could open her eyes and make her see that it is not her fault.
   
       Bottom line gritty contemporary with dark themes about the reality of life both good and bad, through love friendship.and the choices we all make.

  My question to you, my lovely readers:
Is/was your mom involved in your life?

Brandi's Best of 2012

2012 favorite books

Dystopia:

Fever Fever by Lauren Destefano
 The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden, #1) The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
my review: http://blkosiner.blogspot.com/2012/04...
The Forsaken (The Forsaken, #1) The Forsaken by Lisa M. Stasse
my review: http://blkosiner.blogspot.com/2012/07...
The Lost GirlThe Lost Girl by Sangu Mandanna
my review: http://blkosiner.blogspot.com/2012/08...
Defiance (Defiance, #1) Defiance by C.J. Redwine
my review: http://blkosiner.blogspot.com/2012/08...
Breathe (Breathe, #1) Breathe by Crossan
http://blkosiner.blogspot.com/2012/09... 
The Darkest Minds The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
http://blkosiner.blogspot.com/2012/11...


Paranormal:

Obsidian (Lux, #1) Obsidian by Armentrout my review:http://blkosiner.blogspot.com/2012/02...
Operative (Ganzfield, #5) Operative by kaynak
my review: http://blkosiner.blogspot.com/2012/02... 
Pure (Covenant, #2) Pure by Jennifer Armentrout 
AWESOME
my review: http://blkosiner.blogspot.com/2012/04... 


Contemp:
Pushing the Limits Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
my review (AMAZING book!!!)
http://blkosiner.blogspot.com/2012/07...
Anything But Ordinary  Anything But Ordinary by Lara Avery
my review: http://blkosiner.blogspot.com/2012/08...
Speechless Speechless by Hannah Harrington
my review: http://blkosiner.blogspot.com/2012/08...
 Temptation 
my review: http://blkosiner.blogspot.com/2012/05...

Fantasy:
Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1) Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
my review: http://blkosiner.blogspot.com/2012/07...

Time:
Pivot Point Pivot Point by Kasie West
my review: http://blkosiner.blogspot.com/2012/07...

My question to you, my lovely readers: What are your favorites? Do we share any?