The Best Reader [Search results for Clash] 

Today is the second day of"Indie Reviews", a feature where I give short mini-reviews of all the Indie/N ew Adult titles I've read lately. I'll have 3 days of books that received a 4 star rating from me.

Because of Low by Abbi Glines
Add to Goodreads

This is book 2 in the series but I haven't read the first one. I really enjoyed this story. Low was a wonderful character and I really felt bad for her. I loved her best friend Cage (hot!) and Cage's roommate Marcus. It was nice that these books all contain the same group of characters. I didn't feel lost even though I hadn't read the first story. I hope to read more from this series soon.
There were times when I was frustrated by some lack of communication going on, but overall it was a really enjoyable read.

This series was picked up for publication, I believe, so it has a new cover now.

Charade by Nyrae Dawn Add to Goodreads
This was an interesting story because the main character, Cheyenne, pays the guy, Colt, to be her boyfriend for a while. Cheyenne wants to get back at her ex and Colt just wants to be able to take care of the bills since his mother is sick. I enjoyed Colt the most in this story. No, he wasn't perfect, but he tried to do everything for his mother. He just didn't plan on falling for Cheyenne. Nothing really surprised me with this book but nevertheless, I enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing where the journey took them.

Clash by Nicole Williams Add to Goodreads
This is another title that has a new cover because it was picked up for publication. This is book 2 but I skipped book 1. I tried a sample of the first title but it just didn't grab me. I ended up trying this one out and loving it. Jude and Lucy were a great, typically, teen couple. A few parts were frustrating because of miscommunication between the two but I still enjoyed following their romance. They are dealing with a long-distance relationship now and there is a bit of adjustment going on. I do hope to read the third book in the series soon.

The Perfect Game by J. Sterling Add to Goodreads
Loved, loved, loved the first part of this book. Cassie and Jack were amazing and had such a cute story. Both characters were likable and I enjoyed the sports angle the story had. This book really had a good college vibe. Then, near the end, Jack makes a hugely, stupid decision and it was just … odd. I didn't believe he would do something like that without much thought. Some parts after that were kind of predictable but it just really took a wrong turn for me. Prepare to be angry at these characters if you read this. Overall, I'm glad I read it and truly enjoyed the first half of the book beyond belief! Book 2, The Game Changer, comes out soon and I do plan to read it.

Down to You by M. Leighton Add to Goodreads
This is another title that has been picked up. Notice a trend here? Olivia was a nice character. She is far from perfect but I enjoyed her. Then we meet Cash and Nash. Cash is the bad boy, Nash is the good guy. She knows which one she should want to be with but that isn't the case. I will say that this book throws you quite a curveball. I didn't expect that twist. On the other hand, there were still a few things that just didn't make sense to me. Like, how do you end up in bed with a guy and you're not sure which twin it is? Hmm. Up to Me is the next book in this series. I'm honestly not sure if I will read it. I don't have a strong pull to do so (unlike some other series I read) so who knows. Either way, this one is a fun story with a crazy twist and I know a ton of people who really loved it.

V is for Virgin by Kelly Oram Add to Goodreads
This is such a funny story. Val"V" is a virgin who has dis aster strike as the entire school (and beyon d) start s giving her a hard time for her choice to wait till marriage. Instead of hiding away, she starts a campaign to supp ort her cause and she's pretty surprised by how many people end up helping her with it. Then, we throw in a rocker bad boy, Kyle, who is hellbent to destroy her plan and it all creates a wonderful ly, fan tastic read. The interactions be tween V and Kyle were amazing. I loved how spunky V was and how she never backed down f rom Ky le. It was a little rushed at the end, I wanted more! But regardless, I'd definitely reco mmend this one. Great story with terrific characters.

Bad Rep by A. Meredith Walters Add to Goodreads
Another great New Adult read. It may be based on the traditional set up we've seen 100 times — girl meets bad boy, falls for him, issues ar ise, blah blah. but it was well written and enjoyable. This story does involve some *gasp* cheating… which is kind of a turn off for me but it didn't ruin Jordan's ch aracter. He wa s a bit more"nice" than I expected from the cover and summary th ough. I didn't really get the bad boy vibe as much as we see in other stories. Maysie was what I'd vie w as the traditional college co-ed, trying to survive school, make money, and have some fun. This may not be one that sticks out to me a s a f avorite but I'm still glad I took the time to read it.

Rock the Heart by Michelle A. Valentine Add to Goodreads Who doesn't love rockers?? This is one of my all-time favorite rocker books. Lane broke up with Noel 4 years ago and, through her job, they end up reunit ing. Eventually, she has to go on the road with him and she learns that even though Noel has changed, he still wants only her. I loved this co uple. The whole"rock star" vibe is very much in this story as well. I am a sucker for books where we get to go on tour with the characters. HOT. T here were times where I was frustrated with the characters but all-in-all, I'd definitely continue with this s eries and see what happens to Noel's band m ates.

Foolish Games by Leah Spiegel Add to G oodreads This was a cute story about some friends following around a bad (yes, more ba nd guys) but it takes a huge twist. Joie is pulled into a plot to help the bands reputation and it ends up risking her life. Hawkins, the love interest, was wond erful. Joie and Haw k ins have a lot of chemistry together but they also were never afraid to speak their minds. T his book also involves a stalker and I loved the whole mystery of it. I thought it was very well-written even though there were times where I just wanted them to tell the frea kin' cop s! I do plan to read the next books in this series and I love that they are based on the same characters. I really want to see wh ere they end up.

ALL OF THESE BOOKS RECEIVED A RATING OF

I am "stealing" this from The Story Siren. If you want to find out more about it click here . Anyway, these are books I got this week at the bookstore, library, and in the mail, of course.

Since I'm back at school, I've decided to do this post on Saturdays. Sundays is my Salon day (my favorite meme) and I don't get any mail on Saturdays because the Post Office at school isn't open.:)

For Review:

Thanks to the publisher, I received an ARC copy of "On the Bluffs" by Steven Schindler. Thank you! Check out my review here!

From Amazon.com...

"SOMETIMES THE BIGGEST LIES ARE THE ONES WE LIVE.

While Brian DeLouise was working the graveyard shift at a conspiracy theory-crazed radio station his wife was alley-catting around Washington, DC. But a cheating wife and a dead-end job no longer made him angry or depressed. He was just numb. It took a daring brush with death to awaken his senses and a few clicks on Google to begin a journey to recapture a love he believed was gone forever. Brian finds his lost lover in a rundown mansion on the windswept bluffs of Cape Cod, where he must confront a fast approaching evil while he risks losing everything he now cherishes."

And thanks to Bancroft Press I received two ARC copies of "Thanksgiving at the Inn" by Tim Whitney. Thank you!

From Amazon.com...
"Ever since his mother left, life has't been easy for Heath Wellington III. Between his father's (Junior's) bouts with alcoholism and literary rejection, and Heath's own wrongful suspension from school, there hasn't been all that much to be thankful for.
But following the tragic death of estranged grandfather Senior, father and son alike stand to inherit a life-changing fortune... with one catch.
Heath and Junior must spend the next three months managing Senior's bed and breakfast, located in the same Massachusetts home Junior has spent the last eight years trying to escape.
Upended from his everyday life and relocated to a town where everyone knew and loved the grandfather he can't even remember, Heath finds an inn full of some of the strangest people he's ever met, such as:
* Winsted, the old, wise Jamaican man who used to lead the prayers in Senior s factory;
* Mrs. Farrel, an elderly woman giving away her late husband's fortune letter by letter;
* Mustang Sally, the muscle-bound, tattooed grease monkey who doubles as a children's author;
* And Carter, the silent TV news junkie and secret Harvard graduate.
And, at a nearby school is Savannah, Junior's first love, and her adorable, autistic daughter, Tori.
But most of all, there's Junior himself, vinegar to Heath's oil. As Heath adjusts to his new world, what he needs most is to start anew with his father, to understand that Junior, too, is dealing with loss, and to realize that, even in the most tragic of times, there's a lot in life to be thankful for.
Thanksgiving at the Inn is a beautiful story of family and forgiveness, and a sure holiday classic. Tim Whitney's fantastic, heartwarming debut is one you'll want to read with the whole family for years and years to come."

Thanks to the author, I recieved a copy of "Frozen Tears" by Mary Ann MacAfee. Thank you!

From Amazon.com...

"In Alaska's stunning but brutal interior, where white and Native cultures clash, Kale Weaver struggles to survive a devastating tragedy that becomes the genesis for her allegiance to wolves and the circumstances making her target of a primitive superstition. Aided by her best friend, a worn-out helicopter pilot, and the bond shared with a wolf shaman, she then struggles against what follows: the bigotry and rejection imposed on her and her half-breed son,until she is challenged by the ultimate ordeal. Whatever the risks, she must fulfill a wish for her young son that she had never imagined for him. But above all, Kale's page-turning journey shows that love can triumph over life's most dire challenges and painful losses."
To Giveaway:

I received directly from the Author, Barry Lyga, a signed copy of "Boy Toy" to give away.

From Barry Lyga's website...

"Five years ago Josh’s life changed. Drastically. And everyone in his school, his town—seems like the world—thinks they understand.
But they don’t—they can’t.
And now, about to graduate from high school, Josh is still trying to sort through the pieces. First there’s Rachel, the girl he thought he’d lost years ago. She’s back, and she’s determined to be part of his life, whether he wants her there or not.
Then there are college decisions to make, and the toughest baseball game of his life coming up, and a coach who won't stop pushing Josh all the way to the brink.
And then there’s Eve. Her return brings with it all the memories of Josh’s past. It’s time for Josh to face the truth about what happened.
If only he knew what the truth was... "

Won:

I haven't won anything recently — but I figure I'm due.:)

You can win a few books here too! Currently I am giving away a copy of "My Name is Will", "Boy Toy", and "Dancing with Ana".

From the library:

• "Eighth Grade Bites: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod"
• "Ninth Grade Slays: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod"
  

Until next week — Happy Reading!

From Amazon.com...

"In Alaska's stunning but brutal interior, where white and Native cultures clash, Kale Weaver struggles to survive a devastating tragedy that becomes the genesis for her allegiance to wolves and the circumstances making her target of a primitive superstition. Aided by her best friend, a worn-out helicopter pilot, and the bond shared with a wolf shaman, she then struggles against what follows: the bigotry and rejection imposed on her and her half-breed son,until she is challenged by the ultimate ordeal. Whatever the risks, she must fulfill a wish for her young son that she had never imagined for him. But above all, Kale's page-turning journey shows that love can triumph over life's most dire challenges and painful losses."

This book was great. I absolutely loved it — finished it in two days. Even though I couldn't really relate to Kale in any way — MacAfee wrote Kale in a way that I couldn't help but want to relate to her. Maybe that's not what I mean (if you've read it, you'll know why I don't want to relate to her). What I mean is that I felt for Kale. I felt that I knew her. She became a friend. The characterization of Kale is superb — like the saying goes, I really felt as though I lost a friend when I finished this book.

If you only read this book for face value — it'd be a good novel. But if you read this book prepared to delve into the literary layers — you've found an amazing read. I have a lot of training in cultural diversity because of RA job and living on a reservation. I was able to read this book and interpret it as a novel about diversity and culture. It was fascinating. I'm not doing this story justice in this review, but I told every single person I saw on campus today who seemed genuinely interested in my life.

The description paragraphs are beautiful — made me really want to travel to Alaska. I've never read a book quite like this before — the plot is something entirely new and unknown to me, literary wise. I really urge everyone to read this book — but you will not be getting a copy from me.:) I am keeping this book for my classroom. I don't think I'll ever end up teaching this book, but I'll definitely use it for examples of descriptive writing and as a 'cultural fiction' book.

I've also recommended this book to Momma Remmers — telling her she HAS to get it for her library on 'the rez'. While Frozen Tears deals with Ennuits (Alaskan Natives) — I found myself thinking of Native Americans. There are so many simularities! The heirachy, speech, way of life, ideals, mythology — it was hard to think Alaska and not Northern Minnesota! I loved it.

One (of many) of my favorite quotes from the book is from Innicot, the grandfather Ennuit. Quick background info: Kale is a hydrologist who's passion is to preserve the water in Alaska. "Water, it is noble you make it your enterprise to keep water safe for human and animals. When life is simple, no such need for you. White man create his own need. Make poisons then make jobs to fix it." I just LOVE IT! I've basically told everyone I know this quote.

I really hope you pick this book up. It's one of those books that has changed my perspective — and that's saying something.

Today I'd like to welcome author Chris Bradford. Chris' books Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior, Young Samurai: The Way of the Sword, and Young Samurai: The Way of the Dragon are in stores now. The next installment Young Samurai: The Ring of Earth is scheduled to be released in August of 2010.

Sometimes, The Sword Is Mightier Than The Pen — Chris Bradford

“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.”Joseph Addison (English Writer and Statesman, 1672-1719)
We all know how important reading is to a child’s development, but with all the immediate distractions in the modern world it can be difficult to engage young people in the activity of reading.

My answer is to ‘keep it real’ and show kids how books can live and breathe from the page! With the Young Samurai series, not only will they read a great action-adventure story, but they can experience Jack and Akiko’s world first hand by participating in martial arts, discussing & role-playing etiquette and language, designing their own kimono, eating sushi and even organising a Japanese festival! [See Teacher’s Guide below]

You see Young Samurai is more than a ‘clash of swords’ action-adventure story. For me, it’s a way of life.

Never is this more apparent than when I’m standing in front of a group of children wielding my samurai sword.

Certainly, the sword guarantees a young audience’s attention. Being a writer, teacher and black belt martial artist dispels many preconceptions an audience might have regarding the archetypal author. The combination of a reading and samurai sword display inspires them so even the most reluctant readers are picking up books as if their lives depended upon it!

I started martial arts aged 7 ¾ and over the years the sport has had a very positive influence. Not only has it taught me self-defense, it has built my self-confidence and developed life skills. Like my hero Jack Fletcher, my young readers can learn the ‘Way of the Warrior’ and come to understand bushido, the samurai code of conduct that promotes such values as respect, loyalty and courage.

By including a sword display in my author events, I reveal the reality behind the fiction, and not only engage regular readers and sports enthusiasts, but also film buffs and computer aficionados familiar with Bruce Lee, Manga comics and samurai video games.

My hope is that readers caught up in the spirit of Young Samurai will not only read the book, but try a martial art for themselves, so they too can live the story and learn bushido. But I don’t rely on my sword to keep their attention. It merely helps them focus! Once they’re reading, they’re hooked…

And the pen is again mightier than the sword!

Should you wish to see me in action on my US tour, please visit this site.

For a free downloadable Teachers’ Classroom Activities & Discussion Guide, please visit: www.youngsamurai.com
Chris Bradford is the author of the award-winning Young Samurai series, a tale of adventure, friendship and heroism that follows an English boy as he strives to become the first foreign samurai. (www.youngsamurai.com <http://www.youngsamurai.com >)

Chris is a black belt in martial arts and lives in a village in West Sussex, England, with his wife.

Books in series: The Way of the Warrior and The Way of the Sword

**********************************
Huge thanks to author Chris Bradford for stopping by! What a wonderful post! Thank you! My reviews of his books will be coming soon!

Last year we held a giveaway for some Adult Titles and this year we thought we'd do it all over again! We know A LOT of our readers will be happy about that and we have some amazing titles that we'd like to give away to YOU! So, check out what you can win and good luck to each and everyone of you! FIRST PLACE WINNER
Will receive 13 books

Fate's Edge By: Ilona Andrews
Death's Rival By: Faith Hunter
Bitter Seed of Magic By: Suzanne McLeod
Unbroken By: Rachel Caine
The Bride Wore Black Leather By: Simon R. Green
Magic on the Line By: Devon Monk
Mysterious Minnesota: Digging Up the Ghostly Past at 13 Haunted Sites By: Adrian Lee
Encounter with Hell: My Terrifying Clash with a Demonic Entity By: Alexis McQuillan
In the Presence of Spirits By: Barbara Parks
Restless in Peace By: Mariah de la Croix
A Wedding in Haiti By: Julia Alvarez
The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving By: Jonathan Evison
The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro

SECOND PLACE WINNER
Will receive 11 books

Poughkeepsie By: Debra Anastasia
Dead Mann Running By: Stefan Petrucha
Taken By: Benedict Jacka
Left Hand Magic By: Nancy A. Collins
Acquainted with the Night By: Piper Maitland
The Cross: Vampire Federation By: Sean McCabe
Haunted By: Jeanne C. Stein
A Haunted Love Story By: Mark Spencer
The Receptionist By: Janey Groth
All Woman and Springtime By: Brandon W. Jones
The Aleppo Codex By: Matti Friedman

Those are some serious Adult Title Prize Packs, right? I think they are pretty amazing if I do say so myself! AND they are for TWO LUCKY WINNERS!!! YAY! So, co me on all you over 18 year olds and enter to win today!

• Each winner will receive one of the above prize packs depending on what place they have won.

• Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter this giveaway.
• Name & Email Address must be provided. (Easy Entry, just click the form & it does it for you!)
• You must be at least 18 years old to enter.
• This giveaway is open to US residents only. SORRY! Postage is killing us this month. I hope you understand.
• Giveaway ends: November 17th, 2012 (12:01AM EST)

A HUGE THANK YOU to all the many publishers who have donated this month for our Haunted Halloween Event. Without you and the many authors and friends, this event would be nothing that it is today. Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU! Reminder: If you are interested in the COMMENT CONTEST, remember to include your email address with your comment for an extra entry! Please read full entry rules here. Don't forget to check out Lisa's Haunted Halloween post for today!