The Best Reader [Search results for Pretty Amy

  • Cover Reveal & Excerpt: Pretty Amy by Lisa Burstein

    Cover Reveal & Excerpt: Pretty Amy by Lisa Burstein

    Pretty Amy by Lisa Burstein Publisher: Entangled Publishing Date: May 15th, 2012 Add it to Goodreads Summary: Sometimes date is a four-letter word

    Amy is fine living in the shadows of beautiful Lila and uber-cool Cassie, because at least she’s somewhat beautiful and uber-cool by association. But when their dates stand them up for prom, and the girls take matters into their own hands—earning them a night in jail outfitted in satin, stilettos, and Spanx—Amy discovers even a prom spent in handcuffs might be better than the humiliating “rehabilitation techniques” now filling up her summer. Worse, with Lila and Cassie parentally banned, Amy feels like she has nothing—like she is nothing.

    Navigating unlikely alliances with her new coworker, two very different boys, and possibly even her parents, Amy struggles to decide if it’s worth being a best friend when it makes you a public enemy. Bringing readers along on an often hilarious and heartwarming journey, Amy finds that maybe getting a life only happens once you think your life is over.

    I'm really getting into these cover reveals and Entangled Publishing has just been full of awesomeness lately. Here is the cover for PRETTY AMY and honestly, this book sounds hilarious!

    Here is an excerpt!


    I was just about to put out my cigarette and go back inside when I heard a skateboard coming down the street. It sounded like waves, like a conch shell against your ear. That full, empty sound. Maybe it was Aaron. I conjured up my stupid daydream, the one I used to fill my head when I couldn’t deal with any of the other stuff in there—that he would find me, that he would apologize, that he would tell me that prom night hadn’t been his fault. The difference this time was that when I looked toward the sound, he really was there. It was him. Aaron. He was skateboarding down the sidewalk like it was made of water, wearing the same loose, worn jeans from his Facebook picture. He carried a backpack, like he might have been coming from the library, but I doubted he ever went to the library. I lit another cigarette with the end of my last one; any excuse to stay put. Then I remembered I was wearing a suit. “ You got another one of those?” he asked. His eyes were blue. I hadn’t noticed that in his picture. My hands shook as I gave him a cigarette. He brought a silver-and-black Zippo to his mouth, flipped it open with one hand, lit his cigarette, and slapped it shut. The whole thing took seconds, but it felt like he was doing it in slow motion. “Thanks,” he said. Maybe he had just stopped to get a cigarette. Maybe it had nothing to do with me. It probably had nothing to do with me. “ I know you,” he said. “Where do I know you from?” I couldn’t tell him. Telling him that he’d stood me up for my own prom would have been way too embarrassing. It would tell him that I still cared enough to remember. “ I’m friends with Lila and Cassie,” I said, wishing that my hair wasn’t pulled back in a headband like I was a nun. “ What are you all dressed up for?” he asked. Of course he didn’t know me. If he had, he would have known that I’d just come from court and that I was trying to do everything I could to forget it. “ I work here,” I said, thinking fast. “I’m supposed to be a librarian.” “ You don’t have to lie,” he said, laughing. “I’m Aaron.” “ Amy,” I said, waving hello with the cigarette in my hand. He smiled. “Though you do make a cute librarian.” I tried to keep myself from coughing. “This suit sucks,” I said. It seemed cooler than saying thank you. It seemed cooler than getting all squishy over what he said, even though that was how I felt. I looked at his skateboard. “You wanna try it out?” he asked. The deck had a mural of blue sky and white-capped mountains hand-painted on it. The wheels were covered with stop-motion birds, so that when they spun it must have looked like the birds were flying. There was more to this boy. More that I wanted to know. “ I guess I could,” I said, but then I remembered my mother. She would come looking for me soon. I shook my head. “I should go.” “You got a cell phone?” he asked. “ Not that I’m allowed to use anymore.” “ Parents,” he said. He pulled a sketchbook from his backpack. Maybe he had painted that beautiful mural. He ripped out a piece of paper, wrote something down, and handed it to me. It was his phone number. I tried not to act surprised, tried to act like boys gave me their numbers all the time, especially when I hadn’t asked for them. “ See you around, Amy,” he said. He dropped the skateboard next to him. It landed perfectly on its wheels like a cat would on its legs. As he skated away, I looked at his number; the paper was as soft as fabric. I folded it smaller and smaller and hid it in my bra. Maybe he hadn’t said what I wanted him to say, but he had found me. He had found me. And, what's even more fun? In addition to the PRETTY AMY cover reveal, Lisa and Entangled Publishing will be hosting a Worst Prom Photo contest in the weeks leading up to AMY's release on May 15. So make sure to dust off your old prom photos—the more tulle, bows, and big hair the better!—and watch Lisa's site, http://www.lisaburstein.com, for details on how to submit/enter to win a beauty package. How cool is that??

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

    Amazon | Barnes & Noble

  • I Am a Stuck Up Snob: Across the Universe

    I Am a Stuck Up Snob: Across the Universe

    In case you live under a rock or have severely neglected your Google Reader, you are aware that Beth Revis' "Across the Universe" was released yesterday. If you need to jolt your memory, take a look at any one of these fantastic posts:

    Frenetic Reader
    The Compulsive Reader
    Books with Bite
    Book Soulmates
    Hooked To Books
    Chick Loves Lit
    Overflowing Shelf
    Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf

    I've heard talk about this novel for the past couple weeks and everyone sounded really excited. Here's the kicker and my confession: I ignored every single post in my Google Reader about this book. I ignored every review and every mention of it on Twitter. Yes, world — I stuck up my nose whenever I came across this book's title or cover.

    Why?! You ask me WHY?

    Because I hated the move "Across the Universe." Gasp. I know. Everybody supposedly loved that movie. Yes, I can appreciate the artistry and I love the Beatles music — but the movie did not float my boat. So immediately upon seeing the cover for Revis' "Across the Universe" and looking at the title — I became a book snob. I assumed it was book with the plot of the movie. I, for the life of me, couldn't figure out why everybody in the blogosphere was so excited for the release of "Across the Universe."

    Then, on Monday I was pursuing Flippin' Fabulous and saw this review. I'm not sure why I didn't immediately scroll down or exit out like I had been for so many weeks, but I heaved a huge "here we go" sigh and actually read the synopsis and the review.

    From Goodreads

    A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.
    Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules. Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next. Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

    After reading this I thought of one thing — my love for Battlestar Galactica.

    Yes, I admit it. I love Battlestar Galactica. What do "Across the Universe" and Battlestar Galactica have in common (that I know of)? Basically this: "A spaceship built of secrets and murder." But it's enough to peak my interest!

    I always knew I was a cover snob; I pick books up because they look pretty. But I never realized that I am an actual SNOB! That I would let the cover and title deter me from even being open minded about a book because I hated a movie just blows my mind (although, you have to admit, both covers do look similar). I feel bad as a reader that I would be so stuck up. So close-minded! It's something I definitely need to work on — to think, I almost would have never even looked at this book! It has a great synopsis and, I'll admit, the more I look at the cover the more I like it.

    Beth, please take this post as the most sincere apology I could come up with. I can't wait to read your book in the very near future.

    Godspeed.

    Buy "Across the Universe": Amazon | Barnes and Noble
    Visit Beth Revis: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

  • Haunted Halloween: YA Giveaway #1

    Haunted Halloween: YA Giveaway #1

    How about the first HUGE Young Adult BLOW OUT Giveaway?!?!? Yep, we thought it was time for one, don't you? I mean, were not really giving much away throughout October. Yeah, RIGHT! Lisa and I had a bunch of books donated and then some extras of our own that could use a good home. There will be 3 winners, and TONS of amazing books in each of the prize packs. LOTS of swag too! So, lets see just what you have a chance to win, shall we? FIRST PLACE WINNER
    Will receive 10 books + a swag pack!
    Carnival of Souls By: Melissa Marr (ARC)
    Breathe By: Sarah Crossan
    Blink Once By: Cylin Busby
    Cryer's Cross By: Lisa McMann
    Shadows by Ilsa Bick
    TEN by Gretchen McNeil
    Fated by Alyson Noel
    Violins of Autumn By: Amy McAuley
    A Whole Lot of Lucky By: Danette Haworth
    The Sweetest Spell By: Suzanne Selfors
    SECOND PLACE WINNER
    Will receive 8 books + a swag pack!
    A Beautiful Evil By: Kelly Keaton
    Blink Once By: Cylin Busby
    The Unquiet By: Jeannine Garsee
    Destiny By: Gillian Shields
    Violins of Autumn By: Amy McAuley
    A Whole Lot of Lucky By: Danette Haworth
    The Sweetest Spell By: Suzanne Selfors
    The Horse Road By: Troon Harrison

    THIRD PLACE WINNER
    Will receive 6 books + a swag pack!
    Blink Once By: Cylin Busby
    The Death Catchers By: Janenifer Anne Kogler
    The Prince of Mist By: Carlos Ruiz ZafÛn, Lucia Graves
    Violins of Autumn By: Amy McAuley
    A Whole Lot of Lucky By: Danette Haworth
    The Sweetest Spell By: Suzanne Selfors

    NOTE: The titles we're giving away will be a mixture of ARC's and finished copies — Hardbacks & Paperbacks.

    Those are some serious Prize Packs, right? I think they are pretty amazing if I do say so myself! So, now it's time for everyone to get to entering.

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

    Rules and how to enter -

    • 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 13 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 7th, 2012 (12:01AM EST)

    NOTE: This is the SAME Rafflecopter form you will find at A Life Bound By Books.
    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    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.

  • In My Mailbox (81-86)

    In My Mailbox (81-86)

    Hey everyone. I have a big pile of books from this past month. These include review books, Christmas gifts and purchased books too so there is a lot! Thanks to all the wonderful publishers (and Lisa from A Life Bound By Books!) for sending these fantastic books!

    Review
    The File by Angelyn Stark
    Extraordinary by Adam Selzer
    Finding Somewhere by Joseph Monninger
    A Sharp Time by Mary O'Connell
    Darkness Falls by Cate Tiernan
    Blood Sun by David Gilman
    Don't Expect Magic by Kathy McCullough
    Running the Rift by Naomi Benaron
    Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer
    Pretty Little Liars: Pretty Little Secrets by Sara Shepard
    Girl Meets Boy by Various Authors
    Hallowed by Cynthia Hand
    Fracture (ARC) by Megan Miranda
    The Way We Fall (ARC) by Megan Crewe
    Slide (ARC) by Jill Hathaway (2nd copy)
    Immortal Beloved (ARC) by Cate Tiernan
    Switched by Amanda Hocking
    The Ivy: Rivals (ARC) by Lauren Kanuz
    Glimmer (ARC) by Phoebe Kitanidis
    The Last Echo (ARC) by Kimberly Derting
    Forbidden by Syrie James and Ryan M. James (2nd copy)
    Partials (ARC) by Dan Wells (2nd copy)
    The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #5: The Asylum by L.J. Smith
    Masque of the Red Death (ARC) by Bethany Griffin
    The Calling by Kelley Armstrong
    The Starboard Sea by Amber Dermont
    Unraveling (ARC) by Elizabeth Norris
    The Invisible Sun (ARC) by David Macinnis Gill
    Social Suicide (ARC) by Gemma Halliday
    Thumped (ARC) by Mean McCafferty
    Temptation (ARC) by Alisa Valdes
    Dark Eden 2: Eve of Destruction (ARC) by Patrick Carman
    The Selection (ARC) by Kiera Cass
    Everneath by Brodi Ashton
    Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters (ARC) by Meredith Zeitlin
    The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers by Lynn Weingarten
    Kiss Crush Collide by Christina Meredith
    Love & Leftovers by Sarah Tregay
    Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey

    Purchased
    Crossed by Ally Condie
    Ruling Passion by Alyxandra Harvey
    Royally Crushed by Niki Burnham
    Kiss Me Kill Me by Lauren Henderson
    How to Ruin My Teenage Life by Simone Elkeles
    How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles

    Gifted
    Ashfall by Mike Mullin
    Eve by Anna Carey
    Crash Test Love (SIGNED) by Ted Michael
    Anew: The Archers of Avalon (SIGNED) by Chelsea Fine
    Unbreakable Love (SIGNED) by Angela Carling
    Dollhouse (SIGNED) by Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe Kardashian

    I got Dollhouse from the BookPerk website. If you haven't signed up yet, DO IT! They have a ton of great offers and signed books come up all the time. It's a great site: ) This is the 2nd signed copy of a book I've purchased. The first was a copy of I Am Number Four signed by the MOVIE CAST!: )

    What did you get in your mailbox this week?

    *IMM is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren and it was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

  • Crossroads Tour: Rosemary Clement-Moore

    Crossroads Tour: Rosemary Clement-Moore

    1. I read that you worked in the theater before you started writing. What, if any, influence did this experience have on your writing and story ideas?

    As an actor, I loved creating a characters and playing a role, telling a story, trying to make the audience connect with the character and root for her. I get to do the same thing as writer, but I don’t get to dress up in a costume. On the flip side, however, I don’t have to stay on a diet.
    I think that all had a lot of influence on my writing. Creating a character on the page is also roleplaying, only you get to live out extraordinary things, and be anyone. You’re not limited by your age, body type, gender, or even species. Plus, theatre gave me a sense of dramatic timing, an ear for natural sounding dialog and the natural act structure. But I don’t have to worry about a special effects budget, either.

    2. In your book, The Splendor Falls, the heroine Sylvia has a few haunting encounters. Have you experienced any haunting or paranormal encounters?
    Nothing definite. I’ve been places that have given me the creeps, seen glimpses out of the corner of my eye, and scared myself pretty good after watching a spooky movie. (A overactive imagination is an occupation hazard, I guess.)
    3. What is your favorite paranormal creature?
    Fairies, probably, just because they come in so many shapes and types. But I like the angel and demon types, too, possibly for the same reason. There are so many tales of spirits, good and evil, from so many different cultures, that there’s a lot, as a writer, to explore.
    4. Texas Gothic is set to release May of next year; can you tell us a little about this book?

    Like The Splendor Falls, Texas Gothic is a twist on the gothic novel, this time set in, um, Texas, obviously. It takes place on a ranch, but it’s not full of cows or stereotypes. It’s full of ghosts and mystery and magic. Amy Goodnight is house sitting for her witch of an aunt. A modern mystery mixes with an archaeological dig plus a healthy dose of spooky stuff and good bit of romance and humor.

    The Spendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (August 22nd, 2009) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardback: 518 pages Sylvie Davis is a ballerina who can’t dance. A broken leg ended her career, but Sylvie’s pain runs deeper. What broke her heart was her father’s death, and what’s breaking her spirit is her mother’s remarriage—a union that’s only driven an even deeper wedge into their already tenuous relationship.

    Uprooting her from her Manhattan apartment and shipping her to Alabama is her mother’s solution for Sylvie’s unhappiness. Her father’s cousin is restoring a family home in a town rich with her family’s history. And that’s where things start to get shady. As it turns out, her family has a lot more history than Sylvie ever knew. More unnerving, though, are the two guys that she can’t stop thinking about. Shawn Maddox, the resident golden boy, seems to be perfect in every way. But Rhys—a handsome, mysterious foreign guest of her cousin’s—has a hold on her that she doesn’t quite understand.

    Then she starts seeing things. Sylvie’s lost nearly everything—is she starting to lose her mind as well?

    Find Rosemary Clement-Moore Rosemary Clement-Moore / Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

    Purchase The Spendor Falls Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

  • I'm Expecting!

    I'm Expecting!

    Yes, you heard right. I am expecting... an eReader! I've debated long and hard and am finally ready to make the move (after discovering Net Galley). I don't think I'll purchase many books with it, but I am looking forward to having it for eGalleys and traveling.

    After I made the decision of "to buy" or "not to buy" I had to decide which brand of eReader I wanted. This was an easy choice for me: I often refer to Barnes and Noble as the Motherland so there's really no way I could go anywhere else with this important decision.

    Then, after deciding on the Nook brand, I had another decision: Nook or NookColor. This was the most difficult decision in this process. I tweeted all last nigh about this dilemma. I love the NookColor because it's new, it's completely touch screen, I could subscribe to magazines, I could tweet status updates, I could surf the web, etc. But I have an iPod Touch that does all of that and eventually I'll have an iPad. It wasn't until very late last night that I realized why I can't get a NookColor. I'm only 23 but my eyes hurt. I look at a computer all day then I blog for a few hours each night. And when I'm not looking at my computer I'm looking at my cell phone or Touch — it's exhausting. Last night all I wanted to do was curl up with a book and let my eyes relax; that is why I decided on a regular ole Nook. I want a device that won't take away from my reading, a device that won't allow me to get side tracked by Twitter, Facebook, Google Reader, and blogging. When I sit down to read I want to be swept away into a great adventure, not into another social networking medium.

    Notice my struggle? Remember, read from the bottom up! Thanks Mitalia, Amy, and Pam for being so helpful!

    After that long debacle (thanks Twitter for your patience), I had one last small detail to consider: Nook WiFi or Nook WiFi + 3G. This decision came down to the fact that I don't plan on purchasing loads of books with the Nook and really, where are you going to go that doesn't have WiFi somewhere? Michelle (@michelleball) put it perfectly last night:

    So, I decided on just the regular Nook WiFi.

    This is a pretty big decision for me — I was going to wait a few more months. But this week I was able to "pay off" my student loans (I found a private investor who volunteered to give me a check to pay off the bank and then I can start making payments to him AFTER the wedding at 3% interest — what a deal) and after all was said and paid for I had enough money left over to pay for the honeymoon and some change. This "change" is where my Nook will be coming from.

    I, unfortunately, made this decision about 8pm last night and am leaving with my students tomorrow at 8am for an out of town Oral Interp meet. I'm judging — which basically means that I can read and hang out the entire day except for the hour or two when I'm actually listening to kids speak. Plus, I am not a chaperone — no attitude for me! So, I will not be bringing home this mysterious bundle of joy until tomorrow evening when I return (before 8pm). I've done my homework and I am so excited and ready for this next step in my life!

    *If you're curious, I wrote this post at 10:38pm on Friday night (after making said big decision) and scheduled it for Saturday since I won't have "real" computer access while with the Oral Interp Team.
    **If you counted the bolded words that was four decisions made in regards to my eReading adventure.
    ***Super SUPER huge thank you to Michelle at Hooked to Books for all her advice and help with this huge decision! Thanks for being so patient! I know I was a hot mess last night... er, tonight? Whatever.

  • Announcing BBRAW 2012!

    Announcing BBRAW 2012!

    I've been hinting about "The Big Announcement" for a while now and it's time to finally unveil! I am now introducing Book Blogger Reader Appreciation Week (BBRAW) 2012! Spun from the idea of BBAW (hosted by My Friend Amy) , BBRAW is all about your readers. I find myself in constant awe of the brave few who stop by my blog on a regular basis and comment (or even who don't comment) and want to say a big huge THANKS! Anyone is welcome and encouraged to join in with me, but know that this is not a blog hop/giveaway extravaganza*.

    On Monday (2.13) I encourage you to nominate the name of your MVR (Most Valuable Reader — the reader who you feel positively influences you as a blog writer). On Friday I'll announce the three readers whose names have been submitted the most. The first 15 names to be submitted as MVR will receive a small swag package in thanks for beings such awesome readers. The top 3 names will receive a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble^. I know that BBAW uses categorizes, but because I'm not sure how many people will participate I just want to keep it simple.

    Like with BBAW, each day there will be a prompt to discuss on our blogs if you choose to participate. I will post the prompts the week before BBRAW so if you'd like to plan and schedule your post you may. BBRAW will be pretty "lax" as it's meant to celebrate the reasons we all blog — our readers. I remember that first month of blogging when I think I had three readers (and one was my mom), I was so appreciative and thankful. Every time I received an email saying "Comment" I was completely in awe. I know we always say that you should blog for you (and I agree), but blogging for you when you know others are reading what you're writing is (in my opinion) so much better and worthwhile.

    I know I'm a bit scatter-brained but as BBRAW nears things will all come together. I'm so excited to finally share this idea with you all as I've been planning and brainstorming for about two months.

    If you'd like to do a reader interview, I very much encourage it. We won't be doing an organized interview swap due to the fact that you'll probably want to be interviewing one of your own readers, rather than someone random (theoretically). Stay tuned throughout the next month for more information and more excitement! I have big hopes for BBRAW and am so excited to finally have shared the news. If you have any suggestions or ideas, please don't hesitate and send me an email or leave a comment! I'd love to hear your thoughts because, really, I'm sort of making this up as I go !

    *If you'd like to host a giveaway of your own to thank your readers, please feel welcome to. But don't misconstrue BBRAW as a way to "win followers"; it's purpose to show thanks of the readers who have influenced you and supported you for years, months, or even weeks.

    ^Unfortunately because I am funding this myself, anyone receiving a prize needs to be in the US. In the event that an international reader would be elected they will still of course be announced. Sorry for any inconvenience and, yes, I know this sucks.

    Huge thanks to KD Designs (Katie from Sophitikatied Reviews) for the awesome button!

  • Tour Guest Post: Vanish and Sweet Venom

    Tour Guest Post: Vanish and Sweet Venom

    Today is the release day for 2 amazing books -- Sweet Venom and Vanish.
    To celebrate this, Tera Lynn Childs and Sophie Jordan are here today to share some of their favorite romantic novels.

    Favorite Romantic Novels Favorite Romantic Books by Tera Lynn Childs

    Romantic books have been such a big part of my life and my career, it’s hard to narrow this down to a manageable list. I have about fifty romances on my forever keepers shelves. But if I have to pick some favorites, here goes:

    Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I first read this in my freshman Lit Hum class at Columbia and it turned my world upside-down. Here was a book I loved—swoon, Darcy, swoon—and it was considered important enough to be studied in an Ivy League literature class. This is the moment that I realized a book can be both popular and important. And a romance novel, to boot.

    The Magic of You by Johanna Lindsey. When I first decided to try this whole writing thing, I literally devoured the romance section at my local bookstore. Johanna Lindsey was my first auto-buy author. She is the master of The Moment, that line that just takes your breath away. In this book, it’s Warren (after Amy’s been chasing him the entire book) saying, “You can’t give up on me!”

    The Duke and I by Julia Quinn. I cannot begin to describe in a few sentences how much I love this book. It is just one of the most powerful romances I’ve ever read. Julia Quinn is genius at creating characters who absolutely cannot possibly make it work, and then making it work. Simon and Daphne are a close second to Darcy and Elizabeth for my favorite romantic couple of all time. I dare anyone to read this book and not cry a dozen times. I always do.

    Favorite Romantic Books by Sophie Jordan

    What’s my favorite romantic book!?!?! Wow – that’s like asking a food junkie to pick her fav dish (which would be tough for me, too)! There are just so many choices – especially since romance has been my favorite genre for so long. Okay, here’s my list: The Magic of You by Johanna Lindsey. It’s a historical romance featuring one of the strongest, take-charge heroines ever! It’s really a stand-out historical romance. When I first read it years ago it felt so new and fresh. And when I reread it now, I can still say the same thing. It has that universal, timeless appeal.

    Second choice would probably be … Gentle Rogue by Johanna Lindsey. Another historical romance. The books are connected, too. I just love the tension of a girl disguising herself as a boy. Oh, the fireworks when the truth is revealed! Hm, contemporary romance would have to go to Susan Elizabeth Phillips’s Nobody’s Baby But Mine. It features an outrageous premise … but is an amazingly emotional and very “real” story. My favorite romantic suspense novel is Linda Howard’s Open Season – it has the perfect balance of suspense and romance, but at its core it’s an ugly duckling story. I know these qualify as my favorites because they’re all books I’ve read multiple times. That’s always my gauge.

    As for young adult novels … hm, there are so many where the romance is really strong and at the core. They might as well be called a young adult romance. I’ll choose The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting and Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. Both books have some hot boys and empathetic, likeable heroines. But it’s no easy road to a happily ever after for these characters. Just like in the adult romance books I listed above, you get tons of agonizing conflict. And in the meantime tons of tension and steamy chemistry that sizzles on every page. These are the titles that pop in my head right off the bat … but ask me a year from now and I’m sure I’ll have new titles to add.

    Vanish by Sophie Jordan
    Publisher: HarperTeen (September 6th, 2011)
    Reading Level: Young Adult
    Hardback: 304 pages
    Series: Firelight #2
    To save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda did the unthinkable: She betrayed the most closely-guarded secret of her kind. Now she must return to the protection of her pride knowing she might never see Will again—and worse, that because his mind has been shaded, Will’s memories of that fateful night and why she had to flee are gone.

    Back home, Jacinda is greeted with hostility and must work to prove her loyalty for both her sake and her family’s. Among the few who will even talk to her are Cassian, the pride’s heir apparent who has always wanted her, and her sister, Tamra, who has been forever changed by a twist of fate. Jacinda knows that she should forget Will and move on—that if he managed to remember and keep his promise to find her, it would only endanger them both. Yet she clings to the hope that someday they will be together again. When the chance arrives to follow her heart, will she risk everything for love?

    In bestselling author Sophie Jordan’s dramatic follow-up to Firelight, forbidden love burns brighter than ever.

    Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (September 6th, 2011) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 352 pages Series: Sweet #1 Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it’s also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster.

    Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, especially on a school night, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double, though.

    Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they're triplets, supernatural descendants of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters.

    These three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful gorgon maligned by myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in this unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight.

    Sophie and Tera Lynn’s upcoming tour stops:
    September 7 @ 7 PM Blue Willow Bookshop Houston, TX September 8 @ 7 PM Books & Co Dayton, OH September 9 @ 7 PM Magic Tree Bookstore Chicago, IL October 1 Austin Teen Book Festival Austin, TX
    The next blog tour stop: Thursday, September 8 – The Bookish Brunette About the authors:
    Tera Lynn Childs (Authora neo) is a newly discovered species of author fish who always dreamed of being a mermaid, but never got closer than a career as a competitive swimmer. She loves to spend as much time as possible in and around water (right up until her fingertips turn all pruney) in the vain hope that one day her legs will magically turn into fins. When stuck on land, Authora neo can be found writing in coffee shops across the country, prowling for cool mermaid gear on Etsy, and spending way too much time online. Visit her at http://teralynnchilds.com. Sophie Jordan grew up in the Texas hill country where she wove fantasies of dragons, warriors, and princesses. A former high school English teacher, she's also the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Avon historical romances. She now lives in Houston with her family. When she's not writing, she spends her time overloading on caffeine (lattes and Diet cherry Coke preferred), talking plotlines with anyone who will listen (including her kids), and cramming her DVR with true-crime and reality-TV shows. Sophie also writes paranormal romances under the name Sharie Kohler. Visit her at www.sophiejordan.net.

  • Haunted Halloween: YA Giveaway #2

    Haunted Halloween: YA Giveaway #2

    Last year we did a couple of these larger giveaways and we're doing the SAME thing this year too! Don't ya just LOVE all the author and book love we have going around for Halloween! Seriously guys, it's a fantastic time of the year and we couldn't think of anyone else we'd want to spend the Spookiest time of the year with that YOU! So, here's the next amazingly HUGE giveaway we have for you all and what you just might win. FIRST PLACE WINNER
    Will receive 10 books + a swag pack!

    Crash By: Lisa McMann
    Temptation By: R.L. Stine
    Ashes By: Ilsa J. Bick
    Shadows By: Ilsa Bick
    TEN By: Gretchen McNeil
    Blink Once By: Cylin Busby
    Fated By: Alyson Noel
    Anew By: Chelsea Fine
    Violins of Autumn By: Amy McAuley
    A Whole Lot of Lucky By: Danette Haworth

    SECOND PLACE WINNER
    Will receive 8 books + a swag pack!

    Blink Once By: Cylin Busby
    The Unquiet By: Jeannine Garsee
    Dead to You By: Lisa McMann
    Fated by Alyson Noel
    A Whole Lot of Lucky By: Danette Haworth
    The Horse Road By: Troon Harrison
    Smart Girls Get What They Want By: Sarah Strohmeyer
    Never Fall Down By: Patricia McCormick

    THIRD PLACE WINNER
    Will receive 6 books + a swag pack!

    Fury By: Elizabeth Miles
    Things That Go Bump in the Night by Patrick Carman
    A Whole Lot of Lucky By: Danette Haworth
    All the Right Stuff By: Walter Dean Myers
    Just Write By: Walter Dean Myers
    The Book of Night By: Pearl North

    NOTE: Some books are ARC's and some are finished copies in Hardback and Softback.

    More AMAZING Prize Packs, right? We think they are pretty epic if we do say so myself! So, now it's time for everyone to get to entering.

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

    Rules and how to enter -

    • 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 13 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 14th, 2012 (12:01AM EST)

    NOTE: This is the SAME Rafflecopter form you will find at A Life Bound By Books.
    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    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.

  • Crossroads Tour: Shannon Delany

    Crossroads Tour: Shannon Delany

    1. Your first novel 13 to Life, started from a textnovel contest. Has this experience been more fast-paced because of that? Is being an author what you expected it would be? It was definitely I whirlwind to begin! Being an author’s actually a lot more than I ever expected it would be—and a lot better. It’s also a lot more work. 2. Since becoming a debut author, have you received any advice from others authors that you have used the most? Every time I’m at a conference or convention we’re exchanging advice. Mostly, as authors, it seems we talk more often about the market and agents and writing and marketing strategies.

    3. 13 to Life is one of my favorite books of this year! Can you tell us what else we can expect from this series? Thank you so much for saying that—it totally makes my day! There’s a lot happening throughout the series. Although Jess and Pietr are generally our leads through the 13 to Life novels, readers will get to see more of other key characters, too, like Amy, Alexi, Max, and Cat. You’ll learn that the trouble flooding into Junction doesn’t just surround the werewolves but is tied to some very dangerous characters who are much more than they first appear. By the series’ end everything will be wrapped up neatly and readers will have answers to all the questions being raised throughout the books. And by the end not everyone we started with will still be *cough* with us and some that will remain will be changed forever. In pretty dramatic ways. 4. Do you have any other ideas that you are working on? Are there any other paranormal creatures you would love to incorporate into a novel? I’ll answer both those questions with one phrase: yes, quite a few.; -)

    5. Book 2, Secrets and Shadows, is set to release in February. Can you tell us a little about this new chapter in the lives of Jess and Pietr? Things heat up a bit in Secrets and Shadows: more fighting, more kissing, more werewolf action. Pietr’s struggling with a couple realizations—change is never easy--acting with the very best of intentions. Jess spends some time being rightfully ticked (and seriously confused) and, trying to adjust to her new normal she struggles to find the right path for herself, too. Oh! And there’s a Halloween Party.

    13 to Life by Shannon Delany Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (June 22nd, 2010) Paperback: 308 pages Reading Level: Young Adult Series: 13 to Life (book #1) Something strange is stalking the small town of Junction…

    When junior Jess Gillmansen gets called out of class by Guidance, she can only presume it’s for one of two reasons. Either they’ve finally figured out who wrote the scathing anti-jock editorial in the school newspaper or they’re hosting yet another intervention for her about her mom. Although far from expecting it, she’s relieved to discover Guidance just wants her to show a new student around—but he comes with issues of his own including a police escort.

    The newest member of Junction High, Pietr Rusakova has secrets to hide--secrets that will bring big trouble to the small town of Junction—secrets including dramatic changes he’s undergoing that will surely end his life early.

    Find find out more about Shannon Delany Shannon Delany / 13 to Life / Twitter / Blog / Goodreads
    Purchase 13 to Life Amazon / The Book Depository / Barnes & Noble

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