The Best Reader [Search results for beauty] 

Today Taryn Browning is here to talk about her short story, Dark Beauty. She's here telling us why she created this short story to go along with her Dark Seeker novel.

Enter below for a chance to win a personalized copy!

Thank you for having me on your blog. I’m so excited to talk about Dark Beauty, a short story and prequel to my Dark Seeker novel.

I was inspired to write this series by one of my all-time favorite TV shows, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Like Buffy, the female characters in both stories (Isabelle and Janie) are strong, independent teenagers who don’t take lightly to assistance, especially from the opposite sex. Plus, both girls battle the undead and are kick-ass heroines, a trait that I love in female characters.

In Dark Beauty, Isabelle and Abram are Seekers, similar to vampire slayers, only they are up against a new vampire hybrid called Daychildren. A stake isn’t going to take them out. Readers will also find Isabelle and Abram in my Dark Seeker novel, only in different roles. Dark Beauty takes the reader back 20 years, when Isabelle and Abram were active Seekers. I really loved writing Isabelle’s character. She is spunky and very strong willed, making for entertaining banter between her and Abram. While writing Dark Beauty, I had to think about what Abram would have been like as a teenager, since he is much older in Dark Seeker. I wanted him to have a cocky arrogance, but also a caring and loyal side. He is quite stubborn in Dark Seeker, so I needed Abram to have specific traits and a back-story that moved him in this direction.

I’ve received such wonderful reviews for Dark Seeker, and interest for more, that I’m writing another short story to continue Isabelle and Abram’s fight to rid the city of the new and more deadly Daychildren. This has been an amazing experience and I’m so grateful for the positive feedback. Thank you again, Jessica, for allowing me to discuss the series on your blog. I’ve had a fantastic time.

Dark Beauty by Taryn Browning (Short Story)
Publisher: Createspace (July 30, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 54 pages
For fifteen-year-old Seeker, Isabelle Crowe, ridding the Houston streets of the undead is an inherited duty, passed down from her Cherokee ancestors. During her first night without her mentor, she encounters Abram, a more experienced Seeker from Chicago looking to avenge his cousin's death. Isabelle quickly learns she must work with Abram to protect her city. With one Seeker already dead, Isabelle's love of the hunt becomes a fight to survive.

Giveaway Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a SIGNED (personalized) copy of Dark Beauty by Taryn Browning.

• You must be at least 13 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US Only and ends September 19th.
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Find Taryn Browning
Website | Goodreads | Twitter

Purchase Dark Beauty
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

Laura Wiess is here today to talk about her brand new book Ordinary Beauty. It was released today!

To celebrate this wonderful book birthday, 2 copies of Ordinary Beauty are up for grabs.

1. Your books place focus on some very heartbreaking stories. Where do those ideas come from? And is it ever emotional to write about these topics?
Oh yes, it's always emotional. My heart is always with my main characters. When I'm writing, I see life through their eyes, and feel what they feel, which can be very frightening sometimes. My main characters are usually caught in precarious situations and trying really hard to make it through. They're the girls lost in shadows, abandoned, betrayed, in danger, the ones with problems they can't speak of, and are just struggling along under the radar, waiting, hoping for someone to notice, and care.

The ideas for my books are usually sparked by something that catches my attention, and then provokes a passionate response in me. Meredith, from Such a Pretty Girl showed up after I'd heard a news story about a convicted sexual predator/pedophile being released early from prison and going home. I started wondering Home? Home to who? Does he have a wife? Who would stay married to a pedophile? What would it be like to be the daughter of a convicted sex offender?
And then my character Meredith stepped out of the dark, and the book was born.

2. Do you often hear from fans saying that your story touched them?

Yes, and that's always both humbling and gratifying, because it means that the character's pain, struggle and triumph made it through. As a reader, I love books with characters I can really root for and angst over, so it means a lot when readers say the same. For instance, How It Ends seems to be the book that makes people cry like crazy, which is great because I cried like crazy writing it.

3. Can you tell us a little about Sayre from Ordinary Beauty?

Sure. The story opens when Sayre is seventeen. She grew up knowing she was a mistake, unplanned and unwanted. Her mother got pregnant at fifteen, the guy disappeared and Sayre was left to be raised by her grandmother.
Sayre's a strong, determined girl, and a desperate one. Her mother is an addict, and Sayre has grown up in unstable and dangerous environments, neglected, seeing and being exposed to things that make life frightening, and uncertain. She craves her mother's love, but she doesn't think her mother loves her in return, and it's a question she needs answered before it's too late.
She's a brave girl, and a hopeful one. I admire her.

4. What do you hope young girls take from reading Ordinary Beauty?

Well, I think everybody takes something different from a story, but what I believe comes through is that no matter how dark the circumstances, there's always a thread of hope. You can make it. Life changes and evolves every single day, whether you see it happening or not, and it can get better. It can.
5. Do you have any other book ideas in the works?
Oh yes, there's always another book in the works. It's still being written, so I can't say much but I will say the attraction between the main character and the guy she likes is a hot one. Love these two!

Thanks Laura for being on my blog.

Ordinary Beauty by Laura Wiess Publisher: MTV Books (June 14th, 2011) Reading Level: Young Adult Paperback: 320 pages How can you make someone love you when they won’t?
And what if that person happens to be your mother?
Sayre Bellavia grew up knowing she was a mistake: unplanned and unwanted. At five months shy of eighteen, she’s become an expert in loneliness, heartache, and neglect. Her whole life she’s been cursed, used, and left behind. Swallowed a thousand tears and ignored a thousand deliberate cruelties. Sayre’s stuck by her mother through hell, tried to help her, be near her, be important to her even as her mother slipped away into a violent haze of addiction, destroying the only chance Sayre ever had for a real family.
Now her mother is lying in a hospital bed, near death, ravaged by her own destructive behavior. And as Sayre fights her way to her mother’s bedside, she is terrified but determined to get the answer to a question no one should ever have to ask: Did my mother ever really love me? And what will Sayre do if the answer is yes?

Prize:

• 2 winners will receive a copy of Ordinary Beauty by Laura Wiess.

• You must be at least 13 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US Only and ends July 5th.
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Find Laura Wiess
Website | Goodreads | Blog

Purchase Ordinary Beauty
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Sticking with the classroom theme of "Fairytales" this week, today's book talk is on "Beastly" by Alex Flinn. A retelling of the classic, "Beauty and the Beast," "Beastly" adds a modern twist to the old classic.

I really like this book trailer, but I don't see an embedded code — so go check it out at YA Books and More.

Now for the review: Beastly.

I highly recommend this novel to any student who loves fairy tales with modernity. Yes, it is cliche and predictable (but aren't all fairy tales?). It has a great story behind it all that reinvents "Beauty and the Beast" for the modern day reader. There is a movie based on the best-selling novel being released in 2011 — keep a look out.

This book is on the classroom shelves and in the HS library system.

I have the lovely and fabulous author of Article 5 here today. Kristen Simmons is a debut author and Article 5 is just incredible! My review will be posted later today.
So who does she want to play her characters? Look below to find out and don't forget to enter the giveaway for a signed copy!

My Article 5 Casting List

Chase Janenings – Channing Tatum?
I have a hard time deciding between the ever beautiful Channing Tatum and Mark Salling. I think Channing could be a perfect brooding/conflicted Chase. Plus he’s tall, and exudes that protective vibe that makes me a little wobbly in the knees.

Chase Janenings – Mark Salling?
I do think that Puck might be a little closer physical match to Chase though. He would be perfect for Ember’s flashbacks of the sweet, fun bad boy she fell in love with. I can totally see him on a motorcycle. What do you think?

Bookaholic ETA:"CHANNING, CHANNING, CHANNING FTW!!": )

Ember Miller – Sophia Bush
I also had a hard time choosing an actress to play Ember, but then someone pointed me in the direction of Sophia Bush, and I think she might be perfect. Ember lives in a world where women are forbidden from wearing makeup and dressing up, but she has a natural beauty that attracts those around her. Sophia easily captures Ember’s beauty, and her innocence, but definitely has a strength about her as well.

Tucker Morris – Kellen Lutz
Tucker is handsome — blonde with an athletic build. He’s arrogant, but is also bound by his role as a solider. I think Kellan could play the perfect bad guy.

Rebecca – Dianna Agron
In my second Glee choice of the evening, I nominate Quinn Fabray to play the part of Rebecca, Ember’s reform school roommate. She looks exactly how I imagine Rebecca looking, and can totally be both manipulative and fierce.

Sean – Alex Pettyfer
Like Rebecca, Sean also has to play a dual role at reform school – he’s a guard, but he also has a secret life the FBR doesn’t know about. I think Alex has both a serious and a playful side, plus we already know he looks good with Dianna Agron!

Thanks for letting me stop by and play Jess! This was fun!

Thank you Kristen for sharing your cast (and hot pictures!). A movie with Channing, Kellen, and Alex?? I'm there!!

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons Publisher: Tor Teen (January 31st, 2012) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 368 pages Series: Article 5 #1 New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard for her to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It’s hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Janenings… the only boy Ember has ever loved.

Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a SIGNED copy of Article 5.
• 4 winners will receive a bookmark.

• You must be at least 13 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US only and ends February 15th.
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

From Marilynrandall.com...

"Inside Out is a fun story about the little frog who thought God had made a mistake and made him ugly. It is about learning that beauty is truly found on the inside and that each of us has our own gifts to offer the world and that we are all beautiful in our own way, just as God made us."

I hadn't read the provided summary before reading this book, silly I know, so I was utterly surprised when, in the second stanza, I saw the word "God." I'm not exactly sure why this took me by surprise, it just did. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I began this book.

I soon realized that this book wasn't about the cute Owl on the page, but more about the frog that goes almost unnoticed. While short, this book is a wonderful read full of depth. The illustrations are beautiful, the language used is musical, and the message is exquisite.

I will be keeping this book tucked away until the time comes for me to read to my future family. I would 'warn' readers, that the message is a very Christian message and directed towards a Christian child audience. If you are looking for a book to read to your children to teach them about God's plan and individual beauty — this is the perfect book.

I am very much inspired by Marilyn's statement on the back of her books: "She is determined to pass along the values that were instilled in her as a child so that children raised in today's commercial society might know a different way to view their surroundings and cope with the hurtful things we sometimes experience while growing up in today's world." I think that this book successfully and admirably accomplishes this.

Thanks to Marilyn Randall, via Bostick Communications, for mailing me a copy of this book for review.

I love Tiffany King. My love for her started when I stumbled upon Unlikely Allies on amazon one day and was blown away by the story. Since then I have stalked her, waiting for her ne west books to release. Jordyn was exactly the type of book I had been craving — kick-butt heroine, unique story-line, fabulous cast of characters — it really has it all!
Today Tiffany is here, as part of her blog tour, to share with us a n excerpt found in Jordyn. Be sure to check out the giveaway below!

Excerpt:"Finished," Anthony said several minutes later, shutting off the tattoo gun.
"Wow, you're quick," I said, sitting up."I've heard that before," Anthony said, laughing."I bet you have, old man," Emrys said, clapping him on the back."At least I'm not forgettable," Anthony retorted, making me laugh. Emrys mockingly glared at us as he threw a slow punch Anthony's way."You want to see your new beauty mark?" he asked, swatting Emrys's fist aside before it could reach his bicep."Absolutely," I said, hopping up off the chair."It's the prettiest succubus I've ever seen," Emrys teased, grinning at me. My fist shot out and hit him in his own bicep before he could even get the words fully out. The force of the blow made him stagger as he tried to keep his footing."Damn girl, you are a freaking beast," Anthony said, studying me with open admiration."Either that or your buddy E here is a lightweight pansy," I quipped, following Anthony out of the room.

Jordyn by Tiffany King
Published: February 10th, 2013
Reading Level: New Adult
Summary:
Hand to hand combat training: Check
Cardio and strength training: Check
Daemon hunting: Check
Anomaly: Check

Check, check, check, check… That's all my life is. There's nothing ordinary about me. I'm"special." I know this because I'm reminded of it every stinking day. I can kick a Daemon's ass with both hands tied behind my back. I can run up a mountain without breaking a sweat. Know what I can't do? Get guys to notice me, or hang out with friends like normal people do. I can't just be ordinary because I have an Arch Angel for a mentor who is always breathing down my neck, and a family of angelic Guides and Protectors who scrutinize every little thing I do. Just for a day I want a life where I'm no longer some anomaly, where I don't have to feel like a lab rat.

And then I met Emrys. Okay, so my mentor and family hate him, but probably for good reason. After-all, he is a Soul Trader, and they aren't the most trust worthy beings. But, he is sooo hot with his green eyes, leather jacket and the sexiest tattoo you've ever seen running down his back. And-he doesn't treat me like a project.

I've got myself in quite a little quandary here. Choosing between my responsibilities and the Trader that holds my heart is something I didn't sign up for. Torn between two different worlds, I must now decide who to trust and who to walk away from. What's a girl to do? See what I mean? I am an anomaly. I am Jordyn.

Fill out the rafflecopter below for a chance to win some great prize packs!

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It has, literally, been forever since I have done an IMM. I've been swamped with homework and last week we took my daughter to her first concert (post on that to come later). It was a blast! Here are the books I have received over the past month. Special thanks to Random House, HarperTeen, Bloomsbury, Simon & Schuster, Penguin/Speak, Shelley Workinger, Janenifer Echols, and Ednah Walters.

Review
Every Little Thing in the World by Nina de Gramont
She's So Dead to Us by Kieran Scott
Promises to Keep by Charles De Lint
The Forever Crush (Pink Locker Society) by Debra Moffitt
Dark Eden (ARC) by Patrick Carman
Flawless (ARC) by Lara Chapman
Tighter (ARC) by Adele Griffin
Wake Unto Me (ARC) by Lisa Cach
Moonglass by Jessi Kirby
Bitter End by Janenifer Brown
The Lucky Kind (ARC) by Alyssa B. Sheinmel
Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have) (ARC) by Sarah Mlynowski
Wildefire (ARC) by Karsten Knight
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (ARC) by Michelle Hodkins
We'll Always Have Summer by Janeny Han
Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley
Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood by Eileen Cook
Bite Club by Rachel Caine
Ordinary Beauty by Laura Weiss (2 copies- one for giveaway)
Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky (2 copies- one for giveaway)
Forgiven (ARC) by Janet Fox
Nocturne (ARC) by Christine Johnson
Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn
Betrayed (signed) by Ednah Walters
Everfound by Neil Shusterman
Kiss of Death by Lauren Henderson
Tighter by Adele Griffin (2nd copy)
The Education of Hailey Kendrick by Eileen Cook
Passion by Lauren Kate

Swag
Betrayed by Ednah Walters(signed) bookmarks
Sabine and Kisri by Moira Rogers (signed) bookplates
Bitter End by Janenifer Brown (signed) bookplate and bookmark, plus bracelet (not pictured)

Gift
Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Signed
Love Story by Janenifer Echols
Settling by Shelley Workinger (NOTE: I'm blurbed!!)

Other Goodies
The Sisters Brothers by Patrick Dewitt (book and signed poster)
A giveaway is going on now for a poster just like this one!

Starcrossed Book Trailer

And I just had to share a brand new book trailer I saw yesterday. I just read Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini and it was beyond amazing!! If you haven't added this book to your goodreads list, do it NOW! This book just jumped into my top 3 of this year so far. Check out the UK book trailer!

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.

Please welcome Connie, from LitMuse, as this week's Guest Reviewer.

*******************
North of Beautiful — Justina Chen Headley

"Terra Rose Cooper is stunning. A tall blonde with a trim body, she could easily be a model. Except for one thing. Terra was born with a port-wine stain birthmark that covers the right cheek of her face. And she is ashamed of it. Her self-esteem suffers from it as well as being under the thumb of her controlling father. Terra longs to get away from her small Washington town and it seems like all her dreams are going to come true when she gets an acceptance letter from Williams. But, her father will not allow her to go and it seems like she is stuck under her father’s thumb, like the stain is stuck on her face no matter how many laser surgeries. But, she meets an odd, Chinese, goth boy and her future trajectory is changed."
It took me awhile to get into the story but, I’m glad I persevered. It was a wonderful story of self-acceptance and beauty. The characters all have their problems and subplots that intrigue me as well as the main story – the mother’s relationship to their father, Terra’s two brothers who seem to be never there, Terra’s relationship with Erik and Karin.
I also really loved the play on words. Terra’s father is a cartographer and the book is filled with map imagery of charting lives and borders… Wonderfully connected into the story that it adds another layer of the story.
My favorite part is their journey to China. I’ve only been there in 2007 and it was my first time over there and travelling overseas. So it was nice to read the experiences that Terra and her mom had over there. Like seeing the hutongs and comparing it with the modern China and walking the Great Wall. Not to mention, geocaching. I never heard of it and now am very interested in finding more about it.
Overall, a wonderful, reflective story.
******************* Thank you so much, Connie! What an awesome review! If anyone else has a great book to recommend to high school students, please email me (my profile has the address). Check out this post for more information on how to become a guest reviewer.

Please remember to check out Connie's blog, LitMuse, and share some book love. To Connie's original review, in my blog.

Thanks again, Connie! This is already on my book list! Check out what Megan from WriteMeg thinks about this book! Read her review!

I'd like to welcome Carla Buckley, author of "The Things That Keep Us Here, " as my guest. Everybody say, "Hello Carla."

Tell us a bit about you — who is Carla Buckley?
I’m a wife, mother of three, and coddler of two small dogs. Growing up, I was passionate about both art and writing, studied both in college, worked as an artist and a writer afterward, but it wasn’t until I decided to stay home following the birth of my first child that I narrowed my focus to writing.

How long did it take you to write "The Things That Keep Us Here?"
Six months to produce a draft I could share with my literary agent, another six months working on the feedback she gave me, then a final six months revising it with my editor.

Explain the process you went through after you had finished writing the novel.
Usually, after I’ve finished a manuscript and sent it off to my agent to be shopped to publishers, I immediately begin writing the next book. This time, however, I held off. The Things That Keep Us Here was a different kind of book to me, one that represented a huge leap forward in my writing, and I wanted to see how it fared before I re-committed myself to the writing process. The Things That Keep Us Here was turned down three times--because publishers didn’t want to touch the topic of bird flu--before it found a home at Bantam Dell, with an editor I’m privileged to call mine.

Do you have any writing habits or anything you HAD to do before sitting down to write the novel?
Years ago, a screenplay writer taught me how to plot according to a three-act structure, and that’s what I follow before I begin writing: I set up the three acts, each with their turning points, and pretty much lay out the entire novel in my head before I start.

There is a lot of scientific information that, as a non-scientist, sounds completely plausible in your novel; where did you get this information or are you a closet-scientist?
I am a confirmed non-scientist! In school, science terrified me, with all its intricacies and seeming irrelevance, and I avoided it wherever I could. It’s ironic, perhaps, that I married an environmental scientist, which allowed me to see science from a different perspective, and understand its own serene beauty. When I undertook to write The Things That Keep Us Here, I did a great deal of research: I read everything I could on avian influenza, and interviewed scientists from The Ohio State University who actually do the work that my character, Peter, does. It’s these scientists, whom I acknowledge in my book, who made the science leap from the page for me.

What is your favorite thing about your novel?
This is such a great question. I’d have to say it’s the turning point in the middle, where my character Ann, surrounded by death and fear and confusion, confronts who she really is at heart, and makes an impossible choice. For me, this is what my novel is really about: who are we deep inside, when we can’t rely on someone else to save or protect us, and how do we live with the choice we make? I’ve heard from many readers on this part of the book, which delights me.

If you had to describe "The Things That Keep Us Here" in three words — what words would you choose?
Frightening, poignant, and real

Where did the title come from?
My original title was Flu Season, which my publisher felt wasn’t a perfect match. Over the course of six or so months, I tried out other options: Six Hours, Flight Risk. My book was sold to the UK and Germany as Out of Thin Air. None were quite right. Finally, facing a catalog deadline, the senior people at Random House got together and brainstormed, and my editor called me the next morning with the final title, The Things That Keep Us Here. I’m deeply honored that my publishing house was so invested in finding the perfect title for me.

What are you currently working on?
My next book also focuses on a global threat, as shown from the perspective of the non-scientist. In it, a woman, long estranged from her hometown and her family, returns to find her sister dead and others sick from the same disease. Although I don't want to reveal the source of the illness, I will say it's based on a truly frightening phenomenon that few people are aware of, but scientists are looking into, and I predict it will start making headlines shortly.

What are you currently reading?
I’m halfway through two novels, both debuts. The Murderer’s Daughters, by Randy Susan Meyers, which is a heart-rending story about two young girls who witness their father’s murder of their mother, and how their lives are forever shaped. Meyers does a fantastic job of moving the action forward, and it’s hard to believe this is her first novel. And The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book so driven by voice as this one is, and I’m loving every page.

Where can you be found offline?
The very few hours that I’m not writing, I’m walking my dogs, working out at my local rec center, and ferrying my children around to their various activities. Sometimes, I make dinner! My sister is my writing partner (and the best writer I know), and we regularly get together for a many-hour lunch at a local sandwich shop to pound out various issues in both our works in progress.

Where can you be found online?
My website is my online home: www.google.com. There, readers can contact me, or reach me through Facebook, Twitter, goodreads, and LibraryThing.

Any last comments?
Thanks for hosting me here, Miss Remmers. It’s always a delight to meet another reader as passionate about books as I am!

Not only do Carla and I share a passion for reading — we also have similar roots. Her husband is from Northern Minnesota and it turns out that she frequently visits my own home town of Cass Lake, MN for summer vacations!

If you haven't read, "The Things That Keep Us Here, " you are definitely missing out. This is one of the best adult fiction books I've read. Highly recommend it.

Carla, thank you so much for stopping by!

Once again please welcome Sheila, from One Person's Journey Through a World of Books, as this week's Guest Reviewer. This is Sheila’s second time as a Guest Reviewer – check out her review of The Book Thief.
******************* Nothing But Ghosts – Beth Kephart
“Grief and all its anguish is at the heart of this story. Reeling from her mother’s death, Katie, 16, takes a summer job on a nearby wealthy estate as part of a work crew constructing a gazebo. As she bonds with her fellow teen worker, Danny, she stumbles across secrets about the beautiful, rich recluse who lives in the big house. Why has wacky Miss Martine not been seen for over 50 years? Is the hole that they’re digging really for the gazebo? With the help of the glamorous town librarian (yes, glamorous), Katie and Danny research local lore in newspaper files and microfilm. The connections between solving the mystery and Katie’s bereavement struggle are sometimes overstated. Her first-person present-tense narrative is clear and lyrical, though, especially in her portrayal of her genius dad, an artist who asks, “How do you paint regret?” and in her discovery that “beauty and sadness can both live in one place.” I found Beth’s writing to be wonderful and detailed. I enjoyed the flash backs of Katie’s mom and even though she was a character who had passed on, her presence in this book is sensed as well as felt, and I think appropriately so. I could imagine the pain of Katie losing her mother at such a tender age, yet trying to be strong for herself as well as her dad – as her dad was for her.
The mystery of Miss Martine in the book is actually a salvation for Katie and her dad. While going about doing what they do, they stumble blindly into something that not only brings them fully into the situation… but binds them together. As the book ends I had a sense of good things to come. The book left me feeling that they would be alright, that doors were opening to a future that in the final chapter as they all sit around the dinner table.
This book is categorized as Young Adult and I can see this being enjoyed by that age group. I certainly enjoyed the read and I will be looking for more from Beth Kephart in the future. Readers, I recommend you spend some time this summer with Nothing But Ghosts.
******************* As always, I really want to thank Sheila for taking the time to come up with such a great review! If anyone else has a great book to recommend to high school students, please email me (my profile has the address). Check out this post for more information on how to become a guest reviewer.
Please remember to check out Sheila's blog, One Person's Journey Through a World of Books, and share some book love.

Thanks again, Sheila, for the great review and for being the first Guest Reviewer to make a second appearance! Thanks!

The post you are about to read is 100 % **Role Play

All the characters represented here (please see the list of all Role Players provided below ) with the exception of Lisa and myself are **Role Players from a group on twitter. They have agreed to role play with us to help celebrate not only our Halloween Event, but also to help share our love for the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by author J.R. Ward, as these Role Players are also huge fans of J.R. Ward's works.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT NO ONE with this site/blog, Lisa’s site/blog nor the role-playing group — which you can find with the list of twitter accounts provided — is in any way, shape or form connected to or affiliated with J.R. Ward. No one present or represented here is J.R. Ward, nor is the role playing intended for any purpose other than the personal enjoyment of the Role Players involved.

Warning: This story contains mature and adult themes. L/J: *trying to get the topic back on track* Okay then, since were talking about Vampire movies and all, what do you think about the TV shows out there that have Vampires of the non-sparkly variety in them? Such as say… The Vampire Diaries or True Blood?

@Vishous_BDB: Only if we want a laugh, true?
@BellaR_BDB: I’ve heard of the shows from some of the followers, but I haven’t watched them. Do you watch them? *glancing at L and J*
@Tohrment_BDB: *shakes head* I don't watch shows about teenagers, first. And the True Blood stuff? Some of the humans on twitter complained about it being all wrong, so I've kept my distance.

L/J: So, being that we found you on twitter, which is great and amazing to get a chance to check in with each of you nightly… it looks like you all have fun with it? Was it you @Vishous_BDB who got them all hooked? And if not, how did you all get started with it?

@Vishous_BDB: Yeah I thought it would be a good way to get our stories out there. It worked, we have had several people tell us they read the books because of us.

L/J: @Vishous_BDB Your right, it is a great way to further spread the word about each of your stories.

@Vishous_BDB: *nods knowing I am always right*
@Rhage_BDB: I hate to admit he is right *nods at @Vishous_BDB* But he was.
@Tohrment_BDB: That's V's big brain working over time again. It's been a good ride, so far.
@Phury_BDB: V got us started. At first it did seem awkward for some of us, myself included. But it has been interesting.
@Wrath_BDB: I’ll admit to not being completely sold on the idea of twitter at first. I couldn’t figure out who had time for this shit. But as the leader of the vampire race, I’m finding it to be an excellent communication tool as well as the best form of agitation for the @Scribe_Virgin I’ve seen in a couple hundred years. *smirks*
@MaryL_BDB: The whole Twitter thing fascinates me. People are so friendly and they genuinely seem to care about us as people, not just us as figments of their imaginations. Maybe you could give us some insight into that. Why do people we don’t know follow our lives so closely? Not that I don’t love it!
@BethR_BDB: Everyone is really friendly and supportive of us.
@MarissaH_BDB: I have to agree with @BethR_BDB and MaryL_BDB. Everyone has been so kind on Twitter. When things between @Butch_BDB and myself were uncertain so many people has such kind and supportive words.

L/J: @MaryL_BDB & everyone… to answer your question, I think we follow each of you because after reading your stories we feel like we know you, even just the slightest bit. That this is our way to stay connected to you and see where each of you are in your lives while waiting the long way for the next book/chapter to begin within your world. And trust me, it’s a long wait…

L: Actually *blushing* – Jessica dared me to send a message to @Rehvenge_BDB and that’s how this whole interview came about. He suggested I speak to @Wrath_BDB. *Looks to @Rehvenge_BDB*, by the way, thanks again.

@Rehvenge_BDB: *standing, using the cane to lead my way to you* It was my sublime pleasure. *taking up your hand, stroking a thumb over the inside of your wrist… and FEEDING on your anxiety before heading back to the game*

L: *Stares at @Rehvenge_BDB and his purple eyes. Wonder if that really just happened. Hearing @Wrath_BDB’s tone – shaking head to clear the haze bringing me back to the room*

@Wrath_BDB: Rehv. Cut the shit, man. She’s my guest and I won’t have you using her.

L: Well, *still nervous* you somewhat intimidate us, though we thoroughly enjoy following along, so we both lurk. Maybe after this we won’t lurk as much?

@Butch_BDB: What the hell is there to be intimidated of? *grins*
@Vishous_BDB: True that.

J: @Butch_BDB — maybe it’s just that each of you, well the males at least, radiate so much testosterone… or it could just be the fangs.

@Butch_BDB: *smirks*
@MarissaH_BDB: It’s always nice to talk with everyone one Twitter. But I was nervous about talking with people in the beginning- it was something outside of anything the gylmera would ever have approved.
@BethR_BDB: There’s no need to be intimidated. I enjoy talking with everyone.

L/J: @MarissaH_BDB & BethR_BDB – Thank you so much for making us feel so welcome and inviting us in. Thanks to each of you really.

@MarissaH_BDB: *smiles warmly*
@Rhage_BDB: Yeah, you should talk to us. A lot.

J: @Rhage_BDB — now that we have had a chance to get to know you all, I definitely think we will be chatting with you a lot more.

@Tohrment_BDB: Hey, reach out, we don't bite *laughs*

L: @Tohrment_BDB *laughing with you* did you really just say that?

@Tohrment_BDB: *thinks to the immediate past* Yeah, I did. *winks*
@Qhuinn_BDB: *grins* No lurking allowed, ladies. Maybe a Corona or two will loosen you up a bit?

L: @Qhuinn_BDB *slight smile* well, while Corona is one of my favorite beers, I’d much rather have some Tequila. *blushing*

@Qhuinn_BDB: *Grins at Lisa, holding up a lime and the salt shaker* I've got the Heradurra right here, babe. Body shots on me?

L: *stares at @Qhuinn_BDB Speechless*

J: @Qhuinn_BDB actually, right about now I could use one… Could you pass one over?

@Blaylock_BDB: Truly, be at ease. We really enjoy interacting with our followers. Oh, and ignore @Qhuinn_BDB. I try to. *smiles, blushing slightly*

J: *giggles after drinking* Aww @Blaylock_BDB you’re just too sweet! *walks across the room and touches his cheek. Thinking this Corona is starting to relax me*

@Blaylock_BDB: *blushing brighter at your touch* Thanks.

J: Um, how about a question for each of you? Do you enjoy reading and if so, what’s your favorite type of story?

@Butch_BDB: Mysteries for me. The cop in me never really went away totally.
@Vishous_BDB: I love to read. Everything. I have thousands of books. I enjoy anything that makes me think.
@Tohrment_BDB: I like to read vampire stories for a good laugh and conspiracy theory fiction. The DaVinci Code wasn't bad. I can also read about cars for days. The Complete Book of Corvette and Porsche: Excellence Was to be Expected are two of my faves. Lots of beauty in those pages. *Thinks about the Stingray* I think that covers it.
@Rehvenge_BDB: Mob stories. Big fan. *enigmatic grin*
@Zsadist_BDB: *lips curl in a smile* Anything Nalla wants me to read to her.

L: @Zsadist_BDB Oh, I almost forgot – here *passes to @Zsadist_BDB* I brought this book for Nalla. I found it just the other day and thought she might like it. It’s called Cloudette. *smiles*

@Zsadist_BDB: *smiling — nods* Nalla will love it. Thank you *glances over at Nalla and Bella, smile widens*
@Phury_BDB: I enjoy reading a wide variety of things.
@Wrath_BDB: *shakes head* Unless I can get something in Braille otherwise @BethR_BDB reads to me. I love hearing her voice, so it’s all good.
@BethR_BDB: I enjoy anything I can read to Wrath. But I’m not going to lie; I like a good Nicholas Sparks book just as much as the next female.
@BellaR_BDB: I like romance novels. *smiles* I like happy ever afters.
@EhlenaA_BDB: I read everything I can get my hands on. *looks to @Rehvenge_BDB* I’m currently reading “Mind Manipulation: Ancient and Modern Ninja Techniques”… you know… gotta stay sharp.

J: @EhlenaA_BDB — Same here. I try to read a variety of different books. Never know what ones may turn into favorites. *thinking of picking up that book… never know when it may come in handy*

@MaryL_BDB: I’m very much a reader. Currently I’m reading Our Synaptic Selves, though usually I read the latest in childhood disorders. The field changes so fast, it’s hard to keep up.
@MarissaH_BDB: Well, I’ve been enjoying reading books that @MaryL_BDB found for me as wonderful reference points for SafePlace. I continue to feel like there is so much that I don’t know.
@Qhuinn_BDB: *runs a hand through my dark, spiky hair* Hmm… Do video game guides count
@Blaylock_BDB: *laughs* Um… no, @Qhuinn_BDB, video game guides don’t count. We’ve been pretty busy lately, but I really like Joe Hill.
@Lassiter_BDB: I prefer TV.

L: @Lassiter_BDB how did I know you were going to say that? *laughing*
J: @Lassiter_BDB oh, do you mean more of those Lifetime Movies that were mentioned before.

@Lassiter_BDB: Exactly. Classy TV.
@CormiaC_BDB: I have been devouring every book about architecture that @Phury_BDB has been able to find for me. And human history books. I’m intimately familiar with our race’s history but now I’m curious about other histories.

L/J: This one is for the Shellans – how do you each put up with all the fighting? *glances over to see @Tohrment_BDB and looks away sad to have asked such a question*

@Tohrment_BDB: *Knowing I'm going to have to ride this out, it's what Wellsie wanted for me. Resolved to stick around no matter how thick it gets, trying to focus on sinking my next shot instead.*
@MarissaH_BDB: I’d be lying if I said I didn’t worry every time @Butch_BDB goes out hunting--what he does is different than what the other Brothers do, and it will always frighten me. But I trust him, and I trust that he will do everything in his power to come home to me each night. *sees @Butch_BDB watching me, smiles at him in return*
@Butch_BDB: *winks at @MarissaH_BDB*
@CormiaC_BDB: I knew @Phury_BDB first as the Primale and a warrior, so I always knew this was part of who he is. It doesn’t mean I don’t worry, because I do. But I know that he and his Brothers are fighting for our entire race, and that’s a calling greater than my worry. And besides, he’s already proven he’s stronger than even he knew… *smiles proudly at @Phury_BDB*
@DocJaneW_BDB: *Looking up from the plans for the new clinic and shaking my head* You just can't think about it. *glancing over at V who's leaning on his cue, smiling at him* And I'll be damned if I ever lose any of them should they need my expertise.
@BellaR_BDB: *looks at Nalla* I worry. I try not to, but I do. *looks over at @Zsadist_BDB* But even while I’m worrying, I know that @Zsadist_BDB will always do everything in his power to come home to us. And I choose to believe that he will.
@MaryL_BDB: *sighs* I know it’s important to him, to his Brothers, so I just kiss him before he goes and then hold my breath until he comes home. I think I’m comforted by my pet, the one he calls “the beast”. Well, his beast and I have an arrangement. He keeps my Rhage safe and I scratch him behind the ears when he gets home. *giggles and winks @Rhage_BDB*
@BethR_BDB: I know how frustrating it is that @Wrath_BDB can’t be out fighting alongside his brothers, but he has a responsibility to the race as their King which he takes very seriously. I worry about the other warriors who are out in the streets every night, hunting down lessers and keeping us safe. @Wrath_BDB worries about even more than I do, and I don’t like to think of how hard he would take it if something happened to one of them.
@EhlenaA_BDB: I don’t worry overly much about @Rehvenge_BDB fighting. His battles are waged on a different field. *taps head*

L: The strength each of you has is amazing. I can hear it in your voices; see it in your body language. The conviction in our words comes shining through when speaking of such a hard subject. Thank you for your honest answers.

@DocJaneW_BDB: *nods* You're welcome. You have to be strong to handle one of these males, trust me. All the women here are tough as nails, couldn't be happier to find myself in their ranks.
@BellaR_BDB: *smiling* You’re welcome.

L/J: *gets up to walk around – seeing how natural they all are with each other, makes my/our nerves settle some* (hearing laughing over a game of pool between @Vishous_BDB & @Tohrment_BDB we walk over to check it out.*

@Vishous_BDB: *taking a shot*

L: Who’s winning?

@Vishous_BDB: *nods at @Tohrment_BDB* Want to play winner?
@Tohrment_BDB: *Eying the 3 ball, knowing I can bank it in if V misses his next shot*

J: Ohhh, no, we’re still playing Monopoly with @Wrath_BDB, @Rehvenge_BDB, @Zsadist_BDB, @Phury_BDB. We just came over to see what you guys were laughing about?

@Vishous_BDB: Well you did bring up the sparkly vamps so we had to give @Rhage_BDB some flack, true?
@Rhage_BDB: *flips V off*
@Tohrment_BDB: *shaking my head at all the sparkle talk*
@Lassiter_BDB: *still glowing* What is wrong with sparkle?
@Rehvenge_BDB: *finally absconding with Park Place AND Boardwalk, nailing the Brothers with sly amethyst eyes* Just hand over your banks now, ladies. *steepled fingers*

L: Who’s winning at the monopoly game? Oh… not sure, but I believe @Wrath_BDB might be. *feeling less and less nervous, but knowing it can return at anytime with so many males of this size packed into this room.*

@Rehvenge_BDB: *pulling all Z’s internal outrage for a snack and replacing it with the overwhelming desire to bake Halloween cupcakes*
@Zsadist_BDB: *feeling like I want to bake some cupcakes – shakes head and glares at @Rhevenge_BDB * You Fu… *growls*
@Wrath_BDB: *grins* Of course I’m winning. And Rehv? Park Place and Boardwalk mean nada. *laughs*
@Rehvenge_BDB: *shouts above the music that it’s Jessica’s turn*

L/J: *looking up at @Vishous_BDB, @Rhage_BDB, @Tohr_BDB & @Butch_BDB over the pool table* we’ll come back again in a few… *walking back over to the couch – noticing @John_MatthewBDB and @Xhex_BDB have joined the group* `1

Be sure to come back tomorrow night for the 3rd and final part of our interview! You won't want to miss out it AND we'll have another surprise tomorrow night as well!

If you would like to follow along with the all the Black Dagger Brotherhood Twitter Role Players is part of this group, please USE GOOGLE to easily follow each character. And trust me, you don't know what your missing! So hurry and follow today!

@FritzDoggen_BDB Online: (updates, notes and information on the Twitter Role Playing Group)

Website | Twitter

Order All 8 books in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series and Preorder book 9 Online here:

Amazon | Borders | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository

Thank you so much to all the characters from the Black Dagger Brotherhood Twitter Role Play group for all the time and effort they have been putting in to help us celebrate not only Halloween and our event, but also our love for all that is the Brotherhood and J.R. Ward.

Reference:

**Role Play

–verb (used with object)
1. to assume the attitudes, actions, and discourse of (another), esp. in a make-believe situation in an effort to understand a differing point of view or social interaction: Management trainees were given a chance to role-play labor negotiators.
2. to experiment with or experience (a situation or viewpoint) by playing a role: trainees role-playing management positions.
–verb (used without object)
3. to engage in role-playing.

Interview by Lisa (L) & Jessica (J)

All who are attending?

Playing Pool are Vishous_BDB & @Tohrment_BDB with @Butch_BDB and @Rhage_BDB playing next.
Playing Monopoly are @Rehvenge_BDB, @Zsadist_BDB, @Wrath_BDB, @Phury_BDB, and Jessica and I.
@BellaR_BDB and @BethR_BDB are playing with Nalla.
@DocJaneW_BDB, @MaryL_BDB, @CormiaC_BDB, @EhlenaA_BDB, and @MarissaH_BDB are looking over more plans for the medical facility while waiting for a shellan monopoly. It is much calmer. No daggers.
@John_MatthewBDB and @Xhex_BDB come in later, still in honeymoon phase they are… looking happy.
@Qhuinn_BDB and @Blaylock_BDB are playing Xbox.
@Lassiter_BDB flutters from group to group inputting his two cents.
@FritzDoggen_BDB serving crepes and drinks.

Check out Lisa's Haunted Halloween post! NOTE: This post will be the same on both of our blogs.

REMINDER: *If you are interested in the COMMENT CONTEST, remember to include your email address with your comment for an extra entry! Please ready full entry rules HERE.

Industrial Magic by Kelley Armstrong Publisher: Orbit (September 2nd, 2004) Reading Level: Adult Paperback: 528 pages Series: Women of the Otherworld, book #4 Meet the smart, sexy—supernatural—women of the otherworld. This is not your mother’s coven…
Kelley Armstrong returns with the eagerly awaited follow–up to Dime Store Magic. Paige Winterbourne, a headstrong young woman haunted by a dark legacy, is now put to the ultimate test as she fights to save innocents from the most insidious evil of all…
In the aftermath of her mother’s murder, Paige broke with the elite, ultraconservative American Coven of Witches. Now her goal is to start a new Coven for a new generation. But while Paige pitches her vision to uptight thirty–something witches in business suits, a more urgent matter commands her attention.
Someone is murdering the teenage offspring of the underworld’s most influential Cabals—a circle of families that makes the mob look like amateurs. And none is more powerful than the Cortez Cabal, a faction Paige is intimately acquainted with. Lucas Cortez, the rebel son and unwilling heir, is none other than her boyfriend. But love isn’t blind, and Paige has her eyes wide open as she is drawn into a hunt for an unnatural–born killer. Pitted against shamans, demons, and goons, it’s a battle chilling enough to make a wild young woman grow up in a hurry. If she gets the chance.

Personal Demon by Kelley Armstrong Publisher: Spectra (March 25th, 2008) Reading Level: Adult Paperback: 523 pages Series: Women of the Otherworld, book #8 In her acclaimed Women of the Otherworld series, Kelley Armstrong has created a scintillating realm where the supernatural and the human coexist on the edge of darkness, romance, and eternity. Now Armstrong tells the captivating tale of a young woman with an insatiable lust for danger. She can’t help it. It’s in her blood. Tabloid reporter Hope Adams appears to live the life of an ordinary working girl. But in addition to possessing the beauty of a Bollywood princess, Hope has other unique traits. For she is a half demon—a human fathered by a demon. And she’s inherited not only a gift for seeing the past but a hunger for chaos—along with a talent for finding it wherever she can. Naturally, when she’s chosen by a very dangerous group for a very dangerous mission, she jumps at the chance…

The head of the powerful Cortez Cabal—a family that makes the mob look like amateurs—has a little problem in Miami: a gang of wealthy, bored offspring of supernaturals is getting out of hand, and Hope is needed to infiltrate. As spells, astral projections, and pheromones soar across South Beach, Hope weaves her way through its elite hot spots, posing as upscale eye candy and reading the auras of the clientele—and potential marks.

Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a SIGNED copy of Industrial Magic and Personal Demon, and a signed bookplate.

• You must be at least 17 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US ONLY and ends November 2nd.
• Once contacted the winner will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Find out more about Kelley Armstrong Kelley Armstrong / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook
Purchase books from her Women of the Otherworld series Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

* Check out Lisa's Haunted Halloween post.

*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.

Courtney Cole, the author of If You Stay, is here today for an interview. You can click the banner above to see her tour stops and be sure to check out the giveaway below!

1. I have to say that the cover for IF YOU STAY is amazing. It is perfect for the book. What did you have in mind for this cover and what did you think once you saw it finished?

Well, first I'd like to say thank you so much for having me here.: ) I really appreciate it.
And my cover… I love it too. Sarah Hansen did a beautiful job. This was exactly what I had in mind. I wanted Pax to be front and center- and I wanted his vulnerability to show. I think it comes through loud and clear in this cover. And when I first saw it… I was breathless. It was perfect.

2. Pax is very strong-willed and flawed, to say the least. Was it difficult writing from his point-of-view?

He definitely is. He's stubborn, he's opinionated and he lacks the ability to be cautious or afraid of anything. He doesn't care about himself or anything else, and he definitely doesn't care how his actions affect anyone else. At least, that's how he was in the beginning. Surprisingly, it wasn't that hard to connect with Pax. I knew exactly how I wanted his personality to be, so I just tried to think that way too. I have a husband and two teenage boys, so I've been schooled on how men really think sometimes. And the thing with Pax is that in the beginning, he didn't have a filter. He said and did whatever he wanted to do.

3. Developing a character that could steal Pax's heart must have been hard. What qualities did you know Mila had to possess in order to achieve this?

Well, it wasn't really that hard. I knew it would take someone who was his polar opposite, but I also knew I had to put them in a unique circumstance so that he could really see her for the beautiful person that she is. I knew he would need to see that she is much more than a pretty face. A mere pretty face wouldn't have swayed him.

After she saves his life, he sees her as a breath of fresh air, something light which is opposite of the dark that he considers himself to be. He was intrigued from the start, mainly because he couldn't fathom that she would actually give him mouth-to- mouth in that circumstance. In his world, someone wouldn't have gone out of their way like that. But Mila did it without a thought. And that fascinated Pax.

4. Can you share a few of your favorite lines from the book?

Yikes. This is a hard one. Hmm. Toward the end, there is a great scene."Love never fails, Mila. And I'll never fail you again. That's a promise." I love that one because Pax had come so far.
Another one that I like is a thought of Pax's, from the beginning part of the book."She's like a breath of fresh air. I may be the big bad wolf, but even wolves need to breathe."

5. Can you give us a hint to what you will be working on next?

Yes. I'm working on a companion novel to If You Stay. It is titled If You Leave and it will follow Madison Hill, Mila's sister. Maddy is a pretty fascinating character and I can't wait until you get to know her better.

Thank you again for having me here with you today. It's been a pleasure!

If You Stay by Courtney Cole
Published: Lakehouse Press (February 5th, 2013)
Reading Level: New Adult
ebook: 220 pages
Summary:
24-year old Pax Tate is an asshole.
Seriously.

He’s a tattooed, rock-hard bad-boy with a bad attitude to match.

But he’s got his reasons.

His mother died when Pax was seven, leaving a hole in his heart filled with guilt although he doesn’t understand why. What he does know is that he and his dad are left alone and with more issues than they can count.

As Pax grew up, he tried to be the kid his father always wanted; the perfect golden boy, but it didn’t work. His dad couldn’t overcome his grief long enough to notice and Pax couldn’t keep up the impossible perfect façade.
So he slipped far, far from it.

Now, he uses drugs and women to cope with the ugliness, the black void that he doesn’t want to deal with. If he pretends that the emptiness isn’t there, then it isn’t, right?
Wrong.

And it’s never more apparent than when he meets Mila.
Sweet, beautiful Mila Hill is the fresh air to his hardened frown, the beauty to his ugly heart. He doesn’t know how to not hurt her, but he quickly realizes that he’s got to figure it out because he needs her to breathe.

When memories of his mother’s death resurface from where he’s repressed them for so long, Mila is there to catch him when the guilt starts making sense. Mila is the one… the one who can save him from his broken troubled heart; from his issues, from the emptiness.

But only if he can stop being an asshole long enough to allow it.

He knows that. And he’s working on it.

But is that enough to make her stay?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

1. In the series Vamped, Gina is a total fashionista. If you suddenly became a vampire, would you make sure you were at least a stylish one?

3. Can you share with us some tips to being a fashionable vampire?

4. Can you tell us the scoop on Vamped book 2, ReVamped? What is in the future for this series?

Vamped by Lucienne Diver Publisher: Flux (May 1st, 2009) Reading Level: Young Adult Paperback: 340 pages Series: Vamped, book #1 Gina Covello's Perks and Pitfalls
of Vamp Life
1. Hello?! Eternal youth and beauty!

2. Free. Designer. Clothes.

3. My hot new boyfriend Bobby went from chess dud to vamp stud.

4. No reflection! First order of business: turn my own stylist to stop the downward spiral from chic to eek.

5. Vampire vixen Mellisande has taken an interest in my boyfriend, and is now transforming the entire high school into her own personal vampire army. If anyone's going to start their own undead entourage it should be me.

I guess I'll just have to save everyone from fashion disasters and other fates worse than death.

Find Lucienne Diver Lucienne Diver / Blog / Goodreads / Twitter

Purchase Vamped Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

Passion (Fallen #3) by Lauren Kate (Delacorte Books for Young Readers 6/14/2011) From Bad to Cursed (Bad Girls Don't Die #2) by Katie Alender (Hyperion 6/14/2011) Trial by Fire (Raised by Wolves #2) by Janenifer Lynn Barnes (Egmont USA 6/14/2011)

Ordinary Beauty by Laura Weiss (MTV Books 6/14/2011) The Demon's Surrender (The Demon's Lexicon #3 (Margaret K. McElderry Books 6/14/2011) Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey (Walker Childrens 6/21/2011)

A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young (Balzer & Bray 6/21/2011) Uncommon Criminals (Heist Society #2) by Ally Carter (Hyperion 6/21/2011) Witches of East End (The Beauchamp Family #1) by Melissa de la Cruz (Hyperion 6/21/2011)

Dead Rules by Randy Russell (HarperTeen 6/21/2011) Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma (Simon Pulse 6/28/2011) Sharks & Boys by Kristen Tracy (Hyperion 6/28/2011)

Hourglass (Hourglass #1) by Myra McEntire (Egmont USA 6/14/2011) Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz (Harlequin Teen 6/28/2011)

If you know of any other new releases for June 14th-30th feel free to add them in the comments so others will know about them!

... or should I say The Pick Up? Excuse the pizza reference.
On Saturday night I braved the snow, wind, and ice (true story, I almost died!) to travel to Barnes and Noble on my mission to obtain a precious Nook.

Upon my safe arrival to the Motherland, I was on a mission; but all great missions do need a detour, so I of course looked through the YA section but did not buy (buying ban). When I felt completely down about bidding farewell to all the beautiful books I would not be taking home with me, I went to the front of the store for one more last look-see.
This last look-see took me forty minutes. I know, it's ridiculous. I was up all night of Friday going through my decisions and I had decided on a regular Nook. But once I was there, the Color looked so fancy and nice and... worth it! Then another woman came up, a very nice woman who was also a teacher, and introduced herself. I asked her (Midwesterns aren't afraid to ask the input of strangers) how she felt about her Nook Color. She said she adored it! She used it for everything! She listed all of the amazing programs and capabilities. She vouched for it like I vouch for a good book. She was such a good voice for the Nook Color that I almost walked out with it. Almost.
I realized that all of the things I could do with a Nook Color I can do with my iPod Touch. I tried to tell myself that I could blog and check my Google Reader from the Nook Color, but the fact of the matter is... I don't want to be able to that when I'm reading. I have a hard enough time staying focused when reading what with Twitter, Google Reader, Goodreads, etc! I just want to be able to escape into a novel. I could barely read the text with all the glare in the store, I didn't want to think about the glare when reading outside. So I had to ask myself, "Do you want to be able to do everything else but read, or do you want to read?" The answer was, obviously, I want to read. Don't get me wrong, I'm pretty jealous of everyone with a Nook Color, but for me this was the best choice. With my iPod Touch and someday with my iPad, I want a reading device for reading.

So please, welcome to Miss Remmers' Review, Sam — The Nook! Who is now best buddies with Max the Mac!

In case you're wondering — the first book I downloaded was Shannon Delany's "Beasts and BFFs " and the following:

• DEAD(ish) — $0 Barnes and Noble.com
• Danger in the Shadows — $0 Barnes and Noble.com
• The Demon Girl — $0 Barnes and Noble.com
• StarWars (Lost Tribe of the Sith — #1, #2, #3, #4, #5) — $0 Barnes and Noble.com (for D)
• A World Without Heroes — Galley Grab
• One Hundred Candles — NetGalley
• Outside In — NetGalley
• Populazzi — NetGalley
• Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer — NetGalley
• The Glory of Green — NetGalley

Like last week, this week I've accomplished next to nothing in regards to the blog. I have, however, somehow stayed one step ahead of homework. It was a crazy week at school; I had TWO Harry Potter papers due on Monday, THREE presentations on Tuesday, ONE LARGE (12 pages) Harry Potter paper due on Wednesday, a presentation and a test on Thursday, and Friday I left for the Cities to attend "Beauty and the Beast" with my mom. I ended up starting that large HP paper on Tuesday night at 8pm and SOMEHOW finished by 3am. Like I said, "one step ahead".

I am still hosting a contest — "Thanksgiving at the Inn" is the perfect book to come out of the Halloween season with. I loved it! AND I decided to extend the deadline until November 15th! I am slightly disappointed that more people aren't interested in it — only one so far! And I have TWO copies to giveaway! Pity... (hint hint).

This week I reviewed a grammar book, posted my October Wrap Up post, photos of my bookshelf, and a Halloween Recap post.

Leslie was also this week's Guest Reviewer — donating her review of Perfect Chemistry. Please share some book love and visit her at That Chick That Reads.

Still at 30 amazing followers.:)

My goal for this week is to, again, stay ahead of the homework AND focus a bit more on my recreational reading and this blog. Hopefully next week my Sunday Salon will be a bit more exciting.:)

(Again, for the third week in a row...) Also, each week I'm going to start making a "To Do" list for blog related things — not just reading. It's soon to be the time of year when I'll be sending the HTML address for Miss Remmers' Review out to prospective school districts and I want to make sure it is "spot on". if you have any ideas as to how to make this blog more awesome — please let me know.

• Rewrite/hone my Guest Reviewer 's post.
• Rewrite/hone my Mission post.
• Proofread/Professionalize Review: "A Circle of Souls "
• Proofread/Professionalize Review: "A Vengeful Spirit "
• Proofread/Professionalize Review: "Audrey, Wait "
  

Happy Sunday everyone!

What did you finish this week?

From Amazon.com...

"When Bella Swan moves from sunny Phoenix to Forks, Washington, a damp and dreary town known for the most rainfall in the United States, to live with her dad, she isnt expecting to like it. But the level of hostility displayed by her standoffish high school biology lab partner, Edward Cullen, surprises her. After several strange interactions, his preternatural beauty, strength, and speed have her intrigued. Edward is just as fascinated with Bella, and their attraction to one another grows. As Bella discovers more about Edwards nature and his family, she is thrown headlong into a dangerous adventure that has her making a desperate sacrifice to save her one true love."

Well, I was pleasantly surprised. I shouldn't be that surprised — what with all of the praise and all. I found myself yearning (yes, actually yearning) to watch the movie — even though I really disliked it! I'm not quite sure what that was about — but, really... I was counting my cash and getting ready to drive the thirty miles to the nearest Walmart (but then discovered that I only had $24 and couldn't afford the movie AND the gas that would be necessary to get the movie — so what did I do? I asked my parents of course to pick it up for me on their way back from a golfing tournament in South Dakota). I still don't think I'll really enjoy the movie — but just the idea of connecting with the characters on that level (alright, I'll admit it — Edward is amazingly Darcy like).

But ANYWAY!:) I enjoyed this book and found myself thinking about it when I wasn't reading it (always a good indicator of a good book). The narrative tone really sucked me in from the first page — I could feel Bella's despair of moving and I could relate to her hatred of the rain and clouds. I'm a Minnesota girl through and through — but I much prefer a sunny snowy day than a cloudy rainy day. The sarcasm really unique — I don't think I've ever read anything that I can compare it too... so honest. But it was subtle too — not over done. It was probably my favorite part of the book.

Of course, if you've read about my love/hate relationship — I should address how I feel about Bella, and I'll try not to compare it to 'movie Bella'. She seemed like she was or wanted to remain independent — but after meeting Edward she seemed very clingy and needy — but I've never been in love so it could just be me. I think I didn't hate her as much as I thought I would because I loved the narrative and tone so much. So unique and just, I don't know, against the grain. So much of YA literature seems to depict the same heroine. Bella brought a very refreshing voice to the mix.

I will say, that it really bothered me that Stephanie Meyer felt like she had to constantly remind readers that Bella was clumsy. Obviously, because of the ending, I'm sure. But still — it was over done and completely redundant. Very annoying.

And obviously, I'd better at least mention Edward Cullen. While I'm not completely crazy about 'movie' Edward — I really like 'book' Edward (gasp!). Not Darcy-obsessed, but I can see why Walmart is running with the Edward craze.

Overall, I can see why people like this book. I'll definitely be starting New Moon tomorrow, if not tonight.

I read Twilight while watching bits and pieces of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire on ABC Family. I thought it was kind of tragically ironic.

This is another hard list for me. There are so many amazing books coming out next year. Here are j ust a few o f the ones I am looking forw ard to.

Title: Sweet Peril
Author: Wendy Higgins
Publisher: HarperTeen
Add to Goodreads
Anna Whitt, the daughter of a guardian angel and a demon, promised herself she’d never do the work of her father—polluting souls. She’d been naive to make such a vow. She’d been naive about a lot of things.

Haunted by demon whisperers, Anna does whatever she can to survive, even if it means embracing her dark side and earning an unwanted reputation as her school’s party girl. Her life has never looked more bleak. And all the while there’s Kaidan Rowe, son of the Duke of Lust, plaguing her heart and mind.

When an unexpected lost message from the angels surfaces, Anna finds herself traveling the globe with Kopano, son of Wrath, in an attempt to gain support of fellow Nephilim and give them hope for the first time. It soon becomes clear that whatever freedoms Anna and the rest of the Neph are hoping to win will not be gained without a fight. Until then, Anna and Kaidan must put aside the issues between them, overcome the steamiest of temptations yet, and face the ultimate question: is loving someone worth risking their life?

Title: Taken Author: Erin Bowman Publisher: HarperTeen Add to Goodreads There are no men in Claysoot. There are boys—but every one of them vanishes at midnight on his eighteenth birthday. The ground shakes, the wind howls, a blinding light descends… and he’s gone.

They call it the Heist.

Gray Weathersby’s eighteenth birthday is mere months away, and he’s prepared to meet his fate–until he finds a strange note from his mother and starts to question everything he’s been raised to accept: the Council leaders and their obvious secrets. The Heist itself. And what lies beyond the Wall that surrounds Claysoot–a structure that no one can cross and survive.

Climbing the Wall is suicide, but what comes after the Heist could be worse. Should he sit back and wait to be taken–or risk everything on the hope of the other side?

Title: Things I Can't Forget
Author: Miranda Kenneally
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Add to Goodreads
Companion to Catching Jordan and Stealing Parker.

Kate has always been the good girl. Too good, according to some people at school—although they have no idea the guilty secret she carries. But this summer, everything is different…

This summer she’s a counselor at Cumberland Creek summer camp, and she wants to put the past behind her. This summer Matt is back as a counselor too. He’s the first guy she ever kissed, and he’s gone from a geeky songwriter who loved The Hardy Boys to a buff lifeguard who loves to flirt… with her.

Kate used to think the world was black and white, right and wrong. Turns out, life isn’t that easy…

Title: Level 2 Author: Lenore Appelhans Publisher: Simon & Schuster Add to Goodreads Three levels. Two loves. One choice. Debut novelist, Lenore Appelhans has written a thrilling otherworldly young adult novel about a place that exists between our world (Level 1) and what comes after life (Level 2).

'I pause to look around the hive — all the podlike chambers are lit up as the drones shoot up on memories … I've wanted to get out of here before, but now the tight quarters start to choke me. There has to be more to death than this.'

Felicia Ward is dead. Trapped in a stark white afterlife limbo, she spends endless days replaying memories, of her family, friends, boyfriend … and of the guy who broke her heart. The guy who has just broken into Level 2 to find her.

Felicia learns that a rebellion is brewing, and it seems she is the key. Suspended between heaven and earth, she must make a choice. Between two worlds, two lives and two loves.

Title: Boundless
Author: Cynthia Hand
Publisher: HarperTeen
Add to Goodreads
The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her.. even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California — and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one.. With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfil her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

Title: The Forever of Ella & Micha Author: Jessica Sorensen Add to Goodreads It's the kind of love that owns you, the kind that last forever.

Ella and Micha have been through tragedy, heartbreak, and love. When they are with each other, anything seems possible. But the days of racing cars and passionate kisses are gone now that they are thousands of miles apart.

Ella continues going to school and tries to deal with her irrevocable mistakes. She constantly worries about how her life will end up, and with her father in and out of rehab, she’s having a hard time making it through the days. All she wants is Micha by her side, but she refuses to let her problems get in the way of his dreams.

Micha spends his days traveling the country with the band, but he knows something is missing from his life. Being away from Ella is harder than he thought. He wants her closer to him—needs her with him. But he won’t ask her to leave college, just to be with him.

The few moments they do spend together are fleeting, intense, and filled with passion, but it only makes it more difficult when they have to part. They quickly learn that a long-distance relationship is challenging and it tests their love.

They know they want to be together, but is wanting something enough to get them to their forever?

Title: If You Stay
Author: Courtney Cole
Add to Goodreads
24-year old Pax Tate is an asshole.
Seriously.

He’s a tattooed, rock-hard bad-boy with a bad attitude to match.

But he’s got his reasons.

His mother died when Pax was seven, leaving a hole in his heart filled with guilt although he doesn’t understand why. What he does know is that he and his dad are left alone and with more issues than they can count.

As Pax grew up, he tried to be the kid his father always wanted; the perfect golden boy, but it didn’t work. His dad couldn’t overcome his grief long enough to notice and Pax couldn’t keep up the impossible perfect façade.
So he slipped far, far from it.

Now, he uses drugs and women to cope with the ugliness, the black void that he doesn’t want to deal with. If he pretends that the emptiness isn’t there, then it isn’t, right?
Wrong.

And it’s never more apparent than when he meets Mila.
Sweet, beautiful Mila Hill is the fresh air to his hardened frown, the beauty to his ugly heart. He doesn’t know how to not hurt her, but he quickly realizes that he’s got to figure it out because he needs her to breathe.

When memories of his mother’s death resurface from where he’s repressed them for so long, Mila is there to catch him when the guilt starts making sense. Mila is the one… the one who can save him from his broken troubled heart; from his issues, from the emptiness.

But only if he can stop being an asshole long enough to allow it.

He knows that. And he’s working on it.

But is that enough to make her stay?

Title: Date You To Author: Katie McGarry Publisher: Harlequin Teen Add to Goodreads"I dare you… "

If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does…

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all…

Title: Fragments
Author: Dan Wells
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Add to Goodreads
Kira Walker has found the cure for RM, but the battle for the survival of humans and Partials is just beginning. Kira has left East Meadow in a desperate search for clues to who she is. That the Partials themselves hold the cure for RM in their blood cannot be a coincidence--it must be part of a larger plan, a plan that involves Kira, a plan that could save both races. Her companions are Afa Demoux, an unhinged drifter and former employee of ParaGen, and Samm and Heron, the Partials who betrayed her and saved her life, the only ones who know her secret. But can she trust them?

Meanwhile, back on Long Island, what's left of humanity is gearing up for war with the Partials, and Marcus knows his only hope is to delay them until Kira returns. But Kira's journey will take her deep into the overgrown wasteland of postapocalyptic America, and Kira and Marcus both will discover that their greatest enemy may be one they didn't even know existed.

The second installment in the pulse-pounding Partials saga is the story of the eleventh hour of humanity's time on Earth, a journey deep into places unknown to discover the means--and even more important, a reason--for our survival .

Title: Apollyon Author: Janenifer L. Armentrout Publisher: Spencer Hill Press Add to Goodreads Fate isn’t something to mess with… and now, neither is Alex.

Alex has always feared two things: losing herself in the Awakening and being placed on the Elixir. But love has always been stronger than Fate, and Aiden St. Delphi is willing to make war on the gods—and Alex herself—to bring her back.

The gods have killed thousands and could destroy entire cities in their quest to stop Seth from taking Alex’s power and becoming the all-powerful God Killer. But breaking Alex’s connection to Seth isn’t the only problem. There are a few pesky little loopholes in the whole “an Apollyon can’t be killed” theory, and the only person who might know how to stop the destruction has been dead for centuries.

Finding their way past the barriers that guard the Underworld, searching for one soul among countless millions, and then somehow returning will be hard enough. Alex might be able to keep Seth from becoming the God Killer… or she might become the God Killer herself.
Don't forget to share YOUR list in the Linky below! Today's giveaway is hosted by Mindy from Magical Urban Fantasy Reads
NOTE: This is the same Linky on ALL Co-Hosts Blogs.

Reminder: Have you signed up for my Hopping Giveaway? Win Delirium or one of two $25 gift certificates to Barnes and Noble! It's INTERNATIONAL! Only need 15 more to get the added $15 gift certificates to Barnes and Noble!! SIGN UP HERE!

I feel like sometimes all my weekend posts are memes. I don't have a problem with memes, but I don't want it to consume my blog. So, with a new year of blogging resolutions, I'm going to try something different: smash In My Mailbox, Sunday Salon, and It's Monday into one post.

Hosted by The Story Siren. If you want to find out more about it in my blog. Anyway, these are books I got this week at the bookstore, library, and in the mail, of course. So far, I've still been true to my word and haven't purchased a book this week — although I did purchase a NOOK! I did slow down reading this week though and only finished reading two books: Inside Out and Outside In. A week after purchasing Sam — look at all I found for him for free!

For Review:

• "Nocturne" by Syrie James

• "Fade"
• "Gone"
• "The Anatomy of a Boyfriend"
• "The Lost Saint"

• "Populazzi" — NetGalley
• "Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer" — NetGalley
• "The Cellar" — NetGalley
• "The Glory of Green" — NetGalley
• "The Iron Queen" — NetGalley
• "The Lipstick Laws" — NetGalley
• "A World of Without Heroes" — GalleyGrab
• "Always a Witch" — NetGalley
• "Dead is Not an Option" — NetGalley
• "Here Lies Bridget" — NetGalley
• "Jane Austen" — NetGalley
• "Lost Voices" — NetGalley
• "One Hundred Candles" — NetGalley
• "Outside In" — NetGalley
• "Plan B" — NetGalley
• "Beasts and BFFs" — BN.com
• "The Demon Girl" — BN.com
• "Dead(ish)" — BN.com
• "Danger in the Shadows" — BN.com
• "Star Wars: Lost Tribe of the Sith #1" — BN.com
• "Star Wars: Lost Tribe of the Sith #2" — BN.com
• "Star Wars: Lost Tribe of the Sith #3" — BN.com
• "Star Wars: Lost Tribe of the Sith #4" — BN.com
• "Star Wars: Lost Tribe of the Sith #15" — BN.com

Hosted by Sheila — Thank you!

This week I finished "Inside Out" and "Outside In."

Review Books: "When the Stars Go Blue"

My Books/Recreational Read: "How to Say Goodbye in Robot" and "The Twin's Daughter"
Class Books: "The Odyssey"