Author Guest Post: Mike Mullin & A Giveaway - Ashfall Blog Tour

Please welcome Mike Mullin, author of Ashfall, to the blog today!

Top 10 Recent Books that Should Be Read More Than They Are

I love the hit books and the hit series as much as anyone: Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, Graceling, and Gone, for example. I’m also a fan of new entrants Across the Universe and Divergent. But lots of people discuss these—what I want to do is mention ten recent books that deserve more hype than they get. If you’d like to see everything I’m reading or just talk books, become my friend on Goodreads. So here, in no particular order, is my list:

Epitaph Road by David Patneuade

A plague wiped out 97% of men in 2077. Thirty years later, Kellen struggles with being an overprotected and over-controlled teenager in a world dominated by women. When he overhears a conversation between his mother and her ice-queen boss, the thrill ride begins. Notable for the poetry and humor in the epitaphs that lead every chapter, as well as for the story. I’ve reread the book once and the epitaphs three or four times.

Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork

Marcelo is the perfect counterpoint to the flashy action heroes cluttering our movie screens and bookshelves. (Yes, I’m guilty as charged with Alex and ASHFALL.) As a teenager with Asperger’s, he struggles to find his place in the world. Along the way, he’ll be forced to choose: Is it more important to be loyal to family or to do the right thing?

Memento Nora by Angie Smibert

A chillingly plausible dystopian novel that explores the connection between fear and consumerism. I loved the ending—it left me some space for my own interpretation of what just happened and what's coming next.

Nothing by Janne Teller

I don’t even like this book. It’s populated by vicious, unsympathetic teens. But it belongs on this list both because I can’t stop thinking about it and for its fearless writing. Every time I thought: Teller isn’t really going to go there—she did. Buy two copies. Burn one and keep the ashes in a matchbox on your desk. You’ll want the second copy to reread. It’ll make sense after you’ve read the book.

The Pull of Gravity by Gae Polisner

A heady mix of Steinbeck, Yoda, love, death, teenage romance, grief, bizarre diseases, and pitch-perfect teenage romance. Go. Read it now. Thank me later.

The River Between Us by Richard Peck

A novel like a matryoshka doll, as you open each layer, a new and progressively more beautiful surprise awaits within. Peck deals with racial issues and the horrors of The Civil War with nuance, grace, and sophistication. The River Between Us belongs on a shelf with Huckleberry Finn and To Kill a Mockingbird—it’s that good.

Two Moon Princess by Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban

Take one part badass heroine from The Graceling, one part alternate reality from War for the Oaks. Spice liberally with Spanish culture. Shake thoroughly and enjoy well-chilled.

The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell

I love the language in this book. You could open it anywhere and know you’re reading a Victorian story. Let’s try it, shall we? “Perfecting ourselves, Zora and I pretended to check our clutches at the good doctor’s door….” Also has a mystery, forbidden romance, and paranormal twist for those of you who aren’t as geeky about language as I am.

XVI by Julia Karr

Karr envisions a future in which the sexualization of childhood and ubiquity of advertising have reached their nadir. Nina Oberon struggles to define herself in this dystopic society while unraveling a family mystery about her absent father.

You by Charles Benoit

Benoit slices high school open and lays its steaming, stinking entrails on a stainless steel table, ready for the reader's autopsy. It’s also amazing in that it begins and ends with the same few paragraphs of text, but in between, Benoit manages to completely change what the words mean to the reader.

Ashfall releases October 11th!

Giveaway Details:

4 copies of Ashfall are up for grabs over the course of the Ashfall Blog Tour. There is also 1 copy available for international readers. Please verify The Book Depository ships to your country. To improve your chances of winning leave comments on all the Ashfall Blog Tour stops!

Please leave a way to contact (Twitter, email, etc.) you to enter

In your comment mention if you are in the U.S/Canada or international

This or That with Gemma Halliday & a Giveaway - Deadly Cool Blog Tour

Please welcome Gemma Halliday to the blog!

Brains or Brawn – Brains!  Pretty only holds my attention for so long.

Blond or Brunette – Brunette.  I’ve always had a thing for the dark, mysterious type.

Bad Boy or Nice Guy – Nice Guy.  The Nice Guys are the ones who give out the best hugs when Bad Boys break your heart.

Cake or Cupcakes – Cake.  Cakes are bigger!

White Chocolate or Dark Chocolate – White Chocolate.

Sunrise or Sunset – Sunset.  I am so not a morning person.

Flip Flops or Heels – Heels.  I’m only 5’1”.  I need all the extra height I can get!

Lipstick or Lip Gloss – Lip Gloss.

Paris or Rome – Rome.  I’ve got a thing for Italian guys.

Laptop or Desktop – Laptop.  So much easier to throw in my purse!

Mac or PC – PC.  I’m old school.

Puppies or Kittens – Kittens!  Fluffy balls of love!

Thriller or Comedy – Comedy.  Tina Fey is my hero.

Stay Up Late or Wake Up Early – Stay up late!

Black Ink or Blue – Black.  Though my favorite pen writes in sparkly pink. 

Thanks for playing This or That with me!

Gemma’s new book, Deadly Cool, releases October 11th!

Follow the Deadly Cool Blog Tour

Giveaway Details:

Up for grabs is 1 pack of Deadly Cool trading cards

Open Internationally!

Please leave a comment with a way to contact you to enter (Twitter, email, etc.)

Ends 10/5

Review & Giveaway - Forever Texas Blog Tour

Title: Heartstrings and Diamond Rings
Series: No
Author: Jane Graves | Website
Available: 9/27
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reading Level: Adult










Description from Goodreads:


HE'S THE MAN OF HER DREAMS . . . 

In a world full of frogs, Alison Carter is determined to find her prince. Maybe her dating past is more Titanic than Love Boat, but she's seen enough happy marriages to know that true love is possible. No matter what, she won't give up on happily-ever-after. If she can't find Mr. Right, she'll simply hire someone who can. 

SHE JUST DOESN'T KNOW IT YET 

When Brandon Scott inherits a successful matchmaking business, he thinks his prayers have been answered. Set up a few lonely ladies, collect the fee, how hard can it be? No one needs to know he's not really a professional matchmaker-especially not his first client, the beautiful, spirited Alison. Soon he's falling for her-and her dreams of kids and carpools. But Alison is getting close to figuring out his secret, and if she learns he's deceived her too, she'll walk right out the door, taking Brandon's heart with her.


My thoughts:


Heartstrings and Diamond Rings was such a cute book! While I did find Alison’s desperation to meet Mr. Right made me slightly uncomfortable at times, the crazy dates she went on over the course of the book had me laughing out loud despite the uncomfortable moments. Brandon played the role of hunky love interest perfectly. I loved how much chemistry they had. I did really like Alison, but at times she was a little overwhelming. She was just so hard on herself. When she finally relaxed and we got a glimpse of the real Alison, I quickly discovered what an amazing and genuine character she is. Bonus points for Alison owning multiple cats even though I discovered in this novel I’ve reached the quantity of cats that classify me as “crazy” ;)

This novel also stars a fab cast of secondary characters. I especially loved Alison’s dad, Charlie. The interaction between the two was so sweet and heartwarming. I really loved all the quirky characters in Alison’s life. It had that small town, close knit vibe I just can’t get enough of.

The dialogue in Heartstrings and Diamond Rings was so much fun. I adore Jane Graves’s sense of humor and how it shines in her novels. This is only the second book of hers I have read, and it will definitely not be the last.

Cover thoughts: Alison was especially obsessed with the size of her derrière. It would have been nice to see a cover model with a little more junk in the trunk. Just saying ;)

My Rating:

Title: Don't Mess With Texas
Series: Debut!
Author: Christie Craig | Website
Available: Now
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reading Level: Adult












Description from Goodreads:


Nikki Hunt thought her night couldn't get worse when her no-good, cheating ex ditched her at dinner, sticking her with the bill. Then she found his body stuffed in the trunk of her car and lost her two-hundred-dollar meal all over his three-thousand-dollar suit. Now not only is Nikki nearly broke, she's a murder suspect.

Former cop turned PI, Dallas O'Connor knows what it's like to be unjustly accused. But one look at the sexy-though skittish-suspect tells him she couldn't hurt anyone. The lead detective, Dallas's own brother, has the wrong woman and Dallas hopes a little late-night "undercover" work will help him prove it . . .

My thoughts:

Loved it! Don’t Mess With Texas was my first Christie Craig adult novel. I read the first book in her YA series, Born at Midnight, and found I loved the style of writing she displayed. I was eager to check out some of her romance novels aimed at adults. 

Don’t Mess With Texas showcases a perfect combination of humor, wit, and tender moments that actually had me in tears. The POV shifts between numerous characters. While the primary focus is on Dallas and Nikki, we also get to know Dallas’s brother who is trying to win back his wife. Their story will break your heart. Then there is Nikki’s grandmother. I love books with eccentric old folks! I knew she was my kind of character from the moment she showed up in her Annie Oakley costume.

Dallas and Nikki’s relationship actually starts when she barfs on him in a parking lot after she discovers her ex-husband’s body in her trunk. The craziness doesn’t stop there. This novel was so not like any other romance I’ve ever read. How could I not love it? Dallas was smoking hot and Nikki was so sweet, but a little naïve. At times I couldn’t understand why she wasn’t more upset about what was happening to her. It isn’t everyday she was accused of murder. I think that was just part of her personality though. She is the kind of character who worries more about other people than herself. I really liked both of them and the chemistry was sizzling!

This was a fantastic series debut. The character development was some of the best I’ve ever seen and the plot progressed at a nicely moving pace. I’m always impressed when an author can introduce us to so many characters and still produce a book that doesn’t feel overwhelming and manage to wrap up all the loose ends. Christie Craig did just that. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

Giveaway Details:

I have 3 sets of Heartstrings and Diamond Rings & Don't Mess With Texas up for grabs courtesy of Hachette.

Open to residents of the U.S & Canada

No P.O Boxes please

Leave a comment with a way to contact you to enter (email, Twitter, etc.)
+1 for tweeting - leave a link :)

Ends 10/10

Tens List with Christine Seifert - The Predicteds Blog Tour

Please welcome Christine Seifert, author of The Predicteds, to the blog today. She is here to share her favorite teen movies.

I adore teen movies, especially now that I’m not a teenager anymore. There’s something really satisfying about reliving those pivotal moments with the knowledge that you don’t have to do it again. Ever. High school is hard. The bravest people out there are high-schoolers. Most ofus thirty-somethings couldn’t hack it these days. So teen movies are a safe way for all of us toexperience the drama and chaos in a safe and controlled environment.

Here are my faves, including why I think my favorite characters from that movie are admiration-worthy:

10. The Breakfast Club—Emilio Estevez might have had to spend Saturday in detention, but he showed real courage at home in real life. His brother is Charlie Sheen! Imagine what that’s like.

9. She’s All That—Rachel Leigh Cook had to play nerd-girl Laney Boggs and pretend to be homely for like eighty-seven minutes (until she gets the requisite make-over).

8. Pretty in Pink—Molly Ringwald played free-spirited Andie Walsh with grace and charm. And she had to wear pink flowered granny dresses while pretending to like them. Brave.

7. Can’t Buy Me Love—Amanda Peterson got to be golden girl Cindy Mancini, but she had to pull off a two-piece white suede suit with fringe. Not easy, people!

6. Cruel Intentions—Sweet Reese Witherspoon had to go head-to-head with uber-witch Sarah Michelle Gellar. And SMG in this movie makes the real mean girls look like bunny rabbits.

5. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off—Poor Cameron spent the whole movie as a third-wheel to super- cool Ferris and smokin’ hot Sloane Peterson.

4. Clueless—Alicia Silverstone might have had everything, but she also had to resist hunky, idealistic Josh played by a very young and lovable Paul Rudd. Let’s not even get started on that horrible yellow plaid suit she had to wear.

3. Just One of the Guys—This one of those not-watched-enough movies. When it comes on cable, sit down and watch it. Joyce Hyser plays a teen girl who wants to be journalist, but to get the gig, she has to switch high schools and pretend to be a guy. She manages to rock a Pat Benatar haircut with only a minimal laugh factor.

2. Fast Times at Ridgemont High—Sean Penn plays stoner/surfer Jeff Spicoli, and he has to face off with Mr. Hand, the meanest teacher in the history of high school movies. Back in the day, I felt sorry for those kids at Ridgemont. Now I just wish I could be more like Mr. Hand! That’s how I know I’m getting old.

1. Heathers—This is the ultimate high school movie. Everybody either drinks drain cleaner or gets hit by a dump truck. It seems to be some kind of metaphor.

The best thing about high school is that most of the time, it’s not so bad. We all survive it, and then we can watch high school movies and wish that we were back there again.

What are your favorite high school movies? I need a few for my Netflix queue.

*****

What an awesome list! Thanks for sharing it with us.

Christine on the web:

Website | Blog

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Mini Review: As I Wake by Elizabeth Scott

Title: As I Wake
Series or Stand-alone: Stand-alone
Author: Elizabeth Scott - Website
Available: Now
Reading Level: YA
Source: ALA












Description from Goodreads:


Ava is welcomed home from the hospital by a doting mother, lively friends, and a crush finally beginning to show interest. There's only one problem: Ava can't remember any of them - and can't shake the eerie feeling that she's not who they say she is.

Ava struggles to break through her amnesiac haze as she goes through the motions of high-school life, but the memories that surface take place in a very different world, where Ava and familiar-faced friends are under constant scrutiny and no one can be trusted. Ava doesn't know what to make of these visions, or of the boy who is at the center of them all, until he reappears in her life and offers answers . . . but only in exchange for her trust.


My thoughts:


This book was completely and totally not what I expected, and this is why I love it as much as I do. I’m contemplating how much detail to put in my review. I’d truly hate to ruin the ride for anyone else.

I will say this was one fast paced read. I was holding my breath, while anticipating what would come next the majority of the time I was reading. Thank goodness it was under 300 pages. It would have been a shame to pass out from lack of oxygen while reading such a fantastic book.

P.S I want to run (drive, skip, hitchhike) to the closest bookstore & purchase every book Elizabeth Scott has written. I am her newest fangirl.

My Rating:

Author Guest Post: Amber Argyle (Witch Song Blog Tour)

Witch Song author, Amber Argyle, is here to share a 150 words or less bio with us. Welcome, Amber!

You can learn a lot about a person by their scars. Here’s a rundown of mine bottom to top. On my shins, I have numerous scars you can feel easier than see. They’re little divots from hitting metal barrels during my days as a barrel racer.

In the second grade, I used the drawers as a ladder to climb onto the counter and retrieve the

dishes. I jumped down and landed on the metal drawer/ladder. Just above that scar, I have a 3” scar from climbing between a barb wire fence.

I have a c-section scar from two of my three children (we won’t go into the scars from the one who tried to kill me during his birth). It’s weirdly bulging on one side (might have to ask the doctor about that one day). 

I have an oval scar the size of a pumpkin seed on my right index finger. I was leading a horse and he hung back (coincidentally, his name was Rebel). The nylon rope left a third degree burn that took forever to heal.

I have a faded 3” scar from a cat that scratched me at my aunt’s house when I was playing with its kittens. 


I have a 6” scar on the left side of my forehead from a car accident when I was in the fourth grade. It involved a one way bridge, my Mom hurrying us to the Christmas Primary program at our Church, and my father hurrying home from feeding cows.

Amber Argyle on the web:


Website | Blog

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Review & Giveaway: Signs of Martha by Sarah Raymond

Title: Signs of Martha
Series: No
Author: Sarah Raymond
Available: Now
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Contemporary
Source: Author












Description from Goodreads:


Martha, 16, longs to escape pressures to conform to her community and quirky family, and dreams of big-city fame as an artist. Velvet, a local signpainter for agri-business, gives Martha a chance. With an agenda of her own, Velvet urges Martha to create honest messages that will win her an acceptance into art college. To Velvet’s delight, Martha builds a collection of hand-painted, slanderous road signs that badmouth their community. But as soon as the exhibit is mounted, Velvet is gone, the neighbours are outraged, and Martha is forced to make difficult decisions about friends, family and about making art. 


My thoughts:

Signs of Martha is a fast paced read featuring a large cast of quirky characters. Main character, Martha, is struggling between leading the life she wants and the life her parents, sister, boyfriend, and friends seem to expect from her. Spending most of her time doodling, picking cucumbers, and fantasizing about art school. When she meets an eccentric sign painter named Velvet, her dreams of becoming an artist actually seem within reach. Unfortunately, Velvet might be the worst thing to ever happen to unsuspecting Martha.

I adored the characters I met in Signs of Martha. They were all so unique. There were so many moments that had me actually laughing out loud. It wasn’t all fun and games though. Martha finds herself in a tough spot on a few occasions. Especially as a result of the signs she makes. It was very easy to connect and sympathize with Martha throughout the book. So many people who only want the best for her surround her, but they don’t seem to see what Martha wants. This does lead her to make some not so great choices that give readers the chance to see Martha grow so much over this short, but sweet story.

The writing in Signs of Martha is really stellar. Sarah Raymond created such a great cast and paired them with dialogue that suits them perfectly. The pace movies very quickly and at less than 200 pages this would be a great book to spend a rainy afternoon with. If you enjoy a contemporary tales with characters unlike any you’ll meet in other novels, give Signs of Martha a chance!

My Rating:

Follow the Signs of Martha Blog Tour!

Find Sarah Raymond on the web:

Website | Blog 

Add Signs of Martha on Goodreads

Giveaway:

I’m giving away my read once copy of Signs of Martha

Open to the U.S & Canada

Leave a comment with a way to contact you to enter

(Twitter, email, etc.)
Tweet about the giveaway for one extra entry - leave a comment with the link :)

Ends 9/25

ARC Review: Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

Title: Shattered Souls

Author: Mary Lindsey

Available: 12/8/11

Reading Level: YA

Genre: Paranormal

Source: Teen Book Scene

Description from Goodreads:

A thrilling debut story of death, love, destiny and danger

Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.

Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

My thoughts:

I hadn't had the best of luck with books involving reincarnation prior to reading Shattered Souls, but I do love a good ghost story so I knew I had to read this. Thankfully, I enjoyed reading this story immensely. What a relief right? Mary Lindsey wrote a book that I think has the ability to knock readers socks off. It has the paranormal elements and romance that is so hot in YA right now, but she delivers it with a genuinely unique premise.


Shattered Souls is such a perfectly executed tale of ghost stories and past lives. It is a combination guaranteed to please. I find the subject of reincarnation so intriguing, but up until this point I'd found most attempts to explore it in fiction to be a huge let down. Mary Lindsey takes this intriguing topic and really creates something special with it. She has such a great voice, and the plot's pace flowed so wonderfully. 


I loved Lenzi, and her relationship with Alden wasn't typical of what we expect to see in YA, but it was still 100% swoon worthy. Then there is Zak. He is seriously troubled, and the interactions between him and Lenzi really give the book an edge. Things do get a little dark and intense between the two, but it only adds depth and emotion to an all ready well-constructed story. Be warned the suspense in this one is killer. I couldn't bring myself to put it down once I started reading. 


I highly recommend giving this fabulous debut novel a chance to wow you! I don't think you'll be disappointed. I also wanted to add that I think this is a standalone novel, but I would love to read more about the characters I met in Shattered Souls.

My Rating:

Mary Lindsey on the web:

Website | Blog | Twitter

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