{Interview & Giveaway} Lydia Kang, Author of Control

Welcome!! to author Lydia Kang!!

I am so excited not only for her debut to well...debut but also to show you guys our awesome Q&A

AND!! The amazing giveaway she is allowing me to host!! :D

Ready?

3...

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~The Author:

Lydia Kang is an author of young adult science fiction, poetry, and narrative non-fiction. She is a part time primary care physician and volunteers her expertise in helping other writers keep their fiction medically accurate. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and three kids.

Find her at: ~Website~Blog~Twitter~Facebook~Tumblr~Goodreads~

~The Interview:

1. What is your favorite thing about being an author? 

The freedom of creation. I know that sounds new-agey and dorky, but I mean it. Much of my life is fulfilling but very regimented--doctor work, family management. Don't get me wrong--I adore my life and my family! But writing is freeing in a way that nothing else is. It's fantastic.  

2. What was some of the most challenging experiences on your journey to getting Control published? 

Finding an agent to believe that Control was worth publishing.  

3. How did Control come to be?

I love sci-fi and fantasy. When I was trying to find an agent, there was a huge trend in paranormal that was fun, but one thing always got to me--I had trouble with the leap of faith you need to believe in super human powers. So I set out to write a book where the characters were super human, but in a very realistic, scientifically-sound manner. Not all the science is perfect, but I really, really tried. 

4. I saw that Control went through a cover change. Which cover do you like better and why?  

I love them both, to be honest. But I do adore my current cover. It has that chemistry vibe that feeds off the romance in the book, which I love!

5. How do you find time to write along with your other daily activities? 

I work part time as a doc, so I have three days a week dedicated to writing. That helps so much! Even so, when I get in a writing groove or have deadlines, I'll write anytime I'm not doing doctor work or kid stuff. I lose a lot of sleep when deadlines loom! 

6. What part of Control's release are you most excited about? 

Mostly, I'm just excited to unleash my characters on the world. I love them so much, and I'm hoping that readers will love them too.  

7. What do you want readers to know about Control?

That there is something for every YA reader in here. It's a romance, adventure, sci-fi, thriller, coming-of-age story with intense relationships and humor all mixed into it. Don't let one thing turn you away!

~The Book(s):

Control

Series: Control #1

Release Date: December 26, 2013

by, Dial Books for Young Readers

Pre-Order: ~Amazon~B&N~BookDepository~

An un-putdownable thriller for fans of Uglies  

When a crash kills their father and leaves them orphaned, Zel knows she needs to protect her sister, Dyl. But before Zel has a plan, Dyl is taken by strangers using bizarre sensory weapons, and Zel finds herself in a safe house for teens who aren’t like any she’s ever seen before—teens who shouldn't even exist. Using broken-down technology, her new friends’ peculiar gifts, and her own grit, Zel must find a way to get her sister back from the kidnappers who think a powerful secret is encoded in Dyl’s DNA.

A spiraling, intense, romantic story set in 2150—in a world of automatic cars, nightclubs with auditory ecstasy drugs, and guys with four arms—this is about the human genetic “mistakes” that society wants to forget, and the way that outcasts can turn out to be heroes.

“Control blew me away.”—James Dashner, New York Times bestselling author of The Maze Runner trilogy{Goodreads}

~The Giveaway:

The Prize:

2...Yes, TWO Swag packs!

Includes:

1. A silver and onyx necklace

2. Bookmarks

3. Stickers

4. Signed Bookplates

5. Buttons

The Details:

TWO Winners

Open INTERNATIONALY!!!!

13 years or older to enter!

Ends 5/17/13

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!!

Thank you for stopping by!!

Hope you had as much fun with this interview as I did!! :D

Have a wonderful day!

~Jaiden 

{Interview & Giveaway} Kristen Bailey, Author of The Legacy of the Clockwork Key

I am SO happy to announce that the very talented Kristin Bailey is here today!!

We have some awesome Q&A going on for you to anticipate AND!!!

A wonderful swag-alicious giveaway!! :D

Let's get started!! :)

~The Author:

Kristin Bailey grew up in the middle of the San Joaquin valley in California where she constantly kept on the lookout for the next big adventure, from skiing, to spelunking, she has tried a little bit of everything, even working as a balloon artist and zookeeper. Now she is a military wife and mother of two and an avid roller-coaster enthusiast.

Find her at: ~Facebook~Twitter~Website~Goodreads~

~The Interview:

1. There isn't a lot of Young Adult Steampunk novels out. What made you want to write a steampunk novel?

I didn't really intend to write a Steampunk novel. I saw an image of a mechanical raven and inspiration took over from there. I really just wanted to write a story celebrating engineering and invention as a magical entity. If the story is true Steampunk, I hope that it is accessible Steampunk and that people who have never heard of the Steampunk movement can read and understand the book without feeling overwhelmed by it.

2. There is a moment in the book where Meg has to choose between the past and the future. Would you have made the same choice as her? Why or why not? 

I would have. The only theme of the book that I deliberately pondered while writing was this idea of moving forward in your life no matter what has happened in your past. I think we can only be healthy and happy so long as we are living life in the moment instead of in the past. If we get too bogged down in the past, humans tend to stagnate in their misery. I realized a long time ago, that the things I really wished I could do over or change in my past led me to the place I am today. If any of them didn't happen, my present wouldn't be possible. I like where I am now, so I have to accept the bad things as part of my life's journey and keep moving forward.

3. Legacy of the Clockwork Key does not have a love triangle as most Young Adult books do now. Why did you choose to avoid a love triangle?  

Meg's romantic arc with Will has to stretch over three books.  I wanted to show the stages of love with her.  The first stage is infatuation, and that is really what she is feeling for Will in this first book.  She doesn't have the emotional maturity to recognize it as infatuation just yet, and so she interprets it as "love" but really, she has a massive crush on the guy.  In book two things get much more complicated as she moves into more of a place of doubt. Meg has to make some tough choices regarding her love life, and we'll see a rival for Will. I don't see it as a "love triangle" really, because this second boy exists to force Meg to acknowledge that attraction is not the same thing as love, and it makes her call into question everything she feels for Will. But that is natural. Book two is all about Meg discovering what she really wants and what sacrifices she's willing to make to achieve her goals.  Book three will be the final stage of romantic love, where lust and doubt turn into trust and dedication.  In book three, we'll see Meg and Will working more as a team, and their love will hopefully mature into something that will last the test of time.

4. If you could choose any fictional love interest from any book to complete a love triangle who would it be and why?  

Well, I guess you are going to have to meet David in book two. With David, I wanted him to be both a rival to Meg, but also the perfect match for her, "on paper." He is everything that Will is not. He's wealthy, charming, gracious (when it furthers his own ends) and cultured.  I wanted to create this dichotomy of the "uptown boy" vs. "the kid from across the tracks."  I hope that through all three books, Meg's choice is clear, but the presence of David causes some tension in that choice.

5. Meg and Will come along a lot of automations. (Which all of them were incredibly amazing!!) Which one was your favorite to write about? Why? 

I have to admit, the sea-monster has a special place in my heart. It was originally inspired by a mix of the Loch Ness Monster, and those old paintings of ships doing battle with the kracken.  I have a slight obsession with giant squid. When I first wrote that scene, I remember stumbling into bed ridiculously late, like at three or four in the morning. My husband asked me how writing went, (while half asleep) and I said. "I just did battle with a giant mechanical sea monster... And it was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

6. What writing techniques are needed when writing a steampunk novel? 

I think the key to Steampunk is to know why you are including Steampunk elements to the story and to have those Steampunk elements be organic to the story that you want to tell. I wanted to tell a story focused on inventors and invention, so I used some of the Steampunk aesthetic and tropes to play with the larger cultural understanding of the "Mad Inventor."  I would advise against throwing in random inventions that serve no greater purpose to the story or characters in corsets just to try to ride on the Steampunk coattails.

7. Meg's journey to complete the mystery of the "dangerous automation" involved a lot of clues leading to the other. Was it hard to decide which stops would lead to the other and how they were involved? Figuring out the intricacies of the clues as they evolve through all three books is a lot like trying to piece together a jigsaw puzzle. You have certain pieces that you know need to go in the same area, but getting them all to fit, and finding that connection to the other area you have been working on can be a real challenge. I had to do all of my plotting ahead of time just to make sure all the pieces of the mystery would fit together.

8. Who was your favorite couple; Meg and Will or Oliver and Lucinda? 

I think I have the most fun with Oliver and Lucinda because the stress is off with the two of them. They don't have to carry a romantic arc over three books. I really enjoy seeing them together through the whole of the series because I feel like after everything that they have been through, they deserve some happiness. Meg and Will are much more complicated. Through the course of the three books they have to navigate heartbreak, jealousy, disappointment, insecurity, and the all consuming nature of a really hot crush. By the end, I hope that their love for one another will be well tested and honed into something that is deep and meaningful.

9. What can we be expecting in the sequel,Secret of the Clockwork Mask?  

Well, first we can expect a new name.  The title will be changing, but I'm not sure what it is going to be yet. That is still being discussed. Along with some more complicated romantic choices for Meg, the second book is really all about discovering inner strength and forging a new identity in spite of those who doubt. We will learn more about the disappearance of Meg's grandfather and some of her family's darkest secrets. We will meet more of the Order at large including some new friends and accomplices for Meg, as well as new rivals. A saboteur is afoot, and if Meg doesn't stop the culprit in time, the Secret Order could be torn apart.

Lover Commentary:

 --Meg: 

Three words to describe Will? Will is steadfast, true, and clever. 

Will's best feature? I know one would expect me to remark on some physical feature, and he does have many to recommend him, especially his deep brown eyes. Truly his best feature is his determination.  

If you could experience one moment over again as if it was the first time, what moment would it be and why? He helped me to fly, in so many ways. I shall relive that moment with the sun shining behind him, and his touch a million times within my heart.

--Will: 

Three word's to describe Meg? Meg is rash, brave, and so very alive. 

Meg's best feature? She has a vibrancy, an undaunted spirit that is completely untamed.  

How do you know someone is worth fighting for? You don't know it in your heart, you feel it instead in your gut. If they are in trouble and you willingly jump into the fire, and you never once think about how it may burn you, you know. It's a dangerous place to be, but you know they are worth fighting for if the death you fear is theirs, not yours.

~The Book(s):

The Legacy of the Clockwork Key

Series: The Secret Order #1

Release Date: March 5, 2013

by, Simon Pulse

Buy: ~Amazon~Indie Bound~BAM~

A teen girl unravels the mysteries of a secret society and their most dangerous invention in this adventure-swept romance set in Victorian London.When a fire consumes Meg’s home, killing her parents and destroying both her fortune and her future, all she has left is the tarnished pocket watch she rescued from the ashes. But this is no ordinary timepiece. The clock turns out to be a mechanical key—a key that only Meg can use—that unlocks a series of deadly secrets and intricate clues that Meg is compelled to follow.

Meg has uncovered evidence of an elite secret society and a dangerous invention that some will stop at nothing to protect—and that Meg alone can destroy. Together with the handsome stable hand she barely knows but hopes she can trust, Meg is swept into a hidden world of deception, betrayal, and revenge. The clockwork key has unlocked her destiny in this captivating start to a trilogy. {Goodreads}

Trailer:

awesome trailer right!!!? I loved it!! I will admit the shot scared me a little but great work on the trailer!! <33

~The Giveaway:

The Prizes:
1 Signed book
1 awesome swag pack



The Details:
There will be ONE winner
US only
13 years or older to enter
winner has 48 hours to respond

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck!!
I hope you had as much fun with this interview as I did!
PLEASE!!! Be sure to check this book out!! You do not want to miss out on this awesomeness that is The Legacy of the Clockwork Key....trust me! It blew my mind! A 2013 ultime favorite for sure!!
Have a wonderful day and weekend ahead!
~Jaiden

{Author Interview & Giveaway} Liz Fichera, Author of Hooked

Welcome to the blog Liz!!

And welcome all of you to Liz and I's interview!!!

Let the fun begin!! ;D

~The Author:

Liz Fichera likes to write stories about ordinary teens who do extraordinary things.  She lives in the American Southwest by way of Chicago.  HOOKED was published by HarlequinTEEN in January of 2013.  Its companion, PLAYED, will publish in 2014.  HOOKED is available in bookstores everywhere.

Find her at: ~Website~Goodreads~

~The Interview:

1. Why did you choose the sport of golf?   

There are so few YA stories (if any) that involve golf.  There are even fewer with Native Americans as main characters.  I believe that HOOKED is the first story to combine the two.

2. If you were to write a paranormal novel what would it be about?   

I have written a couple of paranormal stories (currently unpublished) but, at this time, I am concentrating on contemporary YA.  Most of my paranormal stories involve a Native American as a main character too.  There are so many intriguing Native American legends and I love it when a paranormal story includes and explores one.   

3. Whats your favorite thing about Fred and Ryan? (Both individually and together)   

I love Fred’s quiet determination, and I love that she surprises people.  Ryan is harder to love by design but I think that’s what makes him human.  There’s nothing more annoying than a perfect hero.  Together Fred and Ryan are stronger; together they learn to help each other.

4. How big of a role did you want Fred's ethnicity to be in the beginning?   

Fred’s ethnicity is important to this story.  Since it’s set in Arizona, where there are over twenty tribes in the state, it seemed natural to me to include a Native American heroine.  I am disappointed that there aren’t more Native American characters in YA stories.  Usually you find them as secondary characters, if you find them at all.   

5. If you could be anything else in the world what would you be?   

A painter.

6. If you were faced with the resistance Fred was faced with in pursuing your dreams how would you handle it?   

Probably much like she did.  I was very quiet in high school yet I did not see “being quiet” as a weakness.  I’ve always seen it as a strength.  You can’t control everyone else but you can always control yourself and your actions. Nothing else matters.   

7. What was high school to you?   

I enjoyed high school, although I did not love it.  I was very happy to leave it and move on to college.  But I’d go back and do it again in a heartbeat.

Lover Commentary: 

--Fred: 

Three words to describe Ryan?  Handsome, moody, kind (once you got to know him) 

Ryan's best feature? Smile. 

How important is it to go after your dreams no matter how different that makes you and how much your judges for it?  Going after your dreams is everything.   

--Ryan: 

Three words to describe Fred? Determined, quiet, compelling. 

Fred's best feature? Eyes. And her golf swing. 

How important is it to be yourself? Very important. Fred stays true to herself. That’s what makes her unique.

~The Book(s):

Hooked

Series: Hooked #1

Author: Liz Fichera

Release Date: January 29, 2013

by, Harlequin Teen

Buy: ~Amazon~B&N~

~My Review~

When Native American Fredricka ‘Fred’ Oday is invited to become the only girl on the school’s golf team, she can’t say no. This is an opportunity to shine, win a scholarship and go to university, something no one in her family has done.

But Fred’s presence on the team isn’t exactly welcome — especially not to rich golden boy Ryan Berenger, whose best friend was kicked off the team to make a spot for Fred.

But there’s no denying that things are happening between the girl with the killer swing and the boy with the killer smile...

GET HOOKED ON A GIRL NAMED FRED.{Goodreads} 

~The Giveway:

Prizes:
SIGNED Hooked bookmark

Details:
US and Canada only!
13 years or older to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!!
Thanks for stopping by!
Have a great day!! :)
~Jaiden

{Interview} Kimberly Ann Miller, Author of Triangles

Today Kimberly Ann Miller, author of upcoming release Triangles, is on the blog today!!

Give a warm round of applause and welcome her! ;D

Let's get started shall we!!? :)

~The Author:

Kimberly Miller received Bachelor's degrees from Georgian Court University and Rutgers University and a Master's degree from The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She is an avid reader and particularly enjoys true crime and young adult novels. She grew up in New Jersey and currently resides in Monmouth County with her husband and three cats. When she’s not writing, she loves to travel to sunny islands where she snorkels by day and stargazes by night. She always takes her Nook with her.

Find her at: ~Twitter~Blog~Facebook~Tumblr~Website~Goodreads~

~The Interview:

1.     What has you most excited about your release? 

The thought that my book will be read, and hopefully enjoyed, by people. I love Autumn’s story and cannot wait to share it!

2.     Describe your book, Triangles, in a newspaper heading style. :) 

Seventeen-year-old Girl Experiences Alternate Realities in the Mysterious Bermuda Triangle!

3.     Why the Bermuda Triangle setting? 

I love Bermuda and have been there several times. I wanted to write something unique and different, and the Bermuda Triangle seemed like a great idea!

4.     How does an author distinguish their characters in a world so filled with books? 

I think since we are all unique with our own individual experiences, we create characters based on our likes, dislikes, and world view. I’ve read so many great YA books over the past few years and all the characters are unique, just like us!

5. If you could change anything about Triangles what would it be and why? 

There’s nothing I really want to change! I had awesome editors at Spencer Hill Press who did a great job combing through the manuscript.

6. If you could take credit for any book what book would it be and why? 

Hmm…I think Harry Potter by JKRowling. The books are wildly popular, have touched many lives, have entertained many, and have brought her financial independence. All great things!

7. What has been your favorite part of writing Triangles? 

My favorite scenes are the fighting between Joey and Marcus, the two guys who seek Autumn’s attention in the Triangle. Those were lots of fun to write!

~The Book(s):

Triangles

Author: Kimberly Ann Miller

Release Date: June 18, 2013

by, Spencer Hill Press

Pre-Order: ~B&N~Amazon~

A cruise ship. A beautiful island. Two sexy guys. What could possibly go wrong?  

In the Bermuda Triangle—a lot.

Hoping to leave behind the reminders of her crappy life--her father's death years ago, her mother's medical problems, and the loser who’s practically stalking her--seventeen-year-old Autumn Taylor hops on a ship with her sister for a little distraction. When she wakes up in the Bermuda Triangle, she fears she's gone nuts for more than one reason: that loser’s suddenly claiming they're a happy couple... a hot guy is wrapping his arms around her and saying "Happy Anniversary"... and suddenly, she’s full of bruises, losing her hair, and getting IV medication. Autumn visits the ship's doctor, hoping for a pill or a shot to make the craziness go away. Instead, she's warned that these "alternate realities" could become permanent.

She just has to ask herself one question—how the hell is she going to get out of this mess? {Goodreads}

~The Giveaway:

Currently Kimberly has no ARCS or swag to give away yet BUT!!! She didn't want to leave you guys empty handed so she gave me these:

Goodreads ARC giveaway (Ends May 5)

And...(Dude how cool is this!!!)

Triangles Sweepstakes, a chance to win a cruise provided by Spencer Hill Press!

So, have fun with those and good luck!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a wonderful Saturday!! :D

~Jaiden

{Book Tour} Astarte's Wrath by Trisha Wolfe

Astarte's Wrath
Series: Kythan Guardians #0.5
Author: Trisha Wolfe
Release Date: March 2, 2013
Source: *a copy was provided by the author for review purposes*
Pages: 215

A tragic love story.

Two thousand years before Dez Harkly developed her secret powers, Guardian Astarte was vowed to protect by the binds enslaving her to the Egyptian pharaohs. Discover the prophecy that originated from a very different time, and spans generations to link two very different girls.

This is the beginning.

Set against the backdrop of the Battle of Actium, in the city of Alexandria, Star struggles with her guardian duties as her feelings for the newly named pharaoh of Egypt grow deeper. Not only is Caesarion her duty, he’s the son of Cleopatra, and he’s human. All of which makes their love forbidden.

But when a conspiracy linked to Caesar creeps into Alexandria, Star must choose between helping her fellow Kythan free themselves of their servitude, and protecting her charge—the last pharaoh—while Egypt burns around her.

New Adult/Mature YA: sexual content, drinking, drugs, violence, language, death, and other mature content intended for readers 17 and older. Astarte's Wrath is a companion novel to Destiny's Fire, but can be read as a standalone novel. {Goodreads}

~Review:

  Wow wow WOW!!!!! She has done it! Trisha Wolfe has managed to blow my mind and both capture and break my heart. I fell in love with Trisha Wolfes writing and stories when I read her first book in this companionship, Destinys Fire. One of the best steam punk books I have ever read! I wasn't really sure where it was going when she offered me to join this event. It was mainly the cover that through me off. It was all Egyptian an I was confused. I had completely forgot the main important things from Destinys Fire!!!! I seriously need to reread it now.

  Now even though I was confused at first it quickly explained the Kythan things I had forgotten and I was so hooked on Astartes Wrath I didn't want to put it down until I finished and I didn't. I happen to be a huge fan of the Egyptian times and Cleopatra. And even bigger a fan of Egyptian times DURING Cleopatras reign xD I can imagine how much research Wolfe had to do to finish this book. And may I just say that she did a flipping fantastic job!! She truly caught the time and culture perfectly. I am no history major of that time but everything she wrote gave enough to make you feel you were really there. She captured the Greek tragedy perfectly. Too perfectly might add *cries hysterically*

  Astarte, Phoenix, Xarion....all the characters she created were wonderful. Even the bad guys. I really don't know how else to build this book up!! I'm at a loss of words for the amount of amazing Astartes Wrath contains! It was action packed. The first scene we open up to is a battle. There was tragedy interlaced to no end. There was romance like no other. Friendship. Loyalty. Betrayal. And it's the story of how it all started. I love this book to no end. Seriously I have no clue how else to express how great this book. From the characters to the writing to the plot to well everything. Every once of this book was wonderful. It had be heart broken to no end and full of joy at the same time. If you haven't read this series do so as soon as possible ok? Thank you so much Trisha for giving me a chance to read your genius!! ;D

  This review was a part of the Astarte's Wrath Event hosted by the Tough Girl Legion!

~Rating:

4.5 of 5 wonderful stars!!!!! <333

~The Author:

Trisha Wolfe is the author of the YA Steampunk DESTINY'S FIRE (Omnific Publishing), ASTARTE'S WRATH NA Historical/Supernatural, and the upcoming YA Utopian FIREBLOOD from Spencer Hill Press, October 2013. My NA Dark Fantasy OF SILVER AND BEASTS available May 2013.  The creator of YA Bound, a promotional site for the Young Adult genre. Also a member of SCWW and The Apocalypsies.  A proud business owner, partnered with her partner, her husband. When she's not busy doing all of the above, she is a wife and the mother of a gorgeous teen boy who's the sounding board for my male characters.

~The Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Have a wonderful day :D

~Jaiden

{Interview} Shandy Lawson, Author of The Loop

Woooh!!! Shandy Lawson is on the blog today you guys!!

He is just about to release his debut, The Loop!

A bunch of talk about the upcoming release!!

Let's get started shall we!!? :D

~The Author:

Shandy Lawson's "day jobs" have ranged from making wine recommendations to being a machinist, a dispatcher in an auto repair garage, a philosophy tutor at a local college and a stone mason.  Creatively, he put most of his energy into a career as a performing song writer before turning his focus to writing fiction. Shandy lives and works in New York City. The Loop is his first novel.

Find him at: ~Amazon~Goodreads~Website~Facebook~Twitter~

~The Interview:

1. What started The Loop?

You started with the hardest question. :) The loop that Ben and Maggie got themselves stuck in was created simply because of rotten luck. Think of time as a flowing stream. Now, drop a big rock in the middle of the stream, and imagine how it affects the current. The water flowing by will pass the rock, then actually circle back upstream in a little whirlpool called an eddy. Rocks in the stream are natural bumps and hiccups in spacetime; Benjamin and Maggie were just unlucky enough to run into one of those rocks and get caught up in that whirling eddy.

2. If you were stuck in a time loop how would you keep your sanity?

Oh, that’s easy. Someone stuck in a loop tends not to remember what happens from one cycle to the next (unless you’ve been in one for as long as Psycho Steve has), and when you add my terrible memory to the mix, I think I’d be blissfully unaware.

3. Whats your favorite thing about your book?

My favorite thing about the book is the basic premise: that two people can be pulled together by fate, only to  die just before really falling in love, and that happens over and over. And for them to finally be together and grow old with one another, they need to fight back against the will of the universe. I think it’s a pretty cool concept.

4. If you could cowrite with any author who would it be and why?

If I could co-write with anyone, I would have to go with Hemingway, just because in between chapters he could tell me stories about boxing and Cuba. Hard to find a writer with a more fascinating life than his was.

5. Whats the hardest part in writing a book? The easiest?n his was. 

The hardest part of writing a book, to me anyway, is when I get to the middle. The momentum of starting a new project has worn off, and the ending is SO far away. I love to write, but it’s most exciting at the beginning and the end. The easiest part about it is that I can do it anywhere– I can write at the library, in the park, on the road– it’s pretty convenient!

6. Do you think that Starcrossed lovers like Ben and Maggie are stronger and their low is more stable and promising because of the trials they had to go through?

Hmm. Honestly, I don’t know. I’d like to think they’re stronger because of what they went through, but I think what makes them so perfectly suited for each other is that they’re simply meant to be together. The universe brought them together, after all.

7. The author has a better understanding of the characters. What would you say is Ben and Maggie's weaknesses and strong suits?

Well... Benjamin’s weakness is his fear, I think. He doesn’t trust his gut instinct sometimes, and often questions himself when he should be taking action. Maggie’s weakness is the opposite: she often acts before thinking when she should otherwise perhaps take a breath and think things through first. As for their strengths, they are the same... They’re both strong because of their love for each other, and it’s that love that has gotten them through the universe’s toughest obstacles. Kind of sweet, yes?

~The Book(s):

The Loop

Author: Shandy Lawson

Release Date: April 30, 2013

by, Hyperion

Buy: ~Amazon~B&N~

Ben and Maggie have met, fallen in love, and died together countless times. Over the course of two pivotal days—both the best and worst of their lives—they struggle again and again to resist the pull of fate and the force of time itself. With each failure, they return to the beginning of their end, a wild road trip that brings them to the scene of their own murders and into the hands of the man destined to kill them.

As time circles back on itself, events become more deeply ingrained, more inescapable for the two kids trapped inside the loop. The closer they come to breaking out, the tighter fate’s clutches seem to grip them. They devise a desperate plan to break free and survive the days ahead, but what if Ben and Maggie’s only shot at not dying is surviving apart? {Goodreads}

Don't forget to grab your copy when it hits shelves!!!

The Loop is a fantastic book you don't want to miss :D

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoyed :)

~Jaiden 

{Interview & Giveaway} Jessica Brody, Author of Unremembered

I'm so excited to announce that Jessica Brody is on the blog today!

She is such a blast and I thoroughly enjoyed our interview!

So, stick around for one awesome Q&A and an equally awesome giveaway!!! :D

~The Author:

Jessica Brody is the author of 52 Reasons to Hate My Father, My Life Undecided, The Karma Club, and the recently released, Unremembered, the first in a sci-fi/suspense/romance trilogy. Her books have been translated and published in over 15 countries and several have been optioned for film and TV. Sometimes she wishes her memories could be erased so she could reread all her favorite books for the first time. She splits her time between California and Colorado.

Find her at: ~Website~Twitter~Tumblr~Instagram: @Jessica Bordy~Amazon~Goodreads~

~The Interview:

1. Unremembered is your latest book. What sets it apart from your other books? 

Well, for starters, UNREMEMBERED is my first sci-fi novel. And my first series. The rest of my books are all standalone contemporary comedies. But I wanted to try something new and really flex my creative muscles. I enjoyed seeing how far I could take a character outside of “normal teen life” and still create a compelling emotional journey. In the end, all my books (regardless of genre) tell stories about discovering who you are and dealing with what life brings you (because that’s universal.) In UNREMEMBERED, all I did was insert this struggle into a science-fiction setting where I could exaggerate the “who am I?” question. As a writer it’s fun to be able to create an extraordinary world, drop a character in, and see what she does.

2. What's the story behind Unremembered? (What inspired the story)  

UNREMEMBERED is the story of a sixteen year old girl who wakes up among the wreckage of a devastating plane crash with no memories of her life before that moment. She has to piece together her forgotten past with only one clue to her identity: a mysterious boy who claims he helped her escape from a top-secret science experiment. 

I got the idea for the book a few years ago when I read a newspaper article about a teen girl who was the sole survivor of a plane crash. I was instantly fascinated by the story. Namely because they had no idea why she survived when no else did. I started brainstorming reasons as to why she was so lucky. One particular reason (a rather intricate, science-fiction-inspired one) stuck in my mind and refused to leave. It continued to grow and blossom until I had an idea for an entire trilogy. A trilogy that starts with a mysterious plane crash and a single survivor. 

3. How would you handle waking up with absolutely no memories? 

Not very well! I can tell you that much. I get really frustrated when I can’t remember where I put my phone, I can’t imagine what a wreck I’d be if I forgot where I put my entire life. 

4. To be or not to be? What makes Zen and Sera to be? 

Sera and Zen have a very special connection that is able to conquer a lot of obstacles. No matter how many times Sera’s memories are erased, she falls in love with him over and over again. Not many loves are that unforgettable.

5. What was your favorite part in writing Unremembered? The most difficult? 

There’s a scene in UNREMEMBERED that was my absolute favorite to write. It happens at the end of part 2 in the book, in the Kindergarten classroom. If you’ve read the book, you’ll know which scene I’m talking about. It was a tender scene between Sera and Zen that I didn’t really expect. One of those scenes that just kinda wrote itself and when it was done, I was crying. Those kind of scenes are so rare, they really stick with you.

The most difficult part of writing this book was having to put myself in the shoes of someone with absolutely no memory. Sera doesn’t even know what the internet is when the book opens. She’s a total blank slate. This was really tough. I tried to imagine myself as an alien who’s landed on earth and who sees our world with completely fresh eyes. It was a fun challenge for sure!

6. How many trials and errors do authors go through in writing the story until scenes finally fit into place? 

SO MANY! LOL! For me at least, a lot of scenes get cut and moved around countless times. I usually have a separate folder on my computer called “Cut Scenes” and whenever I cut something, I will move it into a document and save it there. About 30% of those scenes get put back somewhere else in the book, but most of them are never missed, despite how difficult it might have been to cut it in the first place.

7. What makes being an author great? 

Haha! If I can figure that out, my life would be a lot easier! For me, the best writers are the ones who have such a unique and special voice that you would be able to read their books without a cover page and still be able to identify who wrote it.

Lover Commentary:

-Seraphina:

Three words to describe Zen? Loyal. Intense. Fearless.

Zen's best feature? His smile.

What makes a person "strong" (not in the body-builder way)?:

“How many times did I forget you?” My voice is hoarse and barely audible. 

He sighs. “Too many to count.”

Strength is the ability to never give up on someone, no matter how long it takes. 

-Zen: 

Three words to describe Seraphina? Passionate. Beautiful. Extraordinary. 

Seraphina's best feature? Her purple eyes. 

In the end when you have hit rock bottom, what makes people keep going even though they know they may not come out victorious? When you can’t keep going for yourself, you keep going for someone else. You keep going for her.

~The Book(s):

Unremembered

Series: Unremembered #1

Author: Jessica Brody

Release Date: March 5, 2013

by: Farrar, Stratus, & Giroux (BYR)

~BUY~

You can get the first 5 chapters free here!!!

When Freedom Airlines flight 121 went down over the Pacific Ocean, no one ever expected to find survivors. Which is why the sixteen-year-old girl discovered floating among the wreckage—alive—is making headlines across the globe.

Even more strange is that her body is miraculously unharmed and she has no memories of boarding the plane. She has no memories of her life before the crash. She has no memories period. No one knows how she survived. No one knows why she wasn’t on the passenger manifest. And no one can explain why her DNA and fingerprints can’t be found in a single database in the world.

Crippled by a world she doesn’t know, plagued by abilities she doesn’t understand, and haunted by a looming threat she can’t remember, Seraphina struggles to piece together her forgotten past and discover who she really is. But with every clue only comes more questions. And she’s running out of time to answer them.

Her only hope is a strangely alluring boy who claims to know her from before the crash. Who claims they were in love. But can she really trust him? And will he be able to protect her from the people who have been making her forget?

From popular young adult author Jessica Brody comes a compelling and suspenseful new sci-fi series, set in a world where science knows no boundaries, memories are manipulated, and true love can never be forgotten. {Goodreads}

More by Jessica Brody:

.....And more!!!

(click pics for their Goodreads page) 

~The Giveaway:

The Prize:

1 SIGNED copy of Unremembered by Jessica Brody

The Details:

US only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!!
Thanks for stopping by!!
Have a great day!! :D
~Jaiden

{Review} What the Spell? by Brittany Geragotelis

What the Spell?
Series: Life's a Witch #1
Author: Brittany Geragotelis
Release Date: January 29, 2013
by, Simon and Schuster
Source: *a copy was provided by the author for review*
Pages: 288

A teenage witch juggles popularity and romance while keeping her powers a secret in this spellbinding debut.Almost-sixteen-year-old Brooklyn feels invisible, but she desperately wants to be pretty, to be popular, to be adored by a cute guy. Luckily for her, she’s a witch about to come of age—so she’s only a few spells away from making it all happen.


On her milestone birthday, Brooklyn’s conservative parents finally unbind her powers, which include the ability to magically match couples with a love spell. Brooklyn uses her special skills to get a makeover, new friends, and the attention of her crush, Asher. But the popular clique Brooklyn wants to infiltrate puts her in the same precarious position as her Salem ancestors: If she’s found out, she could be vilified—and lose Asher in the process. Can she make the most of her magic, or will she be luckless and loveless? Be careful what you witch for!{Goodreads}

~Trailer:

~Review:
  The way I got this book was totally epic. I had it as a WOW post cray se I loved the quirky title and series name. A quirky author=a fun book! So anyways she saw the tweet and was gracious enough to offer me a copy!! I was super excited!!

  Now the main question? Was it worth all my hype? Yes I think it was. There were times I wanted to throw it across the room and slap Brooklyn so hard that her head turned around but I still enjoyed it when the book ended.

  Brooklyn was my main problem but it was a problem created purposely by the author I think. The thing is is Brooklyn is a witch. A witch that had her powers bound for her life until now, her sixteenth birthday. If your powers were bound your whole life would you be a little more than curious and go a little buck-wild? Ya well that's what she does. But another thing is Brooklyn is a sort of wall flower and she is tired of it. She's tired of her average looks and eating lunch with the guidance counselor. She wants to be noticed. Admired. Envied. She wants to be an Elite. I was just so annoyed by how shallow and naive she was. She made mistake after mistake hurting people after people and ruining why made her...her!! Again that was kind of the point. If she hasn't done all those stupid things that made me want to slap her she wouldn't have learned and t wouldn't have ended the way it did.

  This book was fun and more of a contemporary with a slight dash of the witch paranormal. I mean, excluding the magic Brooklyn uses to get her through life it would be a contemporary. Now I know what your thinking. Wouldn't that be the case with ALL paranormal books? Strip away the paranormal and that's all your left with right? Ok so let me rephrase then. There wasn't any paranormal goal. There wasn't some huge witch hunter threatening Brooklyn or anything like that that normally drives the paranormal plot. There was mention of the Salem witch trials and hunters but that was it. Just mentioned.

  I think What the Spell was a fun read. It is the book that introduces one hell of a series. I can feel it. The way it ended just goes to show the amount of potential for the Life's a Witch series and I am highly looking forward to reading more of it. It was like the Nightwatchers series by Michelle Rowen. book one wasn't my favorite but i knew the next one would be epic and it totally was. there is so much potential for this series its ridiculous! hopefully book two will bring just what it needs to and dazzle me! ;D The writing was really clean and crisp. It flowed and made for a breezy read. Knowing this book had an awesome author made the book that much more awesome. You could tell she had fun writing it just by reading it. That my friends is something you don't get all the time. To actually feel that is spectacular! It's a one in a million kind of thing. Would I recommend this book? Yes!!

~Rating:

3.5 of 5 stars!!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Have a great day!! :)

~Jaiden 

{Follow Friday} #46

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.

~This Week's Features:

Book Cupid

&
Book Worm in Love

~This Week's Question:

Have you ever read a book that you thought you would hate -- ? Did you end up hating it? Did you end up loving it? Or would you never do that?

~My Answer:

Yes!! On many occasions. Each time its a bit different. Normally its a more tragic story when I think I will LOVE the book and THEN hating it. :/ Sad but true story. But the question isn't about that now is it?
Ok so for one I thought I would hate and then LOVED would have to be.....Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. I hated the idea of a girl who committed suicide leaving people recordings of why she did it. It sounded so morbid and wrong. Then my cousin read it and told me it was a must and people...it is a MUST!!! It was SO SO good!! <3
And for one that I thought I would hate and indeed end up hating would be....Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater. Totally dislike that book. Didn't finish the series. I had already bought the whole series when I started reading reviews so I started it very wary and ya...I had good reason to. Sorry all you Wolves of Mercy Falls fans!! Wish I could say different :/

What about you?

Leave your links below! :)

Happy Friday! Have a great weekend!! 

~Jaiden

{Blog Tour} Vengeance Bound by Justina Ireland

Vengeance Bound
Author: Justina Ireland
Release Date: April 2, 2013
by, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Source: *a copy was provided for review purposes on this tour*
Buy: ~Amazon~IndieBound~
Pages: 320

The Goddess Test meets Dexter in an edgy, compelling debut about one teen’s quest for revenge… no matter how far it takes her.  

Cory Graff is not alone in her head. Bound to a deal of desperation made when she was a child, Cory’s mind houses the Furies—the hawk and the serpent—lingering always, waiting for her to satisfy their bloodlust. After escaping the asylum where she was trapped for years, Cory knows how to keep the Furies quiet. By day, she lives a normal life, but by night, she tracks down targets the Furies send her way. And she brings down Justice upon them.


Cory’s perfected her system of survival, but when she meets a mysterious boy named Niko at her new school, she can’t figure out how she feels about him. For the first time, the Furies are quiet in her head around a guy. But does this mean that Cory’s finally found someone who she can trust, or are there greater factors at work? As Cory’s mind becomes a battlefield, with the Furies fighting for control, Cory will have to put everything on the line to hold on to what she’s worked so hard to build. {Goodreads}

~Review:
  Woah. Just woah. I kinda new what to expect when I agreed to do the Vengeance Bound Tour. I saw the cover and read the premise. It seemed interesting enough so I went ahead and agreed and signed up. Now when I started reading it I totally forgot what it was about and was kind of caught off guard.

  This book was really really good. I was a bit iffy of how I would feel about it but in the end I really really liked it. I finished it in about 6 hours (spread over the course of two days). I didn't even know I was reading so much till I looked and saw the percentage I was at. The writing style of Justina Ireland is just so smooth. It was like riding a floaty tube in the lazy pool. Once you get into the rhythm and get comfortable you are surprised by how many trips you have made around and around again. I enjoyed we writing style very much. Justina has definitely got a talent and I'm looking forward to more books from her!

  The story was very interesting. Talk about some chics out for guys blood! Along with Amelie/Cory's help the two Furies (one hawk woman and one serpent woman who frankly reminds me of Medusa) go around serving justice by killing the men who have done injustice among women. It really was pretty cool but also terrible. It was vicious and terrible how blood thirsty the Furies were! This book was action packed of sorts. When Cory went on her runs it could get pretty serious. I definitely would be shaking in my bots if I ever can across them.

  An awesome story line, mythology recreated for today's age and great writing equaled one great book! I would totally suggest this to everyone who is fond of mythology romance with a little bit of blood and vengeance put into the mix ;D Holy crap the romance dudes!!! I am in love with Niko!! I want one ;) haha I liked how Justina made each character important. I kind of saw the end coming but just the one part of the ending. The ending was killer and absolutely terrible! Then of course absolutely amazing!! Buy it borrow it, I don't care just give it a chance when you can ok? Trust me it's good! :)

This review was a part of the Vengeance Bound Blog Tour hosted by AToMR Tours.

~Rating:

4 of 5 stars!!! <3

~The Author:

Justina Ireland enjoys dark chocolate, dark humor, and is not too proud to admit that she’s still afraid of the dark. She lives with her husband, kid, and dog in Pennsylvania. Vengeance Bound is her first novel.

Find her at: ~Twitter~Facebook~Website~ 

~The Giveaway:

The Prizes:

(2) Hardback copies of VENGEANCE BOUND plus a Swag Pack - US/Canada Only  

(5) Vengeance Bound Swag Packs - US/Canada Only  

Swag pack includes:   

Stickers 

Deluxe Bookmarks 

Rubber Bracelets 

Nail polish 

Lip gloss

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!! :D

Thanks for stopping by!!

Have a great day! :)

~Jaiden 

{Review} The Collector by Victoria Scott

The Collector
Series: Dante Walker #1
Author: Victoria Scott
Release Date: April 2, 2013
by, Entangled Teen
Source: *a copy was provided by the publisher for review purposes*
Format: PDF/Kindle
Pages: 352

He makes good girls...bad.   

Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence have made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple: weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.

Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal-opportunity collector and doesn't want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:

Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within ten days.

Dante doesn't know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect, he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector…and uncover emotions deeply buried.{Goodreads}

~Trailer:

*Fans self* Asdfghjkl...man is everything about this series HOTT!!? Not sure bout the kitty but...que cute! ;D

~Review:
  Asdfghjkl!!!!! Where do I even start!? Ok the hit hunk on the cover?? Ya. I think so. We got no face but hell with a body like that...I'm all good with what we are shown ;) Am I right or am I right? The cover is simple but I still love it. The color scheme is perfect and the little slogan "He makes good girls...bad". That my friends has every bit of reason to draw you into this book and if that's not enough just read the premise. When I saw this book (it didn't even have a cover yet!!) I knew I would do whatever it took to get this book!! I needed it like I need pizza. (Both are very delicious). So when I got a little email from Scott's publishers...yes....I did a little jig ;D And I scored bonus when I got the chance to interview the one and only Victoria Scott which you can find HERE!!

  Now enough with my fan girling about the cover and interview and blessing of receiving an ARC and on to fan girling about the book!! ;D Number one, Victoria Scott has a magical hand. Her writing is splendid! I just fell into the pages. The way she writes is hypnotic and not just because she decided to have the POV from Dante. In fact I give her so much props for writing Dante. He is such a unique character and obviously to have a unique character you need one awesomesauce author to create said character.

  Now to talk fully about these awesome characters. Dante. Oh my beloved Dante. Holy crap you guys...Dante. Haha he had me from page one. It's not too often you get a guys POV in YA now a days. So when you actually do it's a little piece of heaven. It's nice to read trough the other genders eyes. I don't know if it's just cause I'm a girl and girls are constantly trying to figure out what goes on in their heads but I find it extra special when we get a guys POV. Now just so you guys know...Dante isn't your typical bad boy type. He is truly a villain. You here so many people say that but it's true. Now don't let that fool you into thinking this boy has absolutely no soft side to him....cus he does. But it's only reserved for certain people. Anyways Dante is so hot and an absolute blast to read from. His personality is so like able no matter how bad he is.

  Now Charlie, Charlie was not what I was expecting at all. I was amazed by how in attractive Victoria made her (physically). I mean that was kinda the point of the book in some ways but I don't know I wasn't expecting that I guess. I felt so bad for her but at the same time I truly respected her. She was SO SO gorgeous in character/personality/morals/all-that-good-stuff. ;P No matter how many jabs she got she took ever blow with a smile an positive attitude. She was the sweetest and one of the best main girls I have ever read about. I loved her with a passion. And ten I loved her friends Abigail and Blue. They were the best. Oh and same as Dante's BFF.

  The collector was...how should I put it??...intoxicating. I was hooked from beginning to end. I didn't want it to end and when it did I had to just take a deep breath and exhale from the best freaking roller coaster I have ever read. The ending was freaking terrible and I can't believe how long I have to wait for book two. Victoria is a genius and I love her through and through!! So a quick shout-out to our genius...Thank you Victoria for having the wonderful skills you have and blessing us with Dante...ermm I mean The Collector. ;D This is a very hyped book. Everyone and their moms dog is talking about it. So my advice?? Follow all the hype, get the book, enjoy it and love it. You will thank me later (seriously if you read this book because of this review come back and tell me you loved it...ok even if your not buying it because of my demand come back and tell me just how much you loved it k? K.)

~Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars!!!!!!!1 :D <333333

Thanks for stopping by!!

Have a great day!! :D

~Jaiden