The Fiction Enthusiast

Waiting On Wednesday - February 15th

2012-02-15T00:00:00.000-06:00

My WOW pick this week is:

Darkness Before Dawn

by J. A. London

Releases: May 2012

This electrifying new trilogy blends the best of paranormal and dystopian storytelling in a world where the war is over. And the vampires won.

Humans huddle in their walled cities, supplying blood in exchange for safety. But not even that is guaranteed. Dawn has lost her entire family and now reluctantly serves as the delegate to Lord Valentine, the most powerful vampire for miles. It isn’t until she meets Victor, Valentine’s son, that she realizes not all vampires are monsters....

Darkness Before Dawn is a fresh new story with captivating characters, unexpected plot twists, a fascinating setting, and a compelling voice. Written under the name J. A. London by a talented mother-son team, the trilogy is perfect for fans of True Blood and the House of Night and Morganville Vampires series.

*********

Why I'm waiting on Darkness Before Dawn? It just sounds so cool! I also met the author at ALA last month. She spoke on the historical romance panel and the YA romance panel. I'm always impressed by authors who write more than one genre. I just don't think my brain could handle it :) I loved listening to her talk about both genres of romance and it got me even more excited to read this book that she wrote with her son.

What are you waiting on?

Meme details: Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. Don’t forget to stop by her blog and share your WOW pick for this week.

This or That with Lisa Bergren - River Of Time Series Blog Tour

2012-02-10T00:01:00.000-06:00

Please welcome Lisa Bergren to the blog! She is here to play This or That.

Welcome Lisa!

Gold or silver?

Silver. Gold feels like my mom’s jewelry.

Ice cream or frozen yogurt?

Ice cream. Preferably dark chocolate.

Twitter or Facebook?

Twitter! But Facebook is a close second.

Mac or PC?

Mac. We became an all-Mac family in 2011, getting rid of our last PC. We now have 4 laptops, 1 iPad, 4 iPods, and 1 iPhone.

Desktop or laptop?

Laptop when I’m writing; desktop at home.

Heels or flats?

Flats. Life is too short for pain. And I’m too tall for heels.

Lipstick or lip gloss?

Lipstick. Which I’m lucky to get on my lips once a day.

Cat or dogs?

Dogs. We have a little white Westie named Talisker Beatrice.

Text or call?

Text. I’m not really a phone person.

Mountains or oceans?

Mmm, mountains feel like home. Oceans are a luxury vacation. Love ‘em both, but if I had to choose, mountains.

Early bird or night owl?

Neither. I’m a middle-of-the-day person.

Paris or Rome?

Are you kidding? Paris is swell, but it’s gotta be Roma! I’m a raging Italiophile.

I'm a Paris girl myself ;) Thanks for playing, Lisa!

**********

Lisa on the web:

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Follow the River of Time Series Blog Tour

Lisa is also generously offering the chance to win 1 of 20 copies of the River of Time books or 1 of 3 Kindles ($79 version)! Gain entries by commenting and participating in a very cool scavenger hunt. All the details and the Rafflecopter form can be found on Lisa's website.

http://lisatawnbergren.com/2012/01/teen-scene-blog-tour-contest/

Author Interview: Kristen Simmons - Article 5 Blog Tour

2012-02-06T09:46:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited to welcome Kristen Simmons, author of the amazing Article 5, to the blog!

Welcome Kristen!

Hi Christie!

Thanks for letting me stop by and visit with you and your friends. I’m excited.

Would you consider your debut novel, Article 5, to be dystopian, post-apocalyptic, or something else completely?

Oh something else entirely, of course! Who wants to fit in the box? Not me! Ha!

A5 doesn’t cleanly fit into either topic, even though it’s written up as a “Dystopian Thriller.” It takes place in the US closely after a war, but unlike other post-apocalyptics and dystopians, life is otherwise very similar to the way things are now. With the exception of course of a new military regime that’s targeting civilians who are out of compliance with their moral rules, that is…

Honestly, when I wrote it I thought it was going to be marketed as a romance, so there you go!

Does your background as a mental health advocate play a part in your writing?

Absolutely. It plays a part in everything I do actually! Mental health is JUST as important as physical health – the brain is connected to the body, after all – and to ignore it, or downgrade its importance, or even worse, stigmatize those who struggle with their mental health, hurts us all.

When I write, I’m constantly aware of the mental health of my characters – they’ve been through some traumatic things, and as a result, are dealing with some pretty hefty emotional consequences. Things that anyone might feel after experiencing what Chase and Ember have. But, like with anyone struggling with a hardship, there is hope, as long as they can learn to trust and support each other.

If you had to tweet a less than 140 character description of your main character, Ember, what would it say?

Wow. This is hard. Okay, here goes. (lol – I just wrote a 140 WORD description and then realized that wasn’t the point of the exercise. Twitter moron, right here.)

Ember had it all figured out: soup kitchens, inspections, the moral statutes. Now she’s on the run, and her survival depends on the one boy who broke her heart.

Do you ever struggle with ideas or creativity while writing? If so, what are some ways you have found to “jump start” your muse?

Oh yes. This definitely happens sometimes. Ok, there are a couple go-tos for when I smack face first into the brick wall. The first is exercise. I teach fitness classes and can always find some mental relief in shakin’ my groove thang. On the other side, I’m sort of a cookie addict. I LOVE baking cookies. So I’ll do that if I get stuck. (Sometimes we have a lot of cookies in our fridge.)

But one of the best things I’ll do is call an author friend of mine. She always knows what to say to get me through it – even if her advice is to turn off my laptop and do something else.

What is the most beautiful place you’ve ever visited?

The most beautiful….hmmm… I am really partial to the beaches in South Carolina at sunset. There’s something so romantic about that. In fact, I just wrote a scene for A5: Book 3 where Ember and Chase are on a beach at sunset…

Thanks for stopping by Kristen!

Thanks Christie! I’m so glad we got to chat – this was so fun! I hope you enjoy ARTICLE 5!

*********

Article 5 is available now and this is a book you don't want to miss. It is that good!

Add Article 5 on Goodreads

Kristen Simmons on the web:

Website | Blog | Facebook |

Review & Giveaway: Forever's Paranormal Blog Tour

2012-02-05T20:28:00.000-06:00

Title: Firelight

Series: Darkest London #1

Author: Kristen Callihan | Website

Available: Now

Genre: Paranormal/Historical/Romance

Reading Level: Adult

Synopsis via Goodreads:

London, 1881
Once the flames are ignited . . .
Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.

They will burn for eternity . . . Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.

Quotable Quotes:

“He took a quick breath, and his voice dropped. "You've no notion of the effect you have on me"

The words gave a hard tug to her belly. She closed her eyes and swallowed. "If by effect, you mean finding yourself in unchartered waters, wondering whether you are coming or going...." She stared at his shirt, watching his breath hitch. "Then I fear you have the same effect on me, my lord.”

My thoughts:

Wow, wow, wow! What a stunning debut! Historical paired with paranormal is not something we see very often. I was utterly impressed with the tale Kristen Callihan wove. Reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, Callihan takes us on a fascinating adventure through London in the late 1800's. The mystery of what Lord Benjamin Archer keeps hidden behind his mask makes this book wholly unputdownable.

I was just as impressed with the characters as I was the premise of Firelight. Archer and Miranda are both well developed and easy to fall in love with. Archer is a man with so many secrets. I really thought I had it all figured out. Imagine my surprise when the conclusion was not at all what I had expected. I truly appreciated the unpredictable plot.

Miranda is an amazing heroine. I admired her free spirited nature and inability to shy away from adventure. You'll be hard pressed to find a match quite as perfect as Archer and Miranda. I loved watching the development of their romance from start to finish. Callihan's ability to build sexual tension on paper is truly an art form. Just stunning!

While I loved the premise and characters, I was most impressed with the writing. Callihan's writing creates such vivid pictures and summons so many emotions. I was sucked in from page one and almost didn't want to see this story end. Had it not been for my strong desire to find out Archer's secret and the identity of the villain, I would have been content to soak up the beautiful prose indefinitely.

Firelight also offers several very interesting secondary characters. I'm eager to see how they factor into this fascinating world as the series continues.

Firelight is an amazing debut novel packed with skilled writing, keep you guessing mystery, heartwarming romance, and charming characters. I'm looking forward to seeing where Callihan takes us next!

Title: Midnight Reckoning

Series: Dark Dynasties #2

Author: Kendra Leigh Castle | Website

Available: Now

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Reading Level: Adult

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Two separate worlds ... One passion that binds them

Wild and passionate by nature, Lyra Black is not just any werewolf. She's the future leader of the powerful pack of the Thorn - if she can stay alive long enough to inherit the title.

One of the Cait Sith bloodline of vampire cat-shifters, Jaden Harrison has no interest in the wars plaguing the world of night. But when he rescues Lyra from a violent attack, they're both captured by an insatiable desire that threatens to overwhelm them and bind them together for eternity... just as ancient enemies prepare to strike. And when they do, the Thorn and the Cait Sith - and Lyra and Jaden's love - may never recover from the deadly blow...

Quotable Quotes:

"Don't eat the cat. Be back soon.

--Dad"

My thoughts:

If you asked me when I first started blogging what my favorite genre was, I would have immediately replied paranormal romance. If you had asked me the same question a year into blogging, my answer would not have been the same. The similarities of characters and plots in this genre had caused me to stop reading it. Kendra Leigh Castle's, Midnight Reckoning, summoned a sweet sense of nostalgia and reminded me why I fell madly in love with Paranormal Romance a few years ago. She has paired multi-layered characters with a complex and beautifully built world. Midnight Reckoning is PNR done right. I'm so glad I gave this book a try.

The characters in Midnight Reckoning break from the cliches I've come to expect from PNR. Lyra is a female werewolf longing to become Alpha of her pack in a society that doesn't view females as their equal. She manages to maintain her strong-willed nature without carrying a chip on her shoulder. I'm so over angry characters and admired Lyra's desire for change and understanding of how much work it would be. She was opinionated without being argumentative. She wasn't afraid to accept the help of others. She was absolutely refreshing!

Jaden is another wonderful character. He is a man with so many layers. I felt like I learned a little more about Jaden with each page I turned. It was like Christmas! I was completely in love by the time I reached the final page and had unwrapped each of his complex layers. I was impressed with his ability to feel possessiveness towards Lyra without acting like a caveman. He respected her desire to be viewed as an equal and gave her room to make her own choices. Their romance was so sweet, and I adored watching it develop over the course of the novel.

Midnight Reckoning is the second book in the Dark Dynasties series. I feel this is a series that would benefit from being read in order. I haven't read the first and felt like it may have offered needed insight into the world where the characters live. It is very complex, but in a good way :) I definitely recommend this talented author to all fans of paranormal romance!

Giveaway Details:

3 sets of both Firelight & Midnight Reckoning are up for grabs
U.S & Canada Only
No P.O Boxes
Books will ship directly from publisher
Winners are subject to Hachette's 1 copy per household rule
Fill out the Rafflecopter from to enter

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This or That with Mo from Untraceable by S. R. Johannes - Blog Tour

2012-02-03T09:50:00.000-06:00

Mo from Untraceable by S. R Johannes is here today and ready to play a little "this or that".

Welcome Mo!

Sunrise or sunset?

I fancy the sunset. To me, it’s getting to watch the world wind down before falling asleep. I find it such a peaceful time. And the sunsets in North Carolina are bloody brilliant.

Shortcut or take the long way?

Depends. But if I don’t need to take the short cut, I prefer the long way. You always see something you didn’t expect the long way. You may find someone who ends up a huge part of your life. If you take too many shortcuts, what’s the bloody point? I mean the journey means the most.

Theater or wait for the DVD?

I don’t fancy movies. I prefer to be outside. But if I had to choose, I guess I would say DVD because if I am not outdoors, I’m probably in my flat watching TV.

Sweet or spicy?

In girls or food? J In girls, I would say spicy. I think hot-tempered girls are more exciting. In food, I prefer sweets. Probably some minstrels from back home or some Christmas pudding. Something to top off a great meal.

Spring or Fall?

Spring. I love when it’s warm and the animals come out from sleeping. It’s the world waking up together.

Facebook or Twitter?

Huh? Crumbs. I’ll say neither.

Stay up late or wake up early?

I prefer to wake up early and fish. The fish bite better then.

Brains or beauty?

Brains all the way. Though a pretty lassie never hurt anyone.

Mac or PC?

Aren’t they all personal computers? Unless I’m doing research, I’m not much of a computer guy sorry.

Dogs or cats?

Dogs. It’s true. When you have a dog, you are never alone. Cats don’t give me the same feeling. There’s nothing like a guy and his dog.

Beach or mountains?

Mountains. I love hiking away from it all. Being so deep in the forest, you may not see anyone for days, weeks on end. And the feeling that no one knows where you are.

Fruit or veggies?

Vegetables. Because you can cook them over an open fire.

Bike or skateboard?

I prefer to be on foot.

Diet or regular?

You’re taking the mickey right. I don’t drink sodas. I prefer to have a cup of tea or coffee next to an open campfire on a chilly morning deep in the woods. There’s nothing better. Unless Grace is with me.

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Untraceable is available now!

Add on Goodreads

S. R. Johannes on the web:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Check out all the stops on the Untraceable Blog Tour!

Waiting On Wednesday - February 1st

2012-02-01T00:07:00.000-06:00

My WOW pick this week is:

Flirting In Italian

by Lauren Henderson

Available - June 2012

Synopsis via Goodreads

Four girls. One magical, and possibly dangerous Italian summer. Family mysteries, ancient castles, long hot nights of dancing under the stars . . . and, of course, plenty of gorgeous Italian boys!

Why I'm "waiting on" Flirting In Italian? I discovered this book at ALA and fell in love with the cover and title at first sight. This sounds like the perfect summer read!

What are you "waiting on" this week?

Meme details: Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. Don’t forget to stop by her blog and share your WOW pick for this week.

Young Adult Giveaway Hop

2012-01-26T23:36:00.001-06:00

I'm super excited to particpate in the Young Adult Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Down The Rabbit Hole.

Up for grabs is a copy of The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton and some surprise swag because everyone loves swag. Right? :)

Open to the U.S

Ends 1/31

To enter fill out the Rafflecopter form

Don't forget to visit all the blogs participating in the hop!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ARC Review: Everneath by Brodi Ashton - Blog Tour

2012-01-25T09:50:00.000-06:00

Title: Everneath
Series: Debut!
Author: Brodi Ashton | Website
Available: Now!
Genre: Paranormal
Reading Level: YA
Source: Teen Book Scene

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's..

Quotable Quotes:

“Heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with.”

My thoughts:

Main character, Nikki Beckett, has just returned from the Everneath. While there she spent 1000 years attached to Cole who fed on her emotions. Nikki chooses to return to the life she left behind in order to say goodbye. Only 6 months have passed in the real world, but rumors are swirling with speculation about where Nikki has been and the relationships she left behind have been damaged by her unexplained absence. Nikki has 6 months to say goodbye before she’ll return to the Everneath permanently. Emotionless and physically spent, readjusting to her old life is harder than she could have ever imagined, but Nikki is determined to right her wrongs and say goodbye to her father, brother, and the boy she loved.

Loved this book! I was so impressed with the world Brodi Ashton created and her ability to make me feel such a strong array of emotions. I loved her take on the story of Persephone and the tidbits of Greek mythology that were laced throughout the plot. The best part was the characters. I’m very much what you would call a “character driven reader” and Everneath contains characters I just adored.

Now let’s talk about these fabulous characters. Oh my! Everneath contains characters I couldn’t help but to connect with and care about. Nikki has experienced so much heartache. She returns from the Everneath depleted of all emotions. She is a shell of what she was before, but as memories return the wounds she forgot begin to surface. I’ve read reviews that fault Nikki for her choices, but girl had spent 1000 Everneath years attached to what can only be described as an emotion sucking leech. She lost memories right along with those emotions. A lack of good judgment, confusion, and delayed reactions are expected.

Oh poor tortured Cole. Where do I even begin. I should hate him. Cole is the book’s “bad guy”. Initially I didn’t like him at all. I mean he did escort Nikki to the Everneath in order to feed on her emotions. Yet, as the story progressed I found I felt sorry for him. As strong and secure as he presents himself, there just seems to be something more to him. A layer he doesn’t expose. We see hints of his vulnerability during Everneath, and I have to admit it made me warm up to him bad guy or not. I have a soft spot for damaged, but redeemable characters. Not 100% sure if Cole fits that description, but I’m looking forward to getting to know him more as the series continues.

Jack is just 100% good guy. He is your boy next door. Loved him! He doesn’t offer the mysterious edge that we get with Cole, but he is so freaking sweet. I can totally see why Nikki thought of him constantly while trapped in the Everneath and opted to come back in order to see him one last time.

The presence of two boys kind of sort of screams love triangle, but it isn’t at all what you expect. I’m not even sure if Cole is in the running for love interest. There is a connection between him and Nikki, but the struggle we see in some YA where the MC is conflicted over which boy she loves more is not present in Everneath. I don’t mind love triangles (actually I kind of like them), but I wanted to put this out there for those of you who don’t.

So yes I really adored Everneath. It is a strong debut, with fantastic writing, and amazing characters. I can’t wait for the next!

My Rating:

Follow the Everneath Blog Tour

Teaser Tuesday - Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

2012-01-23T23:15:00.000-06:00

My teaser this week comes from an ARC of Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

"I thought of many things all at the same time. I wanted to run to him despite everything. I wanted him to hold me as he had the night before he'd left. But the pain of his absence returned fast, and reality sliced at my insides.

He'd chosen this over me."

p. 20 - 21

Add Article 5 on Goodreads

Feel free to leave me a link to your teaser. I'd love to stop by & check them out :)

Meme details: Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Miz B of Should Be Reading. Stop by her blog for all the details.

ALA Midwinter!

2012-01-21T21:02:00.000-06:00

I had such a great time in New Orleans that I had to do it again! I'm spending this weekend at ALA Midwinter in Dallas. I've met a ton of amazing authors and bloggers. & of course I made time to snag copies of books I've been drooling over for months. Watch for my re-cap post later this week!

Here is a peek at just a few of the books coming home with me:

Waiting On Wednesday - January 17th

2012-01-18T00:00:00.001-06:00

My WOW pick this week is:

In Honor

by Jessi Kirby

Available: May 2012

Synopsis via Goodreads

Honor receives her brother’s last letter from Iraq three days after learning that he died, and opens it the day his fellow Marines lay the flag over his casket. Its contents are a complete shock: concert tickets to see Kyra Kelly, her favorite pop star and Finn's celebrity crush. In his letter, he jokingly charged Honor with the task of telling Kyra Kelly that he was in love with her.

Grief-stricken and determined to grant Finn's last request, she rushes to leave immediately. But she only gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn's best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn't seen him in ages, thanks to a falling out between the two guys, but Rusty is much the same as Honor remembers him: arrogant, stubborn. . . and ruggedly good looking. Neither one is what the other would ever look for in a road trip partner, but the two of them set off together, on a voyage that makes sense only because it doesn’t. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn—but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?

**********

Why I'm "waiting on" In Honor? As a military wife and big sister of a former Marine, I can't wait to read this even if it might make me cry my eyes out. I'm a sucker for any book with military themes. & there is a road trip involved! I ♥ road trip books something fierce.

What are you "waiting on" this week? Leave me a link & I'll stop by :)

Meme details: Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. Don’t forget to stop by her blog and share your WOW pick for this week.

Author Interview: Brodi Ashton - Everneath Blog Tour

2012-01-16T00:09:00.001-06:00

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

**********

Please welcome Brodi Ashton to the blog!

Christie: If you found yourself in Nikki’s situation and had only 6 months until you had to head back to the Everneath permanently, what would be on your to do list?

Brodi: Well, if I were actually Nikki, I would hunt down Jack and tackle/kiss him. But if I were only in Nikki's situation, I would definitely spend those six months with my family. On a beach. Covered in glazed donuts.

Christie: On your blog you mention being raised by Greek mythology loving parents. Do you have a favorite Greek myth?

Brodi: Well, I would feel bad saying anything but Persephone, but really my absolute favorite is the story of how Orpheus saved his true love, Eurydice, from the clutches of Hades all by playing a pretty song.

I grew up reading D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths, and that is my all time favorite book about mythology. Plus the illustrations are amazing.

Christie: How much has their love of Greek mythology influenced your writing?

Brodi: The great myths are just some of many crazy things floating around in my noggin. I think as writers, we start with the bare bones of a story, and then borrow from everything we've stored in our brains, all our experiences, the books we've read, the movies we've seen, and we see what fits.

Christie: How do you spend your time when you aren’t busy writing?

Brodi: Lately, it seems like that time doesn't exist. I'm going to have to figure out how to organize my time better. Right now, when I'm home, I'm usually at my computer. Thinking about what I'm going to eat next. :)

Christie: Do you have any hidden talents?

Brodi: I play the organ in my church. This one time, after the organ had been waxed, I slid across the bench and landed in the foot pedals. During a meeting. I got straight 10's, but the Russian judge gave me a 6.5.

**********

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Brodi’s debut novel, Everneath, releases January 24th. I’ve read it and can testify to the fact it is pretty amazing.

Brodi Ashton on the web:

Website | Twitter

Add Everneath on Goodreads

Follow the Everneath Blog Tour

Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop

2012-01-12T23:53:00.000-06:00

I'm excited to participate in the Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Martha's Bookshelf. There are so many blogs participating, so please stop by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer for the complete list.

Up for grabs are two of my most favorite reads of 2011.

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

A Need so Beautiful by Suzanne Young

Open to the U.S

Must be over the age of 13 to enter

Fill out the Rafflecopter form to enter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ARC Revew: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

2012-01-11T23:48:00.000-06:00

Title: Under The Never Sky
Series: Debut!
Author: Veronica Rossi | Website
Available: Now
Genre: Dystopian
Reading Level: YA
Source: Vine

Description via Goodreads:

Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY.

My thoughts:

Under the Never Sky is another up and coming dystopian release that seems to be building all kinds of hype. After my not so great experience with another dystopian title, that was also recently released and greatly hyped, I was worried Under the Never Sky would be another fail for me. I adore dystopian so I hoped this wouldn't be the case. Imagine my anxiety when after 50 pages I still wasn't enjoying this book (that was supposed to be so full of awesomeness) much at all. I just didn't get it. Where was this world they were living in? What was going on? What is a realm and why do they have them? To say the world was confusing would be a HUGE understatement. Then it clicked, and I spent the remainder of my time reading Under the Never Sky in complete and total love. I'm so glad I didn't toss this book on the DNF pile.

Under the Never Sky alternates between two points of view, Aria and Perry. * cue dreamy sighs and swooning * They don't really talk much about the why's or how's the world came to be in the shape it is because they don't know. Some of the human population also has abilities that I initially mistook as something a little more magical and fantasy appropriate because of the use of the word Seer. As I read, I discovered this was not magic and more likely the adaption of humans overtime due to the new and most definitely not improved environment they were forced to inhabit. At least that was my take. This combined with the confusing world and strange language is where my initial confusion and inability to really connect with the novel stemmed from. Thankfully once that was all cleared up I was left with nothing but smooth reading.

Other reviews I've read call Aria unlikeable. I didn't find this to be the case. I really enjoyed her. She finds herself forced out of the enclosed facility she calls home in order to cover-up some crazy behavior by one of the powerful resident's son. She is forced into the scary world nicknamed The Death Shop. It is there she meets Perry who will need her help to break into the home she was just exiled from. Perry isn't exactly the nicest guy to be around initially, but like Aria he is under a lot of stress and seems to think it is her fault. They find themselves on a dangerous journey across the devastated world they call home. She is overwhelmed with concern for her mother who left on a mission and hasn't made contact in an unusual amount of time. Girl has a lot on her mind!

Perry kind of encompasses an awesomeness that is difficult to put into words. He is the epitome of protective badass, and I might be in love. While reading it is hard to picture him as an 18-year-old boy. He has experienced so much loss and devastation. I loved that there was no insta-love between him and Aria. He actually commented on her offensive "Dweller" odor on more than one occasion. Even though he thought she smelled bad, I could see why they were perfect for each other from the start. Their romance is reason enough to pick up this book.

Under the Never Sky also contains a fascinating cast of secondary characters you won't want to miss. I won't go into detail on each, but will say they are beautifully unique and add a layer of depth to this complex world.

While I didn't love Under the Never Sky like I did The Hunger Games or Divergent, it is a solid read and one I think most dystopian fans will definitely enjoy. I did feel the introduction to Aria's world could have been better. The world and language took quite a bit of time to get used to and unfortunately distracted from my initial enjoyment.

Will I continue this series? Heck yeah! The ending sets us up perfectly for the next installment without leaving us hanging (too much). I'm sure I'll devour the next in the series much easier now that the world building that slowed down book one is out of the way.

Parental POV : Under the Never Sky does contain violence and sexual situations. They also briefly talk about menstruation and fertility. Boys might find this is an ick factor. With that said, I felt Veronica Rossi handled both topics tastefully. Mega kudos for her!

My Rating:

Waiting On Wednesday - January 11th

2012-01-11T00:56:00.000-06:00

My WOW pick this week is

Chosen Ones

by Tiffany Truitt

Available: April 2012

Synopsis via Goodreads

What if you were mankind’s last chance at survival?

Sixteen-year-old Tess lives in a compound in what was once the Western United States, now decimated after a devastating fourth World War. But long before that, life as we knew it had been irrevocably changed, as women mysteriously lost the ability to bring forth life. Faced with the extinction of the human race, the government began the Council of Creators, meant to search out alternative methods of creating life. The resulting artificial human beings, or Chosen Ones, were extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.

Life is bleak, but uncomplicated for Tess as she follows the rigid rules of her dystopian society, until the day she begins work at Templeton, the training facility for newly created Chosen Ones. There, she meets James, a Chosen One whose odd love of music and reading rivals only her own. The attraction between the two is immediate in its intensity—and overwhelming in its danger.

But there is more to the goings-on at Templeton than Tess ever knew, and as the veil is lifted from her eyes, she uncovers a dark underground movement bent not on taking down the Chosen Ones, but the Council itself. Will Tess be able to stand up to those who would oppress her, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?

**********

Why I'm waiting on Chosen Ones? I can't get enough dystopian and this sounds different and pretty darn cool :)

What are you waiting on this week? Leave me a link so I can stop by and check it out.

Meme details: Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. Don’t forget to stop by her blog and share your WOW pick for this week.

Teaser Tuesday - Everneath by Brodi Ashton

2012-01-09T23:24:00.000-06:00

My teaser this week comes from an ARC of Everneath by Brodi Ashton

"Tell me why you care," I said.

He put his hands on the windowsill. "Because it's you. Despite what you think of me, your pain will always be my pain."

p. 63

Leave a link to your teaser. I'd love to check it out.

Add Everneath on Goodreads

Meme details: Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Miz B of Should Be Reading. Stop by her blog for all the details.

Review: Alterant (Belador #2) by Sherrilyn Kenyon & Dianna Love

2012-01-08T23:56:00.000-06:00

Title: Alterant
Series: Belador #2
Authors: Sherrilyn Kenyon | Website
& Dianna Love | Website
Available: Now
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Reading Level: Adult
Source: Publisher (Thanks!)

*Possible Series Spoilers Below*

Synopsis via Goodreads:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love comes the second book in the Belador series—featuring a league of international warriors with extraordinary abilities who rise up to save mankind from supernatural terrorists.

On the heels of saving mankind from destruction at the hands of the Medb coven, Evalle attempts to convince the Tribunal that she is an Alterant who can be trusted around humans. But the gods and goddess ruling over this Tribunal twist words she’d uttered in the heat of combat and hold her responsible for three dangerous Alterants that escaped their prisons. She is given a choice to either recapture those three who will lose their freedom forever or face the same sentence. Unsure that she can condemn another Alterant to a life she’d die before accepting, Evalle takes on an impossible task only to learn that the entire future of the Beladors rides on her success—and the only person who can help her is the one who wants to gut her.

My thoughts:

Alterant takes us back to an Atlanta bursting with all kinds of preternatural characters. I really liked the first book in this series and was excited to see what adventures (maybe predicaments would be a better word) Evalle would take part in next.

I'm not sure if it was because of the amount of time that had passed since I read book one, Blood Trinity, but I had difficulty getting invested in Alterant during the first 100 or so pages. The world Kenyon and Love created is unbelievably complex. I found this to be both an asset and a hindrance. There was so very much happening along with a massive cast of characters. I was left feeling a little overwhelmed. Thankfully, events from Blood Trinity eventually started to come back to me, and I was able to remember how everyone was connected. The large cast also possessed an array of unusual names that I found myself stumbling over quite a bit. The ARC copy did have a glossary in the back. I definitely recommend using it. If you visit Sherrilyn Kenyon’s website she has a super cool character section complete with pictures. I referred to it numerous times while reading. It can be found here.

The Belador series doesn't contain the amount of romance you would typically expect from Kenyon. If you dig urban fantasy you'll eat this up. If you’re more of a paranormal romance fan you might be left underwhelmed. There is a little more smoochy time in Alterant than Blood Trinity. Evalle's traumatizing past, and the resulting emotional scars, cause her not to be super comfortable with lots of mushy romance. I totally respect that and like her even more because of it. If she forgot all her troubles because a hot guy showed an interest I’d have a problem finding it believable. I love the way the authors have handled the traumas Evalle has suffered and the slow going process of healing . They could rush it and make Evalle fall victim to insta-love, but they chose a pacing that is perfect, consistent and believable. I can't wait to see how her character evolves as this series continues. I have to say I'm not feeling the chemistry with Storm though. A little more Black Ops Isak would make me a very happy girl :)

While I had trouble initially, I did thoroughly enjoy the last 200 pages of Alterant, but still felt it didn’t live up to Blood Trinity. I will still continue the series because I really like Evalle and am patiently waiting for Isak’s reaction when he figures out she isn’t just a human girl who attracts paranormal trouble.

My Rating:

Books in this series:

Feature & Giveaway: PS - I Love You Blog Tour

2012-01-08T00:02:00.000-06:00

All I Want Is You

by Sherrill Bodine

Available: Now

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Reading Level: Adult

Synopsis via Goodreads:

SHE'S STEALING HIS HEART . . .

Vintage boutique owner Venus Smith is stunned to realize her newest acquisition comes with a larcenous legend. Stolen years ago, the antique mermaid brooch belongs to the Clayworth family. The right thing to do would be to return it, but that means facing Connor Clayworth O'Flynn, the sexy department store heir Venus has had an unrequited crush on since childhood-and the man who helped ruin her father.

ONE KISS AT A TIME

Connor knows that Venus has never forgiven him for what happened between their families. But business isn't personal, even though Venus's father's betrayal still cuts him like a knife. So when Venus proposes a deal-she'll return his family's brooch if he helps clear her father's name-he reluctantly agrees. As action-packed days turn into flirtatious fall nights, it isn't long before old memories resurface . . . and new desires ignite. Can two young lovers leave the past behind? Or must they first admit that all they've ever really wanted . . . is each other?

Sherrill Bodine on the web:

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Sanctuary Cove

by Rochelle Alers

Available: Now

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Reading Level: Adult

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Sometimes love is the simplest choice of all.

Still reeling from her husband's untimely death, Deborah Robinson needs a fresh start. So she decides to pack up her family, box up her bookstore, and return to her grandmother's ancestral home on Cavanaugh Island. The charming town of Sanctuary Cove holds happy memories for Deborah. And, after she spies a gorgeous stranger in the local bakery, it promises the possibility for a bright, new future.

Dr. Asa Monroe is at a crossroads. Ever since the loss of his family, he has been on a quest for faith and meaning, traveling from one town to another. When he meets Deborah, the beautiful bookstore owner with the warm eyes and sunny smile, Asa believes he has finally found a reason to stay in one place.

As friendship blossoms into romance, Deborah and Asa discover they may have a second chance at love. But small towns have big secrets. Before they can begin their new life together, the couple must confront a challenge they never expected . . .

Rochelle Alers on the web:

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Giveaway Details:

I have 3 sets of All I Want Is You & Sanctuary Cove up for grabs courtesy of Hachette Book Group

Open to the U.S & Canada

No P.O Boxes please

Limit 1 set per household

Ends 1/23

Fill out the Rafflecopter form to enter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Guest Post & Giveaway: Christie Craig

2012-01-07T00:05:00.001-06:00

Christie Craig is here to share a few things we might learn from her newest release.

Welcome, Christie

*******

Thirteen things you’ll learn from reading Murder, Mayhem and Mama:

1) Grief sucks. Love heals.

2) Believe it or not, sometimes mama does know best. Even when she’s dead.

3) Painting your toenails is equivalent to a happy pill.

4) Sometimes there’s a hell of lot more to our dreams than we think.

5) When a tough guy resorts to sniffing a girl’s sweater that she left behind, he might as well give up the bachelor pad, he’s on the road to falling in love.

6) A guy who offers you a shoulder during a meltdown and doesn’t try to cop a feel, just may be a keeper.

7) When a guy says all he wants to do is sleep with you, he might not be talking sex, you might just be his answer to insomnia. Then again, he’ll probably want sex when he’s had some sleep.

8) When all else fells, try saying the magic words: please and thank you. It’s a manner thing.

9) Be leery of opening your boyfriends medicine cabinet, it’s not just what you might find, but what might fall out and bounce right into the toilet. Explaining how his 36 pack of condoms got wet could be embarrassing.

10) While being a better bitch isn’t something we should aspire to, learning to stand up for oneself is definitely goal worthy.

11) Sharing food off each other’s plate could lead to sharing a toothbrush. And after that, all bets, and possibly the clothes, are coming off.

12) Bad habits die hard. Then again, the sergeant general doesn’t say anything about smoking after you’re dead. Just ask Mama.

13) Take a man’s favorite leather jacket, and he might offer you his heart to get it back.

Watch the Murder, Mayhem and Mama trailer:

BEING A MAMA IS HARD. BUT THE JOB’S EVEN TOUGHER WHEN YOU’RE DEAD…

Cali McKay’s mama isn’t ready to pass over to the “other side” yet. Her unlucky-in-love daughter needs her now more than ever. Before Mama can chain-smoke her way to heaven, she’s gotta make sure Cali’s ex deadbeat boyfriend doesn’t get her daughter killed.

GRIEF SUCKS. LOVE HEALS…

Cali lost her mom to cancer. Detective Brit Lowell, lost his partner to murder. Now he’s in the mood to take down some dirtbags and Cali’s ex just happens to be a dirtbag leaving a trail of dead bodies behind him. Can Brit trust this beautiful woman to help take down her ex? Can Cali look past this sexy cop’s hard exterior to trust him with her heart? Can life get any crazier when Mama starts meddling from the grave? Only one thing is for sure–none of it will matter, unless they catch a killer before the killer catches them.

FIRST TIME AVAILABLE IN WIDE RELEASE!

Christie Craig on the web:

Website | Twitter | Facebook

**********

Giveaway Details:

I also have an e-book copy of Murder, Mayhem and Mama up for grabs courtesy of the lovely (& hilarious) Christie Craig.

Ends 1/15

Fill out the Rafflecopter form to enter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow Friday - January 6th

2012-01-06T01:11:00.001-06:00

This is my first time participating in the Follow Friday Blog Hop hosted by Parajunkee & Alison Can Read.

Question this week: Go count the number of unread books on your shelf. How many?

I'd be lying if I said this question didn't make me a little nervous because at times I feel like unread books are taking over my home.

My total: 291

Not bad or am I guilty of book gluttony (feel free to lie to make me feel better)? I actually expected the total to be much higher. That total includes a borrowed book and some MG novels I picked up for my son, but wouldn't mind reading. & honestly you can never have too many books or at least that is what I keep telling myself :)

******

While you're here check out the giveaway I'm hosting for a copy of Dragon's Keep and Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey.

I'm in transition.....

2012-01-05T22:52:00.000-06:00

I decided to spruce things up around her for the new year :)

I'm moving from http://thefictionenthusiast.blogspot.com to http://www.fictionenthusiast.com/

Google assures me everything will be up and running in just a few days. Fingers crossed they're right.

I also have a new email address: Christie@fictionenthusiast.com

Trailer Alert: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

2012-01-04T22:30:00.000-06:00

Cinder: Book One in The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

Even in the future, the story begins with Once Upon a Time…. Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl. . . . Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future.

Trailer:

Marissa Meyer on the web:

LiveJournal | Facebook | Twitter

Make sure to check out the tour schedule and see if Marissa Meyer will be visiting a city near you.

Cinder is available now!

Are y'all as excited about this new series as I am?

Author Guest Post & Giveaway: Janet Lee Carey talks Library Love - Dragonswood Blog Tour

2012-01-03T01:54:00.000-06:00

I’m excited to welcome author Janet Lee Carey to the blog today. Her new book, Dragonswood, releases very soon and it is pretty darn amazing!

*****

Thanks for inviting me to do a guest post here at The Fiction Enthusiast, Christie. By the way I like your sprouting books!

photo by Heidi Pettit

I’ll just sit down and make myself comfortable here on your blog today if I may?

Go for it, Janet.

Today I wanted to talk a bit about my new book DRAGONSWOOD (Dial Books, Jan 2012), and spread a little Library Love along the way.

One Girl. Bound by Fate. Breaks free.

In a dark time when girls with powers are called witches, Tess escapes the witch hunter and hides with a mysterious huntsman until magical voices draw her deeper into Dragonswood where she learns the secret of her birth. Caught between love and loyalty, Tess chooses the hardest path of all – her own.

Dragonswood launches in just two days. Readers can find it on bookstore shelves, online, e-book format, and in libraries across the U.S.

Library Love

I’m especially excited to know it will be on library shelves. I have a special place in my heart for libraries because I spent a lot of time there as a child. Exploring the aisles, I fell in love with the endless stories crammed on the dusty shelves. Stories I could take home and read for free. It’s difficult to find anything that’s free to the public these days, but all of us can still enter a library and check out a book or video without putting down a single penny. For those who can’t afford to buy books or don’t have another way onto the internet, this gateway to knowledge provides an essential freedom. (Not to mention a warm place out of the wind and rain.)

Library Lions Roars

In 2010 I decided to put my library love into action and created the Library Lions blog http://LibraryLionsRoar.blogspot.com . As an author I want to support the ongoing health of our public libraries. I’m also very concerned at how fast libraries are vanishing from our public schools. We can’t let this happen in our schools. We need to stand up together and Roar!

At Library Lions blog we Raise a Roar for Public Libraries and School Libraries across the U.S. Readers learn about amazing youth programs in their communities, librarians search the blog to dig up new program ideas to try in their libraries. In the past two years I’ve interviewed people like NYPL’s children’s librarian Elizabeth Bird, showcased school libraries from coast to coast, hosted Banned Books Week galleries, and interviewed fellow authors about their Library Love.

“Google can bring you back 100,000 answers, a librarian can bring you back the right one.”
--Neil Gaiman

When I think of Dragonswood tucked into the library shelf – free to any reader who wants to check it out – I smile.

***********

Thanks so much for stopping by, Janet!

Dragonswood Trailer:

"Painful, cathartic and cautiously hopeful; a fairy tale for those who have given up on believing in them, but still yearn for happily ever after." -- Kirkus starred review

Follow the Dragonswood Blog Tour

Read my review of Dragonswood

Giveaway Details:

Up for grabs is a signed paperback of Dragon’s Keep and a hardcover of Dragonswood

Open to residents of the US

Ends 1/10

Fill out this form to enter

Waiting On Wednesday - December 28th

2011-12-28T01:23:00.000-06:00

My WOW pick this week is

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Available - May 2012 from HarperTeen

Synopsis via Goodreads

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences? This is life for sons and daughters of fallen angels in Sweet Evil.

Anna, a tender-hearted southern girl, was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage, and her will-power is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

A cross-country trip forces Anna and Kai to face the reality that hope and love are not options for their kind. When it's time for Anna to confront her demons, will she choose to embrace her halo or her horns?

***********

Why I'm waiting on Sweet Evil? The synopsis sounds fun & different from other novels that star fallen angels. "He’s the boy your daddy warned you about." made me giggle. Also curious about the cross-country trip. Road trip I hope :)

What are you waiting on this week?

Meme details: Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. Don’t forget to stop by her blog and share your WOW pick for this week.

ARC Review: Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey - Blog Tour

2011-12-27T11:35:00.000-06:00

Title: Dragonswood
Series: Wilde Island Chronicles #2
Author: Janet Lee Carey | Website
Available: 1/5/2012
Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: YA

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Wilde Island is in an uproar after the recent death of its king. The uneasy pact between dragons, fairies, and humans is fraying, and a bloodthirsty witch hunter with a hidden agenda whips villages into frenzies with wild accusations. Tess, a blacksmith’s daughter from a tiny hamlet near the mysterious Dragonswood, finds herself caught in the crosshairs of fate when she is accused of witchery and has to flee for her life along with her two best friends.

Not even Tess’s power to see the future can help the girls as they set off on their desperate journey, but she keeps having visions of a man wielding a sword. And when she finally meets him, Tess has no idea how to handle the magnetic attraction she feels for him, or the elusive call she hears from the heart of the Dragonswood.

In this epic romance, an ancient prophecy comes true in a way neither dragon, fairy, nor human would have predicted.

My thoughts:

Dragonswood satisfied a craving I wasn't even aware I had. Obviously my book diet has been seriously lacking fantasy lately. I just didn't realize how bad until I started reading this enchanting novel. Tess takes readers on an incredible journey. I found myself staying up late at night because I just couldn't bring myself to put her captivating tale down. The magical combination of a historical setting, dragons, fairies and romance had me falling in love at first page.

I absolutely loved Tess. She craved an independence that women during her time didn't typically have. Instead she was forced to live in fear with her mother and abusive father. Who would of thought being accused of witchcraft and forced to flee could be so liberating? Tess is a strong and admirable character. She stayed true to herself throughout the book and as a reader I appreciated this. The secondary characters were also a pleasure. I wish the dragons would have had a little more time in the spotlight. The few scenes where they spoke or interacted with the characters were without a doubt my favorites. I just have so much love for those scaled beasts ♥

I found the pacing of Dragonswood to be wonderful until the end. The ending just seemed a little rushed and the writing didn't flow as nicely as it did throughout the majority of the novel. I also had difficulty with the epilogue. Tess seemed to have a different "voice". I'm not sure if this was to help reflect the time that had passed and how she had changed. It just didn't feel like I was reading from the POV of the same girl I'd just spent almost 400 pages with.

While the ending could have been smoother it didn't in any way squash the massive amount of love I have for this wonderful book. I still found Dragonswood an absolute delight to read! I highly recommend it and hope to read more by Janet Lee Carey very soon.

While visiting Janet Lee Carey's website I discovered Dragonswood is technically the second book in the Wilde Island Chronicles. I wasn't aware of this little bit of info when I first started reading. I haven't had the pleasure of reading the first novel, Dragon's Keep. I don't feel reading out of order made Dragonswood any less enjoyable and never really felt like I was missing anything.

My Rating:

Review: The Girl Is Murder by Kathryn Miller Haines - Blog Tour

2011-12-20T07:38:00.000-06:00

Title: The Girl Is Murder
Series: Debut!
Author: Kathryn Miller Haines | Website
Available: Now
Genre: Mystery/Historical
Reading Level: YA

Description from Goodreads:

Iris Anderson is only 15, but she's quickly mastering the art of deception in this YA novel for fans of Veronica Mars. It's the Fall of 1942 and Iris's world is rapidly changing. Her Pop is back from the war with a missing leg, limiting his ability to do the physically grueling part of his detective work. Iris is dying to help, especially when she discovers that one of Pop's cases involves a boy at her school. Now, instead of sitting at home watching Deanna Durbin movies, Iris is sneaking out of the house, double crossing her friends, and dancing at the Savoy till all hours of the night. There's certainly never a dull moment in the private eye business.

My thoughts:

As a fan of both historical fiction and Nancy Drew, I knew The Girl Is Murder was a must read. Iris Anderson is a wonderful main character that does an amazing job of giving us a glimpse into life of a 15-year-old girl living in 1942. She is dealing with the aftermath of her mother’s suicide and her long absent father’s return from Pearl Harbor (minus one leg). With money tight, Iris finds herself leaving her fancy private school and life on the Upper East Side behind for a life as a public school student and a new home in the less desirable Lower East Side. When she discovers her father is late with the rent and having difficulty fulfilling his job as a private investigator, Iris decides to help him. He asks her to stop, but Iris quickly learns how much she likes the role of investigator and it leads her into all kinds of sticky situations over the course of the story.

I enjoyed the mystery aspects of The Girl Is Murder very much. The author did a fantastic job of walking us through the steps of solving the whodunit without making the pending outcome predictable. Iris was also a narrator I adored. I loved watching her transformation from beginning to end. By the end of her story she has a certain sense of the world she wasn’t privy to at the start. I also enjoyed watching the way the relationship between Iris and her father developed. At the beginning he was almost a stranger to her. After living most of his military career away he suddenly becomes her soul parent. Iris had so many changes and adjustments in such a short period of time. I felt these molded and shaped her character in quite a positive way.

The Girl Is Murder is a highly enjoyable read that I most definitely recommend. I’m so excited this is a series debut and look forward to more adventures with Iris Anderson.

My Rating:

The Secret of Spruce Knoll Blog Tour

2011-12-12T09:16:00.000-06:00

A special edition of Heather McCorkle’s The Secret Of Spruce Knoll is releasing from Compass Press this month and she’s doing a special tour to go along with it. The special part, a percentage of the proceeds from every special edition sold (in every format) between its release date and 12-12-2012, will go toward Heather’s favorite charity that protects endangered species. Her goal is to make at least $10,000 for the charity.For the tour Heather has asked each blog host to pick their favorite endangered species and she will tell us a fun or interesting fact about that animal.

I chose the cougar:

Heather's interesting fact:

Cougars are one of the near-threatened species that really fascinate me as we have them where I live. Rather than eat their meals in one gorge-fest, cougars will cover up their kills with leaves and debris and come back for them later.

I have seen a lot of cougar tracks around where I live but I've never spotted one as they are extremely good at hiding. Last year though one was unfortunately hit and killed by a truck and I got to see him when my neighbor was waiting for Fish and Game to respond. They look massive that close up!

*****

Very cool, Heather! Thanks for sharing.

Of course there are prizes during the tour which goes from December 1^st through the 17^th. Prizes include a symbolic endangered species adoption of the winner’s choice (a $50 donation by Heather to the charity for the endangered species of the winner’s choice, and cute stuffed animal for the winner!), signed copies of her novels and great swag. For full details, and to enter, go here. http://heathermccorkle.blogspot.com

Order the special edition of The Secret of Spruce Knoll:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

This or That with Iris from The Girl Is Murder & A Giveaway - Blog Tour

2011-12-07T09:36:00.001-06:00

Today we have the chance to get to know Iris from The Girl Is Murder by Kathryn Miller Haines better. Keep in mind this book takes place in the 1940's so the questions are geared toward the time when Iris lived.

Let's play This or That!

Root beer float or Egg cream?

Egg cream. It’s a New York staple and Iris is all New York.

Summer or Winter?

Summer. No school, no snow, no responsibilities.

Sherlock Holmes or Dick Tracy?

Dick Tracy. He’s a cooler cat. Sherlock Holmes is old.

Superman or Batman?

Superman. Even though he’s 4-F because of his vision and had to sit out the war, he can still fight the bad guys with the best of them.

Cats or Dogs?

Dogs are more dependable and more intimidating if you need to face down a bad guy.

Gone with the Wind or The Wizard of Oz?

The Wizard of Oz. It’s a story Iris relates to more and speaks to her own journey to find courage, a heart, a brain, and a home.

Bing Crosby or Fred Astaire?

Bing Crosby. He’s a young hip crooner who’s making all the girls swoon.

Chocolate or Vanilla?

Chocolate. Life’s too short for vanilla.

The Hobbit or Brave New World?

Brave New World. It’s about the future of this world, not the present of an imaginary one, and Iris is very concerned about what’s happening in her world right now.

Early morning or Late nights?

Late nights. People are much more interesting once the sun goes down. And they’re easier to follow.

Film or Radio?

Film. Radio is nice, but when the lights go down and the orchestra music swells, it’s easier to lose yourself in a movie.

Pluto or Goofy?

Goofy. He’s just much more entertaining. Plus, they’re both dogs, but Goofy gets to be a dog who acts like a human while Pluto is just a dog.

Monopoly or Sorry?

Monopoly. There’s more strategy involved.

Pink or Red?

Red. It’s the shade of lip crème that goes with everything.

Thanks for playing!

*****

The Girl Is Murder is available now!

Add it on Goodreads

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Giveaway Details:

One copy of The Girl Is Murder is up for grabs

Open to the U.S

Ships directly from the publisher

Please fill out This Form to enter
Ends 12/15

This or That with Jeremy from Remembrance & a Giveaway

2011-12-06T00:02:00.008-06:00

Please welcome Jeremy from Remembrance by Michelle Madow to the blog today. He agreed to play a little “This or That” so we can all get to know him better.

Chocolate or vanilla?

Chocolate

Coke or Pepsi?

Doesn’t make too much of a difference, but I guess Coke.

iPhone or Droid?

iPhone all the way! They’re cooler looking than Droid, and easier to use.

Read the book or watch the movie?

Watch the movie! I barely do my reading for school—why bother reading a book when you can just watch it?

Captain Crunch or Fruity Pebbles?

If I had to choose it would be Captain Crunch, but my favorite cereal is Frosted Flakes.

Redbox or Netflix?

Netflix, but I usually just use my DVR On Demand.

Night owl or morning person?

Night owl. I hate waking up early.

Horror movie or action flick?

Tough choice, but I’m gonna go with action. The plots are usually cool, and they have good fight and chase scenes.

Vampires or werewolves?

Werewolf, because I would rather turn into a wolf than a bat. But I don’t get this whole vampire/werewolf thing going on recently. Amber made me watch an episode of The Vampire Diaries the other day, and I could barely sit through it.

Blondes or brunettes?

Blondes ;)

History or Math?

Neither? But I guess if I had to pick one, it would be history.

Xbox or PS3?

I’ve got a Wii. If I was going to get another system too, it would be Xbox.

Thanks for playing, Jeremy!

*****

Remembrance is available now!

Learn more & add it to your shelf on Goodreads!

Giveaway Details:

Up for grabs is one super cool prize pack.

Open to residents of the U.S

Ends 12/27

Use the Rafflecopter form to enter

Review & Giveaway: Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis - Blog Tour

2011-12-04T13:43:00.008-06:00

Title: Head Over Heels
Series: Lucky Harbor #3
Author: Jill Shalvis | Website
Available: Now
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reading Level: Adult

Description via Goodreads:

Breaking rules and breaking hearts

Free-spirited Chloe lives life on the edge. Unlike her soon-to-be married sisters, she isn't ready to settle into a quiet life running their family's newly renovated inn. But soon her love of trouble--and trouble with love-draws the attention of the very stern, very sexy sheriff who'd like nothing better than to tame her wild ways.

Suddenly Chloe can't take a misstep without the sheriff hot on her heels. His rugged swagger and his enigmatic smile are enough to make a girl beg to be handcuffed. For the first time, instead of avoiding the law, Chloe dreams of surrender. Can this rebel find a way to keep the peace with the straitlaced sheriff? Or will Chloe's colorful past keep her from a love that lasts . . . and the safe haven she truly wants in a town called Lucky Harbor?

Quotable Quotes:

"One hundred thousand sperm and he'd been in the fastest."

My thoughts:

Jill Shalvis has wowed me in Lucky Harbor again. In this installment we finally explore the combustible chemistry radiating between youngest sister, Chloe, and local sheriff, Sawyer. Chloe’s sisters and Lucky Harbor locals refer to her as the “Wild Child”. She is a free spirit who longs for others to take her more seriously (especially her sisters) without having to sacrifice the fundamentals of who she is. Sawyer is just about as opposite of Chloe as you can get. Only thing is Sawyer wasn't always such a straight arrow and has spent most of his adult life trying to forget the troubled teen he used to be. These two have more in common than either realizes.

I absolutely adored the first two books in this series, but Chloe and Sawyer's story is my favorite. Chloe is a total sweetheart and the sister I feel has changed the most since the inn she inherited from her mother brought her to Lucky Harbor a year earlier. She has such an intoxicating personality and her love of adventure is highly contagious. She also has the ability to love others with such intensity, even if actually speaking those three little words out loud scares the hell out of her.

Sawyer is all alpha and serious. He has such a strong need to protect those around him. It is no wonder he became a police officer. The care he shows Chloe over and over when it comes to her debilitating asthma had my heart melting into a puddle of goo. You just don't expect the sweet side of him. He is undeniably sexy for a man of so little words. I usually like my male leads sarcastic and funny, but Sawyer is an exception (possibly the only one) to the rule. I was crushing hard the entire time I read. The romance between Chloe and Sawyer shouldn't work, but it does beautifully. Jill Shalvis has outdone herself with Lucky Harbor's newest love match.

Contemporary romance isn't one of my "go to" genres. I do enjoy reading it, but find I usually uncover more misses than hits. Jill Shalvis is an author who I know won't disappoint. She proves romance novels don't have to be cheesy or host to page after page of sappy cliches. She combines witty dialogue, swoon worthy romance, and dramatic elements with expertise. There is also a little action in this one thanks to Sawyer’s new side job. The Lucky Harbor series is without a doubt one of my favorites. I can see myself reading these again and again.

I'm also thrilled my time in Lucky Harbor won't end with Head Over Heels. Other residents of this adorable little town will have the chance at their HEA too! This is a series that doesn't have to be read in order, but I highly recommend it to get the full backstory on not only Chloe and Sawyer, but the other one of a kind characters you will meet in Lucky Harbor.

P.S I'll never be able to paint again without thinking of Chloe and Sawyer. Believe me when I say it is a scene not to be missed :)

My Rating:

Earlier books in this series:

Simply Irresistible - My Review

The Sweetest Thing - My Review

I also have 3 copies of Head Over Heels up for grabs (thanks Hachette Book Group!)

Open to residents of the US & Canada

No P.O Boxes please

Winners are subject to Hachette's 1 copy per household rule

Please fill out the RaffleCopter form to enter

Author Guest Post: Mary Lindsey - Shattered Souls Blog Tour

2011-12-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

Please welcome Mary Lindsey to the blog!

Purposeful, Deliberate Waffling

When I sold my book to Penguin, my editor, Jill Santopolo made it clear there would be significant revisions. I got my first revision letter, which had several requested changes and dug right in. No biggy, I thought.

Then the second letter came. It was a request for a complete revision and partial rewrite. It took me a few weeks to get my head around the scope and scale of it. Over those weeks, I didn’t work on the manuscript, but I read the letter several times a day, committing it to memory.

Within the 5,000 words of doom, there was a jewel. At the time, I didn't know my editor had a great sense of humor, so on first read, I took it seriously. Now, it is serious in its message, and she was absolutely right, but the delivery is priceless. Hilarious, actually, if you look at in in the context of the terrifying, life and manuscript-altering atom bomb in which it was nestled.

On page 4 of the letter, under Act 3, Plot point 10, wonder editor writes:

Plot Point 10 – The New Reality

· Is there a way to have a scene where she gets peace about her dad? (NEW?)

· Beach scene (EXISTING, but tweak ending)

Basically, the 60% of your story is working pretty well—there are a few new scenes and a few things that need to be retooled, but the momentum is moving in the right direction and things are building on one another. The beginning, though, seems to be a bit muddled. You need a clear direction, and after a few chapters of it, Lenzi’s waffling has to stop. She needs to make a decision and then go with it (around plot point five). And even when she is waffling at the beginning, it needs to be purposeful, deliberate waffling that has its own little waffling arc. Once you have Lenzi making decisions, I think your plot is going to move itself forward in a much clearer way.

Look at that! A quirky little gem right in the middle of the scariest revision letter ever. My favorite part:

And even when she is waffling at the beginning, it needs to be purposeful, deliberate waffling that has its own little waffling arc.

Tee hee! Here’s to purposeful, deliberate waffling. Pass the syrup, please!

Thanks, Christie, for having me on your blog today.

*****

My pleasure, Mary!

Mary Lindsey on the web:
Website | Twitter

Mary's super fabulous debut novel, Shattered Souls,
releases December 8th!

Isn't it pretty?

Read my review of Shattered Souls here.

Add Shattered Souls on Goodreads

Pre-order Shattered Souls from Amazon

Waiting On Wednesday - November 30th

2011-11-30T00:05:00.002-06:00

My WOW pick this week is

Partials by Dan Wells

Available - February 2012

Synopsis via Goodreads

The human race is all but extinct after a war with Partials—engineered organic beings identical to humans—has decimated the population. Reduced to tens of thousands by RM, a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island while the Partials have mysteriously retreated. The threat of the Partials is still imminent, but worse, no baby has been born immune to RM in more than a decade. Our time is running out.

Kira, a sixteen-year-old medic in training, is on the front lines of this battle, seeing RM ravage the community while mandatory pregnancy laws threaten to launch what’s left of humanity into civil war, and she’s not content to stand by and watch. But as she makes a desperate decision to save the last of her race, she will discover that the survival of humans and Partials alike rests in her attempts to uncover the connections between them—connections that humanity has forgotten, or perhaps never even knew were there.

Dan Wells, acclaimed author of I Am Not a Serial Killer, takes readers on a pulse-pounding journey into a world where the very concept of what it means to be human is in question—one where our humanity is both our greatest liability and our only hope for survival.

*****

What are you waiting on this week?

Meme details: Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. Don’t forget to stop by her blog and share your WOW pick for this week.

Review: Dead of Night: A Zombie Novel by Jonathan Maberry

2011-11-28T22:31:00.000-06:00

Title: Dead of Night: A Zombie Novel
Author: Jonathan Maberry | Website
Available: Now
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Horror/Zombies
Source: Amazon Vine

Description via Goodreads:

A prison doctor injects a condemned serial killer with a formula designed to keep his consciousness awake while his body rots in the grave. But all drugs have unforeseen side-effects. Before he could be buried, the killer wakes up. Hungry. Infected. Contagious. This is the way the world ends. Not with a bang…but a bite.

My thoughts:

Dead of Night takes place in a small Pennsylvania town that becomes infested with flesh eating zombies after a notorious serial killer, injected with a serum that would cause his conciousness to stay aware once he was buried, awakes in the local funeral home and starts feasting on the unsuspecting residents. The epidemic spreads quickly through the small town and soon even the police force have become one of the walking dead.

Over the course of Dead of Night we see the chaos through the eyes of numerous characters. I found this quite difficult to follow for the the first 50-80 pages, but once I had become used to Maberry's writing style and the "voices" of his characters I was able to read the remaining 300 pages without difficulty. I liked that we not only saw the action via the villains and heroes, but from the POV of one of the infected. It was interesting to experience the thought process of a character carrying the infection. To know a little awareness still remained made this novel all the more frightening.

With so many characters weighing in, you'd think character development would be lacking. This wasn't the case. I sympathized with those fighting for the greater good and despised the bad guys. You won't believe who ends up being the bad guys in this one! Officer Dez Fox is determined to save her little town. She is a character that comes into this madness all ready emotionally damaged. It seems characters that share this quality are always more willing to put their life on the line. I liked her though and her partner J.T.

I'd most definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a gruesome (emphasis on the gruesome) tale of zombies taking over the world one small town at a time. The ending of Dead of Night was wide open, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it turn into a series (and I definitely wouldn't complain).

My Rating:

Winners: Too Wicked To Wed & Deliciously Sinful

2011-11-27T16:31:00.001-06:00

& the winners are.....

marlenebreakfield

Michele Lawrence

ayancey

Congratulations!!

An email will be on its way shortly. Please reply with your mailing info by Tuesday evening. Michele, I don't have an email address for you. Please email me TheFictionEnthusiast @live.com

Thanks to all who entered. You can find more giveaways to enter here.

Giveaway: The Great Scots and Highland Heat Blog Tour

2011-11-20T01:15:00.001-06:00

Title: The Sinner

Series: Return of the Highlanders #2

Author: Margaret Mallory | Website

Available: Now

Genre: Historical Romance

Reading Level: Adult

Alex MacDonald is known for his skill as a warrior, his prowess with women, and his vow to never take a wife. But now his chieftain has asked him to make the ultimate sacrifice: wed Glynis MacNeil, a lass famed throughout the Highlands for her exquisite beauty—and defiant ways. Familiar with heartbreak, Glynis refuses to fall for another handsome scoundrel. Yet when Alex’s past sins force an unlikely union, Glynis gives in to temptation and becomes his wife. Will their newfound passion be strong enough to fight the enemy that threatens their home, their clan, and their very lives?

Add on Goodreads

Title: Highland Hero

Series: Scottish Knights Trilogy #2

Author: Amanda Scott | Website

Available: Now

Genre: Historical Romance

Reading Level: Adult

When Scotland’s Queen Annabella dies, her devastated niece, Lady Marsaili Cargill, takes charge of the seven-year-old prince James, who is second in line to the throne. But rumors abound that the King’s brother—the Duke of Albany—will stop at nothing to fulfill his ambition to govern Scotland. But before Marsi can help the young prince escape to the safety of St. Andrews Academy, she will need to confront the men seeking to use her—and accept the help of the King’s devoted master archer, Sir Ivor Mackintosh. With traitors and assassins all around, Marsi and Ivor must risk all for the little prince James, while hoping for a future that will allow their love to flourish.

Add on Goodreads

I have 3 sets of The Sinner & Highland Hero up for grabs courtesy of Hachette Book Group.

Please use the RaffleCopter form below to enter.

Review: Kat, Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis

2011-11-19T00:05:00.000-06:00

Title: Kat, Incorrigible
Series: The Unladylike Adventures of Kat Stephens #1
Author: Stephanie Burgis | Website
Available: Now
Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Middle Grade
Source: Galley Grab

Description via Goodreads:

Katherine Ann Stephenson has just discovered that she's inherited her mother's magical talents, and despite Stepmama's stern objections, she's determined to learn how to use them. But with her eldest sister Elissa's intended fiancé, the sinister Sir Neville, showing a dangerous interest in Kat's magical potential; her other sister, Angeline, wreaking romantic havoc with her own witchcraft; and a highwayman lurking in the forest, even Kat's reckless heroism will be tested to the upmost. If she can learn to control her new powers, will Kat be able to rescue her family and win her sisters their true love?

My thoughts:

Kat is the youngest of the widowed vicar’s three daughters, and the constant bane of her stepmother’s existence. When Kat discovers she has inherited her mother’s gift for magic she hopes she can find a way to solve her family’s financial woes that doesn’t involve her older sister marrying the frightening Sir Neville. The only catch is the magic is off limits so she can’t let anyone know about her new found talent. Kat manages to stir up all kinds of trouble along the way.

I have a list of things that seems to draw me to certain books. This list just happens to include magic, a strong-minded heroine, a historical time period, or an England setting. Kat, Incorrigible had ALL of these. This book was like my dream read come true. Oh how much do I adore this book! It was truly a breath of fresh air.

Don’t let the cartoon cover fool you. This is a book that can easily appeal to fantasy and magic fans of all ages. The precocious Kat is one of the most delightful heroines I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. Her hijinks never failed to entertain. The secondary characters contained the perfect amount of quirkiness. I have a soft spot for eccentric characters, and this little book was packed full of them. I loved the unique qualities each of the three sisters possessed and when you put them all together the sibling banter was so much fun. There is also a brother who I hope we’ll get to meet as this series continues.

The plot was a perfect mix of action and entertaining dialogue. I didn’t want to see it end! I can’t rave enough about this amazing book. I’m so glad it is a series debut and not a standalone novel. I can’t wait to tag along on more of Kat’s wild adventures. If I could give it a rating higher than 5 stars I would. Kat, Incorrigible is my newest favorite book!

Cover Reveal: Battle Scars (Elemental #2) by Cesya MaRae Cuono

2011-11-18T08:00:00.019-06:00

COVER REVEAL

How do you carry on fighting for your family when you’re left scarred and broken? When your dreams are plagued by nightmares, how do you strengthen the armor needed to protect yourself again? Callie’s been defeated by the loss of her entire family. With the help of old and new friends, will she build her battle armor up and fight the evil hands of the Demons who threaten to destroy her new home? Or will her battle scars leave her too broken and empty to fight?

Gorgeous isn’t it? Congrats, Cesya on another beautiful cover!

Battle Scars is the 2nd book in the Elemental series and will be available late 2012.

The first book, Elemental Reality, is available now.

Find out more about the author and series by visiting Cesya MaRae Cuono’s blog or following her on Twitter.

Review: Clarity by Kim Harrington

2011-11-17T00:05:00.007-06:00

Title: Clarity
Series: Clarity #1
Author: Kim Harrington
Available: Now
Genre: Paranormal
Reading Level: YA
Source: Vine

Description via Goodreads:

When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth?

This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats.

Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.
And a curse.

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case - but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother - who has supernatural gifts of his own - becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

My thoughts:

Clarity "Clare" Fern's abilities have earned her more than her fair share of bullying and teasing. She has a little thing called retrocognitive psychometry. She can pick up on memories just by touching things. Teamed up with her telepathic mother and an older brother who can talk to ghosts, they earn a living giving readings to the tourist community of Eastport. When the usually boring town discovers a tourist was shot at a local hotel, Clare finds herself enlisted to help the police solve the crime. This has her working closely with the dangerously handsome son of the new detective, and also the ex she can't forgive for doing her wrong. She is also attempting to prove the innocence of her brother, Perry, who was the last person to see the murdered girl alive, and finding it difficult to keep his secrets when working so closely with the police.

I devoured this book in practically one sitting. I loved both the main and secondary characters, and was very impressed with how well developed they were considering the book's length (242 pages). Clare is a sassy chick who refuses to let the her peers teasing get her down. When faced with their taunts, her quick witted nature always provides her with a snarky reply. I'm a girl who loves a book with a healthy serving of snark so this was greatly appreciated ;) I also absolutely adored Clare's eccentric mom, and the interactions between mother and daughter. I can just imagine the edge telepathy would provide when it comes to parenting, but I thought Clare's mom did a pretty great job of not overstepping boundaries while being a strong and consistent presence in her children's lives.

Now lets talk about the boys! This book is filled to the brim with cute boys! Perry is Clare's older brother and a bit of a womanizer. Gabriel is the new hottie in town, and he has the bad boy image down to an art. Clare's ex Justin is trying to win her back after an alcohol induced mistake (FYI Don't cheat on a psychic and expect to not get caught!). He actually seems like a great guy, but who can blame Clare for not being able to forgive his indiscretions. Nate is Perry's best friend, and an all around sweetheart. He works at the local paper as an intern, and while his role wasn't screaming love interest, I think he is a great match for Clare. So like I said lots and lots of boys with serious "book boyfriend" potential ;)

Clarity features such a great mix of paranormal elements, and a mystery that had me guessing until the very end. The author has a writing style I thoroughly enjoyed, and she did such an excellent job of executing the plot of this book. I felt like every possible hole had been filled. Towards the end of the book, we find Clare asking a very unlikely ally questions, and receiving some seriously cryptic answers in response. Now I'm fiending for book #2 in a bad, bad way. There are so many secrets left to unravel in the coastal town of Eastport. I have a feeling this just might be the beginning of a series I am going to love! Also keep in mind when recommending this to younger teens that Clare's wit isn't always PG, and where there is murder there will be violence. I'd be hesitant to recommend this to anyone under the age of 15.

Cover Thoughts: I love it! Totally how I pictured Clare while reading. The background really emphasizes that it takes place in a coastal town.

My Rating:

Review & Giveaway: The Secret of Spruce Knoll by Heather McCorkle

2011-11-16T00:05:00.002-06:00

Title: The Secret of Spruce Knoll
Series: The Channelers #1
Author: Heather McCorkle | Website
Available: Now
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy
Reading Level: YA
Source: Author

Description via Goodreads:

It’s hard enough being a teenager under normal circumstances; imagine being orphaned, sent to live with an unfamiliar aunt—and learning that there really is magic in the world. Following the tragic death of her parents, Eren Donovan moves to Spruce Knoll to live with her aunt. Little does Eren know the entire town of Spruce Knoll is filled with “channelers”—a magical group of people who immigrated to the small Colorado town when they were driven out of their own lands.

Channelers are tied to the fate of the world. As the world slowly dies, so do they—and they alone have the power to stop the destruction of Earth. Now, Eren learns she not only lives among them, but she is one. When she meets local boy Aiden, his charm convinces her that being a channeler may not be all bad.

As Eren and Aiden’s relationship blooms, so too does a mystery in Spruce Knoll. The town holds many secrets—and many enemies. It soon becomes apparent that the untimely death of Eren’s parents-and Aidens-was no accident and that her life might be in danger, too. Only time will tell if Eren has the power to protect the people she has come to love

My thoughts:

Heather McCorkle’s debut novel takes us into the mysterious community of Spruce Knoll. Main character, Eren, is forced to move with her aunt to the small-town after the death of her parents. Once she arrives she quickly realizes there is something more to the isolated community than meets the eye. Separated by culture and extremely protective of what land is theirs. Secrets soon come to the surface and she is informed she is a Channeler with powers linked to the earth. Talk about information overload! Eren finds a new friend (and crush) in an Irish boy named Aiden. He seems to make her strange new life almost bearable. Then the drama begins to unfold and Eren is thrust into a web of danger and deceit.

I have always enjoyed reading Heather’s blog posts and following her journey into the world of a published write. The Secret of Spruce Knoll contains the same well thought out and structured writing I’ve come to associate with Heather. The world building is truly amazing. She paid great attention down to the smallest detail. As a reader it was so easy to imagine myself running beside Eren as she explored her new home. Speaking of Eren, I really enjoyed getting to know the Channeler in training. She’d been dealt a tough hand at the start of the book and seemed to be taking it better than I would in her shoes. Life in Spruce Knoll isn’t easy for her. It isn’t common for residents to marry outside of their culture, so her Mayan/Irish blood made her a target for dirty looks and hate.

There was also a really great mystery and loads of suspense. Eren didn’t expect so much excitement when she first laid eyes on Spruce Knoll. Unfortunately, she finds herself the focus of some not so nice people who definitely don't want to see her cozying up to the Irish hottie, Aiden. As Eren gets deeper and deeper into the drama she is shocked by the discoveries she makes.

The Secret of Spruce Knoll is a beautifully executed debut novel. I’m excited to see what Heather McCorkle has planned for the lovely Eren next. Please keep in mind The Secret of Spruce Knoll does contain scenes that may be a little dark and heavy for younger teens. I’d recommend it for ages 15+

My Rating:

Giveaway:

Books aren’t the only thing I get all passionate and crazy about. I’m also a HUGE animal lover. This seems to be something I share with the lovely Heather McCorkle. She is doing something awesome and donating a portion of the proceeds from a special edition of The Secret of Spruce Knoll to her favorite charity that helps endangered species. So I decided I would love to give a copy to one of you.

Open to residents of the U.S

To enter leave a comment telling me what your favorite endangered species is along with a way to contact you (email/twitter/carrier pigeon/etc.)

Ends 11/27

If you would like to order your very own special edition of The Secret of Spruce Knoll & help some endangered critters info can be found here: http://thecompasspress.blogspot.com/