Review: My Life Next Door

Title: My Life Next Door
Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
Published: June 14, 2012
Source: BookPeople Teen Reviewer

Synopsis:
A gorgeous debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another

“One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”
The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?
A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.

Review:
There are not words for how much I loved this book. The whole time I was sitting there saying I love this book, over and over again. The world created by Huntley Fitzpatrick was an amazing one! I couldn't put this one down! It kept me enticed in it the whole time! :)


Cover:
Two words, so cute. It is perfect for what the book is about, and just cute! The guy looks hot, and the girl is pretty, what more do you need? Well of course you need a little more... But that doesn't matter!


Plot/Writing:
Everything was set up perfectly. The plot kept you interested and zoned in on what was happening 100%. The writing was hilarious and I was cracking with every turn of the page! It was written with a purpose, and the purpose was followed through throughout the book. It made me laugh, cry, and gasp in shock, which it was nice to read a book like this!


Characters:
Samantha is part of the clean, "perfect family." She watches the messy Garrets every night, hoping to escape. It might be a little weird, but it was how she deals with her life. She feels so easily, and just puts most of it away until she meets Jase. He made her open up her feelings and actually do something with her life. It was awesome to see how she changed, grew up, and acted throughout the book.


Jase is pure sexiness... Yes, I just said that. He was so sweet, and caring. It was what made him perfect. I just love him. There wasn't anything wrong with him. Jase took care of his family without complaint and was just... Ahhh! There aren't words to describe him anymore...


All in All:
AMAZING! READ THIS NOW!! AND YOU WON'T REGRET IT!! GAH! Okay, back to normal, but I'm serious, read it. You won't regret it if you want a quick, cute and easy read! 5 out of 5 tacos!

Cover Reveal: Mark of Athena

There is something I have been waiting months for, and that is Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan. Well, it's not out yet, but I have the next best thing! The cover, but first here is the summary!

Annabeth is terrified. Just when she’s about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can’t blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon masthead, Leo’s fantastical creation doesn’t appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.
And that’s only one of her worries. In her pocket Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving demand: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find—and close— the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?
Annabeth’s biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he’s now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader, but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.
Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices, and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare. . . .

Author Interview w/ Jordan Calher

Hey guys! Today I am featuring Jordan Calher! She wrote the novel Brittle and she decided to join us today! :)

How did you come up with the idea for Brittle? 

Since middle school, I’ve always been reading occult stuff. Specifically, like most writing ideas for me, the opening event just hit me (for Brittle, I think it was at bedtime – that great time when the mind stops having to worry about coordinating legs and feet and eyes and hearing and all that) and then it evolved.

Is there anything that inspired you to write Brittle? 

I have a friend with diabetes. Seeing how it rules her life made me start really thinking about the control it requires, how important it is or isn’t to different people, and in different ways. What would happen if it was totally lost, and what it would be like to feel responsible for that loss. 

How did you discover a passion for writing? 

I’ve always been a little “outside the norm.” When I was 12, my dad said, “You know, Jordan, you should be a writer.” Guess that planted the seed. I read a lot of fantasy in middle and high school, did a lot of gaming (tabletop and live role-playing games like AD&D and Vampire and Mage). Then about 6 years ago I started writing an epic fantasy that was my lifeline from a monotonous existence in the Midwest. I felt the total ecstasy of creation and imagination and limitless travel all wrapped up into one – aka, writing.

Why did you choose to write YA? 

A) Writers tend to have a strong egomaniac side. You know, where they think they have something really important to tell the world, and influence people’s perspective. I want to expose ideas and thought patterns to people BEFORE the dim world of “9-5 eat-sleep-work-die” starts crusting over their minds. B) It’s a hot market.

What was the most challanging thing for you while writing? 

The easiest? – The most challenging thing for me while writing was dealing with something not related to the writing. The writing part – that was my salvation. In a way, the easiest part. Which leads to the next question…

How long did it take you to write, edit, publish, and all that good stuff Brittle?

After spending 5 years on my first (as-of-yet unpublished) book, Brittle was an amazing rush of creativity. From first to last letter (before editing, re-writes, etc) – one and a half months. Really! But I was completely obsessed, and was lucky to not be working or anything. After that I let it sit for a few months then read back through it a couple times. Then a rewrite. Then beta readers. Then another rewrite. Then the editor got her hands on it. Polishing. The whole shebang took probly 10 months.

5 reasons to read Brittle? 

1) It’s intense. 

2) Lots of interesting info about magic, the witch trials, colonial America, etc. 

3) Diabetes affects a huge part of the world, and probly someone you know. Hopefully Brittle can give non-diabetics a little insight into what it can be like. 

4) It’s awesome. 

5) As ebook it’s incredibly cheap, especially for that much bang.



Anything else you would like to add? Upcoming projects or anything in general? 

I’m working on the sequel to Brittle, which will explore the paths some other people took to magic, how their paths meet, and the insanity that happens when they do. I’m going to draw more on some of my wild experiences travelling the world. Oh yeah, advice? When you know what you want (and I mean FEEL it down deep), set your sights and don’t give up. Make it happen. Reality is malleable. Every day I see my dream…


Quickfire!

Chocolate or Vanilla - Chocolate

Theater or at home? – depends on the company

M&Ms or Skittles? – M&Ms

Book or Movie? – book

Ebook or real book? - Real book (and yes, Brittle will be available as a real book soon ;)

Favorite song? Book? Movie? – Song – No one favorite, but how about a theme song for this whole literary adventure – “Yes” by LMFAO . Book – Demian by Herman Hesse. Movie – Muppet Treasure Island.

Thank you Jordan for taking your time to do this post and I can't wait to hear more about Brittle! :)

About Brittle:

A diabetic since freshman year, the control Sara Jacobs needs to survive is obliterated when she unleashes Voodoo barons of the afterlife from the dark witch trial history of her hometown -- Andover, Massachusetts. Past and present blend and ignite as her life crumbles beyond recognition, shattered by the same forbidden forces she is drawn to embrace: magic, the supernatural, and the demon raging uncontrolled in her veins. Rewired by magic, she revisits and dominates her petty high school world – paybacks to authority, and a little help with that crush from freshman year.


From a gossip-crazed high school to a moonless limbo of tombstone covered hills, BRITTLE is what happens when Sara stops being the victim. But through it all, nothing can really fill the void left by a mother who abandoned her at birth. Or did she?

Author:
Her Website | Facebook 

Book:

Amazon | B&N

  

Review: Transcendence

Title: Transcendence
Author: C.J. Omololu
Published: June 5, 2012
Source: eGalley

Synopsis:

Love isn’t the only emotion to survive death . . .

When a visit to the Tower of London triggers an overwhelmingly real vision of a beheading that occurred centuries before, Cole Ryan fears she is losing her mind. A mysterious boy, Griffon Hall, comes to her aid, but the intensity of their immediate connection seems to open the floodgate of memories even wider.

As their feelings grow, Griffon reveals their common bond as members of the Akhet—an elite group of people who can remember past lives and use their collected wisdom for the good of the world. But not all Akhet are altruistic, and a rogue is after Cole to avenge their shared past. Now in extreme danger, Cole must piece together clues from many lifetimes. What she finds could ruin her chance at a future with Griffon, but risking his love may be the only way to save them both.

Full of danger, romance, and intrigue, Transcendence breathes new life into a perpetually fascinating question: What would you do with another life to live?

Review:
Transcendence was very intriguing. The story of reincarnation was pretty dang sweet and made me smile. Even though it kind of annoyed me that it took about 35 pages to figure out if the main character was male or female.

Cover:
The cover is pretty, but really its just two people on it. I don't really find a connection between the story and the cover!

Plot/Writing:
Other than the fact that it took me 35 pages to figure out if Cole was a boy or girl, the story line was really good. C.J. kept the reader entertained and very interested in the story, throwing out stop after stop the keep us guessing. I really enjoyed how the supernatural was mixed in with the romance, which yes ROMANCE! I love romance! It makes me feel all giddy inside, and then like a loser cause I don't have a boyfriend.

Characters:
Cole was a very dedicated cellist. She had no room in her life for weird things to be happening, yet she gets strange visions and doesn't know what to do about them. Then she meets Griffon and everything seems to shift. Which is a good and bad thing, which you'll just have to read to find out how!

Then there is a very dedicated Griffon. He isn't dedicated to an instrument like Cole, instead he is dedicated to Cole. He is one of those boyfriends that anyone would kill for. He knows everything about being an Akhet, and just wants to protect Cole from the things she doesn't know she should be careful of. I absolutely loved Griffon, I want him!

All in All:
I really enjoyed Transcendence, it should be added to your TBR lists ASAP!! :) 4 out of 5 tacos!

Blog Tour: 30 Days of Daemon

Sam here with an awesome blog tour! It's the 30 Days of Daemon blog tour! Featuring a super sexy, extremely hot alien,
from the book Obsidian by the ever amazing Jennifer Armentrout!
Today I have my favorite Daemon Scenes for you, I have split them into seven categories and I would like to share them with you. Beware though, they are extremely spoilery so I wouldn't read this if you have no read Obsidian!

Okay I will start here, leave now if you haven't read, stay if you have! :) I am shortening the quotes, so if it looks different, that is because there is way too much to type and I don't want the whole book in here!

1.) The meeting of the infamous Daemon
"A naked chest. My gaze dropped and my breath sort of... stalled. Jeans hung low on his hips, revealing a thin line of dark hair that formed below his navel and disappeared under the band of his jeans.
His stomach was ripped. Perfect. Totally touchable.
'Hello?' He said again, 'Are you capable of speaking?'" Pg 6

"'You can't miss it. Well maybe you could. There's a hardware store next door.'
'Now that's not very ladylike, Kittycat.'" Pg. 8

"So the dickhead had a name. Daemon- seemed fitting." Pg 10

"Beautiful face. Beautiful body. Horrible attitude. It was the holy trinity of hot boys." Pg 20

2.) How Daemon earns bonus points
"'I figured I'd do my good deed for the day and intervene before any innocent sponges lose their lives.'"Pg 27

"'I'll sit here all day and night. I'll camp out on your porch. And I won't leave.'" Pg 32

3.) Daemon being a protective bad ass
"'Be careful with what you say next.' Daemon's voice was low but carried. 'Because what you don't know and what you can't possibly understand will get you a bolt of light in your face.'" Pg 220

"Daemon growled in fury as he rose, standing over me like an avenging angel, swathed in light." Pg 251

4.) Daemon and his super sexiness and steaminess
"Moving unbelievably fast, I was on my back and he was above me in a flash. 'Are you asking me if I'm attracted to human girls?' he asked. 'Or are you asking me if I'm attacked to you?'" Pg 153

To make this shorter, because it's really long I am just going to give the page number and a little description.

Pg 217 when Daemon and Katy wake up in the morning and how Daemon keeps cuddling into her even when she tries to move! Then when he looks up, how she describes him makes perfect sense for Daemon!  :) Hehe I love that scene!

Pg 234-235 Daemon and Katy's major make out scene. OMG that is hot. That is all I can say.

5.) Daemon and his pen poking
"A second later, I felt something poke my back. Biting down on my lip, I glanced over my shoulder." Pg 96

"He poked me in the back with his pen. I froze. Him and the goddamn pen. The poke came again, this time with a little force behind it. I swung around, eyes narrow. 'What?'" Pg 112

"And it worked right up until he sat behind me and I felt his pen poking against my back. Slowly, I set my pen down and causally turned around. 'Yes?'" Pg 162

"And if he poked me in the back with a pen one more freaking time, I was going to throw him in front of an Arum." Pg 237

6.) Daemon being his usual smart ass self
"'So what do you blog about? Knitting? Puzzles? Being lonely?'
'So you review books and you don't get paid if someone buys the book based on your review?'" Pg 51

"'I checked out your blog.'
'Stalking me again, I see. Do I need to get a restraining order?'
'In your dreams, Kitten.' He smirked. 'Oh wait, I'm already starring in those, aren't I?'" Pg 97

"'Why are you such an ass?' 'Everyone has to excel at something, right?'" Pg 152

"'I didn't eat all of it.'
'Oh, so it ate itself?'
'Actually, I think the freezer ate it,' Daemon responded dryly." Pg 164

"'Wow,' Daemon said. 'You guys are even uglier as humans than in your true form. Didn't think that was possible. You look like you've been living under a rock. See the sun much?'" Pg 207

Pg 233 when Daemon is trying to work the trace off of Katy! Telling her that she could do jumping jacks or run around the house!
"'Well hello, honey, I've been out boozing and whoring. I know, my priorities are pretty off.'" Pg 262

"'You do realize I love a challenge?' 'So do I, Daemon. So do I.'" Pg 268

7.) Even Daemon can be super sweet sometimes
"I tried to keep on my side o the car and my head up, because I doubted he'd appreciate my lying on him, but once Daemon settled next to me, my head sort of fell to his chest. He stiffened for a moment and then placed his arm around my shoulder. The warmth of him quickly seeped into my bones. It felt right, at the moment, to be nestled against him." Pg 83-84

"'I won't hurt you, Kat.' 'I could never hurt you,'" Pg 124

"'I didn't say thank you,' he said, staring up at me. 'You should've run, Kat. They would've... killed you without thinking twice. But you saved my life. Thank you.'" Pg 213

Pg 214 when Daemon stayed the night at Katy's and he just stayed in the bed with her and was super sweet with her! It made my heart swell.
"Heart breaking, I reached out and my fingers disappeared into his light. Warmth encircled my fingers, the slightest pressure of Daemon's hand wrapping around mine. He squeezed, as if to reassure me, and a sob caught in my throat. Daemon was using the last of his strength to save me." Pg 254

"'Kat, you're not going to die. Don't move or do anything. Just relax and trust me. Don 't fight what's about to happen.
'What am I doing? If they find out what I've done... but I can't lose her. I can't.' 'Please. Please. I can't lose you. Please open your eyes. Please don't leave me.'" Pg 256-259

So there is actually a lot more, but I don't want to overwhelm you with my other favorite scenes!

The other 30 Days of Daemon stop to day is at A Life Bound By Books – Top 5 with Daemon and tomorrows stops are Hooked to Books – Dear Daemon Post and Putting Pen to Page – Obsidian Review + Favorite Daemon Moments/Quotes.