Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott

Today I am thrilled to be part of the blog tour for an upcoming release from Simon and Schuster. Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott caught my attention because it offered up a different take on young adult contemporary novels and the romances included within them. It also didn't hurt that I had already seen the trailer for the movie adaptation and was excited to read the book before seeing the movie. You can check out my thoughts about the book below, but please also stop by the other blog tour stops for interviews, other reviews, giveaways, and so much more! 

November 12 – That Artsy Reader Girl

November 13 – Vivacious Bibliophile

November 14 – A Gingerly Review

November 15 – Life of a Simple Reader

November 16 – A Glass of Wine

November 17 – Book is Glee

November 19 – Bumbles and Fairytales

November 20 – Adventures of a Book Junkie

November 21 – Jen Ryland Reviews

November 22 – Joyous Reads

November 23 – Chasing Faerytales

November 24 – Folded Pages Distillery

November 26 – Oh, Hey! Books

November 27 – Book Briefs

November 28 – Novel Knight Book Reviews

November 29 – A Dream within a Dream

November 30 – My Guilty Obsession

The movie adaptation will be released March  22, 2019 so you'll have plenty of time to read the book before you see it. It stars Cole Sprouse and Haley Lu Richardson and the first trailer has already been released!

Don't forget to enter below to win a copy for yourself! It is open to USA residents only,  however and can be found after my review.

Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott
Release Date - November 20, 2018
Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster

Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  288 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Can you love someone you can never touch?

Stella Grant likes to be in control—even though her totally out of control lungs have sent her in and out of the hospital most of her life. At this point, what Stella needs to control most is keeping herself away from anyone or anything that might pass along an infection and jeopardize the possibility of a lung transplant. Six feet apart. No exceptions.

The only thing Will Newman wants to be in control of is getting out of this hospital. He couldn’t care less about his treatments, or a fancy new clinical drug trial. Soon, he’ll turn eighteen and then he’ll be able to unplug all these machines and actually go see the world, not just its hospitals.

Will’s exactly what Stella needs to stay away from. If he so much as breathes on Stella she could lose her spot on the transplant list. Either one of them could die. The only way to stay alive is to stay apart. But suddenly six feet doesn’t feel like safety. It feels like punishment.

What if they could steal back just a little bit of the space their broken lungs have stolen from them? Would five feet apart really be so dangerous if it stops their hearts from breaking too?

Those who know about cystic fibrosis are aware of the rule that those who have it must stay six feet apart from others who also have it. It's too easy for bacteria to pass between them which could cause infection. Five Feet Apart takes this element and weaves a touching love story out of it. It's a story where you know the romance is doomed going in but makes you enjoy the journey all the same.

The dual narration worked especially well here. The voices of the characters are distinct and easily definable. I often worry about multiple narrations sounding the same but that was not the case here. Lippincott manages to make both Stella and Will come alive through her words and weaves a story that feels true for those characters.

The romance is going to easily win readers over. Will and Stella have a banter that feels electric from the moment they meet. There is something about the connection that sparks even as they drive each other crazy. Their mutual curiosity about each other deepens into a friendship and finally into the something more that was always under the surface. There is a bit of an 'opposites attract' to their relationship that really works. Stella needs to be in control and takes her treatments very seriously. They are going to be what gives her more time. Will, however, just wants to live his life as fully as possible before that is no longer an option. The relationship works because of what they bring out in each other. The character growth that happens as a result makes the romance feel richer and far more interesting.

The sense of unease that is felt from the moment you read is part of what makes this story work. We know that the romance is not viable. It is medically unhealthy for these two characters to be together. It is a ticking clock that means it is not a question of this relationship ending but instead one of how. The reader is made uneasy because we don't know what will drive them apart. The entire book is spent waiting for that moment and dreading it just as much. I think this is handled incredibly well here. It's something built into the story that adds another layer to it that creates a different sort of urgency.

I knew almost nothing about cystic fibrosis before I read this book, and as a result, I cannot speak to how accurately it is depicted within this story. I do, however, feel confident in saying that this book paints a vivid and stark picture of what it would be like to be a teenager dealing with an illness that will significantly lower your life span. The emotion toil it takes on not just them but those around them is palpable. The feeling of not living life as fully as possible before it is too late is in every page. This book does a great job in showcasing that it is different for different people which is important. Each person's experience is going to be unique and Will and Stella signify that.

My only minor quibble about this story is that I wanted so much more from the side characters. Poe, in particular, was so interesting that I wanted to get to know more about him. It's a minor thing, and one that is not even a real issue. It's just me wanting more of some characters that managed to leave a an impression.

I predict this will be a hit with anyone who enjoyed John Green's The Fault In Our Stars. Lippincott's novel offers up a bittersweet ending that manages to make you ache but also leaves you with hope. Those looking for a tear inducing read that also has a plenty of swoon and laughs should pick this one up.

Thank s to Simon and Schuster I have a copy of  Five Feet Apart to give to one lucky winner. To enter fill out the Rafflecopter below. Giveaway is open to USA residents only!

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2018 Most Anticipated - The Giveaway

Today wraps up the 2018 Most Anticipated event with a giveaway that I am excited about.

There are THREE prize packs to win that will ship internationally.

The items up for grabs are:

- a set of Bonnie and Clyde bookmarks (that I had custom made)
- Lizzie swag donated by Dawn Ius AND a custom art print I had made
- a tea blend that reminded me of Indecent by Corinne Sullivan.

Each of the winners will get a prize pack consisting of all of these goodies BUT the main prize winner will also get a copy of any book featured during the event (winner's choice).

*The non book items will ship as soon as available based on printing and delivery times*

*The book will be ordered via Book Depository and will ship when released*

If you want a chance to win, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below. The contest runs until after the holidays as I want to give people a chance to enter during this busy time of year (and I myself am super busy).

Be sure to visit the previous posts for this event to learn all about the great books that were featured. Here is a list in case you needed easy access to it:

Winner Take All by Laurie Devore
To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
Heart Of Thorns by Bree Barton
Indecent by Corinne Sullivan
A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena
Lizzie by Dawn Ius
These Rebel Waves by Sara Raasch
Ace Of Shades by Amanda Foody
I Stop Somewhere by TE Carter
Side by Side by Jenni L Walsh
The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle
Royals by Rachel Hawkins
What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
Save The Date by Morgan Matson

Good luck and I look forward to emailing the winners in 2018!

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The Bone Season Giveaway

                    

 

You may have heard me mention Samantha Shannon's wonderful series a few times (okay, maybe a LOT of times). I have loved getting immersed into Paige's world so much and am eagerly anticipating sitting down with the third installment when it releases on March 7th.

You may have noticed that the series recently got a cover redesign. The new covers are brilliant and eye catching. I especially love the new cover for The Bone Season.

Thanks to the lovely people at Bloomsbury USA I have the chance to introduce TWO people to this amazing series! Two winners will win a copy of the repackaged paperback of The Bone Season. This also includes the short story prequel called The Pale Dreamer as an added bonus!

If you want to enter (and trust me you totally do) just fill out the Rafflecopter below. The contest is open to both residents of the USA and Canada only and the winners will have 48 hours to reply to my email before I select new winners.

Good luck everyone! 

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Luckiest Girl Alive Giveaway

When Simon and Schuster contacted me asking if I would be interested in offering a giveaway for the paperback release of Jessica Knoll's LUCKIEST GIRL ALIVE I jumped at the chance. This is a perfect book for poolside reading in the summer, and the paperback edition will fit perfectly in a beach tote.

There has been plenty of buzz for this one already including Reese Witherspoon's production company purchasing rights to get this novel onto the big screen!

This novel has recently been back in the news with Jessica Knoll sharing some real life inspiration behind the novel. I already loved her, but her bravery in speaking up has made me have so much respect for her.

Here is a little about the book to get you intrigued. I found it to be a rollercoast thrill ride that was filled with surprises! It really is the perfect summer page turner.

HER PERFECT LIFE

IS A PERFECT LIE.

As a teenager at the prestigious Bradley School, Ani FaNelli endured a shocking, public humiliation that left her desperate to reinvent herself. Now, with a glamorous job, expensive wardrobe, and handsome blue blood fiancé, she’s this close to living the perfect life she’s worked so hard to achieve.

But Ani has a secret.

There’s something else buried in her past that still haunts her, something private and painful that threatens to bubble to the surface and destroy everything.

With a singular voice and twists you won’t see coming, Luckiest Girl Alive explores the unbearable pressure that so many women feel to “have it all” and introduces a heroine whose sharp edges and cutthroat ambition have been protecting a scandalous truth, and a heart that's bigger than it first appears.

The question remains: will breaking her silence destroy all that she has worked for—or, will it at long last, set Ani free?

You can learn more about this book by visiting it's Goodreads page, or the publisher website. You can also check out what I thought by reading my review.

Be sure to pick up the paperback edition on April 5th, or you can win right here!

To win just enter via the Rafflecopter below and good luck! The contest is open to USA residents only.

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Blog Tour : Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

I am so happy to be part of the official blog tour for Glass Sword. Since it's already in stores I hope some of you have already picked it up and have started reading it. I cannot wait to discuss it with you all.

My review will be below, and there is a pretty amazing giveaway as part of this blog tour as well so be sure to enter it. Seriously, the prize is amazing! Also visit the other stops for more reviews!

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

Release Date - February 9, 2016
Publisher Website - HarperTeen/Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 448 pages
My Rating - 5/5
Book Links - Goodreads // Amazon // Barnes and Noble // Chapters
**received for honest review from the publisher**

**RED QUEEN SPOILERS**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Mare Barrow’s blood is red—the color of common folk—but her Silver ability, the power to control lightning, has turned her into a weapon that the royal court tries to control.

The crown calls her an impossibility, a fake, but as she makes her escape from Maven, the prince—the friend—who betrayed her, Mare uncovers something startling: she is not the only one of her kind.

Pursued by Maven, now a vindictive king, Mare sets out to find and recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join in the struggle against her oppressors.

But Mare finds herself on a deadly path, at risk of becoming exactly the kind of monster she is trying to defeat.

Will she shatter under the weight of the lives that are the cost of rebellion? Or have treachery and betrayal hardened her forever?

The Red Queen series is not one of absolutes. There simply good or bad. There is a whole lot of wiggle room in between the two. As a result there is not one character that can be defined as fully good or evil within these pages. People are often ever shifting in their morality and this novel reflects that truth. We all make bad decisions for what we feel are good reasons sometimes and Victoria Aveyard embraces that greyness. Glass Sword embraces the shades of grey that Red Queen first introduced and reminds us that good and evil really depend on who is telling the story.

Glass Sword took Mare's story into unexpected places. The world is expanded and with it comes breath stealing storylines that are filled with surprises, and some new characters to love. So much of what Victoria chose to do in this instalment felt bold and daring. It's not the predictable direction you would expect it to take and that makes this story all the more engaging. It could go in any direction, and it is not necessary telling the story you think it is. It leaves you feeling unsettled because this could be the story of how a young woman becomes the hero, or it could just as easily be the story of a young woman becoming a villain.

Mare struggles with the events in book one. They have left their mark and haunt her every step. Maven's betrayal has cut deep and she is now a closed off, distrustful mess. She is sometimes selfish, sometimes cruel, and often makes quick tempered decisions AND I LOVE HER FOR IT. I've always said that I don't have to agree with a character's actions, or even like their decisions, but I do have to understand them. I understand Mare. The writing ensures that the reader recognizes her motivations. The things that happened to her have an impact and that's made her who she is. There is character growth, even if it feels like negative character growth. This isn't the story of someone learning to open up. Instead this is a systematic hardening of a young girl who has had a large responsibility put on her, one she is not sure she's ready for. She's a reluctant heroine, one who isn't sure the shoe fits. “If I am a sword, I am a sword made of glass, and I feel myself beginning to shatter.” This quote lingered with me and I think it defines Mare's mental state during Glass Sword perfectly. Mare is beginning to become a little ruthless, and we all know that saying about power and how it corrupts.

Maven haunts these pages both physically and metaphorically. His betrayal is the catalyst for so much of what happens in this novel. Both Cal and Mare mourn the loss of the boy they thought he was. He is never far from any of their thoughts, and he is hot on their trail while tracking down the new bloods. The path that Victoria takes with him is unexpected, and welcome. He is not some cliche villain. This is a villain who thinks he is just and right in his actions. This is a villain that sees himself as the hero of his own story, and those are the most dangerous (and fascinating) villains of all.

The romantic scenes are extremely subtle in this novel, but they are some of the most swoon inducing ones I've read. The ability to create chemistry and sexual tension without any kissing is an art, and Victoria Aveyard manges it masterfully. Her words paint a picture with nothing more than a look, or a brief touch. I am so fully invested in one particular ship that I am sure it'll end badly, but it doesn't even matter, because it is so perfectly written. There are parts of this novel I want to read again because of the emotions they capture. The romance in this isn't the central focus (hello, war happening) but it is the heartbeat. It is just as complex, and complicated as everything else. Feelings of betrayal, guilt, trust, loss, and lust are all tangled together. It's messy and that makes for some compelling dynamics.

Victoria Aveyard once again offers up a juggernaut of an ending that will leave you madly desperate to get your hands on book three. It is the sort of ending that once again pushes this novel into new territory. It is, like the rest of Glass Sword, bold and offers the perfect exclamation point to this chapter of Mare's story.

Now for the giveaway! Be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter below to win this amazing prize. Seriously, I need one of the Scarlet Guard scarves! *need*

One winner will get a RED QUEEN Prize pack from HarperTeen, which includes:

- 1 Physical Copy of CRUEL CROWN (0.1 & 0.2 Red Queen)

- 1 Red Queen foam sword that reads “Kneel or Bleed”

- 1 Scarlet Guard scarf

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Victoria Aveyard is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Red Queen.

Victoria was born and raised in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, a small town known only for the worst traffic rotary in the continental United States. She moved to Los Angeles to earn a BFA in screenwriting at the University of Southern California. She currently splits her time between the East and West coasts. As an author and screenwriter, she uses her career as an excuse to read too many books and watch too many movies. She has sold several television pilots and feature-length screenplays. You can visit her online at www.victoriaaveyard.com or on Twitter at @VictoriaAveyard.

2016 Most Anticipated - Giveaway

Now that you've heard all about the amazing titles I cannot wait to read I am offering up the chance foe you to win one (and some other goodies).

The winner will receive:

- ARC of A Criminal Magic, along with a note book and swag from Lee Kelly
- various swag from some of the other authors on the list
- their choice of one of the books featured which will be ordered from Book Depository
- a set of postcards I will make featuring the covers of the novels included in the feature

The ARC of Criminal Magic and swag that I have will be sent right away so that the winner can enjoy the book immediately. The postcards and choice of book featured will be sent as soon as they are available (the postcards will be ordered in late Feb/early March when all the covers are revealed). I am still waiting on some swag that will come in the new year from various authors so that will be sent when available as well.

The books featured are:

The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury
Teen Frankenstein by Chandler Baker
Kill The Boy Band by Goldy Moldavsky
Suffer Love by Ashley Herring Blake
American Girls by Alison Umminger
26 Kisses by Anna Michels
Unhooked by Lisa Maxwell
The Land of 10,000 Madonnas by Kate Hattemer
The Shadow Queen by CJ Redwine
The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson
A Criminal Magic by Lee Kelly
As I Descended by Robin Talley
The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis
Traitor Angels by Anne Blankman
Never Ever by Sara Saedi
Beware That Girl by Teresa Toten
And I Darken by Kiersten White
Overdrive by Dawn Ius
When We Collided by Emery Lord
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Heartless by Marissa Meyer
Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

Enter using the Rafflecopter below and the winner will be noticed shortly after the contest closes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Thank you for stopping by during the event! I hope you've enjoyed learning about these exciting new titles. Let me know in the comments which book you'd select if you win this giveaway.

A Marvel-ous Giveaway!

Today I have a truly Marvel-ous Giveaway for you courtesy of Scholastic Canada!

Brian Selznick is back this fall with an extraordinary new illustrated book!

Here is a little about the book

The Marvels tells two stories – one in pictures, and one in words. The pictures tell the remarkable story of the Marvels, a notorious family of actors in a London theatre—their struggles, their successes, and their mysteries. The text tells the story of a young boy who has come to London with the hopes of healing his broken heart, but who instead, stumbles on the history of the Marvels, a discovery that will change him, and his understanding of life, loss, love, family, and the power and meaning of art.

For fans of the bestselling The Invention of Hugo Cabret and Wonderstruck—The Marvels is completely unique experience, which will leave readers with the understanding that “you either see it, or you don’t”.

Amazing right?! Scholastic Canada is celebrating the release of this new book with a special giveaway

I am offering up two amazing prize packs for CANADIAN MAILING ADDRESSES ONLY including

1 copy of The Marvels

1 copy of a Collector’s Edition of Wonderstruck

1 signed lithograph art piece from the book

1 map of London, inspired by The Marvels

If that isn't enough to entice you to enter, here is the lovely book trailer to pique your interest

You can also visit The Globe and Mail to find out what inspired Brian Selznick to write this amazing sounding book!

To enter the giveway just fill out the Rafflecopter below.

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2015 Most Anticipated ........... Giveaway!

Now that I've teased you with these amazing sounding books for 2015, I thought it was only fair to give you the chance to win a copy!

The winner will get to select any book from the event that they wish. The prize will be shipped when the book is released. Since I will be using Book Depository the giveaway will be international (as long as they ship to your country).

If you missed any of the titles, here is what made my 2015 Most Anticipated list...

1 Tear You Apart by Sarah Cross
2 Vendetta by Catherine Doyle
3 Finding Paris by Joy Preble
4 Damage Done by Amanda Panitch
5 The Witch Hunter by Virgina Boecker
6 Underneath Everything by Marcy Beller Paul
7 Joyride by Anna Banks
8 Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
9 Anne and Henry by Dawn Ius
10 Blood and Salt by Kim Liggett
11 Drowning Is Inevitable by Shalanda Stanley
12 Delicate Monsters by Stephanie Kuehn
13 Never, Never by Brianna Shrum
14 The Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee
15 Proof Of Forever by Lexa Hillyer
16 Truly, Madly, Famously by Rebecca Serle
17 Fans Of The Impossible Life by Kate Scelsa
18 Lock and Mori by Heather Petty

These link to the post if you wanted more details about the book and include an interview with the author in most cases.

Enter using the Rafflecopter below. As always, if you are under the legal age please have parental consent  before entering. Your address will not be stored or shared with anyone and is solely for the purpose of shipping your prize.

Good luck everyone! Happy Holidays!

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Blogger Caravan Relay - Exquisite Captive Relay

I am honoured to be one of the stops on the Blogger Caravan relay and cannot wait to give away a copy of Exquisite Captive to one lucky winner.

Before I get to that however, I am thrilled to announce the winner from yesterday's giveaway over at That Artsy Reader Girl....

Congratulations to - BECCA FOWLER!

Jana will be contacting you soon to get your details! Congratulations again and I hope you enjoy the book.

Next up here is a little about how the relay works in a handy video format.

Pretty easy, right? And if you don't win this giveaway, you know there are still plenty of chances still to come. The next stop on the relay (and where the winner of THIS giveaway will be announced on Monday) is over at The Nerd Herd Reads.

If you don't know anything about the book, here is the Goodreads description...

Forced to obey her master.
Compelled to help her enemy.
Determined to free herself.

Nalia is a jinni of tremendous ancient power, the only survivor of a coup that killed nearly everyone she loved. Stuffed into a bottle and sold by a slave trader, she’s now in hiding on the dark caravan, the lucrative jinni slave trade between Arjinna and Earth, where jinn are forced to grant wishes and obey their human masters’ every command. She’d give almost anything to be free of the golden shackles that bind her to Malek, her handsome, cruel master, and his lavish Hollywood lifestyle.

Enter Raif, the enigmatic leader of Arjinna’s revolution and Nalia’s sworn enemy. He promises to free Nalia from her master so that she can return to her ravaged homeland and free her imprisoned brother—all for an unbearably high price. Nalia’s not sure she can trust him, but Raif’s her only hope of escape. With her enemies on the hunt, Earth has become more perilous than ever for Nalia. There’s just one catch: for Raif’s unbinding magic to work, Nalia must gain possession of her bottle…and convince the dangerously persuasive Malek that she truly loves him. Battling a dark past and harboring a terrible secret, Nalia soon realizes her freedom may come at a price too terrible to pay: but how far is she willing to go for it?

Inspired by Arabian Nights, EXQUISITE CAPTIVE brings to life a deliciously seductive world where a wish can be a curse and shadows are sometimes safer than the light.

Here is the book trailer if you want even more to get excited about

Be sure to stop by the official blog for the series, and Heather's post about the relay (including the full schedule).

Lastly, here is the Rafflecopter to enter to win a copy! Please be aware that the giveaway is USA ONLY. Good luck!

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Famous In Love Event - Giveaway

To help kick off this event in style I am hosting a giveaway. One winner will get a copy of Famous In Love, and this amazing tote in the picture below....

The very talented Becca from Pivot Book Totes made this custom tote that someone will win. You can visit her Etsy shop if you want your own custom order (or browse what she currently has available).

The contest is US ONLY and the winner agrees that their address can be shared with the publisher (for the book) and Becca from Pivot Book Totes in order to have your prize shipped.

*Your information will not be kept on file, and is only accessible to myself and will not be shared with anyone other than those specified above. Must be of legal age to enter or have parental consent to do so* a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Bone Season Giveaway!

You may recall that I adored The Bone Season. It ended up being one of my favourite of the year and I've been looking forward to the release of The Mime Order ever since.

In order to help prep you for it's release, Bloomsbury has given me an extra paperback copy to share with someone, so I figured I would host a giveaway! I am also including a first look teaser chapter sampler of The Mime Order. I ended up with two copies, and trust me when I say you'll want to grab it immediately after finishing The Bone Season.

If you need any enticement to enter you can check out my review. The world Shannon has created is really amazing, and Paige is a compelling protagonist.

Here is what I am including in the prize pack

1 paper back copy of The Bone Season
1 chapter sampler of The Mime Order
1 Mime Order bookmark

To win simply fill out the Rafflecopter below. It is open internationally.

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Interview with M.D. Waters and Giveaway!

So you may have read my gushing review of Archetype by M.D. Waters yesterday. Hopefully it made you want to get a copy of your own. I am giving one away and also have M.D. Waters stopping by for an interview.

First up, let me remind you of the awesomeness that is Archetype

Introducing a breathtakingly inventive futuristic suspense novel about one woman who rebels against everything she is told to believe.

Emma wakes in a hospital, with no memory of what came before. Her husband, Declan, a powerful, seductive man, provides her with new memories, but her dreams contradict his stories, showing her a past life she can’t believe possible: memories of war, of a camp where girls are trained to be wives, of love for another man. Something inside her tells her not to speak of this, but she does not know why. She only knows she is at war with herself.

Suppressing those dreams during daylight hours, Emma lets Declan mold her into a happily married woman and begins to fall in love with him. But the day Noah stands before her, the line between her reality and dreams shatters.

In a future where women are a rare commodity, Emma fights for freedom but is held captive by the love of two men—one her husband, the other her worst enemy. If only she could remember which is which. . . .

The first novel in a two-part series, Archetype heralds the arrival of a truly memorable character—and the talented author who created her.

Sounds awesome right?! It totally is. So compelling, and addictive. You won't be able to put it down. Here is the interview I did with the author. I want to thank M.D. for taking the time to answer these questions.

1 Describe Archetype in 3 words: 

Emotional. Shocking. Oppressive.

2 How would Emma describe Declan and Noah? 

I think she would describe Declan as a loving, powerful man who would do anything in the world to protect her. And with as little as she knows about Noah, he’s frightening and intriguing all at the same time. But both are sexy attractive. Very very sexy attractive.

3 What sort of research did you do for this novel? 

I did very little, actually. I had to hunt for a symbol to brand fertile women showing they’re spoken for, or married, which turned out to be the luckenbooth. I also had to read up on the migration pattern of seagulls for a very small part of the novel, which turned out to be an ongoing issue throughout the editing process. I needed a very specific breed, with a very specific look, and I found one pretty quickly, but making the details clear was a lot more difficult than it should have been. I pretty much wanted to go to war with every seagull on the planet by the time it was over.

4 What three things do you need while revising? 

Coffee. Music. Coffee refill.

5 Are you able to tease anything about your next project after this series? 

During the course of writing the sequel, Prototype, I was able to really blow up the world and show how truly different things are. A few things surprised even me, including the addition of some great characters, which led to ideas for a spin-off. I immediately tried working in details (very small ones) that would lead to a new story featuring a woman named Nicoleigh (Leigh) Bennett, and so far, she’s making my life pretty easy. It helps that she remembers her past…and that the hero is smoking hot.

Alright, so by now you totally want to win a copy for yourself. Just fill out the Rafflecopter below. A huge thank you to Penguin USA for donating the prize. Good luck!

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Broken Pre-Order Special and Giveaway

CJ Lyons' YA debut, Broken, is getting a special price for pre-orders! The ebook will be $4.99 and is available NOW right up until Nov 5th. Feel free to spread the news about this special promotion, and take advantage before the end date!

If you've missed hearing about this one, here is the official synopsis

New York Times bestselling author CJ Lyons makes her YA debut with a fast-paced thriller sure to keep readers guessing to the very last page

The only thing fifteen-year-old Scarlet Killian has ever wanted is a chance at a normal life. Diagnosed with a rare and untreatable heart condition, she has never taken the school bus. Or giggled with friends during lunch. Or spied on a crush out of the corner of her eye. So when her parents offer her three days to prove she can survive high school, Scarlet knows her time is now... or never. Scarlet can feel her heart beating out of control with every slammed locker and every sideways glance in the hallway. But this high school is far from normal. And finding out the truth might just kill Scarlet before her heart does.

If you want to found out more there is more information up on Goodreads.

If you wish to pre-order, here are a few places that have the 4.99 price available now

BARNES AND NOBLE // AMAZON //

I also have an Advance Reader Copy up for giveaway. The publisher, Sourcebooks, kindly has a signed one available and all you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter below.

The giveaway is USA and CANADA ONLY!

Good luck!

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Dance of the Red Death Week Giveaway

Now that you've heard Bethany talk about Dance of the Red Death, you probably want to get your hands on a copy. Luckily I have 2 fantastic contests going on.

First Harper Collins Canada has kindly offered a set (the full duology) as a giveaway. You'll get a copy of Masque and Dance, plus some fun swag. International entrants can win a copy of Dance, and some swag.

There will be 4 winners total as two other winners will be selected for some swag only.

So be sure to enter using the Rafflecopter forms below. There is a Canada only giveaway form, and an International form so be sure you're entering under the correct one.

Thanks and Good Luck!

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for my review of Dance of the Red Death.

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Tudor Tuesdays - Teaser and Giveaway

My stop on the Tudor Tuesday blog tour has finally arrived and I couldn't be more excited to host the fantastic Katherine Longshore and provide a teaser for her second novel Tarnish.

I've read Tarnish and it is beyond fabulous. I can't wait for everyone to get to read it upon it's release so that you can fall in love with it as much as I have.

Today's teaser features a meeting between Anne, and King Henry

“You are well met, Mistress Boleyn.”

I rise from my curtsy, but keep my head down. My face feels hot. Hotter than the rest of me.

“The lute!” he cries, and arrives in front of me in two beats. “Is this one yours?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” I still can’t look at him. I may never look at him again. He must have heard me playing. Did he recognize himself in the notes?

“I played it last night. It is a fine instrument. You play well.”

“Moderately, Your Majesty.”

“Well, you must play better than your sister.” There is a rise of laughter in his voice. “For she is completely useless on the strings.”

But not in other things. I manage to hold my tongue. George would be proud.

“Anne plays exquisitely, Your Majesty,” Mary interjects. “And sings.”

“A girl after my own heart.”

He raises his hand. I can see it, beringed and bedazzling. His fingers touch my chin and lift delicately. He forces me to look him in the eye.

He is wondrous. His hair blazes and his gray eyes are like sun behind a cloud, the animated features almost seeming to blur because nothing about him is ever still.

“I greet you like a sister,” he says. But there is a hint of mischief in his half smile.

He keeps his fingers on my chin and lowers his mouth to mine. When our lips touch, it is like the alignment of stars. The hint of stubble on his upper lip tickles mine, and I realize, hysterically, that my mouth is bigger than his. The scents of cloves and orange water fill me to drowning, and for one incomparable, darting instant, I taste the sweetness of his tongue.

Katherine also shares her inspiration behind this intriguing scene

The picture we so often see of Henry VIII is of an aging, overweight man with a piercing glare—standing or sitting with arrogance and entitlement.  But as a young man, he was seen as the very picture of majesty—tall and well-built, with bright hair and a handsome face.  He was charming and playful and probably very sexy.  I wanted Anne to be infatuated by this Henry—the rock star, the quarterback.  I wanted to write a Henry we could all fall in love with—in spite of historical hindsight.

The Henry in this novel definitely much more swoon worthy than you may expect, and as Katherine says despite historical hindsight I feel many readers may fall for him right along with Anne.

Now that you've been teased, you're most likely wanting a copy for your very own. We have 2 copies up for grabs. One is a signed copy for US/Canada only. The other is unsigned but is international. Be sure to read the rules and fill out the appropriate rafflecopter. Good luck!


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Kristin Halbrook Interview and Giveaway

You may remember I reviewed this awesome book Nobody But Us a little while back. I really liked it and felt it deserved some extra attention. Today I have the author, Kristin Halbrook, stopping by for an interview and a fun giveaway!

1 Describe Nobody But Us in three words

Hopeful, lovers, tragic

2 What three words would Zoe use to describe Will?

Desperate, hot-headed, caretaker

3 Did you research anything specific while writing Nobody But Us?

I did! I researched a lot of maps and also drove some of the path Will and Zoe drive to make the trip as authentic as possible. I also researched state-specific programs for foster care youth and the process of becoming a ward of the state for several states. I researched the current state of shop classed in high school curriculums for my German translator and even types of cars for Will to drive. I love research.

4 Now that your first book has been out for awhile, what would you say was the biggest surprise of release week for you?

That it was rather anticlimactic. And even more so, a relief to get past. There was so much to do beforehand that I felt like I was being twirled in a million directions. Once NOBODY BUT US released, I was able to let go, to let the book be out in the world, knowing there was nothing I could do to change it.

5 What is the last book you read that you'd recommend to others?

I recently finished Sarah Skilton's BRUISED, which I loved. Fantastic writing and raw characters with real hurts to overcome. It's a book about trusting yourself and trusting those who love you and want the best for you. The themes of gender equity particularly spoke to me.

6 Who is the first person that gets to read your writing?

My beta readers--all members of YA Highway. Sometimes it's just snippets of work that get posted in the group, while other times I'm sending partial or full manuscripts for critique. They're the most amazing group of readers!

7 What three items do you need while revising?

Great editorial notes, stretches of silence AND a playlist, and espresso.

8 If you could go back in time to any time period and any place, where and when would you travel to? 

Oooh, tough one. I like the modern era a whole lot. I like indoor plumbing and laptops and not being thrown into insane asylums because I'm a woman with an opinion. The sobering realities of living as a woman in the past overcome the romantic notions of pretty dresses and such, for me. Having said that, I'd fancy a trip to Minoan Crete, a society that appeared to be as egalitarian and fascinating as any in human history.

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Now that you've checked out Kristin's interview, be sure to enter the giveway by using the Rafflecopter form below.

There are 3 winners in total

1 prize - a copy of Nobody But Us and a swag pack
2 prize - Nobody But Us swag pack
3 prize - Nobody But Us swag pack

Good luck to everyone. It is open to international entries as long as Book Depository ships to you.

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Megan Shepherd Interview and Giveaway!

As you could have guessed from my review yesterday I really loved The Madman's Daughter. The lovely Megan Shepherd was kind enough to do an interview for me. Her answers have made me quite curious about the sequel, and I am thrilled to discover she loves tea as much as I do!

I am also giving away a copy, so be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter at the end of the interview

1 Describe The Madman's Daughter in three words.

Madness, mystery, monsters

2 Describe Juliet Moreau in three words.

Complicated, haunted, lonely

3 How would Juliet describe Montgomery and Edward?

Ooh, good question! Montgomery is her father's assistant who she knew as a child. I think in the book Juliet describes him as a "workhorse" because he's a diligent, honest worker and loyal to a fault. And she might add that he's gorgeous :) Edward, a castaway, is literally scarred by his past. Juliet isn't quite sure what to make of Edward, but she's intrigued...

4 Was there a character that surprised you? One that maybe ended up with a larger role than expected?

I found myself surprisingly wrapped up in the lives of two of Doctor Moreau's beast-men. Balthazar is a half-dog, half-bear hybrid who has more humanity than most of the people in the book. And another beast-man, Jaguar, embraces his animal nature while the others strive to act human. For creations from Moreau's laboratory, these were some of the characters that touched me most.

5 What is the strangest thing you did for research?

When I was sixteen, which is the age of the protagonist in the book, I spend a year in Costa Rica. So when I started writing this book I pulled out all my old photos and journals from that time, and tried to remember my early impressions of the jungles and beaches and tropics. Since Moreau's island could be anywhere, I based the jungle atmosphere on my own young experiences.

6 Is there any part of the novel that got cut from the final draft that you really wished could have been kept in because you liked it so much?

I can't answer this question, because there IS a scene I really loved that I cut, but I moved it to the sequel. So it would be a spoiler to tell you :)

7 What is the last novel you read that you enjoyed and would recommend?

I recently went to the San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest with my sister, and we missed the ferry and had a few hours to kill, so we checked out Griffin Bay Bookstore in Friday Harbor (our parents are booksellers, so we always visit bookstores on trips.) I'm a big fan of PBS's Downton Abbey, so when I found Natasha Solomon's The House at Tyneford, I knew I'd like it. It's a novel for adults, but it should appeal to YA fans too. Gorgeous setting, great historical detail, and a sweeping romance.

8 If you could go back in time to any time period and any place, where and when would you travel to?

I LOVE this question. It's one of those questions I ask friends all the time when we're sitting around. I'm torn between ancient Egypt, the pre-Columbus Americas, and the roaring 1920s. I'd love to write books set in all those time periods, just so I could do the research!

9 Do you stick to a strict writing schedule (eg, so many words a day, etc?)

I tend to write in very intense bursts that last a few days. So I'll write for 12-14 hours for four or five days, and then burn myself out and take a few days off. I worked at a 9-to-5 job for several years, so my goal is to go back to that schedule, so I can have my evenings and weekends back!

10 What are three things you need while revising?

The great Carrie Ryan showed me a wonderful plot chart that I turned into a big board I carry around with me and stick post-it notes on (see attached) to help with plotting and structure, since I'm a very visual person. I carry that around with me everywhere I write, as well as a second monitor, so I can look between my notes and my draft. And lastly, tea! Lots of tea!

I want to thank Megan for stopping by! I bet you're wanting a copy of The Madman's Daughter for yourself. I am giving away one copy to be shipped via Book Depository. It's open international, just fill out the Rafflecopter below.

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Secret Santa Giveaway 2.0

Tis the season! It is that time of year when everything feels all warm and fuzzy and curling up with a good book and a hot drink is heaven.

I am going to be doing my yearly giveaway, but with a twist. In the spirit of the winter blues, and making the holiday joy last as long as possible, the giveway will require some patience.

I am going to select one winner to send a surprise book (from a list they provide me). There is one catch though - it has to be a pre-order. I don't know about you but come Jan/Feb I feel a little run down. The holiday season is past, and the cold winter can feel really long. I wanted to help with this by sending you a lovely pick me up right when it's needed. :) Think of it as a delayed holiday present.

The prize also comes with another surprise (something to go along with the winter theme) and that will ship at the same time.

Now, how to enter you might be asking. That's easy. Simply fill out the rafflecopter below.

The giveaway is international, but Book Depository must ship to you. You must be of legal age to enter or have parental consent to do so.

Good luck and Happy Holidays!

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500 Follower Giveaway!

I recently surpassed a goal that, for me, is mind blowing. I hit 500 followers on this blog. When I started it just over a year ago I never expected to have this many followers. It's awesome and I want to thank each and every one of you.

This means it's time for a giveaway! Two prizes are up for grabs. The first one is a mystery ARC. I thought this might be fun. All I will say is it's an ARC that will be releasing in the fall and the cover is quite pretty.

The second prize prize is any book from my Top Ten of 2012 (so far) list.

To enter simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below. The contest is open internationally as long as Book Depository ships to your country.

Thanks again everyone for making this a wonderful, crazy, awesome experience.

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Masque of the Red Death Week Giveaway!

Now that I have told you how amazing this book is I am pretty sure you want to get your hands on a copy!

I am giving away one copy of the book (ordered from Book Depository) and some sweet Masque goodies. The giveaway is INTERNATIONAL.

Bethany has kindly provided some leather bracelets and bookmarks.

There will be 2 winners.

Prize # 1- A copy of the book, bookmark and bracelet
Prize # 2 - bookmark and bracelet

The bracelets are AMAZING and come with a quote from the book on them.

Thank you again Bethany for the goodies for giveaway.

You can enter by using the Rafflecopter form below! Good luck!