Hey everyone!
I'm so excited that one of the trailers I made for the incredibly talented Rebecca Yarros
has been nominated for Best Trailer in the utopYA awards!
has been nominated for Best Trailer in the utopYA awards!
Check it out here:
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
utopYA Nomination!
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Mia and the Bad Boy by Lisa Burstein Release Day & Giveaway
Mia and the Bad Boy (Backstage Pass #2)
Release Date: 05/19/15
Entangled Crush
Summary from Goodreads:
This good girl’s about to meet her match...
Ryder Brooks is living the dream—he’s famous, loved by millions of girls, and miserable. All he really wants is to write his own music, not Seconds to Juliet’s sugary sweet pop. In order to do that, though, the “bad boy” of the band will have to play by the rules. And that includes behaving with his new—and super cute—über-good-girl tutor.
Mia Reyes is in fangirl heaven. Tutoring her favorite member of her favorite band? It’s a dream come true...until it turns into a complete nightmare. Ryder is nothing like she thought. He’s crude, arrogant, and pretty much a total jerk. And the worst part? She’s roped into pretending to be his girlfriend so that no one finds out he’s being tutored. Fake kisses, plenty of PDA, and even sharing his hotel room...
But sometimes even the baddest of bad boys needs a little redemption.
Ryder Brooks is living the dream—he’s famous, loved by millions of girls, and miserable. All he really wants is to write his own music, not Seconds to Juliet’s sugary sweet pop. In order to do that, though, the “bad boy” of the band will have to play by the rules. And that includes behaving with his new—and super cute—über-good-girl tutor.
Mia Reyes is in fangirl heaven. Tutoring her favorite member of her favorite band? It’s a dream come true...until it turns into a complete nightmare. Ryder is nothing like she thought. He’s crude, arrogant, and pretty much a total jerk. And the worst part? She’s roped into pretending to be his girlfriend so that no one finds out he’s being tutored. Fake kisses, plenty of PDA, and even sharing his hotel room...
But sometimes even the baddest of bad boys needs a little redemption.
Excerpt:
“Great show,” she said, needing to say something. She clasped her hands in her lap.
“The fans seemed to like it,” Ryder said, standing just beyond the doorway. “You didn’t have to wait up for me.”
“I kind of did,” Mia said, indicating the couch. If she set up the bed, that meant she was okay with this arrangement, and while her body definitely was, it was hard to get her mind to catch up.
Never mind catching up. Before Mia could even take another breath, Ryder was peeling off his shirt like Mia wasn’t even there, or maybe he’d done that because she was.
“Sorry, I can’t wait to get out of my clothes as soon as the show is over.”
They both looked at his belt buckle.
Ryder laughed. “I’ll change in the bathroom per your rule,” he said.
She understood with more and more certainty that she was going to share a bed with Ryder Brooks.
Would he try to kiss her? Would he try more? Would she be able to deal with it if he did? What if he didn’t? The questions swirled around Mia’s brain like fireflies.
“We don’t have to go to sleep right away,” Ryder said, maybe sensing her fear.
“I don’t know if I’m going to be able to sleep at all,” she admitted.
“You don’t have to be scared,” Ryder said, the muscles in his arms bulging as he pushed his hair back. She stared at the tribal tattoo wrapped around one bicep, black as the darkest reaches of outer space.
Mia’s mouth started to water and she realized she wasn’t only scared, she was hungry. She wanted to touch Ryder’s tattoo, taste the water and sweat on his skin. Regrettably, the hunger scared her, too. Mia spit-laughed to cover it up. “You think I’m scared of you? No way.”
“Then I guess I’ll change my pants right here,” Ryder replied, clearly calling her bluff. He moved his fingers to his belt buckle, and her heart seemed to fly up and beat from behind her eyes. He was taking her right to the edge.
Mia looked down. She needed to tell him the truth. “Considering what I admitted last night, it shouldn’t surprise you that I’ve never shared a bed with a boy before. I know this is an every-night thing for you, but it’s not for me.”
Ryder’s mouth widened into a grin that made Mia crave this being an every-night thing for her.
“Haven’t you ever done something your mother wouldn’t approve of?” he asked, stepping closer to her.
“Sure,” she said, not understanding how talking about her mother was supposed to make her feel any calmer about sharing a bed with Ryder.
“So tell me, then.” He stood over her, his stomach at eye level.
She was staring at Ryder Brooks’s belly button, his chiseled abs. How had she not died yet?
Mia searched her brain. Was it really that her mom would freak out if she knew she was sharing a bed with Ryder, or if she knew Mia’s feelings for him would probably only increase once she did?
“Maybe I should guess,” Ryder said, the muscles of his stomach moving up and down as he spoke. “You rode a mechanical bull once, or tied a cherry stem with your tongue.”
Mia knew he was being a smart-ass, but she could be a smart-ass, too.
She looked up at him, shirtless, beautiful, wet Ryder Brooks, and said something that no girl in her right mind would ever say. “And then what? Will you reciprocate by telling me about this one time at band camp?”
Ryder burst out laughing. “I got kicked out of band camp.” He headed toward the bathroom. “Don’t worry,” he said, peeking out from behind the door before he closed it. “I’ll put a shirt on.”
A thought her mother definitely wouldn’t approve of clouded her vision, but she couldn’t bring herself to say the words out loud. I don’t want you to.
GIVEAWAY:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About the Author
Lisa Burstein is a tea seller by day and a writer by night. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from the Inland Northwest Center for Writers at Eastern Washington University and is glad to finally have it be worth more than the paper it was printed on. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her very patient husband, a neurotic dog and two cats.
She wrote her first story when she was in second grade. It was a Thanksgiving tale from the point of view of the turkey from freezer to oven to plate. It was scandalous.
Author Links:
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Monday, May 11, 2015
Interview with Victoria Scott and GIVEAWAY!
Hi everyone!
I'm so excited to have Victoria Scott, author of Salt & Stone here with us today.
She's answering a few questions AND giving away a galley of Salt & Stone!
Enter via the Rafflecopter below.
What is one item you wish you'd put on (and marked off) your college bucket list?
Cheat on a boyfriend? I know that's awful, but I'm faithful to a fault, and if I'd been wise enough to realize I never was going to end up with these oh-so-important boyfriends, I'd had more fun. ;)
What was your favorite book in high school?
I didn't read a ton beyond school assignments in high school because our teen section was crap. If I were a teen today it'd be game on.
Did you attend your high school prom? Was it memorable or forgettable?
I attended three or four proms. The proms themselves weren't nearly as memorable as the pre-dinners, the after parties, and the memories I made with the people I attended prom with.
Favorite superhero?
The Hulk, forever and always.
Favorite band in high-school?
Nirvana, though Kurt had already passed before I made it to high school. Even now. Even now...
Thanks Victoria!
Now for the giveaway. Enter to WIN a galley of Salt & Stone:
How far would you go to survive?
In FIRE & FLOOD, Tella Holloway faced a dangerous trek through the jungle and a terrifying march across the desert, all to remain a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed for a chance at obtaining the Cure for her brother. She can't stop - and in SALT & STONE, Tella will have to face the unseen dangers of the ocean, the breathless cold of a mountain, and twisted new rules in the race.
But what if the danger is deeper than that? How do you know who to trust when everyone's keeping secrets? What do you do when the person you'd relied on most suddenly isn't there for support? How do you weigh one life against another?
In FIRE & FLOOD, Tella Holloway faced a dangerous trek through the jungle and a terrifying march across the desert, all to remain a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed for a chance at obtaining the Cure for her brother. She can't stop - and in SALT & STONE, Tella will have to face the unseen dangers of the ocean, the breathless cold of a mountain, and twisted new rules in the race.
But what if the danger is deeper than that? How do you know who to trust when everyone's keeping secrets? What do you do when the person you'd relied on most suddenly isn't there for support? How do you weigh one life against another?
Victoria Scott writes teen fiction and is represented by literary agent, Sara Crowe. She's the author of TITANS (Scholastic, Spring 2016) the FIRE & FLOOD series (Scholastic), and the DANTE WALKER trilogy (Entangled Teen). Her books have been bought and translated in eleven foreign markets, and she recently received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews for her latest novel, SALT & STONE. Victoria lives in Dallas, and loves hearing from her readers. You can contact her through her website: VictoriaScottYA.com.
Find Victoria online: blog, Goodreads, Facebookpage, @VictoriaScottYA, @VScottFans.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Blog Tour Kick-Off: Resignation (Worlds Apart #2) by Amanda Thome
Resignation (Worlds Apart #2)
by Amanda Thome
Release Date: 03/07/15
Summary from Goodreads:
*SPOILERS FOR BOOK ONE*
*SPOILERS FOR BOOK ONE*
What would you do if your heart was torn between saving yourself or your first love? For Nessa that question is a reality. If she is not surrendered to Central in a week, then Garrett will be executed and war will ensue.
Countless lives rest on the shoulders of eighteen year old Nessa. Is she strong enough to surrender herself to the government that’s holding Garrett hostage? Can she sacrifice the life she’s built to save him? Life comes down to a series of decisions, the question is; could this be her last.
Buy links:
Amazon
If you liked Ruination then you will LOVE Resignation. It is a great sequel that will leave you beyond ready to start book 3.
Amanda also introduces us to slew of new characters -- some of which you will hate and some that will grow on you. In the end she really makes you feel something for all of the characters.
My only issue - CLIFFHANGER ending! So hopefully Book 3 will be coming soon! A 4 star book all the way!
Jennifer's Review of Resignation:
Wow, so much happened in Resignation that I don't even know where to begin! I didn't think it could get any crazier- But it does - there are so many twists, turns, and things I didn't see coming in this book! Nessa is finally reunited with her family after a successful mission inside the walls but just as she has reason to celebrate she learns that they have taken Garret - her childhood friend and first love. Unless she surrenders Central will execute Garret - of course Nessa will not leave Garret to this fate but in doing so she must leave Ty behind. She along with a team from outside the divide plan a rescue mission to rescue Garret as well some other non Central folks who went in 6 years ago and never returned.
If you liked Ruination then you will LOVE Resignation. It is a great sequel that will leave you beyond ready to start book 3.
One of the things I loved was that in this book not only do we get Nessa and Ty's point of view but Garret's as well. A lot of Garret's POV was from flashbacks - we got to see what was happening with Garret during the time frame of the 1st book Ruination. All of these kinda rounded out the book for me really nicely.
Amanda also introduces us to slew of new characters -- some of which you will hate and some that will grow on you. In the end she really makes you feel something for all of the characters.
My only issue - CLIFFHANGER ending! So hopefully Book 3 will be coming soon! A 4 star book all the way!
Book One:
Ruination (Worlds Apart #1)
by Amanda Thome
Release Date: 04/15/14
Summary from Goodreads:
What if everything came down to a single test? If your life was defined at seventeen, could you handle it? Could you accept your fate leaving the ones you love, or would you risk it all and stay?
One test stands between Vanessa and Central. One chance to make the leap across the walls to a better life. At seventeen, Central considers Vanessa an adult. Her labor role, marriage, and housing divisions will be dictated by her performance on the leap.
Dedication and unfaltering friendship has bonded Vanessa to Garrett as they fight for their chance to leap into Central. But what happens when love overtakes reason? When defiance in the name of love creates an unintentional fracture in their nation.
Without warning Vanessa is at the mercy of the nation that’s supposed to protect her. Exiled and abandoned she must fight but she find’s she’s not alone. With her heart divided she seeks her revenge, but will her stand be enough?
Ruination is the next YA dystopian trilogy that will hook you from the start! If you liked Veronica Roth's Divergent series or Suzanne Collins Hunger Games series then be prepared to get addicted to Ruination.
One test stands between Vanessa and Central. One chance to make the leap across the walls to a better life. At seventeen, Central considers Vanessa an adult. Her labor role, marriage, and housing divisions will be dictated by her performance on the leap.
Dedication and unfaltering friendship has bonded Vanessa to Garrett as they fight for their chance to leap into Central. But what happens when love overtakes reason? When defiance in the name of love creates an unintentional fracture in their nation.
Without warning Vanessa is at the mercy of the nation that’s supposed to protect her. Exiled and abandoned she must fight but she find’s she’s not alone. With her heart divided she seeks her revenge, but will her stand be enough?
Ruination is the next YA dystopian trilogy that will hook you from the start! If you liked Veronica Roth's Divergent series or Suzanne Collins Hunger Games series then be prepared to get addicted to Ruination.
Buy Links:
Amazon
The world leaves me curious to learn more. I am eager to read the next book, especially after the cliffhanger ending this one has. Rating: 3.5 stars
Jennifer's Review of Ruination:
Nessa is a teen girl in a harsh world. The book starts off with her as a young girl and the first chapter is incredibly sad. So much that I didn't know if I wanted to keep going. I am glad I did as while that chapter was heartbreaking the pace picked up and it took on its dystopian feel. Mid way (once Nessa takes her "leap test" the book takes off & you will have a hard time putting it down) If you have read Hunger Games, Divergent, Matched etc.. you will see some of those "world" qualities in this book (which of course is to be expected since they are all in the same Genre). It is different and unique enough to hold your interest without a doubt and you may find yourself (as I did) enjoying the similarities.
Everyone's future is set and decided by a one day test. Starting at the age of 6 years old they start preparing for this "test" which occurs at 16 years old (10 years of "Education"). In addition to regular school topics, they learn survival techniques. The test will decide which region they live in, their job, who they will marry, etc... There are three regions - the outer which is the poorer neighbourhoods, the inner - middle class and the central which is the Capital and the rich upper class society. The top male and female student gets the opportunity to move to Central and live a better life. It is the dream of every teen. Nessa hopes to make it with her best friend, and romantic interest, Garrett. They have trained hard for years for this day.
Everyone's future is set and decided by a one day test. Starting at the age of 6 years old they start preparing for this "test" which occurs at 16 years old (10 years of "Education"). In addition to regular school topics, they learn survival techniques. The test will decide which region they live in, their job, who they will marry, etc... There are three regions - the outer which is the poorer neighbourhoods, the inner - middle class and the central which is the Capital and the rich upper class society. The top male and female student gets the opportunity to move to Central and live a better life. It is the dream of every teen. Nessa hopes to make it with her best friend, and romantic interest, Garrett. They have trained hard for years for this day.
There were a few chapters that were told in the guy's voices, which was nice and I would of loved to see more of their POVs.
There are hints of a "love triangle". I myself am not a fan of the love triangles. So I hope that one just falls into a friendships and the other in the love interest.
All of the characters were well written.
Nessa: Strong & Independent. good lead female character
Garret: Sweet & Charming. Nessa's best friend since they were 5 years old. Would like to see more from his POV in the next book to really understand him better.
Ty: Mysterious, loyal, fierce
About the Author
Amanda Thome is the Author of Ruination, book one in the Worlds Apart dystopian trilogy. Amanda grew up in Maine and later moved to Pennsylvania where she obtained her bachelor’s degree from Ursinus College. She later received her doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Columbia University. Amanda currently resides in San Antonio, TX with her husband Clint.
Amanda Thome is the Author of Ruination, book one in the Worlds Apart dystopian trilogy. Amanda grew up in Maine and later moved to Pennsylvania where she obtained her bachelor’s degree from Ursinus College. She later received her doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Columbia University. Amanda currently resides in San Antonio, TX with her husband Clint.
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