Friday, May 31, 2013

Perfect Scoundrels

Goodreads Summary:
Katarina Bishop and W.W. Hale the fifth were born to lead completely different lives: Kat comes from a long, proud line of loveable criminal masterminds, while Hale is the scion of one of the most seemingly perfect dynasties in the world. If their families have one thing in common, it's that they both know how to stay under the radar while getting-or stealing-whatever they want. No matter the risk, the Bishops can always be counted on, but in Hale's family, all bets are off when money is on the line. When Hale unexpectedly inherits his grandmother's billion dollar corporation, he quickly learns that there's no place for Kat and their old heists in his new role. But Kat won't let him go that easily, especially after she gets tipped off that his grandmother's will might have been altered in an elaborate con to steal the company's fortune. So instead of being the heir-this time, Hale might be the mark. Forced to keep a level head as she and her crew fight for one of their own, Kat comes up with an ambitious and far-reaching plan that only the Bishop family would dare attempt. To pull it off, Kat is prepared to do the impossible, but first, she has to decide if she's willing to save her boyfriend's company if it means losing the boy. 

Title: Perfect Scoundrels
Author: Ally Carter
Released: February 5th 2013
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Rating: 3 Stars

Review:
I love Ally Carter's series. While intended for younger audiences, I have always found her books witty, eventful, and a great representation of heroine's that respect themselves and those around them. Perfect role model characters. With how much I love her stories, I wish I could give this book more stars, but I found myself getting lackadaisical about 85% of the way through. I thought I was only halfway (I read the ebook and I wasn't paying attention to the total page number) and I just had to take a break from this story for a day. When I picked it back up, there was only 30 ebook pages left, so I finished it relatively fast.

The reason this didn't make it to 4 or 5 stars is because everything Kat planned was happening behind closed doors. We weren't a part of the decision making process, leaving us totally out of the loop kind of took away some of the excitement that was held in the past two books in this series. Not only were we kept out of the loop but so was Hale! What the heck was that about, he is her partner in crime, if anything is going down, he should know about it.

Lastly, the ending fell really flat. Everything changed so swiftly, and it never felt believable. I mean when the author knows she is going to pull a 180 sometimes they give these really obvious hints, and I think her hint might have been that she just didn't throw her gusto into the last few chapters. Kat became scarily serious and the fact that she was working alone made it so we couldn't pull that fun sense of humor out of her. She was trying to be the big bad wolf for a change and it really didn't suit her. She is the kind of person that plays the passive role, to let the other person think they are winning when really they are way underestimating her, she gives them a devilish smile that says she is smarter than you and cut scene. Big bad wolf role - is usually a failing role. It didn't fit her personality at all she is too smart to play devils advocate.

So, what did I like? I love con-artist stories, so basically the premise of the book is awesome. Kat is robin hood, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor only she steals from the thief and gives it back to the rightful owner. I still love the dialogue, when the crew is talking to one another it never stops being hilarious comments. Some of my favorite quotes...

"Cat in the Cradle?" Gabrielle said.
"We don't have Hale,"Hamish said.
"You could do it,"Gabrielle challenged.
"Do I look like a classically trained violinist to you?" he asked, and Gabrielle didn't broach the subject again.
"Then what about Ace's Wild?" Simon said.
Angus scooted forward. "With a little Count of Monte Cristo?"
"Exactly," Simon said, excited.
- Page 62 of 219 (nook ebook) I love the names of the Con's Carter throws into these books. So funny.

"What?" He cut a grin at Kat when he saw the impressed look on her face. "Corporate espionage is my second great passion."
"With your first being..." Kat prompted.
"Gelato." Hale said and turned back to the group.
-page 124 of 219 (nook ebook) - who doesn't love gelato???

"We can find Garrett, right? And he can't sell the prototype if he is...shall we say...tied up?" She gave a self-satisfied smirk.
"Gabrielle!" Kat rolled her eyes.
"What?" Her cousin looked as innocent as she could possibly be. "We could keep him somplace nice. It will be like a vacation. Or rehab. He might even thank us."
"Yeah," Kat mocked. "Thank us...have us arrested for kidnapping...really, they're practically the same thing."
- Page 126 of 219 (nook ebook)

"Dad doesn't hate you. He just...well, Dad doesn't hate you anymore than he would any boy who was...a boy."
"He doesn't hate the Bagshaws."
"The Bagshaws aren't boys. They are bombs with very colorful fuses."
"Good to know."
- Page 159 of 219 (nook ebook)

Anyways, If you have been reading this series, I think it is worth to read this book too. And I hope she writes a fourth book to this series as well. I want the con's to keep on coming. If you haven't read this series I would recommend it to you if you like the idea of some good old con-artist fun and witty characters.

Recommended reads based off of Perfect Scoundrels:
The Almost Truth and Hex Hall (Hex Hall #1)

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Cover Reveal - Angels of the Knights Book 3

Angels of the Knights - Nikki (Book 3)
Coming Soon!

Summary not available yet...
***

Angels of the Knights - Fallon 

Summary from Goodreads:
When Fallon Angell died at the age of sixteen, her life changed forever.

The hallowed world of Emperica is everything she had ever hoped for as a mortal—immeasurable beauty, unconditional love and light. But, with affection for humankind still burning within her, she joins the Knight Caste to train as an angel warrior. As a Knight, she will give up her wings and return to the place that killed her to use her unique powers to search out and destroy the evil Kjin that roam the earth. As a Knight, she will stop at nothing to protect the mortals in her care.

The elders warn her that the path she chose will be a solitary one. That she will not have the same bond with humans as she once did. But, as far as she knows, the elders had never met Kade Royce.

When her duties place her in the path of this handsome former cop, emotions buried long ago rise to the surface and she is powerless to ignore the depth of her feelings for this young man. She knows instinctively that she has found what most people search their entire lives for.

Ignoring the risks, she invites him into her world of danger, but soon their lives collide with explosive consequence. As a result, Fallon realizes with heartbreaking despair that she can no longer hide from the painful truth. In order for Kade to live, she must destroy him.


E-book is currently free!
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Angels of the Knights - Blane 
(Angels of the Knights #2)

Summary from Goodreads:
Once the hunter, now the hunted. As the war with the Kjin rages, Blane Romero must lead the Paladin Knights against their mortal enemy while trying to protect the young, Juliet Hunter, who unwittingly finds herself entangled in their sinister schemes. Juliet cares only about shielding her young sisters from harm, but finds herself drawn to the enigmatic man who offers her much more than either he or she was prepared for.

Ostracized by the families they loved, Blane and Juliet find they have more in common than they thought as they battle demons both real and personal to stay together. But, will it be enough when the powerful Cesar Grant decides he wants Juliet for his own?

Book Two in the Angels of the Knights paranormal fantasy series.



Buy Links:
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About the Author
Thank you for visiting my Goodread's profile. I am Valerie Zambito, and I live in upstate New York with my husband and three sons. After having been involved in a busy sales career for fifteen years, a great love of world building, character creation, and all things magic led to the publication of my first adult epic fantasy series, ISLAND SHIFTERS, in October of 2011. Since then, I have added two additional books to this series and wrote the first book in a new teen paranormal series called ANGELS OF THE KNIGHTS.

My reading preference is fantasy as well and I devour in copious amounts. In my opinion, there’s nothing like it! Great fantasy grants us entry into a world beyond our own that is filled with adventure, mystery and danger. How exciting to enjoy a front row seat to human struggles of epic proportions. Struggles that tug at our heartstrings and elicit real emotion.

I gravitate to fantasy with heroic elements. I like strong, confident men who never back down from a fight against evil. The kind who will not hesitate to throw himself between a woman and a fire-breathing dragon. I like strong women, too. The kind who will appreciate the offer, but is more inclined to push the man out of the way and take care of the dragon herself. ;)

***GIVEAWAY***
(1) Print or e-book copies of books 1 & 2 in this series plus $25 Amazon Gift Card
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal Organized by:

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Unraveling


Two days before the start of her junior year, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed—as in blinding light, scenes of her life flashing before her, and then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she's opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And even though it isn't possible, she knows—with every fiber of her being—that Ben has somehow brought her back to life.

But her revival, and Ben's possible role in it, is only the first of the puzzles that Janelle must solve. While snooping in her FBI agent father's files for clues about her accident, she uncovers a clock that seems to be counting down to something—but to what? And when someone close to Janelle is killed, she can no longer deny what's right in front of her: Everything that's happened—the accident, the murder, the countdown clock, Ben's sudden appearance in her life—points to the end of life as she knows it. And as the clock ticks down, she realizes that if she wants to put a stop to the end of the world, she's going to need to uncover Ben's secrets—and keep from falling in love with him in the process.
From debut author Elizabeth Norris comes this shattering novel of one girl's fight to save herself, her world, and the boy she never saw coming.

Title: Uraveling
Author: Elizabeth Norris
Published: April 24th 2012

Review:
*sigh of relief* a book full of awesomesauce. So happy I read this, despite it's terrible cover. I loved his book to the core! Janelle is a great character that you should be happy to get into the mind of. She is strong and level headed. Plus, she is total BA with how she handles herself. Her father is a part of the FBI and she often reads his case files. Well, after she gets hit by a truck, and should have died but was brought back to life by Ben, she get's interested in her own case, and the radiation deaths of many John Doe's that seem to be related. 

Janelle is smart and determined. She will uncover the truth, just like her dad. While dealing with her bipolar mother and taking care of her younger brother at the same time. Her best friend Alex is so sweet and charming and none of the typical best friends fall in love or disgusting love triangles plague this story. Alex is her friend and she loves him as he loves her, but it never stretches beyond friendship. 

Many surprises and turns, a lot of unfortunate deaths and catastrophes bring this story to a much anticipated climax. Ben and Janelle's love is not lost, but they make decisions that are important for themselves and not driven by lust ridden teenagers. I recommend you read this book! It was so much fun and I think you will love it!

Rating:
Oh, yes. I wish there were more to give, because they get all the stars in the sky!



Recommended reads based off of Unraveling:

Friday, May 24, 2013

Cursed

 Goodreads Summary:
Dying sucks
...and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. 
After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.
Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he's a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she's more than interested. There's just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. However, she's willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't?
But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not've been an accident at all, she's not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life.
For real this time.


Title: Cursed
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published: September 18th 2012

Review:

Gahhh! A little to lovey but it was decent. Reminded me a lot of Dark Visions by L.J. Smith. The collection of people with powers. I love Armentrout and will cowtow to her till the day I die, but this book was less than miraculous. Simply plain. There is a bit of choke-me insta-love brewed here that was sappy and sickening that rubbed me in all the wrong ways. Maybe I would have flown for it in the past, but after reading so many amazingly wonderful loves, I cannot accept this as even close to one of them. 

I hate that her best friend was abandoned and forgot her. It was so terribly and he could have added so much to the story. He was a great character one that if Armentrout would have kept him, could have kept the story to a four-star rating, but instead you get three. Oh so sad, but that is the truth of life. You cut out great characters, you only get a good book. 

The fact that she couldn't be touched was very much like Shatter Me, in that if anyone touches her, they will die, except of course the love interest, because what fun would that be. The little sister was a good character but I thought her part was way overplayed. She was actually annoying in how much of an angel she was. Little kids are so bribed by sweets and toys that they cannot see real love if it smacked them in the face and that made me sad for Ember (which by the way is a cruel name for someone with red hair, even though it is an awesome name.)

Overall, the story could have been executed better. Too much mushy love, equals a less than happy Kelley. Not a waste of time, but I definitely could have waited to buy it. Oh, well. Hopefully I have helped you in your own reading decision!

Rating:

Since it is an Armentrout, I wish I could give it more, but I just can't. No where near as good as the Lux series.




Recommended reads based off of Cursed:
Shatter Me and Dark Visions

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Click to Subscribe


Goodreads Summary:
1,135,789. That’s how many subscribers sixteen-year-old West Ryder has on his web vlog series. But he only has eyes for one of them.  
As one of the internet’s most prestigious video bloggers, West talks about high school relationships under the name “Sam Green.” As far as he knows, no one from school, not even his best friend, Cat, has seen his videos. But the highlight of the whole thing is Harper Knight, who comments every day at exactly 2:02 in the afternoon. He doesn’t know anything about her aside from the occasional deep philosophical messaging on why pizza tastes so delicious, but as stupid as it sounds, he might be falling for her. So when they finally agree to meet in real life, West’s hope for romance seems more and more in reach. But that all changes as soon as he arrives at their meeting spot and sees Cat walking toward him, wearing the same “I <3 Sam Green” T-shirt Harper promised she'd have on. 
To his alarm, West realizes he is falling in love with the best friend who has always been a sister to him.

Title: Click to Subscribe
Author: L.M. Augustine
Release Date: May 9th
Buy links: Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | B&N | Smashwords

Review:

WARNING: Reading this book will cause random bouts of laughter. Extreme cravings of Vanilla Ice Cream with Rainbow Sprinkles (because they make the world go round) and may endanger Old Lady's walking along the street.  Read at your own risk!


The warning is for your own good, I just had to warn you, it's in my nature of being such a wonderful person! This book was amazing and I loved every fun-filled second of it. Click to Subscribe had me with a big grin on my face one moment, to my eyes pooling out this strange salty liquid at the next, only to bring me back around to fits of laughter that can only be described as howling glee. 


Told through the male POV of West Ryder, aka Sam Green to all his vlog followers, is just an ordinary teen with an extraordinary tolerance of sugar. He has been dealt a short stick in life, he was really close to his mother and is still mourning over loosing her. Luckily he has his best friend Cat to lend him a shoulder whenever he needs it. And mysterious girl vlog follower Harper to help take the edge off. 

When one day they plan to meet, and it turns out that Harper and Cat are the same person. West has to learn to accept that the cyber-girl Harper, he was falling for, and his so-close-of-a-friend-she-is-more-like-a-sister Cat are one in the same. How can he risk loving someone so close to him like Cat? He is terrified of what loosing her would mean for his life if they didn't work out. Needless to say, West is going through a whole heck of a lot and be prepared for this stories epic and bumpy ride!  


My only complaint is that I want more! It would have been awesome to read more about his vlog in the beginning, what he talks about and what other kinds of followers he has. He is obsessed with Harper, and that is really what drives the story so it is understandable that it revolves around their conversations, I would have just liked a little more West or his alias Sam Green, to add layers and depth to his character. 

Anyways, I loved every minute of it. West is fun and refreshing a male main character with a sensitive side, and confident enough in himself to pull it off. He was such a relatable character. It was beautiful to be in the mind of West and to feel what he felt. I couldn't get enough of him. I felt so bad for what happened to his mom and how his life was crumbling apart. Yet he had such a light and refreshing personality that just kept me wanting more, page after page. 

<------------ Almost as good as the book!


And lets face it, Cat is the BOMB. She is what females strive to be! Nice, beautiful, kind, forgiving, and knows how to go after what she wants. [beach scene ;) I know what you were trying to do Cat you naught devil!] <--- forgive me, but you will understand once you read it! And that is exactly what you should do right now, go read it! 


Thank you Sel from Bookcase to Heaven and L.M. Augustine for allowing me to be a part of the Click to Subscribe tour. The book was wonderful and I loved every minute of it!


Rating: 5 stars!

All five baby! You deserve every one!




Recommended reads based off of Click to Subscribe:
The Boyfriend Thief and My Life Next Door

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Easy

Goodreads Summary:
When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup two months into sophomore year. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she's single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, and failing a class for the first time in her life.

Leaving a party alone, Jacqueline is assaulted by her ex's frat brother. Rescued by a stranger who seems to be in the right place at the right time, she wants nothing more than to forget the attack and that night - but her savior, Lucas, sits on the back row of her econ class, sketching in a notebook and staring at her. Her friends nominate him to be the perfect rebound.

When her attacker turns stalker, Jacqueline has a choice: crumple in defeat or learn to fight back. Lucas remains protective, but he's hiding secrets of his own. Suddenly appearances are everything, and knowing who to trust is anything but easy.

Mature Young Adult / New Adult

Title: Easy
Author: Tammara Webber
Released: May 25th 2012

Review:

Wow to the millionth power. This book dug deep, crushing my insides and ripping out pure emotion. The story held such beautiful design and the plot kept me going on, where I knew what was going to happen, but she had me convinced as the pages kept turning that it wouldn't only to rock me with more shockers. Seriously, get ready to cry, love, laugh, and grow stronger than you already are. This book helps you build, grow and gain acceptance of yourself, even if you didn't know you needed to gain any. 

Jacqueline becomes a strong independent and self-assured woman right in front of your very eyes, with strong character development. She is a very relatable character, and her decisions keep you on the edge of your toes. 

Not to mention Lucas, the basis of which all men should be. He is the bad boy, with the smart boy flare, and feel free to throw in the damaged soul package too. I was amazed at his story and part in this novel. I couldn't help but prey that he would get his happy ending, lord knows he deserves it. I am ever more excited to find out that Webber will be writing a novella in Lucas's point of view, that will take place before the setting of Easy and have some overlap, but will not go beyond the story. 

One thing you will want from this book is more. Once the story is over, and all the pages are turned, it wont be enough. This is a stand-alone book for Webber, but the characters are so great you cannot help but want more from them. I am not the biggest fan of novels that become series with the supporting cast as the main characters in the next book and so on, but it would be so worth it for this book, if I got to see more of Jacqueline and Lucas. 

As a fan of Webber, I have to say, Easy by far outshines her Between the Lines series. There is no comparison. She touched deep emotions with this story and I give her a lot of credit for writing about such a serious subject and executing it so well. 

With that said, this book is not for the tenderhearted. It could really upset you if you are sensitive to a story about assault and the terror that comes with it. If you are brave enough to weather this storm, you will not be disappointed. As I said earlier you become a better person and more aware just by reading. 

Rating:





Recommended reads based off of Easy:

Friday, May 10, 2013

Suddenly Royal


Goodreads Summary:
Samantha Rousseau is used to getting her hands dirty. Working toward a master’s degree in wildlife biology while helping take care of her sick father, she has no time for celebrity gossip, designer clothes, or lazy vacations. So when a duchess from the small country of Lilaria invites her to dinner, Samantha assumes it’s to discuss a donation for the program. The truth will change the course of her life in ways she never dreamed.
Alex D’Lynsal is trying to keep his name clean. As crown prince of Lilaria, he’s had his share of scandalous headlines, but the latest pictures have sent him packing to America and forced him to swear off women—especially women in the public eye. That is, until he meets Samantha Rousseau. She’s stubborn, feisty, and incredibly sexy. Not to mention heiress to an estate in his country, which makes her everyone’s front-page news.
While Sam tries to navigate the new world of politics and wealth, she will also have to dodge her growing feelings for Alex. Giving in to them means more than just falling in love; it would mean accepting the weight of an entire country on her shoulders.

Title: Suddenly Royal
Author: Nichole Chase
Published: April 23rd 2013
Where to buy: Barnes and Noble, Amazon

Review:
Suddenly Royal is sweet, charming and a bit predictable. I mean what can you expect from a fairy tale. The writing was good not great and definitely improved from the first third of the book to the end, bringing it from a solid three stars to four. Nichole Chase didn't focus on the petty aspects of love and jealousy. This was a real, simple and to the point love story. With reluctance of new love, and acceptance of a new role or chapter in life.

I love Chadwick and many other supporting characters. I thought I would hate Bert in the beginning, (because lets face it, who loves Bert but Ernie,) but in the end I found he was one of my favorite characters even though we only get to see him a few times in the novel. Jess was also a fantastic supporting character too, much better than Cathy.

While Prince Yummy aka Alex was a great male lead, that any woman that loves men would swoon for and I admit I did swoon a little, he was just too perfect for my taste. I mean he never put any pressure on Sam, which is great in our fantasy worlds where it rains candy, but because of that I lost some of my realism in the book and couldn't quite become as absorbed in the characters as I would have wanted. I wish I could have had more dramatics with him. He had the potential to be so much more than just Sam's love interest and future king with a big..."bath tub." <--- if you decide to read it you will understand. Also I was disappointed that none of the story is told from his POV. When I read the description and it talked about him, I assumed I would be reading a bit through his eyes, obviously not the case. The whole story is told through Samantha.

Sam, was a great character and since I found out this was a series I hope it still includes her because I would love to see what she does next. I want to believe she will be getting back to some of the life she lived in Minnesota before she became a Duchess, but in Suddenly Royal she was more focused on her new duties, so she didn't have time for it her normal routine and life. Which I understood, that was part of her sacrifice when she decided to take her title, but I still felt like she might have let becoming a duchess change her personality, instead of her being herself. Either way I enjoyed her character the MN grad student, and the Duchess of Rousseau from Lilaria.

Speaking of Minnesota, thank you Nichole Chase for writing the first novel I have ever read that makes me smile instead of cringe at the people from the state or the description of it. While you did not talk much about my beloved state of MN I loved every piece you did write about it, which is hard to do since I am naturally a very critical person! And thank you for adding nature. I love the necklace she was given and the tiara with the vines she wore. I wish I had both of those pieces!

Overall this is a good story that is worth the few hours that it takes to read. I was pleasantly happy. It is a new adult book so expect some more erotic scenes, but I am thankful that it wasn't an all out sex-book with dirty situations on every page. While that may disappoint some of you readers out there I thought it was brilliant, because it wasn't so involved in sex and spankings that it lacked in the actual story. If you are interested in the more naughty scenes I can tell you there are only a few but they are definitely hot and steamy.

I would recommend you read it. A nice light story, that you will laugh about, that gets hot and steamy and makes you cry your eyes out.

Rating:
Recommended reading based off of Suddenly Royal:

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday (9)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine, that spotlights
 upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week I am waiting on...The Distance Between Us by Kasie West

Goodreads Summary:
Seventeen-year-old Caymen Meyers studies the rich like her own personal science experiment, and after years of observation she’s pretty sure they’re only good for one thing—spending money on useless stuff, like the porcelain dolls in her mother’s shop.

So when Xander Spence walks into the store to pick up a doll for his grandmother, it only takes one glance for Caymen to figure out he’s oozing rich. Despite his charming ways and that he’s one of the first people who actually gets her, she’s smart enough to know his interest won’t last. Because if there’s one thing she’s learned from her mother’s warnings, it’s that the rich have a short attention span. But Xander keeps coming around, despite her best efforts to scare him off. And much to her dismay, she's beginning to enjoy his company.

She knows her mom can’t find out—she wouldn’t approve. She’d much rather Caymen hang out with the local rocker who hasn’t been raised by money. But just when Xander’s attention and loyalty are about to convince Caymen that being rich isn’t a character flaw, she finds out that money is a much bigger part of their relationship than she’d ever realized. And that Xander’s not the only one she should’ve been worried about.

Sounds like a wonderfully beautiful story that I cannot wait to get my hands on. A perfect summer read! Comes out June 2nd 2013!

Leave me a link to your WoW's I love to see what I could potentially be waiting on next week. <-- Seeing as how The Distance Between Us was something someone else was waiting on last week when I decided I had to have it too!

Happy Reading, 

Kelley Lee

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Teaser Tuesday (9)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This weeks Teaser is from...Click to Subscribe by L.M. Augustine to be released May 9th! (only two days away!)

Get ready for the teasers...(insert drum roll sound here)...

Yeah I know. Falling in love with a girl over the internet. Welcome to my effed-up life. (My poor therapist.)
Hey, what can I say? she writes. My avatar brings all the boys to the yard.   
- Page 7 of 154 ebook (arc) 
I press my foot on the accelerator and speed down to the supermarket, because that's where all the true present-giving bad asses go.  One red light, one downed stop sign, and two near-dead old ladies later (I'm still not entirely sure how I passed the driver's test...) I skid into the grocery store parking lot.
- Page 126 of 154 ebook (arc) [Isn't that sooooo true! Food is the way to my birthday heart!]

[Just because I love you bloggers I am going to throw in one more ;)]
Not about the kiss, not about any of this. Instead, we spend our time discussing Switzerland polotics, mostly about the political situation with Switzerland chocolate and how we might go about buying some more.
- Page 136 of 154 ebook (arc) 

Reading to Stay AliveThis book was great and I am glad I can share a few teasers with you guys!  If you like it too, add it to goodreads, click the pic ---------->


Leave me a link to your TT. I love to see what you are teasing me with this week!

Happy Reading,

Kelley Lee

Monday, May 6, 2013

Meet the Author Behind the Novel - Teresa Orts

Today I would like to share with you all someone fabulous I have met. She is the Author of The Year of the Great Seventh (release date JULY 6th) So without further ado I introduce...(drumroll...) Teresa Orts!

Bio Story:

Unlike most authors, I didn’t start writing books when I was five years old. In fact, I’d never been too interested in reading or writing. Hanging out with friends in the small Spanish town where I grew up always seemed more appealing than anything a book could offer. It took about twenty-seven years and a global financial meltdown for me to discover the magic world of writing.
At the time, I was living in New York City, and one morning I discovered I was no longer expected at my sixty-hour-a-week investment banking job. Most of my friends had very demanding jobs, so I spent my days wandering around on my own.
Like other unemployed people, I started living through the nights and sleeping through the days. New York is known as the city that never sleeps for a good reason! One night, tired of surfing the web and watching TV, I opened a Word document and started typing a short story, which I saved in my computer with little interest. That was the day Nate and Sophie were born.
Days later, since the financial industry seemed to be going into a downward spiral, I decided to spend three months traveling through Southeast Asia and New Zealand. I thought, naïve me, that by the time I returned, the financial crisis would have come to an end.
Something really strange happened to me during that trip. No matter where I went, I couldn’t stop thinking about the story. Nate and Sophie followed me everywhere. No matter how hard I tried to forget about them, they just wouldn’t go away. At the beginning, I thought I was losing my mind, but soon after, I realized I had to continue writing the story.
When I came back to New York, I went right back into it, and that’s how The Year of the Great Seventh was created. Unfortunately, halfway through the novel, I received a letter from the immigration department informing me that, with no job, I was no longer welcome in the United States. Without much of a choice, my boyfriend and I decided to pack our lives, along with my half-drafted manuscript, and begin another exciting adventure in London, where we now live.

Interview Questions:
First off, I believe congratulations are in order. For one you have conquered the mighty mountain that is writing your first novel, you were fortunate enough to travel to some beautiful places, and finally I hear you recently had a child! All amazing moments and they all happened within a year of one another! How are you going to top that for 2014? Any big plans for the near future?
 Oh dear! That’s going to be difficult to top when you put it like that, isn’t it? I prefer to think that 2014 will be just as exciting as 2013. I’m planning to write the sequel and continue to travel the world. I’ll probably go back to New Zealand and Australia.
Writers always recommend writing what you know. Was this true for you, as an author of paranormal fiction? If so how did you incorporate what you know into the story?
 I actually did half-and-half. I wrote half of the novel set in New York, a city I know very well, and I decided to have the other half set in L.A., a city I barely know at all. It was fun reading and learning about L.A. Same thing with Ancient Egypt; I truly enjoyed the research part!
What is your ideal writing setting? Are you a coffee shop author that writes amongst the hustle and bustle of life around you, the quiet corner of your home author with no distractions so you can focus on your task ahead, or do you have a different style entirely?
 When I lived in New York, I used to go to the local library in the West Village. It inspired me to be sitting amongst other people who seemed to be so focused on reading or studying. Now, I write in my husband’s office (when he lets me use it…), and sometimes, when I’m feeling really lazy, I write in bed.
 What was your inspiration for Nate and Sophie? Was your original short story anything like The Year of the Great Seventh?
 The short story was actually what it is now the first chapter. I didn’t really know where the story was going, so the intrigue kept me going. I wanted to know how it ended. Nate and Sophie’s characters developed with the passing of each page. 
You said you grew up in a small Spanish town, where are you from specifically? And is there anything from where you grew up that we can look forward to in your novel?
 I grew up in a small town surrounded by orange farms in the Province of Valencia. Yes, exactly – where the Valencia oranges come from. It is a beautiful part of the world, but unfortunately, it is going to be difficult to find a storyline that brings kids from L.A. to Spain, but you never know!
Your path of becoming an author is quite unique, is there any advice you can give other aspiring authors out there?
 I don’t really consider myself an author—those are big shoes to fill. I don’t think I qualify as a proper author yet, so far I consider myself a storyteller. As per any advice for aspiring authors, like everything else I have experienced in my life, do what you love, enjoy the journey, and don’t obsess too much about the endgame. That way, no matter what happens, you got some pleasure out of it. Publishing a novel sounds fantastic, but the true joy comes from writing each page.
This question is entirely driven by my own interests. I am not only and avid reader but I love to cook and bake, so I cannot resist asking what your favorite meal or dessert is?
 I love this question! I love sweets, so it is hard to pick one. However, if I have to choose a winner, I’d say banoffee pie. It is an English dessert made of banana and toffee. (Disclaimer: I don’t actually bake or cook – I lived in NYC for too long – but I love eating!)

Synopsis of The Year of the Great Seventh and a sneak peak of Teresa's favorite excerpt!
Sophie has always felt out of step—an outsider, even amongst friends in her high school with all the hype about celebrity culture. Her life in L.A. seems to have been already written for her, but when her junior year starts, it all takes a drastic turn. When she crosses paths with the school's heartthrob, Nate Werner, they fall for each other in a way neither can understand. What they don’t know is that by giving in to their desires, they are unlocking an ancient Egyptian prophecy that threatens to return Earth to the dark ages.

To undo the curse, Nate and Sophie embark on an adventure that takes them across the country. But their quest is not only to save the
 world as they know it. It is also a fight for their very survival. Behind the scenes, there are those that are counting on them to fail.


Teresa's Favorite Excerpt:

Admitting I wasn’t going to fall asleep, I emerged from under the bed covers, went over to the windows, and sat on the floor. They say if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Well, if the city lights were going to keep me awake, I might as well enjoy the view.

Crossing my legs in the lotus position, I admired the city skyline. The other glass tower across from us seemed to be private apartments. Most of the floors had their lights on. The energy of this city was captivating. Life continued on through the night in the city that never slept. 

It was starting to snow. The frosty flakes resembled white cotton candy. They seemed to be defying the laws of gravity as they were suspended on the air and then swirled up into the sky. It was probably due to the air current caused by the tall buildings. But as things stood in my life at the moment, anything seemed possible.
The traffic was as dense as rush hour in downtown L.A. Cars jammed around Columbus Circle, and no one thought twice about leaning on the horn, even though it was past midnight. 

In one of the apartments opposite, a man was sitting by the window, typing on a laptop. The room was dark, but the reflection of the computer screen lit up his face. I could see him clearly. It was as though we were sitting across from each other. I was sure he could see me, too. We were so close, but at the same time, so far. This must be the big city syndrome where you can feel so alone amongst so many people. And knowing that Nate was just across the wall only enhanced the feeling. 

I had to start blocking any thoughts of Nate. I had to give myself a break or I was going to start losing my mind. Unfortunately, I was aware that ignoring a problem wasn’t likely to make it go away. I couldn’t believe Nate had planned to hide the stain on his back from me. How long did he think he could pretend everything was going to be fine? 

Dad taught me to only believe what could be proved by science, but this lulled me into a state of denial. Nate was vanishing with the tick of the clock, and I had to help him. I wasn’t sure how yet, but I couldn’t fail him. I wanted to slap myself to throw myself into action. How could I be so passive when I was losing the only thing I wanted. 

The man in the apartment across from me was drinking from a cup and flicking through the pages of a book that he had next to the laptop. After scanning a few more pages, he continued to type. I wondered what he was doing. I wanted to think he was writing a detective novel based in 1950s Manhattan. 

The man stopped typing and stared openly at me, as if he also needed to share his secrets with a stranger. It was snowing hard, and thousands of snowflakes playfully spiraled up into the sky, proving reality had many dimensions. The simple stare from a distant stranger was appeasing that loneliness that was taking hold of me. 

 I couldn’t stop staring back. Here, sitting on the floor of this grandiose room, in the epicenter of the madness of this city, I just felt so small. How was I, this tiny, fragile girl, going to make the world change its course? 

The man with the computer—as if he could hear my thoughts—smiled at me and nodded. Without uttering a word, and with the power of our surroundings, this stranger confirmed that, yes, I could do whatever I gave myself to. It was probably a coincidence, but there were moments like this when the universe conspired to prove that life was full of magic moments. You just needed to learn to see past what was in front of you. 

The man went back to typing on his computer, unconscious that with just one stare he’d provided me with the courage I lacked. I was beginning to fall in love, but in this case, with New York City. There was something about the anonymity of this city that brought us closer as humans.
I know this was an abnormally long post for me but I think you will find it was well worth your time! If you want to learn more about Teresa visit her at her website! Thank you so much for stopping by. And I believe I speak for all of us when I say thank you for introducing us to Banoffee Pie! --------------------------> 
As good old Willy Wonka would say scrumdiddlyumptious

As always, Happy Reading

Kelley Lee