Showing posts with label AToMR Book Blog Tours. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AToMR Book Blog Tours. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Caged Moon by Rachel Deagan: Review & Interview


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Caged Moon by Rachel Deagan
Publisher:  Self-Published
Publication Date:  January 18th 2012
ISBN:  1468194992
Genre:  YA Paranormal Romance
Book Synopsis:  Haunted by an animal attack, seventeen year old Charlotte feels she is being followed. When she runs into a mysterious boy while camping, she’s afraid. Nothing seems right about him. Despite trying to stay away, there is an unmistakable draw to be near him. Even his scent smells familiar. But the closer she gets, the faster the secrets begin to unravel. Not only is he not human, he may have a link to her past. When Charlotte finds out someone wants her dead, she is torn between love and fear. Can she trust him to keep her safe?
My Thoughts:  Fast-paced, fun-to-read, and full of action!!! 


My first impressions when starting this book, was "Wow!  How easy to read.  What a breath of fresh air.  I'm gonna love this one!"  And, you know what, my first impressions were right on!!!  I sat down and read it in one stretch.  It was that good!


I have really enjoyed the shape-shifter books that I have read this year, and this one is no exception.  If you love werewolves, you don't want to miss this one.  


Charlotte is just a very real character.  Her actions are so natural, nothing phony there.  You can genuinely understand her reaction to dogs for everything she has gone through, and now you throw her into the mix of a werewolf pack!  


Liam and his pack were a little different than those I have read about before. I enjoyed their interactions within the pack, as well as with Charlotte.  Their treatment of her was very supportive and friendly.  I liked the funny characters in the pack - had some good laughs. 


I found myself wanting to know what was going on - the mystery involved kept me turning to the next page.  This is a great thriller.  The only thing that I thought was somewhat off, was the almost instantaneous pace of Charlotte and Liam's relationship - there was really no build-up.  And, personally, I enjoy that build-up.  


Overall - wonderful book.  High marks from me.  Good news too - this is the beginning of a trilogy!!!!  So, you can look for more to come!

About the Author:  Rachel grew up in small town Massachusetts where she spent most of her time writing about strange paranormal creatures instead of paying attention in class. She has always been considered the ‘dreamy’ one with her head in the clouds. She now lives in Nevada with her two sons, a cat, and a rat named Sam.


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Interview

I would like to welcome & thank Rachel Deagan for stopping by my blog.  



If you could write with another author, who would it be? 
I would have to go with my good friend, Rox Alvarado. She is the writing partner I could have only dreamed of. We have already co-written one novel together, which is on that back burner right now while our focuses are on some of our solo works. She is an amazingly, creative writer, and a great inspiration to me.


If you could become a character in any book (yours or another author), who would it be? Why?
This is a tough one. As much as I love being in different character’s heads while reading, or writing, they usually have some major life problems going on that in reality I wouldn’t want – like being tormented, or hunted by a demon, or they lost their family in some horrible accident. You get the idea. That aside, I’d have to say, Charlotte. She has parents that love her, a stable family, a best friend, a hot boyfriend willing to die for her, and she has some pretty cool powers.


What was your favorite book when you were child?
As to picture books, I can’t remember one that particularly stood out from the rest, but as an older kid, I was obsessed with the Black Stallion Series. I was really into horses as a kid.

What is the best advice anyone has ever given you? 
Have faith in yourself.


Is there something readers would be surprised to find out about you or your book Caged Moon?
One funny tidbit, that I don’t think many know, is that Charlotte’s father was actually created in my own father’s likeness. My father was the small town doctor who was obsessed with birdwatching. He even did have CDs he’d play to learn the bird calls. 


What was your inspiration for Caged Moon? 
I’ve always had a fascination with werewolves and knew if I were to ever write a book, it would carry that theme. But when I started writing it, I didn’t want to just retell any old werewolf story. I wanted the angle and ‘powers’ to be something above and beyond just the werewolf idea. I decided to make Charlotte unique. (not giving anything away) I’m big on paranormal romance, but also love an on the edge of your seat fantasy thriller. With all of these things in mind, I mixed them up, and created Caged Moon.

Do you have any books in the works right now? 
Yes! I just don’t have time to write them all. :P Caged Moon is the first book of a Trilogy in the making. Lunar Passing, Book 2 of the Trilogy is coming out this winter. The tension in this book has gone up ten fold. Questions from Book 1 are answered, and a whole new landscape of subplots have surfaced. The twists, turns, and character development are insane.


I also have another YA trilogy in the works, with the working title, The Star Children. This is a paranormal/scifi/fantasy mix. Book 1 of that trilogy is almost completed, but has been placed on the back burner while I focus on the Caged Moon Trilogy. There is one other completed co-written novel I have on hiatus as well.


Anything else you’d like to share with readers? 
Keep an eye out for Alpha Moon, the companion novella from Liam’s POV, which is coming out June 17th! :) 


I’d also like to give an enormous thank you to all my readers, and for some of the wonderful words you’ve sent my way. Without you, non of this would be possible. Thank you! :) 


Rachel, thank you for stopping by & sharing more about yourself and Caged Moon.  I always enjoy getting some inside information!!!!


Giveaway!!!
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Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Streamline by Jennifer Lane
Publisher:  Omnific Publishing
Publication Date:  March 27th 2012
ISBN:  9781936305025
Genre:  YA Contemporary
Book Blurb:  Seems like Leo Scott has it all: looks, brains, and athletic talent. He’s captain of his high school swim team with a bright future in college and beyond. But Leo has secrets. His mother’s crippling car accident has devastated his family and left Leo to deal with his father’s abuse, battered and alone.


Leo’s girlfriend Audrey Rose is poised for her own share of success. As one of Florida’s top high school swimmers, Audrey dreams of college swimming stardom. But there’s an obstacle to her glorious rise to the top. Her number-one supporter--her father--is in prison for murder.


Part murder mystery, part tale of young love in a military family, this gripping story takes readers on a journey from Pensacola to Annapolis. Leo and Audrey must band together to rise above the adversity they encounter and find their true selves in the process. When everything’s on the line . . . streamline
My Thoughts:  I did not know what I signed up for when I joined this blog tour. The title and cover surely did not prepare me for the content.  This book took me on an emotional roller-coaster ride!!! Oh my goodness!!  How powerful!  Jennifer Lane did an amazing job creating the tone of this book!  I actually cried while reading certain parts.  I can count on one hand the number of books that have gotten me to that point! I was exhausted after each time I read from the book!


I could not have imagined being in the shoes of either Leo or Audrey.  But I tell you what, Jennifer Lane put me there!  Both families involved endured such tragedies.  Leo's mother crippled in an auto accident.  Audrey's father imprisoned for murder.  That alone would have been difficult for the average person.   The abuse that Leo suffered was inconceivable.  It was so vividly described that I actually cringed while reading about it.  Without giving away anything beyond what is provided in the book summary, the two teens when through several other potentially defeating situations, only to come out stronger than before.  So promising!


Now to the other elements of the story.  The swimming piece - very well presented.  I am not a swimmer by any means.  I don't even enjoy it.  However, the author allowed me to see the inner workings of what swimmer go through and why they enjoy it.  


I loved that the characters were "good kids" focused on swimming and school - looking toward their futures beyond high school.  Audrey is a sweet, naive girl that I was easily drawn to.  The way that she stayed connected with her father and never gave up on him - so endearing.  Leo, despite what he went through, always came back a fighter to overcome each ordeal.  I loved that he stuck to his goals and held onto Audrey - even through the tough times.  The fact that both families helped the other at various times was very encouraging.  
I enjoyed seeing that sense of community.  Very indicative of the military life.  


The other characters in the book each had their qualities - some good, some bad.  Even Leo's dad was not all bad.  Leo's mom and brother were integral parts to his positive outcomes.  Audrey's parents, the swim coach - Matt, and Marcus Shale were also encouraging supporters of the young couple.


The issues involved in this novel are very serious.  At times the issues made this book very difficult to read - I'd have to take some breaks along the way.  However, I could not put it down for long - it always called me back.  It is a long book as well - over 450 pages.  It took me a few days to read it.  I am glad to have had the experience.  This is a wonderful read!!!




About the Author:  People fascinate the psychologist/author (psycho author) known as Jennifer Lane. Her therapy clients talk to her all day long about their dreams and secrets, and her characters tell her their stories at night. Jen delights in peeling away the layers to scrutinize their psyches and emotions. But please rest assured, dear reader, she isn’t psychoanalyzing you right now. She’s already got too many voices in her head!


Stories of redemption interest Jen the most, especially the healing power of love and empathy. She is the author of The Conduct Series—-romantic suspense for adult readers—-and is currently at work on the third and final installment: On Best Behavior. Streamline is her first foray into writing for young adults, but she’s found this sort of writing even more fun. A former college swimmer, Jen was able to put a lot of her own experiences into this book. 


Whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and cry. In her spare time she enjoys exercising, attending book club, and hanging out with her sisters and their families in Chicago and Hilton Head.
 Author Links:  Goodreads            Website               Twitter              Facebook

To visit other blogs along the Streamline Tour, click the banner at the top of the post.  

To enter the Author's Giveaway of a $25 Gift Card, click on her image above.  

Monday, April 30, 2012

The Jelly Bean Crisis Cover Reveal

THE JELLY BEAN CRISIS 
by Jolene Stockman


Book Description: 
A total meltdown. The whole school watching. Now Poppy’s an ex-straight-A with no Plan B.


When Poppy Johnson throws away a full scholarship to Columbia, she can only blame the jelly beans. The yucky green ones? Midnight cram sessions and Saturday’s spent studying. The delicious red? The family legacy: Columbia, and a future in finance. Except now it’s starting to look like Poppy’s jelly bean theory is wrong. School has been her life until, but maybe it’s time to start living now.


Poppy has thirty days to try a new life. No school, no studying. Just jumping into every possible world. Thirty days to find her passion, her path, and maybe even love. The Jelly Bean Crisis is officially on. 
About the Author (by the author):  I'm a writer of books, an eater of wedges, and a lover of exclamation marks.


My first book, Total Blueprint for World Domination shows you how to design your dream world and make it happen!


I also love gravy, fizzy drinks and shiny things. My reviews will focus on what I love. Because every book has it’s own special something, right?


Website: www.jolenestockman.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13569930-the-jelly-bean-crisis
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JoleneStockmanAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/JoleneStockman

A Tale of Many Reviews
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