{REVIEW} DEAR CASSIE (PRETTY AMY #2) by LISA BURSTEIN

Series: Pretty Amy #2
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Publication Date: 3/5/13
Format: eARC
Pages: 352
Source: Received from publisher for review

What if the last place you should fall in love is the first place that you do?

You’d think getting sent to Turning Pines Wilderness Camp for a month-long rehabilitation “retreat” and being forced to re-live it in this journal would be the worst thing that’s ever happened to me.

You’d be wrong.

There’s the reason I was sent to Turning Pines in the first place: I got arrested. On prom night. With my two best friends, who I haven’t talked to since and probably never will again. And then there’s the real reason I was sent here. The thing I can’t talk about with the guy I can’t even think about.

What if the moment you’ve closed yourself off is the moment you start to break open?

But there’s this guy here. Ben. And the more I swear he won’t—he can’t—the deeper under my skin he’s getting. After the thing that happened, I promised I’d never fall for another boy’s lies.

And yet I can’t help but wonder…what if?

Pretty Amy gave us Amy's version of the Prom night from Hell. The night she, Lila, and Cassie lit up, and went down in flames. The consequences of their actions, and how it changed her. Dear Cassie is Cassie's story, but we quickly learn that getting arrested and going to jail was the least of Cassie's problems. That twenty-eight days at a Wilderness Camp may push Cassie beyond her limits, but it may also save her.

At this point, a pattern has been established: Lisa Burstein is brilliant. I was blown away by her talent with Pretty Amy. Her ability to tap into the innermost thoughts of a troubled teenage girl, and bring that to the surface with her beautiful writing, is shocking. That brilliance continued in The Next Forever, in which she bravely writes an authentic young relationship, and only promises forever a day at a time. In Dear Cassie, Burstein has solidified my opinion that any conversation about must-read books for teens must include her books. They are that important.

I say that not only because they are thoughtful, honest, and bold, but also because she offers an alternative to the "perfect" heroine who finds herself in a troublesome situation. Burstein offers the troubled heroine, a girl that we don't often see in Young Adult fiction. I try, so hard, to take myself out of reviews, and I don't always accomplish that. But I could never remove myself from a review of Burstein's books. She writes about the other girl. The girl who swears too much, smokes, kisses too many boys. Not the vulnerable, meek girl who everyone wants to protect, but the vulnerable, off-putting girl with a tough exterior. I was that girl. My friends were that girl. We were Amy, Cassie, and Lila. There are a lot of girls out there and they need books like Burstein's.

As much as I was prepared, Dear Cassie caught me off guard. Cassie came off as very harsh in Pretty Amy. She is harsh. I identified with Amy and did not think I would have that experience with Cassie. I did. Cassie, though very tough, was so very fragile, and it was beautiful and exhausting to get to know her. She is a girl who uses sarcasm as a shield, who uses the word "fuck" like a weapon.

"I would much rather have someone holding me at arm's length than trying against all odds to hold me."

Prom night sucked for Cassie, but is not the worst thing that has happened to her by a long shot. During her stay at camp, through physical and mental challenges, Cassie's tough exterior slowly dissolves until she reveals just how lost and ashamed she truly feels. Through breaking and exposing her vulnerabilities, Cassie unknowingly is being built back up. Stronger.

And there's a boy. Isn't there always? Ben. Ben is attending camp as well, and he immediately annoys and intrigues Cassie. Ben is persistent, and I loved that. But the antagonistic relationship-turned friendship-turned more (?) is not about Ben saving Cassie or vice versa. It is about acceptance, and simply being there beside one another.

As you may guess, Dear Cassie was an intense experience for me. As much as I loved the writing and could have devoured it in one sitting, I had to pace myself. Cassie's intensity was at times too close for comfort, emotionally exhausting. An author that can make you feel that intensely is a treasure. Dear Cassie is a treasure.


Favorite Quote:

  "Come pray with me," Rawe said.
  "I can't," I said, instead of just saying no.
  "You don't have to be religious to pray," she said.
  "But you have to be good." I paused, looking at the orange pinecones that covered the ground. "Deserving," I continued, "and I'm not." I was surprised I'd admitted it out loud. It was one thing to punch myself unitl I couldn't breathe and keep everyone away like I had porcupine needles coming from my skin. It was another thing to say it, especially when I couldn't even write what that really meant yet.  ~eARC, 25%

 
  "Why?" I asked. "Why do you keep coming back for more?"
  "I think I can make you happy," he said, his eyes on the sky. "I also think you're funny as hell."
  "Thanks," I said, "but I'm pretty sure I've never been happy."
  "Exactly," he said, putting one arm behind his head.  ~ eARC, 56% 



Preorder Dear Cassie at:

 

 

The Pretty Amy Series

 

(click on cover to go to GoodReads page)

 

My Reviews of:

Pretty Amy  |  The Next Forever

 

 

About the author:

Lisa Burstein is a tea seller by day and a writer by night. She received her MFA in Fiction 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.

Connect with Lisa at:

Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Blog | Website

 

 

{REVIEW} THE REECE MALCOLM LIST by AMY SPALDING

Series: Stand alone

Genre: Contemporary Young Adult

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Publication Date: 2/5/13

Format: eARC

Pages: 352

Source: Received from publisher for review.

Things I know about Reece Malcolm:

1. She graduated from New York University.
2. She lives in or near Los Angeles.
3. Since her first novel was released, she’s been on the New York Times bestseller list every week.
4. She likes strong coffee and bourbon.
5. She’s my mother.

Devan knows very little about Reece Malcolm, until the day her father dies and she’s shipped off to live with the mother she’s never met. All she has is a list of notebook entries that doesn’t add up to much.

L.A. offers a whole new world to Devan—a performing arts school allows her to pursue her passion for show choir and musicals, a new circle of friends helps to draw her out of her shell, and an intriguing boy opens up possibilities for her first love.

But then the Reece Malcolm list gets a surprising new entry. Now that Devan is so close to having it all, can she handle the possibility of losing everything?

What a great book. From the day I first discovered The Reece Malcolm list, I knew I had to read it. Come on, just look at the cover! Gorgeous. Then you have the intriguing synopsis. And, it's published by Entangled Teen, who happens to be one  the most consistently awesome publishers.

Would I sound too fancy or old ladyish if I say The Reece Malcolm List was delightful? Just so so yummy and a true joy to read. Amy Spalding created such a charming story with such a bittersweet twist involving one of the most complicated mother/daughter relationships I've come across. And I'm not going to delve into the relationship, since, ya know, that's what the story is about, but I want to say I absolutely love how Reece Malcolm was written. She is a mother who has never had contact with her daughter, and she could have easily come across as a monster, but she wasn't, at all.  In fact, as much as I adored the incredibly winsome Devan, something about Reece completely won me.

Besides this story that I adored, the writing was so good. Spalding has the teen voice nailed down. Devan, with her fears and love and hesitation, was authentic. The teens were all portrayed in such a realistic manner. Great things happen. Sad things happen. Choices are made. But I loved that no one character was portrayed as all good or all bad. Well, except for Brad. He was perfect and I loved him.

The Reece Malcolm List is such a great Young Adult story. I recommend it to all fans  the genre, but I will say that if you know a teen, give them this book.

 

Favorite Quote:

But I didn't know how to explain the tangled mess of emotions heavy in my heart, and even worse I couldn't find the words to define what was the hardest part for me, the idea of peeling back my outsides and letting people just know what I feel. ~ eARC, 13%

 
Purchase The Reece Malcolm List at:
Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble


About the author:
Amy Spalding grew up in St. Louis, but now lives in the better weather of Los Angeles. She received a B.A. in Advertising & Marketing Communications from Webster University, and currently works as the Digital Media Planner for an independent film advertising agency. Amy studied longform improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, and can be seen performing around L.A. Her debut novel, THE REECE MALCOLM LIST, will be published by Entangled in 2013, and combines many of her favorite things in life, including Stephen Sondheim and boys with great hair.
Connect with Amy at:
Twitter  |  Website  |  GoodReads

 

ALL THE BROKEN PIECES BLOG TOUR ~ REVIEW and GIVEAWAY

Welcome to The Bookish Babe's stop on the All the Broken Pieces Blog Tour! My stop on the tour includes a review and giveaway. You can find the complete tour schedule at the tour homepage. N

Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Publication Date: 12/11/12
Format: eARC
Pages: 304
Source: Received from publisher for review.

What if your life wasn’t your own?

Liv comes out of a coma with no memory of her past and two distinct, warring voices inside her head. Nothing, not even her reflection, seems familiar. As she stumbles through her junior year, the voices get louder, insisting she please the popular group while simultaneously despising them. But when Liv starts hanging around with Spencer, whose own mysterious past also has him on the fringe, life feels complete for the first time in, well, as long as she can remember.

Liv knows the details of the car accident that put her in the coma, but as the voices invade her dreams, and her dreams start feeling like memories, she and Spencer seek out answers. Yet the deeper they dig, the less things make sense. Can Liv rebuild the pieces of her broken past, when it means questioning not just who she is, but what she is?

All the Broken Pieces leaves me with one word: WOW. This is a story wholly unlike any I've read before, and whomever says there are no original ideas anymore, is wrong.

There is so much that I want to say about All the Broken Pieces that I don't even know where to start. The story begins with a girl, in a room, with no recollection of who or where she is. The only details she can get are from her concerned, overprotective parents, and are vague at best. Liv soon realizes that there seem to be three distinct personalities living in her brain, two distinct opposite, and her's, that remains somewhere in the middle, yet dominant. When Liv's family quickly uproots and she enrolls at a new school, those voices try to lead her down two very different paths, but Liv chooses her own, again, somewhere in the middle. That path leads her to Spencer, a cute, smart guy, who is also a loner. Despite his best intentions, Liv becomes becomes Spencer's friend, slowly. When she finally reveals her secret, that she has no memories, he puts them on a quest to make new memories. But the more time goes by, the more vivid Liv's dreams of another life become. And with Spencer's help, she finally decides to uncover the truth, no matter how horrific it is sure to be.

Besides the unique, horrific, and yes, sort of genius unfolding of the story, Cindi Madsen has a real talent for creating realistic, easy-to-love characters. Liv was heartbreaking. Her struggle to maintain a grip on her sanity, find out the truth, fit in at a new school, all the while keeping a wicked sense of humor, made me embrace her. Being a person who will not shut up until I have all the facts, I did at times found her reluctance to push her parents, and Spencer, for absolute truth frustrating. But when I stopped and remembered that she is a scared girl who woke up with a scar on her chest and staples in her head, I gained patience.

Spencer, a quiet, broody loner who listens to music to drown other people at school out, he reminded me a bit of Owen from Just Listen by Sarah Dessen. After an accident he (sort of) caused, Spencer shut everyone out, but when Liv comes to town, he slowly lets her into her life. As much as his silence about the past and his hot-and-cold nature bothered Liv (and me), Spencer's eagerness at helping Liv gain new, happy memories made me fall in love with him. Their relationship, full of  witty jabs and smart remarks, is my favorite type to read about. I loved them as friends and I loved them as a team.

All the Broken Pieces was a beautifully written story of two broken people who help piece one another back together. The ending truly shocked me and the epilogue broke me. It's a story that I want to reread, just to see if I can grab onto more pieces that I missed the first time.

Smart, Funny, Heartbreaking, Shocking, and Unique, All the Broken Pieces is a story that I won't forget.



Favorite Quotes:


  "You don't give yourself enough credit. You're one of the most awesome people I've ever met."
  "Yeah, but you don't remember most of the people you've met, so that's not saying much."
 (eARC, 81%)


  Taking a deep breath, she peeled off the shirt covering her navy bikini top. Then, feeling immediately self-conscious, she put a hand over her scar.
  Spencer grabbed her hand and lifted it off.
  "That's what you're worried about?"
  "It looks gross."
  He leaned down and kissed the raised line on her chest, then moved his lips up to the scar on her neck.  "Obviously I haven't done a very good job of expressing how beautiful I think you are."
  A lump formed in her throat and she blinked back tears.
  His fingers traced the top of her scar. "It makes me think how lucky you are to be alive."  
(eARC, 90%)


You can purchase All the Broken Pieces at:
Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Book Depository   |  Books-a-Million


About the author:
Cindi Madsen sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children.

Connect with Cindi at:
her website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  blog

GIVEAWAY

I have one ecopy of All the Broken Pieces to give away, courtesy of Entangled Teen.

The details:

• Must be 13+ years of age to enter.
• Open to Intl residents.
• Must fill out the Rafflecopter form.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

{COVER REVEAL & EXCERPT} DEAR CASSIE by LISA BURSTEIN

Guess what. I have another cover reveal to share with you! Today I have Dear Cassie, by Lisa Burstein. Dear Cassie is a companion to Pretty Amy. I really enjoyed Pretty Amy and am excited to be able to participate.
 

 

 

**I love this cover. Plain and simple.**

 

 

What if the last place you should fall in love is the first place that you do?

You’d think getting sent to Turning Pines Wilderness Camp for a month-long rehabilitation “retreat” and being forced to re-live it in this journal would be the worst thing that’s ever happened to me.

 

You’d be wrong.

There’s the reason I was sent to Turning Pines in the first place: I got arrested. On prom night. With my two best friends, who I haven’t talked to since and probably never will again. And then there’s the real reason I was sent here. The thing I can’t talk about with the guy I can’t even think about.

What if the moment you’ve closed yourself off is the moment you start to break open?

But there’s this guy here. Ben. And the more I swear he won’t—he can’t—the deeper under my skin he’s getting. After the thing that happened, I promised I’d never fall for another boy’s lies.

And yet I can’t help but wonder…what if?

 

 

Not only do I have the cover to share, but also an excerpt from Dear Cassie 

 

We kept walking on the lake trail, the bullfrogs croaking. There was also a humming in my ears from the nicotine.

It could only be from the nicotine. It had nothing to do with being outside, at night, alone with Ben. It had nothing to do with Ben coming to the cabin and taking me instead of Nez and it definitely had nothing to do with the stars above us shining like they were the sky’s tiara.

I stopped on the trail and looked up, taking them in, when all of a sudden bright colored lights exploded in the sky—fireworks, one after another, on top of each other, huge kaleidoscopes of light, like sparkling rainbow spiders.

“How did you know?” I asked, my voice going softer, like if I talked too loudly they would stop. It was so beautiful, after weeks of so much ugly.

Ben turned to look at me, the colored lights in the sky turning his skin pink, blue, green. “I’m magic.” He shrugged.

I geared up to tell him to fuck off, because that was some corny-ass shit, but then I realized that he really kind of was. In that moment he was able to actually make me forget being me.

“I would try to kiss you,” he said, “but I’m afraid you’d kick me in the balls.”

“I probably would.” I laughed, the sky filling with noisy color like paint launching from a giant popcorn popper. “But like I said, it wouldn’t be about you.”

“I guess I’ll have to figure out how to make it about me,” he said, taking off his boots and socks and standing. “Come on.”

“There is no way I am getting near that water again,” I said.

“I’ll make sure nothing happens to you,” he said, holding his hand out to help me up.

I looked at his palm, open, waiting, just wanting to hold mine. For once, I didn’t think about anything except that there was a cute, sweet, smart-ass boy standing in front of me with his hand out.

I pulled off my boots and socks and took it.

We stood at the lakeshore, our hands still clasped, the water licking our feet, fireworks decorating the sky.

I turned to him. He was looking up, his mouth open in wonder like he was trying to swallow the moment.

It was definitely one worth keeping.

 

**Wow. That was a great excerpt!**

 

Lisa is hosting an EPIC CONTEST to celebrate DEAR CASSIE’ s cover reveal. Lisa wants you guys to share diary entries of your favorite fictional characters with me. That’s right, choose ANY character from books, TV, movies, a cereal box and write a 500-750 length diary entry from their point of view.

We will choose the top 5 and then let the masses vote on their favorite. The favorite will be published in the final version of DEAR CASSIE. You read that right, published with the author’s name! The additional four will win $20 book buying gift cards.

So get diary-ing! Send you entries to prettyamystories@yahoo.com by January 1st!

Voting for the top 5 will begin January 7th, with the winner being announced January 14th!

 

About the Author:

Lisa Burstein is a tea seller by day and a writer by night. She received her MFA in Fiction from the Inland Northwest Center for Writers at Eastern Washington University. She lives in Portland, OR, with her very patient husband, a neurotic dog and two cats. Dear Cassie is her second novel.

Twitter  Facebook  Website

 

You can preorder Dear Cassie at:

Powell's  |   Book Depository   |  Amazon |  Barnes & Noble

 

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's WoW selection is...

Series: Dante Walker #1

Genre: Paranormal YA

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Publication Date: 4/2/13

 

He makes good girls...bad. Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence has made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple, weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.

Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal opportunity collector and doesn’t want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:

Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within 10 days.

Dante doesn’t know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky, Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect—he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector, and uncover emotions deeply buried.

Why I'm Waiting ~ So... this Dante guy makes "good girls go bad", huh? I like him already. Plus, that cover makes me a little dizzy every time I see it.


You can pre-order The Collector at:
Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble

 

{COVER REVEAL} THE SUMMER I BECAME A NERD by LEAH RAE MILLER

I'm happy today to be participating in the cover reveal for an upcoming book from Entangled Teen. This cover reveal is for The Summer I Became a Nerd, by Leah Rae Miller. I love it. I'm so excited to share it with all of you.






Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Publication Date: 5/7/13

On the outside, seventeen-year-old Madelyne Summers looks like your typical blond cheerleader—perky, popular, and dating the star quarterback. But inside, Maddie spends more time agonizing over what will happen in the next issue of her favorite comic book than planning pep rallies with her squad. That she’s a nerd hiding in a popular girl's body isn’t just unknown, it's anti-known. And she needs to keep it that way.

Summer is the only time Maddie lets her real self out to play, but when she slips up and the adorkable guy behind the local comic shop’s counter uncovers her secret, she’s busted. Before she can shake a pom-pom, Maddie’s whisked into Logan’s world of comic conventions, live-action role-playing, and first-person-shooter video games. And she loves it. But the more she denies who she really is, the deeper her lies become…and the more she risks losing Logan forever.

How cool is this? I totally love the reversal of hottie/popular girl-to-nerdy girl. It's a complete shift of what we typically see in books and movies and I'm thrilled!

Born and raised in northern Louisiana, Leah Rae Miller still lives there on a windy hill with her husband and kids. She loves comic books, lava lamps, fuzzy socks, and Cherry Coke. She spends most of her days reading things she likes and writing things she hopes other people will like.

 

Connect with Leah at:
her website  |  Twitter

You guys! I just saw on GoodReads that Leah lives in the same Louisiana town that I lived in a few years ago! If I still lived there I would totally take her to Lasyone's Meat Pie Kitchen or The Landing to celebrate this reveal. Congratulations to Leah and Entangled Teen.

TOXIC BLOG TOUR - REVIEW, Q&A, and GIVEAWAY

 

Welcome to The Bookish Babe's stop on the Toxic Blog Tour. Toxic is book two in the Denazen Series by Jus Accardo. You can find the complete tour schedule here. My stop includes a review of Toxic, a fun Q&A with Jus, and a giveaway!

 

When a Six saved Kale's life the night of Sumrun, she warned there would be consequences. A trade-off. Something taken for the life they gained. But Dez never imagined she'd lose the one thing she'd give anything to keep... And as if it's not enough Dez finds her immunity to Kale fading, the Six brought in to help Kale learn to control his killer touch starts drooling on him the moment they meet. Worse than that? Jade can touch Kale. But bimbo Barbie is the least of Dez's problems.

After Dez and Kale got away at Sumrun, her father lost not only his most powerful weapon but an important piece of the Supremacy project. Forced by Denazen to remedy the situation, he poisons Dez and offers her a choice--surrender to Denazen for the cure...or die. Determined to find a solution that doesn't involve being bagged and tagged--or losing someone she loves--Dez keeps the poison a secret. But when a rash of Denazen attacks hit a little too close to home, Dez is convinced there's a traitor among them. Jade.

Sacrifices, broken promises, and secrets. Dez will have to lay it all on the line if there's any hope of proving Jade's guilt before they all end up Residents of Denazen. Or worse, dead...

*This review does not include spoilers for Toxic.**

Toxic, book two in the Denazen Series, begins much the same as book one - with heroine Dez on the verge of pulling off a crazy dangerous stunt. That aspect to the series, the fearlessness, particularly on Dez's part, is what makes it stand apart from the rest.

Amid the action, we have Dez dealing with an uncertain future, and the question of her own sanity. Combine that with a power hunger father who will kill to get what he wants, and a hot, new chick who can touch Kale and live to gloat about it, and you can see why Dez is a little on edge these days. But, the girl always manages to hang tough. I admire that about her.

In all this, we still have Kale, who is adapting well to life on the outside. I really enjoyed his and Dez's interactions at the beginning of Toxic. Their chemistry was smokin' and I could really see myself getting behind what a lot of other readers see in him. What keeps me from truly loving Kale is his personality, or lack thereof. This makes me a big meanie because his naive, unsure personality is well-explained and makes perfect sense. I just prefer my leading men with a ton of personality. Still, though, I do like him. His sense of loyalty and kindness is admirable.

I felt that Toxic got off to a really great start. Kale and Dez are in a great place, the development that forces them to take a step back made sense. I get really antsy, though, when a third character is brought into the fold who, for some reason, has a special connection to one or the other. Then, the odd man (or girl) odd has to sit there and take it, because of the connection. (For example, Kaylee/Nash/Sabine) So in this case, we have Kale and Dez as the couple. Then, Jade comes in and gets in between the two because she can touch Kale without becoming ill, or dying. This is a very logical conflict, and I completely get why it is employed. But, it is one conflict that makes me a little crazy.

Despite my gripe, I did enjoy Toxic. With its crazy, action-packed plot and a heroine who can kick some tail, the Denazen Series is one that many fans of Paranormal Young Adult will enjoy.

 

Favorite Quote:

  "My heart gave a little squeeze. Deep, dark voice. Check. Soulful eyes. Check. Well-muscled arms that could make a girl's legs go rubbery - and a penchanct for the dangerous. Check frigging plus. Could any guy be more perfect?"  (eARC, 4%)


  " 'Okay, stomp the brakes and back the hell up,' I said. 'You're giving my boyfriend a redhead as a gift? That's uncool - not to mention illegal.' "   (eARC, pg 41)


You can purchase Toxic at:
Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Book Depository

 

The Denazen Series

(click on cover for my review)

Q&A with author Jus Accardo

 

Print Books or Ebooks?
Jus: Print. All the way. There’s nothing like holding a physical book in your hands! And as awesome as tech is, the covers never look the same. With some books, you miss out on all that pretty raised foil lettering…

Movies or Television?
Jus: Hmm… A few months ago I would have said movies, but there’s a few things on TV ATM that have my attention. How bout an even mix of the two? :D

Drama or Comedy?
Jus:  Funny drama? :P

Snacks: Salty or Sweet?
Jus:  Sweet!

Book Boys: Broody or Funny?
Jus:  No fair making me pick! I guess if I have to go with one, it’d be broody…

Coffee or Tea?
Jus:  COFFEE!!!! *ahem* Yes. Coffee.

Music: Rock or Country?
Rock

Vampires or Shifters?
Jus:  Shifters. Nothing against vamps, but I’m a sucker for shifters.

 

Favorite Holiday?

Jus:  I think it’s a toss up between Christmas and Thanksgiving, mainly because they’re food/family holidays. I love getting everyone together in the cooler weather to hang by the fire!

 

**Thanks to Jus for taking the time to answer my questions**

 

JUS ACCARDO spent her childhood reading and learning to cook. Determined to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps as a chef, she applied and was accepted to the Culinary Institute of America. At the last minute, she realized her path lay with fiction, not food, and passed on the spot to pursue writing. Jus is the author of YA paranormal romance and urban fantasy fiction. A native New Yorker, she lives in the middle of nowhere with her husband, three dogs, and sometimes guard bear, Oswald. Her first book, Touch was released in November 2011 from Entangled Publishing. She is currently working on the next book in the Denazen series.

Give Jus a yell on Twitter, or visit her on Facebook, and her website.

GIVEAWAY

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY - THE REECE MALCOLM LIST

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's WoW selection is...

 

Genre: Contemporary YA

Publisher: Entangled Teen 

Expected Publication Date: 2/12/13

Things I know about Reece Malcolm:

1. She graduated from New York University.
2. She lives in or near Los Angeles.
3. Since her first novel was released, she’s been on the New York Times bestseller list every week.
4. She likes strong coffee and bourbon.
5. She’s my mother.

Devan knows very little about Reece Malcolm, until the day her father dies and she’s shipped off to live with the mother she’s never met. All she has is a list of notebook entries that doesn’t add up to much.

L.A. offers a whole new world to Devan—a performing arts school allows her to pursue her passion for show choir and musicals, a new circle of friends helps to draw her out of her shell, and an intriguing boy opens up possibilities for her first love.

But then the Reece Malcolm list gets a surprising new entry. Now that Devan is so close to having it all, can she handle the possibility of losing everything?

Why I'm Waiting ~ Great cover. Fantastic story. Entangled Teen. You can bet I will be reading The Reece Malcolm List the very first chance I get!


You can pre-order The Reece Malcom List at:
Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Book Depository

 

REVIEW ~ INBETWEEN (KISSED BY DEATH #1) by TARA FULLER

Series: Kissed by Death #1
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Publication Date: August 28, 2012
Format: eARC
Pages: 400
Source: Received from publisher for review.

Since the car crash that took her father’s life three years ago, Emma’s life has been a freaky — and unending — lesson in caution. Surviving “accidents” has taken priority over being a normal seventeen-year-old, so Emma spends her days taking pictures of life instead of living it. Falling in love with a boy was never part of the plan. Falling for a reaper who makes her chest ache and her head spin? Not an option.

It’s not easy being dead, especially for a reaper in love with a girl fate has put on his list not once, but twice. Finn’s fellow reapers give him hell about spending time with Emma, but Finn couldn’t let her die before, and he’s not about to let her die now. He will protect the girl he loves from the evil he accidentally unleashed, even if it means sacrificing the only thing he has left…his soul.

Inbetween delivers a ethereal, romantic story of enduring love and the unimaginable lengths a boy will go to in order to protect the girl he loves.

First of all...WOW. I reeaalllly enjoyed Inbetween. Author Tara Fuller delivered a beautifully written story that captured my attention and my heart.. From the very first page, I was hooked. The way the story unfolded was smart, with a prologue that takes the reader back in time and sets the story up very nicely. The emotion created within the words forced me to see and know the characters, the emotions that moved across their faces and reflected in their voices. I had no choice but to become emotionally invested in the story.

I loved this world of Reapers and the Afterlife that Fuller created. These Reapers served Heaven, Hell and the Inbetween. These Reapers, complete with Scythes, are hardcore, particularly those who serve Hell. And at this point I have to say that I was sufficiently creeped out by the vision Fuller created of Hell, with it's eternal torment of the damned's worst nightmare. Luckily we don't spend too much time there! The Inbetween is more of a "grey area", a holding area for those whose souls have yet to be determined. And where Finn resides.

And that brings me to the characters of Inbetween. Emma is a human girl who was meant to die, but was given a second chance. A chance given to her by Finn. Finn and Emma have a complicated and romantic history. A history Emma doesn't recall, but has affected her nonetheless. I really liked Emma. She's a true victim of circumstance. She feel as if she's crazy, has been considered unstable for reasons she doesn't understand. And Finn is to blame. I have to get behind a guy who loves his girl so much that he will defy Heaven and Hell to save her. I truly felt sorry for him, to watch the girl he loves, and not be able to be with her. And yet, Finn also upset and disappointed me. I believe in true love, but not at the expense of others, particularly using them to get what you want and take what's theirs. I definitely thought he was selfish at times, but that also made him a character who pulled me further into the story.

Now, I must mention three other characters, two I loved and one I hated. Maeve is a bad, bad soul. She thinks Emma had what should've been hers, and she is hellbent on revenge. Maeve was a great villain because she complicated. She's evil, cruel and does awful things, yet she has a point in her rage. Cash is Emma's best friend and makes every scene substantially more fun. He is so good to Emma, accepts her quirks with a smile and a shoulder. He has his own troubles, yet is always there for Emma. Annnd, Easton. Be still my sarcastic heart. Easton is one of Hell's Reapers and he's good at his job. I loved his dry wit, his up-front demeanor, his willingness to put himself on the line for his friend. I want more of Easton. A whole book of Easton. Someone please tell me Easton will get his own book!

I would have liked the first half of Inbetween to move a little faster. There was a lot time devoted to setting up the characters and their stories. Once the details were set in place, though, Inbetween was so fantastic. I didn't want to put the story down, and it constantly stayed in my thoughts when I was able to set it aside for a bit. The tension consistently rose the further I went and by the end I was reading with one hand on my Kindle and the other on my heart. I was so thoroughly happily with the way the story ended and I can't wait to read the next book!

If you're a fan of stories about love and second chances in the vein of The Catastrophic History of You and Me, then Inbetween will be sure to please.

Favorite Quote:

"Memories pulsed through my mind in blinding flashes as I inched toward the vehicle. Soft-as-satin lips, warm whispers against my neck, smiles like the sun...The pull intensified, like a pounding in my chest, and my knees buckled." (ebook, 1%)

"Sure, she's got problems, but what seventeen-year-old kid doesn't? Haven't you ever read Judy Blume?" (ebook, 7%)

"I stepped closer, so close I could see my shimmer reaching out toward her skin, like metal to a magnet. I never needed to breathe, but now, in this moment, I couldn't stop my lungs from pumping." (ebook, 47%)

You can purchase Inbetween at:
Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Book Depository

Blog Tour ~ Onyx (Lux #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Welcome to The Bookish Babe's stop on the Onyx Blog Tour. Like many readers, I loved book one in the series, Obsidian. So I jumped on the chance to take part in this tour. My stop includes my review of Onyx, a Q&A, and a Giveaway!

Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarre connection. I’ve sworn him off even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But against all common sense, I’m falling for him. Hard.

Our relationship issues aren’t out biggest problem…

The Department of Defense is here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we’re linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And when a new boy shows up a school with a secret of his own, things get complicated fast. I need to choose between my own instincts and Daemon’s.

But then everything changes…

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. Daemon’s never going to stop searching until gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies.

I truly feel as if I can't say anything in my review that you haven't heard from everyone who has read Onyx. YES! Onyx is as awesome as Obsidian. YES! Daemon is infuriating, awesome, and gorgeous as ever. YES! Onyx lives up to the enormous hype.

I feel as if I can't say a lot without giving precious details. If you loved Obsidian, you will be blown away by Onyx. Here's why: Daemon. But it's not what you think. Yes, Daemon is impossibly aggravating, in a ridiculously sexy way. In Onyx, though, a different side of Daemon emerges. I wouldn't say he's softer, exactly, but it is a welcome change to see him not actively trying to push Kat away. Of course, the chemistry between the two is fantastic. Daemon and Kat are continuously drawn to one another, with Kat fighting it as much as possible. But who are we kidding? We all know there isn't a snowball's chance in H-E-L-L that she can resist Daemon for long. But...there's a new guy in town, one who takes a noticeable interest in Kat. Could Daemon have serious competition?


As for the plot, there's not a moment's rest in Onyx. The DOD is a continual threat, especially since Daemon and Katy's connection is stronger than ever. The Arum are circling. And it turns out that there may be more to Lux /human bond than ever imagined. Kat learns that no one can be trusted. No one. But is it already too late? Onyx deals one exciting bombshell after another.


It's no secret that Armentrout is a fantastic writer. I read Obsidian last fall, but her story and the strong impression she made enabled me to slide easily back into the world. I didn't have to jog my memory for details. I didn't have to do a quick re-read, though that would be fun. There's a reason the Lux series is such a big deal. It's that good and worth every bit of the hype.


 Favorite Quote:

"I relaxed a fraction of an inch and smiled. 'God, you're so modest.'
'Modesty is for saints and losers. I'm neither.' " (eARC, pg 171)

"I'm doing it so that I can stand beside you, as your equal, and not be someone you need to protect. And I'm doing this for myself, so that I don't have to rely on anyone to save me." (eARC, pg 254)


Expected Publication Date: August 14, 2012 by Entangled Teen

You can pre-order Onyx at:
Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Book Depository

About the Author: Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you've heard about her state aren't true. When she's not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell, Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories....which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She also writes adult romance under the name J. Lynn.

Interview with author Jennifer L. Armentrout

How do you celebrate when you finish writing a book?

Jennifer: I don't really celebrate finishing a book unless it was really a hard book to finish. Like the one I'm working on now, when I finish it, I'll probably go into a coma for two weeks. I think I will do something big when I finish a series, though.

Have you had any fun fan moments since you became a writer?

Jennifer: Recently, while I was on tour with the models from the Lux covers, a fan asked Pepe (who portrays Daemon on the covers) to say "kitten" at a book signing. Hearing him say that was pretty funny. The girls loved it.

Do you usuually begin a book with a character or a plot?

Jennifer: I usually begin a book with a basic plot idea. It's not really detailed - just an idea. Once I get that idea, then I move onto the characters. I thing the characters are the most important part of the book, because they are what makes a story stand out. At least, in my opinion.

How difficult is it for you to come up with a title for your books?

Jennifer: Aw man, I suck at coming up with titles, and it never fails, I always end up picking one word titles and then I'm pigeon holed into using one word titles for the rest of the books. I really need to stop doing that.

Are you a pantser or a plotter?

Jennifer: I'm a fly by the seat of my pants type of writer. I get a basic idea and then start writing. Most of the time a novel actually comes out at the end, but there are times being a pantser does nothing but get you a ton of unfinished manuscripts on your computer.

Thanks to Jennifer for taking the time out of her busy writing schedule to answer these questions.

Giveaway

I have one print copy of Onyx to give away, courtesy of Entangled Publishing. The giveaway is open to:

• US Residents only. (Sorry)
• Entrants must be 17+ years of age.
• Must fill out the Rafflecopter form. 



a Rafflecopter giveaway


Source: Received from publisher in exchange for an honest review.

TEASER TUESDAY

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following:

·Grab your current read
·Open to a random page
·Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
·Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others.

Make sure to share the title and the author so other TT participants can add the book to their TBR piles.

Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarre connection. I’ve sworn him off even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But against all common sense, I’m falling for him. Hard.

Our relationship issues aren’t out biggest problem…

The Department of Defense is here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we’re linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And when a new boy shows up a school with a secret of his own, things get complicated fast. I need to choose between my own instincts and Daemon’s.

But then everything changes…

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. Daemon’s never going to stop searching until gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies.

My Teaser ~

  "I wanted what my parents had. Undying love. Powerful. True. A whacked-out alien bond couldn't do that for me.
  'Not in this lifetime, buddy,' I said finally.
  'Resistance is futile, Kitten.'
  'So is your charm.'
  'We'll see.' "  (eARC, pg 2)


Loved this! Come back Thursday for my stop on the Onyx Blog Tour.
Expected Publication Date: August 14, 2012 by Entangled Teen

You can pre-order Onyx at:
Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Book Depository