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

Cover Reveal ~ UNTOUCHED (DENAZEN #1.5) by Jus Accardo

That's it. No synopsis, not even a hint at what's coming in this novella. But that's okay. With a drool-worthy cover like this, I think I'll manage!

ebook

Expected publication: February 21st 2012

Cover Reveal ~ Toxic (Denazen, #2) by Jus Accardo

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...

Alright. Can I just say, Entangled Publishing has done it again! What a hot, hot cover! I know lots of people expected Kale to be on the cover again, but I am so pumped that DEZ is there. What a hottie (and...she's not wearing a prom dress)!

And what about the story? It sounds like there's going to be some serious trouble ahead for Dez and Kale. Good thing she's just the bada*s to handle it!

Expected publication: May 1st 2012 by Entangled Publishing

Review ~ TOUCH (DENAZEN, #1) by Jus Accardo

When a strange boy tumbles down a river embankment and lands at her feet, seventeen-year-old adrenaline junkie Deznee Cross snatches the opportunity to piss off her father by bringing the mysterious hottie with ice blue eyes home.

Except there's something off with Kale. He wears her shoes in the shower, is overly fascinated with things like DVDs and vases, and acts like she'll turn to dust if he touches her.

It's not until Dez's father shows up, wielding a gun and knowing more about Kale than he should, that Dez realizes there's more to this boy, and her father's "law firm," than she realized. Kale has been a prisoner of Denazen Corporation -- an organization devoted to collecting "special" kids known as Sixes and using them as weapons -- his entire life.

And, oh yeah, his touch? It kills.

The two team up with a group of rogue Sixes hellbent on taking down Denazen before they're caught and her father discovers the biggest secret of all. A secret Dez has spent her life keeping safe.
A secret Kale will kill to protect.(From GoodReads)

In One Word ~ Bold

Bold is the best description I have for TOUCH, the debut novel from Jus Accardo. From the opening scene, featuring a daredevil stunt from main character, Dez, to the very last scene in the book, TOUCH manages to keep pace as an thrilling, funny, and daring book.

The concept behind TOUCH isn't completely new, but the author manages to add enough clever twists to the notion to make it refreshing and fun. I thought Dez and Kale were a treat to read. I enjoyed Dez's bold personality and experiencing the world for the first time through Kale's eyes. And, there was another character, someone I really shouldn't like, but I couldn't help getting excited during his scenes. I love when a secondary character surprises me in that way. The special abilites some of the characters had felt well-developed and the author managed to make use out of all them. Sometimes those abilites led to complicated, awkward and funny situations.

I have to admit, my favorite part of the book is the deepening of the relationship between Dez and Kale. I'm a sucker for a love story. Kale and Dez both come from troubling, complicated situations. The both are trying to navigate their feelings, all of the revelations about their lives and just normal teenage feelings and physical reactions.

TOUCH ends with not exactly a cliffhanger, but a very, very cool revelation. I can't wait to see what the next book in the series will bring for these characters!

Favorite  Quote ~

" 'This can't be real,' he hissed. 'I don't deserve-'
  'You do,' I insisted. Tears gathered in the corners of my eyes as I silenced further protests with a
   fierce kiss.' "

Paperback, 251 pages

Published November 1st 2011 by Entangled Publishing

You can find Touch at:

Book Depository | Barnes & Noble | Amazon

* I received a copy of TOUCH from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.*

TOUCH Blog Tour

Welcome to today's stop on the TOUCH Blog Tour, brought to you by Entangled Publishing.

I have read TOUCH, it was fabulous. You will be able to read my review here on Saturday.

Today, I am excited to have a guest post from Jus Accardo, the author of TOUCH.

Enjoy!

Ode to Paranormal
I love to read. Anything with a great hook, awesome characters, or a fun
plot will keep me entertained, but in the end, I'm a sucker for the
paranormal. I'm not alone. There are scores of people out there just like
me. Super fans of the witches and warlocks. Rooting for the demon with a
heart of gold or the rough around the edges anti hero. I. Just. Love.
Them. All. So much in fact, that simple words just won't do. Instead, I'll
try through cheesy poetry :)

From vampires to witches

And all in between

To scratch our paranormal itches

They continue to be seen

Sparkling monsters

And great threats from below

Have replaced pretty boy mobsters

With dark dudes like The Crow

Vampire brothers

In love with one girl

Fallen angles as lovers

They make our toes curl

Werewolves and beasties

That have souls and kind hearts

Zombies and harpies

They all play their parts

Supernatural scuffles

Between demonic crooks

So off we shuffle

Because we love paranormal books

 

What an awesome poem, right? I am so jealous of people that clever!

About the Author

Jus Accardo 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, is due out in November 2011 from Entangled Publishing.

She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

You can find Jus Accardo at:
Website: http://www.jusaccardo.com/
Blog: http://www.jusaccardo.com/category/blog/

And now, in case you haven't seen it, here is some information about TOUCH, by Jus Accardo.

When a strange boy tumbles down a river embankment and lands at her feet, seventeen-year-old adrenaline junkie Deznee Cross snatches the opportunity to piss off her father by bringing the mysterious hottie with ice blue eyes home.

Except there's something off with Kale. He wears her shoes in the shower, is overly fascinated with things like DVDs and vases, and acts like she'll turn to dust if he touches her.

It's not until Dez's father shows up, wielding a gun and knowing more about Kale than he should, that Dez realizes there's more to this boy, and her father's "law firm," than she realized. Kale has been a prisoner of Denazen Corporation -- an organization devoted to collecting "special" kids known as Sixes and using them as weapons -- his entire life.

And, oh yeah, his touch? It kills.

The two team up with a group of rogue Sixes hellbent on taking down Denazen before they're caught and her father discovers the biggest secret of all. A secret Dez has spent her life keeping safe.

A secret Kale will kill to protect.

You can find TOUCH at

Book Depository  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Amazon

IMM #8 Vlog

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme created by Kristi at The Story Siren. It is a great way to put a spotlight on books received during the past week.

For Review

Touch, by Jus Accardo
Don't Fear the Reaper, by Michelle Muto
Dark Beauty / Dark Seeker, by Taryn Browning
Among Others, by Jo Walton
Awakenings, by Edward Lazellari
Deadly Cool, by Gemma Halliday
Shatter Me, by Tahereh Mafi

Won

Dead Rules, by Randy Russell

Thanks for stopping by! Leave me a link so I can check out your mailbox.

Cover Reveal - TOUCH, by Jus Accardo

I am so excited to take part in the COVER REVEAL of

TOUCH

By Jus Accardo

When a strange boy tumbles down a river embankment and lands at her feet, seventeen-year-old adrenaline junkie Deznee Cross snatches the opportunity to piss off her father by bringing the mysterious hottie with ice blue eyes home.

Except there’s something off with Kale. He wears her shoes in the shower, is overly fascinated with things like DVDs and vases, and acts like she’ll turn to dust if he touches her. It’s not until Dez’s father shows up, wielding a gun and knowing more about Kale than he should, that Dez realizes there’s more to this boy—and her father’s “law firm”—than she realized.

Kale has been a prisoner of Denazen Corporation—an organization devoted to collecting “special” kids known as Sixes and using them as weapons—his entire life. And, oh yeah, his touch? It kills. The two team up with a group of rogue Sixes hellbent on taking down Denazen before they’re caught and her father discovers the biggest secret of all. A secret Dez has spent her life keeping safe.

A secret Kale will kill to protect.

Expected publication: November 1st 2011

             by Entangled Publishing

Hot Guy? Check.  Big Secrets? Check.  Adventure? Check.

Touch looks like it going to be a hot one, folks!

Go add Touch to your TBR-list at GoodReads.