Waiting on Wednesday (30)

Waiting on Wednesday was created by Jill at Breaking the Spine, and it's a weekly meme mentioning an anticipated upcoming release!

My choice:

Inhuman (Fetch, #1) by Kat Falls

Release Date: March 2013

Publisher: Scholastic

Author Information: Website / Facebook

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In a world ravaged by mutation, a teenage girl must travel into the forbidden Savage Zone to recover lost artifacts or her father's life is forfeit.

America has been ravaged by a war that has left the eastern half of the country riddled with mutation. Many of the people there exhibit varying degrees of animal traits. Even the plantlife has gone feral.

Crossing from west to east is supposed to be forbidden, but sometimes it's necessary. Some enter the Savage Zone to provide humanitarian relief. Sixteen-year-old Lane's father goes there to retrieve lost artifacts--he is a Fetch. It's a dangerous life, but rewarding--until he's caught.

Desperate to save her father, Lane agrees to complete his latest job. That means leaving behind her life of comfort and risking life and limb--and her very DNA--in the Savage Zone. But she's not alone. In order to complete her objective, Lane strikes a deal with handsome, roguish Rafe. In exchange for his help as a guide, Lane is supposed to sneak him back west. But though Rafe doesn't exhibit any signs of "manimal" mutation, he's hardly civilized . . . and he may not be trustworthy.

Whoa! There are so many things that make me excited about this book! The cover seems very dystopian/urban fantasy-like, and I there are not nearly enough YA UF reads, in my opinion. Also, the synopsis has me thinking that this is going to be Tomb Raider meets Feral/Ravaged World, and who would not be interested in reading something like that??

What is your pick for this week?

Send me a link, and I will check it out! :)

100 Followers Giveaway!

Wow! I have reached 100 followers! *squee* Thanks to everyone who has followed the blog and for all of your support! Since I am so excited about this, what better way to celebrate than with a giveaway? :) There are many highly anticipated titles coming out in July and August, and the winner will be able to choose one upcoming release from the following selection (click on the cover for Goodreads info):

This contest is international, so anyone can sign up! Thanks again for following my blog, and happy reading!

Contest details:

- Open internationally

- Winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen

-  If the selected book is not out by the time the contest ends, it will be pre-ordered and shipped to the winner’s personal address upon release

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New Releases for July are Up!!

New releases for July are now up! To see all the releases for this month, just click on the “New Releases” cloud in the nav bar! There are actually quite a few books I am looking forward to getting my hands on. Here are my picks for this month:

What are you excited to read this month?

Waiting on Wednesday (29)

Waiting on Wednesday was created by Jill at Breaking the Spine, and it's a weekly meme mentioning an anticipated upcoming release!

My Choice:

The Nightmare Affair by Mindee Arnett

Release Date: March 3, 2013
Publisher: Tor Teen

Author Information: Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook
Other Information: Debut

Pre-Order: Amazon / Books-A-Million
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16-year-old Dusty Everhart breaks into houses late at night, but not because she’s a criminal. No, she’s a Nightmare. Literally. Dusty is a magical being who feeds on human dreams.

Being the only Nightmare at Arkwell Academy, a boarding school for magickind, and living in the shadow of her mother’s infamy is hard enough. But when Dusty sneaks into Eli Booker’s house, things get a whole lot more complicated. He’s hot, which means sitting on his chest and invading his dreams couldn’t get much more embarrassing. But it does. Eli is dreaming of a murder. The setting is Arkwell.

And then it comes true.

Now the Dusty has to follow the clues--both within Eli’s dreams and out of them--to stop the killer before more people turn up dead. And before the killer learns what she’s up to and marks her as the next target.

The first thing that drew me to this book was the cover. It definitely stands out amongst other YA novels! The author also posted the full dust cover, text and all, which is just GORGEOUS! (I love the mysterious and slightly creepy vibe it has.)

The premise turned out to be just as unique as the cover, which made me even more excited! A girl who feeds on nightmares? Where can I get myself a copy of this book? Throw in the main character straddling boys, a hot, prophetic love interest, and a little bit of murder, mayhem, and mystery, and I am sold! :D

The author is holding a giveaway to win an ARC of The Nightmare Affair here, if you would like to sign up!

Waiting on Wednesday (28)

Waiting on Wednesday was created by Jill at Breaking the Spine, and it's a weekly meme mentioning an anticipated upcoming release!

My choice:

Let the Sky Fall (Let the Sky Fall Series, #1) by Shannon Messenger

Release Date: March 5, 2013

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Author Information: Blog / Twitter / Facebook

Pre-Order: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Books-A-Million

Add to Goodreads!

Vane Weston should have died in the category five tornado that killed his parents. Instead, he woke up in a pile of rubble with no memories of his past—except one: a beautiful, dark-haired girl standing in the winds. She's swept through his dreams ever since, and he clings to the hope that she's real.

Audra is real, but she isn't human. She's a sylph, an air elemental who can walk on the wind, translate its alluring songs, even twist it into a weapon. She's also a guardian—Vane’s guardian—and has sworn an oath to protect him at all costs.

When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both of their families, Audra has just days to help Vane unlock his memories. And as the storm winds gather, they start to realize the greatest danger might not be the warriors coming to destroy them, but the forbidden romance growing between them.

Set amongst the desert airstreams of Coachella Valley in California, LET THE SKY FALL is about two teenagers broken by their pasts, divided by their futures, and bound by love.

I just have to start out by saying that I ADORE the cover! Love, love, love it!! The title is also pretty epic. The premise of this story is super interesting (love the air elemental factor), and forbidden love stories, while sometimes heartbreaking, always makes me fall in love with the characters. I cannot wait for this one! We only have to wait…. 9 months. [sigh] 

Waiting on Wednesday (27)

Waiting on Wednesday was created by Jill at Breaking the Spine, and it's a weekly meme mentioning an anticipated upcoming release!

My choice:

Level 2 (The Memory Chronicles, #1) by Lenore Appelhans

Release Date: January 15, 2013

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Author Information: Blog / Twitter

Other Information: Debut

Pre-Order: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Books-A-Million

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Since her untimely death the day before her eighteenth birthday, Felicia Ward has been trapped in Level 2, a stark white afterlife located between our world and the next. Along with her fellow prisoners, Felicia passes the endless hours downloading memories and mourning what she’s lost—family, friends, and the boy she loved, Neil.

Then a girl in a neighboring chamber disappears, and nobody but Felicia seems to recall she existed in the first place. Something is obviously very wrong. When Julian—a dangerously charming guy Felicia knew in life—comes to offer Felicia a way out, she learns the truth: a rebellion is brewing to overthrow the Morati, the guardians of Level 2.

Felicia is reluctant to trust Julian, but then he promises what she wants the most—to be with Neil again—if only she’ll join the rebels. Suspended between Heaven and Earth, Felicia finds herself in the center of an age-old struggle between good and evil. As memories from her life come back to haunt her, and as the Morati hunt her down, Felicia will discover it’s not just her own redemption at stake… but the salvation of all mankind.

Oh man, Level 2 has some of my favorite story elements compounded in ONE book! Crazy! I am all for rebels overthrowing the powerful, especially when they are ghosts/dead (but not creepy, like zombies). Also, Julian and the whole “dangerously charming” thing? Yeah, I do not think Felicia will be the only one swooning over him (because you know she will!). The only thing that I am not liking about this book is the release date. Getting excited about a book only to see it will be released in 2013 is just heartbreaking. [sigh]

Cover Reveal: The Cadet of Tildor by Alex Lidell

The Cadet of Tildor by Alex Lidell

Release Date: January 10, 2013
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Author Information: Website / Twitter
Pre-Order: Amazon

Add to Goodreads!

Having already survived six years at the Tildor's top military academy, sixteen-year-old Renee De Winter is determined to graduate, training day and night to compete with her male classmates. When the boys overpower her parries, she works harder. When a bully sabotages her gear, she fights without it. But when an underground crime group captures her mentor for its illegal gladiatorial games, she must choose between her career and her conscience. Determined to penetrate the group's inner circles, Renee will leap from academia to the crime filled streets, pick up a sword, and weigh law against loyalty.

The author, Alex Lidell, being amazingly awesome, is doing TWO giveaways. TWO! To enter to win some swag and other goodies, just sign up below! Here are some pictures of what you can win!

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Swag Giveaway and Cover Reveal: Flight by Alyssa Rose Ivy

The cover for Flight (The Crescent Chronicles, #1) by Alyssa Rose Ivy has been revealed! Here it is!

Flight (The Crescent Chronicles, #1) by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Release Date: September 2012

Author Information: Twitter / Blog

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Sometimes you just have to take flight.

A summer in New Orleans is exactly what Allie needs before starting college. Accepting her dad’s invitation to work at his hotel offers an escape from her ex-boyfriend and the chance to spend the summer with her best friend. Meeting a guy is the last thing on her mind—until she sees Levi.

Unable to resist the infuriating yet alluring Levi, Allie finds herself at the center of a supernatural society and forced to decide between following the path she has always trusted or saving a city that might just save her.

So what do you think? The cover was designed by Phatpuppy Art, and I, personally, am a fan of the darker hues and the background setting. I also like the way the couple is posed. It looks so romantic!! *swoon* I cannot wait to check this book out!

WAIT! There is more! Want to win some signed swag from Ms. Ivy? She will be giving out signed bookmarks for Flight, so if you are interested in winning one, sign up below!

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A Sexy New Addition to the YA World: Dante Walker!

Victoria Scott has been teasing us with Dante Walker for quite some time now, constantly mentioning how hot/sexy and utterly awesome he is. Well, it is now time to introduce him to the world. I hope you are ready!

The Collector by Victoria Scott

Release Date: March 2013

Publisher: Entangled

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Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence have 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.

Are you excited yet? Here are a few other snippets about Dante to excite you even more: Trust us when we say, being bad has never looked so good. You’ll need him, you’ll want him...and we'll let you in on a little secret: He wants you too. Parents, lock up your daughters, ‘cause Dante’s come to play.

Ohhhh. Well, it’s official, I think I am already in love (and the book is not even out yet!). How is it possible for a man to be so alluring from just blurbs? Victoria Scott, what have you done to me?! Sigh. Well, I guess it is time to add another name to my ever-growing list of fictional loves. I seriously cannot wait to read more about this guy (and swoon hardcore). *looks at release date* Alright, I’ll get a nice Dante fix in March 2013… Wait, what? *looks at release date again* 2013?! As if the Dante teasers were not enough, I now have to wait 9 months for the book?? Victoria Scott, you are a cruel, cruel woman (and I mean that in the nicest way possible).

Meet Victoria Scott!

Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook

Victoria Scott is a YA writer with a die-hard affection for dark and humorous books. Her work is represented by the fabulous Laurie McLean of Larsen-Pomada literary agency. She has a master’s degree in marketing, and is a member of the Writers’ League of Texas and Teen Shiver.

Her first YA book, THE COLLECTOR, will be published by Entangled Teen in 2013. And her short story, FOUR HOUSES, is available now through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

She currently lives in Dallas with her husband, Ryan.

As a little added extra, I think this song fits Dante rather well. On the cover, there is a little caption that says, “He makes good girls go…BAD.” So what song could possibly be better than Cobra Starship’s Good Girls Go Bad?? Enjoy!

Waiting on Wednesday (25)

Waiting on Wednesday was created by Jill at Breaking the Spine, and it's a weekly meme mentioning an anticipated upcoming release!

My choice:

Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill

Release Date: November 13, 2012

Publisher: Delacorte

Author Information: Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook

Pre-Order: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Books-A-Million

Add to Goodreads!

Meant to be or not meant to be . . . that is the question.

It's one thing to fall head over heels into a puddle of hazelnut coffee, and quite another to fall for the—gasp—wrong guy. Straight-A junior Julia may be accident prone, but she's queen of following rules and being prepared. That's why she keeps a pencil sharpener in her purse and a pocket Shakespeare in her, well, pocket. And that's also why she's chosen Mark Bixford, her childhood crush, as her MTB ("meant to be").

But this spring break, Julia's rules are about to get defenestrated (SAT word: to be thrown from a window) when she's partnered with her personal nemesis, class-clown Jason, on a school trip to London. After one wild party, Julia starts receiving romantic texts . . . from an unknown number! Jason promises to help discover the identity of her mysterious new suitor if she agrees to break a few rules along the way. And thus begins a wild goose chase through London, leading Julia closer and closer to the biggest surprise of all: true love.

Because sometimes the things you least expect are the most meant to be.

Ahhh, after reading so many paranormal books lately, I have been looking for a cute, romantic read to get excited about, and look what I found! This book just seems like all kinds of adorable, and I love the whole falling-for-the-boy-you-hate scenario! Add the fact that the story is set in London (a place I have always wanted to venture to), this book was immediately added on my to-read list. Why is November still so far away? I want this book now!!

What are your picks for this week?

Waiting on Wednesday (24)

Waiting on Wednesday was created by Jill at Breaking the Spine, and it's a weekly meme mentioning an anticipated upcoming release!

My choice:

The Friday Society by Adrienne Kress

Release Date: December 6, 2012

Publisher: Dial

Author Information: Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook

Pre-order: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Add to Goodreads!

Be your own hero . . .

An action-packed tale of gowns, guys, guns—and the heroines who use them all.

Set in Edwardian London, The Friday Society follows the stories of three very intelligent and talented young women, all of whom are assistants to powerful men: Cora, lab assistant; Michiko, Japanese fight assistant; and Nellie, magician’s assistant. The three young women’s lives become inexorably intertwined after a chance meeting at a ball that ends with the discovery of a murdered mystery man.

It’s up to these three, in their own charming but bold way, to solve the murder—and the crimes they believe may be connected to it—without calling too much attention to themselves.

Told with Adrienne Kress’s sharp wit and a great deal of irreverence, this Steampunk whodunit introduces three unforgettable and very ladylike—well, relatively ladylike—heroines poised for more dangerous adventures.

After reading the summary and checking out the cover, the first thing I thought was that The Friday Society is going to be like a steampunked version of Charlie’s Angels! Three butt-kicking heroines solving murders while breaking boys’ hearts and toting guns? What’s not to love?! I love the cover and I love the synopsis, but I am going to hate the wait until December rolls around and I can get my hands on this book. What are your thoughts and picks for this week? 

Closed Hearts Bonus Content: Playlists!

BONUS CONTENT: Closed Hearts Playlist by Susan Kaye Quinn 

[Ed. Note: In celebration of the release of my novel Closed Hearts, I've created bonus content that relates to the Mindjack Trilogy. This bonus content arises from the story time between Open Minds (Bk#1) and Closed Hearts (Bk#2) - it's not terribly spoiler-ish, but you'll enjoy it more if you've read Open Minds already.]

I don't normally listen to music while writing, unless I'm trying to drone out the background noise of my kids. But while drafting Closed Hearts, there were several songs that seemed to speak to the themes (How You Remind Me, Born This Way) and story (Know Your Enemy, Stab My Back). (Click on pop-out player to view and listen to playlist!)

In Closed Hearts, Kira rooks (or masquerades) as a mindreader. She changes her hair and stamps her cheek with a tattoo to disguise her famous face, putting on the "look" of an asynchroner, someone who listens to "asychronous" music to signal her rebellion against the "tyranny of synchronous thought" as she wryly notes in the novel: 

"I checked the mirror on the employee closet door and smoothed a hand over my gelled flat hair, dyed black now with nano-color and trimmed short. The sleek hairstyle and the synth-tattoo that snaked up my throat and cheek pegged me for an asynchroner—a rebel who thought it was somehow mesh to listen to music without a melody. Asynchroners could rail against the tyranny of synchronous thought all they liked, but I knew that being “out of sync” with the world was anything but mesh. However the twisted black vine and blue thorns on my cheek made for excellent camouflage. Too bad it was starting to fade."

It's tidbits like these that are so fun to write! While the world and technology change, I believe that people remain fundamentally the same, with our patterns of behavior repeating themselves again and again. I imagined asynchroners to be the punk rockers of the future, and actually did some research into that movement and what it really meant: anti-establishment messages wrapped in bare, stripped-down music. In Kira's future world, where being mesh (or cool) means being conjoined, uniform, or in "sync" with everyone else's thoughts, an asynchroner would be someone that holds themselves apart in their choice of clothes and music. Are they really poseurs, that don't understand how painful it is to be isolated from society, as Kira seems to think? Or are they true rebels? This question isn't really asked, much less answered, in the book, and asynchroners just get a passing mention, but hopefully snippets like these add depth to Kira's world.

Here's a few pieces that fit my idea of the minimalist style of asynchroner music in the future:

~~*~~ 

Closed Hearts (Mindjack #2) $2.99 at Amazon, Barnes and Noble (ebook and print)

When you control minds, only your heart can be used against you.

Bestselling YA novel Open Minds, Book One of the Mindjack Trilogy, is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iTunes. The sequel Closed Hearts has just been released. Susan Kaye Quinn's business card says "Author and Rocket Scientist," but she mostly plays on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

CLICK HERE to join the Closed Hearts Virtual Launch Party (with more bonus Mindjack Trilogy content and guest posts) and/or ENTER TO WIN PRIZES (below).

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