Curling Up With A Good Book: September 2013

Monday, September 30, 2013

Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway: Resilient (Patricia Vanasse)

Livia has never felt like she fits in. As normal as it sounds, Livia is anything but ordinary. She can feel every emotion of every single person around her, and it’s maddening. In pursuit of some psychic quiet, she moves with her family from New York City to Whidbey Island in the lush and sleepy Pacific Northwest. But when a horseback riding accident in her new home gives her a broken leg that heals in a day, she finds that another unexplainable ability has manifested, and her life isn’t about to get any easier.
Adam has no problem fitting in and making friends. In fact, he’s the top of the school, the boy everyone knows and loves. However, people only see what he allows them to. No one knows what Adam is truly capable of. After witnessing Livia’s accident, Adam sees something intriguing in her quick recovery, something that gives him hope that he’s not alone.Adam is the only one whose emotions Livia can’t read. Afraid of not knowing what goes on behind his dark eyes, Livia decides to keep him at a distance. Yet the more she tries to ignore him, the more alluring he becomes, and while their personal quests for identity will inevitably bring them closer together, it is the confirmation of what they really are that threatens to tear them apart.
Resilient, told in alternating point of views, is a gripping story of survival and romance, in which two teenagers face the consequences of being anything but normal.

GoodReads | Amazon

Patricia Vanasse was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Now she lives on Whidbey Island in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two adorable children, and two crazy dogs. She has been trough Culinary Arts, Psychology, Law School, and now has finally found her passion in creative writing. She also loves traveling, cooking, and is an avid reader. Her strength- believes that everything is possible.

Author Sites:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Resilient is filled with mystery, suspence, and a little bit of romance as well. I really enjoyed reading this book. The book begins with a young doctor meeting a lady in the parking lot and she warns him that "they" have taken one of her kids and that his is next. She then urges him to get his kid to safety to protect her.

"She was in danger, the one he swore to protect with his life."

Then we meet Livia, an extraordinary young girl who can feel every emotion around her. This "gift" causes her so much pain and strife. She is continually trying to control her ability. Livia and her family live in New York but her father has decided to move them to another town to start over.

Livia starts her new school and immediately meets Adam. She is drawn to him but not sure why. Adam has a secret that no one knows and he lives daily trying to protect it. Livia has an accident and Adam is the one who finds her. He then discovers her secret and tries to get her to talk about it.

Adam and Livia then begin a journey together that is full of twists and turns and answers alot of questions for Livia but also leaves alot of questions unanswered...The last couple of chapters of this book is wild. It was not what I expected and now I am really looking forward to reading the sequel to see where this book is going!!

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Blog Tour, Spotlight, and Giveaway: Just Between Us (J.H. Trumble)

Seventeen-year-old Luke Chesser is trying to forget his spectacular failure of a love life. He practices marching band moves for hours in the hot Texas sun, deals with his disapproving father, and slyly checks out the new band field tech, Curtis Cameron. Before long, Luke is falling harder than he knew he could. And, this time, he intends to play it right.Since testing positive for HIV, Curtis has careened between numbness and fear. Too ashamed to tell anyone, Curtis cannot possibly act on his feelings. And, Luke—impulsive, funny, and more tempting than he realizes—won’t take a hint. Even when Curtis distances himself it backfires, leaving him with no idea how to protect Luke from the truth.
Confronting a sensitive topic with candor and aplomb, acclaimed author J. H. Trumble renders a modern love story as sweet, sharp, and messy as the real thing, where easy answers are elusive, and sometimes the only impossible thing is to walk away.

Find J.H. Trumble:

Facebook | Website | Twitter | Goodreads

J.H. Trumble is a Texas native and graduate of Sam Houston State University. You can visit the author online at http://www.jhtrumble.com as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

My Favorite Obsession, by J.H. Trumble

Yes, I have obsessions! And they often find their way into my novels.

When I wrote Don’t Let Me Go, for instance, I was completely obsessed with this blog Gossip Candy. It’s been shut down now, but did anybody follow it back in the day? She was a huge fan of American Idol during the Adam Lambert and Kris Allen season. The blog was a hoot! I laughed until I cried. I think that humor found its way into my writing that summer.

I was kind of obsessed with rap music when I wrote Where You Are. Could you tell?

I was obsessed with marching band when I wrote the first draft of Just Between Us.

But this, this is my newest obsession.

Paint.

His real name is Jon Cozart. He’s a 21-year-old University of Texas student. I stumbled across this video on The Huffington Post. It’s gone crazy viral (about 18 million views as I write this post) and I think he may have made an appearance with Hank Green (John Green’s brother and fellow nerdfighter) somewhere. Australia? Anyway, this video is so clever! After you watch it, check out his Extreme Cup Song and his Glee audition. Stalk him on Facebook! His song is tearing up the charts on iTunes too. Download it. Yes, I’m obsessed. You can thank me later! BTW, he’d make a great character in one of my novels!

http://youtu.be/diU70KshcjA

(Note to blogger: You can go to YouTube and grab the embedded code for your website.)

Speaking of my novels, JUST BETWEEN US is out September 26! Grab a copy. Fall in love all over again.

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Saturday, September 28, 2013

Debut Authors Bash Interview and Giveaway: Leila Howland

Leila Howland

LEILA HOWLAND loves to read, explore L.A., and engage in funny and meaningful conversations with her friends and family, especially her brother who calls from Washington D.C. whenever he’s waiting for the bus. A lot gets discussed in those phone calls, but they tend to end abruptly when the bus shows up. She can really cut the rug, but wishes she could sing without people covering their ears. A graduate of Georgetown University, Leila spent five years acting in New York where she was a company member of the award-winning Flea Theater in Tribeca. It was a lot of fun and she often talks about “getting back into it.” The closest she has come was a stint as an extra on The Young and the Restless in 2010. Leila now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two dogs. She teaches high school English and blogs for HelloGiggles. NANTUCKET BLUE is her first novel.

What gave you the inspiration to write this book?

I was going through a difficult time with a best friend. I wanted to read about female friendships and how hard it is when they fall apart, but I couldn't find my experience reflected in anything I read. It became something I needed to write about. The love story came about when I asked myself what the biggest obstacle would be for Cricket and Jules to make amends.

Who is your favorite character in the book?

Cricket. I loved getting to know her during the writing process. And Liz keeps me on my toes. Her sass and strength surprise me.

Which came first, the title or the novel?

The novel, though I settled on the title pretty quickly.

What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?

I'm really happy with the Forth of July love scene. I feel like I was able to capture a genuine moment of no return for Cricket and Zack.

Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?

To trust in my own process.

What do you like most about the cover of the book?

The summery, retro feel of it. And it's sexy!

What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2013?

FANGIRL by Rainbow Rowell

What was your favorite book in 2012?

CODE NAME VERITY by Elizabeth Wein

What’s up next for you?/ Is there anything that you would like to add?

Look out for NANTUCKET RED next summer!

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Friday, September 27, 2013

Halloween is Coming!! Want a spot on my blog for your Horror, Supernatural, or Zombie book??

Hey Authors and Followers!! In celebration of October and Halloween I will be hosting spotlights and reviews on my blog for horror, zombie, and supernatural books!! If you are interested in having a spot on my blog please email me at curlingupwithagoodbook@gmail.com!!

I will also link them to the Blog Hop going on with Something Wicked Returns!

YA Bound Cover Reveal: Soul Oath (Julianna Haygert)

Soul Oath (Everlast #2)

by Juliana Haygert

Expected pub date: Nov/25/2013

Length: ~80,000 words

Cover: Okay Creations

Summary from Goodreads:

It’s been three months since Nadine last heard from Victor, Micah or Ceris, allowing her to concentrate on her own life. But until Victor and Micah find the scepters that will restore them as true gods, their human bodies will require her healing touch and it’s only a matter of time until they wreak havoc on her life again.

As if to prove that, Victor shows up at the hospital dragging along with him a swarm of demons. Nadine is forced to flee to safety. Despite her attempts to keep her loved ones protected, the demons find her, and they bring her to Imha, the goddess of Chaos.

Now, confronted by her greatest fear, Nadine finds a new motivation. Vengeance. And when seeking revenge, no risk is too great, including her own life.

**New Adult Fantasy Novel**

***

Cup of Life (Everlast, #2.5)

by Juliana Haygert

Expected pub date: Nov/25/2013

Lenght: ~15,000 words

Cover: Okay Creations

Summary from Goodreads:

His existence would mean nothing without her.

Book One:

(linked to Goodreads)

Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo | Apple | Createspace

About the Author:New Adult author and contributor at NA Alley blog.While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

Author Links:

Cover Reveal Organized by:

Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway: Six Months Later (Natalie D. Richards)

Check out the Tour Schedule Here!!

Chloe didn't think about it much when she nodded off in study hall on that sleepy summer day. But when she wakes up, snow is on the ground and she can't remember the last six months of her life. Before, she'd been a mediocre student. Now, she's on track for valedictorian and being recruited by Ivy League schools. Before, she never had a chance with super jock Blake. Now he's her boyfriend. Before, she and Maggie were inseparable. Now her best friend won't speak to her.
What happened to her?
And why can't she remember?

Six Months Later

Natalie D Richards
Paperback, 336 pages
Expected publication: October 1st 2013 by Sourcebooks Fire

ARC Provided by Publisher for an Honest Review

BUY LINKS:

Goodreads * Amazon * Barnes & Nobles

At seven, Natalie D. Richards wrote about Barbara Frances Bizzlefishes (who wouldn't dare do the dishes.) Now she writes about awesome girls, broody boys, and all things dark and creepy. Natalie lives in Ohio (Go Bucks!) with her techno-wiz husband, three amazing kids, and a seventy pound dust-mop who swears he's the family dog. Her psychological thriller, Six Months Later, will be released in October 1, 2013 by Sourcebooks Fire. Until then, you'll probably find her writing her next book or trying to wade through the towers of dog-eared paperbacks that have taken over her bedroom.

Website * Blog * Goodreads * Twitter * Facebook

WOW!!! I was hooked after the first chapter. I could not put this book down! Literally read the entire thing in one day!

Chloe is your typical high school junior. She is feeling the pressure from everyone to improve her grades and prepare for the SAT. Chloe has spend her high school career being best friends with Maggie and crushing on the popular guy Blake.

During study hall Chloe decides to take a quick nap and when she wakes up she realizes that either she slept for six months for something really weird has happened to her! Everything in her life is prefect...or so it seems! She is dating Blake, has great grades and an almost prefect SAT score! The only problem is she has no idea how this has all happened and why is Maggie not talking to her anymore?!

Chloe begins to piece the last six months together with the help of Adam, who she has strong feelings for...what about Blake! So what happened during those six missing months?! Is she in some kind of danger? Is her life really prefect now?! You should definitely read this book to find out! I give it 5 stars!!!

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Did my review help to persuade you to read this phenomenal book?

Thursday, September 26, 2013

YA Bound Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Mine To Tarnish (Janeal Ealor)

Mine to Tarnish (Mine .5)

by Janeal Falor

Release Date: 12/02/13

Summary from Goodreads:

Katherine’s place is the same as any woman’s—on the shelf next to the dresses and bolts of cloth. When she’s sold to a warlock, life grows even bleaker. Her new owner is as old and rancid as he is cruel, driving her to do the unthinkable: run.

Nothing prepared her for being on her own. And she’s definitely unprepared for the warlocks hunting her down. But she must stay one step ahead because if caught, the best she can hope for is death.

Book One:

(linked to Goodreads)

About the AuthorJaneal Falor lives in Utah where she’s finally managed to live in the same house for more than five years without moving. In her spare time she reads books like they’re nuts covered in caramel and chocolate, cooks whatever strikes her fancy, and enjoys the outdoors. Her husband and three children try to keep up with her overactive imagination. Usually they settle for having dinner on the table, even if she’s still going on about the voices in her head.

Author Links: