Saturday, December 31, 2011

In My Mailbox #46 & Goodbye 2011!

** In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a great way to showcase the books you've gotten over the week, whether they are bought, borrowed or free. **


Library Books:
Wither - Lauren DeStefano
The Eleventh Plague - Jeff Hirsch
The Iron Thorn -Caitlin Kittredge

Gifted:
Hello Kitty Perfume & Sephora Gift Card
**From the AWESOME Lauren Oliver!**

The Scorpio Races - Maggie Stiefvater
**From my lovely friend, Kathy!!**

Hey guys! A pretty small end-of-the-year mailbox from me this week, but I love everything I got! I mostly got gift-cards for Christmas, and I'm hoping to get up to the bookstore eventually, if I can ever get over this cold that has plagued me for the past week. I hope that everyone had a very awesome Christmas, and is looking forward to the new year!

Goodbye 2011!!!

2011 has been a pretty awesome year for me. I've read a lot of awesome books and 'met' a lot of great new people. I can't believe how quickly the year flew by. I'm really looking forward to seeing what 2012 sends my way! Wishing everyone a very
Happy New Year!!!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Best Books of 2011

2011 is almost at an end! Here are the books I thought were the best of the best in 2011!!

1. Shatter Me
by Tahereh Mafi

This book was A-maz-ing! I adored the writing style so much. It was so very creative, and had me hooked. I love the characters as well, especially Juliette and Adam. Warner was such a good villain as well. This book is a MUST read!

Add to Goodreads!  See my Review!



2. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
by Michelle Hodkin

Two words: Noah Shaw. ;)  Ok, he's not the ONLY reason I liked the book, but he definitely played a huge part in my love for this book. I also loved that this book was so freaking mysterious. It definitely kept me guessing, and I love that. The main characters are awesome, and the story is captivating. This is definitely a must read as well!

Add to Goodreads!  See my Review!


3. Anna Dressed in Blood
by Kendare Blake

I've never been one for scary books... (Yes, I'm a big chicken!) Reading Anna Dressed in Blood definitely changed my mind! I loved this book! Anna is the ultimate butt-kicking ghost. I adore her, and I'm dying to get back into her world! I love Cas as well. So great!

Add to Goodreads!  See my Review!


4. Lola and the Boy Next Door
by Stephanie Perkins

I adored Anna and the French Kiss when I read it earlier this year. But I LOVED Lola and the Boy Next Door so much more! (Sounds impossible, right?)  This book is just beyond words. I love Cricket, the boy next door. I love Lola! I love her two dads! Everything about this book is great. :)

Add to Goodreads!  See my Review!


5. Clockwork Prince
by Cassandra Clare

After waiting on this book for FOREVER, I'm glad to say it's on my top 10 list! I love Cassie Clare! Her writing style is so addictive! I love falling in love with her characters. Especially when a certain character is named Will! (Or Jace!) I'm really looking forward to reading more of this series!

Add to Goodreads!  See my Review!


6. The Gathering
by Kelley Armstrong

I LOVE KELLEY ARMSTRONG! Her books are so amazingly addictive. If you haven't read her Darkest Powers and Darkness Rising series, you definitely should! I am impatiently waiting to get my hands on The Calling, the next book in the Darkness Rising series. Seriously... I.Can't.Wait!

Add to Goodreads!  See my Review!


7. Demonglass
by Rachel Hawkins

The Hex Hall series is another series you should definitely pick up... If you haven't already. I love Sophie Mercer, and I've really enjoyed watching her character grow throughout the series. Demonglass is definitely my favorite book so far. The characters are aweeeesome! Check it out!

Add to Goodreads! See my Review!


8. Dearly Departed
by Lia Habel

I seriously did not expect to like this book as much as I did. A human falling in love with a zombie... It was just hard for me to imagine at first. And then Mrs. Habel made me fall in love with Bram. :)  I loved everything about this book; the characters, the setting, the plot... SO very creative! A must read!

Add to Goodreads!  See my Review!


9. He's So Not Worth It
by Kieran Scott

When I started this series, I totally did not expect to like it... At.All.  It's like a teenage soap opera in book form. Little did I know that I would become SO stinking addicted to this series! I love it, the characters, the drama, EVERYTHING! This book had me hooked, and I loved every dramatic filled minute of it.

Add to Goodreads!  See my Review!


10. Liesl & Po
by Lauren Oliver

This book is actually a middle grade book, which I usually don't read very often. However, I adore this book! It is so very creative, and you will just love the characters. It was such a great read, and will definitely make you want to read more of Ms. Oliver's work!

Add to Goodreads!  See my Review!


So here you have it, peeps! My 10 most favorite books in 2011! I am SO looking forward to seeing what kind of books 2012 will bring my way. :) What are your favorite books from 2011???

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday #47 * The Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross

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

The Girl in the Clockwork Collar
(Steampunk Chronicles #2)
by Kady Cross
Publication Date: May 22nd, 2012

Add to Goodreads
In New York City, 1897, life has never been more thrilling - or dangerous.

Sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne and her "straynge band of mysfits" have journeyed from London to America to rescue their friend Jasper, hauled off by bounty hunters. But Jasper is in the clutches of a devious former friend demanding a trade-the dangerous device Jasper stole from him...for the life of the girl Jasper loves.

One false move from Jasper and the strange clockwork collar around Mei's neck tightens. And tightens. (Goodreads)

Why am I Waiting on this book???

I read The Girl in the Steel Corset earlier this year, and LOVED it! Finley is such a great main character, and I loved, loved, looooooved Griffin. I can't wait to get back into this story!

What are you Waiting for this week???

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Review: Fracture by Megan Miranda

Fracture
by Megan Miranda
Publication Date: January 17th, 2012
Publisher: Bloomsbury/Walker
Pages: 272
ISBN: 9780802723093

Where to Buy:
B&N | Amazon | The Book Depository
Eleven minutes passed before Delaney Maxwell was pulled from the icy waters of a Maine lake by her best friend Decker Phillips. By then her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead. And yet she somehow defied medical precedent to come back seemingly fine -despite the scans that showed significant brain damage. Everyone wants Delaney to be all right, but she knows she's far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can't control or explain, Delaney finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her altered brain now predicting death, or causing it?

Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who recently emerged from a coma with similar abilities. At first she's reassured to find someone who understands the strangeness of her new existence, but Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature-or something much more frightening?

For fans of best-sellers like Before I Fall and If I Stay, this is a fascinating and heart-rending story about love and friendship and the fine line between life and death. (Goodreads)

If you enjoy books that are a bit on the darker side, you will definitely enjoy Fracture.

The main character in the story is Delaney, who somehow manages to survive underwater in a frozen lake for eleven minutes. She should technically be dead, but somehow manages to survive, thanks to her best friend, Decker, who pulls her out of the water and gives her CPR. After finally waking from a coma, she has a really strange side effect; she feels this constant pull towards people that are dying.

Let’s start off talking about Delaney. Wow, what an emotional mess this girl is. You have to feel for her, she has been through a lot. And not only she was affected by her falling into the lake, it affected everyone around her. She was constantly worried that people would think she was crazy if she opened up to them, but she never came across as crazy to me. I actually felt really bad for what she went through, and also for her parents.

I really liked Delaney’s best friend, Decker. He seemed to be a good guy. I do wish that he had been around more, especially when Delaney really needed him. I really think that might have helped her more with coping with all that was going on. I also felt that at times he picked their group of friends over her, and that did bother me a bit.

Troy, who has also survived being in a coma, appears out of the blue one day and introduces himself to Delaney. She thinks that Troy is someone that will understand her, because he also has the pull towards the dead that she has. Well, Troy turns out to be a mess all in his own. Talk about mysterious… Troy definitely had me a bit paranoid. I never really knew what to expect from him, he was definitely a bit freaky.

The plot for this book was very interesting, and the book was well paced. I definitely had to keep reading just to see where the author was going to take us next in the story. I just never could quite figure it out. Kudo’s to Ms. Miranda for keeping me in the dark! I do wish that there had been more info in the book on Why Delaney was feeling pulled towards the dying. I really wanted to read more on that, but there wasn’t a lot of information about it in the book.

Overall, if you enjoy darker type YA reads, you will definitely enjoy this book. I found it to be a quick, mysterious, enjoyable read.

Happy Reading!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Merry Christmas!!

Hey guys! I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a Happy Holiday! Whatever you celebrate; Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc... I hope that everyone is blessed with lots of happiness and joy throughout the holiday and into the New Year!

I will be taking a small blog break this weekend, so that I can spend time with my lovely family. I'll see you guys on Tuesday!

Have a wonderful holiday, everyone!




A quote from my most favorite Christmas show...

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men.

That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Review & GIveaway * A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink

A Temptation of Angels
by Michelle Zink
Publication Date: March 20th, 2012
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Pages: 400
ISBN: 9780803737266

Where to Buy:
B&N | Amazon | The Book Depository
When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen-year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world's past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility. Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong, because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.

Michelle Zink masterfully weaves historical fantasy with paranormal romance to create a gripping tale of love and betrayal. (Goodreads)
A Temptation of Angels is the very first book I’ve read by Michelle Zink. I found the book to be a really enjoyable read, and now I’m really looking forward to reading more by this author!

The main character in the story is sixteen year old Helen Cartwright. Helen is forced to flee her childhood home after the murders of her parents, and is thrust into a life she had been unknowingly prepared for her whole life. With the help of two mysterious brothers, who will do anything to keep her safe, she is forced to face a huge responsibility that is placed on her shoulders.

I found Helen to be quite an interesting character. She was very strong-willed and more independent than she probably should have been at that time period. At times I found her to be a bit too independent; she made a few bad decisions when she should have been playing safe. Otherwise, I really enjoyed her character. I loved the brothers, Griffin and Darius. Griffin was a wonderful, patient love interest to Helen. I really enjoyed their relationship. Darius was an interesting character in his own way; quite the snarky, sarcastic fellow. (He is not a love interest, but I still loved him.)

This book was a lot of fun, and very easy to read. I enjoyed the plot, and found the book to be very well paced. There is a bit of a love triangle, and while I’m not a big fan of them at the moment, this one was well written, and included lots of tension.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick, fun read, and I would love to read more!

Happy Reading!
Win an ARC of A Temptation of Angels!

The Rules:
  • Only ONE winner will be chosen.
  • US and Canada followers only. (Sorry guys, shipping is expensive!)
  • Must be 13 or older to enter.
  • Giveaway ends at 12:00 am, December 29th, 2011
  • Winners will be contacted via email. If you do not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.
  • By entering this Giveaway, you are agreeing to the terms listed above.


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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday #46 * Deja Vu Edition *

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


Heya guys! This week I'm bringing you a special Deja Vu Edition of Waiting on Wednesday! Have you ever looked at a book cover at thought, "I know I've seen this before somewhere..."? This happens to me all the time, and 1 times out of 10, it's not just my crazy memory messing with me! Tell me, do the books below cause you to have Deja Vu??? I know I've seen that girl before somewhere... Oh, right... THERE! haha!

The Treachery of Beautiful Things
by Ruth Frances Long
Publication Date: August 16th, 2012
Publisher: Penguin Group

Add to Goodreads
The trees swallowed her brother whole. And Jenny was there to see it. Years later, when she returns to the woods where Tom was taken to say good-bye at last, she finds herself lured into a world where stunning beauty masks the most treacherous of evils, and strange and dangerous creatures await—creatures who seem to consider her the threat. Among them is Jack, mercurial and magnetic, with allegiances that shift as much as his moods. Determined to find her brother, with or without Jack’s help, Jenny struggles to navigate a faerie world where nothing is what it seems, no one is who they say, and she’s faced with a choice between salvation or sacrifice—and not just her own. (Goodreads)

by Lilith Saintcrow
Publication Date: December 1st, 2011
Publishers: Orbit

Add to Goodreads
Vianne di Rocancheil has been largely content to play the gawky provincial. As lady in waiting at the Court of Arquitaine, she studies her books, watches for intrigue, and shepherds her foolhardy Princesse safely through the glittering whirl. Court is a sometimes-unpleasant waltz, especially for the unwary, but Vianne treads its measured steps well.

Unfortunately, the dance has changed. Treachery is afoot in gilded and velvet halls. A sorcerous conspiracy is unleashed, with blood, death, and warfare close behind. Her Princesse murdered and her own life in jeopardy, Vianne must flee, carrying the fate of her land with her--the Great Seal of Arquitaine, awake after its long sleep. Invasion threatens, civil war looms, and the conspiracy hunts for Vianne di Rocancheil, to kill or to use her against all she holds dear.

A life of dances, intrigues, and fashion has not prepared her for this. Nor has it prepared her for Tristan d'Arcenne, Captain of the King's Guard and player in the most dangerous games conspiracy can devise. Yet to save her country and avenge her Princesse, Vianne will become what she must, say what she should, and do whatever is required.

A Queen can do no less. (Goodreads)

Why am I Waiting on this book??

OK, you caught me... Technically The Hedgewitch Queen is already out as an ebook. I couldn't seem to find it as a physical book, however, so I'm still going to include it. :) Anyways, is it just my crazy mind playing tricks on me, or is this the same girl??

Deja Vu, Baby!

Either way... both books look amazing, and sound great as well. I can't wait to check them out!

What are you Waiting on this week???

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Review: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Prince
(The Infernal Devices #2)
by Cassandra Clare
Publication Date: December 6th, 2011
Publisher:Simon & Schuster
Pages: 502
ISBN: 9781416975885

Where to Buy:
B&N | Amazon | The Book Depository
In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart. (Goodreads)

Cassandra Clare has done it again with Clockwork Prince, the much anticipated follow up to Clockwork Angel. I adore this series, and was so glad to finally get my copy to read. It was a wonderfully addictive read.

I enjoyed the main character, Tessa, as much in this book as I did in Clockwork Angel. She’s a very strong character, and pretty determined to take care of herself. I love main characters like that. I did find her to be a little bit indecisive in the book, and as much as I tried to point her in the right direction, (towards a certain someone), she didn’t really listen to me. ::Sigh::

The guys in the book are all great; I really like both Will and Jem. I have to say Jem really grew on me more in this book than he did in the previous book. However, Will is the one that has stolen my heart. He reminds me so much of Jace. In Clockwork Prince, we get to find out exactly why he acts the way does, and let me tell you, it’s a pretty heartbreaking story. In the words of my good blogger friend Vy, I will always be forever Team Will!

Most of the characters in the story are the same, although we do get to meet a few new secondary characters. I found all of the new characters to be interesting in their own way. A lot of the original characters are still in the story; Charlotte, Henry, etc. The one character that was surprisingly absent throughout the book was the evil Mortmain. I’m assuming we will be seeing a lot of him soon!

The one thing in the book that I could have lived without was the love triangle. I definitely wanted Tessa to go a certain way, and it just wasn’t happening. This really frustrated me. I do, however, realize that if the story went the way I wanted it to, then it probably wouldn’t be a very long series!

Overall, I loved this book. I love this SERIES! Cassandra Clare is such an amazing storyteller, and I just can’t get enough of her books. You definitely get your money’s worth when you invest in her books. Great story, a must read!

Happy Reading!

Monday, December 19, 2011

Merry Christmas Giveaway #3 - The Hunger Games Bottle Cap Necklaces


Hey guys! Last week I was browsing Etsy, (love!), and I ran across an awesome seller that makes bottle cap necklaces. AND, she makes THE HUNGER GAMES bottle cap necklaces! I knew I had to have a set to share with one lucky winner. (If you can't tell, I'm SUPER excited for the movie!!)

So, here is the last item I'm giving away in my Merry Christmas giveaway. :) I hope you guys like them!

The Rules:
  • Only ONE winner will be chosen, the winner will get all three necklaces.
  • US and Canada followers only. (Sorry guys, shipping is expensive!)
  • Must be 13 or older to enter
  • Giveaway ends December 26thth, 2011
  • Winners will be contacted via email. If you do not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.
  • By entering this Giveaway, you are agreeing to the terms listed above.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, December 17, 2011

In My Mailbox #45

** In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a great way to showcase the books you've gotten over the week, whether they are bought, borrowed or free. **


Library Finds:

Crossed - Ally Condie
The Space Between - Brenna Yovanoff
If I Die - Rachel Vincent

Gifted:
Starbucks Gift Card!
**Thanks Chelsey at Big Honcho!**


Only a few books for me this week, and I can't wait to get started on all of them! I've heard good things about all of these books. :)


What's in your mailbox this week???

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Friday Hops 12/16

Follow Friday! #40

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee & Alison Can Read. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends!
Q:  When you've read a book, what do you do with it? (Keep it, give it away, donate it, sell it, swap it..?)

A. I get about 75% of my books from the library, so after I read one, I have to give it back! lol!  If it's one I really loved, then I definitely buy a copy for myself.

For the ARC's I receive, I usually either have a giveaway for them, or donate them to my daughters 6th grade reading teacher, who is always the most appreciative when I send in new books. :)



TGIF at GReads #8

TGIF at GReads is a Friday Feature hosted by Ginger at GReadsBooks.com!

Most Popular: What blog post has gotten the most comments/activity on your blog this year?

My most popular post for this year was my 500 Follower/Blogoversary Giveaway. :o)  Lots of people commented on that one. LOL!

The second and third most popular were my Juliet Immortal and Mara Dyer Reviews/Giveaways. (Giveaways are really popular. LOL!)


Thanks for stopping by everyone! Please leave a comment with your link so I can follow you back!

Review: Hushed by Kelley York

Hushed
by Kelley York
Publication Date: December 6th, 2011
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Pages: 260
ISBN: 9781937044749

Where to buy:
B&N | Amazon | The Book Depository
Eighteen-year-old Archer couldn’t protect his best friend, Vivian, from what happened when they were kids, so he’s never stopped trying to protect her from everything else. It doesn’t matter that Vivian only uses him when hopping from one toxic relationship to another—Archer is always there, waiting to be noticed.

Then along comes Evan, the only person who’s ever cared about Archer without a single string attached. The harder he falls for Evan, the more Archer sees Vivian for the manipulative hot-mess she really is.

But Viv has her hooks in deep, and when she finds out about the murders Archer’s committed and his relationship with Evan, she threatens to turn him in if she doesn’t get what she wants… And what she wants is Evan’s death, and for Archer to forfeit his last chance at redemption. (Goodreads)
Hushed was totally not what I was expecting! I had read the blurb for it, but that didn’t even come close to preparing me for what to expect from this book. I totally enjoyed this book a whole lot more than I expected to!

The main character in the story, Archer, is such a complex character. There are so many different sides to him. You know what he is doing is wrong, but yet you’re still rooting for him throughout the book. He thought all along that he was helping his best friend, Vivian. All he wanted to do was protect Vivian, and keep her safe. He is such an amazing friend to her, and yet she continues to treat him badly and takes advantage of him. I did not like Vivian at all. She was selfish and self absorbed, and she’s definitely one of my top five least favorite villains.

The love interest in the story is Evan. Evan is definitely a swoon-worthy character. The way he cares for Archer, how he helps make things better for him…. He’s definitely my favorite character in the book.

This is definitely a darker story. I always have to wonder how authors come up with the ideas for stories like these. I’m definitely curious about this one. The writing is very easy to follow, and very well paced. The story is one that will definitely suck you in and keep you hooked!

Overall, I really, really enjoyed this book! It was definitely different than most of the books I have been reading lately, and to be honest, it was a breath of fresh air. So glad to have had the chance to read it!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday #45 * Mirage by Kristi Cook

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

Mirage
(Winterhaven #2)
by Kristi Cook
Publication Date: June 5th, 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Add to Goodreads

Seventeen-year-old Violet McKenna is back for her senior year at Winterhaven, and her visions have returned as well. With her friends in danger, a mysterious (and hot!) new teacher as her psychic coach, and her Sabbat tendencies threatening her relationship with Aidan, Violet may just be in over her head. (Goodreads)



Why am I Waiting on this book???

AHHHHHHHH! I just discovered the cover has been released for Mirage!! I read Haven earlier this year, and really, really loved it! I can't wait to get back into the Winterhaven world with Violet and friends!

What are you Waiting on this week???

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Guest Post: Interview with Kelley York! (Hushed)

Hey guys! Today we have a guest post from author Kelley York!

Today I'm asking her some questions that I was wondering while reading her awesome new book, Hushed.

Keep reading to see what she has to say!

Hey Kelley! Welcome to the blog!

1. If you could describe Hushed in two short sentences, how would you describe it?
HUSHED is a dark look into the human psyche. It explores the deadly lengths some will go to for the ones they love.

2. Hushed is such a unique read. Where did you come up with the idea for the book?
Really, it all started with Archer. I had the idea of wanting to write a boy who was broken and had a skewed sense of morals, and who killed people because he thought it was justified, even if it was wrong.

3. The characters in the book are all so very interesting, especially Archer. Are they based in any way off people you know in real life?
Not at all. I did know a lot of girls like Vivian in high school—the girls who were always with guys who treated them terribly, but they seemed to think it was the best they could get.

4. Who is your most favorite/least favorite character in the book, and why?
My favorite is definitely Archer. He's so broken and in need of a hug, and all I wanted was for him to have some hope that everything would be okay. Least favorite...probably Richter. He's meant to be a sleaze-bag of epic proportions. I hate Vivian, but I love her, too. She's a character I love to hate.

5. Evan was one of my most favorite characters in the book. Was he an easy character to write?
For the most part, yes. Sometimes it took some work because he's a far more patient person than I could ever hope to be. Otherwise, he's sweet and laid back, so writing him isn't difficult.

6. There were quite a few emotional parts in the book. What part was the hardest to write for you?
I'm not sure any of it was difficult to write, per se. But I do get very attached to my characters and sometimes I'll smile when I write something sweet, or I'll cry during the heavier scenes. I cried during a certain pivotal hospital scene in the middle of the book.

7. This book had definitely has me hooked. Do you plan on writing more books in the near future?
Absolutely! I'm working on another one right now. At some point, I also want to rework my first book, which would be the first in a paranormal series.

8. What type of books do you read in your spare time?
Primarily YA. Dark, edgy books are my favorites, and I've kind of been staying away from paranormal these days. I recently finished DROWNING INSTINCT by Ilsa J. Bick, and SAVING JUNE by Hannah Harrington.

9. Did you always want to be a writer?
I always wanted to do something creative, though being a writer wasn't originally it. I used to want to be a character designer for video games. But the problem with being an artist like that is you have to draw what other people want you to draw. I got burnt out on my art, and threw myself full-force into writing. (Something that had been only a hobby before.) After finishing three books now, and working on a forth, I definitely know this is what I want to do for a living.

10. If you were stuck on an island, what three books would you want with you?
(1) HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE by Diana Wynne Jones
(2) GONE, GONE, GONE by Hannah Moskowitz
(3) THE LAST UNICORN by Peter S. Beagle

Awesome answers, Kelley!  Thank you for stopping by the blog today to share with us! So great to get to know you better!


'Kelley York delivers in this impressive debut. I was at the edge of my
seat waiting to see what would happen next! Bottom line, this was
unputdownable!!!' --- YA Fantasy Guide ---

'How exciting that we live in a time when gay teen protagonists can be
just as screwed up as straight ones -- and their stories just as creepy!'
--- Brent Hartinger, award-winning author of Geography Club and Shadow
Walkers ---

Author Bio:

Kelley was born and raised in central California, where she still resides with her lovely wife, daughter, and an abundance of pets. (Although she does fantasize about moving across the globe to Ireland.) She has a fascination with bells, adores all things furry - be them squeaky, barky
or meow-y - is a lover of video games, manga and anime, and likes to pretend she's a decent photographer. Her life goal is to find a real unicorn. Or maybe a mermaid.

Within young adult, she enjoys writing and reading a variety of genres from contemporary with a unique twist, psychological thrillers, paranormal/urban fantasy and horror. She loves stories where character development takes center stage.

Kelley's website: http://www.kelley-york.com/blog

About the Book:

He's saved her. He's loved her. He's killed for her.

Eighteen-year-old Archer couldn't protect his best friend, Vivian, from what happened when they were kids, so he's never stopped trying to protect her from everything else. It doesn't matter that Vivian only uses him when hopping from one toxic relationship to another - Archer is always there, waiting to be noticed.

Then along comes Evan, the only person who's ever cared about Archer without a single string attached. The harder he falls for Evan, the more Archer sees Vivian for the manipulative hot-mess she really is.

But Viv has her hooks in deep, and when she finds out about the murders Archer's committed and his relationship with Evan, she threatens to turn him in if she doesn't get what she wants...And what she wants is Evan's death, and for Archer to forfeit his last chance at redemption.

Available for Purchase at: Barnes & Noble | Amazon

Monday, December 12, 2011

Merry Christmas Giveaway #2 * A January 2012 Preorder


Hey guys! I hope you guys are enjoying the Christmas Giveaway! It's not time for Giveaway #2! For this giveaway, I will be giving one lucky winner a January 2012 Preorder!! In case you haven't already noticed, January 2012 is packed full of awesome new releases, and you have the chance to win one of those awesome books.

Here are the books you can choose from...





Lots of great books coming out in January! Which would you pick?? Go enter now!!!

The Rules:
  • Only ONE winner will be chosen, and the winner may choose only ONE book.
  • US and International (As long as TheBookDepository.com ships to your area)
  • Must be 13 or older to enter
  • Giveaway ends December 18th, 2011
  • Winners will be contacted via email. If you do not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.
  • By entering this Giveaway, you are agreeing to the terms listed above.


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