Kelley's Korner

I'm Moving!

2011-01-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

The past week or so I've been busy working on a new website! With my new site, I have a new Wordpress blog. I'm sad to be leaving blogger behind, but I hope all of you will come hang out with me in my new digs! Check out my site HERE.

I promise I will keep blogging and trying to think of interesting things to talk about. Catch ya on the flip side :)

Awesome news!

2011-01-28T08:12:00.000-08:00

It's not mine, but I'm still SUPER excited about it. One of my dear friend, Leigh Fallon has sold her first book to HarperCollins! And to top it off, she was in the freaking New York Times!!! Check out her GORGEOUS cover below and her announcement on her blog HERE

I seem to have lost some time...

2011-01-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

I don't have enough of it and I'm chatting about my lack of time at YAtopia today. Please stop by and let me know how you find the time to get everything done.

YAtopia

Agent Interview and what I am up to

2011-01-20T10:29:00.000-08:00

Chanelle, one of our YAtopians has posted a great interview with agent Victoria Marini on YAtopia today. Check it out and see what she's looking for!

SO, I'm doing something a little different right now. Over two years ago and I wrote a book I LOVED. Unfortunately, it wasn't very good. But, I still love it and now, I know I can make it much better. After a talk with my agent, I'm ready to dig in and rewrite this book. I've never rewritten a whole book before, but I can't think of a story I would like to revisit again as much as I would Chasing Normal.

Wish me luck!

What drives you?

2011-01-18T12:30:00.000-08:00

This morning I was moping around because I had nothing to blog about. What kind of writer am I if I can't even come up with an interesting blog topic? LOL. Have you ever had those days where nothing you do is right? That was me this morning. I was completely bummed and thinking, "I AM THE WORST BLOGGER EVER!". I did refrain from running to me room and slamming the door though. A girl doesn't want the people she lives with to think she's crazy, right?

Anyway, so nothing to blog about until the hilarious, talented, awesome writer, Leigh posted an awesome post on YAtopia today. I'm sure she didn't mean to get my brain going, but she did. Her blog post is about pauses and what gets you to pause in whatever your working on, for her, her writing (seriously, check out the post). I chimed in with a comment and then MY comment got me thinking even more. For me, the question was about what really drives me to accomplish what I set out to do. I'm going to using my writing as an example, but you can use whatever it is that's important to you.

SO, what drove me to keep writing despite the rejections. Despite the almosts, but just not theres. Despite some friends and family who completely considered my writing a "hobby" and nothing to take serious. Of course the number one answer is my love of writing. I write because I'm passionate about it, but I'm delving a little deeper here. What really drove me to keep going, to keep writing and now that I have an agent what's making me push forward even harder is my HUGE fear of failure. I hate it when I can't do something. Whatever it is will weigh on my mind until I drive myself (and my husband) crazy. My dream was to be a published author. Not just with one book, but a career! I wanted to share my love of stories with the world and do it for a long, long time.

Once I realized that, for me, there was no turning back. I was so scared to start something and not finish it. To prove those people right who just considered writing a silly hobby that I would never get anywhere with. It was that fear of failure that after I wrote my first book and only got ONE agent request to write my second one. That fear told me to suck it up after I wrote my second book to AGAIN only get ONE agent request. That fear told me, "Okay, Kelley, time to step up your game and write a really special story" when I started my third book, GOLDEN. And after the excitement of the ten or so agent requests I got for GOLDEN turned into more rejections (though a couple REALLY close calls) that fear of failure propelled me forward to write yet another book.

This time, I wasn't pulling any punches. Sebastian (WHAT A BOY WANTS) was special and I knew his story was too. But I got rejections... a lot of them. Less requests than I got for GOLDEN, but still definitely more than I got for my other books.

Should I give up? Do I SUCK? I was honestly starting to think I did, but I couldn't let myself give up. I was so scared to have all that hard work be for nothing. I was scared that I would never find where I belonged, so I kept querying. And I got more requests... and then I got FOUR offers of representation.

Despite how over the moon happy I am, I'm even more scared now. What if it was a fluke? What if now that I have an agent I can't write? Fear, fear, fear! I had to prove to myself that it wasn't a fluke. That I would deserve those agent requests so I got busy on my next book. My fear won't let me give up and though I don't like being so scared, I'm thankful for it. Thankful that my fear won't let me lie down. Won't let me take anything for granted and will keep making me push on no matter what.

What drives YOU? It doesn't have to be about writing. If you're a student, what drives you to keep going? A stay at home mom? What drives you to keep the house going?

Falling in love...

2011-01-13T07:51:00.000-08:00

With a book I am reading AND writing right now. How freakin' lucky am I? And I needed it because I was in a slight reading slump. I got all excited about three books lately, bought them, downloaded them to my NookColor, which just rocks my socks BTW, only to not finish the books. I was feeling discouraged and then a book just fell into my lap. It's written from the boy's POV and I love his voice. He's a cutie. Sarcastic, funny, and oh so BOY. LOVE!

On the writing front...well I had a paranormal at 16k, a contemporary at 8k, another contemporary at 1k, and a rough blurb written out and character descriptions for yet another contemporary and I was having trouble picking one to work on. I don't know why I couldn't settle on a project but it was about to send me to the loony bin, but then...just like the book mentioned above, a memory from my past just dropped into my mind and I created a story around it.

And I'm feelin' it. A lot, which makes for a very happy Kelley!

What are you falling in love with right now? A specific book? Work in progress? New band? Please share!

Come And Visit Me

2011-01-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

I'm blogging at YAtopia today about characters. I'd love to hear what kind of characters you love to read or write. Come over and tell me what makes a character special to you?

Psst... don't forget...

2011-01-06T11:42:00.001-08:00

YAtopia's launch is AlL WEEK LONG! There are TWO contests there today and its easy peasy to enter. Stop by and check it out. Spread the word too :)

YAtopia

Book Review: Split

2011-01-04T12:49:00.000-08:00

Blurb:
Sixteen-Year-Old Jace Witherspoon arrives at the doorstep of his estranged brother Christian with a re-landscaped face (courtesy of his father's fist), $3.84, and a secret.

He tries to move on, going for new friends, a new school, and a new job, but all his changes can't make him forget what he left behind--his mother, who is still trapped with his dad, and his ex-girlfriend, who is keeping his secret.

At least so far.

Worst of all, Jace realizes that if he really wants to move forward, he may first have to do what scares him most: He may have to go back. First-time novelist Swati Avasthi has created a riveting and remarkably nuanced portrait of what happens after. After you've said enough, after you've run, after you've made the split--how do you begin to live again? Readers won't be able to put this intense page-turner down.

Wow... That's pretty much the first word that comes to mind when I think about this book. Talk about a powerful read. Ms. Avashti definitely has a talent for putting the reader inside the characters skin. I KNEW Jace. Felt what he was feeling. His memories came alive for me, pictures flashing through my head. I LOVE books where you totally get wrapped up in the characters life. His pain, fear, anger... they all leaped off the pages. It's been a couple days since I finished this book and I am still thinking about Jace and his journey.

I will say this isn't a "pretty" book. Jace has lived through hell and Ms. Avashti doesn't hide the ugly parts of his life, and consequences of how he was raised. I for one, LOVED that about the book. It's what made it real for me. Sure, you can tell a story about abuse and dance around the ugliness of it but I think for the story to really sink in, for the reader to really get it and FEEL it you have to be honest in the portrayal. In my opinion, she did that with this book.

In keeping it real, she made sure Jace wasn't perfect. I'm not going to say there weren't spots I cringed, because there were. But you know what? No matter what, I loved him. His character touched a place in my heart. He was a product of how he was raised and the awesome part was though he wasn't perfect, he saw those flaws in himself and he wanted to make them better. He might not have always known how to express that need to be better, but he wanted it and in the end, I was left with nothing but HOPE for Jace and his brother. He grew and learned and I was honored to read about it. I picture his future and I know he will have the future he deserves.

If you couldn't tell, I love this book. It's raw, real, powerful and beautiful. And through the harshness, hope shines through. Maybe not for all the characters, but for the ones who took the steps they needed to, it did. Jace will forever have a little piece of my heart.

YAtopia launch and a contest!!

2011-01-03T08:07:00.000-08:00

Hey all. Today is the day!! My group author blog YAtopia has launched and to celebrate I'm giving away a Barnes and Noble giftcard. You just have to be a follower and comment for your chance to win! Stop by YAtopia ~ TeenLit Haven and check it out! It's made of awesome :)

Book Review: Freefall

2011-01-01T17:06:00.001-08:00

Blurb:
How do you come back from the point of no return?

Seth McCoy was the last person to see his best friend Isaac alive, and the first to find him dead. It was just another night, just another party, just another time where Isaac drank too much and passed out on the lawn. Only this time, Isaac didn’t wake up.

Convinced that his own actions led to his friend’s death, Seth is torn between turning his life around . . . or losing himself completely.

Then he meets Rosetta: so beautiful and so different from everything and everyone he’s ever known. But Rosetta has secrets of her own, and Seth will soon realize he isn’t the only one who needs saving . . .

It's no secret that I love books written from the boy's POV, but I'm also VERY picky about boy's POV as well. I need it to sound authentic. I need to really be able to lose myself in the voice and believe its a teen boy, which doesn't happen all the time. But... I found it with this book! Love, love, LOVED it!

Seth had a great voice and I really, really felt for him while reading this book. He'd been through so much and wasn't quite sure how to deal with it. He had his friend and brother who don't understand. People who will always see him a certain way no matter what he does and the weight of the death of his best friend always there. He's that boy from the wrong side of the tracks. The one who in so many ways feels like he doesn't have a shot...and then he does and its just made of awesome. I loved getting inside his head. Seeing how he thinks and seeing that spark of hope inside him. That tender heart buried beneath the pile of crap life had dealt him.

To say it simply.... Seth is a hottie. One of my favorite kind of book heroes to fall in love with. I'm a sucker for a well written tortured hero :)

The romance really surprised me in this. I wasn't sure how much romance would be in it, but the relationship between Seth and Rosetta was solid, and sweet. I loved watching them learn from each other and seeing their relationship grow. I love that even though Rosetta looks perfect from the outside, she has her issue too. And even though she's the country club girl, it is never once an issue for her in regards to Seth. She is just as comfortable in his rundown trailer as in her big house on the hill. She's never ashamed of Seth or their relationship which was a breath of fresh air as a reader. There's never a point where Seth and Rosetta have the "secret relationship" because their friends just wouldn't understand.

I really liked watching Seth's growth as he realized things aren't always how they seem.

Awesome book.
Awesome romance.
And Seth is just too cute for words.

Check it out. You won't regret it.

And the Kelley goes to...

2010-12-30T18:40:00.001-08:00

It's that time! I'm ready to announce the winners of the first annual Kelley Awards! These are my favorite reads of 2010. Not all the books were released this year, but I did read them all this year. So, here we go. Let's give out the Kelleys!

Best Paranormal:

1. Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
2. Cresendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
3. Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead
4. Shade by Jeri Smith Ready
5. Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers
6. Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare
7. If I Stay by Gayle Foreman (not sure the category. To me its contemp with paranormal elements)

And the Kelley goes to….. Nightshade!

Favorite Debut Author:

1. Andrea Cremer
2. Lisa Desrochers
3. Tara Kelly
4. Jenny Lynn Barnes
5. Stephanie Perkins

And the Kelley goes to…. Andrea Cremer!

Favorite book boy:
1. Peeta from Hunger Games series
2. Jace from Mortal Instruments
3. Shane from Morganville
4. Dimitri from Vampire Academy

And the Kelley goes to…. Jace from Mortal Instruments series

Favorite Book Boy 2010:

1. St Clair from Anna and the French Kiss
2. Justin from Harmonic Feedback
3. Luc from Personal Demons
4. Shay from Nightshade

And the Kelley goes to… Justin from Harmonic Feedback!

Favorite book READ this year:

1. The Summer I Turned Pretty/It's Not Summer without You
2. Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
3. Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare
4. If I Stay by Gayle Foreman
5. I Know it’s Over by CK Kelly Martin

And the Kelley goes to…. Mortal Instruments series!

Favorite book RELEASED in 2010:

1. Nightshade
2. Cresendo
3. Last Sacrifice
4. Fixing Delilah
5. Harmonic Feedback
6. Personal Demons
7. Raised by Wolves
8. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

And the Kelley goes to…Nightshade!

Writing I lose myself in (they write so beautifully it gives me chills):

1. Sarah Ockler—Twenty Boy Summer and Fixing Delilah
2. Jenny Han—The Summer I Turned Pretty and It’s Not Summer Without You
3. Gayle Foreman—If I Stay

And the Kelley goes to…. Sarah Ockler!

I had to save this category for last because it’s the hardest for me. I’m a contemporary girl at heart and this was a VERY hard decision to make. BUT the cool thing about it being my award is that I can declare a tie… which I have to… I can’t help it… The books were just too good to pick just one.

Best contemporary:

1. The Summer I Turned Pretty/It’s not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
2. Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler
3. Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly
4. I Know it’s Over by CK Kelly Martin
5. Return to Paradise by Simone Elkeles
6. Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles
7. Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
8. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

And the Kelley’s go to… Fixing Delilah, The Summer Series and Anna and the French Kiss!!!

The Teen Lit Haven

2010-12-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

I have exciting news!! Well, lets say MORE exciting news. It's been a pretty killer week or two. But... one with the news. I got together with seven other YA authors and we've come up with something we think you're going to LOVE. We've started a new YA group author blog called YAtopia~The Teen Lit Haven. We haven't launched yet, but we'd love it if you had a look around, maybe followed us (hint, hint. LOL).

The official launch of YAtopia is January 3, 2011 (wow how weird is it to type that year). Our blog is going to be dedicated to everything we love about YA, YA writing and those YA books we all love to devour!

See ya in YAtopia!

Happy Birthday

2010-12-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

glitter-graphics.com

To me! LOL. I'm 31 today and a little depressed about it. How is it I'm in my thirties?? I know its not old... I do... but its ME. It's totally different when someone else is 31, but when its me, I can't help but wonder where the time went!

Okay, enough complaining. I know its ridiculous. I do so instead of checking for wrinkles in the mirror I'm buying myself a Nook! I've wanted an eReader for so long and I just never do it. The money always goes to something I need rather than something I want. Well, this time it's going for something I want. The cool part is I can use it for work too!

Anyway, I can't wait to treat myself with this gift. I'm still deciding between the Nook 3G and the Nook Color. I have a friend with both. She likes the color better for the web, but she likes the 3G better for reading. She said the screen is too bright on the color and it gives her a headache.

Decisions. Decisions.

Anyway, hope everyone had a great holiday!

Do you have any experience with the Nook? What do you like about it? Also, if you celebrate Christmas, did you get anything special?

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-23T08:12:00.000-08:00

glitter-graphics.com

I just wanted to take a minute wish everyone a Happy Holiday! I hope you have a wonderful time filled with good food, great friends and family. Thank you all so much for being a part of my blog! You've made the past few months a joy for me :)

AWESOME NEWS!

2010-12-21T13:44:00.001-08:00

Pop open the champagne or if you're under age, the sparkling cider because I'm celebrating. I have received the best Christmas and birthday gift EVAH! Want to know what it is???

Well it started on Friday when I received an email from Agent One telling me she loved one of my books and wanted to set up a phone call for that day! Yep, you heard me right. An agent. Wanted to talk. To ME. On the phone! It was incredibly exciting. We set up a time to talk. It was a loooong day of waiting but we had a great conversation and when it ended, she offered me rep!!!! I couldn't believe an agent actually wanted to represent me.

I found a way to calm myself down, told her I needed a few days and then sent out emails to all the agents with fulls and partials.

Then I got another email from Agent Two who wanted to talk on the phone as well!!! We talked the same day. I totally clicked with her and we had a great conversation. She had a few concerns we chatted about and decided to talk again on Monday morning.

Then I got another email. This was from Agent Three who hadn't gotten my email that I had offers, but wanted me to know she loved the partial and wanted the full!!! I sent it... She read it and we talked on the phone on Saturday and Agent Three offered rep!!!

I. Almost. Had. A. Heart attack.

It was such a crazy, whirlwind weekend. Two other agents who had the fulls told me they would get back to me before Tuesday. One didn't. The other did on Monday and guess what? Agent Four offered rep!

I also had my second call with Agent Two on Monday and I loved what she had to say even more.

Imagine me freaking out. Getting an agent is one of those things you hope for, but you never really expect to happen. Then you have four offers from four equally cool, talented agents. I was stressed all weekend. Happy. Extremely happy, but stressed. It was such a tough decision, but I think I kind of always knew who I would fit best with.

SOOOO, today I got on the phone with Agent Two and let her know I was officially accepting her offer of representation! I am SO happy to say that I'm now represented by Denise Little of Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency.

*high pitched squeal of joy*

Like I said, best Christmas and Birthday gift EVAH!

My So-Called Life and layered characters

2010-12-19T22:20:00.000-08:00

Warning:
This post brought to you by the approach of my 31st birthday and the need to go back in time to some of the shows that shaped my childhood. That and my love of awesome characters and a good sale in which I was able to pick up the entire series of My So-Called Life. Don't say I didn't warn you :)

I am obsessed with characters and books and shows with good characterization. I love getting inside someones head, living in their skin and dissecting all their different layers: flaws, assets, fears, loves...everything. When it comes to books I am SUCH a character reader. I have to fall in love with the characters on the page. I have the get them, but also be confused by them. Make sense? Probably not. I want to understand them, but still have my questions too, because when you think about it, you can never really completely know or understand anyone. Each layer of every person is so complex... and some parts change as they grow while other stay the same. Those are the kind of characters I want to write. REAL. LAYERED. FLAWED. BEAUTIFUL.

What brought this on, you ask? Well, I don't know how many of you remember the show My So-Called Life. It only played for one season in the mid nineties, but it is and will always be one of my favorite shows. It not only shows real life like no other teen show I've ever seen, but the characters are so painfully real that they break your heart. And they make you smile. Make you hurt with them and feel their joys. I "get" them, but then in other ways, they baffle me. Rayanne, Ricky, Jordan and Angela. Even the parents, Sharon, and the "nerdy" neighbor Brian. They're all endearing for their own reasons, and they're all flawed, tragically flawed.

I could go on and on even more than I already have if I try and dissect all the characters. I'm sure my out-of-left-field post is already rambling enough, but I have to talk about Jordan and Angela.

Have two TV characters ever been written as raw and real as them? I'm not sure. Jordan. Gorgeous, sexy, aloof, troubled, Jordan Catalano. I love him. I do and I'm not even sure why. Most of the time he doesn't treat Angela the way he should. In fact, throughout the season he pulls some pretty crappy stuff where she is concerned. He wears this mask that he doesn't care and he's good at it. It fits him, but underneath it, hiding in all those layers I keep talking about, you know he loves her. You know he's...lost. Trying to navigate his way through his rocky life, just like Angela, only he's not as good at hiding it.

He's the epitome of the tortured hero. You can actually see the push and pull war being fought inside him. Feel the unexplainable magnetic draw sucking him toward her. And then the resistance, the push as he fights that pull. It's brilliant. You can't hate him, because somehow you feel his conflict. Or maybe it's just me... LOL.

And Angela. LOVE her. She is probably one of the most raw character I've ever seen. It's like you're living inside her heart while your watching the show. You feel each stab of rejection, each pulse of excitement, each seed of hope when it comes to Jordan. She's painfully honest in the truest form. I tear up while I'm watching her. My heart speeds up the first time Jordan acknowledges her in school and they walk down the hall holding hands.

It's incredible, beautiful storytelling.

And because I'm a totally cheesy romantic and just finished watching this episode, I leave you with Jordan finally being proud to walk down the hall with Angela.

Have you seen My So-Called Life? If not, you should. What are some of your favorite shows with great characterization?

Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss

2010-12-17T07:46:00.000-08:00

Blurb:
Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited?

I am not a happy camper. You see, I'm not real big on change. Once I have things figured out, I kind of like them to stay the way they are. Last week I made this awesome post with the nominations for all my favorite books in 2010. It's a good list. I'm proud of that list. Then I had to go and read Anna and the French Kiss. The books is good. Damn good. Good enough that it's going to rock my carefully constructed list of favorites of 2010 because it has to be added... In more than one category! And now my choices will be that much harder because... I LOVE THIS BOOK!

Okay, now that I have that out of the way, on with my review.

Where do I even start on the awesomeness that is this book? Do I start with Anna? The fun, smart, sarcastic narrator that you can't help but wish you could totally hang out with? She's the kind of character I want to be BFFs with. She's a cool girl, with a great voice. She made me laugh and want invite her over for a sleepover and not just because getting close to her would get me close to St. Claire either. In all honesty, I might have to add a favorite female character category to my favorites of 2010. I can't really explain it, but she was just a great main character. Honestly, I don't feel that a lot. I always say for me to love a book, I have to like the girl, but love the boy. This book accomplished something not a lot do-- I loved them both.

Which leads me to St. Claire... Etienne. *sigh* I am in love. SUCH a great male love interest. He was sweet, sexy, fun, smart. GAH, he even made me giggly. More. Than. Once. I couldn't get enough of him and I LOVED him with Anna. In fact, their relationship is one of my favorite parts of the book. Not just because I'm a romance addict, but because it was REAL. They didn't fall in love in ten seconds. Sure there was an instant attraction, but I adored their whole journey. It was such a joy watching them become friends. Best friends. Watching them learn and grow with each other while that sexual tension simmered beneath the surface. And then when it boiled over and led to their first kiss? Simply brilliant.

The secondary characters rock too. Usually I don't find myself getting close to them, but I did in this book. Love Josh and I really hope we're going to see him again in the future!

I know I've gone on and on and you're probably all ready for me to shut up, but I have to say one more time that I love this book. And St. Claire has an accent! Did I forget to mention that?

Awesome, awesome book that all YA book lovers must read. I already want to read it again!

5 pages

Oh, and totally lied when I said I wasn't happy because though this book is going to shake things up, I wouldn't have it any other way! SOOOO glad I read it!

Visit Ms. Perkins site HERE

Cover reveal!

2010-12-14T10:18:00.001-08:00

SO happy to see the newest Mortal Instruments cover today. I love, love, love it! Is it April yet?

What do you think of the cover?

Ending a series

2010-12-09T12:12:00.000-08:00

I think ending a series is one of those hurdles you don't always know how high it is, until you get there. When an author rounds that fine corner and hits the home stretch I can only imagine how that little hurdle suddenly looks like a mountain blocking your path.

First off, how do you know when to end it? I've read those series I felt ended too soon and then those that are kind of like the Energizer Bunny. They keep going and going.

But then you have the end. It's the last book and I can't imagine the pressure. Not wanting to let the readers down. Sticking to the path you've always had. Nervous about letting the characters go yourself. It has to be hard.

If you look at a lot of the last books in a series, I think you'll see there is a lot more mixed opinions on those books than the previous ones. Mockingjay and Breaking Dawn are twp that jump right out at me. Many of the die hard fans of both series really struggled with those last books.

Is it because it's hard for us to handle when a beloved series comes to an end? That we all have this idea in our head on how it should end and it's hard to accept something else? Is it almost because as a writer, its damn hard to close a series?

I don't know. What are your thoughts on series and also on finishing a series?

Kelley Award nominees

2010-12-07T10:48:00.001-08:00

I'm announcing the first ever Kelley Awards. These are my favorites out of all the books I read in 2010, not just books released this year. I might add to the nominees before the year is out depending on what I read. In January, I'll post the winners! It was tough to narrow it down!! Next year I think I'm going to keep a tab of all the books I read on the sidebar to make it easier.

So, here you have it. The nominees for the first annual Kelley Awards.

Best contemporary:
1. The Summer I Turned Pretty/It’s not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
2. Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler
3. Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly
4. I Know it’s Over by CK Kelly Martin
5. Return to Paradise by Simone Elkeles
6. Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles
7. Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Best Paranormal:
1. Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
2. Cresendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
3. Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead
4. Shade by Jeri Smith Ready
5. Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers
6. Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare
7. If I Stay by Gayle Foreman (not sure the category. To me its contemp with paranormal elements)

Favorite Debut Author:
1. Andrea Cremer
2. Lisa Desrochers
3. Tara Kelly
4. Jenny Lynn Barnes

Favorite book boy:
1. Peeta from Hunger Games series
2. Jace from Mortal Instruments
3. Justin from Harmonic Feedback
4. Shane from Morganville
5. Dimitri from Vampire Academy
6. Adrian from Vampire Academy

Favorite book READ this year:
1. Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
2. Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead
3. Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler
4. Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare
5. Harmonic Feedback
6. If I Stay by Gayle Foreman
7. I Know it’s Over by CK Kelly Martin

Favorite book RELEASED in 2010:
1. Nightshade
2. Cresendo
3. Last Sacrifice
4. Fixing Delilah
5. Harmonic Feedback
6. Personal Demons
7. Raised by Wolves

Santa, please?

2010-12-05T13:53:00.001-08:00

I want an eReader. I do. I've wanted one for awhile now, but just haven't been able to get one. They're just so cool, convenient and so much you can do with them. I've decided to ask Santa for one. Now, I don't know if he'll come through for me, but I'm going to ask

I have a secret though....

Santa can't know....

I'm a little nervous too. I'm scared it won't be the same for me. I love books. Paper and going to the bookstore. I'm scared the hubby...I mean Santa will get me one and then turn into the Grinch if I still want regular paper books too. I critique a lot for friends and I've noticed when I try to read from my computer, I'm much more of a critical reader than I am if I'm reading from paper. It's almost as if I don't enjoy it as much. Maybe that's because it's on my computer though? I'm torn! Torn I tell you!

Because I still want one. I'd love to be able to get books whenever I want. To hold thousands in one place (running out of room at home). GAH. What's a girl to do?

SO honest opinion. Who has an eReader? Do you love it? Hate it? Still buy paper books too? Have a preference on which you read. I need to know before I have a sit down with the big guy.

Oh and if you love one, Kindle or Nook?

I can't wait!

2010-12-03T08:03:00.000-08:00

Murder. Love. Jealousy. And the ultimate sacrifice. Now, with Rose on trial for her life and Lissa first in line for the Royal Throne, nothing will ever be the same between them.

I have SO much love for this series. Dimitri... Adrian... AHH, what's a girl to do! Totally team Dimitri though I LOVE Adrian too. This is one of those rare situations where I love both guys and will feel sorry for Adrian when she ends up with Dimitri because though I haven't read the book and have seen no spoilers, in my heart Dimitri is who she belongs with. LOL. Like how I just assume how it will end?

It doesn't happen often, but this is one of those books where I will be at Barnes and Noble the second it opens on release day. I will not be able to do or think about anything else until I know what happens.

<3

Are you Team Dimitri or Adrian?

Work in Progress Wednesday

2010-11-30T19:36:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my very first Work in Progress Wednesday. This is where I will give you an update of what I'm working on and share little teasers.

Last week I started a new story. It's pretty different than what I usually do. It's much more emotional, with some deeper internal conflicts than most of my characters. And honestly, its a little slower in coming too, but you know what? I think that's a good thing. I'm putting so much more thought into each word. Weighing how I saw things to make sure I'm doing these characters justice. I really feel like this book will be a test for me. One I really want to pass. LOL. I feel like it's a milestone for me though. If I can do this, I can do anything!

Here's my first paragraph! Enjoy :)

“How long?” The words rolled out of my mouth easier than they should have. I sat perfectly still, back straight as a board despite the tremor rattling my insides. I didn’t look at her. Couldn’t. Instead, I let my eyes drift to the pink sky, following the fireball sun…down…down as it hid behind the mountain. Disappearing the way I wanted to.

Are you a fan of emotional reads? What are some of your favorites?

Book Rec Monday

2010-11-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

Totally not the new year yet, but I'm making a Resolution. A December resolution if you will. Okay... so it's not December yet either, but close enough! LOL. My goal is to be a better blogger. A more interesting blogger. AND a more interactive blogger! So, in my search for ways to be a better blogger I've decided to start Book Rec Monday. Every Monday I will either recommend a book to you, new or old. Or if I can't think of anything worthy of a rec or I'm in need of a good read myself, I will ask you for your recommendation.

Easy peasy.

SO for this first Book Rec Monday I'm asking YOU what I should read. I have to admit, I browsed Barnes and Noble and Friday and nothing really jumped out at me. I actually went home empty handed which doesn't happen to me very often.

I'm not looking for any specific genre as long as there is a GOOD romance in it.

Throw them at me. What book recommendation do you have for me?

And stay tuned for Work In Progress Wednesday!

I am blessed

2010-11-24T12:29:00.000-08:00

glitter-graphics.com

It's been an emotional week for me. My dear, sweet, wonderful best friend lost her husband unexpectedly. It's tragic and heartbreaking and my heart is with her, but it reminded me of something. To hold my loved ones tight. To remember how truly lucky I am and that you never, ever know what's going to happen from one day to the next.

I am SO thankful for my family. I have an incredible husband and two beautiful, wonderful little girls. I am blessed.

I have some amazing friends. Friends that I know would do anything for me and I hope they know, I would do anything for them. Again, I am blessed.

I'm able to stay home with my girls. Help with homework and play with them. On top of that, I am able to follow my passion. To write the stories that have lived inside me for so long. So blessed.

I am healthy. My family is healthy. Health is such a fragile thing. We are truly blessed.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Hold your loved ones. Eat, laugh, talk, hug. Call an old friend. Make a new friend. Celebrate and be safe.

And please, say a prayer for my friend and her family. I am so lucky to have her in my life.

Happy Thanksgiving.

What are you grateful for this year?

Book Review: Fixing Delilah

2010-11-20T21:33:00.001-08:00

Blurb:
Things in Delilah Hannaford's life have a tendency to fall apart.

She used to be a good student, but she can't seem to keep it together anymore. Her friends are drifting away. Her "boyfriend" isn't a boyfriend. Her mother refuses to discuss the fight that divided the Hannaford family eight years ago. Falling apart, it seems, runs in the family.

When Delilah must spend the summer helping to settle her estranged grandmother's estate, she's suddenly confronted by her family's painful past. Faced with questions that cannot be ignored and secrets that threaten to burst free, Delilah begins to doubt all that she's ever known to be true.

I have to start out by saying that I know, no matter how much I try, no matter how much I search for the words, this review will not be able to do this book justice. It was that good. But alas! I will try anyway.

A few months ago I picked up Ms. Ockler's first book, Twenty Boy Summer and fell in love. I didn't think it would be possible to find another book that measured up to it. It's always so frightening for me, when I find a book that touches my heart, that I will go into the authors next book, hoping for the same feeling, only to be let down. Ms. Ockler didn't let me down. If fact, Fixing Delilah surpassed anything I could have hoped for.

Again, I'm not sure how to put into words, how Delilah's story made me feel. Ms. Ockler excels at writing complex, deep, REAL emotions in a way I'm not sure anyone else does. They're not just words on paper. Or feelings told to me by a character in a book. Her words mix and blend, bring a story to life so much that I felt them. It's like her prose bleed right from the pages and bury themselves inside you. They're not words anymore but emotions, feeling, love, loss, fear, happiness, anger. I felt them along with not only Delilah, but her mom, he aunt, and Patrick. In the memories of her aunt and even pain for her grandmother.

The writing flows together in beautiful thoughts and visuals. It's elegance, laced with emotions and a lyrical blend, if that makes any sense. I think the beauty of her words is what makes her characters and writing so real. It's really quite amazing. Some of the prose are so simple, yet the way she strings them together, it leaves you in awe. I'm not sure how else to put it.

"Look up. Look up. Look up. Look up and see me and stop and lay your guitar in the grass and run up the path to my house and throw open the door and find me here, just find me, find me here crying over you, needing and wanting you more than anything in my life. Look up, Patrick Reese. Look up look up look up..." ~Fixing Delilah

I probably read the above paragraph ten times. I was the girl looking at the window needing so bad to be seen my someone. It brought tears to my eyes when I read it and just typing it gave me the chills.

Fixing Delilah is an incredible emotional journey. A beautiful book about love, loss, pain, and finding out who you are. Ms. Ockler writes characters you love, boys you fall in love with, people you relate too and in the end, you find friends within the pages.

Fixing Delilah has a special spot on my keeper shelf as probably my favorite read of the year.

I know I've rambled on, but I have to say one more thing. Books like this are the reason I write. They not only tell a story, but inspire you. My only hope is that one day, I write a book that has the power to make another reader feel the way I felt as I read this book. It did more that touch my heart. It spoke to my soul.

In her acknowledgement, Ms. Ockler said her agent told her if anyone could do this, it was her and he was right.

5 Pages

Visit Sarah Ockler's site HERE

Book quote of the week

2010-11-17T22:13:00.000-08:00

SO, because I've always loved quotes I figured I'd start something new on my blog. Once a week I will share one of my favorite book quotes.

Since I've been on a Mortal Instruments kick this week I'm going to share one of my favorites from the series.

Jace: "I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there's a life after that, I'll love you then." ~City of Glass

Feel free to swoon...

And for fun, some Jace honorable mentions.

"Since I met you, everything I've done has been in part because of you. I can't untie myself from you, Clary--not my heart or my blood or my mind or any other part of me. And I don't want to." ~City of Glass

"I know it's wrong - God, it's all kinds of wrong - but I just want to lie down with you and wake up with you, just once, just once ever in my life." ~ City of Glass

"I don't want to be a man. I want to be an angst ridden teenager who can't confront his own inner demons and takes it out verbally on other people instead." ~ City of Ashes

"Every time you almost die, I almost die myself" ~City of Ashes

"If you wanted to rip my clothes off, all you had to do is ask." ~ City of Bones

Do you have a favorite quote from a book you read this week?

Mortal Instruments series

2010-11-16T13:24:00.001-08:00

Ummm, where have I been? Trying to figure out why I just now read these books. I have spent the past few days devouring all three of them. Told a friend about them and she read them along with me (from the other side of the US. lol). We texted back and forth.

"OMG! You aren't going to believe what I just read"

"What part are you on??"

LOL. It was a blast and the books totally held my interest. Awesome world the author built. It was fast paced and entertaining and of course it has to be said...

Jace. I heart him! He's probably one of my favorite characters I've ever read. I've always been a sucker for those tortured souls. Hard on the outside, but just needing love on the inside. She crafted him so well.

Anyone know when the next book comes out? I also heard there is going to be a movie!

Are there any books you've been late to jump on the train and now you're wondering what took you so long?

Group author blog anyone?

2010-11-15T11:14:00.000-08:00

Hello! A couple of my YA writer friends and I are looking to start a group blog and we're in need of one more person! We don't have all the details worked out yet, but we're looking for someone who writes YA, who is serious about their writing and working their way toward publication. It can be any kind of YA. I write contemporary romance, one writes paranormal romance, another writes contemporary and paranormal fiction. We welcome it all!

The plan is five YA writers and we can each take one day of the week, Mon-Fri to be our blog day.

If you're interested, please send me an email at writer kelley (at) yahoo (dot) com, no spaces of course.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Oooh, and contest!

2010-11-14T08:07:00.001-08:00

Chanelle from Beyond Words is having an incredible contest to win some pretty fantastic books. You have the chance to win a pre-order of Delirium, Angel Fire, Fall for Anything and much more! Plus, her blog just rocks my socks so you're a winner no matter what. Visit her blog HERE for more details and if you enter, please don't forget to say you were referred by me!

New plots and awesome new reads

2010-11-13T14:42:00.000-08:00

I've been running future story ideas through my head the past few days. I've come up with a few things I like, but nothing that lit the fire under me. I'm usually one of those writers who has to sit down and really think, run different plots and ideas over and over until I come up with something that just feels right. So, that's where I've been, in plot mode trying to figure out what to write. After a few days of trying and coming up pretty empty-handed, I was playing with my kiddo when a scene seriously just popped into my head. It was so vivid that I SAW it play out. Felt the emotion of the scene, as if it was happening to me.

First thing I did was take a few minutes to myself to get a little more direction for the story. A few ideas surfaced that accent the scene. I figured out where the characters would go next and the basic premise for the book. I have a lot of tweaking to do. I need to flesh the idea out, but I've never had a story just visually appear like that. It was a pretty amazing feeling.

To top it off, its a sad one. I can promise my stories will always have some kind of happily ever after, but I think there will definitely be some tears along the way. If I stay on the path I'm thinking, it will probably be my most emotional story.

Which is exciting.

And scary as hell. LOL.

So, wish me luck as I embark on this new story. I have the scene already written down and I can't wait to keep going on it.

If you are a writer, how did you usually come up with your story ideas? Are you a plotter or pantster.

Also, what's everyone reading? I started the Mortal Instruments series. I can't believe I haven't read them yet!

Excerpt: What a Boy Wants

2010-11-09T10:49:00.000-08:00

I'm sharing another excerpt from my book, What a Boy Wants today. In this scene, Sebastian and Jaden are being typical teenage boys who sneak into a girls room when her parents are out. Of course their best friends, Aspen and Pris end up bailing them out in the end :)

Dana and Jaden curled up on the couch in Alex’s room. She was one of those rich kids like Pris where Daddy went all out for her. With Pris, you’d never know it. Unlike Alex, she didn’t flaunt that her parents had more money than the Facebook guy.

Alex’s room had to be about three of mine. It looked like a small apartment and had a flat screen on the wall. After grabbing two sodas from Jay I climbed onto the bed. I patted the spot beside me. “Sit with me?” I asked.

She did just that. We ate our food and talked about the upcoming summer. Before I knew it, the movie was on and the lights were down.

I know it might seem like it, but I’m not a jerk. I usually gave a girl at least thirty minutes into the movie before I tried anything. It’s the adjustment period, where I really got a feel for what she wanted. Is she sitting close to me? Leaning toward me? Was her hand strategically placed between us for me to hold? All those are signs, little beacons that let me know if there will be anything more not.

With Alex, I didn’t have to wait. As soon as we finished eating her slinky little hand slid up my leg and every radar in my body beamed. Hell yes! Houston, we have the green light!

Before I knew it, the credits were rolling; I had no idea what the movie had been about, my jaw hurt and I had my hand on the curvy backside I’d been admiring earlier. It’s a wonder I heard the noise at all, but like I said, my damn jaw hurt from the marathon kiss session. Not that I was complaining, but it was starting to cramp up.

“Princess?” The closed door didn’t do enough to muffle the very dad-like voice on the other side.

“Oh shit!” Jaden said from the other side of the room. I jerked away from Alex. A little too far, because I tumbled off the side of the bed, making a loud thump.

“Shh,” I loudly shushed Jaden like Alex’s dad didn’t already hear his curse and my fall.

“Alexandra!” The door rattled. Someone had been smart enough to lock it. I scrambled to my feet. My sore jaw was nothing compared to my heart trying to jump out of my chest. Jaden’s wide eyes scanned the room, obviously as freaked as I was. I don’t know what he had to worry about. He was only kissing the friend. I’m the one who had my hand up his princess’s skirt.

Alex and Dana started pacing the room.

“I thought you said they weren’t coming home till midnight!” I don’t know why it mattered to me. They were here and we were dead unless we could get out of here.

“Hold on, Daddy! I’m getting dressed,” she replied.

I hit my forehead with the palm of my hand. Lying wasn’t going to work at this point and if she was going to lie, getting dressed was probably the dumbest one she could come up with.

A loud crash sounded from the hallway. “Alexandra, you open this door right now!”
I ran for the window and pulled it open. Thank God for trees. “Come on, Jay!” I crawled onto the branch, hoping like hell the thing wouldn’t snap.

“Hurry!” Jaden practically pushed me out of the way to join me. As soon as he did, I heard a crack. Fumbling my way toward the trunk of the tree, I wrapped my arms around it like it had been Alex about five minutes ago. Jaden latched on behind me, his arms round me too.

“Get off!” I pushed at him as he wormed his way beside me. We started scaling down.

“You little punks!” I looked up to see Alex’s red-faced dad sticking out of the window. “I’m going to castrate you!”

No way could I lose it before I really had the chance to use it. My hands stung as I slid down the tree. The second Jaden and I hit the ground, I saw her front door jerk open. Daddy was pissed and he had a bat! We ran. Unfortunately, Jaden’s car was the opposite direction. My chest hurt but I pushed forward, Jaden right beside me. Daddy was on our tail, swinging his bat and cursing.

“Pris!” I told him. She lived in this neighborhood. We cut through a yard, picking up speed trying to lose him. As we hit the next street over, I saw them. Pris and Aspen stood in Pris’s driveway. They were looking at something in the trunk of Aspen’s car. A quick glance behind me told me we might have lost him. I wasn’t going to take any chances.

I looked again. He hadn’t rounded the corner yet. I had no choice but to dive in the trunk. Jaden was right behind me.

“Where’d you go you little punks!” He was still after us. Aspen must have put two and two together pretty quickly and slammed the trunk. She always was smart.

As I fought to catch my breath, Jaden’s sweaty back against mine, I cursed. Aspen and Pris would never let us live this down.

Paranormal: still hot, hot, hot or starting to fizzle?

2010-11-07T20:50:00.000-08:00

I'm a big paranormal reader. Always have been and always will be. I love contemporary just as much, but I've always been fascinated with paranormal as well.

It seems in the past few years paranormal has pretty much exploded. So many more people are reading and writing it than before, IMO. It's going beyond vampires and werewolves to demons, angels, faeries, gods, and on and on.

But what happens when we run out of creatures? Are there enough paranormal things that go bump in the night out there or is the well starting to run dry? Lately I've read some fantastic paranormals. Nightshade was werewolves, but completely different than anything I've ever read. Loved Raised by Wolves as well. Personal Demons was a fun demon/angel story. I haven't found many new vamp stories lately, but I'm sure they're out there.

On the other hand, I've picked up some books that I just haven't been able to finish too. I KNOW you're going to get that in any genre. Stories that have been told before are always out there and honestly, I'm of the mind that there are only so many basic plots out there, what matters is the voice, the author's spin and creativity. How they make something their own with that little twist that hasn't been done before.

As a writer, I write contemporary. I've always wanted to write a paranormal, but I just haven't found that story that grabbed me enough. I just haven't come up with something that feels RIGHT for me yet, but I have to admit, sometimes when I'm browsing writing sites or keeping an eye out for what's selling, the writer part of me gets a little bummed because it ALL seems to be paranormal lately (I don't mean anything against paranormal or authors. Like I said, I read it. I'm speaking from a primarily contemporary writer point of view). And I know you're not supposed to write for the market and I know they say no matter what genre you write, if its a great story and great writing, someone is going to want it, but I wonder, since paranormal is SO hot right now, if that puts the newbie contemporary authors at a slight disadvantage?

On the other hand, it could be the complete opposite. The market is so full of great paranormals right now, that makes it that much harder for writers to stand out, as well.

So, I know there's no way to get real answers to my questions. That nothing is cut and dry. Black or white, but I'm curious how my blog readers feel about paranormal books right now. Are you still completely engrossed as you've always been? Is anyone out there feeling like they want something completely different? Some out-there creature or story that we've never seen the likes of before? Is your love starting to fizzle because of how many paranormals out there or are they just as hot to you as they've always been?

EDIT
I visited the Kidlit blog today and she posted about YA contemporary and how its a harder sell. Check out the post HERE

Also, I want to stress I'm not talking about writing for the market. I don't plan on changing what I write because of what is selling and what's not. I DO believe good stories will be told and even though I have always wanted to write paranormal, I haven't yet because I haven't found the story that I NEED to tell yet. I'm just curious how everyone feels about paranormal vs. contemp and if you're still as hot for paranormal as you've been the past few years.

Book Review: Nightshade

2010-10-28T12:02:00.001-07:00

Blurb:
While other teenage girls daydream about boys, Calla Tor imagines ripping out her enemies’ throats. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Calla was born a warrior and on her eighteenth-birthday she’ll become the alpha female of the next generation of Guardian wolves. But Calla’s predestined path veers off course the moment she saves the life of a wayward hiker, a boy her own age. This human boy’s secret will turn the young pack's world upside down and forever alter the outcome of the centuries-old Witches' War that surrounds them all.

I. Love. This. Book.
Ms. Cremer did an awesome job of completely drawing me into her world from page one. The beginning scene reached out and grabbed my attention and did not let go until I finished the last page. Actually, that's a lie because I finished the book a few days ago and it STILL has my attention.

I will admit that at times the world was a little confusing. I had to slow down (which is my fault for being too excited and reading too fast), but there were parts I had to slow the pace and read again or try and remember who people were. That did not pull me away from the story though. I can't imagine the work and research that went into this book. Her wolf world is detailed and complex, and amazingly creative. I was in awe while reading it. Nightshade was filled with action, friendship, family, loyalty, love, and on top of that, it was oh so sexy!

Calla, Calla. Where has she been all my life? GREAT, strong female character. Her feelings are almost as complex as the plot. So many emotions and traits woven together to create a character I not only want to hang out with, but also totally respect. She's so torn between what she feels in her heart and her duty. Her family loyalty is fiercely strong. She wants to do what's expected of her, though not in a way that weakens her character, IMO, but also has the drive to find out the truth and to follow her heart.

Shay was just too cute for word. I love him because he's the perfect blend between the strong, confident male character who goes for what he wants, but he's also sweet, respectful, and wants her happiness. He's not going to give up, but he won't push her too far either. Love that about him. He's smart, funny and basically just rocks my socks.

I also really enjoy the secondary characters. Ren, Bryn, Mason and Ansel are favorite characters of mine. The devotion and loyalty of the pack, brought an extra flare of life to this already enthralling story.

Lastly, and I know I've rambled on and on, but I love that Ms. Cremer didn't take the cut corners with this book. We have homosexual wolves (LOVE Mason), creepy ick-inspiring villains, and real characters with real emotions. Decisions arent always easy and she didn't make Calla's choices be easy either. At times we're all just a mixed-up ball of emotions and it takes us time to find our way. I think Calla was a believable character because of that.

CAN NOT WAIT FOR BOOK TWO.

5 Pages
Visit Andrea Cremer's site HERE

Book Review: Cresendo

2010-10-21T19:41:00.000-07:00

Blurb:
Nora should have know her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.

The farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn't answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine?

*Breathe Kelley* Okay, I was SO looking forward to this book. I picked up Hush, Hush on a whim last year when I first really started reading YA and fell in love. I've been counting down the days until Cresendo's release ever since.

It started out perfect for me. Lots of Patch and Nora and I heart Patch so much so I was giddy. As things went on a bit, I wasn't sure. I never at any point disliked the book or anything and I KNEW there was a good reason that the things that were happening were happening, but I almost lost it a few times (my sanity I mean)! LOL. I yelled at characters. Slammed the book closed. Had to take a few deep breaths and even said, "Why, Patch? Why, Nora?" so many times, but alas, just like I thought, there was a good reason for everything! And because of those moments that I just melted for Patch, and then the moments where I was angry at both him and Nora the book was a huge roller coaster ride of emotions for me that I just LOVED.

Ms. Fitzpatrick has done it again! Cresendo was an action-packed, thrill of a book, that gave me a multitude of emotions. She definitely knows how to keep a reader entertained. I am even MORE excited for book three than I was for Cresendo. Patch and Nora have hooked me and I think they're some pretty long-lasting hooks that will keep be ensnared until I get my hands on Tempest.

If you have not read this series, you MUST! It is definitely up there with my favorite YA series' out there. Check it out. You won't regret it (though I'm still a little mad at Nora. Just a smidgen).

This review would also not be complete if I didn't add in there that Patch totally owns me. The ex-fallen angel/new guardian angel has still held onto his spot as my favorite book character.

Visit Becca Fitzpatrick's website HERE

5 Pages

EPIC love stories VS Love stories

2010-10-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

This is something I've thought a lot about lately. I read a lot of romance/love stories. I read contemporary and paranormal, adult and YA. Nothing gets me like a good love story. If its powerful enough, I cry, I laugh, I fall in love as well. And that's big for me...that feeling of falling in love with a love story. As many love stories as I read and as much as I devour and totally enjoy them all, I think there is a big difference between an epic love story and just a love story and I don't think we get a lot of epic love stories. I can't even say what I think all the differences are. I can say, even though I write love stories, I'm not sure...no, I know I haven't written an epic love story. Yes, my characters fall in love totally and completely, but with an epic love story, it's like that act of falling in love completely changes their life. It transforms the character. There is a distinct before and after falling in love and those two parts are almost like the opposite of each other.

Not sure if I'm making ANY sense at all. It's hard to put into words what I mean, but there is something about those epic love stories that can bring out SO many emotions in you. Its almost like just by reading it, YOUR life has changed too. You have the same before and after.

I know so many people don't like Twilight. Whether its the writing, the sparkling, Bella or whatever issue you have with the book, it's the closest published book I can think of to an epic love story. But that's what I want! Not only to write someday, but also to read. I want EPICNESS! Characters who are so deeply affected by each other that their lives will NEVER be the same.

Now, it's confession time. There is a story that was recommended to me over a year ago. I was hesitant because it was fanfiction. I never thought it was something I would be interested in. But I kept hearing about this story and I was bored with nothing to read and I decided to go for it. I will say even though its "Twilight" fanfiction that it is only for adults. I definitely don't think its something teens should read and also, I hate to even categorize this story as Twilight anything because it's so incredibly different. The only things that are the same are the names. And this story stood out so much on its own, that it wasn't those characters for me. They were their own, with their own story and I completely forgot about it even BEING fanfiction. To me, even more than Twilight could ever be, this story is an EPIC love story. It's raw, honest, riddled with profanity, but it's real too. I think it tells a story that a lot of us, myself included would never want to admit could and really would happen in the United States. It's about a girl, who was born into current day slavery in the mafia world. She's bought by a made man in the mafia and happens to fall in love with his son. It crosses lines of what is okay and what isn't. Their worlds are SO different. His family are her masters and he's rich and pampered and she is abused and can't look people in the eye. But when it boils down to it, they're not different at all. And their love is real.

I will honestly admit that the actual story itself is the most beautiful story I've ever read. Not the death, abuse, drugs, and all of that (even though that part doesn't bother me because I think it makes the story more real. This is mafia life after all) and there is a lot of it in this story, but the love. It's in a word...EPIC. They transform each other and it was one of the first times I felt honored to read a story.

I think we can all say what we want to say about fanfiction. I don't read a lot of it, but respect the people who put themselves out there and write it. To me, Emancipation Proclamation wasn't about being fanfiction. It was about an epic love story. I sooo want to read more epic love stories.

Are there any books you've read that you consider a true epic love story? Do share! I'd like to add more to my to be read list!

Cresendo!!!!!!

2010-10-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to say I know I totally suck at blogging lately, but I'm being productive! I promise! Hoping to finish my book in a couple weeks so I'm buckling down until then. Except...well... I got Cresendo and I HAVE to read it! So excited and there will be a review to come! This books has been one of my most anticipated reads of the YEAR!

So... Cresendo review coming soon. My book hopefully finished soon. Hope everyone is doing well and don't bail on me. I'll still be around. lol.

My finds...

2010-10-08T17:28:00.001-07:00

Here are my finds this week!

THIS IS AN ADULT BOOK! LOL. You will NOT find this book in the YA section.

Blurb:

At the crossroads of death and desire, a woman tastes a pleasure no mortal is meant to survive . . .

In the frozen Alaskan wilderness, former state trooper Jenna Darrow survives an unspeakable breach of body and soul. But with her narrow escape comes an even greater challenge. For strange changes are taking place within her, as she struggles to understand--and control--a new hunger. To do so, she will seek shelter in the Boston compound of the Order, an ancient race of vampire warriors whose very existence is shrouded in mystery. Perhaps the most mysterious of them all is Brock, a brooding, dark-eyed alpha male whose hands hold the power to comfort, heal . . . and arouse.

As she recovers under Brock's care, Jenna finds herself drawn to the Order's mission: to stop a ruthless enemy and its army of assassins from subjecting Earth to a reign of terror. Yet in spite of their resolve, a purely physical relationship without strings soon binds Brock and Jenna together with a desire fiercer than life and stronger than death itself--until a secret from Brock's past and Jenna's own mortality challenges their forbidden love to the ultimate trial by fire.

This is one of my favorite series! I have been patiently... ok... impatiently waiting for this one since the last book came out. I can't wait to dive in!

Blurb:
A chronic illness shapes not only the awareness of the sufferer, but the dynamics of an entire family, a tactic cleverly used by frequent collaborators Burns and Metz to structure the plot of this vampire romance. Shay McGuire has been sick from birth with an undiagnosed blood disorder. Now 17, she longs for even enough normalcy to make it through a week of school. When her physician stepfather offers her a new kind of blood transfusion therapy, Shay is unprepared for the startling visions and unusual vitality that follow. During her spurts of energy, Shay acts out recklessly, until her mother demands a halt to the new treatment. Breaking into her stepfather's office, Shay finds a man chained to a table--a man she recognizes instantly from her visions. He is the source of her transfusions, and a vampire. Though not marketed as such, this volume is clearly first in a projected series, ending on a cliffhanger. Smoothly written and offering a thoughtful look at the very human reactions of "the Sick Girl," it's a promising entry in an overcrowded field. Ages 14 up. (Sept.)

This one I picked up for the cover. Well, I'd noticed it online because of the cover and then saw a few good reviews on it. I think it looks like a good one. Love the concept and looking forward to stepping into this new world.

What were your finds this week?

What I am...

2010-10-07T12:50:00.000-07:00

Reading: Lovesick by Jake Coburn

Looking forward to: Cresendo and Nightsade.

Listening to: 18th Floor Balcony by Blue October.

Watching: Don't watch much TV.

Working on: Finishing writing What a Boy Wants.

Plotting: A new idea I came up with last night! No spoilers. LOL.

Craving: Popcorn with season salt.

Loving: My work in progress. Sebastian owns me.

Drinking: It's finally cool enough for hot chocolate! Don't think it will last though.

Wishing For: An ARC of Fixing Delilah. LOL. Don't think it will happen.

Dreaming about: "The Call" (agent).

Hoping to see: Bobby Long back in LA.

Wanting more time for: Blogging and writing.

Thankful for: My life.

Loving that I wrote today: "I lay in the bed with Aspen curled beside me wondering why the hell I’d ever made fun of guys who were whipped."~ Sebastian- What a Boy Wants

Just a little update on where I am this week. LOL. What about you? Give me a couple What I ams...

A little of this and a little of that

2010-10-06T08:08:00.001-07:00

I've been a bad blogger lately. In my defense, I HAVE been getting more stuff done. If I keep up at the rate I'm going, I'm only a few weeks away from finishing the first draft of What A Boy Wants which just rocks my socks. Sebastian is just now getting himself into a little trouble and its really fun to write!

Anyway, I've been doing a bit of reading lately too. I read book two and three in Rachel Vincent's Soul Screamers series. GAH! I can't believe what happened in book three!! I was seriously on the edge of my seat the whole time. Nash... my sweet Nash. I'm still in a bit of shock from it all. I really love him and seriously I am on countdown mode until book four comes out. Does anyone know how many books will be in this series?

I just have to say this is going to be a great month for books. I am SO excited for the 19th! We get Cresendo (CRESENDO!!!) AND Nightshade on one day. Of course I'll go broke buying them both, but that's beyond the point. What's more important: books or food? I'd go with books every time. LOL. Nightshade looks fantastic and I can't wait to get my hand on it.

Anyway, that's all that's been going on with me. What's everyone else been up to? Reading anything good?

OC Children's Book Festival

2010-10-04T10:08:00.001-07:00

When my friend Tara and I snuck out of our houses early Sunday morning to head over to Orange County for the OC Children's Book Festival. We had a list of authors we really wanted to meet and get autographs from and were just excited to spend the day around books, authors and people who love reading.

We got there right when it opened and it was pretty slow. There weren't too many people milling around so we enjoyed browsing before the massive crowds would arrive. Standing at the register at a book stand I was paying for my book. Tara nudged me and whispered something. I had no idea what it was and said hold on, talking with the woman at the register. I took my time and once I was finished she rushes me aside and says, "OMG! I think Becca Fitzpatrick is right there!" So then my heart starts racing. She is who we really, REALLY wanted to meet. We're both such HUGE fans of Hush, Hush and on pins and needles for Cresendo!

So, pulling our best James Bond moves we quickly, but nonchalantly snuck to the other side of the booth and guess who was there? YES! Becca. Another fan was showing her so beautiful artwork she'd done for Hush, Hush that simply took my breath away. When it was our turn we approached her (my hands were shaking like a crazy person). I have to say it's always scary meeting someone you admire. You never know if they will really be what you expect and right or wrong, it can be a let down if they're not. Becca was amazing! She is one of the sweetest, most gracious women I've ever met. Despite my nerves she made me feel completely at ease. She wasn't in a rush and spent about fifteen minutes chatting with us. We talked about books and she was also kind enough to ask me about my writing. I have to say it was the highlight of the day. It's funny, I obviously love her books, but meeting her makes me love them more! Meeting her was definitely the highlight of the day!

This was the first year they had a teen stage at this festival and I think it's pretty safe to say it was a hit! They books some fabulous authors. They ran in fifteen minutes time slots, speaking and reading on the stage and then signing at the booth. We were lucky enough to get all the autographs we wanted!

The above picture is Ms. Kling. I haven't read Sea, but after her reading it's definitely on my to be bought list. It sounds like something I would love!

Lisa Desrochers was super cool! She was the second author that we were both really giddy to meet. Loved her reading on stage. She had her brother with her and they were both very nice, sociable people. We enjoyed our chat with them as well!

Can you say Lauren Kate? LOL. She graced us with a reading from Torment and was very friendly at the signing. And, she wore some AWESOME boots ;)

Tara bought her second copy of Hush, Hush for her mom. We were able to get Becca to sign this one at the signing. She also read from Cresendo on the Teen Stage and it only increased my hunger for the book! GAH! Patch, Nora! I can't wait to see what happens.

Nancy Holder was there as well, but I can't find my pictures of her :( Her newest book, Crusade is our bookclub selection for the month of October so it was really neat to get her to sign for us.

We say some authors speak who we hadn't heard of and they totally made us excited to get our hands on their books.

Gitty Daneshvari just rocks my socks. She's hilarious! I don't usually read books with younger protags, but I will definitely be picking up School of Fear.

Cecil Castellucci read from Rose Sees Red. I loved her excerpt and can't wait to get my hands on her book as well.

There were more and I'm sorry I didn't get every one's names. It was a fantastic day and I will be there again next year! It was a great day!

You have to watch this

2010-09-29T09:10:00.000-07:00

I heart the Girls in the Stacks. I read their blog faithfully and know I can always go there for honest reviews, girl talk, and some hilarious videos. They have a GREAT video up right now for Banned Books Week. If you're in the mood for a big laugh, but also with a great message, check out their video HERE. These ladies rock my socks ;)

My finds

2010-09-25T16:50:00.000-07:00

My finds is my own little weekly (okay, supposed to be weekly, but I forget a lot) post where I let you know what gems I found in the bookstore that week. Here are my finds from this week. Anyone read either of these? Have any suggestions on what I should read first? What are YOU reading?

Four Little Words Written in Lipstick...
mean Emily must say goodbye to everything she knows. Emily Carson has always been a good girl. So when she throws a party the night her parents leave for vacation, she's sure she'll get busted. What Emily doesn't know is that her parents will never return. That their plane will go down. And the only thing left amidst the wreckage will be a tray table with the words: Emily please forgive me scrawled in lipstick—her mother's last words.

Now it's fall in New York City and Emily's trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Her public tragedy captures the attention of more than just the media—and soon two very different boys at her new school are pursuing her: the cute, popular Owen and the quirky chemistry partner slash pastry-baker-by-night, Anthony. But even with such delicious distractions, Emily can't let go of her mother's mysterious apology. Does she have the courage to face the truth?

With help of a whole new kind of family—one that includes a make-up artist to the stars, a teen model, and a wacky hairdresser—Emily must choose between the boy who makes her forget it all, and the one who encourages her to remember, and ultimately, heal.

Sometimes goodbye is just the beginning.

Blurb:
The summer before their senior year, Annabelle and Pete are looking forward to reuniting on rainy Gingerbread Beach and continuing their summer romance--they're not yet an official couple. However, Annabelle's new obsession with astrology, stemming from the success it brought her fantasy baseball team, drives pragmatic Pete nuts ("I just sat there on my bed listening to Annabelle go on and on about how Jeter had Saturn in his sixth house or something equally insane"). Annabelle is hurt, but determined to prove that her faith in the stars isn't a joke, so she dares him to run a boardwalk astrology business with her, predicting people's love lives and offering advice. It's a huge success and Pete turns out to be a natural, but the tension between Pete and Annabelle moves beyond their Yankees vs. Red Sox rivalry when he begins dating a tattooed college girl. Castle's debut is fluffy, but the characters' alternating perspectives provide convincing teenage voices. The preface to each chapter employs a horoscope to describe new characters (who are otherwise only lightly developed), but the interpretation of astrological principles is intelligent and absorbing.

Honorable Mention

2010-09-24T11:57:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd share some cool news. I entered a logline contest a couple weeks back and What A Boy Wants was an honorable mention!

Here's my tagline...

WHAT A BOY WANTS - YA-Contemp romance
Sebastian has always thought he knew what girls wanted. After all, he’s the school’s best kept secret—The Hook-up Artist. Too bad his undercover matchmaking skills didn’t prepare him for his biggest challenge—falling in love. - Kelley Vitollo

Check out the other honorable mentions and the winning entry HERE

Who do you picture?

2010-09-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

So, I was reading a really good book the other day. I was totally into it. Like the MC and thought her love interest was fantastic. He made me laugh, was totally loyal, but not too clingy. He was one of those mysterious types that I love so much. The thing was... I hated his physical description. We all have our styles. I like dark hair, some people like blonds. Tall, short, blue eyes brown eyes etc. Even though there is a certain physical description I like best (black hair, green eyes and a wicked grin) I usually welcome the blonds, or those chocolate eyed guys. I'm okay with piercings or not. Tattoos or not. Baggy jeans, hats etc. etc. It usually doesn't bother me. In this book though, I don't know what it was, but my mind automatically gave him a different look. I didn't do it on purpose, but I created my own visual of him that seemed to fit better than the book description. I know it sounds bad. She's the writer and she created this character, but the book description just didn't fit him to me.

That's the first time I've done this. I usually just let myself see who the author tells me to see. I just couldn't do that here.

Do you ever create your own picture of what characters look like? Have you ever thought a description just didn't fit and you couldn't see a character the way the author described him or her?

Speak Loudly for Laurie Halse Anderson

2010-09-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

I usually try to keep my opinions to myself when it comes to topics such as religion, politics, sex etc. Today, I've found something important enough that I've decided I can't stay quiet.

As most of you know, Laurie Halse Anderson wrote a book called Speak. It's about a young girl who is raped. After the attack she doesn't speak. She can't talk about what happened so she doesn't speak at all.

Now, a man named Wesley Scroggins has decided and written an article saying that this book, because of the rape scenes is pornographic and filthy. Yes, you read that right. In his mind, books such as Speak, a book that helps young children who have been raped know that they are not alone, should be banned! Not only that, but in his words regarding this being in school:

This is unacceptable, considering that most of the school board members and administrators claim to be Christian. How can Christian men and women expose children to such immorality? Parents, it is time you get involved!

To me, rape is immoral, not giving a voice to it is immoral. Are we blaming the victim here? By shoving this book in the corner and calling it immoral, aren't we telling those poor kids who may have experienced this that they should shove it in a corner? Keep silent about it because its dirty? Let's just pretend this stuff doesn't happen and it will go away. God forbid we let these kids have a voice. Let them know that keeping silent doesn't make it go away and no matter how they feel, that they are NOT alone. I'm literally sick to my stomach right now.

When will people learn that taking education away won't fix the problems? That banning books, closing doors and zipping our mouths is only hurting people? How is a sixteen year old girl who may have gone through this, but is afraid to speak out going to feel when she reads an article calling a rape scene pornography and that bringing this issue in the open, sharing it is dirty?

What about the girls and boys who have spoken because of this book? They've opened their mouths and chosen to SPEAK because they want someone to listen. They know they're not alone.

Please speak up about this issues. If you're on Twitter go to #speakloudly

Please read Ms. Anderson's blog post HERE

Visit Melanie's blog HERE for another post on the subject. She's also linking all the other blog posts by other bloggers, some who have shared their own personal stories.

Author of Twenty Boy Summer (one of my favs) has also blogged about this HERE

Also, here is a poem read by Ms. Anderson. She shares bits and pieced of letters and emails she's gotten from children who have experienced what Melinda, the main character in the book did.

Edit****
I wanted to add something else. This isn't specifically about Speak, but about the whole issue of whats wrong and right in YA books. I saw passages from books like Twenty Boy Summer highlighted by Scroggins. That's another book he has an issue with. I really don't understand how some people think. I'm a thirty year old woman. I hope my kids don't drink and curse, when they're teens, but I can tell you, I'm sure they will. I can tell you, I DID and it wasn't because I read about a character playing beer pong in a book. I didn't even read YA books much when I was in high school. I did it because kids do those things. Because regardless of that book, I saw that in school and you know what, I'm not a bad person because of it.

When an author writes about teenage life, she's not glorifying it or telling kids to go have a beer, she's honestly keeping it real. Does that mean every kid does it? Nope. Do a lot? Umm, yeah, and we'd be stupid not to think that. By getting rid of books like Twenty Boy Summer, a book that at its core is about grief and losing someone you love, are you going to stop it from happening? That's a big NO and if anyone thinks otherwise, they're crazy. I hate to put it bluntly, but I can't help it. I really don't understand the thinking there. Twenty Boy Summer was a beautiful book about loss, love, family and friendship. It was real in a way that I think we need. Kids NEED. Parties, drinking, sex, condoms are all a part of our kids' world growing up. No matter how much you try and shield them, its never going to happen. I'd rather have my daughter knowledgeable than not. I'd rather have the lines of communication open rather than breeding silence. That book isn't going to change what our kids see, but maybe it will help them with decisions they WILL have to face in their life. We can't always be there.

Let me also add that I believe every parent has the right to say what THEIR children can and can't read, but its when you try and push that decision on me and my children where I draw the line. Censor your kids if you want, but don't take the opportunity of knowledge from my child. Don't pull a book like Twenty Boy Summer off the shelf when there could be a child who needs help learning how to deal with death. Don't pull Speak from the shelf where there might be a little girl out there, being abused at home and finding that one book in a sea of others on shelf gives her the courage to come forward.

Book Review: Personal Demons

2010-09-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

Blurb:
Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a bit of a wicked streak. She's spent years keeping everyone at a distance—even her closest friends—and it seems her senior year will be more of the same...until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can't seem to stay away from him. What she doesn't know is that Luc works in Acquisitions—for Hell—and she possesses a unique skill set that has the king of Hell tingling with anticipation. All Luc has to do is get her to sin, and he’s as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn’t stand a chance.

Unfortunately for Luc, Heaven has other plans, and the angel, Gabe, is going to do whatever it takes to make sure that Luc doesn’t get what he came for. And it isn't long before they find themselves fighting for more than just her soul.

But if Luc fails, there will be Hell to pay…for all of them.

I've been in a bit of a paranormal slump lately. I don't know if it's because I've read so much of it, that nothing was standing out or what, but in Personal Demons, I finally found the paranormal book to rip me out of that slump and make me completely devour a book. It was incredible, standing out above so many of the same ole things I've been reading lately. Actually, I don't even have to write a full review. I could sum up this book in three words.

Best. Book. EVER.

But I will review, because I love it so. The premise was great. It was so different than any thing I've read and completely captured my attention. It kept me guessing, on the edge of my seat and also falling in love with some pretty hot guys... err..demons and angels. LOL.

I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Desrochers writing style. She drew me into the story from the start and simply didn't let me go much to the pleading of my family. The voice was great, and loved the sarcasm peppered in all three of the main characters.

Frannie was fan-freaking-tastic. She was strong, but not overly so. I respected her and love that she could take care of herself. That she knew what she wanted (even though at times I kept pleading with her to stop kissing Gabe, but that's just because I love Luc so). I digress, she knew what she wanted and went for it. She didn't wait to be saved and fought dearly to save those she cared about. I think I want to hang out with her. LOL.

Gabe was awesome. Mysterious, sweet, with a dash of sarcasm thrown it. He was the ultimate good guy (obviously), but not one of those characters that you're rolling your eyes at and thinking, "yeah right". There is a fine line between the good guy and too-sweet-its-annoying-and-unbelievable and Ms. Desrochers didn't cross that line. She made me swoon for him, and feel bad for loving Luc so much!

In the end though, my heart only belongs with Luc.

LOVED him. Sarcastic, HOT, funny, strong and completely loyal to Frannie. I'm a sucker for those bad boys with a big heart inside and Luc fit that bill. I also like that he fit it because of Frannie. His love for her. Who doesn't like a guy who truly loves a girl that much? That he could change so much for her? *Sigh* I heart him.

In case you couldn't tell, I loved this book. And because I'm in the mood to sum things up in three words today, if I had to sum up this review, it would be.

Read. This. Book.

It's definitely one of my top books of the year. Kudos Ms. Desrochers and I CAN NOT wait for the next book in the series!

Oh, and LOVED that we got both Luc and Frannie's point of view. I wish more YA authors would give alternating POV. It's made of awesome.

Visit the authors site HERE

5 Pages

I love writing

2010-09-16T14:14:00.000-07:00

I just finished up a chapter, getting 2100 words out today and when I finished, I felt so pumped. I was smiling, my heart beating a little faster and I really wanted to re-read what I'd just written.

That's an amazing feeling. I don't always get it, but I love what I'm working on right now. I always enjoy telling a story, but this story, Sebastian's story is special for me.

How lucky are writers? I mean, we get to breathe life into people. Shape and mold them. Our characters may suffer, but for me, they always come out at the other end, smarter, and happier. I get to give people their happily ever afters. In a world where there doesn't always happen, it's a damn good feeling.

On days like today, I'm so thankful that I'm able to chase my dream. That I can do what I love, and hopefully one day, there will be people who read my stuff and fall in love with my characters as much as I do :)

Teaser Tuesday

2010-09-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

This is my first time participating in Teaser Tuesday. I'm sharing another excerpt from What a Boy Wants. In this one, Sebastian and Jaden are on their way to meet up with some girls and having a little boy talk in the car. Aspen and Pris are their good friends (the girls) and remember, Aspen's parents are hippies. LOL. Jaden and Sebastian are always giving each other a hard time. Oh, and totally a rough draft :)

“You writing love letters over there or what?” Jaden tapped his hands on the wheel to the beat of a song playing. I didn’t know who it was. Some pop crap that I didn’t listen to. We were on our way to Alex’s. We did manage to catch up with them after the girls took off. After a little more digging we found out her parents were going to be out until at least midnight. We made plans for dinner which we’d picked up on our way and then to watch a movie I had no intention of watching.

Watching a movie is code for making out. Hopefully...

“To your mama. Britt-Britt is hot.”

“Dude, you’re so lame. Brittney Spears jacked my name for her son. That just means Jaden James is a kickass name, Seb.”

Damn, I hated that name. After finishing my email, I hit send. “This summer needs to be epic. Seriously, man. We need to come up with some sort of plan or something. I tired of the same old thing.” Though I couldn’t wait for summer to begin, I knew exactly what it would be. Sitting around town, working, hanging with the girls, parties, and Mom’s new man.

My attempt to change the subject worked. “Did you know Pris’s parents are renting her a beach house for her birthday? It’s supposed to be some girlfest thing with her and Aspen, but damn, that would be tight if we could go. Beach chicks, no parents. Think you can work it? Talk to Aspen or something?”

I played with my eyebrow ring like I always did when thinking. “Why me?”

“Because you guys are like BFFs or something. I think you’re secretly in love. Oh, maybe you’ll run off to some hippie commune together one day!”

My friend was an idiot.

“You need serious help. First of all, I might be a little closer to Woodstock, but that’s only because we’ve lived across the street from each other since we were like two. I had to drink my first cup of soy milk with her. People bond over that shit.”

Jaden laughed.

“Second, we’re not secretly in love. I’m not even sure she’s into guys. She’s had like, one boyfriend or something. Even if she is, I do hook ups, not love. Aspen wouldn’t be down for that. But since I think Pris wishes you would die a fiery death, I’m sure you’re right. I can probably score us an invite way before you can. Plus, I just have better skills than you do.”

Book Review: Not That Kind of Girl

2010-09-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

Blurb:
Slut or saint? Good friend or bad friend?
In control or completely out of it?

Life is about choices, and Natalie Sterling prides herself on making the right ones. She’s avoided the jerky guys populating her prep school, always topped honor roll, and is poised to be the first female student council president in years.

If only other girls were as sensible and strong. Like the pack of freshmen yearning to be football players’ playthings. Or her best friend, whose crappy judgment nearly ruined her life.

But being sensible and strong isn’t easy. Not when a prank nearly gets her expelled. Not when her advice hurts more than it helps. Not when a boy she once dismissed becomes the boy she can’t stop thinking about.

The line between good and bad has gone fuzzy, and crossing it could end in disaster . . . or become the best choice she’ll ever make.

The cover is the first thing that attracted me to this book. I love covers with a couple on the front. This one runs along the lines of some of my favorites: Perfect Chemistry and Winter Longing. The title kept my interest so I picked it up to read the blurb and I was sold.

I will admit that the beginning started out a little slow for me. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not. Plus, the MC is soooo different than me and I honestly had a hard time finding the connection with her that I need to really fall in love with a book. I make no secret of the fact that I'm completely a character reader. It's the people who draw me into the story and Natalie's character was a little tough for me to bond with at first.

I'm SO glad I stuck with it! I think I was being a little hard on her, much like she was hard on herself and everyone around her.

Natalie does a lot of growing up in this book. She doesn't always make the right choices, but who does? Her journey is frustrating, painful, and real. She carries the world on her shoulders and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing her learn to shed some of that weight. I think there are so many kids her age who feel like they have to have all the answers. We pound into them so much what's right and wrong, how important the future is, yada, yada, that I think sometimes we forget to just let them LIVE. Natalie needed to live and I'm glad that she never lost her will to succeed, but she also realized that she didn't have to be perfect. That the world isn't, nor should it be just black and white. There are so many shades of gray and that's okay. By the end of the book I was completely cheering her on!

And I can't forget about Connor. The boy was all sorts of awesome. Strong, confident, sweet and the really, REALLY cared about her. He put up with a lot while letting her find himself, but I don't think he ever lost who he was in it all. I think all of us would love to have a Connor by our side. He's one of my new favorite book boys ;)

All in all I thought this was a great story about a girl who learned that she's fine just the way she is. As long as she's happy, it doesn't matter what everyone else thinks. Throw in the sweet romance and you have yourself a winner!

4 Pages

Visit Ms. Vivian's site HERE

Excerpt: What a Boy Wants

2010-09-09T09:42:00.000-07:00

There’s nothing better than opening my email to a job offer. Well, I could think of a few things I like more, but this topped the list money-wise. Another love-struck girl in desperate need of my services, and another hundred bucks in my pocket. Sweet!

To: Hook up Artist < hookup_artist@yahoo.com >
From: PA Rocks < icantbelieveididthis@yahoo.com>
Subject: Boy help?
Dear Mr. Hook up Artist,

I snorted. Mr. Hook-up Artist? That was a first. I’d been at this for six months now, and I had yet to be called Mister anything.
I kind of liked it.

Maybe I’d start using it from now on. Mr. Hook-up. Mr. Artist. Yeah, that could work. It made my business sound more legit. Like I was one of those guys in a suit, sitting in a high-rise office instead of a broke seventeen-year-old with no wheels. I could definitely get used to that fantasy.

Except…I’m not really a suit kind of guy. It would be my high-rise office, though. I could wear whatever the hell I wanted. I was thinking jeans and T-shirts as the required uniform. Oh, and Vans. Have to have the Vans.

I twisted the ring in my eyebrow and looked down at my laptop again. I could figure that crap out later. My fundage was running low, and an email to my Hook-up Artist account meant possible money. Money meant a car. Cars equaled more chicks. You get the picture.

Mr. Hook up Artist,
Umm, yeah. This is weirder than I thought it would be. I’m sure you get that a lot. I’m really not like the other girls who need your help though. Well, not that I know any girls who have come to you, but I’m not the kind of girl who usually does something like this. Ugh! I’m rambling, aren’t I?

I groaned. “No, crap. What was your first clue?”

Okay, sorry. I’m just not used to emailing someone to get a guy. I’m the sensible one. I don’t need someone to help me with boys. Not that I’m a compulsive dater or anything, and well, I guess it’s obvious I need help since I’m emailing you, but this is different. What I’m trying to say is, I’m not the kind of girl who would usually give a guy who wasn’t into her the time of day. Damn, I’m rambling again. Sorry.
I don’t really know what kind of information you need, so yeah, I’ll end this painful email. I just wanted to see if you’re available to help. This guy, well, he’s kind of out of my league. Not like he thinks he’s too good for me, it’s just…yeah, he’s not the kind of guy who dates a girl like me. Can you help? What’s the next step? Your blog isn’t really too forthcoming on information, you know.
Hope to hear from you soon!
PA Rocks (This whole process is confidential, right?)

Shaking my head, I leaned back in my computer chair and kicked my feet up on the desk. I pulled a dart out of the arm of my chair, tossing it at the dartboard on my wall.

See? This was a classic example of why girls don’t get the guys they want. We don’t like that wishy-washy back and forth crap. Girls need to decide who they are: either the strong, confident chick who knocks us on our asses and makes us come back for more, or the shy girl-next-door who we want to either corrupt, or bring home to our parents. It’s a toss-up.

Or, there are those girls in between. When I say in between, I don’t mean they’re all over the place like PA, but they’re not the man-eater girls or the completely innocent ones either. They know who they are. They’re confident in a more quiet way. They’re subtle, not pushy like black widow girl or too standoffish like Little Miss Innocent, they’re…cool. Unfortunately, you don’t run into the cool girl too often. And honestly, when guys do, a lot of the time we don’t notice her. Sucks, but true.

I threw another dart at the board. My finger hovered over the mouse. I usually didn’t to this. There were so many girls out there who just didn’t get it. I knew I couldn’t save them all, but I’d seen my mom get hurt enough that now and then, I couldn’t stop myself from a little unsolicited advice.

Miss PA,

I can tell you right now why you don’t have the guy you want. You need to make up your mind about who you are. Half the email you were all, I-am-woman-hear-me-roar. And the rest of the time, you were the unsure chick who stumbles over her words and hides in the corner of the gym during the dances. We’re guys. Half the time, we don’t know who we are. Things become a lot easier if we know who you are.
I can hear you now, and before you go all She-Woman on me, let me tell you, I know it’s not fair. I didn’t make the rules, I just know them.
That was my one bit of free advice (a guy has to make money).
Anyway, yes, this is confidential. I don’t want anyone knowing who I am anymore than you do (hence the whole 007 email thing).
My services are a hundred bucks. I know that seems like a lot, but you’re trying to score your dream guy here. I’m worth it. I promise. I take fifty dollars up front and fifty after. You don’t pay the post fee if you don’t get the guy (it’s never happened). I’ll give you instructions later on how to pay. What I need you to do is decide if you want to continue. If so, I really need you to think about which of those girls you are and let me know. Each of my clients get a personalized plan of action, so I need to know about who you are and a little about the guy. No names. Make up some kind of code name for him (please no hottie, cutie etc. A guy can only take so much). I don’t need to know his date of birth, hair color and favorite thing to do on a first date or anything. I’m talking basics here.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Hook-up Artist

Pushing out of my chair, I pulled my “Killers” T-shirt over my head and tossed it into the overgrown, pile of clothes in the corner of my room. One clean shirt later, I was out the door, jogging down the stairs, and hoping to make it out of the house before—
“Sebastian Dale Hawkins! Where are you going? Roger really wants to meet you tonight.”

Shit. The full name and everything. My mom walked around the side of the stairs, crossed her arms and glared at me, still wearing her “Courtney’s Dance Studio” shirt.

“Ma, why does he want to meet me? I mean, it’s not like I’m five years old and looking for a daddy.” It was always the same thing. She met a new guy and we had to play house. After seventeen years, I was pretty sick of it.

“Because he’s a nice guy? Because we’re in a serious relationship, and you’re my son? Come on, Sebastian. I really think he might be the one.” Ma’s bottom lip poked out like a toddler trying to get her way. Or maybe that was just a girl thing.
She knew what she was doing. My mom was good. I’d file that technique away for later. Might be something I could use as The Hook-up Artist. Obviously, I learned from the best. But after awhile, I also learned how to say no to her. Though I rarely did it.

“I can’t. You know I would, but I have this project I have to work on with Aspen. I’m heading over there right now.”

“Why are you going there? I know she’d rather be over here than snacking on tofu burgers at her house.”

It’s hard to bullshit a bullshitter. By the way Mom narrowed her brown eyes at me, I knew she wasn’t buying what I tried to sell her. “I’m going over there, and then she’s driving me to meet up with Jaden and Pris. It’s a group…project…thing.”

She gave me those all-knowing eyes that made it hard to lie to her. “Next time?” she pleaded.

“Sure.” I let the lie roll off my tongue. I had no desire to meet this guy. What was the point? The four husbands before him weren’t the one, and I doubted he was either. Still, I pulled her into a hug because I knew she’d let me off the hook on purpose.

“Oh, and Sebastian? It’s Friday night before the last week of school. Going out with your friends would’ve been a more believable excuse than a group project thing.” My mom winked at me.

So I’m an idiot. Whatever.

I pulled on my Vans and slipped out of the house. It took me about thirty seconds to walk two houses down to Aspen’s place, laughing as I looked at the new bright orange shutters. The neighbors would love that one. I raised a hand to knock, but her mom pulled it open before my fist came in contact with the door.

“Come in, Sebastian. Phil’s meditating,” she whispered, and I fought some serious eye-rollage. “Sneak up stairs. Aspen is in her room—unless, you need to be centered? I’m sure Phil wouldn’t mind if you joined him.” She smiled all hopeful-like. I really hated to deflate her excitement, but not as much as I disliked the idea of being centered.

I tip-toed upstairs, realizing I should have gone to her window. Aspen always told me to hike the side of the mountain that was her house. Her parents embarrassed her, and I could see why, but it always felt too Dawson’s Creek for me. The fact that I knew a show that had been off the air for years, well enough to know climbing through her window was too Dawson/Pacey-like, made the whole window thing an even bigger hell no. I blamed it on that Katie chick marrying Tom Cruise. All of a sudden reruns were playing on TV like crazy. I might have to start rethinking the Spiderman thing if it came down to finding my inner feng shui or climbing a damn trellis.

Aspen’s door was half open. Slowly, I pushed it wider, sneaking toward her with my ninja-skills and grabbed her shoulders. “Boo!”

“Ahh!” She jumped, slammed her laptop closed and whirled around, her honey-brown ponytail flying out and almost whipping me in the eye. Her eyes squinted in that pissed-off Aspen look, and I knew I was screwed. “What the hell, Sebastian! You scared the crap out of me.”

Yeah, I knew I was a punk, but I couldn’t help it. I laughed. “That was classic. You looked like you were going to pee your pants.”

She punched me in the arm, and I laughed louder.

“Shut up.” She leaned against her desk.

“Don’t pout, Woodstock. You can’t help that I’m stealthy as a ninja.”

She pushed passed me, green eyes throwing daggers my way as she picked up her cell phone off the bedside table. I ignored her dirty looks and flopped down on her bed, kicking my feet up on the purple comforter. “We should probably wait a few minutes before we bail. Daddy Peace is meditating, and your mom already tried to get me to do it, too. I’m sure she wouldn’t let you escape quite as easily as she did me.”

“See! That’s why I tell you to come in the window. All you had to do is climb that lazy butt of yours up the side of the house, let me know you were here, and then I could have snuck out. Now, she’ll be watching for me.” Aspen sat down at the foot of her bed. She was a T-shirt and jeans kind of girl, but when she leaned over to tie her shoes, I caught a glimpse of smooth, creamy skin right above her jeans. For the first time, I wondered what she’d look like if she decided to show a little more flesh every now and again.

I didn’t like her because—well, I didn’t really do the whole “like” thing. I did the fun thing, and I didn’t think Aspen would be down for that. There were way too many chicks in the preverbal sea to ruin a friendship for a sliver of skin, anyway. “Oh, I see. So I have to scale your house, and you get to sneak out the front door?”

“Now you’re getting it. See how smart you are?”

“Aw, you think I’m smart? That’s so nice of you to say.” I crossed my arms, waiting for her next comeback.

“No, I think you’re cocky.”

“Yeah, that’s what’s Stephanie said, too—ouch!” I covered the family jewels as she attacked me with her other shoe. “Settle down, woman. You’re violent!” I chuckled as her dainty little shoe hit me in the thigh.

“Men,” she mumbled. “I’ve had about enough of conceited guys today.”

She stopped hitting me, and I sat up next to her, nudging her with my shoulder. “What’s wrong, Woodstock?” She used to hate it when I called her that, but over the years she got used to it. I couldn’t help it. Her parents were tree-hugging hippies. Not that I had anything against that, but they were always telling us stories about their peace and love adventures. It made for easy jokes.

“Nothing.” She tried to stand up, but I pulled her back down by the wrist. I gave her crap, but if any other guy did it, I’d kick his ass. If he was bigger than me, Jaden would help too. That was what our group did. We always backed each other up.
“Seriously. Did something happen?”

Her cell phone beep cut off our conversation. Aspen flipped it over. “It’s Jaden.” Half her mouth kicked up in a smile. Obviously, she was just as excited about going out tonight as I was. “He wants to know what’s taking us so long.”

And just that easily, I forgot what we’d been talking about. Standing up, I held my hand out for her. “Come on. You sneak down first. I’ll have your back. James Bond has nothing on me.”

Book Review: Return to Paradise

2010-09-05T20:41:00.001-07:00

Blurb:
Maggie and Caleb just went through the worst year of their lives. Hit by a car and starting life over with a limp, Maggie never thought she would forgive Caleb. But she did-and fell in love. What they shared was real. But Caleb wanted to be free from the past-and a terrible secret: he wasn't the one who hit Maggie. So he left Paradise-and Maggie-forever.

When Maggie and Caleb run into each other in a different town, they can't deny their true feelings. Will Maggie let Caleb get away again? Or will Caleb face the truth and return to Paradise?

This book, my friends, is the reason Simone Elkeles is my favorite YA author. Her books are made of so much awesome that I can't help but absolutely fall in love with them. Goodbye reading slump, Maggie and Caleb's story reminded me of the reason that I love reading! I laughed, cried, sighed, wanted to jump through the book and sock Caleb, but through the whole thing, was totally smitten with him.

Ms. Elkeles doesn't shy away from real life issues in her books. She, better than almost anyone I've read writes books that I step away from thinking how real the characters are. Caleb was not perfect. He had a bad mouth, was angry and messed up a lot. You didn't want to place him on that imaginary pedestal that you do with some book boys. And you know what? He reminded me of boys I went to school with (except he is much more swoon worthy) They curse, they want to beat each other up for no reason, but with him, you know there's so much more inside him. I am and always have been a sucker for a good, tortured hero. Those guys who want to do the right thing, but their mind and hearts are always pulling them in so many different directions at once, they don't know what to do. The ones who have a hard time seeing how truly special they are and that no matter how hard they try, they can't carry the world on their shoulders. This was Caleb and I devoured it.

Ms. Elkeles writing is always strong and engaging. Her stories are layered and so are her characters. The answers are never easy for them and that's what I love about her books. Let's face it, we don't always no what to do and she writes emotional struggles so well.

Return to Paradise was incredibly intense, heartbreakingly emotional, and beautifully romantic all in one. I hurt for the characters, but in the end, my heart was put back together again and I was left with a smile on my face and texting my BFF to talk about it even though we are much to old for that kind of behavior. LOL.

Return to Paradise is the sequel to Leaving Paradise so if you haven't picked that one up, might as well grab them both. I promise, you won't regret it.

Hmmm, I'm thinking it might be time for a re-read of Perfect Chemistry as well....

Return to Paradise-- 5 Pages

Visit Simone Elkeles site HERE

Spotlight: Personal Demons

2010-09-03T21:27:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I've posted about a book that I'm DYING to read. It looks so good, it inspired me to shout it from the rooftops... well, through blogophere with a whole new spotlight feature on my blog. I was sitting here trying to think of a creative name for the spotlight, but its late and I'm tired so if I keep up my spotlight posts, I'm promise something fun and catchy next time.

For my first EVA spotlight post I'm talking about Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers.

Blurb:
Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a bit of a wicked streak. She's spent years keeping everyone at a distance—even her closest friends—and it seems her senior year will be more of the same...until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can't seem to stay away from him. What she doesn't know is that Luc works in Acquisitions—for Hell—and she possesses a unique skill set that has the king of Hell tingling with anticipation. All Luc has to do is get her to sin, and he’s as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn’t stand a chance.

Unfortunately for Luc, Heaven has other plans, and the angel, Gabe, is going to do whatever it takes to make sure that Luc doesn’t get what he came for. And it isn't long before they find themselves fighting for more than just her soul.

But if Luc fails, there will be Hell to pay…for all of them.

I haven't been this excited about a book that isn't a part of a series I'm already reading in I can't tell you how long. The cover is hot. The blurb completely caught my attention and the trailers Ms. Desrochers has shared on her blog...yeah, they're cutting the fine tie I have on my patience for September 14th to roll around.

I don't know what it is about this book, but I can't wait to read it. I know it will be something I'll love and I can promise you, on the 14th after dropping off my oldest at school, the little one and I will be heading to the bookstore!

Visit Lisa Desrochers blog HERE

What book can't you wait for?

Twin Flames: Chapter One

2010-09-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

This is the first chapter of my new book. It's still going through revisions, but here's a taste of what you can expect.

Chapter One
I tucked my body into a ball, crouching into the blackest shadow of the dark alley. The overwhelming stench of old, rotting food from the nearby dumpster burned my nose, yet I still buried myself as far into the stinking corner as I could. Horns blared from the busy street at the end of the alley. People lingered on the corner, talking and laughing into the night. The heaviness in the pit of my belly didn’t ease knowing they were there.
Most people didn’t care much what happened to the homeless in these Seattle alleys. Screams had been ignored and I had no doubt they would be again.
He didn’t see me, as he walked my way into the alley and I hoped that he wouldn’t, chanting over and over in my head for him to go away. I didn’t have it in me to run—not tonight. I was tired and hungry, so close to giving up. Maybe the ache of losing my mother would subside that way. No! She wouldn’t want that. She’d want her daughter to fight, to survive. I squeezed my body tighter, trying to calm the violent shaking that threatened to take hold.
Click, click, click. A woman approached the man. She gave him a smile as she sauntered his way.
“You kept me waiting,” he said. His voice was hard, stiff, but the woman didn’t seem to notice. She slinked against his side and ran her hand through his dark hair.
“I’ll be worth it,” she told him.
He pulled her toward him. My heart jumped, racing fiercely in my chest. I jerked my head down to bury it in my arms, not wanting to see what would happen next. Sneak away. Run. Hide. Conflicting thoughts played tug-o-war with me, but my frozen body wouldn’t allow me to do anything but sit there. When I heard nothing besides my blood rushing through my ears, I knew I needed to look up. Maybe they’d left and I hadn’t heard them? I willed my head to lift. It took a couple tries before I peeked out from behind my folded arms.
He had her pinned against the wall of the alley, his lips slanted over hers. When his mouth moved down to her neck, she dropped her head back, giggling. I couldn’t pry my eyes away. I’d seen people kissing before. I lived on the streets for God’s sake, but as I watched his mouth slide across her skin, some strange sort of ache bubbled in my stomach. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought it was jealousy. The feeling multiplied, spreading over me. It’s hunger. My body is playing tricks on me, I told myself. I hadn’t eaten in two days. I knew lack of food did funny things to you. What else could it be?
They stumbled a couple steps closer to me, both the guy and girl laughing. I knew I should run while they were distracted; or at least ignore them. I could tuck myself in my little makeshift home for the night and let them do their business, but I couldn’t pull my eyes away from him. His hands touched her rear before rising to thread through her hair. This time, she kissed his neck, making soft, little moans. They hit me like little pinpricks against my skin. What was wrong with me?
“You said you live alone? Let’s go to your place?” You could hear the question in her voice, like she wasn’t sure this guy who had his mouth on her would take her home, rather than stay in this rat-filled alley to finish what they started.
“No.” Unlike with her, there was no question in his voice. “I don’t take girls back to my place.”
“I—” she stumbled over her words. “What about using your fake ID for a hotel?”
He didn’t reply, only started kissing her again.
What a jerk. If I were her, I’d walk away from him right now. But then, in my sixteen years, no one had ever kissed me like that. My mom said kisses sometimes messed with a girl’s head.
As he went back to her neck, he cocked his head to the side and eyes as green as the fresh grass I used to play in met mine. It was like the only light in the alley spotlighted him as his eyes bored into me. My shaking started up again, my knees knocked together and despite the commands from my head, urging my body to run, I couldn’t move. I sat there stiff as his voice had been while his eyes held mine. The girl ran her hands along his back and her body against his chest, but his eyes never left mine.
Every inch of my body burned; from fear or what, I didn’t know, but it was if he touched me with his stare. Run! Look away! Do something! But I did nothing. I couldn’t pull away from his trance.
The right side of his mouth quirked up, into a half-smile, before straightening into a thin line. He pulled away from the girl. “Let’s go.” He ordered. She detached herself from around him, laughing as she pulled him down the alley. As they reached the end, he stopped, looking over his shoulder into the darkness. He shouldn’t be able to see me anymore, not with the black night and the distance, but that fiery feeling he gave me still singed my skin. He walked around the corner and out of sight. A heavy breath that I hadn’t realized I’d been holding escaped my lungs.
I needed to run.
***
The hours passed and I fought the urge to succumb to my sleepy eyes. I held them open, waiting for Molly to come back. I knew it was stupid, risking my life for a cat, but she was all I had. My insides squeezed tighter at the thought of losing her than they did at the idea of that guy coming back. If he killed me, things would be so much easier. Well of course—they would be over. As the night stretched closer to day, my fears loosened their grip on me.
If he wanted to hurt me, he wouldn’t have left. He could have gotten rid of the girl and come back, right? He wouldn’t have expected me to wait here. Molly or not, I shouldn’t be here, but there was something…I couldn’t place it, but I felt a draw to keep myself right here. Like this is where I needed to be.
Mom always told me to trust my instincts, but she never did which was why we ended up in the situation we were in. How did I know though? What if I was wrong?
When the sun rose over the towering buildings in the distance, my little tabby came running toward me. The anchor holding my heart down automatically rose. With the sun came the need to move and I couldn’t imagine going without her. The little bell collar that I’d found in the park jingled until I scooped her up. For just a minute, I nuzzled her and then stuck her in the little carrier bag I had for her.
After I gathered my second bag and slung it over my shoulder I headed for the street.
My eyes scanned my path, always on the lookout, always watching my surroundings. As I turned onto the busy street, the hairs on the back of my arm stood on end. My eyes darted to the left, then the right, but I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. People walked the streets with briefcases and coffees. Buildings started to open for the day. Despite the feeling of eyes on me, I saw nothing out of the ordinary.
When Molly meowed, I reached into the bag and petted her, before starting to walk again. I kept going until I found a McDonalds I hadn’t used in a while. I peeked inside. Empty. Quietly, I slid a chair into the bathroom and propped the door closed.
I didn’t have much time. I ripped my dirty clothes off, stuffed them in the plastic bag in my backpack and slipped on another pair. Grabbing the bowl in my bag, I filled it with water for Molly. While she drank, I rinsed my rag, washed up, and finger-brushed my teeth. I was done in less than four minutes. Sticking the chair behind the door, I slipped back into the stall, relieved myself and then headed on my way.
Fast meant no problems.
With mousy-brown hair hanging in my face, I headed out to start my day.
I found some food, went to the park, cleaned my clothes in the creek under the bridge and collected cans. I sat on a bench, watching girls my age walk hand and hand with boys, kids playing with each other, and moms laughing. Each smile, each easy, normal minute of their days was etched into my memory, squeezing my heart because I couldn’t do what they were doing.
I couldn’t risk knowing people, trusting, or going to anyone for help. I was alone.
Puffs of gray rain clouds started forming in the sky. It wasn’t surprising. The rain came at the drop of a hat in Washington. I missed California. It had been my favorite place, but now—knowing my mom’s soul was here, I couldn’t leave this place even though her dying plea had been for just that.
I started to feel it again, the eyes on me, but when I whipped my head around to look, no one was there. My heart raced. Someone was watching me, I knew it. People, I had to stay around a lot of people. Leaving the park, I went straight for the busy streets. I walked them up and down despite the threatening rain. When it started to fall, it wiped away the eyes on me. Still I walked. Where should I go? Was it safe for me back in the same alley? Despite the abundance in the city, I had to be safe where I chose. Some people didn’t like sharing their spot with me. Some wanted payment, which I was unwilling to give.
Somehow I found myself back there. I hadn’t planned it, but as the night kissed the sky, my rain-drenched feet took me to my spot from the night before. As I curled my body into the corner, my back against the wall so I could keep watch, I saw it. Tucked behind an old box in the corner of the building and the cracked alley was a bag.
I looked around. No one else was in the alley. If I touched someone else’s stuff, I could get hurt. But then, why did they leave it? Molly meowed and I pulled her closer to me. She fought my hold. I was wet and she hated getting wet. The tiny lip over the top of the building didn’t really provide me any protection from the rain. I picked up the box, thinking I could use it in some way. Maybe with the box and the bag I could make something to help keep Molly and I dry. Please don’t let me get hurt for this.
I lifted the bag, only to realize there was something in it. Pulling it open I peered inside. A coat and an umbrella. My skin started to prick again. What was this doing here? Thunder clapped above me. I jumped as Molly clawed my arm. “I’m sorry, baby.” I hated this. Hated being out here. It wasn’t fair that I had to live this way. Tears mixed with rain sliding down my face. Without another thought I ripped the umbrella out and opened it. With one hand I held Molly as I slipped the other through the jacket, switched her arm and put the other in, then I stuck her inside and zipped it. Molly nuzzled me. “We deserve this, baby girl. We deserve a damn jacket and an umbrella.”
Tonight, I didn’t care. If someone wanted these things, they’d have to take them from me. I didn’t have anything to lose anyway. Might as well die for something.
***
“Ooh, lookie what we have here.” I deep, scratchy voice jarred my sleep. I jumped up, awake in the blink of an eye. “A little dirty, but you’re a pretty one.” Two men stood in front of me. The rain had stopped, the alley quiet in a way I hadn’t heard it before.
“I like them dirty.” The shorter of the two men said. My heart rate spiked. Without thinking I rushed toward the mouth of the alley. Scratchy grabbed me. I felt the meager food I’d eaten earlier crawl up my stomach as he pulled me closer to him. Molly squealed, jumping out of the coat and ran away.
The short guy kicked at her as she ran passed him. No! I wouldn’t go down easily. I did the same, wildly kicking at the guy holding me. I connected several times, but wasn’t sure exactly where.
“You little bitch!”
He let go of me. I tried to run, but he backhanded me, pain burned through my face and I fell backward. They eased in on me step by step, cornering me until I had nothing to do but cower in the corner. I wondered if this was how it was for my mom. If she felt fear electrifying her she was attacked. Scratchy grabbed me, throwing me against the wall before descending upon me. I recognized the look in his eyes. “Kill me. Just kill me. Nothing else.”
“Where’s the fun in that?” Shorty asked. His mouth stretched into a wicked smile.
I had to anger them, hurt them so they’d kill me instead of the unthinkable. Maybe I’d be with my mom again instead of alone. I almost welcomed it.
I swung my hand forward, scratching his face. I hit over and over, kicking my feet too. He yelled more obscenities at me and I thought maybe I was winning, but then Shorty pulled me off him and pushed me hard into the wall. My head slammed into the brick and I went down. Before darkness took me over, a third voice pierced the night.
“Can I join the fun?”

Copyright Kelley Vitollo

Am I TOO picky?

2010-09-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned before, I'm dealing with some major reading slumpage (I think I made that word up). Lately nothing I've read is sitting right with me. I'm either not finishing books, which I almost NEVER do, or I'm completely pushing myself through them just to finish.

I was chatting with some book friends and mentioned that I had some issues with a certain book I read lately and she said, "No worries, you always have issues with books". She didn't mean it in a mean way at all, but it got me thinking. Am I that bad? I started feeling guilty because I'm a book LOVER. I'm a writer and I KNOW that you can never make every reader happy. I know how much love, work, tears, sweat go into writing every book and I hated the thought that I was suddenly feeling like this nitpicky book tornado who tore apart every book in her path.

So I asked her, "Am I that bad?" and her reply was "No, you just know what you like". And she's right. We all know what we like and that's a good thing. I consider myself a pretty equal opportunity reader. I try new books and new authors. Some end up total wins while others are epic fails and that's okay. Now if I was running around the Internet slamming books, that would be a different thing, but I've decided there's nothing wrong with not liking a book. If you're in a slump, there's nothing wrong with not liking a lot of books! It happens and you keep reading until you find the one to pull you out. Or if you're like me, you reached up to that coveted keeper shelf and you pull down an old favorite. One that you're giddy about and you read that for the millionth time. That's all we can do. Just keep reading :) Like I would have it any other way!

Stay tuned... soon I'll be posting the first chapters of my books to my blog: My paranormal romance, TWIN FLAMES and my contemporary romance written from the boy's POV, WHAT A BOY WANTS (or the Hook-up Artist, still deciding on a title).

Books, movies and all that jazz :)

2010-08-29T18:02:00.001-07:00

I've been in a reading slump lately. Nothing is fixing it for me. Everything I've read lately just feels so-so to me or I'm not even finishing them. For an obsessive reader like myself, it's a bit disheartening :(

Today I picked up Halo and am hoping that will be the book that does the trick. The cover is gorgeous. The plot sounds fantastic, and I've heard great things about it. Going to start tonight!

My hubby and I actually got to go on a date today! We went and had lunch and then saw Vampires Suck. He was excited to see anything that made fun of Twilight and I thought it looked pretty funny. As far as parodies can go, it was pretty good. I laughed quite a few times and enjoyed it. Wasn't the best movie ever, but definitely a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

What have you been reading lately? Have you seen Vampires Suck? What did ya think?

Book Review: Beastly

2010-08-25T10:04:00.001-07:00

Blurb:

A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright — a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.
You think I’m talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It’s no deformity, no disease. And I’ll stay this way forever — ruined — unless I can break the spell.
Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I’ll tell you. I’ll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I’ll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly.

I wasn't really sure what I would think of this book at first. I've never read a modern day fairytale like that, but I was very surprised. I really liked it. It's different...felt fresh to me. I will admit that I kind of wished he was more like the movie where he just looked deformed rather than like a "beast". It took me a little while to get over that. I actually imagined the character from the movie trailer, but once I got past that, I was able to really lose myself in the book.

I enjoyed the character development in Kyle. Loved the secondary characters and thought the love story was really sweet. If you're looking for a fun, sweet read that's different from the paranormal and contemporary out there, definitely give this a try!

Almost time for Mockingjay

2010-08-23T21:56:00.000-07:00

I fought these books and I fought them hard. I wanted nothing to do with them. I just didn't think they would be my thing, but EVERYONE talked about them so much, that I caved. Yep, that's write, I gave in to peer pressure and loved every minute of it! I devoured both Hunger Games and Catching fire in three days all together. I'm very lucky I read them this month so my wait for Mockingjay isn't as long as some people's.

I know I've mentioned before how big of a wuss I am. Even though I'm so excited I can hardly stand it, my stomach hurts too. I'm SO scared to find out what will happen. I'm as Team Peeta as a girl can get and my heart nervous for him. Will he be okay? Will he get the girl? I can't stand it! I read a spoiler free review this evening and just wanted to cry. I'm excited but fearful to find out what will happen. I'm fully aware it's crazy, but I get very emotionally attached to books that mean a lot to me. That's the power of a good story. Or more importantly for me, powerful characters. They can make you feel something, stir your soul until long after a book is finished. Peeta, Katniss and Gale did that for me and being the sunshine and flowers, happily ever after girl that I am, I'm hoping things turn out good in the end.

So, I'm not sure if there was a point to this rambling post, but as of tomorrow morning I will be in my reading cave until I finish the last page. All you district twelvers out there, enjoy!

*If you didn't catch my interview with the fab C.K. Kelly Martin earlier today, check it out. She's made of awesome!

Interview: C.K. Kelly Martin

2010-08-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

I feel SO lucky to bring you guys this interview today. I absolutely LOVE Ms. Martin's writing. Her stories and characters are so raw, emotional and REAL in a way that I don't think we get very often. I adored both I Know it's Over (I just want to hug Nick) and The Lighter Side of Life and Death so much that I'm simply giddy that I got to pick her brain a bit. I hope you enjoy the interview and if you haven't had the chance to check out her books, you should! I can only hope people will one day enjoy my books as much as I've enjoyed hers.

HI! I know you’re busy so I really appreciate you taking the time to let me interview you today. I’m happy to have you at Kelley’s Korner.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your writing?

Thanks for having me over to chat, Kelley! I’ve always been a big reader and started writing my own stories at seven-years-old but it wasn’t until I’d gotten a degree in film studies and spend several years in Ireland that I was inspired by my love of Party of Five to write my first YA novel. My favorite books are usually extremely character driven so that’s what I’ve been drawn to writing. I love being able to crawl into someone else’s head and walk a mile in his or her shoes.

2. I Know it’s Over holds a special place in my heart. I fell in love with Nick and I love experiencing this journey with him. I love that we got the story from his perspective. What made you decide to tell this particular story from the boy’s point of view?

I’m so glad that you’re fond of Nick! I felt so bad for him – he has such a hard time in I Know It’s Over. It was really his story from the beginning as his situation was inspired by the Third Eye Blind song Ten Days Late. After writing three books from the same female characters POV (more on that later…) I was looking to write a story about someone very different. So I made Nick everything the character I’d grown so familiar with wasn’t – male, a hockey player, the child of divorced parents and on top of that someone who’s going through some really tough stuff.

Me: I felt SO bad for Nick too. I never really considered the situation from what the male could be going through before. It's heartbreaking... The fact that there was nothing he could do.

3. I have to say, I think you write male POV brilliantly. I’ve read a lot of books that I struggle with because I feel they just don’t get a male’s voice right. And personally, I think we don’t get enough books written from a boy’s perspective. Is writing from the boy’s POV something you set out to do? How do you nail is so well?

Thank you! I think most people have reacted positively but I have seen a couple of folks express doubt that in Nick’s case a sixteen-year-old guy could be as sensitive and contemplative as he is and have “such a rich inner life” which is a view I find sad and not at all in keeping with the guys I’ve been close to over the years. Definitely on the whole guys are socialized to avoid expressing emotions which reveal vulnerability (in the same way that girls are generally socialized to be more nurturing). I believe gender is more of social construct than something innate and that most of us don’t fit neatly between gender lines and would appear to fit even less so if our society wasn’t so prescriptive about gender. I know I personally don’t fit neatly between the lines and I’m willing to bet if there was a character like me in a book (heterosexual and female) and the author was male there are people who would be unconvinced by me as a female character.

In real life I’m drawn to contemplative, sensitive people, no matter what their gender, and so these are the type of people I enjoy writing about too. Mostly I try to be true to an individual character’s personality while also keeping in mind the social expectations imposed on them (things like their gender, class, sexual orientation, race etc.).

Me: I completely agree with you. First, you're right. Sixteen-year-old boys CAN be sensitive and contemplative. Not all, but some are. I think boys, more so than girls have been led to believe that they need to hold their feelings in. They have to be manly, but how do we know what's going on in their heads? I love that Nick got confused, he messed up, but inside he wanted to do the right thing. I think people try to mold their male characters into a mold too much going off of what we think they have to be. I thought Nick was real in a way I don't see often in books.

4. Do you always write from the boy’s POV?

Of the ten novels I’ve written (five of which have sold so far, though I’m hoping to sell the others!) only I Know It’s Over and The Lighter Side of Life and Death are from a male POV. Six of the books are from a female POV and two (the next two to be released) are from the alternating viewpoints of a male and female character.

5. Is there any message you wanted to get across in any of your books and if so what is the message and from which book?

The underlying message for all the books is basically the same, which is that no matter what trouble you’re going through hang in there because things will get better. Another thing I hope people would get out of the books is not to be judgmental of others. Life is complicated - people and situations are full of shades of gray – and it’s entirely possible that we ourselves may act in a way we wouldn’t expect if we found ourselves in the same tricky situations I’ve written about.

6. I’ve read two of your books, I Know it’s Over and The Lighter Side of Life and Death. One of my favorite things about your work is it’s REAL and honest. I respect that you don’t talk down to teens or paint their world in bright colors when I don’t think it’s always bright and shiny. I love that you don’t sugarcoat their lives. Is this something you set out to do? Do you ever have to fight before publication to keep scenes or themes in you books intact?

Thank you for that because it’s incredibly important to me that my books are honest and don’t gloss over the complicated realities of young people’s lives. I think teenagers need to be able to see their true selves in books – both to feel understood and to help other people understand what they might be going through. Those are the types of book I admire most so that’s definitely something I constantly strive for. My editor is absolutely terrific and I can honestly say she’s always been completely supportive of my books. I’ve never had to fight to keep language, difficult themes or sexual scenes intact if they were true to a character or situation. I think she would only ever question those things if they didn’t fit. I know other editors who looked at I Know It’s Over, and subsequently rejected it, were very worried about the subject matter and its candid treatment but Random House have been amazing and for that I feel incredibly lucky.

I certainly would fight for those things if I had to but it’s wonderful just to be able to concentrate on achieving a certain vision rather than having to battle.

7. As an inspiring YA author myself, I’m always interested in advice from other authors. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? What’s the best writing advice you’ve received?

I haven’t had much writing advice (I’m personally not into the idea of critique groups or writing classes, though I know they work for many people) so the most inspirational thing I’ve ever heard is something that’s not writing advice at all but which I’ve really taken to heart. It’s a lyric from Billy Bragg’s Waiting for the Great Leap Forwards:

If no one out there understands start your own revolution and cut out the middleman.

Writing is such a personal thing (everyone has their own way of doing it) and my own process is very much a mystery to me so the only advice I can offer is to write what you firmly believe in; that makes it easier not to give up when the going gets tough. I have quite a thick rejection folder and had finished six YA books before selling one. I even lost my first agent because he didn’t believe in I Know It’s Over and wanted me to make changes I didn’t believe in. So never give up!
8. Can you tell us anything about your upcoming books?

My next book (Delicate) was initially supposed to be about second cousins, a seventeen-year-old girl and sixteen-year-old guy, both undergoing their own troubles, who meet again after years apart due to a family feud. But then I wrote My Beating Teenage Heart, about a teenage guy and girl brought together by two tragic deaths, and my editor loved it so much that the release dates of the books was switched. Now My Beating Teenage Heart is coming out next (in September 2011) and Delicate will be released in May 2012. Breckon Cody, the main male character in My Beating Teenage Heart, is tormented by the sudden death of his seven-year-old sister, a death he considers his fault and can’t forgive himself for. Ashlyn, the main female character, isn’t sure if she can help him but she can’t look away from what he’s going through.

9. Do you have a favorite character that you’ve written? If so, why?

I don’t really have a favorite character but I do have a favorite couple, which are two characters from an as yet unpublished trilogy set mostly in Ireland and about a sixteen-year-old Canadian (of Egyptian-Irish heritage) girl’s romantic relationship with an eighteen-year-old Irish guy. Having written three books about the two of them I became so attached and also, being a Canadian girl who fell for an Irish guy and had a big romance in Ireland the situation is obviously close to my heart. I hope readers have a chance to meet them someday.

Me: Me too!

I want to thank you for joining us today. Your books have a special place on my keeper shelf and I can’t wait to read more from you in the future.

Thank you, Kelley! It was my pleasure.

My finds...

2010-08-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted my weekly finds for a while. I'm back this week and I think I've found some good ones! Deception is the August read for my book club, Fabulous Fictionistas. I've heard it's great and can't wait to dig in. Here we go again... what to read first?

A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright — a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.
You think I’m talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It’s no deformity, no disease. And I’ll stay this way forever — ruined — unless I can break the spell.
Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I’ll tell you. I’ll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I’ll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly.

When Emma Vaile's parents leave on mysterious business trip, it gives her the perfect excuse to be a rebellious teen. Throw some parties, get a tattoo (or maybe just a piercing), and enjoy the first few weeks of her junior year. Then her best friend stops talking to her, the cops crash her party, and Emma finds herself in the hands of a new guardian—her college-age "knight in J.Crew armor," Bennett Stern—and on a plane to his museum-like mansion in New England.

After enrolling at Thatcher Academy, Emma settles in by making friends with the popular legacy crowd. But she can't shake the strange visions that are haunting her. She has memories of Thatcher she can't explain, as if she's returning home to a place she's never been. Emma doesn't trust anyone anymore—except maybe Bennett. But he's about to reveal a ghostly secret to Emma. One that will explain the visions . . . and make Emma fear for her life.

When Winter's boyfriend is killed in a plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness, she's robbed of the future she'd only just allowed herself to believe might be hers. Winter and Spencer had been destined for one another. And after his death, Spencer's presence continues to haunt her.

But when her next-door neighbor becomes an unlikely friend, Winter begins to accept all that she can't change. Can she open herself to a new future . . . and a possible new love?

In a reading slump...

2010-08-19T18:25:00.000-07:00

I'm in a slump. Ever since reading and LOVING Hunger Games and Catching Fire I just can't find anything to read. I've bought two books and haven't finished either which is NOT me. I usually read at least two, sometimes three books a week.

Reading slumps don't work for me! LOL. I've been browsing blogs, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble, hoping to find something that will jump out at me before my weekly trip to the bookstore tomorrow.

What are you reading?

Also, I just found Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers online. It looks fan-freaking-tastic! That is def on my list. I already think I will love Luc. Who can resist a bad boy?

Loving what you do

2010-08-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

I've always wanted to be a writer. Even for those few years that I forgot about my love, I wanted to be a writer. It was always one of those things that felt like a dream for me. One of those things you want, but never expect to happen. Like the boy who dreams of playing in the NFL or the girl who wants to be the next big actress. It's not impossible. People do it, but it's not very likely.

Finally the time came when I decided it didn't matter how impossible the dream was, I was going to do it or go down fighting. What's the point in having a dream if you never try and achieve it? So, I started writing. At the time I was reading primarily adult romance so that's what I wrote. At the same time I started researching. Learning the process and looking for organizations to join. I found Romance Writers of America and joined my local chapter. From there I was able to pitch my first book to an editor. Imagine my surprise when they wanted to publish it!

The emergence of Ebooks has been great. Not only do they bring books to readers in a convenient way, but they were a whole new avenue for authors. I have been lucky enough to publish a few romances with a couple small press publishers and I loved it--I wouldn't change it, but there was always that part of me that wanted more. Not only to walk into a bookstores and SEE my book, but also that girl inside me who always wanted to write for teens. When I first decided all those years ago that I wanted to be a writer, I always imagined I'd write for teens.

About a year and a half ago, I went for it again, writing my first YA. I see now, it wasn't very good. LOL. I believe that writers never stop learning and growing and we should always nurture our craft. After a million rejections (each and every one breaking my heart) I decided to start my second YA. The more I wrote for teens, the more I realized that's where my heart lies. YA is my first love and I want nothing more than to be able to share that love with the world. This time I took a little more time. Found a few more critique partners and beta readers. I went through more drafts myself and when I wrote The End (for the hundreth time) I felt better about this book than I had anything else I'd ever written.

Now I'm in the midst of the query process. I've also gotten more requests than ever! Instead of driving myself crazy checking my email a million times a day while waiting to hear back from them (okay, I still check my email a lot, but no replies yet) I've started a new project. TWO to be exact.

Even though I'm still trying to "GET THERE". No agent yet, I feel better about what I'm doing than I have in a long time. This whole blog post started when one of the agents I'd LOVE to call my own asked writers what their favorite part of writing is and I've decided ALL OF IT. Yep I know there are days I want to pull my hair out. I've shed a lot of tears, deleted a lot of words, put my heart out there only to have it stepped on, but I've also had people tell me they love what I've written. That they bonded with my character or fallen in love with another one. I've breathed life into people, created them in my mind and given them a past, present and a future. I'm doing what I love and that makes it worth everything.

Win some awesome ARCs!

2010-08-15T14:36:00.000-07:00

Seven, yep you heard me, SEVEN ARCs are up for grabs. The contest is easy to enter. The prizes are great. Who wouldn't want to read and review these awesome books. Visit HERE for more info.

Do you feel obligated to keep reading?

2010-08-15T10:07:00.001-07:00

I picked up a book at the store the other day that looked great. I'm about 150 pages in and struggling. I'm finding it hard to stop reading because I want so bad for this book to be good. The concept has a lot of promise. I like the MC though I'm having trouble really falling for her love interest, but the story is just falling flat to me. Add on top of that, that some of the dialogue just doesn't feel right to me and I'm pushing myself to keep reading.

There's that little voice in the back of my head reminding me that I don't HAVE to read the damn book, lol. If I'm not feeling it, I can set it back on my bookshelf. Maybe even try it again later. Last time I check there wasn't some unspoken rule that I have to push myself to keep reading, but I am! Why am I talking myself into reading this book? It's like I feel some sort of obligation to it. That because I know it COULD be great, I'm willing it to be. Does that make sense? LOL.

Do you ever feel obligated to finish a book? Do you make yourself keep going or just set it aside?

Good for the soul

2010-08-14T18:06:00.000-07:00

Last night I had a MUCH needed girl's night out with a few close friends. We started the evening at Macaroni Grill for our no carb left behind dinner. The food was great and the company even better. After that we headed over to Barnes and Noble for a bit and browsed. It's one of my favorite things to do and I enjoyed it even more with the girls. I showed them the silliest, pre-teen movie that I'd watched on Nickelodeon the other night and happened to love, LOL. Don't judge. It was totally cute ;)

After Barnes we headed over to the theater for Eat, Pray, Love. I've never read the book, but I did enjoy the movie. It was a tad bit slow in some spots, but I loved the journey she went on. I think Julia Roberts was the perfect person for the role and it was the best choice for our girl's night out. I think I'd like to read the book now.

I think spending time with girlfriends is good for the soul. I really feel like my close girlfriends understand me in ways that no one else does. I can be myself. Laugh, talk, and be completely open. I count myself very lucky to spend time with the ladies from last night. Relationships with other women can be so vital, but I think TRUE friendships are hard to find. I've had a lot of people come in and out of my life, but those special friends...they're priceless!

Shall I tease you?

2010-08-10T20:49:00.000-07:00

I decided to try something new on my blog. I'm going to post a teaser from my work in progress. It's a paranormal YA and though it might slightly sound like it, no vampires. I hope you enjoy... and remember, this is a rough draft. It's unedited.
*********************
Out of the original unity of being there is a fragmentation and dispersal of beings, the last stage, the splitting of one soul into two. And consequently, love is the search by each half for the other half on earth or in heaven…
Sufis

Chapter One
I tucked my body into a ball, slinking into the blackest shadows of the dark alley. The overwhelming stench of old, rotting food from the nearby dumpster burned my nose, yet I buried myself as far into the stinking corner as I could. Horns blared from the busy street at the end of the alley. People lingered on the corner, talking and laughing into the night. The heaviness in the pit of my belly didn’t ease knowing they were there.
Most people didn’t care much what happened to the homeless in these Seattle alleys. Screams had been ignored and I had no doubt they would be again.
He didn’t see me and I hoped...chanted over and over in my head for him to go away. I didn’t have it in me to run—not tonight. I was tired and hungry, so close to giving up. Maybe the ache of losing my mother would subside that way. No! She wouldn’t want that. She’d want me to fight, to survive. I squeezed by body tighter, trying to calm the violent shaking that threatened to take me over.
Click, click, click. A woman approached the man. She gave him a smile as she sauntered his way.
“You kept me waiting,” he said. His voice was hard, stiff, but the woman didn’t seem to notice. She slinked against his side and ran her hand through his dark hair.
“I’ll be worth it.” She told him.
He jerked her toward him. My heart jumped, racing fiercely in my chest. I jerked my head down to bury it in my arms, not wanting to see what would happen next. Sneak away. Run. Hide. Conflicting thoughts played tug-o-war with me, but my frozen body wouldn’t allow me to do anything but sit there. When I heard nothing beside my blood rushing through my ears, I knew I needed to look up. Maybe they’d left and I hadn’t heard them? I willed my head to lift. It took a couple tries before I peeked out from behind my folded arms.
He had her pinned against the wall of the alley, his lips slanted over hers. When his mouth moved down to her neck, she dropped her head back, giggling. I couldn’t pry my eyes away. I’d seen people kissing before. I lived on the streets for God’s sake, but as I watched his mouth slide across her neck, some strange sort of ache bubbled in my stomach. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought it was jealousy. The feeling multiplied, spreading over me. It’s hunger. My body is playing tricks on me, I told myself. I hadn’t eaten in two days. I knew lack of food did funny things to you. What else could it be?
They stumbled a couple steps closer to me, both the guy and girl laughing. I knew I should run while they were distracted; or at least ignore them. I could tuck myself in my little makeshift home for the night and let them do their business, but I couldn’t pull my eyes away from him. His hands touched her rear before rising to thread through her hair. He kissed her neck more and she made soft, little moans. They hit me like little pinpricks against my skin. What was wrong with me?
“You said you live alone? Let’s go to your place?” You could hear the question in her voice, like she wasn’t sure this guy who had his mouth on her would take her home, rather than stay in this rat-filled alley to finish what they started.
“No.” Unlike with her, there was no question in his voice. “I don’t take girls back to my place.”
“I—” she stumbled over her words. “What about using your fake ID for a hotel?”
He didn’t reply, only started kissing her again. What a jerk. I hated men. I’d never met any I could trust. If I were her, I’d walk away from him right now. But then, in my sixteen years, no one had ever kissed me like that. My mom said kisses sometimes messed with a girls head.
As he went back to her neck, he cocked his head to the side and eyes as green as the fresh grass I used to play in met mine. It was like the only light in the alley spotlighted him as his eyes bored into me. My shaking started up again, my knees knocked together and despite the commands from my head, urging my body to run, I couldn’t move. I sat there stiff as his voice had been while his eyes held mine. The girl ran her hands along his back and her body against his chest, but his eyes never left mine.
Every inch of my body burned; from fear or what, I didn’t know, but it was if he touched me with his stare. Run! Look away! Do something! But I did nothing. I couldn’t pull away from his trance.
The right side of his mouth quirked up, into a half-smile, before straightening into a thin line. He pulled away from the girl. “Let’s go.” He ordered. She detached herself from around him, laughing as she pulled him down the alley. As they reached the end, he stopped, looking over his shoulder into the darkness. He shouldn’t be able to see me anymore, not with the black night and the distance, but that fiery feeling he gave me still singed my skin. He walked around the corner and out of sight. A heavy breath that I hadn’t realized I’d been holding escaped my lungs.
I needed to run.

Copyright Kelley Vitollo

Review: Forget You

2010-08-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four-year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. With her life about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon.

But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people—suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug.

The beginning of Forget You did its job and hooked me. I was drawn into Zoey's life, automatically feeling for her because of her relationship with her parents. Ms. Echols does a good job drawing the reader into her life and making us feel sympathetic for her.

I will admit, there were times I wanted to jump through the pages and shake her...but looking back, that makes her more real doesn't it? She screws up, makes mistakes and has a hard life. She's like a lot of teens and I'm glad Ms. Echols rights an imperfect heroine.

The writing was strong. The story intense and Doug was a hero to die for. I liked his character and admired him for the way he stuck by Zoey, trying to make her life easier for her when she didn't even know what he was doing. What girl wouldn't want a guy like that.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. The romance was sweet and I found myself cheering for them in the end.

3.5 Pages

Any questions?

2010-08-09T12:21:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to say I'm interviewing the AWESOME C.K. Kelley Martin, author of one of my favorite books of the year, I know it's Over. If you've read her book and have any questions you'd like to see her answer on the blog, please leave them in the comments or email me at writerkelley (AT) yahoo (DOT) com

Check out my review for I Know its Over HERE

I've been bad...

2010-08-08T18:05:00.000-07:00

At blogging lately. I can't believe its been over a week since I blogged. I have good excuses, I promise!

I spent a few days in San Diego with my family for a much needed vacation. It was fun, but tiring and I loved every minute of it! We haven't been away in a long time and even though San Diego isn't really far from us, it felt like a world away! Long vacations are too hard with six and two year olds. The mini trip was perfect for us.

My other super awesome reason is I've been reading The Hunger Games series!!!! Yes! It is true. I hadn't read them. In fact I fought reading them. I am NOT a post-apocalyptic kind of girl. It's just not my thing and I had no interest in reading them *hides as I say that*. After seeing so many fantastic reviews for the books and witnessing the contagious excitement from bloggers everywhere for Mockingjay I caved.

THANK YOU BLOGGERS AND CONTAGIOUS EXCITEMENT!

I devoured both books this week. I admit there were a few parts that I struggled slightly with, but overall incredibly powerful stories. They are engaging, well-written, heartbreaking, action-packed and have not one, but two swoon worthy boys!

I am making my stand right here and right now. You're all witnessing it first hand. I am totally and completely Team Peeta! It's not even a competition in my eyes! LOL. Love, love, loved him! I'm am on pins and needles until Mockingjay comes out, completely scared for my sweet, little Peeta. LOL. I will be totally heartbroken if anything happens to him.

SO, there you have it. My two totally legit, very good reasons to have been absent from my blog for a complete week.

Now, I'm curious what team you belong on? Peeta or Gale?

Oh, and I've been plotting a new story that I can't wait to start writing! I love coming up with new book ideas!

My July Reads

2010-07-31T18:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm totally not as cool as the other bloggers out there who add the covers of each of their reads and links. LOL. I will list how I felt about each book and if I reviewed it or not. Next month I will try and be more organized. I'm leaving tomorrow to San Diego for a few days so I'm going to use packing for my excuse :) Here's what I read in July!

1. Seth Baumgartner's Love Manifesto-- okay
2. Wicked Lovely-- really liked it. I heart Seth! Reviewed
3. Lighter Side of Life and Death-- really liked it. I think I reviewed it too. LOL
4. 13 to Life by
5. Take Me There-- Amazing book, reviewed it.
6. Hex Hall-- Loved it! Reviewed
7. Raised by Wolves-- LOVED it! Reviewed
8. I know its Over--Amazing, wonderful, book! Reviewed
9. Love you, hate you, miss you-- Okay
10. Harmonic Feedback-- amazing book! Reviewed
11. ADULT BOOK-- Eternal Kiss of Darkness-- part of my fav series! LOVED it!
12. Watch Me--okay

I thought there was one more, but I can't remember it for the life of me. It was hard to choose, but three books out of the bunch really stood out for me. My favorite reads of the month were:

I Know it's Over by CK Kelly Martin
Raised by Wolves
Eternal Kiss of Darkness

Catch ya on the flip side ;)

Book Review: Harmonic Feedback

2010-07-30T12:47:00.001-07:00

Blurb:
Sixteen-year-old music and sound design obsessed Drea doesn't have friends. She has, as she's often reminded, issues. Drea's mom and a rotating band of psychiatrists have settled on "a touch of Asperger's."

Having just moved to the latest in a string of new towns, Drea meets two other outsiders. And Naomi and Justin seem to actually like Drea. The three of them form a trip-hop band after an impromptu jam session. Justin swiftly challenges not only Drea's preference for Poe over Black Lab but also her perceived inability to connect with another person. Justin, against all odds, may even like like Drea.

It's obvious that Drea can't hide behind her sound equipment anymore. But just when she's found not one but two true friends, can she stand to lose one of them?

I'm sitting here trying to figure out how to put this review into words. I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I actually devoured the whole thing. Honestly, I wasn't real sure what I would think in the beginning, but as I read, the book completely entranced me, pulling me in to a beautiful, powerful story.

I love that the main character as Aspergers. Don't feel like the book completely focuses on that, because it doesn't, but I loved seeing the world through Drea's eyes. She's real in a way I don't think most of us are. We're handcuffed by those social restrictions and rules that she's not. It was completely refreshing. It makes you think of normal in a whole different light. Who's to really say what normal is? She brought up some amazing points that I never thought about. Why is is normal to smile when you don't mean it? Why does society think its normal to be fake? I love that Drea just didn't see the world that way we do. She processed things differently. I think she really FELT things in a way that I don't.

Naomi broke my heart. She made me mad, but she touched me too. She was a lost, "invisible" girl who just needed love. And when no one else would, she friended Drea. I wish things had been different for her, but I thought it was extremely real and I commend Ms. Kelly for writing her the way she did.

I loved the concept of this story. I loved that it made me think. That I actually felt different when I read it, but more than everything I LOVED Justin. I think he has moved into the spot of my favorite, all time literary boy. He wasn't perfect in the past, but he wanted to be better, and he was. he loved a girl that most people wouldn't have given a chance to. He looked past Drea's differences to the girl beneath the surface. My husband actually came into the room while I was reading and asked me why I had such a big smile at my face. I sighed and said Justin. He rolled his eyes and climbed into bed. LOL. Justin is such a tender soul and had the ability to melt the heart of a thirty-year old, happily married woman who refuses to accept that he's a fictional character. LOL.

I think this is a must read. Harmonic Feedback was a beautiful, intense story about love and friendship. It will open your eyes and make you think. I almost feel like curling up and reading it again.

5 Pages

If you've read Harmonic Feedback or would like to chat about it more in depth, it was our July read at Fabulous Fictionistas. We're having a pretty good talk about it. Check out the group, HERE.

Fabulous Fictionistas

2010-07-29T16:16:00.001-07:00

Don't forget about my online book club, The Fabulous Fictionistas. In a couple days we will be discussing Harmonic Feedback, our July read. Right now, we're voting on our August read so it's the perfect time to join!

Even if you don't read our monthly book with us, we do a lot of book chatting. The more the merrier!

Check us out HERE

Writing, editing and querying, oh my!

2010-07-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

Ever feel the need to pat yourself on the back? LOL. Well, this is me doing that. I've worked really hard lately. This summer I've finished a YA book (which I started in March) and have gone through no less than seven edits on it. It's gone through five beta reads and in each and every one, I've made changes. Some were major overhauls and some just little tweeks. I've written my query...oh, about six times. It's gone through a few beta reads and even a critique from a literary agency intern. I also beta read three manuscripts: one for my kick butt critique partner who just happens to have a really cool name and she spells it just like I do ;). One for a friend of mine, and another for someone I met through the wonderful world of blogging. AND, in my downtime, while waiting for critiques I wrote an adult short story which I was offered the chance to submit directly to the editor of a friend of mine who writes for them!

It's an amazing, feeling this sense of accomplishment. Of course, I still have a road to travel. There's the bumpy, winding, mountain covered road of querying my YA, Golden. There's my obsessive email checking while waiting to hear from the editor (she said within four weeks) and just so I don't go crazy, I've started a new YA titled, What a Boy Wants. LOL. It's a fun, quirky romance written from the boy's point of view.

I think this will be a summer to remember!

Book Review: I Know it's Over

2010-07-25T18:15:00.001-07:00

Blurb:
Pure. Unplanned. Perfect. Those were Nick's summer plans before Sasha stepped into the picture. With the collateral damage from his parent's divorce still settling and Dani (his girl of the moment) up for nearly anything, complications are the last thing he needs.

All that changes, though, when Nick runs into Sasha at the beach in July. Suddenly he's neck-deep in a relationship and surprised to find he doesn't mind in the least. But Nick's world shifts again when Sasha breaks up with him. Then weeks later, while Nick's still reeling from the breakup, she turns up at his doorstep and tells him she's pregnant, and with his emotions and hopes crashing in around him, Nick finds himself struggling once more to understand the girl he can't stop caring for, the girl who insists that it's still over.

I was incredibly impressed with this book. Ms. Martin has a knack for really getting inside a teenage boy's head. I felt like Nick was real in a way that I don't often get in YA. His voice was authentic and he burrowed his way into my heart and now owns his own little spot there.

The writing was beautiful and intense. The story real and heart-touching and the romance was authentic. It made me giddy in some parts of the story. I'd read and then realize I had this big smile on my face. Not that the whole story is sunshine and flowers. I think that's pretty obvious, but I enjoyed watching Nick fall in love in a way that I haven't in a long time. I think part of it was because the whole story was told in his POV and how well I think she nailed his character. He messed up, said things he didn't mean and you could feel the confusion at times when he was coming to terms with his feelings. I know I keep saying this, but I'm not sure I've read a book in a long time that I feel nailed a male character quite as well as Ms. Martin did.

Despite his little mess ups, the boy loved her and would have done anything for her. It made my heart smile (yes I am so cheesy that I just said that, lol). When everything came to a head, I felt this kids emotions. They dripped from the words and seeped into me as I read them. There are a lot of books out there that dig into a girls head and emotions during a teen pregnancy. We get to see her grapple with the decisions to be made, but we don't often get to see it from HIS side. The helplessness because no matter what, it's not his decision to make. Ms. Martin captured those feelings brilliantly.

I felt sorry for him. I really did. I've never been in the postion they were in in this book, but I felt he kind of got the short end of the stick sometimes. This was huge for him, but there wasn't anything he could do, but support her no matter what choice she made. I've never really thought about how hard that could be for a guy before.

If you couldn't tell, I really loved this book. Keep in mind it's pretty blunt. She doesn't shy away from teen sex, protection, and your inside a teenage boys head and they think about sex a lot, but if you can handle that, I think this is a must read. I for one am putting it on my keeper self and can't wait to re-read it and fall in love with Nick all over again!

5 Pages

My Favorite Book Boys...

2010-07-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

A friend and I were talking about books the other day. Book talk almost always leads to talk about our favorite characters in books and well... character talk always leads to talk about our favorite book boys. I'm talking those boys that you like so much that you'd almost be willing to go back and do high school over again if you'd have the chance to meet them. Or, if you happen to still be in school, those boys that you're hoping to meet. Even if they're not exactly human, they're worth it because of their swoon-worthyness. LOL. These are in no specific order except for number one and that's just because...well you'll see.

Keep in mind, I've only been reading YA for a little over a year so these are all relatively new boys.

10. Adam-- If I Stay. I don't know what it is about him. We really don't even get to know him much in the book, but I loved the scenes when she remembered their time together and love how passionate he was about her.

9. Jordan-- Two-Way Street.
He's the boy I remember in high school. He was a player. Had his smooth, little method he used to get girls, but I found him endearing anyway. And when it came down to it, when he fell, he fell.

8. Sam-- Twenty Boy Summer. Another one that I can't quite pinpoint exactly why I like him so much. I love that he calls her Anna Reilly and thought he was just too sweet. Love that he was there for her when she told him about her past and the boy she lost.

7. Archer-- Hex Hall. Gah, what is it with all these mysterious boys that I don't get to know that well, but still love? From the first scene with him, I knew I would love him. I like those cocky, smart-alecky guys and that's Archer.

6. Conrad-- Summer I turned Pretty. One of my favorite books! I love, love, LOVE those tortured souls and Conrad is tortured. He comes off as aloof and not really caring, but you know its a cover and inside he has the bruised, heart and I can't help but fall in love with him.

5. Patch-- Hush, Hush. He's cocky, sarcastic, a little conceited and you don't really know if he's a good or bad guy through most of the book. What's not to love? LOL. I'm fully aware of how that sounds. LOL. I don't know what it is about those heroes, but they're always my favorites.

4. Lucas-- Evernight series. Love him because he tries to do what's right even when he's not sure what it is. And he just wants to take care of... oops, can't remember her name. He really does want to take care of her heroine and his goal is to try and rid the world of evil. Some times you just never really know who he good and bad guys are though.

3. Shane-- Morganville. LOVE Shane. he's another one who would do anything to take care of Claire. he's honorable in his troubled-boy way and didn't have an easy life. Still, once he falls, you just know he will stand by Claire's side no matter what, even though he hasn't had a lot of people in his life who would have done that for him.

2. Dimitri-- Vampire Academy. Talk about honorable. Dimitri is almost honorable to a fault. He's tough. One of those guys who you want with you in a dark alley and though some times he tries to hard to always do the right thing when sometimes its actually the wrong thing, you can't blame him.

1. Alex-- Perfect Chemistry. *sigh* I can't even put it into words. Those who have read the book know what I mean. if you haven't, what are you waiting for??

Honorable mentions:

Jeremiah-- Summer I Turned Pretty. he's the guy you can always depend on. The one who will make you laugh when you need to. I feel bad that his tortured brother stole my heart when you know Jeremiah is such a good guy, but I like him too! Just not as much...

Adrian-- Vampire Academy. It's going to break my heart when Rose ends up with Dimitri ( Even though I want her with Dimitri and know they're meant to be), but I have a soft spot for Adrian since the last book. There's more to this cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, completely LOYAL guy than we know. I have a feeling who his HEA will be with though...

Who are some of your favorites?

Book Review: Raised By Wolves

2010-07-23T08:07:00.001-07:00

Blurb:
Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two.

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?

Best. Book. EVER.

Okay, now that I got that out of the way on with my review. I fell in love with this book. Ms. Barnes has created a complex, fascinating werewolf world, that I loved getting lost in. The werewolf dynamic was one of the most interesting ones I've ever read. I loved getting inside the Pack and seeing how they think and the way their hierarchy works. And a human part of a Pack? How incredible is that? I loved the concept behind this story and one of the best parts is, she keeps you guessing. You may think you know what's happening, but you don't. It ends with a delicious twist and I CAN'T wait for the next book in the series (next summer? Why do you do this to me?) LOL.

I'm a character reader. I think I've mentioned that a time or two before. I love bonding with characters, getting inside their head and connecting with them. Ms. Barnes gives a 1-2 punch because she not only won me over with her premise, but the characters as well. Bryn was great! She's tough, spunky, sarcastic, smart. The girl can kick major butt. She was raised by wolves after all ;) Loved her determination and I thoroughly enjoyed going on this journey with her.

Dev was great. He made me laugh out loud and I loved his fierce loyalty to Bryn.

I really enjoyed Chase as well. I wish we were able to get to know him a little better, but I felt for him from the start. Loved his interactions with Bryn and there is something so hot about that wolf possessiveness. Mine Loved him with with Bryn and I hope she explores their relationship further in future books (though I saw on her blog that she also like those loves that aren't the forever kind. They're equally important and I agree, but if you're reading this, Ms. Barnes, can Chase and Bryn be the forever kind, lol. I loved them).

Callum... I have to say, he was my favorite character of the whole book. I KNEW from the beginning there was something different about him and that things aren't how they seemed. I truly think he LOVES Bryn (not romantic kind) and some of the choices he made, though they hurt my heart, I get it. I mean, if you've read the book, don't think I'm condoning what he allowed to happen, but we have to remember, he's Alpha, Pack AND he had to do what he did to set things in motion. I believe it was one of the hardest choices of his life and he ultimately did it because he knew eventually, it would set Bryn on the path that was best for her. The dynamic of his relationship with Bryn was fascinating and heartfelt, IMO. He's a complex character and I SO love those complicated guys. LOL.

If you couldn't tell, I loved this book. It's definitely one of my favorite reads of the year.

5 Pages

Check out this contest

2010-07-21T09:34:00.000-07:00

You can win a copy of Halo which I really, REALLY want. Also Paranormalcy, and Clockwork Angel.

Visit her blog HERE for details!

Mini Reviews: Hex Hall and Take Me There

2010-07-19T17:06:00.001-07:00

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.
By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

I loved this book. I laughed numerous times while reading it. Sophie is a fun, smart, sarcastic and spunky character. I enjoyed watching her journeys at Hex Hall.

Ms. Hawkins has such an enagaing writing style. It's upbeat in a way that's hard for some people to pull off. It read very natural to me, though. I loved that about it.

And Archer... LOVE him. I adore those male characters who come off as kind of aloof and cocky at first, but you just KNOW there is more to them than that. *sigh*.

Also, I know things aren't how they seem with him. I wasn't really shocked at what happened toward the end, because I have my own little theory on how things will go with my dear, hot Archer (and isn't that the coolest name?). I can't wait until the next book to find out what's going on. One last note... the scene in the cellar toward the end. LOVED it :)

If you're looking for a fun, entertaining read this is definitely the book for you.

4 Pages

Dylan has a bad-boy past and a criminal record. He knows that rich, beautiful Jess is way too good for him—but she has always been the one person who sees through his tough exterior and straight to his heart, and he has been hopelessly in love with her from the first time they met. He would change his life for a chance with her.

But trouble follows Dylan wherever he goes, and a deadly mistake soon forces him to hit the road and leave his dreams behind. He’s on the run and in search of answers—answers to questions he wishes he’d never asked.

Sigh... Where to begin. I loved this book. I really, REALLY did. It's one of the most powerful books I've ever read. My heart broke for Dylan and I wanted SO badly for him to get his HEA. I love that Ms. Dean didn't play it safe in the book (well, I mostly love it. Loved it until a specific part). This isn't one of those books tied with a nice, pretty bow. It's raw, edgy and Dylan is NOT perfect, but I just loved him. I wanted to hug him and make everything alright for him. Ms. Dean approaches a lot of issues with this book, but not in a preachy way. I will it absolutely killed me though... At first I was angry, now I'm just hurt. Now, keep in mind I'm a wuss. I fully embrace my inner wussiness. I know there will be a ton of people out there who think things went the way they should. But for me, it hurt my heart. Which is a GOOD thing in a way. It means Ms. Dean is a kick butt writer who was able to bring out strong emotions from me. That's not always an easy thing to to, but for me personally it was too much. As much as I think this was a powerful, well-written story, I don't think I could ever read it again. I was up thinking about it half the night. I do want to stress that I liked the book though. It was just too emotional for my tender, little heart :)

4.5 Pages

My finds...

2010-07-16T11:46:00.001-07:00

Here are my finds at the bookstore this week!

Dylan has a bad-boy past and a criminal record. He knows that rich, beautiful Jess is way too good for him—but she has always been the one person who sees through his tough exterior and straight to his heart, and he has been hopelessly in love with her from the first time they met. He would change his life for a chance with her.

But trouble follows Dylan wherever he goes, and a deadly mistake soon forces him to hit the road and leave his dreams behind. He’s on the run and in search of answers—answers to questions he wishes he’d never asked.

This book looks like it will be right up my alley. I've heard some pretty good things about it so far too. I was actually pretty lucky to find it! The clerk at Barnes and Noble had a cart of books to stock and there were a few copies mixed in her stack. Meant to be? I think so ;)

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.
By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

I think this looks cute. I read something about in on a blog recently. I can't remember where (my mind is going, lol), but figured it looked pretty cute and I might as well give it a try. Has anyone read it?

Now the most important question: What should I read first? LOL

Looking for some book recs!

2010-07-15T15:24:00.001-07:00

I looked up Barnes and Noble and they don't have the books I wanted this week so I'm looking to you guys for some help! While those are on order, I'm going to need something to read. I like a lot of romance. It doesn't have to be a straight romance, but I need some in there. I like contemporary or paranormal. Preferably with an HEA, but it doesn't have to be. I can handle a HFN type of ending, but place no deaths. LOL. My heart can only take so much ;)

I've been on an edgy romance kick, but it doesn't HAVE to be edgy.

Ummm, let's see. Here are some of my favorite books I've read lately.

The Lighter Side of Life and Death
Shade
Perfect Chemistry
Wicked Lovely (nervous about book two. Is it as good as book one? I know it focuses on her friend, right? I fell for Seth. lol. Much of him in the book?)
Wake
If I Stay
The Summer I Turned Pretty
20 Boy Summer

I will take any POV, but if you know any male or alternating, that would rock my socks. Gah, am I being picky? LOL.

What good books have you read lately? What should I try?

Book Review: The Lighter Side of Life and Death

2010-07-13T20:09:00.001-07:00

Blurb
Sixteen-year-old Mason Rice is having the night of his life. He's just delivered an incredible performance in the school play, basked in celebratory afterglow vibes at the party of the year, and lost his virginity to one of his best friends—the gorgeous but previously unobtainable Kat Medina. His dreams are coming true, and the future looks golden.

Unfortunately, Kat sees things very differently. Crossing the friendship line was a big mistake, and all she wants is to forget it and move on, even if that means forgetting Mason altogether. What's a guy to do? Well, if you're Mason, you hang your hopes on the first attractive twenty-three-year-old you cross paths with. At first Mason wonders if he's imagining the chemistry . . . until Colette invites him over to her apartment. Suddenly Mason's living in a whole new world.

I think I need to start off by saying this is one of the edgier YA romances that I've read. I'm not prudish at all and it didn't bother me, but I was surprised at some of the sex scenes in the book. I do think the book is only for older, mature teens and adults. That being said, I really, REALLY enjoyed the book. I would like to give Ms. Martin props for not playing it safe while writing this book. I truly believe this is one of the most "real" books I've read. Not saying everyone I knew in high school was having sex, but a lot of them were. A lot of them partied and it wasn't only a certain group of kids out there doing it either. I could have easily known Mason in high school.

I think Mason was a well fleshed out, believable character. I'm a character reader so that's always something that's important to me. I was rooting for Mason and hoping through the whole book he would not only find the ending he deserved (in a good way), but also learn something from the experience.

I enjoyed the other relationships that fell into Mason's lap. I like seeing him adjust to a knew family. They were an added bonus to an already wonderful story.

Rating: 4 pages

My Finds...

2010-07-11T19:24:00.001-07:00

I'm a little late this week. Didn't make it to the bookstore until Sunday when I usually go on Fridays. I've been going crazy! LOL Here are my finds this week.

Blurb:
She thinks she has nothing to hide?
Ally has everything under control. She's about to move into a house full of strangers and have her life broadcast to the world, but as long as she still has her long-distance boyfriend, Corey, nothing can go wrong. Nothing, that is, until Ally starts spending time with her housemate Drew, the hot and sensitive guy who always seems to be around when she needs someone the most.

As suspicions and lies start pulling Ally and Corey apart, she's not sure if she can trust anyone, not even herself. Ally is about to learn the hard way that life is what happens when everyone is looking, and it doesn't always capture her good side?.

I ran across this book by accident, but I LOVED Two-way Street by Ms. Barnholdt so I knew I had to have it. I can't wait to give it a try. I really enjoy her writing. It's fresh, fun and upbeat.

Blurb
Sixteen-year-old Mason Rice is having the night of his life. He's just delivered an incredible performance in the school play, basked in celebratory afterglow vibes at the party of the year, and lost his virginity to one of his best friends—the gorgeous but previously unobtainable Kat Medina. His dreams are coming true, and the future looks golden.

Unfortunately, Kat sees things very differently. Crossing the friendship line was a big mistake, and all she wants is to forget it and move on, even if that means forgetting Mason altogether. What's a guy to do? Well, if you're Mason, you hang your hopes on the first attractive twenty-three-year-old you cross paths with. At first Mason wonders if he's imagining the chemistry . . . until Colette invites him over to her apartment. Suddenly Mason's living in a whole new world.

I found this book on my search for YA romances written from a male POV. I can't wait to start reading it. I've heard great things about the book and it sounds like something that's right up my alley.

Expect reviews later this week!

Oh, and finished another draft of my YA!

Tweet, tweet

2010-07-10T21:45:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to say I'm on Twitter now! I've been such a slacker on the Twitter front, but I'm hooked up now and would love to have new followers. Check out my profile HERE.

Book Review: Wicked Lovely

2010-07-09T08:43:00.001-07:00

Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.

Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.

Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.

But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires.

Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.

Someone please tell me why it took so long for me to finally read this book? I've had it in my to be read pile for a while now and never got around to reading it. I finally did and I LOVED it. Actually, I loved Seth. I will admit to not being as interested in the parts with Keenan, but still enjoyed the whole story.

It's incredibly creative, IMO. It's different than anything I've ever read. Ms. Marr did a fantastic job world-building. Her imagery and descriptions were lush and vivid creating a very visual faery world that I saw clearly while reading it.

Like I said, love Seth's character. He's cute, sweet and still holds that bad boy edge. I like that she didn't play it safe with him. He's the guy with tattoos and piercings. The ladies man who has been around the block, but when he found the one girl he wants, he didn't run either. What's not to love about that?

I thought Aislinn was a great main character. She wasn't weak or whiny. She held her own and didn't falter in the decisions she had to make.

All in all, WICKED LOVELY was a fantastic read and I can't wait to continue the series.

PS anyone who has read the whole series, please tell me she stays with Seth!

In need of some boy books

2010-07-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

I'm looking for some good books written from a male POV and specifically, a book with a romantic theme. Even if its not a straight romance, I'd love some pretty strong romantic elements. The next idea that's begging to jump from my head to paper has a male protagonist so I'd like to read some boy books before I dig in.

I LOVE writing from a male POV. I've never done a straight novel that way. Usually I'm a fan of alternating POV's, but Sebastian just won't be quite and this is his story. It's going to be light, fun, and a little out there because, hey he's a boy and they usually don't understand those feelings of love as quickly as a girl does (no offense to guys out there). Sebastian's going to have a pretty bumpy ride, but all in good fun. I promise.

I LOVE trying to get inside a guys head. Been told I do it pretty well. It might have to do with the fact that growing up, I always had three guy friends to my every girl friend. I love the way guys think, talk, and act so to say I'm excited about this story is a bit of an understatement. I need to finish up my numerous rounds of edits in my WIP first, but I like to be prepared so I'm already making notes and want to read a few boy books in the meantime to get a feel for them.

Have any suggestions for me? What's your favorite book for a male POV?

June reads

2010-07-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

I've decided to start keeping a list of the books I read every month. I've never done it before, but figured it might be kind of fun to look back on later. Here are my reads for June.

20 Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler-- AWESOME
The Summer of Skinny Dipping-- pretty good, but sad.
The Book of Luke by Jenny O'Connell-- pretty good
Wake by Lisa Mcmann-- really liked it
Fade by Lisa McMann-- really liked it
Gone by Lisa McMann-- really liked it
Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready-- AWESOME
Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elckeles-- reread of one of my favorite books
Boys Next Door by Jennifer Echols-- ok
Endless Summer by Jennifer Echols-- ok
Lost and Found by Me. Does that count? LOL. I did a read through while editing :)

What was your favorite read of June?

A book can change your life

2010-06-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

Tonight at midnight thousands of Twilight fans will be packing movie theaters across the country to see the third installment of the Twilight Saga, Eclipse. I will readily admit to being a huge Twilight fan. Like most, I know they aren't the most well written books out there, but there is something incredibly enchanting about the story. I wanted nothing to do with the books, but when a friend bought me Twilight I felt obligated to read it. I was hooked and devoured all four books in a week.

Since then, I will also admit to some pretty wild Twilight adventures that considering I'm a thirty year old woman, should embarrass me, but they don't and this is the reason. Twilight changed my life. Now, I'm not one of those crazy people who thinks I'm going to marry either Edward or Robert Pattinson (my hubby might no like that much), but the books brought so many other things to my life. When I read them, I'd recently moved from a small town in Oregon where I'd grown up and knew everyone. A town where I worked full time to Southern California where I knew NO ONE. I not only had to deal with crazy drivers and packed freeways (which still scare me), but I was a stay at home mom for the first time. I was lonely and missed my friends. I found friends because of Twilight. I think the saga has some of the best fans. They're loyal to the books, movies and to each other. I have a wonderful group of women in my life now that I couldn't imagine my life if they weren't in it. I've experienced SO many adventures that I'd never even knew existed growing up in my tiny, little town. I've camped out for two red carpet premieres, won tickets to an MTV show with the cast and even expanded my musical preferences to the links of fantastic musicians like Bobby Long (I heart him).

To add to that, Twilight made my love of writing for teens push to the surface again. It reminded me what I always had wanted to do and that's write characters that people fall in love with.

And people don't believe in the power of books? My story shows you just how powerful a book can be.

Even though I will be sitting this midnight showing out, I will be thinking of all those fans across the country who are showing their Twilight love. In honor I will share my picture with me and Robert Pattinson at the Twilight red carpet. Of course, it's just my luck that the one chance I have to get a picture with him and I cut our faces off, but hey, it's better than nothing. Oh, and if you have the Hot Stars of Eclipse magazine, toward the back there's a picture of Rob. In the background there's a girl with braids and a camera. That's me!

Do you have a Twilight story? If not Twilight is there another book that has changed your life?

Beta needed

2010-06-27T19:10:00.001-07:00

Okay, guys, I'm looking for one more beta reader for my YA, contemporary romance, Lost and Found. I have it out with a few people, but I'd like to find at least one more. I'm determined that this book is going to be the one (lol) and I'd like as many opinions on it as I can get. I'll share the blurb below to see if its something you think you would be interested in. Keep in mind that this is a ROUGH blurb. I'm still working on it as well.

Camryn Bishop has lost everything. Not that she had much to lose anyway, but with the slam of a gavel, her parents got twenty-five years to life, and she ended up shipped to Boonsville, USA, with a wannabe aunt she doesn’t know. To top it off, she gets partnered with Shane Mitchell, the golden boy of her new Mayberry-esque town for a class project. He’s everything she detests and she’s not afraid to tell him. But with Shane, things might not be what they seem, and for the first time in her life, she finds out she might not be alone. Suddenly, she has Shane, her aunt and new friend Josh trying to scale the sky scraper she’s worked to build around her heart. The only question is; does she have it in her to throw them a rope, or will she let the past keep them at bay?

Shane’s used to playing the game. He plasters a fake smile on his face and pretends his life is perfect, just like dear old dad expects. Really, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. No one knows his family’s secrets. His mom is too messed up to deal with it and his dad, let’s just say his image is everything and the truth could ruin him. So Shane continues to play the old, Putting-the-Mitchell-Name-Above-Everything-Else game until Cam comes to town with her grim reaper wardrobe and attitude to match. The girl with the big, brown eyes who looks just as lost as he feels. For the first time in his life, he doesn’t have to pretend. This girl, who is so different in so many ways, becomes the only one who really knows him. Will everything they’ve lost in the past be worth what they find in each other? Through loving each other, can they learn to love themselves?

What I'm looking for:
1. A semi-fast turnaround time
2. Plot, characters and setting. Don't be afraid to hurt my feelings, but please, still be tactful :). I'm really looking to get more opinions on Camryn's character. I want to know if you would keep reading, your thoughts, what you like or don't like. If the beginning is weak or if you lose interest in certain parts. etc.
3. Typos, grammar, punctuation (its had one read through for this already so shouldn't be much).
4. I would LOVE to have someone look at this who also writes. I understand that might not be possible though. I'd like someone who loves reading, reads a lot, maybe has beta read before. I'd like someone who really thinks they can give me so good, in depth opinions on the book.

I'm also willing to swap if you write too. I need romance in my books though. It's what I read and I feel I can give a better opinion if its something I like and have experience with.

If you're interested please email me at writerkelley(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

INCREDIBLE opportunity!

2010-06-27T18:55:00.000-07:00

C.A> Marshall is having a GREAT contest where you can win a full MS edit! Yes, you read that correctly. A FULL BOOK CRITIQUE! This is an amazing opportunity you don't want to miss. See her post about the contest on her blog HERE

My Finds...

2010-06-27T15:07:00.001-07:00

My finds is my own weekly post about the books I find each week will browsing Barnes and Noble!

This week I picked up Endless Summer which is a combo book of The Boys Next Door and Endless Summer by Jennifer Echols, Hearts at Stake by Alexyandra Harvey and 13 to Life by Shannon Delany. I've heard good things about all three of these books. I'm really excited to jump into them. I'm going to TRY and read slower this week. LOL. I always get through my books the first few days of the week and then I'm feeling a little lonely by the end of the week. I'm hoping to make these last. First up is Endless Summer!

Have you read any of the above books? What did you think?

A cool contest!

2010-06-26T14:38:00.000-07:00

Kristin at Socially Acceptable Schizophrenia is having a really cool contest where you can win a chapter critique and a copy of 2010 Guide to Literary Agents!

THE RULES

You do not need to be a follower to enter. You only need to tweet and/or blog about this contest, then write a blurb for your WIP and share it in the comments. The blurb should be no longer than two paragraphs and should resemble a jacket copy or a query letter summary.

THE PRIZES

The writer who submits the best blurb (in my humble and unprofessional opinion) will win a copy of the 2010 GUIDE TO LITERARY AGENTS and a first chapter critique from yours truly.

Her contest deadline is July 1. Read her post on her blog HERE

Draft two completed!

2010-06-24T21:41:00.000-07:00

I got Lost and Found back from my first beta today. She goes over it initially for typos, punctuation help, any inconsistencies etc. She pointed out some good stuff I missed! My eyes gloss over so much in my own work. I made all her corrections today and the book has now been sent off to another reader who helps me critique for plot, characters and setting. I'm excited to hear what she thinks. After she goes over it, I'll be making another read through myself.

Man, writing is a process! I never realized how much goes into it until I started doing it. I love it though. I can't imagine what I would do without writing in my life.

Wish me luck! I get more excited each time I go through this book!

Book Review: Shade

2010-06-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

Blurb:
Love ties them together.
Death can't tear them apart.

Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.

Well, sort of.

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan’s violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.

It doesn't help that Aura’s new friend Zachary is so understanding—and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart…and clues to the secret of the Shift.

Why, why, why, did I not read this book earlier? I've seen all the wonderful reviews around blogosphere, but I was a little nervous to check it out because of her boyfriend dying. First rate softie here and not afraid to admit it! I wasn't sure how sad it was going to be so I put it off until I decided to be a big girl and give it a try. I am SO glad I did!

Ms. Ready has an incredible imagination. The concept behind Shade is fresh, creative and completely engrossing. I was drawn into the story from page one and the book held me tight until I finished the last page, much too late on the night I started it.

Aura is a great main character. She's strong, smart and completely relatable. She also holds this mysterious edge to her, IMO. I think in the coming book we will find out there is more to Aura than meets the eye.

I'm a fan of love triangles and this one was exceptionally well done. I give it to Ms. Ready because she wrote two equally lovable boys that makes it hard to decide which one you love more. Like everyone in life, Zach and Logan each have their unique qualities that make them special. Usually in a love triangle I have a clear cut favorite and here I don't. I mean, I think I do. Kind of. No, I do have a favorite, but I really like the other guy too I just think he was a little more immature...and well...dead (yeah, I think I'm team Zach).

Shade is a brilliant start to a series that has earned a special spot on my keeper shelf. There was action, romance, suspense and I'm not going to lie, I did shed a few tears (it's not that bad, Tara. You won't cry much ;)) I will definitely be eagerly awaiting the second book in the series, Shift.

Next trip to the bookstore, check out, Shade. You won't regret it. It's one of my top reads of the year.

Rating: 5 pages

He said, WHAT?

2010-06-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

Dialogue. It's tricky to get right. I work really hard on making the dialogue in the books I write sound real and natural. Who knows if I really succeed in that since I'm not lucky enough to have my YA's published, but I work my butt off on it. Dialogue is SO important to a story, IMO. It helps me connect with a character, it makes them feel more real or honestly, it can make me want to throw a book out the window.

I can't stand stilted, wooden dialogue. It just rubs me wrong and completely rips me out of the story. Another pet peeve is when the dialogue just doesn't sound real to me. If you're writing about a seventeen year old boy, you NEED to sound like a seventeen year old boy. If you're writing about a teenage girl living on the streets, she needs to sound the part. I'm not trying to say that every teenager girl sounds one way and every boy another. I don't think all teens walk around saying words like fresh or dope, but I think (GAH, this is hard to explain), but I do think there is a tone you should consider in YA.

Recently I was reading a book where a seventeen year old boy says something like, "sorry I was such a turd last night". That one, little line yanked me out of the story so hard I nearly got whiplash. I've been known to see things differently than a lot of people and I know things that are little to someone else are sometimes big to me, but I cringed when I read it. Maybe it's just me. Maybe its been too long since I've been in high school, but I just can't see a popular, good looking, seventeen year old boy who all the girls like apologizing for being a turd. An ass, yeah. If you steer clear of the cursing I can see a jerk or something like that, but the boys I went to school with just didn't call themselves turds. It KILLED me (again, I know I over react, lol). I don't know... Am I being judgemental? Am I assuming because he's a teen boy he wouldn't say that? Because he's good looking and popular he's too cool for words like turd? Am I generalizing all teens and how they speak? Maybe I am. I'm not sure, but it just didn't feel real to me.

Do you get pulled out of a story by dialogue that just rubs you the wrong way? Am I totally freaking out over nothing here or do you kind of see where I'm coming from?

My finds...

2010-06-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

This is my own little weekly post about my finds at the bookstore. This week I came home with Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready and Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison. I've heard some great things about Shade and Sing Me to Sleep looked really, really good. Now, my next big decision. What should I start first??

I also put Endless Summer by Jennifer Echols and the first book in Alexyndra Harvey's series on order. I can't wait to get my hands on those as well.

I just finished all the books in Lisa McMann's Wake trilogy. Be on the look out for my review some time next week!

So Shade or Sing Me to Sleep?

I found a new blog hop!

2010-06-18T08:22:00.000-07:00

A New Hop!

Friday, June 18, 2010

There's a new hop going around! Check it out... here's the info:

To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

1.Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { Parajunkee.com } and any one else you want to follow on the list
2.Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.
3.Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments
4.Follow Follow Follow as many as you can
5.If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
6.If you want to show the link list, just follow the link below the entries and copy and paste it within your post!

I'm excited to meet new blog friends!!

Books to movies, anyone?

2010-06-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

There's been a lot of buzz about books that are being made into movies. It seems like this is happening more and more lately in the YA world. It can be tricky to pull off, IMO. You have your die hard book fans who want it exactly like the book which just isn't always possible in a movie. I think it would be hard to find that balance. It kills me when they butcher a book and totally change it, but I also GET it. Books and movies are a different world and changes have to be made.

I just heard from Girls in the Stacks that Wake will possibly be made into a movie. That has me pretty jazzed. I just finished Wake and Fade this week. I'm excited to dive into Gone. I also LOVED If I Stay and heard that will be an upcoming movie too. I can't wait for that one! Plus, big Twilight fan here and not afraid to admit it. LOL. I devoured the books and enjoyed the movies as well.

My question is, how do you feel about books being turned into movies? What is your favorite movie adaptation of a much loved book? If you could chose one book you would love to see made into a movie, what would it be? For me, I think it would be Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. That was probably my favorite read of the year. LOVED the book and would be just a bit giddy to see it on the big screen.

Contest winner and book help!

2010-06-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

Hey all. I had my kiddo draw a name and the contest winner is.....through the haze! Please send me your mailing address and real name to writerkelley@yahoo.com I will shoot you an email a little later today if I haven't heard from ya. Congrats!!

Okay, everyone. I need some help. I've been in a reading slump. I have a few books I picked up and none of them are catching my interest. I'm starting to go through reading withdraws so I'm counting on you guys to help. What have you read lately that is really good?

Don't forget!

2010-06-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

My contest. It's easy to enter and gives you the chance to buy yourself a book or two! Check out the orginial post HERE and if you're interested, stop over and join The Fabulous Fictionistas yourself! It's a blast!!