Blog Tour: Giveaway + Review of Whispers in Autumn by Trisha Leigh

In 2015, a race of alien Others conquered Earth. They enslaved humanity not by force, but through an aggressive mind control that turned people into contented, unquestioning robots.

Except sixteen-year-old Althea isn’t content at all, and she doesn’t need the mysterious note inside her locket to tell her she’s Something Else. It also warns her to trust no one, so she hides the pieces that make her different, even though it means being alone.

The autumn she meets Lucas, everything changes.

Althea and Lucas are immune to the alien mind control, and together they search for the reason why. What they uncover is a stunning truth the Others never anticipated, one with the potential to free the brainwashed human race.

It’s not who they are that makes them special, but what.

And what they are is a threat. One the Others are determined to eliminate for good.

Overall Thoughts:

The uniqueness of the summary instantly captured my intrigued, and the actual book definitely didn't disappoint either!

Whispers in Autumn is about a sixteen-year-old girl named Althea, who lives in a world completely controlled by aliens. Humans have become enslaved by mind control and they don't even know it. Animals of all kinds are forbidden, for fear that they will attack and/or bring disease into the world. Everyone looks normal on the outside, but possess a perfection and exactitude that normal humans aren't capable of having. They're always smiling and content, even if something isn't exactly right; everyone except Althea, that is. Althea is more lucid and sensitive than everyone else, which is not a good thing. She feels fright, unease, and nervousness when everyone else is oblivious. When her uniqueness starts becoming more apparent, she fearfully wonders why she seems to be the only exception.

Then she meets a boy named Lucas. Like herself, Lucas seems to be the only other person in the world who is different; who feels emotions when the situation rightfully wills it. But unlike herself, Lucas embraces his individuality. And when the Others (a.k.a. the alien government) start searching for Althea, the pair team up to discover why they're so different from the rest off their population.

What I liked about this book:

Althea is the kind of character that you automatically have empathy for because she is the outcast and because she is the black sheep. Whenever she's in a pressuring situation she automatically starts to freak out internally; which then entails me to freak out with her! Lucas, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. He stayed cool and calm under pressure, and balanced out Althea's fiery and panicky nature really well, I thought.

What I disliked about this book:

The beginning was slightly confusing because of all the new vocabulary like: Dissident, The Others, Wardens, the Cell (or school). I'm happy to say that the further I got into the story, the more sense it made to me.

Verdict:

Trisha Leigh definitely has a gift for story-telling because I really enjoyed diving into this adventure-filled book!

4 TARGETS!

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Links to buy:

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Follow Friday #9

Feature & Follow is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read!

Q: Worst cover? What is the worst cover of a book that you've read and loved? 

I'm really terrible in the way that I judge a book by it's cover maybe 80-85% of the time. If the cover is sucky but the summary is amazing then I'll maybe give it a chance. If the cover is sucky and the summary is too cryptic then I probably won't. I know that's very terrible but I can't help it! With that being said, I do still read badly covered books from time to time because the summary and the reviews are just too good to pass up. I can only think of one book that I absolutely loved even with the not-so-attractive cover:

Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

When I first saw the cover, I thought, "Eh..." but the summary was so completely unique that I had to read it! Now that I have, I've grown to really like the cover because it summarizes what happens in the novel really well :) If you haven't read this book, I highly recommend it!

Leave you links in the comments section and I'll be sure to stop by and follow!

Blog Tour: Review of Ciao by Bethany Lopez

Melissa has had a fantastic summer hanging out with her friends and making new ones. Life as she knows it will change when they all come together to begin their sophomore year at Dearborn High. Connections will be made and friendships will be tested. Will Melissa’s family and friends be able to help her through the challenges she will face in the upcoming months?

Overall Thoughts:
Such a quick and easy read!

Ciao is about a 15 year old girl named Melissa who is just starting her sophomore year in high school. She finds two new friends, Carrie and Giovanni, and they quickly become apart of the her group. We follow the gang as Jess finds her first boyfriend; Melissa is put in an awkward position of choosing who to be with romantically; and accepting a fate they may not want.

What I liked about this book:
This book was written in a journal entry format. Every page was Melissa's entry to her diary/journey and we would follow along through her telling us what happened on that day in her life. I had never read a book like that before so it was actually nice to see a change.

Also, the writing in this book was very crisp and clean. I clearly understood everything that was going on and I didn't have a problem imagining anything.

What I disliked about this book:
One of the downsides of writing a book like someone's journey entries is that the reader could easily feel disconnected to the plot because it's not really happening, we're just reading about it. So I thought that was an important fact to be careful about.

Verdict:
This was a very effortless novel that still managed to have difficult topics included into the plot.

Other books in series:

Melissa begins her freshman year with one goal in mind, getting Brian Jackson to be her boyfriend. She will soon learn that things don't necessarily turn out the way you plan them, the value of true friendship, and the importance of family.

Melissa has learned a lot since her freshman year began, but it isn’t over yet! Her world is about to change again with the birth of her new sibling, and she has to figure out how she will adjust to being the eldest of five kids. She, Jess, and Jimmy are inseparable, and she is having a fantastic time although she can’t help but miss Brian as she tries to learn how to deal with his relationship with Layla. Everything seems to be happening at once and that is when she is introduced to Ben Campbell, a senior at Dearborn High, who becomes an interesting distraction as he helps her deal with the new developments in her life.

Interview & Giveaway of Don't Forget to Remember Me with Kahlen Aymes

Welcome Kahlen Aymes to Understanding Shae's Story!

Kahlen Aymes was born in the Midwestern United States and educated at a private university where she received a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and Business Administration.

Kahlen's always been creative with art, music, theater and writing. She decided to write a story as a way to build a network for a business venture. The reader support of her stories and her overwhelming desire to find out where her characters would take her, soon had the writing morphing the business. No one was more shocked than she was. When readers began nominating her work for online awards, it took her breath away and only made her love it more. It soon became clear that writing was, and should be, her focus.

Links:

Website: http://www.kahlen-aymes.blogspot.com/

 Twitter: http://twitter.com/kahlenaymes

Interview:

What/Who inspired you to write your book?

I don’t even know how or when I came up with it.  The series is based on a phrase; Don’t forget to remember me.  I had a long-distance relationship when I was just out of college and we used to tell each other these words.  I built this story around those words.  And then, I wanted to make them mean even more…

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? 

I’m not sure if I have one.  I toggle.  I have more than one piece working at all times.  If I get blocked on one, I move to the other.  And…I write mostly in the wee hours of the morning.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? 

Just love. Consuming, undeniable love.

Summarize your book in 3 sentences or less. 

Ryan and Julia are best friends who must finally admit the deep, soul-searching passion they have for each other. When tragedy strikes and rips them apart, Ryan struggles to protect her from the past, even though Julia desperately searches to find it. When he is faced with losing her or letting go of their memories, Ryan must decide between the chance at a new future with Julia and clinging to the brilliant, beautiful past.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 

 It sort of snuck up on me. I started writing to network a business opportunity and after the readers started telling me I should publish…really was the first time I considered it.

Can you describe what you think makes a good story in 3 words? 

Emotion, conflict, resolution.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up? 

I always thought I wanted to be a lawyer or an architect.

 What are your current projects? 

I’m working on the third book in the Trilogy, A Love Like This and editing another finished novel that will publish right behind the series.

Give 3 interesting facts about yourself. 

I used to teach ballroom dancing.
I draw and cook…like Julia.
I work two jobs. (I consider writing a full time job…because it is.)

Hardest thing about being an author? 

The reviews. Reading is subjective and not everyone will love or even like what you write. It’s a fact of life…all writers know it and we accept it.  But…it’s still hard reading those reviews.

Most rewarding think about being an author? 

The reviews. When a reader tells me that I’ve touched them, made them laugh, cry and scream at the pages because they feel what the characters feel…there’s nothing better than that!

Can you share with us your favorite line(s) from the book? 

"I'm completely... and utterly in love with you."
"Night and day, you're all I think about.  I miss my best friend, but I want so much more with you.  From the moment we met, you’ve had me...captivated. It feels amazing to finally be able to say the words."

What would you say is the best part of your job? 

Meeting readers from all over the world. I love talking to them!

What do you think people search for in a book? 

I think different people look for different things.  But, I believe that we all want to get lost; to be so absorbed that the real world disappears for a while. We want to be able to relate, but also to fantasize. We want to experience things we’ve never experienced and love like we’ve never loved. We want to believe…that deep, heart-pounding, gut-wrenching, I’ll die if I can’t have you love…exists.

Ryan Matthews has everything he ever wanted. Close to graduation from Harvard Medical School and on the verge of marrying his gorgeous and accomplished girlfriend, Julia Abbott, his dreams are about to come true.

Julia is on the fast track as a fashion editor for a big New York magazine. Ryan plans to join her there to complete his residency at a major trauma center and all of their sacrifice is finally at it's end.

When tragedy strikes, their relationship is hurled into turmoil that leaves Ryan devastated as sorrow drives him to keep his distance, while Julia reaches out to find him again.

The second book of The Remembrance Trilogy follows Ryan and Julia's quest to rebuild their stunning past; an incredibly beautiful and heart-breaking romance, full of passion, intensity and truly immeasurable love. You'll be left spellbound, breathless and aching for more...

 MY REVIEW ON DON'T FORGET TO REMEMBER ME

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway Details:
1 Ebook copy of Don't Forget to Remember Me
Open Internationally
Ends 08/24/2012

Review: Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University's Walking One-Night Stand. 

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

Overall Thoughts:

Yes, I do understand all the hype surrounding this book. Yes, this is one of the best books I've read in a while. *Screams*

Beautiful Disaster is about a girl named Abby Abernathy who is just starting college in a completely new place with a completely new outlook on life. Because of her rather edgy and tough past, she's sworn to herself to be the perfect person, looking for her "happily ever after". Then, she runs into the complete opposite of that - Travis Maddox. He is danger incarnate, physically and emotionally.

When the pair first meet, it's pretty obvious what Travis' intentions are with Abby: A One Night Stand. Now Abby may have turned a new leaf, but she's still a tough person herself and ignores and/or dismisses all of Travis's advances. As time progresses, the two find themselves becoming closer and closer, quickly becoming best friends. But what happens when Travis's extreme lifestyle of violence, sex, and gambling starts reminding Abby of the one thing that she tried to get away from - her past.

What I liked about this book:

This book has everything! I'm trying not to become too fan-girly but I can't help it! This has become one of my favorite books! I was entertained literally from page 1! This is the classic story of bad boy falls in love with good girl but was so much more! It was emotional. It was intense. It was the most romantic and touching thing ever!

Travis starts out as this intimidating jerk, who is masked with tattoo-covered muscles and a dirty mouth to match. The more time he spends with Abby, the more we get to see the protective, shy, and lovable side of him. Abby, on the other hand, remains a static character in my opinion, which isn't a bad thing at all. She started out as a strong girl who turned a blind eye to Travis's charm, and ended as a strong girl who, in a way, tamed Mr. Travis Maddox a.k.a Ladies Man Extraordinaire.

What I disliked about this book:

I can honestly say that there was nothing I disliked about this book. It. Was. Brilliant.

Verdict:

This has become one of my favorite books of all time. It's the kind of book that you can't help but zoom through but once you're finished, you just want to slap yourself for reading it so fast!

5 TARGETS!

Blog Tour: Review of For Ever By C.J. Valles

Sixteen-year-old Wren Sullivan can read minds, but when she moves from Southern California to Portland, Oregon, she meets Ever Casey—the one person whose mind is off-limits. Wren does know one thing about her mysterious classmate: he has a dark secret to hide. And the closer she gets to learning the truth, the more dangerous it is for her and everyone around her.

Overall Thoughts:

I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Don't let the cover fool you!

For Ever is about 16 year old Wren Sullivan who just moved from California to Portland, Oregon with her mom. When she arrives, she's not surprised that she can read the minds of anyone that she makes eye contact with because she's been doing that for most of her life. But what she is surprised to find out is that a guy named Ever Casey is completely silent to her. She can't hear his thoughts, instead it appears that like he can hear hers instead.

When Wren is constantly put in danger, it seems like Wren is always there to save her but then goes right back to acting like the unemotional, stoic jerk that he was before. But what happens when Wren comes to the startling conclusion that he may not be completely human?

What I liked about this book:

I, personally, found a lot of myself in Wren. She's a little more negative than I am, but we're both pretty shy and laid-back people who don't like to be the center of attention so I liked that I could kind of relate to her.

What I disliked about this book:

For the first half of the book, Wren remains a complete enigma, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It was just drying me insane, trying to figure out what he is or what he could really do. All is revealed though!

Verdict:

This is a really easy read, with a completely novel plot! 

Dirty Little Secret #9

Dirty Little Secret is a weekly meme hosted by Under the Covers. Every Thursday we get to know other bloggers & our readers more intimately by asking them questions, hoping to reveal their dirty little secrets.

Q: Which Disney hero would you like to take to your bed? I mean, on a date?

I'll take one Aladdin please! First, he grew up on the streets as a beggar (*coughs* or thief... *coughs*), meaning that he's had to work for everything that he's gotten so he's smart and appreciative. No ego on this hero :) Now, take a second and look at those arms - he's strong and his outfit always has a no shirt policy to it, which I won't complain about. Lastly, his sidekick is Abu... the cutest and most conniving monkey in the world! If that's not a winning combination, then I don't know what is!

Review: Don't Forget to Remember Me By Kahlen Aymes

Ryan Matthews has everything he ever wanted. Close to graduation from Harvard Medical School and on the verge of marrying his gorgeous and accomplished girlfriend, Julia Abbott, his dreams are about to come true.

Julia is on the fast track as a fashion editor for a big New York magazine. Ryan plans to join her there to complete his residency at a major trauma center and all of their sacrifice is finally at it's end.

When tragedy strikes, their relationship is hurled into turmoil that leaves Ryan devastated as sorrow drives him to keep his distance, while Julia reaches out to find him again.

The second book of The Remembrance Trilogy follows Ryan and Julia's quest to rebuild their stunning past; an incredibly beautiful and heart-breaking romance, full of passion, intensity and truly immeasurable love. You'll be left spellbound, breathless and aching for more...

Overall Thoughts:

This is easily one of the most tender and moving books I've ever read! I feel like I've been to hell and back with Ryan and Julia. It's like their troubles became my own and their triumphs made me feel victorious... crazy, I know but true!

Don't Forget to Remember Me picks up right where The Future of Our Past left off. A vicious car accident has caused Julia to forget some of the most important memories of her life and the most important person in her life, Ryan Matthews. With advice from Julia's doctor, Ryan regrettably decides to play down their relationship in front of her even though it pains him to do so. As time progresses, Julia finds herself falling back in love with the man who is said to only be her best friend, and Ryan finds himself pulling away from her for her own protection. Can the two lovers survive when every memory they've ever shared seems to be lost forever?

What I liked about this book:

Calling this book emotional and a tearjerker would be the biggest understatement of the century. I cried so much that I had to constantly remind myself that it wasn't happening to me, and that it was fiction. I feel like I know Ryan and Julia personally, as oppose to them being made-up characters.

The plot is detailed and brilliant in every way. The characters were passionate and emotional. The story was extremely tragic yet romantic, and just... the epitome of genius.

What I disliked about this book:

I felt super lonely while reading this book! Reading about Ryan and Julia's relationship and how completely consumed and obsessed they were with each other, made me want to reevaluate my own love life!

Verdict:

This is an absolute "Must-Read" in my opinion! I honestly have no idea how Aymes is going to outdo this book with the last installment of this trilogy, A Love Like This.

5 TARGETS!

Summer Wrap-Up Read-A-Thon Summer Vacations

Welcome to the Summer Wrap-Up Read-A-Thon hosted by Jude at In Between Reading and Writing and Jennifer at Some Like it Paranormal. 

At this stop, I'll be hosting the Summer Vacations Challenge! Just tell me your ideal vacation inside of a certain book!

This automatically popped inside of my head right when I read the challenge. Not very unique but eh... who in the world would not love to visit Hogwarts for vacation!

Also, I just finished reading this book a couple days ago and loved it! Look at the background on the cover... I would love to visit that beautiful place as well!

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway Contest Details:
Advance Readers' Edition
US Only
Ends August 13, 2012

Blog Tour: Review of Wilde's fire By Krystal Wade

"There is no pain in this death, only peace, knowing I am going to die with the one I love the most." - Katriona Wilde. Katriona Wilde has never wondered what it would feel like to have everything she's ever known and loved ripped away, but she is about to find out. When she inadvertently leads her sister and best friend through a portal into a world she's dreamed of for six years, she finds herself faced with more than just the frightening creatures in front of her. Kate's forced to accept a new truth: her entire life has been a lie, and those closest to her have betrayed her. What's worse, she has no control over her new future, and it's full of magic and horrors from which nightmares are made. Will Kate discover and learn to control who she really is in time to save the ones she loves, or will all be lost?

Overall Thoughts:

I was intrigued about this story from the amazing cover, but after reading the book, the summary is just the same.

Wilde's Fire begins with the main character Katriona going camping with her sister, Brit, and her best friend, Brad. All the while, she gets these flashes of nightmares, the same nightmares that she's been having for the last 6 years without fail. Periodically, she sees these random flashes of light, and out of pure curiosity, she leads herself and her camping companions to the source of that light: A portal to another world, filled with dark, evil creatures. Once Katriona realizes this, she attempts to push Brit and Brad back out of the portal, but only Brit makes it out...

What I liked about this book:

It easily catches your attention even from the prologue, and the characters were believable, especially Kate! Also, I really liked how she herself is a vulnerable and innocent person, who's been thrust into this parallel universe which she has no knowledge of other than from her nightmares!

What I disliked about this book:

I was a bit worried about Kate and Arland's relationship in the beginning. When you have a really imaginative story and plot, it sometimes overrides the characters and their relationships. But I really liked their romance, it was pure.

Verdict:

This was a very easy story with a beautiful cover that easily engrosses you. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Summer Wrap-Up Read-A-Thon "To Be Read" List

I am participating in the Summer Wrap-Up Read-A-Thon which is sponsored by Jude at In Between Reading and Writing and Jennifer at Some Like it Paranormal. It lasts from August 4th to August 12th. I'll be posting regularly, participating in challenges and giving updates on my reading list!

To Be Read List:

Follow Friday #8

Feature & Follow is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read!

Q: Do your reading habits change based on your mood? Do you read a certain genre if you are feeling depressed or happy?

No, they usually don't. Whenever I'm feeling down and out or sad, I do think I tend to get more picky with the books that I read at the time. Because I more than likely want to get my mind off of whatever is making me all moody, I'll probably take that extra second to scour through books to find the one that will be the best and most exciting so it can take me away from my issues... but I don't go to one particular genre.