Spotlight on Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

Hardcover, 384 pages

Published January 31st 2012 by Katherine Tegen

Buy From Amazon

NEWSOUL

Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

NOSOUL

Even Ana’s own mother thinks she’s a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she’ll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are suspicious and afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

HEART

Sam believes Ana’s new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana’s enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else’s life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life.

Right from the start, Incarnate thrust me into a world of imagination and wonder. Ana has no reason to think she’s anything to anyone but a burden, a Nosoul that will drift through her short life and soon be forgotten among the immortal souls in her world. But then she meets Sam, someone unlike anyone she’s encountered before, and a soul that connects with hers on a deep level. The relationship building between them was sweet at times and others intense. I fell for Sam as their shared love of music deepened into a beautiful love that made my heart ache.

The city of Heart was super original. I loved all the elements Meadows wove throughout. Dragons, sylph, centaurs, futuristic weapons, a mythology around reincarnation that teeters on religious views—the world-building was simply amazing. I loved that the story focused on the relationship between Sam and Ana, but I have to admit, I’m impatiently awaiting the second novel so I can delve deeper into this world and its secrets. Packed full of romantic tension, action, and fantastic characters, along with a new, original fantasy world and inventive mythology, Incarnate is a must read for Dystopia lovers who crave something fresh.

 Miniview with Jodi Meadows

Shower or bubble bath?

Shower! Baths are nice, but I can't read or knit in the bath. I WILL drop whatever I'm trying to do.

Morning person or get away from me before I stab you with my coffee stirrer?

Stabbing, definitely. Though once I'm up, I'm typically pretty productive. I think I'm a very reluctant morning person.

Spike or Angel?

Neither? I mean, they're both cute, but I'm not really into bad boys and/or the undead. (One of my significant other requirements: breathing.)

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Cover Reveal: Spectral by Shannon Duffy

Convinced she’s a part of the witness protection program, sixteen-year-old Jewel Rose is shuffled around the globe with her family like a pack of traveling gypsies. After arriving at lucky home twenty-seven, she stumbles upon a mysterious boy with magical powers claiming to be her guardian . . . and warning of imminent danger. Despite the obvious sparks between them, Jewel discovers a relationship is forbidden, and the more she learns about dark, brooding Roman, she begins to question who she can even believe—the family who raised her, or the supposed sworn protector who claims they’ve been lying to her all along.

As she struggles to uncover who her family has really been running from, she is forced to hide her birthmark that reveals who she is. With new realities surfacing, unexplained powers appearing, and two tempting boys vying for her heart, Jewel battles to learn who she can trust in an ever growing sea of lies, hoping she’ll make it through her seventeenth birthday alive.

Author website | Goodreads | Twitter | Tribute Books

Blog Tour: The Priest and the Peaches by Larry Peterson Guest Post

From Larry: I have to admit that in writing for the YA market I am not sure where the cut off is between YA and adult. I am generally of the mindset that it falls somewhere between 7th graders and high-school seniors. Let's face it, kids today have been exposed to so much worldly supposedly "grown-up" stuff from TV, the movies, print and electronic media and YouTube and who-knows-what when they surf the web. Many of them think that they know about "everything" when, in reality, so many of them are so emotionally immature they probably do not know what reality is or is not, especially when it comes to the world of sex.

I feel that writing for the YA market is not just about story telling it is also about being responsible to your youthful audience. There should be a sense of the finer human traits we possess like caring, camaraderie, loyalty, honor, and selflessness woven throughout the narrative. It does not have to be blatant, just subtle, enough for the reader to sense it and be impacted by it. You never want to be "preachy". Sexual interactions between a boy and girl should be approached carefully and gently and never be explicit. The reader will get the idea without all the pronounced description. We are human beings after all with feelings, emotions and the ability to reason. I think it is important to show we are not just creatures primarily controlled by our desires but rather that we, as people, have the right to say "No" or "Stop" and in return hear back, "Okay" or "Yes" and that this type of behavior is honorable and deserves respect.

Let me finish up by saying that the YA level of writing should probably also be an enjoyable read for adults. I have found some great reads at the YA level and I would recommend that adults who have not tested the waters of this genre ought to "jump in."

Bio: Larry Peterson was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. A former Metal Lather/Reinforcing Iron-worker, he left that business after coming down with MS. He, his wife and three kids moved to Florida 30 years ago. Larry began doing freelance newspaper commentary after graduating from Tampa College in 1984.

His first children's picture book, Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes was published in 2011. In 2012, his full length novel, The Priest and the Peaches was released and he is presently working on the sequel.

He also has a blog where he posts weekly commentary. He lives in Pinellas Park, Florida and his kids and six grandchildren all live within three miles of each other. 

The Priest and the Peaches Book Summary

 Buy From Amazon

Historical fiction novel set in the Bronx in the mid-1960s

Take a seven day journey with the five, newly orphaned Peach kids, as they begin their struggle to remain a family while planning their dad's funeral.

They find an ally in the local parish priest, Father Tim Sullivan, who tries his best to guide them through the strange, unchartered and turbulent waters of "grown-up world." A story that is sad, funny, and inspiring as it shows how the power of family love and faith can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

 Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Tribute Books

Spotlight on The Secret of Spruce Knoll by Heather McCorkle

Hardcover, 338 pages

Published November 15th 2011 by Compass Press

Buy From Amazon

Following the tragic death of her parents, Eren Donovan moves to Spruce Knoll to live with an aunt she’s never met. Little does Eren know the entire town of Spruce Knoll is filled with “channelers”—a magical group of people who immigrated to the small Colorado town when they were driven out of their own lands.

Channelers are tied to the fate of the world. As the world slowly dies, so do they—and they alone have the power to stop the destruction of Earth. Soon, Eren learns she not only lives among them, but she is one. When she meets local boy Aiden, his charm convinces her that being a channeler may not be all bad though.

As Eren and Aiden’s relationship develops, so too does a mystery in Spruce Knoll. The town holds many secrets—and many dangers. It soon becomes apparent that the untimely death of Eren’s parents was no accident and that her life might be in danger too. Only time will tell if Eren can embrace her unwanted power and protect the only family she has left.

From the first page, I was gripped and pulled into a town and world full of magic and mystery. Spruce Knoll (love that name!) is eerie and elusive at times. From the way the citizens are green, I mean really green, to their rejection of Eren, I was flipping the pages to discover the secret. The mythology McCorkle created was original and adds an awesome new twist for paranormal lovers. It still boggles my mind thinking on the concept, and I can’t wait to find out more about Eren’s powers and this town.

Now for romance...Eren and Aiden’s romance was tender and sensual all at the same time. It was so refreshing to meet a love interest who is sincere and sweet, and simply wants to protect the protagonist with no creepy side agenda. I fell for Aiden immediately. That protector thing gets me every time, and Aiden has it down. I also loved how Eren handled being a Channeler—how she dealt with the discovery, and how she rationalizes everything in general. Smart girls rule. This is a must read for anyone looking for a fresh take on the paranormal with a twist of unique mythology, and a sweet, all-consuming romance that will make your heart ache.

 Miniview with Heather McCorkle

 

Manicures or I file them down to the nub because I'm a hardcore writer? 

I've never had a manicure, but I don't quite file down to nubs either. Close though!

 

All-time favorite heroine?  

Buffy Summers. No contest. 

 

Earbuds or crank the stereo loud as it can go? 

I'm actually very sensitive to sound so I don't crank my stereo anymore. There was a time I did, oh yes, there was. #RecoveringHeadbangersAnonymous

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Spotlight on Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey

Hardcover, 288 pages

Published January 17th 2012 by Walker Childrens

Buy From Amazon

For seventeen years, Eloise Hart had no idea the world of Faery even existed. Now she has been abducted and trapped in the Rath of Lord Strahan, King of Faery. Strahan was only meant to rule for seven years, as Faery tradition dictates, and then give up his crown to another. But he won't comply, and now chaos threatens both worlds.

The only one who can break his stranglehold on the Faery court is his wife. . . Eloise's aunt Antonia. Using Eloise to lure Antonia, Strahan captures his wife, desperate to end the only threat to his reign. Now Eloise must become the rescuer. Together with her best friends Jo and Devin, she must forge alliances with other Fae, including a gorgeous protector named Lucas, and Strahan's mysterious son, Eldric-who may or may not betray them.

I love Alyxandra Harvey’s writing, her style, her books…especially the Drake Chronicles. I have a copy of Haunting Violet staring at me, and after finishing Stolen Away, I now plan to dive in immediately. Harvey knows how to write young, fresh characters. I always enjoy their dialogue, and Eloise and Jo were super cool and fun. Eloise with her Rockabilly style, and Jo with her quirky love of all things British. I loved that they were best friends yet had different interests and personalities. Even the ways they approach guys and think in terms of relationships are different. But, they ban together and defend each other against anyone who threatens the other. That’s real friendship.

Harvey also has a knack for writing romance. Eloise’s relationship with Lucas wasn’t as all-consuming as Jo’s and Eldric’s, but it was deep and sincere on its own level. I loved reading about each of these developing love interests from the protagonists. Harvey has proven she can write just about anything in the world of fiction, and I was so impressed with her take on Fae. Combining the old myths with a new, original twist, along with witty, loveable characters, Harvey has penned a must read for anyone wanting they’re next fantasy fix.

Miniview with Alyxandra Harvey

New car smell or strawberry?

Strawberry. I despired the smell of new cars. Yuck. I incense bomb with Nag Champa to get rid of it!

Sparkle or fangs?

Fangs. Though I do love glitter in general, and David Bowie/Ziggy Stardust ;) ...it's got to be fangs!

Coke or Pepsi or Coffee IV?

Definitly coffee. I don't drink soda and try to avoid excess chemicals/sugars... though I adore flavoured coffee and that's full of ingredients I probably don't want to know about!

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Cover Reveal: Touch of Death by Kelly Hashway

Jo

Release date: January 5, 2013

Jodi Marshall isn’t sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she’s in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she’s being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.

After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he’s not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she’s part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendents of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins.

Jodi’s deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn’t difficult enough, Jodi discovers she’s the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can’t figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct.

Goodreads | Author website | Spencer Hill Press

YA Bound Bloggy Roundup (1/26/12)

Hey y'all! Welcome to another addition of YA Bound's Bloggy Roundup Friday!


Every Friday, tune in here for links to teasers, sneak peeks, spotlights, reviews, events, and more! If YOU have a link you think will be perfect for this spot, email me at RachelHarris1 at gmail dot com.

Okay, onto the fun!

• Kate Kaynak of Spencer Hill Press is giving away an early, signed new edition of MINDER and Spencer Hill tote bag for the Young Adult Giveaway Hop! Check out here blog to find out how you can enter to win! 

• Tori Scott has a fever...and it's not for more cowbell. It's for, yes, FEVER by Lauren DeStefano! She's hosting a giveaway on her blog, giving readers a chance to get their hands on an early copy.  

• YA author Lani Woodland has put together an amazing giveaway featuring her books, some other amazing authors' books and swag, and a chance to be immortalized in her third novel--all to help promote the fund for Yara at Once Upon a Twilight. As you've all heard, or maybe you haven't, Yara lost everything to a fire recently. Her family has organized a fund to help her and her family. Please check out all the deets over at LANI'S blog!

• Another way to help out: Restock YARA'S BOOKSHELF from I'm a Reader not a Writer!

• YA author, Lenore Appelhans, is giving away #4 APOCALYSPIES STARTER PACK! Enter to win such prizes as: Born Wicked, Reunited, Starters, and loads of swag. 

• Speaking of Giveaways, Making The Grade is having a Book Launch Party for A MILLION SUNS and you can win a SIGNED COPY! Ends today, so definitely check it out. While you are there, be sure to also check out their HUGO CABRET Giveaway, too!

• If you visited our blog this week, you probably learned a lot about Tara Fuller's PERIGEE MOON--and if not, well, check below. *grin* Here's your chance to win a copy and some awesome swag. Check out Tara's 3000 FOLLOWER PERIGEE MOON GIVEAWAY!!!

• Upcoming debut author Melissa West is also having a contest! When she reaches 3000 followers, one lucky winner will be the FIRST TO READ an e-ARC of her highly anticipated fall release, GRAVITY!

• And finally, but certainly not least . . . 'Tis the Season for Awards and Lists! Check out one of my favorites, The YALSA 2012 BEST FICTION FOR YOUNG ADULTS, see if YOUR favorite made the cut, then load up your Amazon cart and Goodreads to-read shelf! (When you're done, stop back by and let us know which of your favorites made the list! Better yet, tell us which ones didn't make the list, too!)

And here's what you may have missed here:

• We SWOONED over Everneath and Perigee Moon (yes, again . . . but a new, even steamier scene this time!)

• We also shined a Spotlight on EVERNEATH and PERIGEE MOON along with random fun miniviews with the authors and glimpses of their fancy book trailers

• And on Monday, we announced a GIVEAWAY for The Veil by Cory Putman Oakes! 

So, there you have it. Our favorite bloggy finds of the week. If you come across any more next week, please send them to us!


Your Turn: What were YOUR favorite posts this week? Anything I should add?

Swoon Thursday (25): Everneath and Perigee Moon

It's that time again! We created a HOT meme, and if you're new to the game, here's how to join in the fun:

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering.

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! We want to know :-)

Here's ours:

RACHEL: My comfy lodgings in the old editing cave were so nice, I decided to stick around another week. So besides reading my own writing (which I must admit, is pretty swoony, ha!), the only other novel I read was PERIGEE MOON which I Spotlighted here this week . . . and Swooned over last week. But, hey, it was so swoon-worthy, I've decided to share another quote, with promises of yummy new selections next week =)

The Twitter Swoon::

My fingers fumbled nervously with the buttons of his shirt as he wedged a knee in between my legs--Perigee Moon SWOON #YABound

And the Extended Bloggy Swoon:

My hands tangled in his hair as I pressed against him, willing myself to melt into him. All I could think was this was right.

My fingers fumbled nervously with the buttons of his shirt as he wedged a knee in between my legs, squaring his hips with mine, before finally tearing free from his shirt and tossing it to the floor. His hands scalded my thighs, burning with warmth as he slid my dress up, then rushed to unbutton his jeans that were already hanging low around his hips. 

Yeah, that's HOT! Do you forgive me for the repeat? (he he)

TRISH: My swoon this week is from the same page, but two different paragraphs. I had to break it up so not to give too much away and spoil their conversation for those who haven't read it yet. But whoa, I just love his reaction to Nikki kissing his hand. *melts*

He raised his head and winced. "You shouldn't do that," he said, even though he didn't pull his hand away.
"Why?"
"Because...it'll make everything worse...If you don't feel--"
His voice cut off as I kissed his hand again, pausing with his fingers at my lips. He let out a shaky sigh and  his hair flopped forward. Then he looked at my lips for a long moment.

He pressed his lips closer, parting his mouth against mine. I shivered, and he put his arms around me and pulled me closer so that our bodies were touching in so many places. -- EVERNEATH SWOON #YABound

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN: In 140 characters . . . um, or a bit more if you're like us LOL, SWOON us!

Spotlight on Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Hardcover, 370 pages

Published January 24th 2012 by Harper Collins / Balzer + Bray

Buy From Amazon

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

At first I wondered why the story started with Nikki coming back from the Everneath and not from before she went, showing the reader how her relationships developed and how she ended up there. But as I continued to read, I really enjoyed having the relationships already established and being given glimpses of her story as she battles her new reality. It was like reading two stories, and having the overall story build layer upon layer until the climax. That was fresh and original.

I loved how Ashton combined mythology with the paranormal to create an intricate world and characters. Though I loved Nikki and Jack, as their relationship was breathtaking and beautiful, but also realistic with problems they had to overcome, Cole was my favorite. He had depth and hidden layers that readers get to peel back, and I fell in love with him. His feelings for Nikki were his own battle, and I felt for him as he struggled with them and his needs. Nikki was a very relatable character. Honestly, I don’t know what my choice would be if I were put in her position. She rationalized and thought through her issues and she’s an amazing heroine. I held my breath during the end, and am still reeling. I can’t wait to get my hands on the second book and find out what will happen with these characters. A beautiful love story with characters raging full force against the inevitable, along with the battles of the heart within an original world, Everneath will leave you craving more.

MINIVIEW with Brodi Ashton

New car smell or new leather jacket smell?
 
New car smell. Hands down.

Team Love triangle or I'm a one guy kinda gal?

I'm a one guy kinda gal!

Chocolate or vanilla? Or something amazing I've never heard of?

Vanilla if we're talking about frosting. Chocolate if we're talking about ice cream.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Spotlight on Perigee Moon by Tara Fuller

Kindle Edition
Published January 12th by Crescent Moon Press
Buy From Amazon HERE

After a horrific fire claims the life of her mother, seventeen year old Rowan Bliss finds herself in the miniscule town of Ipswich, Massachusetts. It’s here that she meets Alex, a deliciously mysterious boy who holds the key to unlocking her family’s dark secret.

As Rowan falls helplessly over the edge for Alex, the secrets that he insists on keeping refuse to be contained, and the truth that she uncovers challenges everything she has ever believed. Alex is a witch. And now he’s awakened something within her she never even knew existed. But out of all of this, the one thing Rowan won’t accept is the fact that Alex is destined to die.

Now Rowan must unearth the buried power she harbors within to escape a deadly prophecy, defy the very laws of time, and prevent the hands of fate from taking yet another person she loves.

For months, I've had this book on my WOW list . . . my must-read list . . .  and my what-the-heck-does-that-title-mean list, so when this baby finally popped up on Amazon, I think I may've been the first person to snatch it up! And from the very first page, I knew I was in for an amazing ride.

First of all, the hauntingly beautiful cover completely drew me in, and I'm so happy to say the writing matched. Tara Fuller writes with a lyrical voice, she paints with words and her descriptions are just poetic. As a reader, I'm drawn to stories with snappy, authentic dialogue, BUT what makes me stay is a setting that I can see and feel and almost move around in--and in PERIGEE MOON, the tiny town of Ipswich, Massachusetts became my home while I read. I saw the forest and smelled the briny ocean. I could taste it on the back of my tongue. I heard the floorboards of Rowan's room creak beneath my feet, and, well, whenever Alex was in the room, I was consumed with jealousy that it was not ME getting to touch and run my fingers through his hair! *grin*

While the majority of the story is told via Rowan's first person POV, I loved the snapshot glimpses into Alex's world through his journal entries, sprinkled throughout the text. Writing for the opposite sex can be difficult, and writing from two POVs within one book can be a challenge, trying to keep them separate and distinguishable. Ms. Fuller excels at this in my opinion--I loved her Alex entries! It's so tempting in YA literature to make guy characters all or nothing. . . they're either the broody bad boy, or the sweet, caring boy-next-door. Alex finds a way to be BOTH, which I think is a much more realistic picture of a male teen. And this way I feel like I got two guys for the price of one! Actually, there are two hotties in PERIGEE MOON, and I'd love to see a sequel just for him. And to find out what happens next with Rowan. And have more page time with Bevin--loved that girl. So, yeah, basically, I'm just demanding a sequel. *snaps fingers and twitches nose*

What I loved about this book was how much of it was a mystery going in---wondering about the title, curious about the cover, and needing to know more about Alex--so I don't want to ruin that for anyone else with spoilers. I'll just say that PERIGEE MOON was worth the wait, and fans of YA paranormal romantic suspense won't be disappointed. Be sure to keep an eye on the author, too. Her Kissed by Death series begins with INBETWEEN, hitting shelves this August!

And now a MINIVIEW with author Tara Fuller

Congratulaions! You just fell into a vat of cool, slimy goo. Completely ruined your new suede boots, but the upshot is you get a super power. What is it?

Telekinesis because it would be really handy to be able to get chocolate from the kitchen without ever having to leave my laptop.

You've just been told (for some crazy reason this interview has not thought of yet) that you can only eat ONE type of sweet/dessert for the rest of your life! What is it?

Chocolate chip ice cream for sure. Can't beat a classic!

I'm making you do this--right now, you have to decide . . . Number One, all time, favorite hottie from ANY YA book, recent or way back in the day--who is it?

That's a tough one! But I'm going to have to go with Dimitri from Vampire Acadamy. Swoon!

Tara, you are at the library, hanging in the YA section (naturally) and stumble across an awesome book you've never heard of about Jinn. When you crack the cover, a hot Jinn pops out and says he will grant you 3 literary wishes.

     - Wish One: A Fictional character of your choosing can step from the pages and come to life. Who do you pick? Hot boy toy, or kick a$$ heroine? Why? 

Hot boy toy. ;) Going to have to go with Four from Divergent. Not just because he's hot, but because he's a strong character that I really admired. The whole package! 


     - Wish Two: You can step inside any YA book on the shelf and live the life of any character. What book do you choose, what character, and why? 

Rose from Vampire Academy. Not only is she one of the most hard core heroines I've ever read but she gets to hook up with Dimitri!


     - Wish Three: He leads you to the paranormal section and says he will give you with the powers of a character for twenty-four hours. What do you go for (angel, witch, vampire, mermaid, fairy, shapeshifter, etc;) and from what book? Why?

Witch. Witches can win a battle without even laying a finger on someone and that is pretty awesome if you ask me.



Thanks so much for joining us Tara!

More PERIGEE MOON Fun:

• Jam to the music that inspired this story with Tara's Story Soundtracks! Click HERE to listen to the complete soundtrack for both PERIGEE MOON and INBETWEEN, her upcoming fall release!
• And to entice you EVEN more to read the story, check out her haunting Book Trailer:

Author Website  /  Goodreads  /  Twitter