Erin Richards's Blog, page 15
November 7, 2012
Book Review: Caution: Filling is Hot
I'm digging into my summer reads now. This one was a fun, flirty romance I enjoyed immensely. I'll also review Tara Mills' next Crimson romance novel, FOREST FIRES, soon!
Title: Caution: Filling is HotAuthor: Tara MillsGenre: Contemporary RomancePublisher: Crimson RomanceRelease Date: July 16, 2012Format: eBook and Paperback
Buy Links: AmazonB&N
Back Cover Blurb: Here's a recipe to share with friends. Take one prickly demonstration cook, handle carefully. Add one lonely widower, slightly beaten. Mix gently. Fold in two eight-year-olds, one at a time to temper the batter and avoid scrambling. Then finally, add the mother with an agenda--but just a dash because she's spicy. Whip into stiff peaks then spread over an ungreased sheet for best results.
Piper Frost is taking a break from men when contractor Chad Thomas crashes her cooking class and turns on the charm. His persistence is annoying but she's already melting, even without his sneaky mother and conspiring twins in the mix. But just when things are really starting to sizzle, disaster strikes. Can Piper save her recipe for happily ever after or is it already ruined? Show Less My Review:
A Fun and Spicy Read. The filling is definitely HOT!I don’t read much contemporary romance anymore, leaning more toward darker paranormal, SF&F and its various sub-genres. However, Caution: Filling is Hot just turned that around, and I’m heading back to the bookstore to see what I’ve been missing! I loved this book! It was an absolute joy to read.
Piper has been burnt by love and isn’t looking for a relationship anytime soon. Then bam…gorgeous widower Chad and his precious twins barrel into her life. Try as she might to just stay friends with Chad, Piper can’t resist the sizzling chemistry between them. Not that Chad will let her resist! He pursues her and does everything in his power to break down her walls. The development of Piper and Chad’s relationship was fun, sexy, and natural.A sense of family grows throughout the novel and is supported by a well-developed cast of characters. I especially loved the sharp wit of Piper’s best friend Joy. Tara Mills has whipped up a warm, believable story with two people who have real insecurities and doubts, but are able to overcome them and find their happily ever after. Caution: Filling is Hot is a fun and spicy read you won’t want to miss. The filling is definitely sizzling!
(I received a review copy from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review).
Title: Caution: Filling is HotAuthor: Tara MillsGenre: Contemporary RomancePublisher: Crimson RomanceRelease Date: July 16, 2012Format: eBook and Paperback Buy Links: AmazonB&N
Back Cover Blurb: Here's a recipe to share with friends. Take one prickly demonstration cook, handle carefully. Add one lonely widower, slightly beaten. Mix gently. Fold in two eight-year-olds, one at a time to temper the batter and avoid scrambling. Then finally, add the mother with an agenda--but just a dash because she's spicy. Whip into stiff peaks then spread over an ungreased sheet for best results.
Piper Frost is taking a break from men when contractor Chad Thomas crashes her cooking class and turns on the charm. His persistence is annoying but she's already melting, even without his sneaky mother and conspiring twins in the mix. But just when things are really starting to sizzle, disaster strikes. Can Piper save her recipe for happily ever after or is it already ruined? Show Less My Review:
A Fun and Spicy Read. The filling is definitely HOT!I don’t read much contemporary romance anymore, leaning more toward darker paranormal, SF&F and its various sub-genres. However, Caution: Filling is Hot just turned that around, and I’m heading back to the bookstore to see what I’ve been missing! I loved this book! It was an absolute joy to read.
Piper has been burnt by love and isn’t looking for a relationship anytime soon. Then bam…gorgeous widower Chad and his precious twins barrel into her life. Try as she might to just stay friends with Chad, Piper can’t resist the sizzling chemistry between them. Not that Chad will let her resist! He pursues her and does everything in his power to break down her walls. The development of Piper and Chad’s relationship was fun, sexy, and natural.A sense of family grows throughout the novel and is supported by a well-developed cast of characters. I especially loved the sharp wit of Piper’s best friend Joy. Tara Mills has whipped up a warm, believable story with two people who have real insecurities and doubts, but are able to overcome them and find their happily ever after. Caution: Filling is Hot is a fun and spicy read you won’t want to miss. The filling is definitely sizzling!
(I received a review copy from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review).
November 4, 2012
Snippet Sunday: VIGILANTE NIGHTS
Okay...I've tried Six Sentence Sunday, Six Paragraph Sunday and now I've just decided to call it Snippet Sunday. This gives me leeway to post however little or much I want to post! Like it's so complicated! Not. LOL
Anyway, I decided to post the beginning snippet of my YA contemporary novel VIGILANTE NIGHTS as I sold it (bear in mind that it might change in edits).
Does this draw you in? Or do you need to read more?
Silver's babbling continued at racecar speed. Seriously, I didn’t want to hear about the new target of my sister’s lust. The fallout of her last crush with one of my friends still jacked me up. Memories surged and my gut pinched. Ex-friend now. A blissful moment of silence descended. I peeked at my twin in the passenger seat. Brow puckered, she sucked on the straw to her daily iced mocha. My gaze slid past the speedometer clocking me at ten over in a fifty-five zone. “Something feels weird tonight, Lucas.” Her tone turned somber. “Maybe you ought to slow down.” “Meaning?” I felt her apprehension, a feeling I’d grown used to over the last week since she’d kicked Raymond—our collective ex—to the curb. She shrugged. “Just a weird vibe I’ve had since we left the mall.” “Raymond still bothering you?” Silver looked out the passenger window. She didn’t have to hide the tears Ifelt from her in our weirdo twin bond. Hoping to lighten the mood, I gunned the car on a clear stretch of the frontage road. Despite her heebie-jeebies, I knew she loved the speed as much as I did.
Anyway, I decided to post the beginning snippet of my YA contemporary novel VIGILANTE NIGHTS as I sold it (bear in mind that it might change in edits).
Does this draw you in? Or do you need to read more?
Silver's babbling continued at racecar speed. Seriously, I didn’t want to hear about the new target of my sister’s lust. The fallout of her last crush with one of my friends still jacked me up. Memories surged and my gut pinched. Ex-friend now. A blissful moment of silence descended. I peeked at my twin in the passenger seat. Brow puckered, she sucked on the straw to her daily iced mocha. My gaze slid past the speedometer clocking me at ten over in a fifty-five zone. “Something feels weird tonight, Lucas.” Her tone turned somber. “Maybe you ought to slow down.” “Meaning?” I felt her apprehension, a feeling I’d grown used to over the last week since she’d kicked Raymond—our collective ex—to the curb. She shrugged. “Just a weird vibe I’ve had since we left the mall.” “Raymond still bothering you?” Silver looked out the passenger window. She didn’t have to hide the tears Ifelt from her in our weirdo twin bond. Hoping to lighten the mood, I gunned the car on a clear stretch of the frontage road. Despite her heebie-jeebies, I knew she loved the speed as much as I did.
October 31, 2012
JESSICA Blog Tour - Free Download & Giveway
In honor of the first of many Blog Tours I plan to host, I'm offering a giveaway at the end of this post. First, you must read about JESSICA by Laura DeLuca!
Today is my stop on the JESSICA Bookmark Blitz Tour presented by Buy the Book Tours. Author Laura DeLuca is offering her short story eBook for FREE today and tomorrow. Download your copy now! Read the story description and an excerpt below and get to know Laura.
Title: Jessica
Author: Laura DeLuca
Genre: YA Paranormal
Format: eBook (Short Story)
Blurb:
Wilbur was used to going to his college formals alone. He thought the Halloween Ball would be no different. He’s amazed when a beautiful girl in a Victorian costume displays an interest in him and even more amazed to find himself alone with her on one of the campus nature trails.
What Wilbur doesn’t realize is that another woman has her eye on him too. The White Lady returns every Halloween to take revenge on the men of the campus for her brutal murder. She has chosen Wilbur as her next victim.
**The first chapter of Laura DeLuca's new book, Morrigan (Release Date October 31, 2012), is also included with this short story**
Buy Link:
Amazon (Book will be a Free Download 10/31 & 11/01)
Excerpt:
Wilbur thought he was going to collapse when Jessica wrapped one arm around his waist. He could feel her fingers, soft as silk, touching the nape of his neck with her other hand, and it made his flesh tingle. She even went so far as to lay her head on his shoulder. Her hair brushed against his cheek and the fresh, flowery scent made his vision blur. At first he thought it was just his allergies, but then the whole room and all the people in it seemed to change. The woman all wore full lacy gowns with their hair piled up in fancy up dos, while the men waltzed beside them in tailored suits with long tails and top hats. Even the music had changed from the typical sappy love song to a classical ballad played by a string quartet. He swore he saw the musicians in the corner; their bows sliding effortlessly over the strings of their instruments while their fingers pulsated in perfect vibrato. Even the floor under their feet had changed from the faded gymnasium floor, marked with the lines and circles of the basketball court, to hand laid tile in intricate patterns reminiscent of a Victorian ballroom.
As they circled the dance floor in an oddly quickened pace, the faces of the dancers started to transform even more. The beautiful nineteenth century ballroom aged and decayed, as did the men and women that surrounded him. Grotesque monsters with bloated skin and empty eyes dragged their decaying limbs in slow motion. Wilbur watched them with growing horror, almost forgetting about the girl in his arms. The monsters noticed the stranger among them. They reached for him with fingers green from rot. Catching his breath in fear, Wilbur pulled away from Jessica and very nearly stumbled to the ground.
Buy Link:Amazon (Book will be a Free Download 10/31 & 11/01)About the Author
Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years. She is the author of four young adult novels including: Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, Phantom, and Morrigan and has many other works in progress. Read more about Laura at:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
GoodreadsBookmark Blitz Tour Page (List of all Tour Sites) Giveway! To celebrate my first time as a blog tour host, I will give away one eBook copy of my novel CHASING SHADOWS to one random commentor on this post, plus one eBook copy of my new novel WICKED PARADISE to one random person who follows my blog! Comment and/or follow my blog for your chance to win one or both of my books! Contest ends November 2, 2012 midnight EST.
Today is my stop on the JESSICA Bookmark Blitz Tour presented by Buy the Book Tours. Author Laura DeLuca is offering her short story eBook for FREE today and tomorrow. Download your copy now! Read the story description and an excerpt below and get to know Laura.
Title: JessicaAuthor: Laura DeLuca
Genre: YA Paranormal
Format: eBook (Short Story)
Blurb:
Wilbur was used to going to his college formals alone. He thought the Halloween Ball would be no different. He’s amazed when a beautiful girl in a Victorian costume displays an interest in him and even more amazed to find himself alone with her on one of the campus nature trails.
What Wilbur doesn’t realize is that another woman has her eye on him too. The White Lady returns every Halloween to take revenge on the men of the campus for her brutal murder. She has chosen Wilbur as her next victim.
**The first chapter of Laura DeLuca's new book, Morrigan (Release Date October 31, 2012), is also included with this short story**
Buy Link:
Amazon (Book will be a Free Download 10/31 & 11/01)
Excerpt:
Wilbur thought he was going to collapse when Jessica wrapped one arm around his waist. He could feel her fingers, soft as silk, touching the nape of his neck with her other hand, and it made his flesh tingle. She even went so far as to lay her head on his shoulder. Her hair brushed against his cheek and the fresh, flowery scent made his vision blur. At first he thought it was just his allergies, but then the whole room and all the people in it seemed to change. The woman all wore full lacy gowns with their hair piled up in fancy up dos, while the men waltzed beside them in tailored suits with long tails and top hats. Even the music had changed from the typical sappy love song to a classical ballad played by a string quartet. He swore he saw the musicians in the corner; their bows sliding effortlessly over the strings of their instruments while their fingers pulsated in perfect vibrato. Even the floor under their feet had changed from the faded gymnasium floor, marked with the lines and circles of the basketball court, to hand laid tile in intricate patterns reminiscent of a Victorian ballroom.
As they circled the dance floor in an oddly quickened pace, the faces of the dancers started to transform even more. The beautiful nineteenth century ballroom aged and decayed, as did the men and women that surrounded him. Grotesque monsters with bloated skin and empty eyes dragged their decaying limbs in slow motion. Wilbur watched them with growing horror, almost forgetting about the girl in his arms. The monsters noticed the stranger among them. They reached for him with fingers green from rot. Catching his breath in fear, Wilbur pulled away from Jessica and very nearly stumbled to the ground.
Buy Link:Amazon (Book will be a Free Download 10/31 & 11/01)About the Author
Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years. She is the author of four young adult novels including: Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, Phantom, and Morrigan and has many other works in progress. Read more about Laura at:Website
GoodreadsBookmark Blitz Tour Page (List of all Tour Sites) Giveway! To celebrate my first time as a blog tour host, I will give away one eBook copy of my novel CHASING SHADOWS to one random commentor on this post, plus one eBook copy of my new novel WICKED PARADISE to one random person who follows my blog! Comment and/or follow my blog for your chance to win one or both of my books! Contest ends November 2, 2012 midnight EST.
October 28, 2012
Book Review: To Touch the Stars
Today, we venture into the far reaches of the universe with my review of To Touch the Stars. I love Science Fiction romance and this novel didn’t disappoint. Note: It’s an author eBook reissue of a former Dorchester Publishing title.
Title: To Touch the StarsAuthor: Tess MalloryGenre: SF RomanceRelease Date: 10/20/2011Format: eBook
Buy Links:
AmazonB&N
Back Cover Blurb:
Skyra Cezan’s homeworld of Andromeda has been conquered by the ambitious and powerful Commander Zarn, and everyone she loves murdered—all but her little sister, Mayla, heir to the throne. Fleeing the planet with her sister, she vows to find a way to raise an army and return to her planet one day, overthrow Zarn and restore the once peaceful world to its former greatness.
But establishing a powerful resistance army is not an easy taSk, and when Mayla is kidnapped by Zarn’s agents, Skyra must use her often uncontrollable telepathic powers to find her sister. Her quest leads her to Station One where all of Andromeda’s children are kept incarcerated.
A sneak attack yields only the knowledge that Mayla has been recently whisked away from Station One--and a hostage. Skyra discovers the commander of the station is Zarn's son, a man known as Eagle. She captures him, planning to use as leverage against his father. Determined to find her sister, Skyra is prepared for anything and everything, except her intense attraction to Eagle, and his strange sympathy toward their plight.
After graduating from the Academy, Commander Zarn’s son adopts the name of “Eagle”, a Terran bird, and the name is well suited to the best pilot in the Commander’s Forces. During the career that followed, Eagle did his part to establish his father’s regime. But when a friend is killed in action because of orders given by his father, Eagle rebels and is sent to Station One as punishment. There he must witness the brainwashing and mind control of the captured children of Andromeda.
On Station One Eagle begins to doubt not only his father’s methods, but himself. Strange dreams begin to torture his nights and haunt his days. When his father demands that he bring the Andromedan heir to him on a distant world, Eagle’s doubts increase. And when he is taken hostage by the fierce and beautiful Skyra Cezan, new questions arise that he cannot easily answer.
Soon Eagle must make a decision: Follow his father’s vision of conquest--or follow his heart and find justice for Skyra Cezan and peace for the galaxy. My Review: A Fun, Sexy Ride into Space! If you're looking for a fun, sexy space romance, look no further! TO TOUCH THE STARS has everything to keep you reading far into the night. You'll get a hot romance, a touch of paranormal, and believable SF elements, worlds, and strange new beings. But overriding all that is a strong heroine who will do just about anything to save her sister, including kidnapping the man who can help Skyra get her sister back. What Skyra doesn't know is that tough and sexy Eagle is just as sympathetic to her plight, and it doesn't take long for an attraction to build between them.
Although there was a bit of excessive narrative at times, it didn’t detract from the overall likability of the story. The progression of the romance felt organic and real, and will leave you rooting for Skyra and Eagle's happily ever after.
Title: To Touch the StarsAuthor: Tess MalloryGenre: SF RomanceRelease Date: 10/20/2011Format: eBook
Buy Links:
AmazonB&N
Back Cover Blurb:
Skyra Cezan’s homeworld of Andromeda has been conquered by the ambitious and powerful Commander Zarn, and everyone she loves murdered—all but her little sister, Mayla, heir to the throne. Fleeing the planet with her sister, she vows to find a way to raise an army and return to her planet one day, overthrow Zarn and restore the once peaceful world to its former greatness. But establishing a powerful resistance army is not an easy taSk, and when Mayla is kidnapped by Zarn’s agents, Skyra must use her often uncontrollable telepathic powers to find her sister. Her quest leads her to Station One where all of Andromeda’s children are kept incarcerated.
A sneak attack yields only the knowledge that Mayla has been recently whisked away from Station One--and a hostage. Skyra discovers the commander of the station is Zarn's son, a man known as Eagle. She captures him, planning to use as leverage against his father. Determined to find her sister, Skyra is prepared for anything and everything, except her intense attraction to Eagle, and his strange sympathy toward their plight.
After graduating from the Academy, Commander Zarn’s son adopts the name of “Eagle”, a Terran bird, and the name is well suited to the best pilot in the Commander’s Forces. During the career that followed, Eagle did his part to establish his father’s regime. But when a friend is killed in action because of orders given by his father, Eagle rebels and is sent to Station One as punishment. There he must witness the brainwashing and mind control of the captured children of Andromeda.
On Station One Eagle begins to doubt not only his father’s methods, but himself. Strange dreams begin to torture his nights and haunt his days. When his father demands that he bring the Andromedan heir to him on a distant world, Eagle’s doubts increase. And when he is taken hostage by the fierce and beautiful Skyra Cezan, new questions arise that he cannot easily answer.
Soon Eagle must make a decision: Follow his father’s vision of conquest--or follow his heart and find justice for Skyra Cezan and peace for the galaxy. My Review: A Fun, Sexy Ride into Space! If you're looking for a fun, sexy space romance, look no further! TO TOUCH THE STARS has everything to keep you reading far into the night. You'll get a hot romance, a touch of paranormal, and believable SF elements, worlds, and strange new beings. But overriding all that is a strong heroine who will do just about anything to save her sister, including kidnapping the man who can help Skyra get her sister back. What Skyra doesn't know is that tough and sexy Eagle is just as sympathetic to her plight, and it doesn't take long for an attraction to build between them.
Although there was a bit of excessive narrative at times, it didn’t detract from the overall likability of the story. The progression of the romance felt organic and real, and will leave you rooting for Skyra and Eagle's happily ever after.
October 23, 2012
Awesome News! SOLD!
Squee!!! Finally, I can announce my latest book news! I’ve sold my young adult debut novel VIGILANTE NIGHTS! My deal was just announced on Publisher’s Marketplace:
I’ve been busting at the seams for weeks to share this news! Especially since I’ve signed the contracts and VIGILANTE NIGHTS is already up on Amazon for pre-order with a July 18, 2013 release date, which I surprisingly stumbled upon a couple of weeks ago!
I’ll post more about how I reached this milestone in my writing journey in the next week or so and how it led me to obtain agent representation.
I’m over the moon with excitement!!! 2012 has been a banner year for my writing and this new deal establishes one of my lifelong dreams to publish in the young adult realm!
I’ve been busting at the seams for weeks to share this news! Especially since I’ve signed the contracts and VIGILANTE NIGHTS is already up on Amazon for pre-order with a July 18, 2013 release date, which I surprisingly stumbled upon a couple of weeks ago!
I’ll post more about how I reached this milestone in my writing journey in the next week or so and how it led me to obtain agent representation.
I’m over the moon with excitement!!! 2012 has been a banner year for my writing and this new deal establishes one of my lifelong dreams to publish in the young adult realm!
October 21, 2012
Tribute to Halloween -- Creepy Movie Quotes
My tribute to Halloween…popular, scary movie quotes from classic movies. What are some of your favorite creepy movie quotes? Or which one of these do you like best?
She just goes a little mad sometimes. We all go a little mad sometimes. Haven't you? (Norman Bates - Psycho)
Close your eyes and count to seven, when you wake you'll be in heaven. (Chucky - Child's Play 2)
The only person that I let in on the fact that I was still alive was a six-year-old kid. I'm gonna be six years old again. Well, John, it's been fun, but I gotta go. I have a date with six-year-old boy... and you have a date with death. (Chucky - Child's Play)
I met him, fifteen years ago. I was told there was nothing left. No reason, no conscience, no understanding; even the most rudimentary sense of life or death, good or evil, right or wrong. I met this six-year-old child, with this blind, pale, emotionless face and, the blackest eyes... the DEVIL'S eyes! I spent eight years trying to reach him, and then another seven trying to keep him locked up for I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply... EVIL! (Dr. Sam Loomis - Halloween)
I'm gonna split you in two. (Fred Krueger - A Nightmare on Elm Street)
A boy's best friend is his mother. (Norman Bates - Psycho)
Listen to them: the children of the night. What sweet music they make. (Vlad Dracula - Dracula) [about the wolves that are howling]
She just goes a little mad sometimes. We all go a little mad sometimes. Haven't you? (Norman Bates - Psycho) Close your eyes and count to seven, when you wake you'll be in heaven. (Chucky - Child's Play 2)
The only person that I let in on the fact that I was still alive was a six-year-old kid. I'm gonna be six years old again. Well, John, it's been fun, but I gotta go. I have a date with six-year-old boy... and you have a date with death. (Chucky - Child's Play)
I met him, fifteen years ago. I was told there was nothing left. No reason, no conscience, no understanding; even the most rudimentary sense of life or death, good or evil, right or wrong. I met this six-year-old child, with this blind, pale, emotionless face and, the blackest eyes... the DEVIL'S eyes! I spent eight years trying to reach him, and then another seven trying to keep him locked up for I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply... EVIL! (Dr. Sam Loomis - Halloween)
I'm gonna split you in two. (Fred Krueger - A Nightmare on Elm Street)
A boy's best friend is his mother. (Norman Bates - Psycho)
Listen to them: the children of the night. What sweet music they make. (Vlad Dracula - Dracula) [about the wolves that are howling]
October 17, 2012
Book Review: Twisted
Today, I post my first Young Adult book review. I chose TWISTED because it's one of the rare authentic YA books written from a boy's point of view that appeals to everyone. I read it after writing my own teen boy POV book and hope I did as a great a job as Ms. Anderson did. Time will tell!
Title: Twisted
Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Release Date: May 2008
Format: Trade paperback / eBook
Buy Links
Amazon
B&N
Back Cover Blurb: High school senior Tyler Miller used to be the kind of guy who faded into the background. But since he got busted for doing graffiti on the school, and spent the summer doing outdoor work to pay for it, he stands out like you wouldn’t believe. His new physique attracts the attention of queen bee Bethany Milbury, who just so happens to be his father’s boss’s daughter, the sister of his biggest enemy and Tyler’s secret crush. And that sets off a string of events and changes that have Tyler questioning his place in school, in his family, and in the world. My Review: Fantastic Insight into a Male Teen’s World! I loved the author’s New York Times Bestseller SPEAK and since I had recently written a novel from the teen boy POV, I just had to read TWISTED. This line on the dust jacket thoroughly captivated me: "Everybody told me to be a man ... Nobody told me how." Tyler used to be a nameless nobody with a secret crush on the hottest girl in school. That is until he got into trouble that landed him probation and a community service stint working with the school’s maintenance crew over summer. As the new school year starts, Tyler’s ripped, six-feet tall and hot! And he’s thinking he might have a chance with the girl of his dreams. But he has also become the infamous bad boy from last year who committed the “Foul Deed,” which continues to plague him during senior year. I loved the author’s depiction of Tyler. She does an excellent job of writing from the teen boy perspective…he’s moody and angry at times, funny and caring, hormonal and lusting after his secret crush, Bethany. An overall normal teenage boy! Even with a “twisted” dysfunctional family and a world gone awry from his one big mistake, he totally enthralled me. “THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR CHILDREN” is stamped on the inside cover of the book. I had to laugh at that. TWISTED is for teenagers, their parents and anyone who wants a real look into the inner psyche and struggles of a teen boy growing into manhood. This is not just a book for boys. It’s a book for girls who want to learn about a boy’s mind and to see how boys struggle just as much as girls do as they grow into adulthood. Even when Tyler thinks his problems are insurmountable and he toys with the idea of suicide, there’s so much hope in this story. So many people are there for Tyler from his best friend, his mother and sister, his English teacher to the janitorial crew he befriended over the summer. They all make him realize he has so much to offer to the world beyond high school. With a dose of humor, TWISTED is an insightful and powerful page-turner. It’s an excellent example of a young adult novel from a male point of view that should be read by boys, girls and adults alike. I highly recommend it and look forward to reading more of Ms. Anderson’s work. I’m hooked.
Title: TwistedAuthor: Laurie Halse Anderson
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Release Date: May 2008
Format: Trade paperback / eBook
Buy Links
Amazon
B&N
Back Cover Blurb: High school senior Tyler Miller used to be the kind of guy who faded into the background. But since he got busted for doing graffiti on the school, and spent the summer doing outdoor work to pay for it, he stands out like you wouldn’t believe. His new physique attracts the attention of queen bee Bethany Milbury, who just so happens to be his father’s boss’s daughter, the sister of his biggest enemy and Tyler’s secret crush. And that sets off a string of events and changes that have Tyler questioning his place in school, in his family, and in the world. My Review: Fantastic Insight into a Male Teen’s World! I loved the author’s New York Times Bestseller SPEAK and since I had recently written a novel from the teen boy POV, I just had to read TWISTED. This line on the dust jacket thoroughly captivated me: "Everybody told me to be a man ... Nobody told me how." Tyler used to be a nameless nobody with a secret crush on the hottest girl in school. That is until he got into trouble that landed him probation and a community service stint working with the school’s maintenance crew over summer. As the new school year starts, Tyler’s ripped, six-feet tall and hot! And he’s thinking he might have a chance with the girl of his dreams. But he has also become the infamous bad boy from last year who committed the “Foul Deed,” which continues to plague him during senior year. I loved the author’s depiction of Tyler. She does an excellent job of writing from the teen boy perspective…he’s moody and angry at times, funny and caring, hormonal and lusting after his secret crush, Bethany. An overall normal teenage boy! Even with a “twisted” dysfunctional family and a world gone awry from his one big mistake, he totally enthralled me. “THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR CHILDREN” is stamped on the inside cover of the book. I had to laugh at that. TWISTED is for teenagers, their parents and anyone who wants a real look into the inner psyche and struggles of a teen boy growing into manhood. This is not just a book for boys. It’s a book for girls who want to learn about a boy’s mind and to see how boys struggle just as much as girls do as they grow into adulthood. Even when Tyler thinks his problems are insurmountable and he toys with the idea of suicide, there’s so much hope in this story. So many people are there for Tyler from his best friend, his mother and sister, his English teacher to the janitorial crew he befriended over the summer. They all make him realize he has so much to offer to the world beyond high school. With a dose of humor, TWISTED is an insightful and powerful page-turner. It’s an excellent example of a young adult novel from a male point of view that should be read by boys, girls and adults alike. I highly recommend it and look forward to reading more of Ms. Anderson’s work. I’m hooked.
October 14, 2012
Six Sunday
Haha...I'm changing up my unofficial six-sentence Sunday to six paragraph Sunday. Here are the first six paragraphs of my recently published novel WICKED PARADISE. Enjoy!
The last day of Morgan’s life dawned gray and dismal, absurdly appropriate for her imminent death. Ten years ago, her Seer’s Sight had foretold her death on this day, and her infernal Sight rarely failed her. She had told no one about the awful prophecy, not even her powerful sorcerer father. At five and twenty today, she was prepared to pass on to the Afterlife.
Not that I have a bloody choice. With a catch in her throat, Morgan swatted the golden velvet drapery aside. Gripping the cold stone sill, she stared out her sitting room window. Chills seeped into her as the morning sunlight lost its challenge to the thick fog ghosting the courtyard’s scattered structures. The buildings on the hillside were almost invisible. “Accursed fog!” She thumped a curled hand on her thigh. “Perfect day, perfect death.” Icy jaws of anguish clamped down on her insides. Damn the Fates. Why had her Sight not revealed more? In some small way, she had prepared for this day. Yet, who ever prepared for death? Her stomach knotted as questions kept rising like thirsty mosquitos. Deliberately, she closed off her mind to her fate, instead diverting her attention to the vision that had flung her out of a fitful sleep that morning. Had she dreamed last night, or was it a foretelling? Who was the tall, handsome sorcerer who held her in his arms and danced with her on a moonlit beach below a lush jungle? Fire magic had sizzled between them, gyrating and tangoing together in perfect harmony. Was it a fanciful longing her mind conjured up on her final day on Avalon? Fanciful until the horrid foresight at the dream’s end turned her tingles of desire into the stabbing pain of prophecy. Even now, the foresight jabbed an ache behind her eyes, refusing to release its treacherous hold on her mind. The wild storm, the drowning wave, the unfamiliar man’s desolation, and the swirling sea of despair as his internal fire winked out in the engulfing water. She remembered pressing her lips to his, giving him the breath of life until the ocean claimed him and he drifted away, a wry smile locked onto his face. Flailing about in the watery grave, she pushed against the currents to reach him, all to no avail. She had strained to peer through the murky waters, spied a spot of light clutched in her dream sorcerer’s hand...and the face of horrendous malevolence met her gaze. Gleeful, howling laughter ripped her out of sleep, her body burning with desire, a cry of terror on her lips. Sweat-drenched, Morgan had awoken shivering in her cold, lonely bed. “I will never learn what the vision meant.” She shoved away from the window and added peat to the embers in the fireplace. The instant she straightened from the slate hearth, the heavy door to her adjoining bedchamber swung into the stone wall. Her pulse quickened. Read more about WICKED PARADISE on my newly upated Website.
The last day of Morgan’s life dawned gray and dismal, absurdly appropriate for her imminent death. Ten years ago, her Seer’s Sight had foretold her death on this day, and her infernal Sight rarely failed her. She had told no one about the awful prophecy, not even her powerful sorcerer father. At five and twenty today, she was prepared to pass on to the Afterlife.
Not that I have a bloody choice. With a catch in her throat, Morgan swatted the golden velvet drapery aside. Gripping the cold stone sill, she stared out her sitting room window. Chills seeped into her as the morning sunlight lost its challenge to the thick fog ghosting the courtyard’s scattered structures. The buildings on the hillside were almost invisible. “Accursed fog!” She thumped a curled hand on her thigh. “Perfect day, perfect death.” Icy jaws of anguish clamped down on her insides. Damn the Fates. Why had her Sight not revealed more? In some small way, she had prepared for this day. Yet, who ever prepared for death? Her stomach knotted as questions kept rising like thirsty mosquitos. Deliberately, she closed off her mind to her fate, instead diverting her attention to the vision that had flung her out of a fitful sleep that morning. Had she dreamed last night, or was it a foretelling? Who was the tall, handsome sorcerer who held her in his arms and danced with her on a moonlit beach below a lush jungle? Fire magic had sizzled between them, gyrating and tangoing together in perfect harmony. Was it a fanciful longing her mind conjured up on her final day on Avalon? Fanciful until the horrid foresight at the dream’s end turned her tingles of desire into the stabbing pain of prophecy. Even now, the foresight jabbed an ache behind her eyes, refusing to release its treacherous hold on her mind. The wild storm, the drowning wave, the unfamiliar man’s desolation, and the swirling sea of despair as his internal fire winked out in the engulfing water. She remembered pressing her lips to his, giving him the breath of life until the ocean claimed him and he drifted away, a wry smile locked onto his face. Flailing about in the watery grave, she pushed against the currents to reach him, all to no avail. She had strained to peer through the murky waters, spied a spot of light clutched in her dream sorcerer’s hand...and the face of horrendous malevolence met her gaze. Gleeful, howling laughter ripped her out of sleep, her body burning with desire, a cry of terror on her lips. Sweat-drenched, Morgan had awoken shivering in her cold, lonely bed. “I will never learn what the vision meant.” She shoved away from the window and added peat to the embers in the fireplace. The instant she straightened from the slate hearth, the heavy door to her adjoining bedchamber swung into the stone wall. Her pulse quickened. Read more about WICKED PARADISE on my newly upated Website.
October 10, 2012
The Divine Kitty Litter Cake!
This recipe is worth repeating. As horrific as the picture looks, it's really a fun party cake in disguise! It's a great treat for your Halloween gathering. Everyone I know who has made one or eaten it absolutely loves it. Try it for yourself and have fun with it!
Recipe Ingredients: 1 spice or German chocolate cake mix
1 white cake mix
2 large packages vanilla instant pudding mix, prepared
1 large package vanilla sandwich cookies
green food coloring
12 small Tootsie Roll candies 1 new kitty litter pan
1 new kitty litter pan liner
1 new pooper scooper Directions: 1. Prepare cake mixes and bake according to directions (any size pans). 2. Prepare pudding mix and chill until ready to assemble. 3. Crumble sandwich cookies in small batches in food processor, scraping often. Set aside all but about 1/4 cup. To the 1/4 cup cookie crumbs, add a few drops green food coloring and mix until completely colored. 4. When cakes are cooled to room temperature, crumble into a large bowl. Toss with half the remaining cookie crumbs and the chilled pudding. Important: mix in just enough of the pudding to moisten it. You don't want it too soggy. Combine gently. 5. Line a new, clean kitty litter box. Put the cake/pudding/cookie mixture into the litter box. 6. Put 3 unwrapped Tootsie rolls in a microwave safe dish and heat until soft and pliable. Shape ends so they are no longer blunt, curving slightly. Repeat with 3 more Tootsie rolls bury them in the mixture. Sprinkle the other half of cookie crumbs over top. Scatter the green cookie crumbs lightly on top of everything -- this is supposed to look like the chlorophyll in kitty litter. 7. Heat 3 Tootsie Rolls in the microwave until almost melted. Scrape them on top of the cake; sprinkle with cookie crumbs. Spread remaining Tootsie Rolls over the top. For the fininshing touch take a couple Tootsie Rolls and heat until pliable, hang over the side of the kitty litter box, sprinkling it lightly with cookie crumbs. Place the box on a newspaper and sprinkle a few cookie crumbs around for a truly disgusting effect! 8. Notes: some people use half the amount of pudding…your choice. You can use any kind of cake mix since the topping will cover it.
Recipe Ingredients: 1 spice or German chocolate cake mix
1 white cake mix
2 large packages vanilla instant pudding mix, prepared
1 large package vanilla sandwich cookies
green food coloring
12 small Tootsie Roll candies 1 new kitty litter pan
1 new kitty litter pan liner
1 new pooper scooper Directions: 1. Prepare cake mixes and bake according to directions (any size pans). 2. Prepare pudding mix and chill until ready to assemble. 3. Crumble sandwich cookies in small batches in food processor, scraping often. Set aside all but about 1/4 cup. To the 1/4 cup cookie crumbs, add a few drops green food coloring and mix until completely colored. 4. When cakes are cooled to room temperature, crumble into a large bowl. Toss with half the remaining cookie crumbs and the chilled pudding. Important: mix in just enough of the pudding to moisten it. You don't want it too soggy. Combine gently. 5. Line a new, clean kitty litter box. Put the cake/pudding/cookie mixture into the litter box. 6. Put 3 unwrapped Tootsie rolls in a microwave safe dish and heat until soft and pliable. Shape ends so they are no longer blunt, curving slightly. Repeat with 3 more Tootsie rolls bury them in the mixture. Sprinkle the other half of cookie crumbs over top. Scatter the green cookie crumbs lightly on top of everything -- this is supposed to look like the chlorophyll in kitty litter. 7. Heat 3 Tootsie Rolls in the microwave until almost melted. Scrape them on top of the cake; sprinkle with cookie crumbs. Spread remaining Tootsie Rolls over the top. For the fininshing touch take a couple Tootsie Rolls and heat until pliable, hang over the side of the kitty litter box, sprinkling it lightly with cookie crumbs. Place the box on a newspaper and sprinkle a few cookie crumbs around for a truly disgusting effect! 8. Notes: some people use half the amount of pudding…your choice. You can use any kind of cake mix since the topping will cover it.
October 7, 2012
Six Sentence Sunday
Today, I'm going to regale you with six sentences from WICKED PARADISE. This is the scene where Morgan my heroine first lays eyes upon Ryan, the demon assassin from the 21st century, after he pulls her from the sea.
Morgan watched the all but naked warrior scrutinize her from soaked boots to wet, stringy hair. His expression shifted from fear to concern then from lust to wariness. Her skin tingled where he touched her, and the intense need to lay her hands upon his broad chest overwhelmed her to distraction. Surreptitiously, shepinched her thigh, feeling the throb radiate down her leg, proof that she wasn’t dreaming...ordead. After all, she had foretold her death many moons ago. Surely, the Afterlife didn’t include near drowning, did it? Throwing her predicament into the refreshing sea winds, she boldly assessed the sorcerer who haunted her awake twice that day.
Morgan watched the all but naked warrior scrutinize her from soaked boots to wet, stringy hair. His expression shifted from fear to concern then from lust to wariness. Her skin tingled where he touched her, and the intense need to lay her hands upon his broad chest overwhelmed her to distraction. Surreptitiously, shepinched her thigh, feeling the throb radiate down her leg, proof that she wasn’t dreaming...ordead. After all, she had foretold her death many moons ago. Surely, the Afterlife didn’t include near drowning, did it? Throwing her predicament into the refreshing sea winds, she boldly assessed the sorcerer who haunted her awake twice that day.
