Zara Hoffman's Blog: Zara Hoffman's Goodreads Author Blog, page 31
October 8, 2015
Using Psychology to Kick My Writing In Gear
click for more entriesAs you can see above, I am yet again using a homework assignment to further my author career. And why not? Anyway, I'm publicizing this not because I'm vain, but because I've found that when I post something online, I'm putting myself out there to be criticized if I drop the ball. And honestly, I need that threat hanging over my head or I will procrastinate (I never used to and then high school happened). Anyway, feel free to comment encouragements, suggestions on how to reward myself if I do it (I'm considering having Hershey Kisses, but I'm open to fewer-calorie rewards). And, at the end of this time period, I'll be posting my stats online and I am explicitly giving you permission to boo me if I don't reach this goal. But please be nice about it when you boo me.A photo posted by Zara Hoffman (@zarahoffman) on Oct 8, 2015 at 7:59am PDT
And now to the writing cave!
October 5, 2015
5 TV Shows to Watch This Fall
Entering it’s 13th Season this Fall (new season premiered September 22nd, 2015; you can watch it online now), NCIS is still voted the #1 most-watched show in the world and picks up after a very traumatic event. I won’t spoil it for you NCIS probies (“Agents” know I say this with love like DiNozzo does). But, Agents, I’m glad we’re all together again. Hopefully, the writers don’t mess us up even more this season (it’s a stupid wish though based on their track record). For the people who don’t watch this amazing show… you deserve a Gibbs headslap. And may I just ask,WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU? It’s okay. There’s still a chance for you to see the light (or fall down the rabbit hole known as Netflix where Seasons 1-12 are available).
It’s kind of hard to believe that we’re already on the 5th season of this fantastical and addictive, albeit sometimes annoying, TV Show. I’ll admit, I dropped this show twice, but it keeps worming it’s way back onto my obsession list because who doesn’t love fairytales and this awesome cast? I’m a little skeptical about this season, but we’ll see. The season premiere is September 27, 2015, so I think some epic binge-watching on Netflix (seasons 1-4) is in order.
A Ryan murphy comedy about a sorority being overrun with murder featuring an all-star cast? A show touted as being Heathers meets Friday the 13th?Sign me up! To watch, not to die.
It looks so bad, it might be good.
This new show features Neil Patrick Harris……
You were expecting more? What other reason do you need to watch? It’s NPH, for God’s sake!
And finally, returning for a second season, this misfit team of geniuses is back to solve more government cases. Though I dropped this from my list midway through the first season, it regained my favor with an epic season finale. And let’s be real, I have too big a girl-crush on Katherine McPhee to stop watching her new show (after Smash). How did I do? Did I miss any of your favorites? Need more shows to watch? Check out this long list of returning shows and this slightly-shorter list of new shows.10/5 Edit: Since this went live on Her Campus on 10/1, I've changed my mind about a few of the shows. I've nixed Scream Queens (it was so bad, it was just bad), because the plot wasn't interesting anymore, and have added Madam Secretary and The Good Wife (because kick-ass women on TV are always great).
October 4, 2015
Model Perspective: College Fashion Week
Last night, Her Campus’ College Fashion Week happened in Boston and I was a model. However, my experience with the show actually started on Friday. My mom, who came up from NYC with my adorable dog, picked me up from campus and dropped me off. I hadn’t known how many models there were, but I soon learned that there were 35 of us including myself, which meant we each only had one outfit. I went to South Shore Plaza for a fitting with the other models and we all tried on our outfits for the show with the help of the Her Campus Staff. There was a bit of waiting, and when I finally got into the dressing room and put on my outfit, I learned that I was in the 70’s scene and that though it wasn’t really my personal style, it was still fun to wear.There was a discount shopping party being held afterwards, but I didn’t stay for that, instead going to the Revere Hotel to stay with my mom and dog (did I mention I’m obsessed with her?). The next day, the models were supposed to arrive at Space57 in the Revere Hotel by 1:45PM, and after that it was a lot of “hurry up and wait.”
We did one walk-through, were assigned hair, makeup, and eyebrow time periods based on our fashion scene, and bonded based on proximity and scene. Most of my friends were in the 70’s but I made a few new friends in the 3 other categoris: Feminine Minimalist, Modern Punk, and Menswear (which was basically business attire).
Here’s a photo of my “fancy” (not really) ID that I wore for the 6 hours and 15 minutes I was a model (before doing the live catwalk, which was another hour). There was a discount shopping party being held afterwards, but I didn’t stay for that, instead going to the Revere Hotel to stay with my mom and dog (did I mention I’m obsessed with her?). The next day, the models were supposed to arrive at Space57 in the Revere Hotel by 1:45PM, and after that it was a lot of “hurry up and wait.”We did one walk-through, were assigned hair, makeup, and eyebrow time periods based on our fashion scene, and bonded based on proximity and scene. Most of my friends were in the 70’s but I made a few new friends in the 3 other categoris: Feminine Minimalist, Modern Punk, and Menswear (which was basically business attire).
I won’t bore you with my less than stellar pictures, and to be honest, most of the things I captured were empty stages, but here’s a photo of me with my hair (it’s braided, but the lighting sucked), make-up, and my eyebrows shaded in:
We did get to see the entertainment (Boston University’s all-male a cappella group, the Dear Abbeys) rehearse, and my new friends and I joked that their warm-ups sounded like we were either in church or they were performing a cult ritual backstage.I unfortunately didn’t get many photos of myself all dolled up, but I was in a “70’s squad” photo that I think came out nicely. Honestly, it looks like we ran away from the set of “That 70’s Show,” which was obviously the point.
By the time the show had concluded and we had changed back into pumpkins around 9:30, I was exhausted. A lot of adrenaline leaving you and only 1 slice of pizza will do that to you, though. So, PSA to everyone: don’t forget to feed yourselves!
In conclusion, I had a great time, and am super glad I joined the #castmecfw campaign and posted on Instagram. It was a strange whim, but so worth it.
September 21, 2015
Book Review: Inspire
About the Book
Kalliope lives with one purpose.
To inspire.
As an immortal muse, she doesn’t have any other choice. It’s part of how she was made. Musicians, artists, actors—they use her to advance their art, and she uses them to survive. She moves from one artist to the next, never staying long enough to get attached. But all she wants is a different life— a normal one. She’s spent thousands of years living lie after lie, and now she’s ready for something real.
Sweet, sexy, and steady, Wilder Bell feels more real than anything else in her long existence. And most importantly… he’s not an artist. He doesn’t want her for her ability. But she can’t turn off the way she influences people, not even to save a man she might love. Because in small doses, she can help make something beautiful, but her ability has just as much capacity to destroy as it does to create. The longer she stays, the more obsessed Wilder will become. It’s happened before, and it never turns out well for the mortal.
Her presence may inspire genius.
But it breeds madness, too.
My reviewI have no idea why I never wrote a review for this amazing story. But here it is. Better late than never, right?
Anyway, I love Kalli and Wilder. They are PERFECTION together and as individual characters, I have to say they're among my favorite Cora Carmack creations. And that's saying a lot.About Cora
Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life-- boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Losing It Series
Losing It (Goodreads | Amazon | Kindle)Faking It (Goodreads | Amazon | Kindle)Finding It (Goodreads | Amazon | Kindle)
Rusk University
All Lined Up (Goodreads | Amazon | Kindle)All Broke Down (Goodreads | Amazon | Kindle)All Played Out (Goodreads | Amazon | Kindle)
Kalliope lives with one purpose.To inspire.
As an immortal muse, she doesn’t have any other choice. It’s part of how she was made. Musicians, artists, actors—they use her to advance their art, and she uses them to survive. She moves from one artist to the next, never staying long enough to get attached. But all she wants is a different life— a normal one. She’s spent thousands of years living lie after lie, and now she’s ready for something real.
Sweet, sexy, and steady, Wilder Bell feels more real than anything else in her long existence. And most importantly… he’s not an artist. He doesn’t want her for her ability. But she can’t turn off the way she influences people, not even to save a man she might love. Because in small doses, she can help make something beautiful, but her ability has just as much capacity to destroy as it does to create. The longer she stays, the more obsessed Wilder will become. It’s happened before, and it never turns out well for the mortal.
Her presence may inspire genius.
But it breeds madness, too.
My reviewI have no idea why I never wrote a review for this amazing story. But here it is. Better late than never, right?Anyway, I love Kalli and Wilder. They are PERFECTION together and as individual characters, I have to say they're among my favorite Cora Carmack creations. And that's saying a lot.About Cora
Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life-- boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Losing It Series
Losing It (Goodreads | Amazon | Kindle)Faking It (Goodreads | Amazon | Kindle)Finding It (Goodreads | Amazon | Kindle)
Rusk University
All Lined Up (Goodreads | Amazon | Kindle)All Broke Down (Goodreads | Amazon | Kindle)All Played Out (Goodreads | Amazon | Kindle)
Release Blitz: Static (Luminaries #2) by SK Anthony
About Static (#2)
Title: Static (The Luminaries, #2)
Author: S.K. Anthony
Category: New Adult (NA)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: September 2015
Cover Design: Regina Wamba of Mae I Design
Kevin Pierce is a teleporter, a ladies’ man, and a loyal friend . . . or so he thought.
As a genetically altered Luminary, he helps the government bring down some of the most dangerous criminals. Not very challenging if you have his special abilities. But when a group of rebel Luminaries attacks his Organization the fight for survival begins.
One shattering event after another tests the depth of his relationships, his sanity, and his powers. Emotionally torn, Kevin must choose carefully where his loyalty lies. In the middle of all the unexpected chaos he gets the biggest shock of his life when he’s faced by a betrayal he never saw coming. Angry, injured, and ready to even the score, Kevin goes Static . . .
Goodreads | Kindle | Nook
About Kinetic (#1)
Title: Kinetic (The Luminaries, #1)Author: S.K. Anthony
Category: New Adult (NA)
Genre: Urban Fantasy (UF)
Publication: September 20th, 2013
Cover Design: Regina Wamba of Mae I Design
Being strong is one thing. Being an unlimited source of power is quite another.
Genetically altered by the Organization, Annie Fox takes down criminals CIA-style with her luminary strength. With nothing to mend but her broken heart, she is relentlessly pursued by her boss Derek Lake. Just when Annie is about to give him a chance, her ex-husband unexpectedly comes out of hiding.
A wanted man, Nick Logan is a cold-hearted murderer who is considered enemy number one, and orders are clear: kill on contact. He is more powerful than ever and threatens the lives of those she holds most dear. His plan? Get his hands on Annie and use her Kinetic energy to destroy them all. When Annie finds herself with an opportunity to end him, she pauses, horrified by the scars covering the face she once loved. A split second that will cost her everything …
** Kinetic is a stand-alone novel. All books in series are part of the same world with the characters intertwined. **
My Review of KINETICInterview with Annie Fox from KINETICAbout the Author
S. K. Anthony is a writer, a reader and a make-stuff-up-er who lives in New York with her husband and toddler twins. She is a wine connoisseur, which just really means she knows she loves it, and a caffeine addict. When she isn’t busy with her family she finds herself being transported into the world of imagination. Well, either that or running away from spiders…she is convinced they are out to get her!Blog ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Google + ~ Pinterest
TeaserI changed Jack’s diaper early on Sunday morning and let his tired parents sleep in. After giving him his bottle, he went back to la-la-land. I then made coffee and sat outside drinking it while texting Ryan. Our training session had been canceled because Derek wanted to see us at the Org at ten in the morning.
I heard a noise inside and went back through the kitchen door to find my tiny sister-in-law trying to reach coffee mugs from the cabinet above her. She was getting on a small step I’d given her years ago as a present.
“Why do you insist on keeping things so high up when your head is hardly past the counter?” I asked as I reached around her to get the mug and set it down. I should have known better. As soon as I did that, her elbow connected with my rib and had me wincing.
“Stop making fun of me or I’ll break a bone next time,” Annie said.
“But you are perfect for it, Anniewee. You’re already fun-sized,” I said, grabbing a cup for her.
“Whatever. It's up there because it’s Nick’s job. Obviously.”
“Go sit down, I’ll mix your cup. Where is he?”
“Sleeping. It was his turn for night duty.”
“Technically you can fix that by hitting him with some energy.” I personally loved when she transferred her energy to me. It was perfect for those all-nighters I was so fond of.
Annie had this ongoing Kinetic energy that could give the rest of us an extra boost to our own powers. It could also give me a certain oomph that kept me energized enough to last me a week or so. Sadly, I no longer got the chance to enjoy the benefits of her powers. I enjoyed Ryan’s instead.
I met Ryan in my last year in training. She’s a sensor and an amplifier. As a sensor, she could tell Luminaries apart from ordinary people, and because she was in tune with other people’s emotions she could tell if they were lying. As an amplifier, she couldn’t do much for herself, but she helped expand everyone else’s powers, times five.
With Annie, it was different: our energies would last a while and we’d keep going. But with Ryan, it was in the moment. She was a drug to us all. The strange thing was that she and Annie couldn’t do anything for each other. They were too evenly powerful in an unbalanced way. It didn’t matter, though; they never went on assignments together.
Annie and Nick were now partners with Derek, and they helped run the Org. But their idea of managing was turning Derek down whenever he brought up something they didn’t agree with. Before they had the baby, they went on assignments frequently and left Derek to run his own show. Adrenaline junkies was what they were.
I looked at her. “I’m telling you, Annie. You two should stop trying to deal with a baby like normal people.”
“No,” she said, taking a sip while the cup was still in my hand.
“Well that’s stupid; you are Luminaries. Take advantage.” I put my empty cup in the sink and smiled. “Speaking of, would you be a doll and charge up my new babe for me?”
She crinkled her nose. “That doesn’t sound like something I want to do.”
“Relax. As a birthday present to myself, I turned in my Prius for a Tesla S . . . S for sexy hybrid car. I can’t believe I forgot to show you guys. She’s like my bride, beautiful in white.”
“You and your hybrids. You could have just plugged in your car the whole time you were here. There’s a reason you installed a charge port in my garage.”
“Come on! Please?”
“If you want to be so environmental you should just teleport everywhere. You know, take advantage of being a Luminary yourself, instead of using me for your shenanigans.”
“First, Ryan is the environmental one. I would never hear the end of her yapping away if I didn’t get hybrids. Second, I have to keep up appearances that I’m normal for those who don’t know our secrets. How would you explain to your nosy neighbors why I was sitting outside if I didn’t walk or drive here?”
“Stop going outside where they can see you.”
I shook my head. “But I needed fresh air.”
“Uh huh, in February?” She raised her eyebrow. “Like I don’t know you were checking out their daughter?”
“Look at me. I run on heat. February air does nothing to me. And she just happened to be out there wiping snow off her car, that’s all. I even helped.”
“How, exactly?” Annie asked, putting both hands on her hips.
“When she wasn’t looking, a big chunk suddenly slid off. It was discreet, I promise.”
She sighed. “Fine, but this is the last time I charge it. And only because I’m curious to see your new car. Stop smiling.”
“You know your special touch will make it last for double the time, right? Your touch, Annie, is the key.” I ducked right on time to avoid her punch.
Footsteps behind me alerted me that Nick was up. “My wife’s touch is the key to what now? Keep flirting with her and I’ll make sure you’re unable to wake up next to girls for at least a month.”
“Whoa, hey, hey. No harm done,” I said, then teleported next to Annie to give her a kiss on the cheek.
“Dunno what’s the use of being a teleporter if you’re going to be driving around,” Nick said.
“I love to drive.”
“You love to speed.”
“What’s the difference?” I asked him.
“Stop it, you two. Let’s go charge your car up,” Annie said, pulling me toward the front door.
Giveawaya Rafflecopter giveaway
September 18, 2015
The Belgrave Legacy: Draft 1 Complete
click for more entriesI am happy to announce that the first FULL draft of The Belgrave Legacy as a cohesive novel, rather than a trilogy, is DONE! Now all that I need to do is edit, send it to the formatter's, get the cover finished, and publish! Exciting things are happening!
83944 / 60000(139.91%)9/18/15 Editing UpdateI have just finished a rapid-fire trimming spree that has not only cut over 10k words, but also greatly improved the pace of the plot. I'm very happy with the changes.
73134 / 60000(121.89%)
September 12, 2015
Review of Orientation
It’s been 3 weeks since I’ve been at Brandeis, and though last week was the first full week of class, I feel as if I’ve been here for much longer. Probably because Orientation was so jam-packed with fun and funky things to do. I personally loved it, even if I was left a bit dazed and exhausted at the end of it all. So here’s my review of what I consider the high lights of Orientation.
First, let’s start off with Move In. It was much more organized than I thought. Well, at least getting to the residence hall. The amount of boxes though made me really question my sanity and bemoan the amount of work it was going to take to get everything in order.But when it was all done after a few hours of constant teamwork between me, my mom, my mom’s friend, my roommate, and her parents, I couldn’t have been more excited to start living on my own (at least away from my mom). The worst part though is leaving the safety of living with her and my dog.
It’s okay though. You’re normally too tired to be too homesick.
After Convocation, there were Hall and Orientation Leader (OL) meetings. And let me just say that you’ll be getting pretty chummy with these people, at least until Orientation is over. But if you’re anything like me, you’ll be asking “What?” a lot due to the fact that it’s almost impossible to hear when all the other groups are talking around you.And don’t even get me started on remembering names.
And then, the first super fun event (in my opinion) of Orientation: Light Up the Night, where we all wrote our contributions to the college community on sheets of paper, stuffed them in mason jars with electric candles (you know the faux-fancy kind?) and hung the jars on this piece of artwork in the center of the Light Of Reason sculpture in front of the Rose Art Museum before proceeding to a block party on the Great Lawn with music and tons of good food.
Here’s a photo of us on the sculpture:
The next day, we had to see an anti-sexual assault performance called “Speak About It.” And though I originally thought I’d feel like this:I ended up like this:And then we had a pep rally, where North Quad clearly was hyped up on too much Red Bull and school spirit while Massell Quad was half-way to falling asleep. It was okay though, it was fun(ny) to watch.
And then we had a really powerful diversity exhibit. I have to say, I was super impressed, especially because I expected it to be a well-intentioned, but poorly-executed thing. Good news? It blew all my preconceived notions out of the water.
Now, by the time we reached the mysterious event called THIS IS OUR HOUSE, most of my friends and I were wondering if we could even muster the energy to go. Thankfully, our amazing OL’s convinced us it was not to be missed and they were right. Our Dean of Student Life and Success was Emcee to essentially a huge house party while a Brandeis alum was the DJ. Here’s a photo of us:
And finally, here’s what I looked like at the end of Orientation:
First, let’s start off with Move In. It was much more organized than I thought. Well, at least getting to the residence hall. The amount of boxes though made me really question my sanity and bemoan the amount of work it was going to take to get everything in order.But when it was all done after a few hours of constant teamwork between me, my mom, my mom’s friend, my roommate, and her parents, I couldn’t have been more excited to start living on my own (at least away from my mom). The worst part though is leaving the safety of living with her and my dog.
It’s okay though. You’re normally too tired to be too homesick.
After Convocation, there were Hall and Orientation Leader (OL) meetings. And let me just say that you’ll be getting pretty chummy with these people, at least until Orientation is over. But if you’re anything like me, you’ll be asking “What?” a lot due to the fact that it’s almost impossible to hear when all the other groups are talking around you.And don’t even get me started on remembering names.
And then, the first super fun event (in my opinion) of Orientation: Light Up the Night, where we all wrote our contributions to the college community on sheets of paper, stuffed them in mason jars with electric candles (you know the faux-fancy kind?) and hung the jars on this piece of artwork in the center of the Light Of Reason sculpture in front of the Rose Art Museum before proceeding to a block party on the Great Lawn with music and tons of good food.
Here’s a photo of us on the sculpture:
The next day, we had to see an anti-sexual assault performance called “Speak About It.” And though I originally thought I’d feel like this:I ended up like this:And then we had a pep rally, where North Quad clearly was hyped up on too much Red Bull and school spirit while Massell Quad was half-way to falling asleep. It was okay though, it was fun(ny) to watch.And then we had a really powerful diversity exhibit. I have to say, I was super impressed, especially because I expected it to be a well-intentioned, but poorly-executed thing. Good news? It blew all my preconceived notions out of the water.
Now, by the time we reached the mysterious event called THIS IS OUR HOUSE, most of my friends and I were wondering if we could even muster the energy to go. Thankfully, our amazing OL’s convinced us it was not to be missed and they were right. Our Dean of Student Life and Success was Emcee to essentially a huge house party while a Brandeis alum was the DJ. Here’s a photo of us:
And finally, here’s what I looked like at the end of Orientation:
September 8, 2015
Book Review: Sweet Temptation
About the Book
Bad boy Kaidan Rowe has never wanted for anything—money, popularity, musical talent…hot girls—but seducing them is part of his duty as a Nephilim, slave to the demon Dukes. As the son of the Duke of Lust, Kaidan has learned his father’s ways, becoming a master of passion, a manipulator of chemistry. Disobeying his father would mean certain death. Thankfully for Kaidan, he’s good at his job. And he enjoys it.
Until he meets Anna Whitt—sweet, smart, feisty, and inexplicably good—the one girl seemingly immune to his charms. The daughter of a guardian angel and a fallen one, she has a certain power over him, one that makes him wish for more than he could ever deserve.
Determined to save all the Neph from their dark lives as the influencers of sin, Anna joins forces with Kaidan to overcome the demons’ oppressive ways. In the light of her affections, Kaidan must undergo his toughest test of all, a battle of the heart.
Sensual and swoon worthy, this companion volume to the acclaimed Sweet Evil series from New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins, told from the perspective of the irresistibly sexy and mysterious Kaidan Rowe, gives readers revealing insights into his struggle, his intense connection to Anna, and most of all, the true emotions that drive him.
My ReviewHOLY COW!
I was waiting for this book for what felt like forever, and then college started, and BAM! It was September 8th. I have ordered a signed copy, but since I forgot to have them send it to me at school. I got the eBook because I couldn't wait to get into Kaidan Rowe's head and see what he thought of his and Anna's adventure (especially Sweet Peril and Sweet Reckoning... oh, who am I kidding? I wanted his take on the whole thing!). And Wendy Higgins didn't disappoint. Though I did expect it to be dirtier, given all the disclaimers she gave. I pointed it out on twitter, and she aptly reminded me that though Kai isn't PG-13, the YA category mostly is. Oh, well. I think it's too much to ask for an explicit version of Sweet Temptation, but I already want to hear more about their post-trilogy life. We get a bit more from Kai than Anna after Sweet Reckoning, but not enough to satisfy my insatiable fangirl hunger for this couple.
Anyway, if it isn't clear yet, I give this book 5 LUST-RED STARS. And you don't need to check my aura. I'm telling the truth.
Start From The Beginning
About the Author
After earning a bachelor's in Creative Writing from George Mason University and a master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Radford, Wendy taught high school English until becoming a mommy. Writing Young Adult (YA) stories gives her the opportunity to delve into the ambiguities of those pivotal, daunting, and exciting years before adulthood.
She lives on the Eastern Shore of Virginia with her husband, daughter, and son.
Follow her online:
Website | Facebook | Twitter |Goodreads | Instagram | Tsu
Also check out her other books: See Me and Flirting With Maybe. And don't forget to add The Great Hunt to your TBR list.
Bad boy Kaidan Rowe has never wanted for anything—money, popularity, musical talent…hot girls—but seducing them is part of his duty as a Nephilim, slave to the demon Dukes. As the son of the Duke of Lust, Kaidan has learned his father’s ways, becoming a master of passion, a manipulator of chemistry. Disobeying his father would mean certain death. Thankfully for Kaidan, he’s good at his job. And he enjoys it. Until he meets Anna Whitt—sweet, smart, feisty, and inexplicably good—the one girl seemingly immune to his charms. The daughter of a guardian angel and a fallen one, she has a certain power over him, one that makes him wish for more than he could ever deserve.
Determined to save all the Neph from their dark lives as the influencers of sin, Anna joins forces with Kaidan to overcome the demons’ oppressive ways. In the light of her affections, Kaidan must undergo his toughest test of all, a battle of the heart.
Sensual and swoon worthy, this companion volume to the acclaimed Sweet Evil series from New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins, told from the perspective of the irresistibly sexy and mysterious Kaidan Rowe, gives readers revealing insights into his struggle, his intense connection to Anna, and most of all, the true emotions that drive him.
My ReviewHOLY COW!I was waiting for this book for what felt like forever, and then college started, and BAM! It was September 8th. I have ordered a signed copy, but since I forgot to have them send it to me at school. I got the eBook because I couldn't wait to get into Kaidan Rowe's head and see what he thought of his and Anna's adventure (especially Sweet Peril and Sweet Reckoning... oh, who am I kidding? I wanted his take on the whole thing!). And Wendy Higgins didn't disappoint. Though I did expect it to be dirtier, given all the disclaimers she gave. I pointed it out on twitter, and she aptly reminded me that though Kai isn't PG-13, the YA category mostly is. Oh, well. I think it's too much to ask for an explicit version of Sweet Temptation, but I already want to hear more about their post-trilogy life. We get a bit more from Kai than Anna after Sweet Reckoning, but not enough to satisfy my insatiable fangirl hunger for this couple.
Anyway, if it isn't clear yet, I give this book 5 LUST-RED STARS. And you don't need to check my aura. I'm telling the truth.
Start From The Beginning
About the Author
After earning a bachelor's in Creative Writing from George Mason University and a master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Radford, Wendy taught high school English until becoming a mommy. Writing Young Adult (YA) stories gives her the opportunity to delve into the ambiguities of those pivotal, daunting, and exciting years before adulthood.She lives on the Eastern Shore of Virginia with her husband, daughter, and son.
Follow her online:
Website | Facebook | Twitter |Goodreads | Instagram | Tsu
Also check out her other books: See Me and Flirting With Maybe. And don't forget to add The Great Hunt to your TBR list.
September 3, 2015
Collegiate Life
click for more entries I know I've been pretty MIA lately. I started college on 8/23 and between orientation and classes (starting 8/27), I've barely had time to do more than the necessities (eat, sleep, and homework). I'm very happy where I am: my roommate rocks, my new friends are cool, and my classes and teachers are fun.I don't expect to be having a bunch of free time this semester, though, so I will be pretty sporadic in posting on here. And when I can, I will continue working on The Belgrave Legacy . Believe me, I want it published as much as you want to read it.
And, because I tend to research when I get stressed, I've bookmarked 3 blogs:
click to go to the general Her Campus site. I normally go to hercampus.com/school/brandeis for more campus-specific advice 
click to go to Organized Charm (part of the Her Campus Blogger Network) 
click to go to The College Life Stylist
August 20, 2015
Book Review: Poison
About the Book 
Since the night her mother was murdered, sixteen-year-old Rory Gray has known one truth: There are no good Seeders.
In post-apocalyptic Australia, the scientists known as Seeders have built a Citadel surrounded by food-producing regions and populated with refugees from the wars and famine. To maintain their control, the Seeders poisoned the land and outlawed the saving of seeds.
It’s been six years since Rory graced the Seeders’ circus stage as the Wind Dancer and still the scars on her body haven’t healed. Even worse are the scars on her heart, left by a Seeder boy who promised to protect her.
Now the Seeders are withholding supplies from Rory’s region for perceived disobedience. Utilising the Wanderer knowledge she received from her mother, Rory must journey to the Citadel through uninhabitable terrain to plead for mercy.
However, the Citadel isn’t as Rory remembered. The chief plant geneticist is dying and rumours fly that the store of viable seed is dwindling. The Seeders are desperate to find a seed bank they believe Rory can locate, and they will stop at nothing to get it.
To defy the Seeders means death. But Rory has been close to death before--this time she’s learned the value of poison.
Recommended for fans of The Hunger Games, strong protagonists, circuses and nature!
Goodreads | Kindle | Amazon My Review
Holy cow, I think I may have a heart attack. Not for ONE MOMENT did this book let up from the first page, and not even until the last because it was a killer cliff-hanger and I want the next book in the Wind Dancer series immediately. The only down side of reading so quickly in my opinion.
I really can't say much more about the plot than what's already included in the book description (above) without giving stuff away, but let me say this: not only did I read this fast, but I also am now paranoid about everyone but one character in this book. And that's the main and POV character. Lan Chan writes so well that even when you think you know a character, or can predict what's going to happen, BAM you're hit sideways. And let me tell you, it takes a lot to do that to me (I have a very accurate sixth sense with those kinds of tricks). And it didn't totally fail me, I'd get certain things right, only to completely miscalculate others. And that was fun for a change. The only other book to recently do that for me was Eve: The Awakening by Jenna Moreci.
Anyway, put this book on your TBR list and buy it as soon as it comes out. You won't regret it! About the Author
"My name is Lan (pronounced La-r-n).
I live in Melbourne Australia. By day I'm a not so mild mannered public servant, but by night I turn into a crazy, book obsessed reader who trawls book review blogs and loves reading what other people have to say about my favourite books.
I enjoy a wide range of books but have found that my favourites are YA urban fantasy, conventional fantasy and sci-fi books.
I am an aspiring writer who is currently working on two YA novels that I promise I will finish one day.When I am not writing or reading, you can be sure to find me on the couch catching up on my favourite TV shows (Gossip Girl & Glee) or out in the garden where I get a lot of my thinking done.
The Write Obsession is my outlet to discuss all things reading and writing related, and occasionally movies, when my obsession bleeds over to the big screen. Better here where I can find people on the same wavelength than chew off my husbands ear about my latest YA love triangle angst. Am I right?
If you're also a book lover or writer, please feel free to hang around and join me in my obsession. Hey! It's not crazy if there's more than one of us...is it?" ~ The Write Obsession Blog
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Since the night her mother was murdered, sixteen-year-old Rory Gray has known one truth: There are no good Seeders. In post-apocalyptic Australia, the scientists known as Seeders have built a Citadel surrounded by food-producing regions and populated with refugees from the wars and famine. To maintain their control, the Seeders poisoned the land and outlawed the saving of seeds.
It’s been six years since Rory graced the Seeders’ circus stage as the Wind Dancer and still the scars on her body haven’t healed. Even worse are the scars on her heart, left by a Seeder boy who promised to protect her.
Now the Seeders are withholding supplies from Rory’s region for perceived disobedience. Utilising the Wanderer knowledge she received from her mother, Rory must journey to the Citadel through uninhabitable terrain to plead for mercy.
However, the Citadel isn’t as Rory remembered. The chief plant geneticist is dying and rumours fly that the store of viable seed is dwindling. The Seeders are desperate to find a seed bank they believe Rory can locate, and they will stop at nothing to get it.
To defy the Seeders means death. But Rory has been close to death before--this time she’s learned the value of poison.
Recommended for fans of The Hunger Games, strong protagonists, circuses and nature!
Goodreads | Kindle | Amazon My Review
Holy cow, I think I may have a heart attack. Not for ONE MOMENT did this book let up from the first page, and not even until the last because it was a killer cliff-hanger and I want the next book in the Wind Dancer series immediately. The only down side of reading so quickly in my opinion.I really can't say much more about the plot than what's already included in the book description (above) without giving stuff away, but let me say this: not only did I read this fast, but I also am now paranoid about everyone but one character in this book. And that's the main and POV character. Lan Chan writes so well that even when you think you know a character, or can predict what's going to happen, BAM you're hit sideways. And let me tell you, it takes a lot to do that to me (I have a very accurate sixth sense with those kinds of tricks). And it didn't totally fail me, I'd get certain things right, only to completely miscalculate others. And that was fun for a change. The only other book to recently do that for me was Eve: The Awakening by Jenna Moreci.
Anyway, put this book on your TBR list and buy it as soon as it comes out. You won't regret it! About the Author
"My name is Lan (pronounced La-r-n).I live in Melbourne Australia. By day I'm a not so mild mannered public servant, but by night I turn into a crazy, book obsessed reader who trawls book review blogs and loves reading what other people have to say about my favourite books.
I enjoy a wide range of books but have found that my favourites are YA urban fantasy, conventional fantasy and sci-fi books.
I am an aspiring writer who is currently working on two YA novels that I promise I will finish one day.When I am not writing or reading, you can be sure to find me on the couch catching up on my favourite TV shows (Gossip Girl & Glee) or out in the garden where I get a lot of my thinking done.
The Write Obsession is my outlet to discuss all things reading and writing related, and occasionally movies, when my obsession bleeds over to the big screen. Better here where I can find people on the same wavelength than chew off my husbands ear about my latest YA love triangle angst. Am I right?
If you're also a book lover or writer, please feel free to hang around and join me in my obsession. Hey! It's not crazy if there's more than one of us...is it?" ~ The Write Obsession Blog
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
