Saturday, December 31, 2011

Favorite Books of 2011

Today's the last day of 2011! I can't believe how fast it has gone by. Tonight my plans to ring in the New Year are simple. I'll be hanging out at home with my favorite people: my husband, two daughters, and my son. We'll stay up late, eat yummy food, be silly, take a little time to be grateful for our wonderful lives, and watch the ball drop together. I hope that whatever plans you have for tonight you have fun and stay safe.

This year I set a goal for myself to read 98 books and on goodreads my challenge says I have read 108. I actually read a few more than that, some of them yet to be published so they weren't on goodreads. I was pretty amazed when I hit my goal back in October. Out of those 108 books some of them made me laugh, cry, tense up with suspense, and some of them outraged me (my family can attest to that last one).

In no particular order here are my favorite young adult books of 2011!

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Clarity by Kim Harrington

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Divergent by Veronica Roth

 Going Underground by Susan Vaught

Tangled Tides by Karen Amanda Hooper

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Where She Went by Gayle Forman


Red by Kait Nolan


The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky

Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst

Geek Girl by Cindy C. Bennett

Boyfriend From Hell by E.Van Lowe

Earth Angel by E.Van Lowe

Want to Go Private by Sarah Darer Littman

Don't Stop Now by Julie Halpern

The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

Darwin's Children by Natasha Larry

Unnatural Law (Darwin's Children bk. 2) by Natasha Larry

Looking for Alaska by John Green

Crossroads and Between by Mary Ting

and of course I am still loving the Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine


WOW! That's a lot of books. Maybe that's why I was able to read over 100 books this year, because I read so many awesome books! I'm dying to know if you liked any of the same books that I liked. Drop me a comment with a few of your favorites this year or leave me a link to your favorites of 2011.

HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE!!!!!!









Thursday, December 29, 2011

Farsighted Holiday Whirlwind

Announcing the Farsighted Social Media Whirlwind Tour!

As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Farsighted eBook edition is just 99 cents this week. What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes, including lots of Amazon gift cards (up to $100 in amount) and 5 autographed copies of the book. Be sure to enter before the end of the day on Friday, December 30th, so you don’t miss out.  

To Win the Prizes

  1. Purchase your copy of Farsighted for just 99 cents on Amazon or Barnes & Noble
  2. Fill-out the form on Novel Publicity to enter for the prizes
  3. Visit today’s featured event; you may win an autographed copy of the book or a $50 gift card!
  4. BONUS: If you leave a comment on this blog post, you have another chance at $100!
  5. DOUBLE BONUS: If I receive more comments than any other blogger, *I* win $100.
 

...And I can win too!

Over 100 bloggers are participating in this gigantic event, and there are plenty of prizes for us too. The blogger who receives the most votes in the traffic-breaker poll will win a $100 gift card as well. So when you visit Novel Publicity’s site to fill-out the contest entry form, don’t forget to say that I referred you, so I can get a point in the poll.  

The Featured Events include:

Monday, a guest blog on Novel Publicity! Emlyn kicks off the tour on the Novel Publicity Free Advice blog by discussing her brightly burning passion for books in a guest post entitled “My journey through the pages and toward a life-long love of reading.” One commenter will win an autographed copy of Farsighted. Don’t forget to enter for the other contest prizes while you’re over there!

Tuesday, Twitter sharing contest! A tweet is tiny, only 140 characters. But on Tuesday, it could win you $50. Send the following tweet across the twittersphere, and you just may win a $50 Amazon gift card. An autographed copy of Farsighted is also up for grabs. The winners will be announced Wednesday morning. Here’s the tweet: Looking for a fun read to round out your holiday break? The paranormal YA hit Farsighted is just 99 cents! http://ow.ly/81Dt1 #whirlwind

Wednesday, Google+ sharing contest! Yup, there’s yet another awesome opportunity to win a $50 Amazon gift card, and this time it just takes a single click! Visit Google+ and share Emlyn Chand’s most recent post (you’ll see the Stay Farsighted book cover included with it). On Thursday morning, one lucky sharer will be $50 richer. An autographed copy of Farsighted is also up for grabs. Two chances to win with just one click! How about that?

Thursday, Facebook sharing contest! Stop by Novel Publicity’s Facebook page and share their latest post (you’ll see the Farsighted book cover included with it). It’s ridiculously easy to win! On Friday morning, one lucky sharer will be $50 richer. An autographed copy of Farsighted is also up for grabs.

Friday, special contest on the author’s site! Are you ready for some more fun? Take a picture of yourself with your copy of Farsighted either in paperback or on an eReading device, then post it to Emlyn Chand’s Facebook page or email a copy to author@emlynchand.com. You just way win one of three Amazon gift cards! A $100 prize will go to the photo with the most interesting setting (so put your holiday travel time to work for you). Another $50 will go the funniest photo, and one more prize of $50 will go the scariest photo—this is a paranormal YA book after all. An autographed copy of Farsighted will go to one randomly selected entrant. For more details about this contest, please visit www.emlynchand.com.

Remember, it’s all about the books!

About Farsighted: Alex Kosmitoras may be blind, but he can still “see” things others can’t. When his unwanted visions of the future begin to suggest that the girl he likes could be in danger, he has no choice but to take on destiny and demand it reconsider. Farsighted is the winner of the 2011 Dragonfly eBook Awards. Get it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

About the Author: Emlyn Chand has always loved to hear and tell stories, having emerged from the womb with a fountain pen grasped firmly in her left hand (true story). When she’s not writing, she runs a large book club in Ann Arbor and is the president of author PR firm, Novel Publicity. Emlyn loves to connect with readers and is available throughout the social media interweb.


Visit her on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.  

Now please enjoy this exciting excerpt from Farsighted...

  “Did Dad tell you? A new tenant moved into the old pharmacy next door.” “Really?” I ask, not letting on I already know. If I feign ignorance, Mom’ll divulge all the details. “What is it?” “It’s a psychic shop,” Her voice crackles with excitement like a fire that’s just beginning to burn. “The All-Seeing Miss Teak. Isn’t that cute? Miss Teak, Mystic. Ha, I wonder if that’s her real name.” I laugh. “That is funny. Never had a psychic in town before. What’s she like?” “Oh, she’s very friendly. Why don’t you go over and say ‘hi.’ I’m sure she’d like to meet you.” “Okay, I think I will.” I’m incredibly intrigued, because first off, it’s a psychic shop—how weird is that?—and second, its presence made Dad super uncomfortable—also very cool. I waste no time heading next door to check out the scene. As I step cautiously into the new shop, a recording of soft, instrumental music greets me. I can make out chimes and a string instrument I don’t recognize but for some reason reminds me of snake charmers. The smell of incense fills my nostrils, which explains the burning I detected earlier. “Hello?” I call out into the otherwise quiet room. Nobody answers. I walk in deeper, sweeping my cane out in front of me in a metronome fashion. This place is new to me, so I need to be especially careful while moving around. Thump! Despite my precautions, I stub my toe on something hard, big, and made of wood. Just my luck to stub the same toe twice in one day. I reach down to press my fingers into my throbbing foot to alleviate some of the pain. Something teeters before rolling off of the chest and across the floor; the sound it makes indicates a curved path. Suddenly, the object stops. Somebody’s stopped it. “Hello?” I call again. “Hello,” a deep, feminine voice responds, placing more emphasis on the first syllable than the second. “I- I’m sorry I knocked that thing over. I didn’t mean to…” I hope she’s not angry. Probably not a good idea to get on a psychic’s bad side. “That wasn’t just a thing, it’s a crystal ball,” she says as she walks over, sending my blood pulsing through my veins. I sense her looking at me for a moment before she places the ball back on top of the chest. “Can it see the future?” I ask, allowing my curiosity to outweigh my uneasiness. “No.” After a pause lasting several beats, she continues. “But I can see the future sometimes when I look into it.” “Oh, okay.” I tighten my hand around my cane and turn to leave. It may not be the most polite thing to do, but all of this hocus-pocus stuff is freaking me out more than I would’ve guessed. The psychic lady speaks again, stopping me cold. “Don’t run away, Alex Kosmitoras.” She must’ve spoken to Mom earlier today. That must be how she knows my name. “I’m not running away,” I say meekly. “I’m just going back over to Sweet Blossoms.” “Don’t run away,” she repeats—this time she speaks louder and with more energy. “Don’t run away from your abilities. They are gifts.” “What?” I ask in confusion. What abilities is she talking about? “You already know. Watch. Listen. Be open to your gifts.” I turn to face Miss Teak, but find she’s already gone, returning to wherever she was before I got there. Is it safe to leave? I trail my fingers across the wooden box I ran into earlier; a thick coat of dust clings to the tips as I pull away. If this shop just opened, why is it already so dirty? I wipe my hands over my shirt to get the gritty substance off. Shivers rock my whole body. Something about this place is wrong, and I’m not sticking around to figure out what. Tapping my cane along the floor, I’m able to find the exit without knocking into anything else.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Waiting On Wednesday (12/28/2011) Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale

When seventeen-year-old Rosie’s mother, Trudie, dies from Huntington’s Disease, her pain is intensified by the knowledge that she has a fifty-per-cent chance of inheriting the crippling disease herself. Only when she tells her mum’s best friend, ‘Aunt Sarah’ that she is going to test for the disease does Sarah, a midwife, reveal that Trudie was not her biological mother after all... Devastated, Rosie decides to trace her real mother, hitching along on her ex-boyfriend’s GAP year to follow her to Los Angeles. But all does not go to plan, and as Rosie discovers yet more of her family's deeply-buried secrets and lies, she is left with an agonising decision of her own - one which will be the most heart-breaking and far-reaching of all..


Add this book to your goodreads shelf here


Expected Release Date: February 2, 2012




Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we (bloggers) are anxiously awaiting. So what book are you excited about right now?

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (12/21/2011) Unraveling Isobel by Eileen Cook

"Thrilling and creepy, super sexy, and so very hilarious." --Lisa McMann, bestselling author of the Wake trilogy

Isobel’s life is falling apart. Her mom just married some guy she met on the internet only three months before, and is moving them to his sprawling, gothic mansion off the coast of nowhere. Goodbye, best friend. Goodbye, social life. Hello, icky new stepfather, crunchy granola town, and unbelievably good-looking, officially off-limits stepbrother.
But on her first night in her new home, Isobel starts to fear that it isn’t only her life that’s unraveling—her sanity might be giving way too. Because either Isobel is losing her mind, just like her artist father did before her, or she’s seeing ghosts. Either way, Isobel’s fast on her way to being the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons.

Add this to your Goodreads list here
Expected Release Date: January 3, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we (bloggers) are anxiously awaiting. So what book are you excited about right now?

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Flash Reviews: Delirium and Clarity

Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Source: NetGalley

Summary from Goodreads:
Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy. 

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.


My Thoughts:


Truthfully, I LOVED this book. In fact it only has a little competition for the number one spot on my most loved books of 2011. At the beginning of each chapter are these quotes that show you just how hard the government is trying to brainwash the people.  Here are two...  "The most dangerous sicknesses are those that make us believe we are well" -Proverbs 42, The book of Shhh or Ex rememdium salvae. "From the cure, salvation" -Printed on all American currency. Lena starts off as this very timid girl that can't wait to get the "cure" she saw what love did to her mother and she wants no part of it. When I started reading Delirium I thought that the "cure" was just for love between a man and a woman, but no! You have to be careful about the amount of affection you can show your children as well, it's insane. Oliver's writing was believable and scary. The story line builds up and up and up and doesn't stop. Yep, there is a big fat cliff hanger waiting for you at the end, but man is the ride up to it worth it. If you are a fan of dystopia I can't imagine you not loving Delirium. 




Clarity by Kim Harrington
Source: My local library


Summary from Goodreads:
When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth? 
This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats. 
Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift. 
And a curse. 
When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case - but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother - who has supernatural gifts of his own - becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?


My Thoughts:


My two favorite parts of Clarity were Clarity herself and the town in which she lives. Clarity's character is the perfect mix of snark, vulnerability, and quirky physic detective. Harrington also did a great job of writing about the town. I wanted to go to the beach so badly after finishing Clarity. The mystery was also great, and kept me guessing until the very end. I'm not usually big on mystery novels, but I was very excited to read this one because of the paranormal aspect. I think I may have to revisit the mystery in general because I really enjoyed it. Paranormal or not I think this book would have had me glued to the pages.  I am really looking forward to reading more about Clare in Perception, due out March 1st, 2012.









Monday, December 19, 2011

Happy Holidays - Personal Update


  It's that wonderful time of year again. No wait, I'm not being sarcastic. I love December, the only problem is that it goes so fast, and I always forget that I wanted to start getting ready for Christmas earlier in November. If any of you are anything like me (and I really hope there are some of you) than you are still scurrying around trying to get everything ready for THE perfect Christmas too. That being said..... My blog has suffered a bit this month and that makes me sad. Plus, I still have a ton of books to review that I read this past year. So, to ensure that I get as many of them posted as possible I will be doing a series of flash reviews. These are shorter reviews that get right to the heart of the matter, did I or did I not like this book.  Luckily for me I read some great books this year. Some of the reviews you will see coming up soon: Delirium, Wither, Awake, Hex Hall, Demon Glass, Nothing, Heavenly, Clarity, and quite a few more. Good Luck to all of you that are still getting ready and congratulations to all of you that are sitting back drinking hot cocoa enjoying the fact that you are all done. Happy Holidays!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Neurotic Thoughts on Tangled Tides (Blog Tour)





Tangled Tides (The Sea Monster Memoirs, #1)
Tangled Tides
Author: Karen Amanda Hooper
Released: November 25, 2011
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Published by: Rhemelda
Source: Publisher for blog tour
Pages: 328

Summary from Goodreads: Yara Jones doesn’t believe in sea monsters—until she becomes one.

When a hurricane hits her island home and she wakes up with fins, Yara finds herself tangled up in an underwater world of mysterious merfolk and secretive selkies. Both sides believe Yara can save them by fulfilling a broken promise and opening the sealed gateway to their realm, but they are battling over how it should be done. The selkies want to take her life. The merfolk want something far more precious.

Treygan, the stormy-eyed merman who turned Yara mer, will stop at nothing and sacrifice everything to protect his people—until he falls for Yara. The tides turn as Yara fights to save herself, hundreds of sea creatures, and the merman who has her heart. She could lose her soul in the process—or she might open the gateway to a love that’s deeper than the oceans.

Young Adult fans of Mermaids, Selkies, Sirens and Gorgons will love this tale of the sacrifice one makes for genuine love. Love that could be lost at any moment to the ever-changing tides.


My Thoughts:

Confession time: I wasn't entirely sure it was my best idea to read and review Tangled Tides for a blog tour. I thought maybe it had a 50/50 shot at either being pretty good or pretty bad, but I was intrigued by that cover. I can't say I LOVE the cover but there is something about it that always makes me do a double take. I'm so, so, so glad that I gave Tangled Tides a chance because not only was it not bad, it was fantastic!

There were a few times where the romance feels a bit intense and a little over the top, but I have to admit I usually like that. I loved when the couple even made fun of their overly romantic dialogue at one point. There are quite a few twists and turns in the plot that I figured out ahead of time and quite a few that I didn't. The writing was very easy to read and flowed beautifully. The characters were as believable as paranormal characters can be, and I absolutely adored all of the side characters. I was so into Yara's life that I ended up dreaming about being a mermaid the night I finished the book. I loved the overall feel of hope and love can conquer all feelings that I had while reading this book.

I am definitely recommending this book to anyone that loves smiling, laughing and crying while they read, and to lovers of paranormal romance, mermaids, hot mermen, sweet mermen, and anyone who wanted to or still wants to be Ariel. Curl up, get cozy and prepare to have some fun!




Author Website: http://www.karenamandahooper.com
Twitterhttp://twitter.com/#!/Karen_Hooper
Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/AuthorKaren


Amazon: http://amzn.com/1936850435
Rhemalda Bookstore: http://tiny.cc/BuyTangledTides
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tangled-tides-karen-amanda-hooper/1035791101?ean=9781936850433&itm=1&usri=tangled%252btides



Monday, December 12, 2011

Neurotic Thoughts on Lola and the Boy Next Door

Lola and the Boy Next Door
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Released: September 29, 2011
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Published by: Dutton
Source: My wonderful local library
Pages: 338
ISBN: 0525423281

Summary from Goodreads:
Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood. 

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.



Stephanie Perkins has done it again!  I don't know how Perkins writes in such a way that I swear I feel whatever her character is feeling (as silly as it sounds). Lola feels breathless and I can't seem to breathe. Her heart is racing and I feel like mine is too (even though it wasn't really). More than Anna, Lola and the Boy Next Door have captured my heart. 

The characters in this book are simply amazing. From Lola with her costumes, wigs, and eyelashes everyday to Max and his bad-boy tattooed self, all the way to her wonderfully amazing  dads. To top off a great cast of characters we have Cricket, possibly my favorite book boy ever! Oh wow! He is just want I would want in a boy (if I were 16 again and not married!) Sweet, thoughtful, respectful, and of course super easy on the eyes,. 

The pace of this book was perfect. I couldn't put the book down, and I don't think there was one moment that my thoughts strayed from the story. OK, yes, I realize that I am gushing but really.... I LOVED THIS BOOK! 

There is one scene where Anna mentions (yes! Anna and St. Claire are in this book) how it is so much easier to write a movie review for a movie that she doesn't like than it is to write one for a movie you love. I find this to be very true. When I love a book I have a hard time articulating what it was that made me love it, I just love it! However, when I don't like a book I have no trouble picking every apart every little thing that I didn't like. All this just to say "I LOVE THIS BOOK!" End gush. 

Obviously I highly recommend this book!








Saturday, December 10, 2011

REVIEW: Static by Tawny Stokes

Static
Author: Tawny Stokes
Released: August 12, 2011
Genre: YA Paranormal
Published by: CreateSpace
Source: Bewitching Book Tours
Pages: 296
ISBN: 1463723067

Summary from Goodreads:
Be careful what you listen to.... 

During the summer before her senior year, 17 year old band groupie, Salem Vale, has been following her favorite punk rockers, Malice, from gig to gig hoping that one night she might get backstage and meet the sinisterly sexy guys. She’s been saving her virginity for the lead singer Thane. One fateful evening she gets her wish. It’s a dream come true. 

Except the dream turns to a nightmare when she wakes up in a dumpster, tossed away like yesterday’s trash, with no memory of what happened the night before. She feels strange, different, as if something is trying to get out. Soon she realizes she’s changing…turning into something not quite human. 

Now a hunger deep inside claws at her to feed, to siphon energy from those around her. Before she can do just that, Trevor, the band’s roadie shows up and stops her from killing. With his help she learns to control the hunger inside, because he’s just like her. And in return he wants her help to do one little thing… 

Help him kill the members of Malice.


My Thoughts:


I have recently had the immense pleasure of reading not one, but two books by Tawny Stokes, and I can tell you I will be waiting for more. Her writing is edgy and intense, fast paced and fun. I love how Stokes is able to write a book that can be so dark one page, and have me chuckling the next. Static is a book like no other that I have read before, and I have to say it was pretty frickin awesome.

Salem starts off as this star-struck girl that just wants to meet the lead singer of her favorite band and sleep with him. Really? I mean who makes that their life's goal? I have never understood how people can get so totally obsessed with "stars. Anyway... moving on from that mini rant. Once Salem meets her obsession she realizes that he isn't all she thought he would be and she finds her self in a situation that she can't explain. Later on in the book Stokes provides a reason for Salem's obsessive behavior and all is happy in my mind again. Gritty and suspenseful Static might just be your next up to late reading to function the next day book. I know I am adding Tawny Stokes to my must read this author's books list.


Word of Warning: It is my opinion that Static is probably best for mature young adult readers.


You can get a copy of Static at:
Amazon Barnes & Noble Smashwords







Friday, December 9, 2011

Earth Angel, Guest Post and Give Away by E.Van Lowe



Cover Envy

They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but let’s face it, we all do it.  I’m as guilty of this as the next person, but when my novel Boyfriend From Hell hit the bookstore shelves in September, I became guilty of something else—cover envy.  That twinge of jealousy you get when you see an awesome book cover and wish that cover was on your book.

It’s not that I didn’t like the original cover for Boyfriend From Hell, I did like it.  But when I wrote the book I envisioned a more beautiful cover.  Covers like Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick or Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.  I am a fan of pretty things.  
The reviews for Boyfriend From Hell were good.  But some time in mid-October sales began to slump.  It was then I convinced my publisher I needed a new look for both Boyfriend From Hell and Earth Angel.  Enter Adara Rosalie, an amazing artist with a mastery of Photoshop.  The first thing that struck me when I looked at Adara’s portfolio was how beautiful her work was.
I contacted Adara (also known as Jayde), and was lucky enough to catch her between commissions.  She liked what the books were about and went to work.  A month after she began, and twenty or so prototypes in,  Adara presented  me the cover for Earth Angel.   “Stop,” I said.  “This is it.  You don’t need to go any further.” I sent the cover off to my publisher who was elated.  A few days later she presented me with the Boyfriend From Hell cover.  And guess what happened?  I was cured of my cover envy.  Aren’t they beautiful?
What’s going on between the covers ain’t too shabby either. You can check out both books on my website http://evanlowe.com/. There’s even a free sample of Boyfriend From Hell on the home page so you can try it before you but it.  While you’re there please click on the buttons to follow me on Twitter and like my Facebook Fan Page.
If you’d like to see more of Adara’s work you can see it here: http://www.redbubble.com/people/jayderosalie

Boyfriend from Hell
By E Van Lowe
Genre: Paranormal YA
Book 1
Aww, Hell No!
Fifteen year-old Megan Barnett and her single mom, Suze, have a special relationship—they are friends, close friends, who do almost everything together.
“But come on, guys, she’s my mother… Can I really tell her that while we’re snuggled up on the sofa watching Spider Man Three, I’m secretly undressing James Franco with my eyes?  Of course not…”
The special bond takes a turn for the worse when Suze decides to start dating again.  She hasn’t had a man in her life since Megan’s father left ten years ago.  
Enter two mysterious young men, Megan’s new classmate, sinfully attractive bad boy, Guy Matson, and the dangerously handsome art dealer, Armando.  Before long Megan and Suze both wind up in steamy relationships.  But neither of the handsome guys is quite what he seems.  In fact, one of them is Satan, with his sights set on a new bride.  Megan has precious little time to figure out how to stop him.  If she doesn’t, either Megan or Suze are quite literally going to HELL.
Boyfriend From Hell is the first book in the Falling Angels Saga from the author of the gruesomely hilarious, Never Slow Dance With A Zombie


Earth Angel
By E Van Lowe
Genre: Paranormal YA
Book 2
Heaven Can Wait!
Just because Megan Barnett recently defeated Satan, has a fantastic new best friend, and has won the love of deliciously handsome, Guy Matson, doesn’t mean her troubles are over.  Far from it.  For Megan doesn’t realize it, but in her possession is a powerful weapon, a weapon sought after by both angels and demons and everything in between.  They will do ANYTHING to get it.
In E. Van Lowe’s humorous, romantic and thrilling sequel to Boyfriend From Hell, Megan winds up in a gripping life or death battle to save herself, the boy she loves, and all of mankind from unthinkable evil.
Megan Barnett has recently defeated Satan, found a fantastic new best friend, and has won the heart of deliciously handsome, Guy Matson.  But that doesn’t mean her troubles are over.  Far from it.  For Megan doesn’t realize that she is in possession of a powerful paranormal weapon, a weapon sought after by both angels, demons and everything in between.  
In E. Van Lowe’s romantic yet thrilling sequel to Boyfriend From Hell, Megan finds herself in a gripping life or death battle to save the boy she loves, and all of mankind from unthinkable evil.

Earth Angel is now available at Amazon
Sadly I can't find it on Barnes and Noble yet.


YouTube Trailer: http://youtu.be/39hI9rmwI5A



About The Author
E. Van Lowe is an author, television writer, screenwriter, Playwright and Producer who has written and produced such shows as The Cosby ShowEven Stevens, and Homeboys In Outer Space.  He has been nominated for both an Emmy and an Academy Award.  Van Lowe recently stepped into the young adult fiction genre with his comedic novel,Never Slow Dance With A Zombie.  It was a selection of the Scholastic Book Club, and a nominee for an ALA Award.  Boyfriend From Hell is Van Lowe’s second YA novel.


My Thoughts on Earth Angel

If you haven't noticed, I am a HUGE fan of E.Van Lowe's Falling Angels Saga! HUGE! Lowe has done an incredible job of writing the characters in this book. Megan, the main character, starts out as this incredibly self absorbed teenage girl that continues to grow into an amazing kick-ass, selfless heroine. Megan's mom, Suze,  both impresses me and infuriates me all in the same book. Guy is perfect and then, well... he isn't. That's what I love about these characters, they are wonderfully and perfectly flawed. Boyfriend from Hell and Earth Angel are both quick, fun reads packed with romance, action and humor. This is definitely a book you will want to start early because you won't want to put it down once you start. I do have one giant complaint Mr. Lowe, I can't believe you left us hanging the way you did at the end of Earth Angel!!!! If you haven't read the Falling Angels Saga you are seriously missing out. I can't recommend these books enough. 

Okay so now onto the giveaway!! The very best part of this post I'm sure. E. Van Lowe is giving away ebook copies of both Boyfriend from Hell and Earth Angel to one of my lucky readers. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post or @ me on twitter "I want to win E's books!" @mybookaffair. That's it super easy right?  

PLUS If you follow the link below you can enter for a chance to win a copy of both books signed by E. Van Lowe. Good Luck!!!! 
link to form



 Hey Wait! Don't forget to leave a comment to win your ecopies of both Boyfriend from Hell and Earth Angel.


Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Revengeful Heart by Chrys Phillips Blog Tour


About Chrys Phillips


Chrys Phillips debut book series, Magic Wars Books is available worldwide. She is a successful playwright with many of her plays being performed in full scale theater and musical productions. When not creating her books, screenplays and theatre scripts, she can be found shopping for her favorite accessories, spending time at Australian beaches and/or traveling the globe to attend her public speaking & writing events. She’s a self-proclaimed chocolate and movie addict.


Her latest book is the YA urban fantasy, Revengeful Heart.


You can visit her website atwww.magicwarsbooks.com.  Visit her at Twitter at www.twitter.com/magicwarsbooks and Facebook at www.facebook.com/magicwarsbooks.


You can visit Chrys Phillips author/public speaking web www.neversaycant.yolasite.com

About Revengeful Heart

ITS A WICKED RUN OF LOVE ~ SECRETS ~ REVENGE ~ HEARTBREAK AND FEAR…ONE TASTE AND YOU’LL BE BEGGING FOR MORE!
Can a broken heart be mended? Are soul mates destined to be together no matter what forces try to keep them apart?
Lakeview exists…it’s a humble pleasant place to live…but amongst its scenic surrounds immortals are dwelling some are evil enough to haunt and horrify you for eternity and others are loving and full of heroic actions. Would you befriend them? How would you know who’s who?
Teens Rick, Miki & CJ attend Lakeview High and live their teen lives with their secret loves and school hassles…evil is arriving and their lives are never going to be the same! Who wins? Who cries? Be warned its a wicked ride…of hope, tears, strength, power, love and dangerous choices filled with deception, betrayal and tenderness!
BARNES AND NOBLE
SMASHWORDS
ITUNES
Book Excerpt
… A spine-chilling silence, swept across Lakeview. The scary
peace that responded in Lakeview was disturbing and frightening!
Nature was still and the night’s sounds had abruptly
halted. Rick, Miki and CJ looked at each other, ready to fight
Mortyla and the dark presence of her revenge had begun!
Loud crushing sounds could be heard in the distance and
Rick, Miki and CJ ran frantically ahead to see what was happening
towards the loud crashing sounds. In the blackness of
the night Mortyla could be seen walking slowly along View
Road, with her arms stretched out by her sides. Her fingers
flexed and open, casting lightning bolts in the thousands,
onto the road and whatever else came into her path. Cars
were exploding into flames while other cars, just rolled along
and only to stop their destructive tumbling when they hit an
object. Shop windows fragmented into explosions of glass and
cars went flying into them. Street signs and smaller objects
paid the price for being in her way. Cats scattered, ensuring
they would not be scathed…
…she walked slowly, heavily and with intent, to
destroy. In a robotic trance she moved forward, with destruction
exploding behind her!

Watch the Trailer

Watch her other trailer!

Revengeful Heart Virtual Book Publicity Tour Schedule

Monday, December 5
Interviewed at Examiner
Wednesday, December 7
Thursday, December 8
Book reviewed at Jasmyn’s Reviews
Monday, December 12
Guest blogging at  Live to Read
Tuesday, December 13
Book reviewed at Cafe of Dreams
Friday, December 16
Tuesday, January 3
Book reviewed at Nightly Reading
Thursday, January 5
Book reviewed at From the TBR Pile
Friday, January 6
Book reviewed at Urban Fantasy Reviews
Monday, January 9
Book reviewed at Bookish Delights
Wednesday, January 11
Interviewed at Book Read N Review
Thursday, January 12
Book reviewed at Sweeping Me
Friday, January 13
Book reviewed at Bookworm Lisa