Watch Me Disappear by Diane Mulligan Virtual Book Tour

New Adult 

Title: Watch Me Disappear

Author: Diane Vanaskie Mulligan

Date Published: 8/2012

Lizzie Richards isn’t excited to be starting over at a new school for her senior year, but she’s trying to take her mother’s advice and make the most of it—the only way she can: By disobeying her strict parents’ rules. Lizzie’s father has moved the family around every few years to advance his career, so she has never had a chance to develop the kind of “BFF” relationships she thinks most kids have. She’s bracing herself for another lonely year at her third high school when her neighbor Maura gets sick of watching her little brother when she could be partying. Thanks to Maura’s plotting, Lizzie becomes everyone’s new favorite babysitter. Seeing her opportunity, Lizzie decides to break her mother’s rules by using Maura’s computer to create a secret Email address and Facebook account. She is quickly friended by Missy, a fellow transfer student as eager for a friend as she is. Things are looking up for Lizzie until Maura’s ex-boyfriend Paul sets his eye on Missy. Caught between her new best friend and the neighbor whose friendship promises instant popularity, Lizzie doesn’t know what to do—because she’s fallen for Paul, too.

Virtual Book Tour January 14 - February 4

January 14 - Reading Addiction Blog Tours - Meet and Greet

January 15 - Magical Manuscripts - Review

January 16 - Lov Liv Life Reviews - PROMO

January 17 - Mom With a Kindle - Interview/PROMO

January 18 - Addicted to YA Books - Review

January 19 - Snifferwalker - Review

January 20 - My Cozie Corner - Review

January 21 - Lovely Reads - PROMO

January 22 - Queen of All She Reads - Review

January 23 - Comfort Books - Interview/PROMO

January 24 - A Thousand Lives - Review

January 25 - My Devotional Thoughts- PROMO

January 26 - Book Briefs - Review/Interview

January 27 - Andi's YA Books - Review/Interview

January 28 - Books For Me - Review

January 28 - Sweet Southern Home - Interview/PROMO

January 29 - Oh, The Books You'll Read - Review

January 29 - My Neurotic Book Affair - Review

January 30 - Above Average, Below Special - Review

January 31 - Getting Your Read On - Review

February 1 - A Bibliophiles Thoughts - Review

February 2 - My Bookmark Blog - Review

February 3 - Books and Needlepoint - Review/Interview

February 4 - Reading With Anacrasia - Interview/PROMO

About the Author     Diane Vanaskie Mulligan began writing Watch Me Disappearduring an after-school writing club she moderates for high school students. This is her first novel. She holds a BA in American Studies from Mount Holyoke College and a Master’s degree in teaching from Simmons College. When she isn’t teaching or writing, she’s the managing editor at The Worcester Review and the director of The Betty Curtis Worcester County Young Writers’ Conference You can also find her occasionally strumming her guitar and singing at various bars in central Massachusetts, where she lives with her husband. Website: www.dvmulligan.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/DianeVMull Facebook: www.facebook.com/DianeVMulligan Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/dmvanask Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/pub/diane-mulligan/53/839/124 Buy Link ·  Amazon Kindle Store ·  Smashwords. ·  Createspace  ·  Kobo ·  Sony eBook Store ·  Diesel eBook Store ·  Barnes and Noble

Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Speechless
Author: Hannah Harrington
Release Date: 8/2012
Published By: Harlequin Teen

Summary from Goodreads:
Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can't keep a secret

Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.

Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she's ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.

But there's strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she's done. If only she can forgive herself.

My Thoughts:

Hannah Harrington has quickly become one of my favorite YA authors. Both of her books made my favorites of 2012 list and I can't wait to see what she comes out with next.

Watching Chelsea grow from an annoying, butt kissing, spineless, wanna be to a strong, compassionate person was an incredible journey. Once Chelsea realizes the severity of the situation she has created she starts to question everything she is and the only way she can think of to fix her mistakes are by keeping her mouth shut. Literally. She decides to take a vow of silence and even though she loses her so-called friends and is repeatedly made fun of she sticks to her vow and learns a lot about who she wants to be.

Not only is Speechless an excellent and entertaining read but it also has a strong message. I think Speechless would be an fabulous young adult book club book.

Anxiously waiting the next Harrington masterpiece, no pressure though:)

Revenge Of A Band Geek Gone Bad by Naomi Rabinowitz Blog Tour and Giveaway

Revenge Of A Band Geek Gone Bad
Author: Naomi Rabinowitz
Genre: YA Contemporary
Release Date: October 8, 2012

Summary:
Shy, overweight Melinda Rhodes' sophomore year of high school isn't going so well. Her own mother mocks her weight. Her pants split in the middle of school, earning her the nickname, "Moolinda." She then loses first chair flute in band to Kathy Meadows, her pretty and popular nemesis.

Her luck changes when she catches the eye of Josh Kowalski, a rebellious trumpet prodigy and class clown. Josh has also been hurt by Kathy and asks Melinda to help take Kathy down. Mel figures that she has nothing to lose ... and Josh is adorable with gorgeous blue eyes and a winning smile. She agrees to team up with him and looks forward to finally getting back at her rival.

At first, the pair's pranks are silly, and as they work together, Mel comes out of her shell. Even better, she finds herself falling for Josh and it appears as if he might feel the same way about her.

However, their schemes become more and more dangerous and Mel is surprised to discover her dark side. Just how far will she go to get what she wants -- and is Josh really worth the risk?

My Thoughts:
From start to finish Revenge Of A Band Geek Gone Bad is charming, adorable and reminds you of just how hard high school can be. Days when nothing goes right and it feels like the whole world is against you.

Mel is a great character. I think we can all see a little bit of ourselves in her. She stresses over clothes, diets, school, boys... you know all the normal high school stuff. Plus, she has her very own group of tormentors. When fellow band member Josh approaches Mel about putting Kathy, one of those tormentors in her "place" she loves the idea but also has reservations. Mel is basically a really sweet girl that  feels like she has been pushed too far and is ready to push back. 

Josh's personality is big, no really it's huge! He is one of those guys that seems really self assured. He's super talented and he knows it. He's a clown and he really enjoys rebelling. He feels like he also has a score to settle with Kathy and he wants Mel's help to settle it. 

Watching these two get to know each other and seeing how they bring out the good and bad in each other is really fun. Naomi Rabinowitz does an incredible job of writing believable character interactions. The conversations they have flow beautifully and never felt contrived. I really enjoyed reading Revenge Of A Band Geek Gone Bad and highly recommend it to readers that enjoy YA Contemporary novels. As far as language or adult themes this book is pretty tame. There is a scene that includes underage drinking and there is some making out but nothing overly graphic. 

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Naomi Rabinowitz has always loved being creative. Raised in Nesconset, NY -- a suburb on Long Island -- she was introduced to the arts at an early age. Her mother, Joyce, is a pianist; her father, Melvin, plays piano and guitar; her grandmother, Esther, was a talented knitter; her late grandfather, Morris, was a violinist; her late great uncle, Sid Robin, was a well-known jazz musician, who penned the lyrics to the popular big band hit, "Undecided."

Naomi's parents, who were both teachers, frequently took her to museums and concerts. During their summers off, her family traveled. By the time she was 15, Naomi had been to several European countries, as well as China, Japan, Israel, Egypt, Russia and Mexico.

Naomi's love for writing emerged when she was in the second grade and her poem, "The Four Seasons," won first prize in a local literary competition. She became interested in journalism in junior high when her English class was selected to write for Newsday's "Kidsday" column. 

She had as much passion for music. Though she began playing piano when she was three, she switched to her "true" instrument, the flute, when she was nine and eventually added tenor sax and clarinet to her list so that she could play in jazz band. She performed in almost every musical group from wind ensemble to orchestra (but never marching band!). In 2008, she released her jazz album FLUTE PATH.

Naomi received a B.A. in English from Binghamton University and an M.A. in magazine journalism from Syracuse University. From 1998-2012, she worked as a reporter/editor for national TV magazine Soap Opera Digest.

These days, Naomi writes, plays jazz flute and designs jewelry for her businesses Naomi's Designs and MayaGirl Creations. She lives in Queens, NY with her husband, Jonathan, and their cat, Maya.

LINKS:

*Book purchase link on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009NNXUJI

* Blog: naomirabinowitzauthor.blogspot.com

* Facebook: www.facebook.com/naomirabinowitzauthor

* Twitter: @NaomiRDesigns

Giveaway

Naomi will be giving away a CD of flute music, and a pair of hand-made earrings to one randomly drawn commenter on the tour. Check out other tour stops for more chances to win!

Short and Sweet: Welcome, Caller, This Is Chloe

Welcome, Caller, This Is Chloe
Author: Shelley Coriell
Genre: YA Contemporary
Release Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Amulet Books
Source: NetGalley

Summary from Goodreads:

Big-hearted Chloe Camden is the queen of her universe until her best friend shreds her reputation and her school counselor axes her junior independent study project. Chloe is forced to take on a meaningful project in order to pass, and so she joins her school’s struggling radio station, where the other students don’t find her too queenly. Ostracized by her former BFs and struggling with her beloved Grams’s mental deterioration, lonely Chloe ends up hosting a call-in show that gets the station much-needed publicity and, in the end, trouble. She also befriends radio techie and loner Duncan Moore, a quiet soul with a romantic heart. On and off the air, Chloe faces her loneliness and helps others find the fun and joy in everyday life. Readers will fall in love with Chloe as she falls in love with the radio station and the misfits who call it home.

My Short and Sweet Thoughts:

WCTIC is a fun, fast read. Your life won't be forever changed but you will smile and have a generally good time spending a few hours with Chloe and the misfits. My favorite part of WCTIC are the characters. Even though Chloe is going through a rough time she stays pretty positive through out the book and even though she makes a few mistakes along the way she really is a good person. Duncan Moore is a bit of a mystery at first but I liked him through out the book as well. If you have had reservations about this book because of the corny cover don't. It is well worth the time you will invest to read it. 

   

   Shallow

   Going Under Series
   Book 2
   By Georgia Cates
    Genre: Young Adult 

    Contemporary
    Formats available: 

     ebook
    Cover Artist: Georgia 

    Cates
    

Book Description:

 Nick Hawke likes his car fast and his girls even faster. He blows through females quicker than his muscle car races down the drag strip in Collinsville and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Determined to avoid the devastation he has watched his father endure in the aftermath of his mother leaving, he believes there is no room in his life or his heart for a relationship lasting more than one night. He seeks happiness in things that won’t let him down...fast cars, parties and one night stands. To his absolute dismay, all of that changes when he unexpectedly runs into an old friend and is introduced to Payton Archer, the first girl he ever wanted for more than one night. There’s only one catch...she is completely immune to him and his smooth talking ways.
 
Payton Archer is looking for what Claire has with Jessie, but she has given up on finding it...at least until she leaves for college in the Fall because she is certain that is where she will find the perfect guy to fit into her perfect world. She plans on Summer being nothing but three uneventful months of fun, but it turns out to be anything but ordinary when Payton is introduced to Nick Hawke, one of Jessie’s old Collinsville friends. She is shocked by her immediate and intense attraction for “Hawke” because nothing about him is what Payton is looking for. Sure, he’s hot and sexy but he comes from Collinsville and that is definitely not on her list of prerequisites. 


Everything about him makes Payton’s heart speed because he is exciting and dangerous, but his fast car and the dangerous chances he takes isn’t what scares Payton the most...it’s the way Nick Hawke makes her feel every time he looks at her. Can Payton find that moment of total fearlessness and make the decision to leave the safe, shallow end of love to risk going under completely?

About the Author:

Georgia resides in rural Mississippi with her wonderful husband, Jeff, and their two beautiful daughters. She spent fourteen years as a labor and delivery nurse before she decided to pursue her dream of becoming an author.

Blood of Anteros, Book One in The Vampire Agápe Series, was her first novel and it was released in September 2011. She decided to briefly step away from the paranormal genre to try her hand at a young adult contemporary romance when she wrote Going Under, but returned to the paranormal romance platform to complete the second book in The Vampire Agápe Series, Blood Jewel.

Her current works in progress are Shallow (A Going Under Novel) which will release on September 27th and Blood Doll (The Vampire Agápe Series #3), to be released in January 2013.

Georgia Cates Blog
Georgia Cates on Facebook
Georgia Cates on Twitter
Shallow on Goodreads

Oh What A Day! Teaser Tuesday and Author Guest Post by Linda Benson

A teaser from Olive's Point of View

I'm not sure how long we're on the bench together. My head deops over sideways, and I think it might even lean on David's shoulder. He doesn't move. 

A teaser from David's Point of View

Then I think about Olive, and how she leaned her head on my shoulder and how good she smells. I smile, and for a little while, I forget all about the load on my back.

Miz B hosts Teaser Tuesday every week, check her out for the official rules.  I never seem to be able to stick to the rule about only 2 sentences.

I love reading teasers so let me know where I can view yours in the comments. Have a great day!

 Writing in Two Voices

By Linda Benson

When I first started to write SIX DEGREES OF LOST, I had two characters floating around in my head. One was Olive, a thirteen-year-old girl who is shipped off to Washington State to live with an aunt who runs a foster home for homeless dogs, cats, and horses. With a mother in jail, an absent father, and a brother who just joined the Army, Olive is left with no choices. The other character was David, a fourteen-year- old boy who feels like all of his choices in life have been decided already: take advanced classes, apply to the Air Force Academy, and then serve his country like his brothers before him.

Because I wanted to try something new as a writer, and because both of these characters were speaking
to me so strongly, I decided to let them each narrate alternate chapters. So SIX DEGREES OF LOST is
told from two viewpoints: Olive narrates one chapter and then David narrates the next. Olive and David
meet early in the story, and they both have their own challenges in life, but at one point their friendship
is tested, when one springs into action to help the other. It was a fun and challenging novel to write,
because I cared deeply about both of these characters, even though it was sometimes a bit of jig-saw
puzzle deciding who would narrate which part of the action.

I’ve been told that SIX DEGREES OF LOST reads like young teen fiction, and I believe this is true. While much of the story involves animals, family dynamics, first crushes, and could easily be enjoyed by
younger readers, there are also a few intense situations involving teens making bad choices that set it
apart from straight middle grade. Is there anybody else out there who believes young teens deserve
more realistic fiction written just for them?

Sometimes you have to take a journey to find out where you really belong.

Olive’s mother is headed to jail and her brother to join the Army, so thirteen-year-old Olive is
uprooted from sunny California and dumped in Washington State like a stray. That's exactly
what she feels like surrounded by her aunt’s collection of homeless dogs, cats, and horses.
Fourteen-year-old David’s future is already carved in stone. From a military family with two
brothers serving overseas, he’s been pointed towards the Air Force Academy his entire life -
but a rafting trip gone awry might ruin his chances. When a runaway dog is almost hit by a car,
the search for its owner leads Olive and David, two teens from entirely different backgrounds,
to an unlikely bond. Will their growing attraction to each other be enough to keep Olive from a
foolhardy journey to find her mother? Will David risk his family’s plans to save her?

Book Links

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13539721-six-degrees-of-lost

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Six-Degrees-of-Lost-ebook/dp/B0087XI14E/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1338684635&sr=1-1

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/six-degrees-of-lost-linda-benson/1111343513?ean=2940014702775

Musa Publishing: http://musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=297

Linda Benson is the author of several middle grade and young adult books, including Six Degrees of Lost, The Girl Who Remembered Horses, Finding Chance, and The Horse Jar (which has been translated into Spanish.) Watch for a new release in Sept. 2012 from Musa Publishing called Walking the Dog.

She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and a variety of animals. Her passion for nature and animals often finds its way into her writing. She has been a veterinary assistant, zoo keeper, race track groom, realtor, children’s librarian, and owner of both a native plant nursery and a saddle shop. When she's not petting a dog, cat, horse, or donkey, traipsing through the woods, or enjoying a good glass of wine, she's most likely working on her next book.
Visit her website: http://www.lindabenson.net
Her blog: http://www.lindabenson.blogspot.com
Find her on Facebook: http://facebook.com/LindaBensonAuthor
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/LinBenson
On Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com