Author Interview: The Steel Inferno by N.B. Pettibone

Title: The Steel Inferno

Author: N.B. Pettibone (Pen name for Nicole & Brittany Pettibone)

Lost and oppressed by fear, a foreign species attempts to survive in the human realm after fleeing their decaying world. The humans call this species Inborn and since their arrival, earth has mutated into a domain of monstrous creatures, deadly plant-life and toxic air. As human and Inborn battle for existence, earth spirals rapidly into a world doomed to extinction.

Bordering the battleground, in a city where tyranny and treachery are widespread, an Inborn girl faces a conflict of her own. She finds her mind erased of all memory and must discover the unknown enemies that surround her while evading detection by the humans who hunt and conduct barbaric experiments on her kind. As she uncovers the secrets of her lost memories, she realizes that her very existence may be more catastrophic than the war itself.

I am so very excited to have the brilliant sister duo known as N.B. Pettibone, on the blog today! Nicole and Brittany recently released their debut novel, The Steel Inferno and it is sure to be an epic book! The summary alone was enough to capture my attention. I have not read much, if anything at all, from the Steampunk genre but everything about it seems to fascinate me. A crumbling city, lots of secrets, and a foreign species invading the world…how could you not be excited by that!?!

When Nicole and Brittany contacted me about this book, I knew I just had to get inside their heads to figure out where all of these crazily awesome ideas for The Steel Inferno came from. I received a super pleasant surprise when they responded to my questions in video form! Not only are both ladies so lovely and very well-spoken, but their answers were every bit as awesome as I could have imagined. So take a look at our video interview below, be sure to check out their book, and of course leave a comment below letting us know what you think!

Blog Tour + Guest Post + Book Playlist + Giveaway: Interred by Marilyn Almodóvar

Title: Interred (Chronicles of the Interred #1)

Author: Marilyn Almodóvar

Publisher: Iambe Books

Cover Artist: Devan Edwards of Nimbi Designs

Time has never been an issue for Baxter Jacobs, but then she never knew she had the ability to Bend it.

As her sixteenth birthday approaches, Baxter inherits a pendant that will change her life. Connected to the pendant is a dark and mysterious young man named Declan Ashdown. Trapped in a Time loop for the past 122 years, Declan needs Baxter’s help to escape. The only problem is, she has no idea how to do it.

To acquire the power she needs to free him, she’ll become one of the Interred, those whose Magical abilities emerge as they come of age. When she does, she’ll discover that Declan isn’t the only one interested in the fact that she’s a Time Bender.

As the Interment arrives, Baxter knows this will be no Sweet Sixteen. A vengeful relative and the ruthless Council are determined to control her. Declan’s powerful and charming descendant, Jack Ashdown, claims he can save her. She’ll soon have to decide who she can trust, and how to master her new abilities before Time runs out.

I am so thrilled to be part of Marilyn Almodovar’s blog tour for her latest book, Interred! When I found out that Marilyn had put together a book playlist for me, I squealed with excitement (It really shouldn’t surprise you guys. I sort of really love my book playlists!) Not only does Interred sound all sorts of phenomenal, but Marilyn has put together a really awesome playlist with a short description on why she chose each song. I have a Spotify playlist made up as well as the YouTube videos for each song. Be sure to let us know what you think of Interred’s Book Playlist in the comments section below and please check out the information for the great giveaway that Marilyn is hosting (all information is at the bottom of this post!)

Playlist for Interred by Marilyn Almodóvar

Starlight, Muse

This was one of the first songs I heard while editing the first draft of Interred. It sort of became a theme, since I could match every verse to every one of the main characters.

The Only Exception, Paramore

This song was the soundtrack in my mind to an earlier version of a scene between Baxter and her mom. Though the scene was later halved and most of the stuff that the song refers to was left out, it still describes how Baxter feels about relationships.

Lightning, The Wanted

I have a serious addiction to TW. (Have you seen The Wanted boys? No? Click on the video now!) *shakes head* That said, this song is just perfect, as I think it describes the relationship between Time Benders and Healers. That connection can get so intense it feels like they might as well be touching lightning.

Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You), Kelly Clarkson

While searching for songs, I came across this one. *coughs* Okay, actually a version of it by the cast of Glee…because I’m totally obsessed with Glee. DON’T.JUDGE.ME. ;) As I listened to it, I could totally hear Baxter singing this at the top of her lungs. This song will probably be included in every single playlist for Chronicles of the Interred, just because it’s so Baxter.

It’s Time, Imagine Dragons

My son has been listening to this song for almost a year. When I actually paid attention to the lyrics, I realized this song fits Jack and Declan and their roles in the book. What I like most about the song is that some verses are just like some passages in the book.

Just a Kiss, Lady Antebellum

Interred’s first draft was action-packed and had very little in the romance department. It took two revisions before I actually considered allowing a romantic scene. I listened to this song over and over again, probably for an hour, while staring at the blank page in order to write that first kiss. Though the focus of the story is not romance, I couldn’t deny my characters a little bit of it. I have to say that Jack Ashdown made a pretty good case, and this song completely helped him get his way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marilyn Almodóvar is the author of a series of YA paranormal novels. Born in Ft. Huachuca, Arizona, Lyn is a lover of words whose reading tastes range from Victorian novels to the books of Stephen King. Her favorite past-times have always been reading and writing, two activities that let her escape to other worlds.

It was this love that propelled her to choose Theater and French as majors in University, with a minor in English Victorian Literature. Lyn lived for almost a decade in England followed by three years in France before returning home to the States. A self-confessed citizen of the world, she is fluent in English, French and Spanish, with basic knowledge of the Italian language.

Lyn could happily exist breathing the clean air of Narnia, trapped in a cupboard under the stairs with Harry, fighting alongside Captain Jack Sparrow, doing an internship in Torchwood, or traveling around time and space with the Doctor…as long as she can have Mr. Spock, Captain Kirk and Captain Mal as companions.

Lyn currently lives in Central Florida with her French husband, English-born eldest son, and French-born youngest son. Her debut YA Novel, Interred, was published by Iambe books on 01/22/2013.

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WHERE TO FIND THE BOOK:

Barnes & Noble

Amazon

GIVEAWAY:

Don’t miss out on the great giveaway (open internationally)! You could win a signed paperback, autographed tote bag, a pendant and pin inspired by the book, and lots more!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway by clicking this link!

Tune In Tuesday (89)

Tune In Tuesday is a weekly feature in which bloggers get to showcase another one of their loves, music! This feature was originally created by Ginger over at GReads! but you can now find it here at Kate’s Tales of Books and Bands. If you would like to participate in this weekly feature, make a blog post showcasing a song (or a few!) and link up at the bottom of this post by clicking the cute blue guy! While you’re here make sure to check out all the other awesome blogs that have decided to participate!

In just under three weeks Kati and I will be attending what is sure to be an awesome concert because when it includes Maroon 5, Neon Trees, & Owl City, how could it not be awesome!?! I have been preparing for this concert by listening to all three groups every single morning while I get ready. Today I am going to feature Neon Trees because they have taken the lead the past few days as to which one I listen to the most!

I Am The D.J. by Neon Trees

This song has their classic feel-good sound to it! I just feel like jumping around to it.

Moving In The Dark by Neon Trees

There is just something about this song that I love. I can’t quite put my finger on it but it rocks regardless!

Baby by Neon Trees (Justin Bieber Cover)

I can’t believe I am actually admitting this to you guys, but I really enjoy Justin’s music and this just so happens to be one of my favorite songs by him. When I saw that the Neon Trees did this as part of Mash-Up Mondays I just about freaked! And then when I heard what song they mashed it up with, I for real did freak out!

Your Surrender by Neon Trees

Another lame admittance from me: I freaking ADORE Disney’s PROM movie. Not only did I go see it in theaters but I also have it recorded on my TV and re-watch it quite frequently. This song is part of the PROM soundtrack and it also happens to be my favorite by them!

A Special Announcement:

In case you missed the announcement last week, Tune In Tuesday is going Love Song Edition for the month of February! It is by no means required to do the monthly theme but I think it would be loads of fun. Grab the button and start picking out your favorite love songs.

March will be a “normal” month for Tune In Tuesday, and if this goes well, April will have  a special edition yet to be determined. It will continue on this every other month pattern throughout the duration of the year.  If you have any questions or suggestions for special editions we can have in the future, please shoot an email my way at katelynsblog@aol.com! Thanks everyone!

In My Mailbox (50)

IMM is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. It is a way for book bloggers to post what they have received for review, borrowed from a friend, bought at the bookstore, or picked up at the library!

I got a few more awesome books this week that I’m super psyched to read!

For Review:

I have finally jumped on the NetGalley bandwagon! This was my very first week trying it out so we shall see how it goes. I was shocked and a whole lot thrilled to see that I was accepted for quite a few review books that I am oh so excited to get started on!

Also Known As by Robin Benway

My Thoughts: Robin’s humorous and witty writing had me hooked while reading Audrey, Wait! so I can’t wait to see what she’s done with this book. Thank you Bloomsbury!

The Reece Malcolm List by Amy Spalding

My Thoughts: I have this on my list of books to read for the 2013 DAC so I cannot wait to get started! Thank you Entangled publishing!

Talk of the Town by Beth Andrews

My Thoughts: This sounds like a cute Lifetime movie only in book form! Plus I am a huge sucker for those small-town stories. Thanks Harlequin!

All He Ever Desired by Shannon Stacey

My Thoughts: I am ADORING the Kowalski Family series! Shannon really knows how to make her men an awesome mix of stubborn, sometimes obnoxious, and ALWAYS adorable in all the best ways. Thanks Harlequin!

Her Man In Manhattan by Trish Wylie

My Thoughts: I cannot wait to try out these new books from Harlequin’s new imprint, Kiss. They all sound like adorable, sweet, short(ish) stories! Thanks Harlequin!

First Time For Everything by Aimee Carson

My Thoughts: This sounds like another great title from Kiss! Also, I sort of REALLY love the name Jax. Thanks Harlequin!

Bought:

Double Crossed by Ally Carter

My Thoughts: It was free. FREE PEOPLE! I just couldn’t pass a price like that up!

Hollowland by Amanda Hocking

My Thoughts: Another free one! I cannot wait to read this zombie tale!

The last of my books were purchased with the help of some Christmas gift cards which are TOTALLY the best present ever. I don’t know why people are so against gift cards sometimes…pure craziness!

Lucky In Love by Jill Shalvis

My Thoughts: I am so in love with this series! I know I won’t rest until I am all caught up on everyone in Lucky Harbor

At Last by Jill Shalvis

My Thoughts: Since I know I will be dying to read book #5 after I finish book #4, I decided to plan ahead and just purchase it!

The Downfall of a Good Girl by Kimberly Lang

My Thoughts: A southern belle meets a rocker bad boy…YES! Plus people, the paperback for this book, along with the following Kiss titles were only $2.59!! That’s less than a tall Cinnamon Dolce Latte at Starbucks!

Hitched! by Jessica Hart

My Thoughts: I love weddings (mostly for the cake) so I think I will enjoy this wedding-inspired story!

How To Get Over Your Ex by Nikki Logan

My Thoughts: This is definitely the one I am most excited about. Everything about that summary just screams “ADORABLE! Read. Me. Now!”

The One That Got Away by Kelly Hunter

My Thoughts: Oh boy, a second chance love story!?! I think I’ll enjoy this one!

This Or That (16)

Jess @ Gone With The Words!

Hello readers, bloggers, authors, and generally awesome people (who happen to love books!) and welcome to This Or That! This Or That is a feature posted every week and it works like this: each person is asked a series of This Or That/Would You Rather-type questions, some serious and some funny, and by doing so we get to learn just a bit more about our favorite bookish people!  This feature is currently scheduled through April 2013 but if you would still be interested in signing up, please check out this post and fill out the form!

I am beyond thrilled to have the absolutely Ah-Mazing Jess on the blog today! Jess was one of the very first blogs I remember stalking. I try not to be creepy (sometimes it’s a challenge but I think I manage), I mostly just look at her book reviews, look those books up on Goodreads, and then purchase because she has AWESOME taste in books (especially when it comes to contemporary!). Jess also has a deep love for the boys of Sarah Dessen (much like myself) & a simply amazing list of music recommendations. So really, it only seems natural that I stalk her blog, right? Well without further ado, let’s meet Jess!

Do you prefer for the concerts you attend to be in small clubs or large venues?

Small Clubs – So much more personal.

Dessert time: Which one do you go for, cookies or cupcakes?

Cupcakes – Yum!

Books that are laugh-out-loud funny or ones that give you deep, intense thoughts?

Deep, intense thoughts.

Let’s talk boys: jocks or nerds?

Nerds – With glasses, please!!

Are you one to sing along or dance along?

Dance along while singing along.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Dog person – A very recent one at that!

A year without books or a year without your favorite food?

Books…girl’s gotta eat…to read books the following year!

Would you rather read outside in the sun or inside all snuggled up with a book?

Inside, snuggled up, for sure!

Which ones do you like more: full albums or mixed CD’s?

Full albums

Are you a nook girl or a kindle girl?

Kindle – But I do also own a Nook.

Cover talk: Do you like people on the covers or a design?

People – I like to picture them while I read and models help with that.

Would you rather be turned into a werewolf or a vampire?

Oooh, hard one! Vampire – I’m not outdoorsy.

Do you listen to one specific type of music or mixed genres?

Mixed – especially since I’m Hispanic. I listen to English and Spanish music in different genres.

I know you are a Contemporary fan-girl much like myself but do you prefer Contemporary romance or Contemporary drama?

Contemporary Romance all the way!!

Do you prefer paperback or hardcover books?

Hardcovers

Do you like your favorite books turned into movies or TV shows?

TV Shows –  Or miniseries. Sometimes 2 hours isn’t enough time to capture a book.

When it comes to your favorite authors do you fan-girl/guy over them or do you quietly sit back and stalk them (non-creepily of course!)?

Sit back, for sure! I am so shy around them!!

If you HAD to choose would you pick music or books?

AAAAH! What are you doing to me!! I’ll have to go with Books.

Would you rather spend a whole week with your FAVORITE fictional boyfriend or spend a whole day with ALL of your fictional boyfriends?

Week with my Favorite. – Then maybe he’ll fall in love with me and stick around longer!

Team bad boy or team boy next door?

Ooooh! Team Bad Boy ;)

What did I tell you, Ah-Mazing, right??? Jess, I am so feeling you on the week with your all-time fictional boy crush. If I can just convince my crush that nerdiness and an obsessive love of cute cats is in fact endearing and not totally strange, then I’ll be set. And I also love people on my covers! Being able to see what the character looks like in the book helps me while I’m reading.

A HUGE thank you to Jess for agreeing to participate this week. I love her answers almost as much as I adore her and her blog! Please leave a comment below letting us know what you thought of this week’s This Or That and be sure to check out the links below to stalk…err follow/like/be-friend Jess throughout the internet!

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Tune In Tuesday (88)

Tune In Tuesday is a weekly feature in which bloggers get to showcase another one of their loves, music! This feature was originally created by Ginger over at GReads! but you can now find it here at Kate’s Tales of Books and Bands. If you would like to participate in this weekly feature, make a blog post showcasing a song (or a few!) and link up at the bottom of this post by clicking the cute blue guy! While you’re here make sure to check out all the other awesome blogs that have decided to participate!

Just recently I read Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines (it was uber fantastic, by the way!) and shortly after I was listening through all my starred music on Spotify when a song by The Gaslight Anthem came on. This particular song reminded me of Rush in Fallen Too Far so much! I have loved basically anything and everything by The Gaslight Anthem since I was introduced to them some time ago. The lead singer has the PERFECT amount of gravel in his voice and the lyrics to their songs are full of awesome. I picked a few of my very favorites so I hope you enjoy! Let me know what you think in the comments section and don’t forget to link up by clicking the little blue guy at the end of this post!

Here Comes My Man by The Gaslight Anthem

I think I melt every time he sings “Oh shalala”

Once Upon A Time by The Gaslight Anthem

The “Lets get it on” line has me cracking up EVERY. SINGLE. TIME!

Mae by The Gaslight Anthem

Even though the singing and lyrics are just as epic in this song, it also has a bit of a sweeter vibe to it. I can’t help but adore it.

Mulholland Drive by The Gaslight Anthem

This is the song that reminds me of Rush and it also happens to be my very favorite! Also, the original is pretty awesome but I am a huge fan of acoustics, ESPECIALLY this one!

A Special Announcement:

Ginger made Tune In Tuesday extra fun every other month by having special editions. They were always my very favorite months to participate in Tune In Tuesday because you got to hear such a broad range of music that you may not have heard on just an ordinary Tune In Tuesday. Now that I’ve got a handle on this whole hosting thing, I’d really like to give it a try! With that being said, for the month of February, Tune In Tuesday is going Love Song Edition! It is by no means required to do the monthly theme but I think it would be loads of fun. Grab the button and start picking out your favorite love songs.

Now to clear up any confusion, this is just for the month of February! March will be a “normal” month for Tune In Tuesday, and if this goes well, April will have  a special edition yet to be determined. It will continue on this every other month pattern throughout the duration of the year.  If you have any questions or suggestions for special editions we can have in the future, please shoot an email my way at katelynsblog@aol.com! Thanks everyone!

Cover Reveal + Giveaway: The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard

Title: The Forgotten Ones

Author: Laura Howard

Genre: NA Paranormal Fantasy Romance

Expected release date: May 15, 2013

Age Group: New Adult

Cover Designer: Stephanie Mooney

Allison O’Malley just graduated from college. Her life’s plan is to get a job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She doesn’t have room for friends or even Ethan, who clearly wants more.When Allison’s long-lost father shows up, he claims he can bring her mother back from the dark place her mind has sent her. He reveals legends of a race of people long forgotten, the Tuatha de Danaan, along with the truth about why he abandoned her mother.

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GIVEAWAY:

Share on Facebook and/or Twitter and you could win a $50 Amazon (or B&N) Gift card!

Be sure to click this link to enter the giveaway

Book Review: Tempestuous – A Modern-Day Spin on Shakespeare’s The Tempest by Kim Askew &Amy Helmes

Title: Tempestuous: A Modern-Day Spin on Shakespeare’s The Tempest (Twisted Lit #1)

Author: Kim Askew & Amy Helmes

Publisher: Merit Press

Pages: 224 Hardcover

My Rating: 4/5 Stars

Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review

Recently banished, unfairly, by the school’s popular crowd, former “it girl,” Miranda Prospero, finds herself in a brave new world: holding dominion amongst a rag-tag crew of geeks and misfits where she works at the Hot-Dog Kabob in the food court of her local mall. When the worst winter storm of the season causes mall workers and last-minute shoppers to be snowed-in for the night, Miranda seizes the opportunity to get revenge against the catty clique behind her social exile. With help from her delightfully dweeby coworker, Ariel, and a sullen loner named Caleb who works at the mall’s nearby gaming and magic shop, Miranda uses charm and trickery to set things to right during this spirited take on Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

My attempts to steer clear of Shakespeare in high school failed on most accounts but they did prevent me from reading The Tempest. However, not knowing the original play this book was based on did not hinder my opinion of it. I found Tempestuous to be funny, witty, charming, and amusing in a The Breakfast Club meets Paul Blart: Mall Cop sort of way!

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Let’s start off with the main character, Miranda, because I am going to be honest, I sort of really love her. Even though we only get to see her over a short span of time (about 24 hours) she showed so many different sides of herself and had a great deal of growth & development that made her seem real and not as cliché as one would think. Sure Miranda has the slight air of prissiness and a huge ego that comes with being the former “it” girl at her school but there is more to her than that! Miranda is a truly great friend even when people get on her nerves, she is ALWAYS trying to help others out, and she seemed to push the boundaries of her “snotty, spoiled, popular, beautiful girl” image by being (mostly) kind and thoughtful in certain situations (except the situations involving her ex-friends and a moody boy but more about that later). Sure, she lets the old, snotty Miranda shine through, sometimes she gets a little feisty, and sometimes she even lets revenge on her old friends rule her actions, but all of these personality traits helped me to really believe in Miranda as a main character. No matter what the outcome of any given situation was, Miranda’s heart seemed to be in the right place. Miranda’s voice is not only real and believable throughout the whole story but it is also full of snark, sarcasm, and humor that will have you chuckling throughout the whole novel.

Miranda is trapped in the mall with the most random, dysfunctional, yet most geniusly placed group of characters I have ever “met”. First we have the jerk of an ex-boyfriend along the snobby tri-fecta of three ex-best friends. I hated them all. They are the epitome of people I stayed away from in high school. All of them thought they were so high and mighty and to be completely honest, they grated on my nerves. However, their utter rudeness was needed for this story. It shows us a real contrast to the person Miranda was before her popularity downfall and the person she is now. Next we have Miranda’s new friend and fellow corn dog dipper, Ariel. Ariel is the very definition of sugary sweet. She was a loyal friend to Miranda throughout everything even if her overly happy personality was a little hard to swallow sometimes. Regardless, she was an adorable character! Next there is Caleb, the certain moody, quiet boy who Miranda finds herself attached to throughout the duration of their entrapment. Caleb starts off as a complete mystery but he slowly grows on you and you’re able to see who he really is. I loved the tension between Miranda & Caleb! They bickered like an old, married couple; it was quite amusing. Among these awesome side characters, there also many, many more quirky, small-yet-totally-awesome-in-their-own-right characters that pop out through the story. Some of them have bigger roles than others but you are able to briefly get to know and enjoy each and every one of them throughout Tempestuous.

My favorite part of the book, aside from the incredibly awesome cast of characters, is the shenanigans they all get themselves into! The whole premise of teenagers being trapped in a mall for any given amount of time is as terrifying as it is sure to be interesting. I LOVE how Kim & Amy pulled it off. The ways the teens kept themselves entertained were hysterical to say the least. I loved the war between the nerds of the food court vs. the snobby, rich kids. I loved the impromptu games they put together. I really loved the concert that Caleb and his band put on. And I especially loved Miranda’s acts of revenge against her ex-boyfriend and former friends. Oh and let’s not forget the robber that keeps popping out of nowhere and getting away with items from the various stores. It’s safe to say that when you mix all these things together plus many more wildly crazy situations, you get a story that is ALWAYS entertaining you.

Tempestuous proved to be the PERFECT book to read over winter break (just perhaps when you are NOT at a mall while it is snowing). The random yet totally awesome cast of characters, including my personal favorite, Miranda, along with a crazy chain of events that these teens find themselves in, makes for the perfect mix of humor & tension. I strongly suggest this book if you are in the mood for a light, entertaining, and wonderfully awesome book.

In My Mailbox (49)

IMM is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. It is a way for book bloggers to post what they have received for review, borrowed from a friend, bought at the bookstore, or picked up at the library!

This week’s IMM is going to look a little on the large side because it’s been a good month since my last IMM post. With Christmas & super good book deals thrown in there, I am now rolling in the bookish goodness!

For Review:

In The Band by Jean Haus (e-book)

My Thoughts: I am so uber excited for this one! It just screams “READ ME MUSIC + BOOKISH NERDS!”

Pieces Of Lies by Angela Richardson (e-book)

My Thoughts: Secret societies, college, romance, and lots more. I had no other choice but to accept this review request!

Liberty by Annie Laurie Cechini (e-book)

My Thoughts: Thanks Rhemalda for a review copy! I cannot wait to get started on this one!

Bought:

Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines (e-book)

My Thoughts: I am quickly becoming an Abbi Glines fanatic. I loved this one!

Someone To Love by Addison Moore (e-book)

My Thoughts: This one sounds super awesome!

Derailed by Alyssa Rose Ivy (e-book)

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this one a lot! Molly and Ben were awesome together!

Veer by Alyssa Rose Ivy (e-book)

My Thoughts: I only made it about halfway through this one before I lost interest. I just wasn’t connecting to the characters like I was in Derailed.

This Beautiful Thing by Amanda Heath (e-book)

My Thoughts: I can’t wait to read this one! I can understand where the main character is coming from (my younger brother sometimes acts like an over-protective older brother ESPECIALLY when it comes to guys)

Planning On Forever by Ashely Wilcox (e-book)

My Thoughts: Ohh, those pesky love triangles! I can’t wait to see who Alexa ends up with!

My Misery Muse by Brei Betzold (e-book)

My Thoughts: Tattoo artist & band member??? Uhh, yes please!

Need by Carrie Jones (e-book)

My Thoughts: I have heard so much about this series. I am so happy to finally have the first book so I can get started!

Just Remember To Breathe by Charles Sheehan-Miles (e-book)

My Thoughts: Oh my word, you guys this book was so beautiful and made of awesome!

Tempting The Best Man by J. Lynn (e-book)

My Thoughts: I ended up really enjoying this one! I loved the tension between Madison & Chase!

Chance Encounters by J. Sterling (e-book)

My Thoughts: I am a little iffy on the whole “love at first sight” thing but I am willing to give this one a try. It has some pretty positive reviews!

The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis

My Thoughts: You guys, I now adore Jill Shalvis with all of my heart! This book follows the oldest sister a.k.a. the one most like me and I LOVED her story!

Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis

My Thoughts: Chloe and Sawyer….be still my beating heart! Even though the first three books in this series all received 5 stars from me, this one was still my favorite!

That Boy by Jillian Dodd (e-book)

My Thoughts: Jillian helped to create the super awesome event that took place last month, “99 authors, 99 books, 99 cents”. There were so many awesome books for under a dollar. I just HAD to pick up a copy of her book!

Avoiding Commitment by K. A. Linde (e-book)

My Thoughts: Holy wow, that is the craziest premise ever (okay, so not exactly the craziest but still pretty freaking crazy and totally interesting!)

Down To You by M. Leighton (e-book)

My Thoughts: HOLY CRAZY TWIST BATMAN! This book was so good and there was a twist near the middle-ish/end that made my jaw drop!

Bouquet Toss by Melissa Brown (e-book)

My Thoughts: It was .99 and it sounds cute. I say that’s a win/win

Bad Rep by Meredith A. Walters (e-book)

My Thoughts: Another NA title! I am determined to read some awesome NA books this year!

Up In Flames by Nicole Williams (e-book)

My Thoughts: Wow, this book blew me away! It was an impulse buy but totally worth it!

The Mighty Storm by Samantha Towle (e-book)

My Thoughts: That cover along with the fact that one of the main characters in a band, has me beyond pumped to read this!

Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey

My Thoughts: I’m bouncing around with this series. I started off with book #3 then went to book #1! I felt that this one wasn’t as good as #3 but it was still full of such awesome characters and lots of good laughs (oh, and some sexy times too!!)

Yours To Keep by Shannon Stacey

My Thoughts: I loved this book so very much! It was the perfect amount of comedy and romance. Sean & Emma were perfect together!

Slow Summer Kisses by Shannon Stacey (e-book)

My Thoughts: This book was short and sweet but it was so well-rounded. I really enjoyed it!

The Dead Girls Detective Agency by Suzy Cox

My Thoughts: Kati and I were at Barnes & Noble last week just browsing around when we came across this book. I haven’t heard of it before but it reminds me somewhat of Stacey Kade’s series so I am all sorts of excited to read it!

Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs (e-book)

My Thoughts: I have heard so many awesome, awesome things about this series! I want to see what the fuss is about.

Cowboy Dark by Tess Oliver (e-book)

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! I feel like it ended way to abruptly and a little “off” compared to the rest of the story but it was still a fun read.

Fallen Crest High by Tijan (e-book)

My Thoughts: I have been seeing this book around some so I figured I would give it a try!

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

My Thoughts: Touching, beautiful, heartbreaking, and lovely. This book was beyond awesome!

Gifted/Won:

From C.A. Kunz:

The Modified by C.A. Kunz (signed) + The Childe/The Modified Snow Globe + awesome swag!

My Thoughts: A HUGE thank you to Carol and Adam! This was such an awesome Christmas surprise!

From Jolene Perry:

Dizzy by Nyrae Dawn & Jolene Perry (signed)

My Thoughts: Nyrae & Jolene (aka Dylan & Ziah) had a super fun Twitter chat about 2 months ago! Jolene was sweet enough to send me a signed copy after the chat!

p.s. Thanks Jolene!!!

Christmas Gifts:

Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

My Thoughts: HOLY ZOMBIES!!! I cannot wait to see this movie February 1st, but before thin I will be reading this book!

The Friday Society by Adrienne Kress

My Thoughts: This book sounds like it is full of awesomesauce. I cannot wait to read about these three kick-butt girls!

From Cyndi:

Such A Rush by Jennifer Echols

My Thoughts: I am such a fan-girl of Jennifer it’s actually kind of creepy. But creepy tendencies aside, this is one book of hers that I haven’t read yet so I am super happy I now have it. Thank you so much Cyndi <3

From Justin:

Zack (my little brother) and I would love to say a giant THANK YOU to Justin for such awesome gifts. WE LOVE THEM!

Bot Wars by J.V. Kade

My Thoughts: Justin sent this one for my brother Zack and I to read together. We both love robots so we can’t wait to read it!

Ungifted by Gordon Korman

My Thoughts: Another Zack & Katelyn book. We love the cover of this one!

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

My Thoughts: This series has been on my ‘to-read” list for FOREVER! When I opened the box and saw this & Fire in there, I just about died!

Fire by Kristin Cashore

My Thoughts: See above!

The Girl In The Steel Corset by Kady Cross

My Thoughts: This is another book that I have been eyeing since before it came out. I knew from just reading the summary that I would love it so now I can’t wait to read it and find out if that’s true!

Hopeless by Colleen Hoover (e-book)

My Thoughts: Oh how this book broke my heart and then put it together again. I didn’t think I could love Colleen’s writing any more than what I did but then I read this and that all changed.

The Vincent Brothers by Abbi Glines (e-book)

My Thoughts: I LOVED The Vincent Boys so I can’t wait to see where this story leads

From Mandie:

Music note necklace + Degrees of Wrong by Anna Scarlett swag

My Thoughts: I love me some Mandie <3 <3 <3 She is the absolute BEST!

From Alexa:

An Easy bookmark!

My Thoughts: Alexa sent me a lovely bookmark with a quote from Easy by Tammara Webber! Thanks Alexa, I love it so much!

Blog Tour + Guest Post + Book Playlist: Shrapnel by Stephanie Lawton

Title: Shrapnel

Author: Stephanie Lawton

Publisher: Evernight Teen

Pages: 295 paperback

It’s been six years since Dylanie and her family visited a Civil War site and the place came alive with cannon fire. Problem was, no one could hear it but her.

Now she’s sixteen, her dad’s moved out, her mom’s come out of the closet and Dylan’s got a spot on Paranormal Teen, a reality TV show filming at historic Oakleigh Mansion. She’ll spend a weekend with two other psychic teens—Jake and Ashley—learning how to control her abilities.

None of them realized how much their emotional baggage would put them at the mercy of Oakleigh’s resident spirits, or that they’d find themselves pawns in the 150-year-old battle for the South’s legendary Confederate gold. Each must conquer their personal ghosts to face down Jackson, a seductive spirit who will do anything to protect the gold’s current location and avenge a heinous attack that destroyed his family.

I am absolutely THRILLED to have author, Stephanie Lawton on the blog today! She recently (as in yesterday!) released her newest book with Evernight Teen, Shrapnel. Shrapnel sounds like it is just one giant bundle of awesome. I mean with old war sites, a paranormal reality show, ghosts, and three teens with special abilities, how could you really go wrong!?!? The answer is, you cannot go wrong; it’s just not possible. Stephanie has put together some pretty amazing things for you guys today. First we have a guest post entitled Haunting Melodies & Southern Flare and second we have my favorite, a book playlist! Enjoy!

Haunting Melodies and Southern Flare

By Stephanie Lawton

When starting a new story, some writers outline. Some do research. Others fill out character profiles. I do all those things, but I also put together playlists for each book. While I can’t listen to music when actually writing—I need silence or background noise—I listen to the list of songs in the car, while folding laundry, making dinner … I pretty much surround myself with them to get into the correct mindset.

When writing Shrapnel, I focused on songs that had haunting melodies and lyrics, as well as those with Southern flare. Below is the playlist I compiled while writing the story of Dylanie, Jake and Ashley, but one song deserves special mention. I was sitting in a parking lot waiting for my son to finish his gymnastics class when “Your Surrender” by Neon Tree came on. Although the melody was upbeat, the lyrics struck a chord. And since Shrapnel’s working title was “Surrender,” I figured it was fate. Then, lead singer Tyler Glenn released a special, stripped-down version of the song that’s much more melancholy. It was perfect.

There’s one verse in particular that really resounded with me and the relationship between Dylanie and Jackson:

“I can’t have you close so I become a ghost

And I watch you, I watch you

Maybe if you stay we could die this way

I won’t stop you, I won’t stop you”

The idea of surrendering comes up a number of times in the book, and speaks not only to letting go of emotional baggage, but it also speaks to the Civil War aspect of the book.

Here’s the strange mix of genres I pulled from to write Shrapnel, and many thanks to Kate’s Tales of Books and Bands for having me today!

• “Southern Belle” — Elliott Smith
• “Barton Hollow” — The Civil Wars
• “Every Day is Exactly the Same” — Nine Inch Nails
• “Erase My Scars” — Evans Blue
• “Sweet Dreams” — Emily Browning
• “Die Trying” — Art of Dying
• “Make Me Wanna Die” — The Pretty Reckless
• “Time is Running Out” — Muse
• “Creep” — Radiohead
• “No You Girls” — Franz Ferdinand
• “Drown” — Carolina Liar
• “Psycho” — Puddle of Mud
• “Your Surrender” — Neon Trees (stripped-down, Tyler Glenn version)
• “Dixie” — as performed by Bob Dylan****
• “The Perfect Space” — The Avett Brothers
• “Haunted” — Evanescence
• “Sex Type Thing” — Stone Temple Pilots
• “Wicked Game” —Three Days Grace version***
• “The Killing Moon” — Echo and the Bunnymen
• “Mausoleum” — Cameron Rafati***

I have put together a Spotify playlist for you guys featuring nearly all the songs that Stephanie used to help create her book (the ones not included in the playlist below were not found on Spotify, but I do have them as YouTube videos at the bottom of this post). I hope you guys enjoy this random yet totally awesome mix of music!

Dixie by Bob Dylan

Wicked Game by Three Days Grace

Mausoleum by Cameron Rafati

Your Surrender by The Neon Trees (acoustic version)

Where To Find Stephanie:

Goodreads

Twitter

Facebook

Website

Where To Purchase Shrapnel:

Evernight Teen

Amazon