Josh Grayson's 'Sia' Book Blitz: Interview & Giveaway

 

Sia by Josh Grayson
Publication Date: November 20th 2013
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult

 

Synopsis:

 

When seventeen-year-old Sia wakes up on a park bench, she has no idea who or where she is. Yet after a week of being homeless, she’s reunited with her family. At school, she’s powerful and popular. At home, she’s wealthy beyond her dreams. But she quickly realizes her perfect life is a lie. Her family is falling apart and her friends are snobby, cruel and plastic. Worse yet, she discovers she was the cruelest one. Mortified by her past, she embarks on a journey of redemption and falls for Kyle, the “geek” she once tormented. Yet all the time she wonders if, when her memories return, she’ll become the bully she was before…and if she’ll lose Kyle.

Click here to view on Goodreads.

AUTHOR BIO:
 

Josh Grayson was born in Mexico, raised in Massachusetts, and now lives in Martinsville, Virginia. It was his move to the South that stirred his imagination and gave him the courage to start writing. During his free time, Josh enjoys reading, jogging, swimming, and watching YouTube videos.

Josh currently works as a medical driver, shuttling people all over Virginia and North Carolina. He has also worked as a machinist, film sales rep, administrative assistant, and telemarketer (he apologizes if he called you).

Sia is his debut YA novel.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Interview:

 

If you could fly anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where would you most likely want to go?

Italy, simply because it’s always ranked as having the best food in the world. Its beaches are nice too. I’ve Googled it.

 

What is your favorite genre to read/write?

Young adult (YA), because those stories carry universal themes we can all relate to, a peek into the lives of characters who are more intriguing, real, and raw.

 

What is one silly fact about you?

I can mimic Enrique Iglesias’s voice pretty well. I sang “Hero” at a friend’s birthday party once and received an enthusiastic response. Some applauded, others laughed. Overall, though, I felt good about my performance.

 

 What got you started on your writing journey?

My move from Massachusetts (where I’d lived most of my life) to Virginia. The first year here was difficult. I was alone, depressed, and in completely new surroundings. But it was here in the South that I began seeing all these stories in my head, and that my “writing gene” got activated. So it seems the old saying is true, everything does happens for a reason.

 

Why do you choose to write clean/sweet romance? 

I don’t choose, per se. I just write whatever I see in my head. And so far, all the romantic parts have been sweet and clean, which is fine with me.

 

What other things do you have planned with your writing for the rest of the year 2013?

I’m working on another YA novel that Sia fans should enjoy as well. If things go according to plan, I’ll publish that in the summer of 2014.

 

What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?

Being able to partake in the wildest adventures imaginable, all without ever leaving your house.

 

Do you have a favorite comment or question from a reader?

One reviewer said, “It, without a doubt, inspired me to find ways to help others in need. I’m looking into charity work.” I loved hearing that, because that’s exactly what I wanted Sia to do: to motivate others to become their best self, to make positive changes in the world, wherever they are.

 

 Where do your ideas come from?

I find muses everywhere! In books, magazines, poems, movies, YouTube videos, and so much more. I always try to be receptive. You never know what might trigger your next story.

 

What inspired you to write Sia?

Initially? Oprah. (laughs). I saw an interview she did on a man with fugue amnesia that impacted me. Fugue amnesia occurs when someone, usually in response to excessive stress, takes off on some unexpected travel. And during the travels, that person assumes either a partial or complete new identity. I found it both fascinating and frightening to think that stress alone can cause the human brain to demand a reset like that. I often wonder why I haven’t gotten fugue amnesia yet!

 

Is it true you wrote the screenplay adaption as well?

Yes! I wrote it as soon as the book was finished. I’m about to hire a seasoned Hollywood screenwriter to polish it. When it is up to industry standards, we’ll submit it to film companies and cross our fingers. I think Sia would translate wonderfully to film.

 

If you could sum your main character into five words, what would they be?      

Determined. Compassionate. Humble. Kind. Brave.

 

Use no more than two sentences. Why should we read your book?

Because I believe it will leave you touched, encouraged, and—of course—entertained.

 

 

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Giveaway Saturday: Keri Smith's 'The Pocket Scavenger'

I've decided Saturdays are now Giveaway Saturdays on Book Cracker Caroline. I will be posting a giveaway every Saturday. This week's giveaway is for a paperback copy of  Keri Smith's The Pocket Scavenger. 

 

 

From the creator of Wreck This Journal, an exploration into the creative process and chance...

Within the pages of The Pocket Scavenger, you’ll be instructed to go on an unusual scavenger hunt, collecting a spectrum of random items: something that is miniature, a stain that is green, something from the year you were born, a used envelope, and more. Once your quarry is in hand, you’ll apply an alteration dictated solely by chance: create a funny character, make it into a building, conceal it, add polkadots, remove a section, add stripes, scribble on top, fold, turn into an article of clothing, make it “pretty,” and so on.

The results: you’ll be forced out of habitual ways of thinking or acting, discover new connections, and try things you might not have done on your own, creating a version of The Pocket Scavenger that is unique, dependent on time, place, experience, and you.

 

*This is a US only giveaway*

 

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Kerri Cuevas's 'Deadly Kisses' Book Trailer Release Book Blitz With 2 Giveaways

 

Deadly Kisses by Kerri Cuevas
Publication: March 5th 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

 
Synopsis:

Aiden Grant has a killer kiss.  Literally. And it’s not every reaper who gets to work with the Sixteenth President. Sure, Honest Abe likes to throw out history lessons with reaping assignments, but when you’re favored by the ancients, grim reaper life is pretty sweet for a newly dead seventeen-year-old.

Then things get messy.

Aiden is assigned to reap the soul of Bee, the only girl he has ever loved. When Aiden’s kiss of death fails, intertwining their souls, she is still very much alive and they are both in trouble. The ancients want Bee, who has special powers of her own, and they’ll do anything to get her.

Some rules are meant to be broken, even if that means Aiden must bargain with his own soul to save Bee. Who knew the afterlife could get so complicated?

Click here to view on Goodreads.

Click here to purchase on Amazon.
 

 

AUTHOR BIO:
 

 Kerri Cuevas was born and raised in Rhode Island. She moved to New Hampshire in 2005. When she's not writing, she's chasing chickens on her small farm or searching for the ultimate mac-a-cheese recipe.

Kerri went to college for Early Childhood Education but now writes books for young adults full-time. Her storytelling stems from watching too many horror flicks as a teen, but she no longer needs to sleep with the lights on.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

 
Book Trailer:

 

 

Giveaways:
 

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'Tackle Your TBR' Read-a-thon: Update & Challenge/Giveaway

 

Welcome to my Tackle Your TBR Read-a-thon Challenge & Giveaway!

 

*This challenge is for participants of the Read-a-thon only*

 

You can still participate in the Read-a-thon and take part in this challenge/giveaway along with others to come. You do NOT need to be a blogger to participate. You just need to sign up here.

 

I figure this is also a good opportunity to post my updates in the Read-a-thon. I'm a little behind because I forgot to factor in a couple of books I needed to read in order to post reviews for blog tours. So I finished The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider. It was AMAZING!! I'll review it soon, but long story short it was perfection. I am currently halfway through All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill and I am loving it. I should be done with it and halfway through my next book, but I ended up reading 'Jenny's Blue Velvet' (Review found here) and Love Among Pigeons by Abria Mattina (Review found here).

 

Alright, on to the challenge and giveaway!!

 

I have decided to give away a new hardback copy of Contaminated by Em Garner in celebration of it being Friday, the 13th. *insert eerie music and sounds here*

You can view the book on Goodreads here.

The book is for U.S. residents only (because international shipping is so pricey). If you are not a U.S. resident and wish to participate you still can, but the prize will be an eBook of choice (value up to $2.99).

 

Your challenge is a simple one: leave a comment with the book you are currently reading, what page you are on, and a favorite. It can be a favorite character, favorite scene, favorite page or chapter; whatever you want. Please also include your number on the Linky and the name you signed up with. You can get additional entries by following Book Cracker Caroline via Bloglovin, email, and/or Google+. Just be sure to let me know in your comment that you have followed, the name you followed with, and how you followed. You can do all three or any combination of the three, but it is not necessary to be entered. I will choose a winner using Random.org on Saturday, September 14 at 2pm PST.

 

Thanks and good luck!!

 

Angela Carlie's 'Jenny's Blue Velvet' Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway

 

Jenny's Blue Velvet by Angela Carlie
Publication Date: August 22nd 2013
Genre: Adult Romantic Thriller

 Synopsis:

 

Jenny’s stuck.

She’s tried just about every occupation she can think of and will be digging out of student debt for a very long time, but has nothing to show for it. Her everyday routine feels like a prison. And her marriage? Well, let’s just say it’s been a little one-sided lately and the money she threw down on the toys from Lover’s Erotic Store was well worth it and then some.

Jenny decides her next big step is to become a romance writer. Romance books are flying off the virtual shelves, after all. This will be her big break, her escape from the prison, and a way to freedom. Self-publishing is all the rage these days. She’ll be a best seller in no time.

When Jenny makes friends with a woman named Cassandra from the gym, she instantly decides that her new friend will make a perfect main character in her upcoming book. After the first chapter, real life begins to resemble the fiction she’s writing. Her friendship blossoms, sex with her husband turns into a daily feast, and her job gets more interesting with each chapter written.

Out of the blue, a person who is a close friend with her husband and who is dating Cassandra disappears. As the mystery behind the missing person unfolds, Jenny wonders if she might be responsible for his possible death. And if she is, what will be the consequence? What has this writing business gotten her into?

JENNY’S BLUE VELVET is a dark, humorous, romantic thriller for adults only.

 

Click here to add on Goodreads.

 

Click here to purchase on Amazon.

 

Click here to purchase on Barnes & Noble.

AUTHOR BIO:

I’ve lived in the state of Washington my entire life. Sure, it rains a lot, but that’s what makes it so beautiful here. I’d like to say it’s the most beautiful place on the planet, but I have yet to travel the world. Someday I’ll know for sure.

I write fiction involving young people. Mainstream publishing would label my writing as YA or middle grade. Since I’m an indie author, I can skip over the labels and tell you that each one of my stories is unique, can be read and enjoyed by all ages, and almost always has a young person as the protagonist. Authors write what they know and I don’t know old yet. I may someday write about older people, but that’s so far in the future that I can’t see it yet.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

 

My Review:

I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Holy crap, I loved this book! This is a quick read; I finished it in a few hours. This book manages to combine everything you could ask for in a book: great characters, twists & turns, awesome writing, mystery, suspense, steamy scenes, and honestly I could go on and on. This book was un-put-down-able (yeah, that's not a word).

This story starts off by introducing us to the main character, Jenny. Jenny is an average looking 40 year old woman with a hot, sweet husband and two twin daughters. Her husband is attractive and kind, but their sex life has become somewhat non-existent. Jenny also cannot figure out what she wants to do with her life. She has spent years in school without ever earning any kind of degree. Because of all of her student loans she works a dead-end, crappy office job. She decides her next adventure will be writing a book. She writes a story that comes to her very easily and she soon finds her life changing for the better. She makes a new friend, has sex with her husband, gets a promotion at work, and wins the jackpot in Las Vegas. In the meantime strange things start to happen involving people in Jenny's life dying and going missing. I don't want to give anything away, but things aren't quite as they seem. 

First of all I want to say that I absolutely love Jenny. She has such a unique, yet realistic voice and I could totally relate to her everyday issues. I too have not used my schooling at all, have school loans I'm paying off, and have worked jobs I absolutely hated. Jenny is a strange character, but she also voiced so well things I've felt many times in my life. I loved that. 

This story was so unique. I knew going in there was a twist so I was pretty sure I had it figured out, but I was wrong. The plot of this story was unlike anything I've ever read before, and I've read A LOT. I loved how some chapters were the story and other chapters were the story within the story, Jenny's book. I've never read anything with this sort of layout, and I really enjoyed it. It only added to the story in my opinion. I also loved that Jenny's pen name is Angela Carlie, the actual other of the book. I love that!

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but I realize now there was no way I could have known what to expect. This story is completely original. The writing and format of the story are different from anything I've read, but worked wonderfully for the story. I wasn't able to predict the ending, which is always appreciated. Jenny is so likeable and real that I was both rooting for her and scared for her. This book takes an everyday character and story and turns them both into something incredible. I highly recommend this book and I cannot wait to read more by Angela Carlie. 

My Rating:

Giveaway:

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Click here to view the other stops on the Blog Tour.

 

 

 

Indie Summer Blog Tour 2013 with Abria Mattina: Review and Giveaway

 

Love Among Pigeons by Abria Mattina

Book Series: Wake

Genre: Contemporary

Age Range: New Adult

 

 

Synopsis:

 

In this companion novella to Wake, Frank invites the Kirk family home to Smiths Falls for Thanksgiving weekend. Holidays are always a trial for the family that lost their daughter and sister, but Frank is hopeful that this Thanksgiving will be the exception. He has some happy news to share. If only he wasn't so reluctant to talk about it.

Book Cover

 

Click here to add on Goodreads.

 

Click here to purchase on Amazon.

 

 

AUTHOR BIO:

 

Abria Mattina works in marketing, writes to stay sane (or maintain a particular level of insanity, depending on your perspective), and blogs about books for fun. When she isn’t doing any of those things, she’s probably baking.

 

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook

 

 

My Review:

So I set out to read this book and quickly realized that this is a companion novella to a book called 'Wake'. I was hoping that I could read it on its own, but no such luck. I had no idea what was going on or what was up with these characters. So I figured I'd better hurry up and read 'Wake' so that I could understand this book. I am so glad I did! At first I have to admit that I was slightly annoyed to realize I had to read 'Wake', but I ended up loving it so much that now I feel it was fate at work and I am grateful that I got to read it! Anyway, 'Wake' was awesome and rocked my socks off, but this is a review of 'Love Among Pigeons'. I have to say, once I knew what the heck was going on, I absolutely loved this book too! 

This book starts out with Jem and Willa going home to Smiths Falls for Thanksgiving. Willa's brother Frank is hosting the meal and he wants to tell their family that he is both gay and has been in a relationship with Doug for about ten years. Hilarity, awkward moments, and drama ensue as their holiday plays out. 

The first thing I want to point out is that I love the dual points of view used in both this book and 'Wake'. The point of view flip flops between Jem and Willa. I have read many books with dual points of view; some of them worked and some did not. This one most certainly did. Abria Mattina beautifully captures both female and male voices wonderfully. 

The characters in this book are what make it so spectacular. Willa and Jem have so much chemistry between them and I do wish I could have seen more sweet moments between them, but I also loved getting to read the scenes between Frank and Willa. They are both so hilariously and sweetly written and they play off of one another impeccably well. When Willa first arrives at Frank's house she accidentally hears him having sex and their conversation that follows is just so perfectly awkward and funny. A lot of their moments together manage to perfectly combine awkwardness and comedy along with true affection for one another.

Abria Mattina'a books are, at their root, about people, relationships, and dealing with uncomfortable, and sometimes painful, situations. The dialogue and the characters in this book are pure perfection. This book, as well as 'Wake', could have been boring if Mattina didn't write characters with depth and meat to them. I loved this book and I hope to read more about Jem and Willa in the future. I tore through this book very quickly and I highly recommend it. My only warning is to be sure to read 'Wake' first so you have a better idea of what is going on and who the characters are.


My Rating:

 

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Waiting on Wednesday #13

 

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating

 

 

My choice this week is Vicious by Victoria Schwab.

Publication Date: September 24, 2013

Goodreads Description:

 

A masterful, twisted tale of ambition, jealousy, betrayal, and

superpowers, set in a near-future world.

 

Victor and Eli started out as college roommates—brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in each other. In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong.

 

Ten years later, Victor breaks out of prison, determined to catch up to his old friend (now foe), aided by a young girl whose reserved nature obscures a stunning ability. Meanwhile, Eli is on a mission to eradicate every other super-powered person that he can find—aside from his sidekick, an enigmatic woman with an unbreakable will. 

 

Armed with terrible power on both sides, driven by the memory of betrayal and loss, the archnemeses have set a course for revenge—but who will be left alive at the end?

What book are you eagerly awaiting?