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Review of Moonshine

28 Feb 2014

Synopsis

Innocence taken...
A tragedy happened...
A heart is left broken...
Is love enough to survive?

Shine Craven has to learn this the hard way. One tragic day leaves her questioning her strength and her sanity. She is left fighting an internal battle that she believes can't be won.

Her best friend thinks that he loves her enough to save her, but sometimes sweet words just aren't enough. Once he hears her secret, will he still believe that love will heal her or will the truth be too much for him to handle?

Sometimes when we are faced with such horrible events we force ourselves to overcome, but at what cost? Will he stay or will he go? Find out if love is enough.


Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK


Review

Shine goes through something that no person should ever have to deal with ever in their life. Her way of coping is to basically shut down. She can’t tell anyone, especially not her best friend. It’s more than a question of whether or not her best friend will believe her, it’s whether or not she wants to destroy his life right along with her own.

Ryker, or Moon as Shine calls him, is one of those guys who any girl would love to have in their life. Despite the way that Shine treats him, he is always there fighting in her corner. He does make a stupid decision, but he quickly redeems himself as one of the good ones.

He has loved Shine, pretty much since the day that they met when they were very young. He was finally planning to tell Shine about his feelings but life got in the way and tragedy strikes instead. You can see the love that he has for Shine throughout the entire book as he struggles with not being in her life.

Shine pushes Moon out of her life as she does everything about her old life. She wants to forget what happened to her, and by doing so she changes the person she used to be. She becomes a loner, just functioning, not really enjoying life and everything that it has to offer.

The story was enticing from beginning to end. You couldn’t help but root for Shine and Moon to work everything out. It takes time for Shine to overcome the horrible situation that caused her downward spiral.

The only part of the book that was a little off putting was between Shine and her friend Bradley (or Johnny). He was openly gay and worked to help her overcome her own insecurities. Through doing this, they also had sex and I felt like this almost took away from the story, and her friendship with Johnny.

Overall the book was enjoyable, emotional and overall a great book to get sucked into. I laughed, I cried, and ultimately I did enjoy everything about the characters, especially Moon. He really had many of the characteristics a topnotch book boyfriend.

Try it for yourself! Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
Amanda

Hot New Releases - February 19th - 25th

26 Feb 2014
Welcome to the newest feature on Bookish Treasures! For a long time now I have been sharing recent releases on my facebook page and I know that a lot of people love that it keeps them up to date with what books are now available. Unfortunately facebook now hides to many posts from pages that only a small amount of people see each post. Because of that I am starting a weekly round up of the hottest releases here on the blog!


One kiss could be the last

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK (pre-order - releases 1st March)

***


Savannah. Courtney. Peyton.

The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite. Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.

Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK (pre-order - releases March 7th)

***


From #1 New York Times bestselling author Abbi Glines comes the story of Grant, the sexy playboy who first captured readers’ hearts in Fallen Too Far.

When Harlow Manning’s rocker father goes on tour, he sends her to Rosemary Beach, Florida, to live with her half-sister, Nan. The problem: Nan despises her. Harlow has to keep her head down if she wants to get through the next nine months, which seems easy enough. Until gorgeous Grant Carter walks out of Nan’s room in nothing but his boxer briefs.

Grant made a huge mistake getting involved with a girl with venom in her veins. He’d known about Nan’s reputation, but still he couldn’t resist her. Nothing makes him regret the fling more than meeting Harlow, who sends his pulse racing. Yet Harlow wants nothing to do with a guy who could fall for her wicked half-sister—even if there are no strings between Grant and Nan. Grant is desperate to redeem himself in Harlow’s eyes, but did he ruin his chances before he even met her?

Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK

***


Tut has grown into his position as Pharaoh, but he is a wild young man. Naomi fears for him, not only because of his recklessness, but because he has put his trust in Ay–the man determined to destroy Naomi—despite her and Horemheb advising against it.

Meanwhile, death and slavery hang over Naomi and her family. With fear of the booming Hebrew numbers causing talk of enslaving them, conscription is reinstated and Naomi fears
for the lives of her other children. Especially since Ay's children are now adults, and just as dangerous as their father. They threaten to take Itani, conspire against Tut, and pushing for power.

But Tut is in trouble. While Ay's daughter draws Horemheb's attention, and Naomi deals with the struggles of her family, everyone's distraction could spell death for the young Pharaoh.


Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK

This is the final book in an NA historical romance trilogy that should be read after Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh and Kiya: Mother of a King.

***


A sexy and poignant new adult novel from New York Times bestseller Marata Eros, about two lost souls who find each other in the wake of tragedy, only to learn that love may not be enough to heal the wounds of a dark and tortured past...

Twenty year-old Brooke Starr has escaped the aftermath of a brutal tragedy by abandoning her music studies and moving north to take a summer position as a part-time deck hand on a deep-sea fishing boat. When her survivor’s guilt becomes unbearable, Brooke realizes there's only one thing she can do to finally erase the pain.

Deep sea fisherman, Chance Taylor, has just wrapped his guitar set at the local saloon when he sees the silhouette of a young woman in repose, the full moon highlighting her shadow as she plummets from a pier too high for diving... into water too cold to survive. Without thinking, he plunges in after her, saving Brooke from drowning.

As Chance works to save her from her own emotional fragility, Brooke finally begins to learn how to save herself. But when their chemistry begins to consume them, Brooke withdraws. She’s determined to be the master of her own destiny... until the past catches up with her in a cataclysmic plan so dark, so final... it threatens their love and their very lives.


Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK

***


This book is intended for a mature reading audience and contains adult language and themes. Contains a stubborn alpha male with addiction issues and loads of sexual tension between two damaged characters. Read at your own risk.

Knox Bauer's life has unraveled to the point of no return. Fighting to fill the emptiness inside himself, he seeks solace in unfamiliar beds with unfamiliar women. As guardian to his three younger brothers, he can't seem to do a thing right. But this can't go on...they look up to him in every way and all he’s done lately is prove how messed up he really is. Needing a change, he attends a local Sex Addicts Anonymous meeting, where he finds himself tempted by the alluring instructor, McKenna.

Twenty-one year old McKenna is trying to make amends. After losing her parents in a horrific accident, she knows if she can just be good enough, maybe she can forgive herself for what happened. With her newly acquired degree in counseling, she begins leading a sex addicts group where she meets the troubled Knox and her life takes on complications she never bargained for. She doesn't have time for a bad boy who only wants to take her to bed, even if her body disagrees. The fixer in her wants to help, but trusting Knox's true motivations might take more courage than she has.

When I Break is book 1 in a new series by New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Kendall Ryan. When I Surrender, book 2, will be available April 7, 2014. Please note this is not a standalone, as the story continues in book 2.

Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK

***


You always remember your first time...

Whether it's the couple who decides not to go through with it, the two boys who finally aren't ashamed, the newlyweds whose wedding night could very well be their last night together, the deaf pair who have no choice but to take body language to a new level--or, of course, the two young lovers fumbling and laughing, getting everything wrong. These are the memories that will never fade.
 
Join nineteen fantastic authors as they pull back the curtain and give you a peek inside that one intense moment in their characters' lives when everything changes and nothing will ever be the same again.
 
Featuring stories from some of the hottest names in New Adult, Young Adult, and Romance including New York Times Bestselling authors J.Lynn/Jennifer Armentrout, Molly McAdams, Sophie Jordan, and Carrie Ryan.
 
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon 

***

 
I traded my death for love. I wasn’t given a choice. His decision has caught up with us, so now I am a living, breathing catalyst to war between Heaven and Hell.

The violations he committed saved my life. Since the collision, he’s appeared everywhere. In my hospital room, my school, even my house. He shows up in my paintings, my drawings, in all of my art projects. I can’t stop thinking about him.

He says his name is Gabriel, and he doesn’t understand what’s happening to him. He doesn’t know how I can see him or why he wants me in ways that should be impossible for a Celestial.

My obsession grows. I need him to hold me, kiss me—give all of himself. For every day he protects me, the consequences loom darker and taller. Soon, they’ll crash down on us.

The war is about to begin.
 
Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK

***


When Bree Prescott arrives in the sleepy, lakeside town of Pelion, Maine, she hopes against hope that this is the place where she will finally find the peace she so desperately seeks. On her first day there, her life collides with Archer Hale, an isolated man who holds a secret agony of his own. A man no one else sees.

Archer's Voice is the story of a woman chained to the memory of one horrifying night and the man whose love is the key to her freedom. It is the story of a silent man who lives with an excruciating wound and the woman who helps him find his voice. It is the story of suffering, fate, and the transformative power of love.

THIS IS A STAND-ALONE NOVEL. The first three books in the series need not be read to enjoy this book. New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.


Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK

Cover Reveal of First Night and Night After Night

I am very excited to be sharing the covers for the Seductive Nights series, the first erotic romance novels by the wonderful Lauren Blakely (though some of her NA romance novels are pretty damn steamy!

The first novel in this erotic romance is NIGHT AFTER NIGHT, releasing May 12 and can be read as a standalone romance. The prequel novella releasing with it called FIRST NIGHT is a reworking of the previously released ebook FIRST NIGHT AND EVER AFTERS. It's no longer available on retailers, but will be republished in its new form in May and we can't wait!! Don't miss the beautiful covers below and the giveaway!

Message from Lauren: I am having a blast writing Clay and Julia's love story. They are a super sexy and feisty couple and I cannot wait to share them with readers! Clay is all alpha male hot guy in a suit with a tender heart, and Julia is one of my favorite heroines. I do feel I should warn readers -- he's my dirtiest of my dirty-talking heroes, and if you've read Playing With Her Heart that's saying something :)

First Night by Lauren Blakely

 
First Night -Cover

ABOUT FIRST NIGHT

An erotic novella from the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lauren Blakely...

It was only supposed to be one night... When the sexy-as-sin lawyer walked into her bar in San Francisco,Julia Bell simply wanted a break from the troubles that kept chasing her. That escape came in the form of sinfully handsome Clay Nichols, a man who captivates her mind AND turns her inside out with pleasure.The attraction is electric and they share one scorchingly hot night together, but they also discover there is more than just off-the-charts chemistry; the connection between them runs deep. Clay never thought he'd return to New York with this woman still on his mind. But he can't get her out of his system, and he needs more of her...He wants more than just the first night...

*This is a prequel novella to the erotic romance NIGHT AFTER NIGHT.  

Goodreads

Night After Night by Lauren Blakely


Night After Night - Cover

ABOUT NIGHT AFTER NIGHT

A sensual, emotionally-charged erotic romance from the New York Timesand USA Today Bestselling author Lauren Blakely...

He plays to win and isn't afraid to break all the rules... Fiery bartender Julia Bell has been hit on by her fair share of customers, but has never been tempted to dip so much as a toe in that particular dating pool. She wants a man who can claim her body AND captivate her mind. Enter Clay Nichols, a lawyer with a dirty mind and a mouth to match. Confident, sexy, and commanding, he takes Julia to new heights of pleasure. And after one unforgettable weekend together,he craves more of her. If only she hadn't taken off without saying goodbye... Julia has no room in her life for commitment, not while she has serious trouble breathing down her neck, thanks to the criminal dabblings of a former flame. She doesn't want to involve anyone she cares about in the kind of danger that's chasing her and that's the problem with Clay-she's falling for him. Hard. He makes her heart race, and sets her body on fire. He's determined to keep her in his life, no matter the cost. She's the woman he desires in every way. But when the past threatens to destroy any chance at a future, she has to make a choice -keep running, or give love a shot with a man who can hold her imagination, and her heart, night after night...

Goodreads

NIGHT AFTER NIGHT Teaser


Her eyes darkened with lust as she stared at him. Her reaction madehim hotter, harder. "I'm being punished for turning you on?" Another shake of his head. "No. You are being rewarded for turning meon. But we're doing it my way. You teased the f*&k out of me, and nowI want to watch you squirm. Crawl up on my bed and get on your handson knees." She held up her wrists, a sexy wink in her eyes. "I've been waiting for this." "Go, woman. And leave your shoes and stockings on."

Preorder: iTunes

  Author Photo
 
About Lauren Blakely: Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and her books have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. Like the heroine in FAR TOO TEMPTING, she thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. Her novels include Caught Up In Us, Pretending He’s Mine, Playing With Her Heart, and Trophy Husband. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney.  
 
 

Giveaway


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Top Ten Books Whose Titles Or Covers Made Me Buy It

25 Feb 2014

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

I'm not normally one to judge a book by its cover (even though I love to stare at immensely beautiful covers) but there has been several occasions where a cover has been so stunning or attention grabbing that it made me unable to forget about the book and I eventually ended up buying it. In none of these cases was the cover the sole reason for me buying the book but it was what made me notice the book and without it I probably would never have bought them. In almost all cases (other than Acid) I had never heard of the book before seeing the cover.
 
These are all the covers on my copy of the book. I live in the UK so the covers are sometimes different to the US and also many of these covers have changed and are now very different.
 
 
 
Acid - This is the only book on the list that I already knew about before seeing the cover. I was already intrigued by the synopsis but then this kick-ass cover made me even more determined to read the book.
 
Dark Inside - I saw this book in the corner of my eye in a bookstore one day and couldn't get it out of my head that evening - other than the title which I had forgotten other than the A replaced with the number 4. The following day I went back to hunt it down :P
 
Graceling - I really love books with kick-ass female characters and just look at this cover! It gets across the tone of the book so perfectly.
 
 
 
Nightshade - This cover is simply very pretty. I also immensely love anything metallic and shiny so the silver foil caught my eye.
 
The Elites - Just one of the most beautiful covers I have ever laid eyes on. From first seeing this cover I kept on obsessing about the book for months until I was able to finally read it. This is probably the only book that is positioned on my bookshelf with the cover facing outwards instead of the spine.
 
The Forsaken - Yet another example of me getting a book because the cover makes the main character appear to be pretty kick ass. I love the tagline too "No Rules. No Refuge. No Escape."
 
 
Partials - Pretty, Intriguing, and another killer tagline "The Only Hope For Humanity Isn't Human."
 
Blood Red Road - This isn't the most beautiful cover by far but it is really interesting. The red and black also stand out in stark contrast to the white which is what first pulled my eye when I was browsing books.
 
Divergent - If you have seen this cover in real life you will know how eye catching the silver sheen is and then with those flames in an almost eye type formation on the front. I first saw this book whilst searching for a different one in a book store. I ended up leaving with this instead of the one I had gone in for.
 
Wither - Just so beautiful and the complex design also has you wondering how it relates to the book. Also, though you cant see it here, the lines, circles and title are all done in gold foil which only adds to the beauty.
 
What covers/titles have made you buy a book? Feel free to share your own Top Ten Tuesday links in the comments :)

Review of Defining Destiny (& Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card!)

24 Feb 2014

Defining Destiny by Deanna Chase



Synopsis

When destiny fails…

Singer-songwriter Lucy Moore thought her life was perfect. At just twenty-one, she’s already met her soul mate and together they’ve landed a recording contract. But when her father dies and the love of her life betrays her in more ways than one, she returns home to pick up the pieces. On the shores of Mendocino, California, Lucy has some decisions to make. Should she start a solo career? Or should she leave it all behind for some semblance of normalcy in the quiet town she grew up in? And what about Seth, the tortured artist who always seems to be there when she needs him?

Seth Keenan has demons of his own. Eighteen months ago, he was involved in a horrific accident that he never talks about. His career as an accomplished oil-paint artist has been abandoned, replaced by the buzz of his tattoo gun. And women—well, he never sticks around for longer than a few hours of pleasure… until he meets Lucy. After one evening of listening to her seductive voice, he’s pulled under. But what about the vow he made to never get close to anyone again?

In a world where everyone has one true soul mate, can these two find love in the arms of each other?


Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK

Review

This book was really enjoyable and actually better than I was expecting which is always nice. Defining Destiny is a New Adult paranormal romance but is very light in the paranormal elements and reads more like a contemporary novel most of the time.

In Lucy's world everyone has one soul mate, a person who you can't help but love no matter what and are inexplicably drawn to. Unfortunately for Lucy her soul mate isn't the most trustworthy guy and after one betrayal too many she leaves him to go back home and think things through.

I absolutely loved Lucy, I liked how she was determined not to settle for a bad relationship just because someone is her soul mate as she doesn't want to end up like her mother. She has a great, fiery personality though she does have a tendency at times to run off without asking questions first.

This book had a love triangle that I thought was really well done. The main focus of Defining Destiny is about Lucy's choice to forgive her soul mate Caden and do what everyone expects by returning to him or to do the near unthinkable and turn her back on her soul mate for good and to be with another guy.

Seth is an amazing guy. He undergone the terrible experience of losing his soul mate in an accident that he blames himself for and now knows that he is destined to be alone for the rest of his life. Lucy and Seth work incredibly well together and other than the fact they aren't soul mates appear to be the perfect couple. I especially loved that throughout the book we got to see Lucy pull Seth from out of his shell as he gradually started to fully live again.

You then also have Caden, the smooth talking rock star who Lucy can't help but being in love with even though he is egotistical, self-absorbed, and has lost sight of their relationship. We see many different sides to him throughout the book and it is often hard to tell if his intentions are good or not.

I liked how this book ended. It was very satisfying, wrapped things up nicely and I was very pleased with Lucy's final choice. Overall this was a fantastic read. Great romance novel with a small magical twist just to give it something special and different. I would definitely recommend Defining Destiny and I am looking forwards to reading more books by Deanna Chase.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This has not affected my opinions or rating in any way.*

Try it for yourself! Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK

Laura
 

About the Author

 
 
Deanna is a native Californian, transplanted to the slower paced lifestyle of southeastern Louisiana. When she isn’t writing, she is often goofing off with her husband in New Orleans, playing with her two shih tzu dogs, making glass beads, or out hocking her wares at various bead shows across the country. For more information and updates on newest releases visit her blog at www.deannachase.com.
 

Giveaway

 
Enter to win a $100 amazon gift card!
 
 
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Cover re-reveal - Branded

18 Feb 2014
Today I am very excited to be revealing the stunning new cover for Branded by Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki. This book is an amazing, unique dystopian and if you haven't seen my review before you can read it here - http://bookishtreasures.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/review-of-branded.html

Branded by Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki


 
Fifty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best. Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home.

 Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain.

 Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.

 The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me.
I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter.
My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

Try it for yourself!  Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK



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About Abi and Missy


  Abi and Missy met in the summer of 1999 at college orientation and have been best friends ever since. After college, they added jobs, husbands and kids to their lives, but they still found time for their friendship. Instead of hanging out on weekends, they went to dinner once a month and reviewed books. What started out as an enjoyable hobby has now become an incredible adventure.

Abigail Ketner

A4editcolor

Is a registered nurse with a passion for novels, the beaches of St. John, and her Philadelphia Phillies. A talented singer, Abi loves to go running and spend lots of time with her family. She currently resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with her husband, triplet daughters and two very spoiled dogs.

Melissa Kalicicki

Missy Kalicicki

Received her bachelor’s degree from Millersville University in 2003. She married, had two boys and currently lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Aside from reading and writing, her interests include running and mixed martial arts. She also remains an avid Cleveland sports fan.

A Little Apology And An Update

17 Feb 2014
You may have noticed that since the start of 2014 I haven't been posting as much as usual. For the past few weeks it has pretty much just been Feature Friday interviews or guest posts interspersed with cover reveals and the occasional review (most likely by Amanda or Katie). This isn't what I want or aim to have on my blog and I feel like I owe you all an apology and an explanation.

The past few weeks have been hectic. I wish I had something that sounds like better reason but that is simply what the problem was. Mix together lots of University work with general life stress and what seems like a billion things happening at once and what you get is a blogger who just doesn't have the time to blog. Stress can also suck the fun out of things and make them seem like a chore. I appear to have both been incredible busy AND going through a bit of a blogging slump.

The good news though - I'm back! Well I will be once I have handed in this very large chem lab report I am currently working on. Back at the end of this week / start of next I hope to have this blog back to usual with daily posts, lots of reviews, all the features you are used to and even some new ones too :D

So sorry for the unexpected semi-break and now back to your regularly scheduled awesome :P

Feature Friday - Interview with Cheyanne Young

15 Feb 2014
Feature Friday is a feature on Bookish Treasures that spotlights an author and their latest release. Every Friday I will be featuring an author through either an interview or a guest post. If you are interested in taking part please send me an email.

This week I am featuring YA author Cheyanne Young.

Powered by Cheyanne Young



Synopsis

Maci Might's sixteenth birthday is supposed to be the day she's awarded Hero status. But thanks to a tiny anger problem and a questionable family tree, King City's elders think it's best if she doesn't join the Hero ranks. Determined to change their minds, Maci will break whatever rule it takes to prove she's Hero material. As her hair darkens and her anger grows, everyone turns against her except Evan; a childhood friend turned scientist who may be able to unlock the secrets hidden in her DNA.

When a villain attacks King City and her dad is held prisoner, Maci discovers a truth she refuses to believe. She may not be a Hero after all—but this time the Heroes of King City need her more than she needs them. And she won't let them down.


Try it for yourself! Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK

Interview with Cheyanne Young


Why did you decide to become an author?

I’ve always been a massive daydreamer who thinks up these detailed stories in my head. One day I decided to write them down. Becoming an author didn’t occur to me until much later. It’s hard getting the confidence to put your work out there.

How do you balance writing with other things in your life?

I don’t balance it very well at all! When I’m deeply involved in a book, it’s easy to let other things slide (like washing dishes and doing laundry). Which is why I often eat out of Tupperware and lounge around in pajamas on the weekends. If I didn’t have my awesome daughter and understanding husband helping me keep the house together, I don’t know what I’d do.

What is your favourite thing about being an author?

I don’t always love writing books but I love when they’re finished and someone else reads them. Being able to share the stories from my daydreams with other people is a very exciting and rewarding thing. Occasionally I get emails from teenagers who loved my books. That is absolutely the best thing ever.

What are your favourite books?

I love anything by Sarah Dessen, Kurt Vonnegut, John Green & Claudia Grey. It’s hard to list just my favourite books because I love so many… but here are a few: The Catcher in the Rye, The Sky is Everywhere, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Giver, The Book Thief, and of course, Harry Potter

Are there any books/authors that inspired you to write?

I was inspired to start writing after reading and loving several books by Sarah Dessen. I had always imagined myself being just like her, however after I started finding my way as an author, my own style developed in a way that makes my writings not like hers at all. She is still a huge inspiration to me though!

Describe your book in one sentence.

Powered – A villain’s desperation to be a hero.

Where did you get the idea for Powered, did anything inspire you to write it?

I’d love to say that something ridiculously awesome inspired this book but in reality, I was sick and spent the day lying on the couch watching a marathon of Spiderman movies. When the last one was over, I thought to myself, ‘I could write a book that’s better than this’ and so I did. It was my first adventure into fantasy instead of my usual genre of contemporary romance. I screwed up a lot and went through about five drafts before Powered was complete.

What made you decide to write a Young Adult fantasy novel?

My original goals as an author was to make a name for myself in the YA contemporary romance genre and, I really did not want to write Powered because it was a fantasy. But the characters formed in my mind and Maci, the main character, was so stubborn and persistent that I couldn’t let her go. I eventually gave up and wrote Maci’s story, giving the fantasy genre my best shot. It was hard, for sure, but I really loved the experience and I’m excited to be working on book 2.

What would you say makes your book unique and worth reading?

Maci Might is an anti-hero. She doesn’t get rescued by the hot boy and she doesn’t succeed at everything she does. She has to work for it and she makes a lot of mistakes along the way. A blogger once called her “arrogant in the best possible way” and I think that’s a great way to put it. J

Is there any specific message you wanted to convey in the book?

Yes, that no one has to accept a life they were born into. You can make yourself into the person you want to be if you work hard and want it badly enough. Also, there’s a lot of family/friendship loyalty in the Powered series and I’m all about loyalty.

What are your plans for future books?

Understudy comes out tomorrow! (2/15/2014) It’s a YA romance that’s a fun and quick read. After that you’ll see another YA Fantasy from me and of course, the final two books in the Powered Series. And those are just the books I’m working on now. My mind is always creating new stories.

Do you have any hobbies and Interests unrelated to books?

I love dirt bikes and motocross. I’m also an avid pizza and junk food eater. I paint my nails just about every day and have a collection of nail polish that’s almost as big as my book collection.

Would you ever consider putting these (answer to above) into any of your books?

Yes and yes! Motocross Me was my first book and it’s all about dirt bikes. I also have a pretty bad habit of making my characters eat whatever food I’m craving while I’m writing. I may or may not have paused my writing session to order a pizza after having my characters eat it in a story once. ..

FUN STUFF

If you could meet any one author (dead or alive) who would it be and why?

I’d love to meet R.L. Stine because he was a huge part of my childhood. I read every single Goosebumps and Fear Street book when I was a kid and I firmly believe that if it weren’t for his books then I’d never have become a reader and thus a writer. I don’t even want to imagine my life without books and I’d really love to meet him personally and thank him for that. Plus I follow him on Twitter and he just seems so AWESOME!

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself.

I have lupus which gives me severe arthritis, particularly in my hands. I keep writing books anyway.

What is your favourite food?

Fried pickles, Dark chocolate & Pizza. Separately of course…  J

What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?

My best friend and I agreed to have dinner with a shady-looking guy at a convention who said he was a host of the entire con. When we met up with him, he had brought 3 cast members of the Harry Potter films with him and we all ate dinner and hung out for hours. It was THE. COOLEST. THING. EVER.

If you could be any supernatural creature which would you choose?

Can I say George Weasley’s witch girlfriend? Because that’s what I’d choose.

Cover Reveal - All Lined Up

13 Feb 2014
Today I am very excited to help reveal the cover for ALL LINED UP, the first book in Cora Carmack's highly anticipated Rusk University Series! ALL LINED UP is a New Adult Contemporary Romance novel published by William Morrow (an imprint of HarperCollins) and is due to be released on May 13, 2014!!
 
 

Synopsis
 
In Texas, two things are cherished above all else—football and gossip. My life has always been ruled by both.
 
Dallas Cole loathes football. That's what happens when you spend your whole childhood coming in second to a sport. College is her time to step out of the bleachers, and put the playing field (and the players) in her past.
 
But life doesn't always go as planned. As if going to the same college as her football star ex wasn’t bad enough, her father, a Texas high school coaching phenom, has decided to make the jump to college ball… as the new head coach at Rusk University. Dallas finds herself in the shadows of her father and football all over again.
 
Carson McClain is determined to go from second-string quarterback to the starting line-up. He needs the scholarship and the future that football provides. But when a beautiful redhead literally falls into his life, his focus is more than tested. It's obliterated.
 
Dallas doesn't know Carson is on the team. Carson doesn't know that Dallas is his new coach's daughter.
 
And neither of them knows how to walk away from the attraction they feel.
 
“Laughter + heartache + hot sexual tension = the perfect Cora Carmack book.”
—Monica Murphy
Pre-Order Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes
 
  Headshot
 
About Cora Carmack: Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life-- boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller. Links: Website Twitter Facebook Author Goodreads ALL LINED UP Goodreads

Top 10 Books That Will Make You Swoon (Aka Great Valentines Day Reads)

11 Feb 2014

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

With Valentines Day this week it is the perfect time to be sharing the top 10 books that make me swoon / have the best book boyfriends. Now this was really hard to choose which books to select but I managed eventually and here we go.
 
 
I am just head over heels in love with the male leads in these books, they aren't quite as bad boy alpha male as what you see in most romance novels (though I would still catagorize them as alpha heroes not beta) and are instead the more gentle (but still sexy type) that you could imagine bringing you roses.
 
 
Each of these three books have female main characters who are struggling to get over events in their past. All of the guys are so kind and caring and all of the books are filled with amazing swoon - worthy moments.
 
 
Books don't have to be contemporary romance to make you swoon as is proven by these four fantastic paranormal / fantasy novels.
 
What books have made you swoon? Feel free to share your own Top Ten Tuesday links in the comments :)