Blog Tour: Until I Die by Amy Plum + Giveaway

Until I Die (Revenants, #2) by Amy Plum
To be published: May 8, 2012 by HarperCollins

Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love.

As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy.

In Die for Me, Amy Plum created a captivating paranormal mythology with immortal revenants and a lush Paris setting. Until I Die is poised to thrill readers with more heart-pounding suspense, spellbinding romance, and a cliff-hanger ending that will leave them desperate for the third and final novel in the series.

I'm excited to be hosting a spot on the UNTIL I DIE blog tour hosted by the fabulous Mundie Moms.  Several blogs will be taking part in this tour with reviews, interviews, & guest posts.  Be sure to click HERE to see the full line-up.  Each stop on the tour is part of the UNTIL I DIE scavenger hunt.  Find the word (or phrase) and keep track as the tour continues.  At the end, author Amy Plum will post the riddle on her site & you have an opportunity to decode the puzzle! Check out more details + all the fabulous prizes you could win HERE.

My secret word: end.

I'm also excited to be presenting to you the playlist for UNTIL I DIE.  Fans of author Amy Plum nominated a bunch of songs on her facebook page, and then they all voted on them!  8 songs were chosen by reader fans, 3 songs were chosen by Amy Plum, and 1 song was chosen by her assistant Kayla.  Check out the songs which made the official playlist: (click the song title to listen)

Brand New Life - by Young Marble Giants *chosen by Amy Plum
Rolling in the Deep - by Adele *chosen by Amy Plum
And the Boys - by Angus & Julia Stone *chosen by Amy Plum
This is Twice Now - by Lydia *chosen by assistant Kayla
My Immortal - by Evanescence *chosen by readers
The Only Exception - by Paramore *chosen by readers
Enchanted - by Taylor Swift *chosen by readers
Your Guardian Angel - by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus *chosen by readers
All I Need - by Within Temptation *chosen by readers
Born to Die - by Lana Del Ray *chosen by readers
I Will Follow You into the Dark - by Death Cab for Cutie *chosen by readers
A Thousand Years - by Christina Perri *chosen by readers

You know what else is cool? I'm giving away a SIGNED paperback of Die For Me by Amy Plum.  So if you have not started this series, now's your chance to read the first book.. just in time for the second, Until I Die's release!  Enter below:

Blog Tour: Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

The wonderful book bloggers at Mundie Moms asked me to be a part of the blog tour for Cynthia Hand's novel, Hallowed.  This book is the follow-up to one of my favorite paranormal reads of 2011, Unearthly.  Just when I thought this story couldn't have captured me more, Cynthia Hand took this next one to a whole new level!  Thank you Mundie Moms for asking me to be a part of this blog tour and promote this fabulous book that every one needs to read!

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Hallowed (Unearthly #2) by Cynthia Hand
(This review was originally posted on 11/28/11)

Cynthia Hand has done a superb job of taking the paranormal elements of angels and incorporating it with the every day life of a teenage girl.  What drew me to her writing was how easily I was able to forget that Clara was an angel, with a purpose to fulfill.  Her sarcastic, brave teenage self is what jumped off the pages at me.  That feeling carried over in to Hallowed, accompanied with so many emotional blows that I was NOT prepared for.

The story begins with the repercussions of Clara's decisions she made in the previous novel.  Though I was happy with the choice she made then, I was now starting to see the dangers of what it meant for her in the future.  We learn more about Clara, her brother Jeffery, and their mom in this bit of the story.  Small pieces start to form together, and the picture begins to take shape.  Underneath all the Angel-ness in Clara's world are two boys -- Tucker and Christian.  Strip the story down and you have yourself a basic love triangle.  What I love about this formation of who does she belong to, is that we know who we WANT her to be with, yet we also start to see who she is MEANT to be with.  So the angles on this triangle aren't quite clear.  I'll be honest, I was Team Tucker from the very start.  My emotions have always swayed towards his side.  Christian, though he has a purpose of his own, has never and will never get my vote.

In order to not spoil a big chunk of the book, I will just say that the "someone close to Clara will die" aspect of the story definitely brought the OMG WHERE ARE MY TISSUES?! I AM LOOKING LIKE A CRAZY PERSON SOBBING AT MY DESK!  So, be prepared.  It gets mighty rough.  And that is all I will say on that.

If you're a fan of paranormal with a heavy influence of contemporary in your stories, then I highly recommend this series.  Cynthia Hand has the ability to captivate readers with her dazzling picturesque landscapes set as the back drop to some pretty heavy, heart-tugging complications.  I was sold from the first book, and I've been won over again by the second.  TEAM TUCKER! Just saying.

To view the complete list of bloggers for this tour, please visit Mundie Moms.

Audition Blog Tour: Costumes!

Audition by Stasia Ward Kehoe
Published: October 13, 2011 by Viking/Penguin
Received: ARC from author/publisher

When high school junior Sara wins a coveted scholarship to study ballet, she must sacrifice everything for her new life as a professional dancer-in-training. Living in a strange city with a host family, she's deeply lonely-until she falls into the arms of Remington, a choreographer in his early twenties. At first, she loves being Rem's muse, but as she discovers a surprising passion for writing, she begins to question whether she's chosen the right path. Is Rem using her, or is it the other way around? And is dancing still her dream, or does she need something more? This debut novel in verse is as intense and romantic as it is eloquent.

Debut author Stasia Ward Kehoe has stopped by the blog today to give us her insight on costumes.  Since the novel Audition is centered around dance, I thought it would be interesting to know more about the author's personal experience in the world of performance when it comes to costumes.

Author Stasia Ward Kehoe: With Halloween just around the corner, I thought I'd reflect a bit on costumes here at GReads today. Growing up in dance and theater, costumes were a huge part of my life—for better and worse!

In a production of Through the Looking Glass one year, I was a Rose—petals around the face and all (yeah, see the embarrassing picture?). And, back before we had kids, I used to make elaborate Halloween costumes for my hubs and and myself, such as “The Princess and the Frog” all from felt (slightly less embarrassing picture).

I thought hard about costumes when I wrote Audition. From the dowdy Mama Bear outfit beneath which Sara hides on tour to the ugliness of her Nutcracker Snowflake unitard, I wanted costumes to serve as another way to represent emotion in the story. The green dress in Ally Condie’s MATCHED and Delaney’s red parka in Megan Miranda’s upcoming 2012 debut FRACTURE are two other examples where costumes give great insight into the hearts of characters.

When I do author appearances, my least-favorite thing is choosing an outfit. I often reject some recently-bought outfit that looked to me like something a WRITER WOULD WEAR in favor of favorite slacks…a comfortable top…something to hide the muffin top (like the internal rhyme there, everybody?). I don’t want to wear an author costume that doesn’t feel like me any more than I would inject a plot twist that feels more like a trick or surprise than what would naturally happen.

So, if you’re a writer, what do costumes mean to your story? If you’re a reader, what is your favorite costume scene in a book? And, just for fun, what article of clothing would you say best represents you? Sadly, I’d have to say a black fleece hoodie. You know—writer uniform.

As someone who also grew up in the world of dance, costumes played a huge role in my childhood.  I took ballet, tap, & jazz lessons for over 15 years.  My mother was a seamstress and sewed many recital costumes.  There was always tulle fabric and sequins scattered about.  My favorite costume she ever made had to be a piece we did for a jazz-mamba routine.  The sleeves were were full of ruffles in elaborate colors.  Definitely an eye-catcher from the stage!

Thank you Stasia for taking the time to stop by my blog today & I hope all my followers will pick up a copy of Audition on October 13th!

I receive a small commission from books purchased through the Amazon links provided.

Brooklyn, Burning - Character Interview: Kid

About the book:

When you're sixteen and no one understands who you are, sometimes the only choice left is to run. If you're lucky, you'll find a place that accepts you, no questions asked. And if you're really lucky, that place has a drum set, a place to practice, and a place to sleep. For Kid, the streets of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, are that place. Over the course of two scorching summers, Kid falls hopelessly in love and then loses nearly everything and everyone worth caring about. But as summer draws to a close, Kid finally finds someone who can last beyond the sunset. {taken from goodreads.com}

Steve Brezenoff has created a very broken, heart-felt character in this book.  We go through the story never quite knowing if Kid is a boy or a girl.  The author has left it up to the reader to make that decision.  It's a powerful novel, with a powerful message.  It's a story about a young soul trying to find themselves among a sea of people telling them who they should be.  Kid has stopped by the blog today to answer a few of my own questions.

Describe a day in the life of a teenager homeless on the streets of NYC.

I can really only answer for myself, not for any other kid. I can’t even answer for Felix or Scout, since they were always going off on their own. But for me? It’s just about whatever gets me through the day, and I’m lucky ‘cause I have a lot of people in the neighborhood who help me out. I guess a lot of street kids don’t. But it’s changed, depending on where I’m staying, too. I’ve slept at the warehouse, before it burned down, and that meant during the day I’d have to keep moving. So I did a lot of wandering around, looking for friends sometimes, or just some out-of-the-way shade. But like I said, whenever I was hungry or needed a drink, I usually had someone I could turn to.

If you could play any song for Scout, which one would you choose? and why?

That’s a pretty sappy question! Besides, I only play drums, so I can’t really play a song so you’d know what it was. Or do you mean, like, upstairs on Fish’s jukebox or something? Because then I’d choose “Kick Drum Heart” by the Avett Brothers. It suits me, since they like Brooklyn so much and so do I, and it refers to drums for me, and voice for Scout.

What are some words of advice you would give a young boy or girl today, who doesn't feel accepted in their world?

Maybe they’re in the wrong world, and they need to go out and find the right one. Do you know what I mean? Everyone’s got a family, even if you have to make it yourself.

It's a hot summer day in the city, where do you find salvage to cool off?

My favorite is still Fish’s basement, of course, but I also like finding a shady spot past the warehouses, right on the river, where I used to sit with Felix. McCarren Park is a good place for a nap, and with all the hipsters around, no one will even look at you twice. And it’s got a big pool, if you can squeeze your way in. It’s not shady, but a nice long soak is always good.

You have 2 plane tickets to anywhere in the world, where do you go? and with who?

I’d take Scout to Los Angeles. If Scout can’t become a star out there, then Hollywood is stupider than I thought.

Thank you Steve & Kid for stopping by the blog today.  Be sure to pick up a copy of Brooklyn, Burning on September 1st.  This post is part of the Brooklyn, Burning book tour hosted by Teen Book Scene.

Author Interview: Jennifer Echols

You may have seen me mention YA author Jennifer Echols a time or two on my blog.  Ok let's be real - more like a gazillion times!  She is, after all, one of my FAVORITE contemporary authors for young adult fiction.  Her books speak directly to me, and pull me inside the pages.  Her stories are filled with characters that I can physically see and imagine myself knowing.  But let's cut to the chase, this woman knows how to write sexytimes in YA lit.  She does it with such brilliance and modesty that sometimes you have to stop, re-read a sentence or two, and then let the steaminess simmer awhile before turning the page.

I am BEYOND excited to be a part of the Teen Book Scene book tour for her latest novel, Love Story.  If you stopped by my blog yesterday then hopefully you read my review for it; as well as entered the AMAZING giveaway for not one, but THREE of her novels!  I was asked to propose a few interview questions that Ms. Echols can only answer in 10 words or less.  Me being someone who likes to talk, I commend her for her efforts! I know it would have been difficult for me to accomplish.

In 10 Words or Less...

1. Besides writing fantastically amazing books, I know that you are a copy editor.

Tell me 10 of your favorite words.

Ubiquitous, seedy, penultimate, tingle, obsequious, soporific, misspell, pabulum, phototropic, hot.

2. What are Meg & John After from Going Too Far up to these day?

Working, finishing school, and having a great time together.

3. Can we expect any follow-ups to your previous books?

I don’t like reading sequels so I don’t write them.

4. How does it feel to see yourself as a full time author?

It’s everything I ever wanted. I hope to stay here.

5. Best moment about writing Love Story?

Hunter’s story about the planets. That came out of nowhere.


That was definitely short & sweet!  Thanks again to Jennifer Echols & Teen Book Scene for putting this together.  Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY for a chance to win Love Story, Going Too Far, & Forget You.

Hereafter by Tara Hudson

Published: June 7, 2011
Received: review copy via The {Teen} Book Scene

Can there truly be love after death?

Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she's dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she's trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive.

Amelia and Joshua grow ever closer as they begin to uncover the strange circumstances of her death and the secrets of the dark river that held her captive for so long. But even while they struggle to keep their bond hidden from the living world, a frightening spirit named Eli is doing everything in his power to destroy their newfound happiness and drag Amelia back into the ghost world . . . forever. {taken from goodreads.com}

In a heavily populated society of paranormal romance in the young adult fiction realm, Tara Hudson brings a unique twist to the table.  The main character, a female, is the one who possesses the paranormal characteristics.  After reading about so many werewolves, vampires, & fallen angels -- being introduced to a lead female role as a ghost was a bit of fresh air for me.  I enjoyed reading this story from Amelia's point of view.  As much as I enjoy stories about the supporting male possessing the supernatural qualities, it's nice to break up the monotony from time to time.

As I said before, Amelia is a ghost.  We are first taught in the beginning of the story that she has no recollection of how this came about.  Just that her death occurred at High Bridge & she drowned in the depths of the river below.  Since then Amelia has been plagued with the discontent of not being able to remember past memories, or encounter her sense of touch or smell, among other senses she's seemed to have lost.  Her days are blurred together as she roams aimlessly through the nightmare of never waking up.  Then one day everything changes.  A boy has been cast over the same bridge and Amelia finds herself diving deep in to the dark waters to save him.

Something has pulled her to him and she knows she must fight against instinct and save this poor soul.  While in the midst of saving Joshua, a single touch of his hand to her cheek ignites a spark within her.  It is here that she is able to trace back to when she began to gain her senses again.  Joshua is the first person to really see her and she knows this must mean something.  He must mean something.  After saving Joshua's life, Amelia is drawn to this boy.  Her purpose in knowing him is greater than she could ever imagine.

The relationship between Amelia and Joshua was instant love.  If you're a fan of paranormal romances that doesn't beat around the bush, then you will enjoy this connection between these two characters.  Some may say that it was hard to connect with at times, doubting it's believability.  If I were seeing a ghost for the first time, I'm not sure I'd be so quick to want to be around them constantly.  Fear would take center stage first, and lots of questions would be asked second.  Aside from that, I believe this book will appeal to many young readers.  It bodes lots of mystery and intrigue.  The plot is not mapped out in the beginning, which keeps the reader engaged.  Overall it's an enjoyable read that adds something different to the paranormal romance we see so much of on YA shelves today.

Hereafter Book Tour: Teenage Garage Sale

As part of the Hereaftter book tour hosted by The Teen {Book} Scene, author Tara Hudson has stopped by GReads to show us a list of what she'd put in her fictional teenage garage sale.  Enjoy this awesome list & let me know in the comments what you'd find in your own teenage garage sale :-)

Fifteen - yes fifteen - prom dresses, $20 a piece, bought on clearance at my local Dillard's. Ladies, you too can spend hours in indecision, trying to determine whether you look best in blue sparkles or purple silk!

A paintless dent repair kit for your car, $200. Because what your parents don't know about how often you ding people in the school parking lot won't hurt them.

One pair of pink platform Jelly shoes, $0.50. They were a bad idea then, they're a bad idea now.

One Fiona Apple CD, used beyond play-ability, Free to good home. Self-explanatory.

A journal and ten ballpoint pens, $10. Start writing now - you won't regret it.

Three jars of peach lip balm, $5. Again, self-explanatory. Just make sure your crush isn't allergic to peaches. Or petroleum.

An endless quantity of self-esteem, no cost. Because although you don't know it now, you're gorgeous, smart, and capable of anything! Except, of course, keeping your car dent-free.

Be sure to check out Tara Hudson's website where you can learn more about this author -- other than her love for prom dresses, Fiona Apple, and peach lip balm ;-)

Character Interview: London from Forgotten

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Published: June 7, 2011 by Little, Brown Books

Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.

Part psychological drama, part romance, and part mystery, this thought-provoking novel will inspire readers to consider the what-if's in their own lives and recognize the power they have to control their destinies.
{taken from goodreads.com}

Please welcome London Lane, from Cat Patrick's novel Forgotten to GReads!  Though she may not remember this interview tomorrow (unless she jots it down in her notebook) I thought I'd snag her & ask her a few intriguing questions.

So London, tell me what is the first impression most people have when they first meet you?

Since no one really knows for sure what kind of impression they’re making on someone—we can only hope it’s a good one—I honestly have no idea. So, I just called Jamie to ask her what she thought of me when we first met. Here’s what she said: “I thought you were stuck up because you didn’t talk to anyone, but I liked your hair.”

Hmm. Stuck up? I’m calling Luke…Okay, his is better. “I thought you were hotter than Princess Leia. I thought you were a little weird, but in a good way. I immediately wanted to get to know you.”

Haha wow. Yeah I'd definitely like Luke's impression a lot more! Could you tell me what the most familiar object is to you & why?

The most familiar object to me is the notebook on my nightstand. It’s pretty much the first thing I’ll see every morning for the rest of my foreseeable life. It’s like a roadmap and rule book for getting through each day.

As I mentioned above, I hope you jot down this interview in your notebook to remember! Since you like to play the "feet game" a lot (identifying people by their shoes) - what are your favorite shoes to wear?

Well, this sounds funny, but I don’t own them yet. When I get the offer for my first real job, I remember that I’ll splurge on a pair of classic pumps that I’ll have forever. They’re amazingly comfortable for dressy shoes and look great with everything. I remember feeling grown up and beautiful in them.

There's always a price to pay for fabulous shoes, right?! What song comes to mind when you see Luke Henry (your oh so hot boyfriend) for the first time each day?

I don’t know about yesterday, but today when I saw him, I thought of “In Your Eyes,” originally by Peter Gabriel. Luke has The. Most. Amazing. Eyes.

But also, there’s this unknown singer: he’ll be on one of those singing competitions and get a record deal. Then he’ll cover the song…that’s the version that will play on the night we…let’s just say it’s a big night.

Oh my! Having the perfect soundtrack for the perfect night is always important! I heard there's been talk about your story becoming a movie. Who would you prefer to be cast as you? what about Luke?

Hailee Steinfeld is attached to play me, and I think she’s perfect (her hair is darker than mine but who cares?). As for Luke? Wow, that’s tough. He has an effortlessly cool yet oh-so-hot look like William Moseley or Chance Crawford, so I’d vote for someone like that.

Both of which are very nice choices, I might add. Since you can see the future, do you plan to put these special talents to use? or would you rather ignore them & live each day pretending not to know what's to come?

I think part of the fun in life is surprises, so I choose to live as “normally” as I can. I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone else either (my notes tell me that Jamie has forbidden me from telling her anything about her future). However, there are times when I’ll help keep people out of harm’s way: that’s just doing the right thing. But no, I’m not going to purposely win the lottery or join the FBI or become a paid psychic or anything.

I must admit, having that power would be very difficult not to use though! I admire your strength to keep yourself from peering too far ahead in the future. I know it would be oh so hard for me not to look. Thank you London for stopping by GReads and answering a few of my questions :-) It's always interesting to get inside that character's mind from time to time.

I also wanted to say a huge thanks to author Cat Patrick for putting this post together!  Be sure to pick up your copy of Forgotten on June 7th!

Courtesy of The {Teen} Book Scene.

Interview with Jennifer Laurens - The Teen {Book} Scene Tour

Jennifer Laurens, author of Overprotected, has stopped by GReads today to answer a few questions about her book & her life as an author.

 

How long have you been writing YA novels?

Since 2004. I started out in women’s romance, then shifted to YA when my (then) teenage daughters wanted romances without the smut. I wrote Falling for Romeo, Magic Hands and Nailed for them – light, romantic comedies with plenty of sexual tension minus graphic sex.

Where did the idea for Overprotected come about?

All of my books are a combination of events from my own life to one degree or another. I’m an only child, I had overprotective parents. My cousin, also an only child, lived in Chicago and NYC. She lived in circumstances similar to Ashlyn’s. I loved the idea of creating a love triangle that was different: father, daughter, love interest. I know the frustration of living with overprotective parents, and I thought it was a natural boundary to write about, and an interesting tie for the love triangle.

How do you feel the readers will connect & identify with Ashlyn?

Some will wonder how anyone could endure living with parents like that. The story is a coming-of-age story. Each of us experiences our own coming-of-age, even though our circumstances are different. We all want independence. Independence, freedom to love and choose are universal themes everyone can relate to.

What challenged you the most while writing Overprotected?

Forgetting the first drafts of the book I wrote. I’ve written the story 3 different ways, from different POVs. It was hard allowing the characters new freedom to “go” in different directions in this version.

Who is considered your favorite author?

I have many and they all rate the same: excellent.

Do you have any crazy quirks or habits while writing?

Popping on Twitter while writing. I used to drink soda but don’t anymore. L Each book has a soundtrack I listen to day and night while writing a project – that little habit helps me jump back into writing.

Who has been your biggest supporter as a writer?

My two daughters and husband.

Thank you Jennifer for taking the time to answer my questions!  Best of luck to her with the success of her book, Overprotected.  Please check out my review for the book here.

Overprotected by Jennifer Laurens - The Teen {Book} Scene Tour

Published: April 29, 2011 by Grove Creek Publishing
Received: The Teen Book Scene Book Tour

Ashlyn: A lonely society princess living in New York City.

Daddy hired you to be my bodyguard.

Colin: Childhood enemy, now her protector.

Daddy thought I’d be safe. He thought I’d never fall in love. He thought he could keep me forever.

Charles: obsessed with keeping her safe, keeping her his, he hires the one person he knows she could never fall in love with: Colin.

Daddy was wrong. {taken from goodreads.com}

Imagine yourself at seventeen always having someone by your side; a constant shadow that tails you where ever you go, never knowing the true meaning of privacy.  Ashlyn was kidnapped at a young age by someone her parents trusted, her nanny.  As a result of this traumatic event, Ashlyn's father has hired a bodyguard to be near her at all times.  Ashlyn & her parents live on the upper East side of Manhattan, surrounded by the "royalty" of NYC.  It is here that she is kept in close confines of her townhouse, only seeking true freedom by expressing herself through her music on the baby grand piano.  Ashlyn is constantly pressing her father to give her more space, more freedom to live the life every other normal teenage girl does.

It starts to become clear that it is her father, Charles, that is living in fear & not Ashlyn.  Every step she makes, every breath she takes is watched closely by him.  Ultimately he wants his daughter to always be by his side, under his watchful eye.  He takes it upon himself to hire a new bodyguard for Ashlyn, Colin.  They knew each other as children, before & shortly after Ashlyn was abducted.  The memories that Ashlyn harbors about Colin are not good ones.  She remembers the boy who teased her & poked fun at her.  Things change as one grows older though; people change & Ashlyn soon realizes that Colin has grown in to a very striking young man.  For the first time she is experiencing feelings she has never felt before.  With Colin by her side, she begins to look forward to these moments & not dread them.  It is here, while he is protecting her, that the two of them develop a closer relationship than either one predicted.  Ashlyn feels the want & urge to break away from her father's watchful eye even more.  She longs for freedom & choices of her own.  She longs for Colin.

Jennifer Laurens' writing is a breath of fresh air to read.  Her words are melodic as they set the scene on each page.  Her attention to detail is riveting.  I could picture the clothes each character wore, the placement of the room's furniture, & even the expressions that told so much more than the dialogue itself.  I read this book as a movie, only wanting to hit pause for bathroom breaks & to grab more popcorn.  The slow build between Ashlyn & Colin was mesmerizing.  Immediately I was drawn to the intensity between the two of them.  I could literally feel the tension seeping off the pages.  The plot kept the pages turning as well.  Since the story deals with kidnapping & the need to protect, as the reader you always felt a hint of unease for Ashlyn.  I was careful to make sure Colin was by her side, too.  Never quite knowing what laid ahead on the next page.  Overprotected is written from a teenager's point of view; however, I felt that it had a very mature tone through out the story.  I tend to gravitate towards young adult authors with this sort of voice.  I recommend this book to any one who is looking for a contemporary piece with just the right amount of romance & real life/family issues mixed in.  I am eager to pick up more by this author because this story has definitely peaked my interest!

The Long Weekend {book tour} + Giveaway

Have you read The Long Weekend by Savita Kalhan??  It's a chilling story about two boys who find themselves trapped in the middle of a nightmare that will keep you turning the pages in fear of what's to come next.  The talented author Savita has stopped by GReads to answer a few questions & also present a giveaway for my followers!

Hi Ginger! Thanks for inviting me to your blog today. I’m looking forward to answering your questions!

With this being your first novel, I read that you stumbled in to writing as a dare. I'm curious, what was the dare?

Well, I lived in a country where most books were banned and I used to come back from holiday with books hidden in my suitcase. I was heavily into fantasy epics at the time – and as you know there were sometimes several books in the series! Some of them were brilliant, others were not and after the major effort of getting the books into the kingdom, it was really disappointing. My friend and I dared each other to write an epic fantasy trilogy! We both taught English and devoured books like demons, but neither of us had ever written before. I completed the challenge, but she didn’t write a single word! But my friend did read every single word I wrote!

Do you see yourself always writing young adult literature? Or do you feel as though you might venture to different genres?

At the moment I’m loving what I do. I love reading teen and YA literature, but I’m a big reader and read as much adult literature. The different genres I read vary widely too. I love crime novels, fantasy epics, and world literature. So I may venture away from writing YA, but I don’t think it will be for long!

Of all the places you have traveled to, which would be your favorite spot?

I think my favourite place is Malaysia. I went there on my honeymoon and loved it! I went back several years later and it was just as wonderful as I remembered it. I love the warm tropical feel it has, the people are friendly, the food is great and the sand and the sea are just glorious. I think I’m overdue another visit...

Do you have any fun quirks or habits while writing?

I tend not to hear anything when I’m working! My son will come and ask me a question and I’m nodding as he’s asking, but at the end of it, I won’t have heard a word he’s said and he knows it!

Sometimes I talk to myself, which I know is the first sign of madness, but I can’t help it!

I have notebooks dotted round the house – just in case I think of something and I’m afraid of forgetting it before I get to the laptop!

I have an enormous collection of notebooks, which came about because I wrote the fantasy epic in notebooks before transferring it to the computer. It’s hundreds of thousands of words long, so I became a notebook collector – I’m always on the lookout for more!

When will we see another published book from you?

Gosh, that’s a big question! If it were down to me I’d say this year, but being more realistic I’m hoping for next year. It’s a tricky business and so much of it is out of the writer’s control!

Thanks, for having me here, Ginger. It’s been fun!

Be sure to check out her website: Savita Kalhan
Follow her on twitter: @savitakalhan
Or visit her Facebook: The Long Weekend

** GIVEAWAY **

EDIT: Winner has been chosen & this giveaway is now closed!!!

Please answer the following question in the comments for a chance to win a copy of The Long Weekend!  Leave your email address so that I may contact you if you're the winner, thanks.

What’s your favorite place to go back to visit - and what book would you take with you?

It's always a pleasure to have an author featured here at GReads! Thanks again to Savita for stopping by.  Be sure to check out her book & don't forget to answer the question above for the giveaway!