Sunday, August 30, 2015

Around The World ARC Tours Presents Zero Day by Jan Gangsei


Synopsis:

Eight years ago, Addie Webster was the victim of the most notorious kidnapping case of the decade. Addie vanished—and her high-profile parents were forced to move on.

Mark Webster is now president of the United States, fighting to keep the oval office after a tumultuous first term. Then, the unthinkable happens: the president’s daughter resurfaces. Addie is brought back into her family’s fold, but who is this sixteen-year-old girl with a quiet, burning intelligence now living in the White House? There are those in the president’s political circle who find her timely return suspicious.

When the NSA approaches Darrow Fergusson, Addie’s childhood best friend and the son of the president’s chief of staff, he doesn't know what to think. How could this slip of a girl be a threat to national security? But at the risk of having his own secrets exposed by the powerful government agency, Darrow agrees to spy on Addie.

It soon becomes apparent that Addie is much more than the traumatized victim of a sick political fringe group. Addie has come with a mission. Will she choose to complete it? And what will happen if she does? 

Goodreads:

Review:

I love a good scandal book where there is secrets, lies, and everything inbetween. Man I feel so privileged to have read this ARC. Once I started reading I could not stop reading it. It reminded me of so many TV shows I watch that I could not quite put my finger on which show it is.

In this story we meet Addie Webster who has been kidnapped as a child and held in some compound. Her parents who are high profile grieve for their daughter and continue to look for her for a while. As time goes on Addie's father becomes the President of The United States. Mark Webster has not had a good first term as the Republican's have one way and The Democrat's have another way. He is fighting like hell to keep the oval office position.

Then one day Addie shows up and everyone's world is turned upside down. Her return is very weird and at a bad time for her father as he is trying to get things in order and keep his Presidency. Not only does her family feel weary but her childhood best friend Darrow Fergusson is also weary of his best friends return. He is the son of the President's Chief and can't fathom what happened or what Addie went through.

Darrow has some skeleton's in his closet so when he is approached to spy on Addie he does. He knows he can't be exposed so he will do anything to keep his secrets a secret. Addie is considered a victim of a fringe political group but people around her are wondering is she is back as a mole with a mission to hurt them or is she back and ready to put her life behind her?

If she is back with a mission will she fulfill it or will she go rouge and run from the political group.......... 


About The Author:

Jan Gangsei grew up in the hills of Vermont, where she began her career as a journalist and photographer. After stints in Key West, New York City and Barbados, Jan finally settled with her family in Northern Virginia, where she writes full-time.

Her debut YA novel, ZERO DAY (Disney Hyperion 2015), is a political thriller set in her backyard of Washington, DC. 

She’s also the voice behind several middle-grade novels, including the WELCOME TO WEIRDSVILLE series (Little Brown UK 2013); and THE ROWE-GREENBEARDS MARVELOUS, MAGNIFICANT NOT AT ALL DANGEROUS TIME TRAVEL TOURS (Athena DE 2016).

Website:

Around The World ARC Tours Presents The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett


Synopsis:

Artist Beatrix Adams knows exactly how she's spending the summer before her senior year. Determined to follow in Leonardo da Vinci’s footsteps, she's ready to tackle the one thing that will give her an advantage in a museum-sponsored scholarship contest: drawing actual cadavers. But when she tries to sneak her way into the hospital’s Willed Body program and misses the last metro train home, she meets a boy who turns her summer plans upside down.

Jack is charming, wildly attractive . . . and possibly one of San Francisco’s most notorious graffiti artists. On midnight buses and city rooftops, Beatrix begins to see who Jack really is—and tries to uncover what he’s hiding that leaves him so wounded. But will these secrets come back to haunt him? Or will the skeletons in Beatrix’s own family’s closet tear them apart? 

Goodreads:

Review:

First I have to say that this book really took me by surprise. I thought I was going to be reading a love story but what I got out of this story was so much more.What I got was a story where two people want something different from their lives. What they get is so much more from each other and the two take a journey where they think about what they want and the how to reach that goal. Plus they find out secrets that could crush them or keep them together.

Bex is an artist and she wants to spend the summer before senior year being like Leonardo Da Vinci and drawing cadavers. But as she is going to catch the bus she misses it. She is so nervous because she does not want to be on the late bus with all the creeps and weirdos. But she gets on the bus and that is where she meets Jack. 

Jack and Bex start to talk and find they have so much in common. As they spend more and more time together Bex suspects that Jack is something other than he says and wants to find out the real Jack but finding that out may uncover other secrets that could push them together or pull them apart.

What will happen to Jack and Bex........ 


About The Author:

Jenn Bennett is an artist and RITA-nominated author of the Arcadia Bell urban fantasy series (Kindling the Moon) and the Roaring Twenties romance series, including Bitter Spirits, which was chosen as one of Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2014 and winner of RT Book Reviews Paranormal Romance Book of the Year, and Grave Phantoms—which was awarded RT's May Seal of Excellence for 2015. The Anatomical Shape of a Heart, (aka Night Owls in the U.K.) is her first YA contemporary romance. She lives near Atlanta with one husband and two evil pugs. Visit her at www.jennbennett.net.

Want to be notified when her next book is coming out? Join her mailing list: http://eepurl.com/V5il9

Follow her on:




Thursday, August 27, 2015

Around The World ARC Tours Presents Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon


Synopsis:

This innovative, heartfelt debut novel tells the story of a girl who’s literally allergic to the outside world. When a new family moves in next door, she begins a complicated romance that challenges everything she’s ever known. The narrative unfolds via vignettes, diary entries, texts, charts, lists, illustrations, and more.

My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.

But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.

Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.

Goodreads:

Review:

Okay I first have to say this about this book. At first after reading the description I thought what a girl who has never left her house ever????? Is her parents crazy, is she crazy. Then I started to wonder where the author was going with this story and as I started to read I could not get enough of this story and the characters. My favorite character is Madeline and to watch her grow and realize what life is like with the aide of Olly her new friend is amazing.

Madeline has a hard life because she is allergic to the world and she can't leave her house. She has never been outside but she looks out the windows and watches people and the changing seasons. I have to say that this book really grabbed my heart as I have a nephew who is allergic to chicken and we found out after we gave him the chicken and he stopped breathing.

One day Madeline is looking out her room window and she sees a moving truck next door and sees this tall boy dressed all in black. She is curious about him and wants to get to know him but she can't because she is stuck in the house. Then her and Olly start talking and Madeline's life starts to change and she begins to see that the outside world is not the only thing that can hurt her but the secrets and lies her mother hides from her will change the way she will live her life from now on.

Will Madeline go outside or will she stay inside in her bubble life?


About The Author:

I believe in love. Really, truly. 

I'm kind of a hopeless romantic. 

I'm a proud member of the We Need Diverse Books team. 

In a former life I made jewelry. You can see some of it here

I love Karoake, but I cannot sing. I. Am. The. Worst. My song of choice is “Making Love out of Nothing at all” by Air Supply, because AIR SUPPLY. 

My husband makes custom notebooks. They are pretty popular. 

I hand write my first drafts. 

I keep all the empty pens. 

I was (am and always will be) a late bloomer. 

In a former life I was French. I could live entirely on wine & cheese. 

Or maybe Korean because I could live on Kimchi & Gablee too. 

FOLLOW, FOLLOW, FOLLOW ME

Around The World ARC Tours Presents Forget Tomorrow (Forget Tomorrow, #1) by Pintip Dunn


Synopsis:

Imagine a world where your destiny has already been decided...by your future self.

It's Callie’s seventeenth birthday and, like everyone else, she's eagerly awaiting her vision―a memory sent back in time to sculpt each citizen into the person they're meant to be. A world-class swimmer. A renowned scientist.

Or in Callie's case, a criminal.

In her vision, she sees herself murdering her gifted younger sister. Before she can process what it means, Callie is arrested and placed in Limbo―a hellish prison for those destined to break the law. With the help of her childhood crush, Logan, a boy she hasn’t spoken to in five years, she escapes.

But on the run from her future, as well as the government, Callie sets in motion a chain of events that she hopes will change her fate. If not, she must figure out how to protect her sister from the biggest threat of all—Callie, herself.

Goodreads:

Review:

This book was amazing. It is set in a virtualistic world where every boy and girl at the age of 17 get their future. They can several things and have a good life or have a bad future predicted to them. In this case Callie who just turned 17 is predicted a horrible future. After seeing her vision which is a memory sent back in time to mold everyone's future she is horrified to find out she will be a criminal. She is destined to kill someone close to her and she refuses to make that her future.

Once Callie's vision is out she is arrested and sent to prison where she meets up with a friend she has not spoken to for some time. With Lucas by her side they hatch a plan to escape and rewrite her future. Escaping the prison and on the run is not as easy as it seems but they make it work. Callie is doing whatever she has to do to change her future and with Logan's help she just might make it. But we have to wait and see what happens in the next book which I need ASAP! 


About The Author:

When my first-grade teacher asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I replied, “An author.” Although I have pursued other interests over the years, this dream has never wavered.

I graduated from Harvard University, magna cum laude, with an A.B. in English Literature and Language. I received my J.D. at Yale Law School, where I was an editor of the YALE LAW JOURNAL. I published an article in the YALE LAW JOURNAL, entitled, “How Judges Overrule: Speech Act Theory and the Doctrine of Stare Decisis,” and received the Barry S. Kaplan Prize for best paper in Law and Literature.

I am represented by literary agent Beth Miller of Writers House. I'm a 2012 Golden Heart® finalist and a 2014 double-finalist. I'm a member of Romance Writers of America, Washington Romance Writers, YARWA, and The Golden Network.

I live with my husband and children in Maryland.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Around The World ARC Tours Presents For the Record by Charlotte Huang


Synopsis:

If Almost Famous were a YA novel... a raw, honest debut celebrating music, friendship, romance, and life on the road.

Chelsea thought she knew what being a rock star was like... until she became one. After losing a TV talent show, she slid back into small-town anonymity. But one phone call changed everything 

Now she’s the lead singer of the band Melbourne, performing in sold-out clubs every night and living on a bus with three gorgeous and talented guys. The bummer is that the band barely tolerates her. And when teen heartthrob Lucas Rivers take an interest in her, Chelsea is suddenly famous, bringing Melbourne to the next level—not that they’re happy about that. Her feelings for Beckett, Melbourne’s bassist, are making life even more complicated.

Chelsea only has the summer tour to make the band—and their fans—love her. If she doesn’t, she’ll be back in Michigan for senior year, dying a slow death. The paparazzi, the haters, the grueling schedule... Chelsea believed she could handle it. But what if she can’t?

Goodreads:

Review:

For The Record was one of those summer reads that has you laughing out loud because of the things that go one between the band and Chelsea. 

Chelsea wanted to be a rock star and even entered a contest but lost. She is not sad because she knows the industry and knows that it is hard to get a lead singer position. Then one day Chelsea gets a call and she becomes the lead singer to the band Melbourne. She thought she knew what being a rock star was but when she is announced as the lead singer things change for her and the band.

The Band is in sold out performances every night and Chelsea is singing her heart out and the band is playing like crazy. Then Chelsea gets a big surprise because another famous guy Lucas Rivers starts to like Chelsea and wants her to be with him.Suddenly Chelsea and the band are at the top and the fame and gigs every night are fun but tiring. 

Then Chelsea has this small issue because she has feelings for one of the guys in the band. What will she do? Will she pursue the band mate or will she go for her heart throb Lucas?


About The Author:

Charlotte Huang is a graduate of Smith College and received an MBA from Columbia Business School, which is clearly something every aspiring writer should do. When not glued to her computer, she cheers her two sons on at sporting events and sometimes manages to stay up late enough to check out bands with her music agent husband. Charlotte lives in Los Angeles and is the author of For the Record (Delacorte, 2015)

Represented by Adriann Ranta of Wolf Literary.

Around The World ARC Tours Presents The Lies About Truth by Courtney C. Stevens



Synopsis:

Sadie Kingston, is a girl living in the aftermath. A year after surviving a car accident that killed her friend Trent and left her body and face scarred, she can’t move forward. The only person who seems to understand her is Trent’s brother, Max.

As Sadie begins to fall for Max, she's unsure if she is truly healed enough to be with him — even if Max is able to look at her scars and not shy away. But when the truth about the accident and subsequent events comes to light, Sadie has to decide if she can embrace the future or if she'll always be trapped in the past.

Goodreads:

Review:

Oh man where to start on this book. I loved loved it so much I am going to buy it when it comes out in November because I want to re-read it again and again. This is one of those stories that has loss, love, and reality in it. It tugged at my heart so much so I had to get my box of tissues because there were so many things that had my heart crushing. 

In this story we met Sadie Kingston who has survived a tragic car accident that has killed her best friend Trent and severely scarred Sadie's body and face. Sadie is left to heal and find herself again but she is not alone because Trent's younger brother Max is left wondering what has happened and why. 

Sadie and Max start an unlikely friendship at first and as they get closer they begin to form a bound. Then that bond is tested when the truth of the accident comes out and Sadie is left to wonder if she should move on or if she should stay in the past which has become her here and now.


About Author:

Twitter - @quartland

Tumblr -http://courtneycstevens.tumblr.com/

Instagram - quartland

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CourtneyCStevens

Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/anabels/courtney-c-stevens-books/

email - channelingbrave@gmail.com

A short story of me offline:


This kid (me) started catching when she was four years old. She never played another position and softball was a huge part of her life. Softball is how she paid for college. For four years she played ball at Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, KY. She holds many records, but the one she is most proud of is Career Hits. 239 hits. 70 of them in one season. Below is a picture of me with my Grandparents at my very last collegiate game.
I only have one sibling (Matt). We grew up in the country, and we grew up "romping around" and actually played outside. I have more stories about Matt than I'll ever dream up to write. You can see here that we started off sort of sweet and ended up somewhere else entirely.



Things that surprise me and might surprise you.

1) I was an olympic torchbearer.

2) I've been making "me in a tree" pictures since I was little bitty. (This one is from Yellowstone)

3) My mother tortured me with dancing.




One of the great joys in my life was being a youth minister. These kids, and others not on this trip, were a huge and significant part of my life. There is no greater joy than knowing what you do makes a difference to someone. These students have traveled with me, trusted me with their secrets, shared life with me, and let me kick their tail ends in laser tag (and paintball and hunger games and water gun wars and .... you get the picture. We have a good time.)






There is no way to put a picture here of all the amazing people in my life. Even to try and list them ... Wow. But I'd be remiss if I didn't say that my mom is the best line editor in the world. She's been with me every step of the writing way. And so have the three people pictured here. They are my accountability group, best friends, and my life wouldn't be the same without them. They make me feel like Captain America!

I also feel fine about the world when I'm spending time in the company below. Gospel is my Ewok (miniture Yorkie) and my dad is my confidant. (He raised a good Cardinals fan.)



Everyone needs a friend to act ridiculous with. I have a number of them. But CJ is my sister. See! It takes a strong woman to wear an owl print on her head. And to dress up with me (like teenagers) for the Midnight Harry Potter releases.


I write by myself with the music on. But I revise and read in silence. I used to write at Barnes and Noble. Now I write at Percy Warner Park. And sometimes at my desk. My favorite place to write is the beach (Fort Walton). I wrote 170 pages of Faking Normal longhand in a beach chair. I wrote all of The Lies About Truth at Percy Warner Park.


One of the best pieces of advice I can give someone is to have a great critique group. I'm fortunate to critique with some amazing writers. As a member of SCBWI, I was hooked up with writers in my area. The three of us have been writing together since 2009




The picture to the right is of my Nashville Critique group. I joined their group in July of 2011 and we have been plugging along and tearing through manuscripts ever since. These ladies read, critiqued and helped me shape Faking Normal into a manuscript that would get me an agent and a book deal. THEY ARE UNBELIEVABLE.

I also have the pleasure of critiquing with this dear friend to my left. (We are in line for the midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.) We met through the SCBWI Listserv in July of 2010 and have been eating Mellow Mushroom pizza and Panara cookies ever since. We recently took up climbing.

Faking Normal wouldn't exist without the two people below. When the idea came to me at the SCBWI LA national conference, it was these two ladies who listened and said I could be brave enough to write this manuscript. I will always be thankful for the conversations we had in the autograph room and the lobby - you know which ones. 



Last, but certainly not least, here are Kelly's Angels. (Keep in mind she did not give us this title.) I have the unbelievable fortune of sharing an agent with two of my dearest friends on the planet. We all write very differently, but as you can see, we share a similar sense of humor and kick-tail ninja skills. 

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Around The World ARC Tours Presents Truthwitch (The Witchlands #1) by Susan Dennard


Synopsis:

On a continent ruled by three empires, some are born with a “witchery”, a magical skill that sets them apart from others.

In the Witchlands, there are almost as many types of magic as there are ways to get in trouble—as two desperate young women know all too well.

Safiya is a Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lie. It’s a powerful magic that many would kill to have on their side, especially amongst the nobility to which Safi was born. So Safi must keep her gift hidden, lest she be used as a pawn in the struggle between empires.

Iseult, a Threadwitch, can see the invisible ties that bind and entangle the lives around her—but she cannot see the bonds that touch her own heart. Her unlikely friendship with Safi has taken her from life as an outcast into one of reckless adventure, where she is a cool, wary balance to Safi’s hotheaded impulsiveness.

Safi and Iseult just want to be free to live their own lives, but war is coming to the Witchlands. With the help of the cunning Prince Merik (a Windwitch and ship’s captain) and the hindrance of a Bloodwitch bent on revenge, the friends must fight emperors, princes, and mercenaries alike, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

Goodreads:

Review:

Holy Hell this book is the one to watch out for because it takes you on a journey that will have you thinking about the story long after you have finished reading it.

War is coming to The Witchlands. It is a Continent ruled by three Empires. The three empires have different magical abilities. Some are born with a witchery magical skill that sets them apart from others. Safi is a truthwitch which can discern a lie from the truth. Her best friend Iseurt is a thread witch who can see ties that bind and entangled the lives around her.

Safi has to keep her magical abilities a secret because all three Empires want a truthwitch for their own selfish wants. The girls will fight lots of bad guys and get help from some good guys but in the end the girls have no idea what will happen.

Will they win this war or will the lose and Safi the Truthwitch be a slave to the devil......... 


About Author:

Susan Dennard has come a long way from small-town Georgia, where she suffered from mosquitoes, humidity, and a desperate desire to live in a castle. There were also crazy vegetarian parents involved. Needless to say, she read a lot in those days and often composed wretched stories for her sister’s amusement. Eventually, she went off to university, got a Masters in marine biology and statistics, and thought she would devote her life to saving the world from overfishing…Until she met a handsome Frenchman, that is. A year later, when it came to pursuing her PhD or joining aforementioned Frenchman in Europe, Susan chose the latter. With no oceans nearby, she turned her attention to writing for publication. Three years later, her debut novel, Something Strange and Deadly was published by HarperCollins, and you can look for her forthcoming Truthwitch in fall 2015 from Tor.

These days, Susan spends most of her time writing more novels or teaching aspiring authors. She also enjoys long walks on the beach—really, she does! Tidal pools are always fun to marine biologists. She also enjoys long walks with her dogs (an Irish setter named Asimov and a terrier mutt named Princess Leia). But most of all, Susan enjoys reading. Science fiction, fantasy, literary—they’re all consumed with enthusiasm.

Oh, and Susan’s favorite food is “cookies.” She consumes those with enthusiasm, too. 

Friday, August 21, 2015

Around The World ARC Tours Presents The Creeping by Alexandra Sirowy


Synopsis:

Eleven years ago, Stella and Jeanie disappeared. Stella came back. Jeanie never did.

Now all she wants is a summer full of cove days, friends, and her gorgeous crush—until a fresh corpse leads Stella down a path of ancient evil and secrets.

Stella believes remembering what happened to Jeanie will save her. It won’t.

She used to know better than to believe in what slinks through the shadows. Not anymore. 

Goodreads:

Review:
Holy Hades be prepared to be creeped out by this book because it was really creepy and scary all at the same time. I was reading this book in the dark to so I was like I need to turn on a lamp because lordy lordy I started to really get scared.

This unique story is about two best friends who disappear for only one to come back and the other to stay missing. The one who comes back only wants to live a normal life but people are always looking at her and wondering what happened to her best friend and why she came out and her best friend did not.

Then as things get semi normal a fresh corpse appears and has Stella scared because it takes her down a path of evil and secrets so ancient she does not understand why they bother her so. When Jeanie disappeared she was only six years old. She was out picking strawberries with Stella. Stella is starting to wonder if remembering what happened to her and Jeanie will save her but can't imagine the evil leaving her alone as it follows her and calls to her. 

Stella will have to remember what happened to her and Jeanie when they disappeared and what they encountered and why she survived. All she knows is that a little red head girl has washed up in the graveyard and that triggers the memories of Stella who was redheaded and all the missing redheaded girls in town. What happened to them will CREEP you out.........


About Author:

Hello and thanks for exploring my website! Here’s a little about me: I live in a small town in Northern California. Although my town is fringed by forests and foothills like the town of Savage in THE CREEPING, it doesn’t have as many secrets (I think) or as dark of a history (fingers crossed). 

THE CREEPING, a young adult thriller, is my first novel. I enjoy writing about teens because I think they’re smart, have grit, are excited about engaging with the world, and are every bit as complex and dynamic as adults are. 

Although I didn’t study to be a writer at school, I have been writing short stories and inventing characters since my fifth grade camp in the redwoods. I was an undergraduate at Mills College, where I studied International Relations, and earned a graduate degree from the University of San Francisco, where I studied the invisible forces that make people and governments behave as they do. 

In addition to writing fiction, I love discovering new things, traveling (so far Istanbul is my favorite, Ho Chi Minh my least), sourdough bread, trees, lighthouses, seven layer cakes (who doesn’t?), reading the news, music (the kind that makes your chest swell), adventures (some risky, some not-so-much), being silly with my sister, and my (partner in crime) husband. 

I don’t like spiders, anchovies, swimming in lakes (give me the ocean), chipped nail polish (although mine are often chipped), writing my bio, sunburns, or (much more seriously) inequality. 

I am represented by Brianne Johnson of Writers House.

Around The World ARC Tours Presents The Body Institute by Carol Riggs


Synopsis:

Meet Morgan Dey, one of the top teen Reducers at The Body Institute.

Thanks to cutting-edge technology, Morgan can temporarily take over another girl’s body, get her in shape, and then return to her own body—leaving her client slimmer, more toned, and feeling great. Only there are a few catches…

For one, Morgan won’t remember what happens in her “Loaner” body. Once she’s done, she won’t recall walks with her new friend Matt, conversations with the super-cute Reducer she’s been text-flirting with, or the uneasy feeling she has that the director of The Body Institute is hiding something. Still, it’s all worth it in the name of science. Until the glitches start…

Suddenly, residual memories from her Loaner are cropping up in Morgan’s mind. She’s feeling less like herself and more like someone else. And when protests from an anti–Body Institute organization threaten her safety, she’ll have to decide if being a Reducer is worth the cost of her body and soul… 

Goodreads:

Review:

First I have to say that I would love to be in another body and change it. I would love to be someone else who does not have a busy life. I would love to lose all the weight and be toner than I am but I am not sure I would want to pay the price for having all those changes.

Morgan Dey is one of the top ten Reducers at The Body Institute. She takes over another girls body and changes her body by getting it in shape and then she returns to her own body where she resumes her reducer life. This seems like the life right? well here are the downs to doing this. She will not remember her loaner body. She won't remember the Reducer she met and flirt with and she won't remember the new friend she made Matt.

To make matters worst she is starting to get some weird feelings about the Director of The Body Institute. The glitches are appearing more frequently and she can't make heads or tails of what is going on. She sees her loaner bodies and what she has done for them. Then if things couldn't get worse protesters from an anti-body institute threaten her safety. 

What is morgan to do? Run or fight the anti-body institute?


About Author:

I'm a YA (Young Adult) writer, experimenting lately with MG (Middle Grade), which means I write books for tweens, teens, and adults. My sci-fi debut novel THE BODY INSTITUTE explores themes of body image and identity. I live in the beautiful, green state of Oregon and have a Studio Arts degree; I'm an SCBWI member. 

You'll usually find me in my writing cave, surrounded by my dragon collection and the characters in my head. I also enjoy reading--mostly young adult novels--as well as drawing, painting, and quilting. I also attend writing conferences, walk with my husband, and enjoy music and dance of all kinds. 

Find me on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/CarolRiggsAu...

Tweet with me on Twitter. @Artzicarol: https://twitter.com/artzicarol

Email me! carolriggsauthor [at] gmail [dot] com

Around The World ARC Tours Presents The Boy Most Likely To by Huntley Fitzpatrick


Synopsis:

Surprises abound and sparks ignite in the highly anticipated, utterly romantic companion to My Life Next Door

Tim Mason was The Boy Most Likely To:
- find the liquor cabinet blindfolded
- need a liver transplant
- drive his car into a house

Alice Garrett was The Girl Most Likely To:
- well, not date her little brother’s baggage-burdened best friend, for starters.

For Tim, it wouldn’t be smart to fall for Alice. For Alice, nothing could be scarier than falling for Tim. But Tim has never been known for making the smart choice, and Alice is starting to wonder if the “smart” choice is always the right one. When these two crash into each other, they crash hard.

Then the unexpected consequences of Tim’s wild days come back to shock him. He finds himself in a situation that isn’t all it appears to be, that he never could have predicted . . . but maybe should have.

And Alice is caught in the middle.

Told in Tim’s and Alice’s distinctive, disarming, entirely compelling voices, this return to the world of My Life Next Door is a story about failing first, trying again, and having to decide whether to risk it all once more. 

Goodreads:

Review:

This book is amazing just amazing. I love Tim and Alice. They are such opposites that you would never suspect them to end up liking each other. The start of the book is incredible because I was reading and thinking this kid needs to get far far away from his father because he is a complete douche bag and the mother Lord she lived in her own world and it is not reality and his sister she is the only half normal person in his life.

Tim is given an ultimatum by his father and he moves to The Garrets house to get himself together. He has stopped drinking and doing the drugs and has even got a job and is going to AA meetings. He is trying so hard to do right and stay on the right path. He ends up spending time with Alice who is the little sister of his best friend and is starting to have feelings for her.

Alice is my girl Lord she reminds me of my sister a complete control freak. Alice takes care of her younger siblings but she also loves taking care of her family. She starts to talk to Tim and finds herself falling for him but she knows that her brothers would be pissed off. But then there is this issues that Tim finds out about and Alice wonders is it worth it to get involved with someone who has so much drama?

The choice will surprise you ..............


About Author:

Born to parents who read anything and everything, the young, shy and nearsighted Huntley found herself searching for books that let her fall in love... with the story and the boy. It was only natural that one day she would decide to pursue a career in writing. In whole-hearted support, her father presented her with a typewriter, a package of Lucky Strike cigarettes, a bottle of Scotch and a note advising her to "Be Bold, Be Bold, Be Bold."

For her tenth birthday.

Skipping the Scotch and the smokes, she began to write. Her first story involved a family with twenty children who lived by the ocean. The parents were twenty-two. To this day, some things remain constant in Huntley's life: her love of family, salt air, summer and beaches and a shaky grasp of math.

In her teenage years, Huntley's writing involved forcing friends to listen to her stories. At times this involved a twenty-page analysis of a two minute conversation with her current crush and included such phrases as "Pause. Silence. Much audible blushing." Already, she was well on the path to exploring the paradoxical emotions involved in first love and true love. Sometimes we get lucky and they are the same thing.

Huntley spent her college years majoring in Shakespeare and completing a minor in daydreaming, following which she spent time working as a waitress, a caterer, a publicist's minion, a bartender, an account firm assistant, romance novel editor, and co-owner of a café.

Along the way she, too, fell in love.

Today, Huntley lives on the coast of Massachusetts with her encouraging husband and their six energetic children who, thankfully, let her pick their brains, advising her on whatever is currently cool and reminding her of what always matters. In between – and sometimes during – the moments of chaos that surround her large family, Huntley can often be seen dashing to her computer or scribbling with whatever writing implements are on hand—lipstick or eyebrow pencil on an ATM receipt is fair game. Thoughts of young love are never far from her mind. And she'd love to hear yours: Huntley@huntleyfitzpatrick.com

Around The World ARC Tours Presents Firewalker (The Worldwalker Trilogy #2) by Josephine Angelini


Synopsis:

Worlds divide, magic slays, and love lies in the second book of Josephine Angelini’s The Worldwalker Trilogy.

"You think I’m a monster, but my choices, as ruthless as they seem, are justified."

Lily is back in her own universe, and she's ready to start a new life with Rowan by her side. True, she almost died in the Pyre that fueled their escape from New Salem, and must hide her magic for the safety of everyone she cares about, but compared to fighting the Woven, the monstrous creatures inhabiting the alternate Salem, life is looking pretty good.

Unfortunately, Lillian, ruthless ruler of the 13 Cities, is not willing to let Lily go that easily. If she can’t persuade Lily to return to her world, she will force her to come back by doing away with the ones she loves.

Picking up right where Trial By Fire left off, Firewalker is another sexy, fast-paced, heartbreaking thrill ride from internationally bestselling author Josephine Angelini!

Goodreads:

Review:

Firewalker starts right after the Trial By Fire ends. I have to say that I usually am skeptical about follow up books but I have to say that this book was so kick butt that I could not put it down.

I don't want to give away to much but I have to tell you this much. Lily and Rowan are back in her own Universe ready to start a new life. She almost died in the Pyre but instead of dieing she escapes New Salem. She knows she will have to hide her magic but to her and Rowan it is worth it.

She also has one more thing to deal with and that is Lillian. She is the ruler and she wants Lily. As you are reading why she wants Lily the story starts to kick off and you are like holy mother lover.

I will say that the ending if you know Josephine you know the ending is just simply amazing and a cliff hanger leaving you screaming at the book.


About The Author:

JOSEPHINE ANGELINI is a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in theater, with a focus on the classics. Originally from Massachusetts, she now lives in Los Angeles with her screenwriter husband, their baby girl, and three shelter cats. 

Her debut series, Starcrossed, Dreamless, and Goddess, (Harper Teen) are all international bestsellers and have garnered the praise of various major publications, including the LA Times, and have twice won the Reader’s Choice Awards in Germany. The second book in the WorldWalker Trilogy, Firewalker, (Feiwel and Friends, Macmillan) will be out in the US on September 1st.

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Lady Reader's Bookstuff Tours Presents The Last Of The FireDrakes By Farah Oomerbhoy Virtual Book Tour

About The Book:
The Last of the Firedrakes By: Farah Oomerbhoy Publisher: Wise Ink Creative Publishing Pub Date: August 15, 2015 Pages: 488 Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy
A fantastic adventure story that will transport you to a dazzling world of myth and magic. 16-year-old Aurora Darlington is an orphan. Mistreated by her adopted family and bullied at school, she dreams of running away and being free. But when she is kidnapped and dragged through a portal into a magical world, suddenly her old life doesn’t seem so bad. Avalonia is a dangerous land ruled by powerful mages and a cruel, selfish queen who will do anything to control all seven kingdoms—including killing anyone who stands in her way.  Thrust headlong into this new, magical world, Aurora’s arrival sets plans in motion that threaten to destroy all she holds dear. With the help of a young fae, a magical pegasus, and a handsome mage, Aurora journeys across Avalonia to learn the truth about her past and unleash the power within herself. Kingdoms collide as a complicated web of political intrigue and ancient magic lead Aurora to unravel a shocking secret that will change her life forever.
Pre-Sale / Purchase Links:
About The Author:
For Farah Oomerbhoy, writing is a passion and reading her solace. She is a firm believer in the fantastic and magical, and often dreams of living in Narnia, Neverland, or the Enchanted Forest. Farah lives with her husband and three children in their family home in Mumbai, India. She has a Master’s degree in English Literature from the University of Mumbai.  Farah's first novel, The Last of the Firedrakes, Book 1 of the Avalonia Chronicles will be published worldwide August 15th, 2015.
Website |Twitter |Instagram |Pinterest |Goodreads |Wattpad |Facebook
Pre-Sale Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Firedrake Facebook Party:

Don't miss the 2-day Facebook Party to celebrate the release of THE LAST OF THE FIREDRAKES, featuring several guest authors, lots of prizes and even a few secrets.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1005203076178206/

August 14th and August 15th 10am - 8pm Eastern Time.
Event Hosted by:

Monday, August 10, 2015

Around The World ARC Tours Presents Edgewater by Courtney Sheinmel Early Review


Synopsis:

Lorrie Hollander used to be a rich girl, but now she’s lost everything because of the secrets and lies of the people around her. It’s been 12 years since Lorrie’s mother skipped town and left Lorrie in the care of her unstable aunt Gigi. Together they live in a neglected, decrepit mansion called Edgewater, the eyesore in a town of extraordinary wealth and privilege.

When Charlie, the son of an esteemed senator, takes an interest in Lorrie, her shame for her family and lifestyle runs deep. But what she doesn’t know is that Charlie’s family is hiding something, too, and that their secrets are inextricably tied. Now Lorrie must confront the truth about her family—and everything she ever thought she knew about herself.

Goodreads:

Review:

Man oh man I did not expect this book to be what it was. I mean there is mystery, suspense, lies and hidden truths. 

This story starts out with Lorrie living her dreams by going to Boarding school and having the life. Then one day the money is gone and she is sent to live with her estranged mother and aunt Gigi in a rich town full of mansions and money only she will be living in a neglected mansion that is falling apart. The mansion is called Edgewater because it once was beautiful but is now the towns eye sore.

The most wealthy people live here in Edgewater and as Lorrie settles in she meets Charlie who is a Senators son but down to earth and takes a serious interest in Lorrie. What Lorries doesn't realize is Charlie is hiding his own secrets that may or may not tie the families together.


About The Author:


I graduated from Barnard in May 1999! 

A few basics: 

Born: June 21, 1977, in Stanford, California

Raised: in the San Francisco Bay Area until I was nine and my parents divorced. Then my mom, sister, and I moved to New York City, where I've lived ever since.

Education: High School: The Spence School. College: Barnard College (part of Columbia University), where I majored in English with a writing concentration, and minored in Psychology and Sociology. Law School: Fordham School of Law (yeah, I know! Law school! And that's why sometimes my characters' parents are lawyers…and sometimes they need lawyers).

Siblings: one sister, Alyssa B. Sheinmel, plus a stepsister and two stepbrothers. 

Favorite Color: I'm not sure I really have one, but I have to pick, I'd say yellow.

Favorite singers: Carly Simon, Sheryl Crow, and Madonna

Favorite song: What I Did for Love, from the soundtrack to "A Chorus Line"

Favorite food: macaroni and cheese. (If you visit New York, I'd recommend the mac & cheese here.)

Favorite dessert: Levain Bakery chocolate chip walnut cookies. I wrote about them here.

Least favorite foods: yogurt and olives

Writing routine: on a good day, 1000 words. (On a great day, even more.) 


That's me with Carly Simon (She's 6 feet tall)! 


Quotes I live by: 

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." - Plato

"Instructions for living a life: pay attention, be astonished, tell about it." - Mary Oliver

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

Causes I support:




The bio:

Courtney Sheinmel is the author of My So-Called Family, Positively, Sincerely, All the Things You Are, and theStella Batts series for young readers. Her books have received numerous awards, including the Sequoyah Award (Positively), a National Parenting Publication Awards honorable mention (the Stella Batts series), and have appeared on recommended lists, including the New York Public Library's Stuff for the Teenage, and the ABC Best Books for Children.

In addition to writing, Courtney served as a judge on the national level for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, and she received a National Scholastic Outstanding Educator Award for her work as a writing instructor at Writopia Lab, a non-profit organization serving kids ages 8-18. Courtney lives in New York City.


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