Monday, January 4, 2016

Author Interview: Jay Crownover + Giveaway






Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men and The Point series. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she'll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.










Casey Marie: If Royal did not exist, would Asa have been strong enough to stay on the right path, or would he have reverted back to his old ways?

Jay Crownover: I had actually planned to kill Asa off in Jet, but there was something about him. When it came to the time I had planned to pull the plug, there was something nagging at me that made me realize he would come full circle and end the series. In Rule’s book, it begins with him becoming his own and since Asa was such a complicated character, he had to wait through the whole series to get to the same point Rule did in book one. Without Royal, he would not have existed. He was special enough to make his story known.

CM: How did you develop all the Marked Men characters and manage to weave their stories so cohesively?

JC: After Rule and Shaw, I knew Ayden was next. But initially, I thought it was going to be Ayden and Nash. The first three books I had totally planned out: Rule and Shaw, Ayden and Nash, and Rome and Cora. I knew that was how it was going to be; however, the scene when they are all at the bar and Shaw goes home with Rule when he takes Nash home changed my initial plan. Ayden was left with Jet and that was my moment of clarity. I realized Ayden needed to be with Jet because she is such a stubborn, tough-chick and she needed a sensitive guy. I didn’t write their book, they did. I did not have a girl planned for Nash since I had planned having him with Ayden. It was not until Rome’s book when they were in the hospital and I knew the nurse was for Nash. I did not have a girl for Asa since he was going to die. As I wrote Nash’s books, all of the sudden he had a neighbor who was a police officer and I knew they were meant to be. A lot of it was character driven. It did not come from me, it came from them. I had no plans for the spin-off series, Saints of Denver. I was done with the Marked Men, but that moment when Sayer and Zeb meet Rowdy, they had a story. I then realized I had secondary characters that I had not done anything with that I might as well tie the whole group up with. I don’t think I did it, they did it.

CM: What was your favorite part of writing the Marked Men series?

JC: My favorite of any book or any series are the firsts. I love the first meeting. I love the first kiss. I love the first thing they have to work through. The first fight is everything. You can’t have a good romance without conflict and it is all about how that conflict goes. I love any of the firsts. All my books have epilogues because I love to see where everyone is at in the end.

CM: If you could take one character from your Marked Men series and pair them with one of your Point characters, who would be the most compatible in a romantic relationship?

JC: Like I always say, I don’t think any of the Marked Men characters would survive in the Point. Asa could probably hold his own and if you pay attention in Titus’ book, there are hints about the worlds interchanging a little bit. Romantically, maybe Asa and stripper, Honor, they are kind of cut from the same cloth, they are really pretty, too charming for their own good. Willing to do what is needed to get what they want, kind of background. None of the girls could handle any of the Point guys, there is just no way. You have to be from the Point to understand. Even though Royal is a cop and Titus is a cop, they are two totally different breeds of police officers. They are not alike. I don’t know, I do not think any of them would be able to survive and sustain a relationship. Denver is very solid, real and normal while the Point is so exaggerated and so bad. It’s like taking me and dropping me in the middle of south central L.A, I don’t know how long I would last!

CM: Kiss, date, or marry: Rule, Nash, and Bax.

 JC: Rule is so much like me that I would honestly do nothing with him. Our personalities are just so similar. I don’t care what anyone thinks about me or other people’s input in my life, I make decisions for myself. I always say Nash is the guy I would want to marry now, but Bax is my favorite. Bax is the one I would want to do all the things with. It’s not logical or realistic but I like his personality and that he will never let anyone walk all over him. I also like that he is very much the guy who would die for you. But realistically, Nash is the one character that I have ever written who is the most husband ready. He’s such a good guy.

CM: Best friend, roommate, or rival: Saint, Salem and Reeve.

JC: I would totally want to live with Salem because I would want to steal her clothes; her wardrobe is amazing. My best friend out of all of them would probably be Ayden because she is the one I would want to hang out with. I really like Saint but I am really protective of her, so I don’t think that would be a bestie relationship, it would be more of a big-sister relationship. I love Reeve, but she is a badass. We would probably butt-heads. She does not take anything from anyone and I am kind-of that way, too, so I could definitely see that going side-ways.

CM: Describe your books in five words.

JC: Easy, they are a good time. Everything I do is a good time. They are fun to read, fun to write, it’s all a good time; that’s all I set out to do. I am not trying to change the world, I am not trying to save the dolphins.

CM: Is there one couple or character that you wish you could go back in their head again and write?

JC: When I’m done, I’m done. That’s why I don’t do more stories for one couple. Ever since Rule was published, I receive at least one email daily asking for another book about him. But when I’m done, I’m pretty much done.




Enter to win an assortment of signed and unsigned Jay Crownover swag.


Rules:
  • You must be 18 years or older, unless you have a parent's permission
  • This giveaway is International
  • STARTS January 4th, 2016 at 12:00 a.m. EST 
  • ENDS February 2nd, 2016 at 12:00 a.m. EST

Disclaimer: I am not responsible for any lost or damaged packages



a Rafflecopter giveaway



Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, January 3, 2016

My Favorite Books of 2015


My Review
I started the Throne of Glass series at the beginning of this year and, while I did enjoy the first two books and the prequel novellas, something was missing from the story. Heir of Fire gave me so much more background on all the characters and I was able to really connect and understand them. I am about fifty pages into Queen of Shadows, the next book in the Throne of Glass series, and I am already predicting that it will be appearing on my list of favorite books in 2016.





During the craziness of summer, I managed to read books two through five in Jennifer L. Armentrout's New Adult Wait for You companion series. I read the first book, Wait for You, and the male leads perspective of Wait for you, Trust in Me, earlier this year. Although all six books were good in their own way, Stay with Me was my absolute favorite. The romance in Stay with Me is one of my absolute favorites and the plot is just so addicting and higher-staked than the rest of the books in the series.




My Review of Rule
My Review of Asa



While I could choose my favorite book out of Jennifer L. Armentrout's Wait for You series, I could not choose my favorite out of Jay Crownover's Marked Men series. All six books in the Marked Men series are fantastic with amazing characters, romances, plot-lines and writing. The end of the Marked Men series had me really depressed because I had grown attached to such a large group of lovable characters, but I am excited to keep seeing little bits of them in the Marked Men spin-off series, Saints of Denver.




My Review of All Lined Up (Rusk University #1)
My Review of All Broke Down (Rusk University #2) & All Played Out (Rusk University #3)

I cannot get over how much I love the Rusk University series. The characters, the romance, the humor, everything in the Rusk University series is perfect. Out of the three books in the series that are currently released, the third book, All Played Out, is my favorite. Each book in the series keeps getting better and better and I cannot contain my excitement for the release of the fourth novel, All Closed Off, to be released sometime in 2016.




My Review
Built is the first book in Jay Crownover's upcoming Saint of Denver series which is the spin-off of the Marked Men series. I was fortunate enough to get an advanced copy of Built and I loved it so much. The romance was fantastic and I cannot get over the major conflict of Built, it was done so well and constantly made me emotional. I highly recommend purchasing Built on January 5th, 2016 whether you have read one of Jay's books before or not.




My Review
The Return is the first book in Jennifer L. Armentrout's new spin-off series of the Covenant series. I got an ARC of The Return in May of 2014 at BookCon, but I never got around to reading the Covenant series until early 2015, so I read The Return about a month before its release. The Return is not only my favorite book of this year, but my favorite Jennifer L. Armentrout book as well. The Return included the perfect balance of romance, comedy, action, paranormal, and mythology. While the cover is not the greatest, the content of The Return makes up for it. No offense to you, Drew Leighty.  I love you, but the pose is not my favorite.  

(Drew Leighty, Me, Jennifer L. Armentrout)

Posted by at No comments:

Beautiful Blogger Award Tag




Thank you so much to my fellow Air Witch Duane at Duanereads for tagging me!


Rules:
  • Link the blogger who nominated you
  • List seven random facts about yourself
  • Nominate seven creative, beautiful bloggers
  • Notify the amazing people you nominated for the award


Seven Random Facts About Me:

1) I am extremely clumsy. I fell off an elliptical this year. Well, technically I did not fall off of it because I am a clumsy, it actually broke while I was running and I fell off because it broke. However, I did suffer a stress fracture in my foot this year from running. I did not even do something stupid, I was running and I somehow got a crack in my foot.



2) I am literally the red-headed step-child of my family, no one knows where my red-hair came from. Both of my parents are blonde and the only other known relative in my family that had red-hair is one of my cousins. 

3) I have no interest in writing a book and I commend those who can, but I am almost positive all my English teachers expect that I will eventually write a book. My current English teacher actually wrote on the top of one my papers that she is excited to read one of my books some day. I am constantly complimented on my papers for English and all my other classes, but I literally hate my writing.

4) My parents and I own seven cats.



5) I have a slight Hello Kitty obsession that began in late 2014. 


6) While most readers hate the thought of physical activity, I actually love exercising. I usually exercise once a day if my schedule allows for it.

7) One of my proudest accomplishments is losing 60 pounds in a little over a year through diet and exercise.



I Nominate:




Posted by at 1 comment:

Losing It (Losing It #1) by Cora Carmack

Summary: Sick of being the only virgin among her friends, Bliss Edwards decides the best way to deal with the problem is to lose it as quickly and simply as possible - a one-night stand. But her plan turns out to be anything but simple when she freaks out and leaves a gorgeous guy alone and naked in her bed with an excuse that no one with half-a-brain would ever believe. And as if that weren't embarrassing enough, when she arrives for her first class of her last college semester, she recognizes her new theatre professor. She'd left him naked in her bed about 8 hours earlier. (Via Goodreads.com)

 Pages: 255

 Release Date: October 15th, 2012

 Rating: 4.25/5 Stars

 Review:

I started Losing It with extremely high expectations. Not only did my favorite author, Jennifer L. Armentrout, have a blurb on the cover, but I have previously read Cora Carmack's Rusk University series and it is featured as number three on my favorite books of 2015. I cannot say that I was necessarily disappointed with Losing It because the novel was enjoyable, but it was not what I was expecting to read from Cora Carmack. I cannot be too hard on Losing It because it was Cora's first published book. She had two years between Losing It and the first Rusk University novel, All Lined Up, to find her writing style.

While anyone could have developed the plot of Losing It, Cora's writing style really came out in her characters. I found Bliss' character to be rather adorable. Her happy dances reminded me so much of QVC's David Venable who always does a happy dance when he likes the food he is eating. Every time Bliss would do her happy dance, I would picture her doing a David Venable style happy dance. Sometimes it is hard to imagine fictional characters as real people, but Bliss' little quirky dance made her seem more realistic because, lets be real, we all do something dorky when we are happy.

My favorite character in Losing It is Cade, with Hamlet in spot number two. Cade reminded me a lot of Simon Lewis from Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments series. Cade was extremely loyal, supportive, and like Simon, he stood no chance with his best friend. I was so excited when I found out that Cade's story is the next book in the companion series, Faking It. I really want Cade to find his match and not be looked over because of a hot British teacher. 

The ending of Losing It was really adorable, but I wish there would have been a little more. I know that Bliss and Garrick will be making appearances in the upcoming companion novels and I just discovered that there is at least one novella featuring the couple; however, *SPOILER ALERT* I wish we could have actually been with the couple when Garrick proposed instead of he simply telling us he would propose tomorrow. *END OF SPOILER ALERT* 

Overall, Losing It was an enjoyable New Adult Contemporary, but it did not quite meet my Cora Carmack standards. However, I am so excited to dive into Cade's story in Faking It where I am hopeful my standards will be met. If you are looking for an addicting, guilty pleasure, New Adult read that features a balance of comedy, romance and lovable characters, I recommend trying Losing It. 


"Sometimes it's the scary things in life that are the most worthwhile" (136).













(Cora Carmack, Me)
Photo Taken at Comic-Con 2015
Posted by at No comments:

A Letter To Susan Dennard





     
Before 2015 is too far behind us, I have to thank you once more for making 2015 the best year so far. When I first met you at ApollyCon early this year, I had never read any of your books or really heard much about you. The only thing I knew is that your Something Strange and Deadly trilogy featured zombies, and one of my really close friends, who loves zombies, had just turned 16, and guess who forgot to get her a present. So, I purchased Something Strange and Deadly and went over to your signing table and had you sign the book for my friend. I cannot even remember what was said during our conversation, but all I really know is that even though I had not read your book, which usually makes me extremely awkward and uncomfortable around the author, you made me feel so at ease and like I was talking to one of my really good friends.

A few months later when authors started announcing that they were going to San Diego Comic-Con, I came up with this brilliant plan to e-mail some authors and see if they would be willing to have me interview them for my blog during Comic-Con. I still had not read any of your books, but that did not stop me from e-mailing you. I still have no idea why I even e-mailed you. I was already so nervous e-mailing authors who I had read every single book they wrote and could brainstorm a million questions for them on the spot, yet I had no hesitation e-mailing an author I barely knew and had never even read a single line of their writing. Sending that e-mail, was one the best decisions I made last year. When I initially went up to you on Thursday during Comic-Con to introduce myself, much like my experience with you at ApollyCon, I felt this instant connection to you. You were so easy to talk to and if I had not been holding up your line, I would have stayed and chatted with you for as long as the signing lasted. I saw you several times throughout the Comic-Con madness and every time I saw you, I felt like I was building a genuine friendship with you.

One of the most memorable moments this year was the announcement of who managed to get a spot on the Truthwitch Street Team. I vividly remember sitting on a bench in the train station in San Diego waiting for a bus to arrive that was to take my parents and I to Mexico. The bus was supposed to leave about a half an hour before the clan members were announced and I was so antsy because I knew that while in Mexico I would have not internet connection and would not know if I managed to get a spot on the Street Team until I arrived back into the United States. Thankfully the tour guide was over an hour late, which gave me enough time to read my name on the list of Air Clan members. 

Becoming a Witchlander is literally one of the best things that happened to me this year. I have met so many amazing people during our Clan Chats and I have formed some amazing friendships within my own clan. When I originally signed on to the Street Team, I had no idea the amount of dedication that would be going into it. I cannot wait to see how the dedication of every Witchlander pays off on the release date of Truthwitch. I really think Truthwitch has a chance of making it onto the New York Times Bestsellers List.

I know our time as a Street Team is dwindling, but I hope that a little piece of us will always be with you, Susan. I speak for all of the Witchlanders when I say that even when we are no longer a Street Team, we will always be supporting you and if you ever need anything, we will always be here to help you. Even if you need help putting together a grocery list, we will be there and help you because once a Witchlander, always a Witchlander.


(Sarah J. Maas, Susan Dennard & Me)
Photo Taken at Comic-Con 2015





Posted by at 1 comment:

Character Interview: Cassie and Jack From Divine Vices





Summary: It was once said that love is giving someone the ability to destroy you, but trusting them not to.

 Well, I don’t trust him.

 I don’t even like him.

 But hot damn, do I crave him…

 Nine months after the tragic accident that killed my mother and sister, all I want is a fresh start. Settling down in the quiet town of New Haven, Maine, I’ve found peace at last...until the new resident bad boy, Jackson Matthews, enters the picture. Arrogant, sarcastic, and devastatingly sexy, he’s the very last thing I want to entertain. Romance was never part of the plan.

 To make matters worse, local girls begin disappearing and there’s suspected cult activity involved. Is it just a coincidence that everything started when this blue-eyed Casanova strolled into town? When terrifying circumstances drive the two of us together, I find myself in over my head and drawn in by his allure. Will falling into Jackson's arms mean I'll be falling victim to a real lady-killer...or worse?

 Love may bite…

 But desire kills. (Via Goodreads.com)
  Amazon  I  Barnes & Noble I  Goodreads  I  Website


Casey Marie: What was your first impression of each other?

Jack: (laughs) Cassie was completely head over heels for me.


Cassie: Yeah, not exactly. My initial opinion of Jack wasn’t exactly what you’d call favorable. We didn’t exactly get off on the right foot.


Jack: Regardless, I still thought she was stunning. And I’m pretty sure the feeling was mutual. Cassie is very tenacious, and it’s impossible not to see and appreciate that quality when first meeting her.

CM: Describe each other in five words. 

Jack: If Cassie’s answer isn’t “Sexiest man on the planet,” I’m going be hurt.

Cassie: I’ll go with, “Biggest pain in my butt.”

Jack:  That might just be the sweetest thing you’ve ever said about me.

Cassie: (laughs) And I mean it with the utmost affection.

Jack: I’d say, “Girl after my own heart.”

CM: What is your favorite scene in Divine Vices?

Jack: Any scene where I get to cause trouble.

Cassie: Which would pretty much be the entire book.

Jack: And definitely our fiery kiss in Chapter 24. That’s perhaps my favorite.

Cassie: My pick is probably Chapter 9. I loved everything about the scene. It was funny and flirtatious, and I got to put Jack in his place.

CM: If Divine Vices ever became translated into a film or television show, which actor/actress would you want to portray you?

Jack: That’s a tough one…

Cassie: I could see someone like Jack Falahee or perhaps a younger Colin O'Donoghue playing Jack. Heck, the first already shares his name, so you could take that as a sign. All he would need is contacts lenses to change his eye color.

Jack Falahee
Young Colin O'Donoghue




















Jack: And I totally get an Emma Stone Zombieland vibe from Cassie. They’re both very sassy and feisty. I like a strong woman, and I trust Emma would do Cassie justice.
Emma Stone in Zombieland

CM: Cassie, how does it feel to have people in your head?

Cassie: It leaves you feeling very exposed. It’s not creepy in a Being John Malkovich kind of way, but it’s like someone stole the most detailed diary of your life and shared it with the masses. Whoever this Melissa Parkin person is who published the book is definitely going to be getting a visit from me.

CM: Why should Divine Vices be a must-have book on a reader's Christmas list?

Jack: It really caters to everyone. You can’t really put the book in a singular genre. It’s a contemporary romance, a mystery, and a paranormal thriller. And it’s rather sexy and quite humorous, if I do say so myself.


(Purchase on Amazon)

CM: What are you hoping to receive this Christmas?

Cassie: Since Matthews here lives with his head in the gutter, I shudder to imagine what he’s got in mind.

Jack: She knows me all too well.

Cassie: I take it your kind of gift doesn’t involve wrapping paper.

Jack: I don’t mind it, but I prefer undressing of a different kind. I won’t lie.

Cassie: (laughs) And that’s precisely why I’m asking for Pepper Spray.

CM: What can you tease about book two?

Jack: Divine Vices laid the groundwork for the upcoming battle. The sequel, Tainted Virtues, is that crescendo. It’s darker, sexier, and more action-packed. The stakes are raised on every level imaginable.

Cassie: Absolutely. Expect the twists to keep coming. The secrets that come to light completely change the game.




Melissa Parkin is a Chicagoland native who feels weird referring to herself in the third person. When she's not binge reading, taking photographs, breaking the first rule of Fight Club, or playing music too loud, she's writing young adult paranormal romances.













Posted by at 1 comment:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)