Teaser Tuesday #34

This is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

To participate you:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
• (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) * Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teasers

His fingers toy with my bottom lip. "Let me make you smile."

~ 49% of Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker

Review: Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

Title: Unraveling (Unraveling #1)
Author: Elizabeth Norris
Published: April 24th 2012
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Sixteen-year-old Janelle Tenner is used to having a lot of responsibility. She balances working as a lifeguard in San Diego with an intense academic schedule. Janelle's mother is bipolar, and her dad is a workaholic FBI agent, which means Janelle also has to look out for her younger brother, Jared.

And that was before she died...and is brought back to life by Ben Michaels, a mysterious, alluring loner from her high school. When she discovers a strange clock that seems to be counting down to the earth's destruction, Janelle learns she has twenty-four days to figure out how to stop the clock and save the planet.

My thoughts, you ask? Let me think… *silence* I don’t even know what to say. I was completely blown away by this book and when it was over and a mess of emotions and in shock that I couldn’t read the sequel right away, because god knows I wanted to. Why in the world have I not read this book any sooner is beyond me! I absolutely adored this one and coming from a not so big sci-fi and physics fan, it’s a huge deal, trust me.

“Life is a fragile thing. Apparently the whole world is fragile too.” 

Unraveling follows  the life of Janelle – love her name btw – who has a bipolar Mother, her Dad is an FBI agent and he and her brother Jared are two of her favorite people in the world. I’m an anti-fan of The X-Files, but these three made that show sound so much fun. One day Janelle finds herself crossing the street to pick up her brother and ends up dead due to being hit by a truck that comes out of nowhere. She is brought back to life by Ben, a stoner from her school. Janelle wakes up in a hospital not knowing how she's alive since she's convinced she was dead. Since Ben’s not going to give the answers she’s graving for, she must seek them out by herself. Soon though, Janelle realizes that there's some really freaky stuff out there in the world and maybe, just maybe the apocalypse is really coming this time.

Janelle is a fantastic heroine. She has that fighter instinct of Katniss Everdeen, a beautiful soul of Hermione Granger, a snarky attitude of Rose Hathaway. She is a combo of every kick-ass girl I love from some of my favorite fictional worlds and I fucking loved this girl so much! A few of my favorite characters in addition to Janelle were Ben, Alex, Struz, Janelle’s Dad and Jared. These 5 men in her life are totally amazeballs and I haven’t got a single bad word to say about them. They all have character and charisma that’s so easy to relate to and the love they share for our girl is completely mind-blowing.

I think the last time cried so much was when I read The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay. This book really feels like a contemporary book that deals with some very heavy issues, but at the same time it’s a sci-fi mystery-thriller. It demanded my attention from the very first sentence and I couldn’t get this book out of my head at least for a week after I had finished reading it. The emotion, the story, the characters – they’re all so raw and real. I did not see all of these plot twists coming and some even left me in a really stunned state. I didn't know who to trust, who was lying and basically my mind kept screaming: "What? Why? Who? How? Where? WHATTT????" I was so overwhelmed by loving this book so much that I ordered myself a physical copy right after I finished reading Unraveling just so I can read it over and over and over and over again. It was beautiful, raw, emotional, action-packed, unexpectedly awesome and loveable. Heck yes I recommend! One of the best reads of 2013 for me.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Review: Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Finale (Hush, Hush #4)
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Published: October 23rd 2013
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Will love conquer all?

Nora and Patch thought their troubles were behind them. Hank is gone and they should be able to put his ugly vendetta to rest. But in Hank's absence, Nora has become the unwitting head of the Nephilim and must finish what Hank began. Which ultimately means destroying the fallen angels - destroying Patch.

Nora will never let that happen, so she and Patch make a plan: lead everyone to believe they have broken up, and work the system from the inside. Nora will convince the Nephilim that they are making a mistake in fighting the fallen angels, and Patch will find out everything he can from the opposing side. They will end this war before it can even begin. But the best-laid plans often go awry. Nora is put through the paces in her new role and finds herself drawn to an addictive power she never anticipated.

As the battle lines are drawn, Nora and Patch must confront the differences that have always been between them and either choose to ignore them or let them destroy the love they have always fought for.

I’m aware that there are some people out there who think angel books are ridiculous and a complete joke and I know some people don’t like that this series is one of the most known of them. I, on the other hand, fell in love with these characters and this world in Hush Hush and even though I was disappointed with Crescendo, I didn’t give up. I really enjoyed Silence, and Finale – it was the best by Ms. Becca Fitzpatrick to date!

“As in, I wouldn't know normal if it marched up and poked me in the eye.” 

I wanted to drag this on longer than I did, because it’s the final book, final chance to spend time with Nora, Patch, Scott and Vee. I didn’t think I would enjoy it that much, I honestly didn’t. From the very first page, it kept me captivated by its pages filled with action, tension and chemistry. There were about two or three times Nora brought out a tinge of annoyance, other than that, she really became her own in this book. I was surprised by some reveals and I found myself not wanting it to end. I literally counted pages in fear after I realized I had only a quarter left to read.

As for the characters, like I said, Nora became her own – she becomes this warrior princess fighting for her race and survival, for her future with Patch, for herself. Patch – my sexy, sexy fallen angel. I adore, admire and love you without limits. He, too, has come a long way from the first time we met him – he is still arrogant and confident, but also sweet, considerate and passionate. Angel has never sounded so good coming from his mouth. Vee and Scott were great, Marcie was a bit unusual, but not so far out of her element. There were some new characters, but they all fit the story well. There was one thing I didn’t like though and that’s the part what follows after Nora talks to Vee in her room. That solution felt way too convenient.

I really do think it’s the best by Becca so far. I cried for the first time in this series. I smiled and laughed, I felt joy and terrible sadness. I hoped. I think it was the perfect finale for this beautiful saga and now I’m going to need to purchase the first three for myself in physical copies too so I can re-read them whenever I feel like it. It’s bittersweet for me, but I’m happy. I’m happy the way it ended and it couldn’t have been any better in my opinion. Now, if only I could find myself this happy when I finally finish Rapture by Lauren Kate… That's a story for another time, lovelies.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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Interview: Willow Aster

I hope you didn't miss my review of True Love Story on Monday. If you did, then you can read it here. Anyway, today I won't be saying much. On the contrary, I will let Willow tell you all about her book and her writing experience in this very interview. I hope you enjoy and since I'm not done with the intro, then a little pimping should be in order I guess: GO READ TRUE LOVE STORY!!!! I absolutely adored it and I hope you will, too. Now, without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, I give you Willow Aster *aplauds*

Q: First things first, how did you come to being a writer and what inspired you to start this incredible journey?   

A: I’ve always loved to write. I began writing poems when I was little, then songs, and finally, stories. The stories are something that sort of take over my mind until I just have to write them down.

Q: There are so many authors out there in every corner of the world. What do you think sets you apart from the others?  

A: Hmm. Well, you’d probably be a better one to answer this question, instead of me. But I guess I hope that my genuineness comes through and that the story is not only well-written but also down-to-earth.

I agree 100%. While reading True Love Story, I felt the genuineness behind the words and all the characters in your story seemed so real and organic. Well done, milady!

Q: Could you please tell people who haven’t read True Love Story yet what’s it about and why should they read your book in two sentences. (Hard task I know. My mind is racing already, because there’s no way I could shorten my pimping remarks into two sentences.)  

A: Oh goodness. Wait, that doesn’t count as one of my two sentences, does it? Haha (sorry) Okay, I’ll be good.
True Love Story is an honest portrayal of a relationship between two flawed people from very different walks of life, who try to find out if love, forgiveness, and redemption are possible. Ian and Sparrow are quirky characters who hopefully both feel like old friends by the time you’re done with the book.

THIS should be on the back of your paperback, seriously – this is a good promo!

Q: Sparrow and Ian are people who don’t give up. No matter what. They pound their fists on doors until they open and if they don’t, they’ll walk straight through them, because that’s what one does when one truly wants something. Does that apply to you? 

A: I really, really try to live this way, but it’s a constant battle within myself to break out of my fears and shyness. But yeah, I’m doing my best to constantly push past that and live the life I want.

Q: Sparrow is very passionate, but at the same time unbelievably rational and reasonable. Did you give her anything from your personality or are you more like Tessa? (By the way, I absolutely adored Tessa! I’ve read some books lately where the main characters have had backstabbing bitches as friends and it was so good to see that there can be true, loyal and compassionate friends in some books.)   

A: I adore Tessa too. I’d love to be more like her, but I’m definitely more like Sparrow. My brain never shuts off.

Q: Let’s talk boys! Ian is a wild flower, but Jared, whom I also adored, is somewhat that “nice guy” type. Which ones do you prefer?  

A: I love nice guys so much, but I have to confess, I do kind of hold a torch for those boys with a side of naughty.

Q: What plans do you have in the future?  

A: I have a couple books stirring right now. One is a different genre and one is another NA book.

Q: Which parts of your writing do you feel like you should work on in order to evolve into the best author you think you can be?   

A: I hope to grow as a writer in every way. I feel there is always room to mature. I never want to stop learning.

That is so true! One can never stop learning. Perfection is a state of mind, but in my opinion, it can never be achieved.

Q: Do you have time to read? If so, which books have influenced your work and which books would you recommend us to check out?  

A: I don’t have as much time to read right now, but I’m constantly reading something. I love a wide variety…anything from Gillian Flynn to Paullina Simons. And of course, the Indie writers…I love Tarryn Fisher and Tracey Garvis-Graves with a passion.

Wohoo!! I LOVE me some Tarryn Fisher! She is one kick-ass writer and a mean one, too, if you think about the ending of The Opportunist .I still love her writing.

Q: What has been the best experience so far for you when it comes to publishing True Love Story? If you look back, do you wish you would have done anything differently?  

A: The best experience with publishing my book is that it has resounded with so many! I truly expected to get a lot of backlash from you-know-what, but I think most truly got the point I was trying to make with the story. For that, I am so grateful. What I would have done differently—I’d have taken a week off from working, so I could just live in the I-Published-A-Book! bliss.

This or that

Willow: Can I just say that most of these are REALLY hard for me because I love both!
Siiri: Haha, sorry!

Black or white? Black

Cats or dogs? Dogs, unless there’s a kitten around *

Salsa or tango? Tango

Summer or winter? Summer

Morning or night? Ummm, leisurely mornings or relaxing nights

Jocks or nerds? I do have a special fondness for nerds.

Mountains or oceans? Oceans with surrounding mountains

Phone call or in person? In person

Writing or reading? Writing. I mean, reading. No, writing. Reading. Definitely writing. Or reading.

Sparrow or Ian? ;) Well, Ian, of course!

*I LOVE THIS ANSWER!! That’s soooo me ;)

True Love Story

Sparrow Fisher is transforming. No longer dressed up in antiquated clothes and ideals, she is finally trying on her freedom.

Before she moves to New York City, she meets Ian Sterling, a musician Sparrow has dreamed about since she first saw him. The attraction is instant, but their relationship isn't so simple.

Over a five year span, Sparrow and Ian run into each other in unusual places. Each time, Sparrow has to decide if she can trust him, if he feels the same for her, and finally, if love is really enough.

Meet Willow

Willow Aster became a writer when the voices in her head became too loud to ignore. She lives with her family, where the most important things are good food, laughing, and stories. True Love Story is her first published book.

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