Friday, October 26, 2012

Review: Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder

Book Details:
Inside Out
By Maria V. Snyder
Genre: Young Adult
Published April 2010, Harlequin Teen
e-book, 320 pages
ISBN: 9780373210060

Synopsis:
          Keep Your Head Down.
Don't Get Noticed.
Or Else.
I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own…until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution.
I got into this book because I loved Maria V. Snyder's Study series, and I even enjoyed the Glass series. I've been reading alot of dystopian literature in the past year or two, and this fit right in. Honestly, this book resembled Beth Revis' series in many ways, only simpler in design.
Trella is the typical teen, unaware of the people around her and how she affects them, but her uniqueness among the citizens of the lower levels makes her stand out no matter how she tries to hide in the pipes. Her curiosity causes her to uncover many of the secrets the run her world, especially when she finds a romantic interest in Riley. The character of Trella seems to resemble the main female leads of Snyder's other books, but I haven't grown bored of it yet.
Many of the rules that govern Trella's world are not far from what is occurring in current events, such as the Uppers' rule about number of births allowed. This very rule is one of many to rock her understanding of the way her world operates, and serves to propel her to seek out the mythological "Gateway". Though I was able to predict what this actually is, I was still saddened by the outcome. Trella's reaction is very realistic, though, coming from her very sheltered existence. I cannot fathom which direction this revelation will take Trella and the other members of her society in the next book, Outside In.

The Cover: The cover is enticing, but vague. I originally thought the girl was ripping paper, but after reading the book, only metal would make sense.

First Line: "A vibration rippled through my body."
That opening line brings to mind many things, so of course I need to know more.

Favorite Quote: “Exactly. You can shoulder all the blame and become a martyr. Provided anyone knows what or who you're martyring for. Or you can accept that some things are important enough to fight for and realize there will be sacrifices along the way.”



Read For: Young Adult Reading Challenge, Dystopia Reading Challenge 

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Guest Post: Shamrocked by JoAnne Kenrick


Today's guest is JoAnne Kenrick, author of Shamrocked, the second book in her Irish Kisses series. Born n bred Brit, JoAnne Kenrick grew up in a wee sea-side town in North Wales and has enjoyed a variety of vocations such as holistic healer, window dresser, and ghost tour guide. Having lived in Wales, England, and Scotland with her dear family, she finally escaped the dull British summers to reside in sunny Australia. After two years, they moved to the States where she endured three harsh winters in Minnesota. She now lives in North Carolina with her husband, two kids and two puddy cats. When they aren't demanding her attention, or jumping on her head, she strums away on the keys of her little laptop, creating worlds and adventures she could only ever dream of. Come across the pond and faraway....with JoAnne Kenrick! Find out more about JoAnne by visiting her website http://www.joannekenrick.com and get exclusive sneak peeks at her new and upcoming releases by signing up to her quarterly newsletter here http://tinyletter.com/joannekenrick


Thank you for stopping by, JoAnne, and take it away!

          If there's one thing Devlin Kinney from the Irish Kisses series is known for--besides his smooth Irish accent--is his toy box. So how about we take a peek inside and see…what's in his box for SHAMROCKED….
                  
Japanese silk rope: Sublime pleasures of restraint also known as Kinabuku ("bondage"), or Kinabuku-bi ("erotic/beautiful" bondage), Japanese rope bondage dates back hundreds of years and was originally used as punishment or torture. The technique eventually transformed into a respected art form and means of erotic delight.
Rope bondage titillates both the mind and body, exerting indirect and direct pressure on erogenous zones, squeezing the areas and creating  immobility and submission.

Nipple clamps: Intense and delightful pain can be applied to the nipples via small clamps. They work by restricting blood flow from erect nipples by applying pressure to them. Mostly used in BDSM activities, and are a gentle place to start.  The Kama Sutra-- a book on sexual practices and behavior believed to date back to 400 BCE-- encourages pinching body parts.

Vibrating butt plug: A sex toy designed to be inserted in the back passage Similar to a dildo, but they are shorter, and have a flanged end to prevent the device from being lost inside the rectum. Some wear them to prepare for anal sex, others for a 'full feeling' during regular intercourse.

BLURB: Devlin Kinney is focused on his Irish Rock band, Shamrocked. Between that and tending bar at Bell's Irish Pub, he's rushed off his feet. Still, he's envious of Shaun who found his perfect woman through Madame Eve's exclusive agency, 1Night Stand.

Pushed for time, he follows his friend's lead and hopes to be matched with a woman ballsy enough to share in his fetish for things that go buzzzz.

At the event of the year for soap stars, Elizabeth Grant meets Devlin and mistakes him for her soon-to-be co-star on The East End. Before she has a chance to confess she's not his 1Night Stand as he seems to think, the silver-tongued smooth dancer proves irresistible. He seems perfect...for one night of pleasure. She's ready to play the role of her life!

Will his Irish charm and toys be enough to hold onto his leading lady, or will his heart be shamrocked into next week?

Available in most major e-book stores, including but not limited to, these:
BUY LINKS

AMAZON USA: http://www.amazon.com/Shamrocked-Night-Stand-Series-ebook/dp/B008LMLNGE
BOOKSTRAND:http://www.bookstrand.com/shamrocked
ALL ROMANCE: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-shamrocked-882341-168.html
SMASHWORDS: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/205448

WhSMITHS UK:http://www.whsmith.co.uk/CatalogAndSearch/eBooksProductDetails.aspx?productID=KB00105924617
AMAZON UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shamrocked-1-Night-Stand-ebook/dp/B008LMLNGE

Author Links:

www.joannekenrick.com
www.twitter.com/joannekenrick
www.facebook.com/joannekenrick
Quarterly newsletter: www.tinyletter.com/joannekenrick
Amazon profile: http://www.amazon.com/JoAnne-Kenrick/e/B004FMUJMS

Monday, October 22, 2012

Guest Post: Wingless and Damned by Dawn White


Today's guest is Dawn White, author of Wingless and Damned. Dawn White resides in southern CA with her husband and three daughters. She has always been an avid reader and seems to live a busy life as a wife and mother. In between home schooling her children and taking care of the house she finds a few minutes at a time to write her novella series. Wingless and Damned will be available October 1, 2012.



Take it away, Dawn!

          My name is Dawn White; I am the bestselling Author of Wingless and Damned, a dark paranormal fantasy. I was honestly terrified before my release of Wingless. I literally absorbed myself into the writing of the second book to alleviate the stress of my release. It has helped and I can honestly say I am so much closer to having my second Wingless book in y’alls hands.
I never expected my first book to have the reception it has had. I have enjoyed this ride so much so far. I don’t think I could have had a better publishing family behind me. Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly publishing has been so amazing and supportive in every way. I received my first large blog review the other day and I was literally floored by the love the Blogger showed me.
Honestly I can say that I have felt so honored every time someone has added Wingless and Damned to their personal library.
I try and help any indie artist out as much as I can. I can be contacted on Facebook on my Author page : https://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/WinglessAndDamnedByAuthorDmWhite
If you would like to talk to me about anything or simply just become my friend I promise I don’t bite too hard. ;)
Thank you for stopping by, Dawn, and congrats on your success!
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