Friday, April 27, 2012

Book Review: Because of Low and Breathe by Abbi Glines

   

 Titles: Breathe and Because of Low
Series: Sea Breeze 1 and 2
Author: Abbi Glines
Synopsis:  Breathe- Sadie White's summer job isn't going to be on the beach life-guarding or working at rental booths like most kids her age. With her single mother's increasing pregnancy and refusal to work, Sadie has to take over her mother's job as a domestic servant for one of the wealthy summer families on a nearby island.

When the family arrives at their summer getaway, Sadie is surprised to learn that the owner of the house is Jax Stone, one of the hottest teen rockers in the world. If Sadie hadn't spent her life raising her mother and taking care of the house she might have been normal enough to be excited about working for a rock star.

Even though Sadie isn't impressed by Jax's fame, he is drawn to her. Everything about Sadie fascinates Jax but he fights his attraction. Relationship's never work in his world and as badly as he wants Sadie, he believes she deserves more. By the end of the summer, Jax discovers he can't breathe without Sadie.



     I first fell in love with Jax and I had a thing with Rock Stars because I read Breathe and Rock and A Hard Place back to back in the same night. Jax is a rock star who isn't cocky and is down to earth. That is what I love about him. He was my perfect guy characters for a long time excluding Trever Hoffman, Dimitri Belicov, Luke can't-remember-last-name-from-The-Stillburrow-Crush and the Fuetnes Brothers. Let's not even start on the Futenes Brothers. They are BREATHTAKING. I am rambling again. Yet if you don't know the Futenes Brothers you need to get to know them they are pretty dang amazing. 
   A love triangle was formed in Breathe between my own love- Marcus Hardy- and Jax Stone who claimed my heart for about a week before I found  Because of Low.  The love triangle was terrible in my part because in Breathe, 74.9 % of my heart belonged to Jax because I was in my 2 week long rock star craving phase. From the 25.1 % of my heart that belonged to Marcus in Breathe I put my beloved Jax to rest for a little bit. He was devoted to me ,so I guess I should try to read his story again to give some more of my bookish love to him again.Back on subject. Marcus holds 110 % of my heart. 

    The books also have a great twist at the end! Both of them do. Wait- Don't you dare flip to the last page and ruin it. I will haunt you till the day you die for flipping ahead! I didn't see it coming  especially in Breathe but I felt the ending-not ruining it- twister coming in Because of Low with Willow and Marcus. History repeats itself.



  I also felt Willow and Marcus's relationship unfold slower than Jax and Sadie's relationship.  I think that Breathe was more simple written ,but it didn't take away from the book at all. I really enjoyed the innocent, sweet, quickness that came with Jax and Sadie. Sadie was so mature for her age also but Abbi didn't over do her matureness as some authors seem to try to write. I liked that. 
   I also loved,loved, LOVED Low and Cage's sweet, complicated relationship. Like those 'nasty' Mexican sodas that Cage never, ever lets Low run out of. While Cage is out dating every girl from here to kingdom come every night of his life he expects Low to stay away from guys all together other than when he gets ready to marry.  He is just isn't ready to tie himself down yet he really did have an odd case of puppy love.  I have never, ever read a book with a character like Cage and he really was a great, GREAT character whose story I can't wait to read.  I heard Cage is going to be working at a farm with his shirt off alot! Score!
   How did Sadie have the patience for dealing with her mother? Only the Lord and Abbi knows that. I probably would have told her to shut up and it was her own fault she was pregnant and single.  Gosh Jessica was more of a 5 year old than a mother. Poor Sam if he didn't have Sadie at the beginning.  I really doubt he would have made it far without Jessica having a breakdown.

  Main thing is the book was so smoothingly well written it turns into an addiction to a craving. How am I going to make it til' August when Cage's story comes along? I will probaly be sitting with bloodshot eyes looking for my college baseball player.  Even though he isn't a one girl kind of guy , he's mine.  So back off. :)



Sunday, April 22, 2012

Immortal Rules by Julie Kagwa

  I honestly didn't anticipate reading this one. I have kinda put away buying paranormal although I have started to review it.  What really caused me to rant about this book is the stand for the books in wal-mart! I mean it was so neat I wish I could have bought it for my room!  I know it would have looked creepy having a huge display with a girl with red eyes in my room ,but I would make an exception.

  So maybe I can convince the manager to give me the sign. Worst he can say is no.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Book Feature of the Week-Torn by Ashley S Morgan- Excerpt



Isadora looked at her watch. Five to nine. She’d be late, but she didn’t care. This was her time,
the highlight of her day, and she was going to squeeze every drop of pleasure out it. Pumping the
pedals of her bike harder and harder, she swiftly climbed the hill, feeling the pleasant strain in
her thighs and the wind whipping through her sleek black hair. In two months she’d be eligible
for her driver’s license, which would be totally awesome. But she’d miss her bike, no doubt
about it. She loved these fall mornings – peddling as fast as she could through the crisp air,
watching the sunlight turn a rich gold as it filtered through the flaming leaves. She was almost
at the crest of the hill, at the bottom of which was her school. Just a couple of more pumps and
then…freedom, absolute freedom. The pavement was still wet from last night’s rainfall, and
as her wheels glided over the hill, she did what she did every morning. She let go. Spreading
her arms like a bird does its wings, she closed her eyes and listened. Listened to the hiss of her
tires on the slick pavement, the chirping of the birds, and the wind thrumming in her ears. And
for a brief moment, a precious brief moment, everything became so intense and a strange thrill
bubbled through her.

But then something went wrong.

Her wheel wobbled, and there was a screech of tires, and every sound was drowned out by a
blaring horn. And then she was really flying. As she tumbled through the air, she braced herself
for the pain of the crash. She felt her stomach flip, and then was filled with a sick and giddy
and helpless feeling as she hurtled towards the pavement. She landed on her elbows and knees.
Hard. A stinging pain shot through her. The stinging intensified into fierce hot waves of agony.
Stunned by the flaming pain, she curled herself into a ball, every muscle tensed against the
sickening swells of nerve-ripping heat. It even hurt to breathe.

From someplace just at the blurred edges of her consciousness, she heard the creak of a car
door and then rushed footsteps. Then she felt firm hands on her shoulders and saw a cool shadow
slide over her onto the sidewalk in front of her.

“Are you okay?”

The voice was calm but filled with a strange ache. And smooth and deep. Even in her pain
she felt the urge to jerk around and get a look at the face that went with that voice. She didn’t
have to. He curled his head around so he could see her. When their eyes met, her breath caught
again, but this time not from pain. His blue eyes had the fierce sparkle of sun on water, and they
filled her with a storm of emotion. She couldn’t stand it. She had to look away, and she did, long
enough to realize that her pain had subsided to a superficial stinging. Isadora slowly rolled up to
a sitting position and started assessing the damage.

That’s when she saw the hole. In her all-time favorite sweater. “Damn it. It’s ruined,” she said
as she took in the frayed red and orange threads radiating out from her torn elbow like the petals
of a bloody flower.

“What? You’ve got to be kidding me.” His voice was now clouding with suppressed
rage. “Look at me.”

Isadora stole another glance at him. His eyes were still mesmerizing, but this time she was
able to take in the rest of him as well. He was wearing a slightly battered biker style leather
jacket. It had zippers everywhere and emphasized his broad, muscular shoulders. He had the
chiseled jaw of a Calvin Klein model, and tanned skin that brought out those incredible eyes.
Furtively looking him up and down, she took in his tousled brown hair, his full yet masculine
lips. She noticed that the cuffs of his baggy jeans were frayed, and that his black motorcycle
boots were slightly scuffed. A little rugged, she thought, and effortlessly cool. And…hands down
the hottest boy she had ever seen.

Wait, he was saying something. To her. She had to snap out of this daze.

“Did you hear me?”

“Huh?” Coming out of her trance, Isadora took in the expression in his eyes. He was
definitely pissed. What the hell was his problem?

“Must have hit your head as well. You almost got yourself killed and the thing you’re most
upset about is your torn sweater.” His eyes were blazing. His hands, pressed against the curb,
were clenched in fists.

Isadora didn’t like his tone. Her sweater meant a lot to her. Her mom bought it so that she
could literally have the fall colors around her in the bleak grey months of winter. She looked up
at him, directly in the eye, challenging him, weighing him. Finally she shrugged and said “It’s
sentimental. Anyway, it’s none of your business.”

“It became my business when you swerved in front of my car,” he said, not taking his eyes off
of her.

“Maybe you should watch where you’re going. And not hog the road.”

“Are you kidding me? You swerved right into my path, flapping your arms like a crazed
seagull.”

“You’re an ass,” Isadora said, with a smile that started angry and ended up sheepish. It was as
close to admitting that she was in the wrong as she was going to get.

Something in him changed when he saw that smile; Isadora saw it. The rage subsided and
the ache she had heard in his voice was now in his eyes. She took in his furrowed brow and the
tormented look, and it was suddenly so familiar to her. But she couldn’t place how.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught something glinting in the sunlight. Her bike. It was in
a twisted heap on the road, but it didn’t appear to be too damaged.

“I have to get to school,” she said, getting up. “I’m already late.” As she pushed herself to her
feet, she felt the stinging return, shooting up from her knees.

“No, I’m taking you to the hospital,” he said, grabbing her arm to steady her. His touch sent a
strange thrill racing up her arm.

“I’m fine. I just need some rubbing alcohol and a few bandages.” As she started towards her
bike, he pulled her back and turned her gently to face him.

“You weren’t wearing a helmet. You may have hit your head. I’m taking you to the hospital,
and that’s the end of it,” he said, looking like he would not take no for an answer.

“Am I hearing things or…..” looking past her bike to the road, Isadora caught sight of a blue
Mini Cooper, the driver side door open with the radio blasting Jay-Z.. Suddenly a wide smile
spread across her face. “You’re going to take me to the hospital in that? That smurf car won’t
even fit my bag”

“That’s because your bag is big enough to fit the entire fall collection at Macy’s” he said,
looking at the oversize, well-worn Coach purse lying next to Isadora’s bike.

A crooked smile tugged its way across Isadora’s face. She tried to suppress it, but couldn’t.
She gave up the fight and looked directly into his startlingly blue eyes.“If you’re going to insult
me and try to kidnap me, the least you could do is tell me your name,” she said.

“Tristan.”

“As in the clothing store?” she teased.

“As in one of the knights of the round table. At your service, me lady” he said in a self-
mocking and theatrical tone.

So, he was funny and he could laugh at himself, Isadora thought. “I’m Isadora. My friends
call me Izzy.”

The same strange, longing look flickered across his face. Or was she seeing things? It was
immediately replaced by a dazzling smile. “Nice to meet you Izzy. And now that we’re on a first
name basis, it’s time to deliver you to the hospital.”

“No, seriously, I’m fine. I’m going to school. I’ve already missed way too many classes this
term and it’s only the beginning of October.” Isadora turned away and started limping toward her
bike. Tristan caught her by the elbow. “Ouch!” she said.

“Sorry….listen, you could have a concussion. You need to see a doctor.”

“Not today. I’m not missing try outs for the school play. There’s just no way.”

He sighed. “Fine. You’re at least going to see the school nurse.”

Isadora gave him a defiant stare. A look of exasperation crossed his face, but then his jaw
tightened and he gave her a level stare. It was obvious he was going to stand his ground. “I’m
helping you into my car. Then I’m wheeling your bike to the rack. Then I’m taking you to the
school nurse. Got it?”

Isadora looked at him in disbelief. “What, you’re giving me orders? Are you kidding me?”

“Someone has to be the voice of reason. Now let’s get you into my car.”

Isadora returned his level stare. He was not going to budge.

Then she considered. Her knees and elbows really were stinging, and she did feel a bit dizzy.
Maybe seeing the nurse wasn’t such a bad idea. She shrugged and said, “Fine. The nurse. I’m
in.”

Once inside the Mini, Isadora relaxed back into the leather seat. It was actually much more
spacious inside than she had imagined. Looking around, she took in all of the bells-and-whistles.
Everything about the car was ostentatious, from the bug-eyed headlights to the giant glowing
orange speed dial that reminded her of the lit coils on a stovetop. The orange was so bright it
seriously looked like you could burn your hand on it. As Isadora played with the radio, trying to
find a good channel, she caught a whiff of a familiar smell. Something dark and musky mixed
with the scent of pine needles and burning firewood. She had no memory to connect the smell to,
but she knew she had smelled it hundreds of times before.

Snapping out of her trance, she glanced through the windshield. Tristan was on her bike,
standing up on the pedals, riding down the hill towards the school. He’d taken off his jacket
when he helped her to the car and was now wearing just a white T-shirt. She watched his strong
arm muscles flexing with each push of the pedals, watched the way he swayed slightly with the
effort, saw the casual determination in his movements, and somehow all of it was so familiar.
She could have sworn she knew this guy, but from where? Why did she feel so connected to
him? One way or another, she would figure this guy out. She just had to. As he strode back
towards the car, his intense, determined eyes focused on her, she felt her heart flutter up into her
throat, and knew that for better or worse, she was irresistibly drawn to him.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Book Feature of the Week-Torn by Ashley S Morgan- GIVEAWAY

  We are starting off this Book Feature of Week giving away an ebook copy of Torn. So I am not going to offer any extra chances  just leave your email and name. I would appreciate if more than one person enters. Please!

Isadora Rivers feels trapped. Her small town high school is suffocating her. Another day of wannabe gangsters, dumb jocks, and Barbie clones, and she'll just lose it. Her keen emotional sensitivity is to blame. She sees through all of the poser behavior to the pain and insecurity simmering just below the surface, and it's overwhelming. She feels like she's literally drowning in other people's emotions.

This same sensitivity, however, makes her a great actress. Suffocating or not, her high school is one of the top arts schools in the country. Acting is not only her passion, but it also looks like her way out. If she can just score the lead role in the school play, she might get herself noticed by a Hollywood agent. But she's got a strong reckless streak, and it keeps getting her in trouble and jeopardizing her chances.

Riding her bike at top speed, she swerves in front of a car and nearly gets hit. The driver, Tristan Blake, turns out to be the mysterious new boy at school. He's rebellious, broody, and wise beyond his years. He's also devastatingly gorgeous. From the moment their eyes meet, Isadora is irresistibly drawn to him. But as soon as he enters her life, things go horribly wrong. She begins having disturbing visions full of unimaginable glamour and unbearable darkness. He knows things about her he shouldn't. And he's somehow so familiar. As he at turns pulls her close, and then pushes her away, Isadora feels like her heart is being twisted and torn.

She soon discovers that her whole future is in jeopardy, and her only hope is to stay away from Tristan. But how can she turn away from the only boy she has ever loved? As a harrowing event looms closer, one that threatens to rip apart her psyche, Isadora must reach deep inside herself and find the strength to change her own destiny. But is she strong enough to do it?

Thursday, April 12, 2012

The Sun Zebra by Roland Garcia-FREE - Book Feature of the Week


Hi everyone! I am so happy to have Roland on my blog with his book. I have been behind though lately so, the guest post will either be up later on tonight, but most likely Friday.
Roland's The Sun Zebra is free on Amazon from Wednesday April 11 to Friday April 13. Go to this link to download your copy: http://dld.bz/a6a4d

So make sure you get your copy if you are a kindle owner or download the kindle app! Sorry nook and kobo users. I will eventually have something for you all so you don't feel left out by the kindle nation! ((I have a nook too people))

So this is pretty much a download/giveaway for you kindle users.

((My 200th post!!))

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Review + Blog stop Here by

Title: Here
Author: Denise Grover Swank

Sixteen year old Julia Phillips buries herself in guilt after killing her best friend Monica in a car accident. Julia awoke in the hospital with a broken leg, a new talent for drawing and false memories of the accident, in which she dies and Monica lives. The doctors attribute this to her head injury, but no one can explain how a bracelet engraved with her name ended up at the scene of the accident. A bracelet no one has ever seen before.

Classmate Evan Whittaker paid Julia no attention before the accident, let alone after. Now suddenly he’s volunteering to tutor her and offering to drive her home. She can't ignore that his new obsession started after his two-day disappearance last week and that he wears a pendant she’s been drawing for months. When the police show up one night looking for Evan, he begs Julia to run with him, convincing her that Monica is still alive. Julia agrees to go, never guessing where he’s really from.

  Can I get a love, on this awesome cover? So she is standing on water and do you people see those two guys in the background. Fits the book and I am personally head over heals with the creepy look of it.



  Can I say that Denise is a natural story teller? I was captivated from the beginning with broken Julia and takes me everywhere. And the love entries are amazing also. I have to agree with everyone I am complete Evan girl. Give me him and I will be forever in love. I was kinda hesitant at first because I really have not been in YA Paranormal lately. I have been heading toward contemprary but this book has me glad I gave paranormal another chance.

  It was fresh and will definatly have me try and finish Forever by Cheri Schmidts. So if you are looking for a great first in the series paranormal go look up Here by Denise Grover Swank and get you a copy on what ever kind of ereader your possess.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Book Feature of the Week-The Sun Zebra- Interview

 I

 know I always have a little image for the book feature of the week but I am not on my computer at the moment since it contracted a virus and you try to make things on Picnik on a nook. Not happening, so here I am with the interview. Enough of me rambling here is the interview with Rolando Garcia author of his smash debut The Sun Zebra!

1) So what can you tell us about The Sun Zebra? It is what I call a children's book for grownups.  It’s about adults learning to see the world through the eyes of a child. So far it has received 28 very positive reviews on Amazon. I am very pleased with the reader response.
 
2) What is your favorite book as a child? Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne. That was one wild adventure!
 
3) If you had to go to a party dressed as a book character who would you dress up as? Definitely the Frankenstein monster, but I would be nicer and more eloquent.
 
4) What is your advice to the writers of the world? Don’t quit your day job!
 
5) If you had to go to a deserted island for a week with only 6 things what would they be? I would take food & water, clothes, toilet paper, insect repellant, a lamp light, and an e-reader with a few hundred books in its memory.
 
6) Green or Red peppermints? Neither, I like chocolate…OK, red peppermints!
 
7) Which of America's founding fathers do you like the best? Jefferson, he was one of the towering figures of his time.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Kristin

 I would love to introduce our newest book blogger at Courtney's Book Nook. I am extremly happy for her to be joing the Courtney's Book Nook crew that used to only consist of me. Here is what she told us about herself-

Hola! I'm Kristin! I'm really not good at writing things like this so if you just don't read this, you're not really missing much. Just a bunch of mindless rambling. Okay, so I'm 14 and the oldest of 3 girls in the family! I am 5'4" and, according to the doctor, not going to grow anymore! I have naturally brown hair, but right now it's red (and sadly it's washing/fading out so it should be gone by next week :( ) and brown eyes. Um I'm just going to get this out there... Music is my life! Like not even kidding. I wouldn't be able to live without music, I always have music playing whether it's an earbud in my ear, or my iPod plugged into my iHome. I have a lot of favorite artists and bands! (Alex Gaskarth *faint* I want him to be mine!!) there are too many to list, but just to sum it up... I have about 2,000 songs on my iPod and more like 5,000 in my iTunes :D. Uh letsee... What else is there? Um HARRY POTTER!!! :) favorite book series ever!!! I dance too! I tap and do ballet! I will be beginning pointe classes next year, and tap is my most favorite!! I absolutely can't stop tapping! Especially when I'm nervous! Weird... I know! ^.^ Disney World is my love! I go there every year! Dumbo is my favorite character! Well, there's a little blurb about me! I'm really excited to start reviewing books!
-Krisin

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Review: Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally





What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starting position... suddenly she's hoping he'll see her as more than just a teammate.



  I really am in love with this lovely cover. Although I must admit I thought the blue jean shorts were a mini skirt at first. It made my mind think, Wait- Is this girl a girly-girl on the football team. Then closer observations helped me realize it was a pair of shorts. The cover is what pulled me in and when I read the synopsis, I was head-over-heels. I was debating whether or not to buy it on my nook and we went in a B&N store in Tupelo  and it was featured in the YA section. I snatched it up and ran to the counter and babbled about how I have been dying to read this book and the women just gave me a Would you just shut up? look. Back on the cover. It really displays the book on the cover and I have one question about the cover. Is it Henry or Ty on the cover with Jordan?

  I am going to have to get my model's (Tabby and Maya) to do a few more photoshoots so I can do a Head-Over-Heels little image because this book is one that deserves that image, title, and a many more. It is so much more developed than you would think reading the book. I have to say I am a Henry Girl.

   Yes, it is time for everyone to choose: Team Henry- running back who has stolen my heart from the beginning or Team Ty: Quarterback who won the state title in Texas and is so sweet, and protective. I will leave  that up for you to choose.

  I saw Jordan as a kick-butt- female character if ever one! I mean she isn't afraid to kick some football boy booty if they point out her being a girl or try to degrade her. She even has her own little pack behind her- Carter, JJ and Henry. I mean she is 6 feet and 170 pounds my 4'11 and 105 pounds is jealous of this football game.  Her with her huge linemen and quick running back- life won't go well if you decide to be sexist to Jordan because it may be the last thing you ever do.

The only thing I had a problem in the WHOLE book was that Ty and Jordan's relationship didn't develop at all. It was I saw him and was instantly in love and within a day we were kissing and making out. I really think it was a total of 5 days before they started to kiss. Way too fast. They needed to know each other before starting to go out. I would have given it a 5 stars but Miranda makes up with it with her excellent writing and even better plot.

Also Jake Reynolds. Give me him! I mean I loved that guy with a passion. He was snarky, hilarious and now is Courtney Wyant's main love interest. ;) (Don't tell Henry!) He was in college and a friend to Jordan's older brother Mike. I kept hoping she would end up with him and I am not going to tell you if he does or if he doesn't if you are a Jake fan like me. I think I may even can start a fan club for my love interest.  So if you are wondering- yes he is taken- by me!

 Altogether with few flaws I fell in love with this complex love story. I also loved how Jordan was finally starting to realize she wasn't a guy and she could actually have a love life and girlfriends without being picked on- too much that is. ;) It will have you wishing the boys from the football team were real and went to your school.

Rating: 4.7/5 rounds up to a five nooks. :) 





Book Feature of the Week - Thoughtless- Excerpt


From Chapter 4 - Taunted

The bell rang and I slammed my locker shut.  My next class was around the corner; Biology.  Mr. Wellborne would flip if I was late again.  My bag was heavy but I managed to run to class just in time, taking my usual seat.  Today I'd be forced to sit through a boring lecture about the digestive system.
 "Hi Bridget."  The girl sitting next to me smiled.  She'd never spoken to me before now.  In Biology class, I usually kept my head down and doodled in my notebook.  Sometimes I had headphones on.  And if Mr. Wellborne ever called on me, he was usually thinking of the answer he was looking for.  That was my system and I stuck to it every class.
 "Hey," I replied trying to sound polite, though I knew why she was suddenly friendly.  Her thoughts entered my head, making it hard for me to keep smiling.  She's the girl that snagged Terrence.
 "I saw you at the homecoming dance.  Your dress was so pretty."  She flicked her long curls over her shoulder and kept on smiling.  It was clear that she only wanted one thing: the scoop on Terrence - how I'd gotten him, and why he liked me.
 "Thanks."  I turned my head forward and broke eye contact.  I could still feel her staring.
 "Alright class, it's review time!"  Mr. Wellborne was at the front of the classroom shouting over the giggles and whispers.  "Listen up!  Or fail come test time!"  The room quieted down a little, but not completely.  I opened my notebook to a fresh page and started drawing.  The redhead sitting up front always knew the right answers.  Come test time I'd just focus on her.
Bridget.  The voice was low but I could still hear it over the giggles in the back.  I looked up.
 "Yes?"  Mr. Wellborne stopped his lecture, giving me a funny look.  Meanwhile, half the class turned around to look at me.  Their facial expressions mimicked Mr. Wellbourne's puzzled look. 
 "I'm sorry Bridget.  Did you have a question?"  Mr. Wellborne was looking at me, awaiting an answer.  I shook my head.  I could've sworn he said my name.  I blushed and shook my head.  The class directed their attention towards the front again and my fingers resumed drawing. 
Bridget.  The same voice pulsed through my mind again, this time a little louder.  I put my pencil down and looked at the girl next to me.  She saw me looking at her and grinned.  I nodded but she didn't say anything.  I heard the voice a third time.  The louder it got, the raspier it sounded.  Bridget.  I dropped my pencil and annoyingly stared at the students in closest proximity.  They looked as if they were intently listening to Mr. Wellborne's explanation about the different sections of the small intestines. 
I decided to keep my head up.  Most of the class had quiet minds.  The majority of the thoughts in the classroom centered around Mr. Wellborne's lecture.  Though a guy in the corner was replaying the graphic night he'd had with his girlfriend.  Sick.  But no one had thoughts that focused on me, not at the moment.
Bridget.  The voice entered my head a fourth time.  No one moved their lips.  No one looked in my direction.  I could feel the muscles in my legs tense up.  Maybe I was just being paranoid?  Bridget.  The voice was getting louder, making the hairs on my arms stand up.  No one was speaking.  I was sure of it.  The raspy voice was a thought – a really creepy thought.
I stared around the room without blinking.  My eyes got watery.  This kind of thing had never happened to me before.  No one, aside from my mom, had ever purposely thought something for me to hear.  The cruel voice came again, this time giving me chills.  Bridget.  I wanted to jump up and yell at the whole class.  But I took a large breath and tried not to jump to any conclusions.  I didn't want anyone to think I was crazy.
Mr. Wellborne continued lecturing in a monotonous tone.  My whole body was tense.  I desperately wanted to leave my seat, run out the door, and breathe in fresh air.  A few drops of sweat lingered on my forehead as I fought my instinct to flee.  I was hearing things, weird things.  What if the voice followed me to my next class or even home?
 "Bridget?  Be my partner?"  The girl sitting next to me was waving her hands, trying to get my attention.
 "What did you say?" I asked in confusion. 
 "Be my partner?"  She replied slowly, now doubting her decision to ask me.
 "Did you say my name just now?" I whispered.  She gave me a look similar to Rory – the look that told me I was acting like a weirdo.
 "Uh, yeah.  We're like supposed to talk about the essay question and stuff?"
 "Yeah, of course."  I smiled and laughed, pretending too hard to act casual.  It just made me seem more out of it.  "Sorry, it's just been one of those days."
 "Late night Saturday?"  She winked and flicked her hair again.  "I'm Ellie, by the way.  I'm on the cheer squad with your friend Emma.  And Stacy, I thought to myself.  The girl that died Friday during the football game.
 "Yeah sure," I muttered.  "So what question are we supposed to talk about?"
 "Uh, essay number two on the review sheet.  The roles of the – Bridget- stomach during –Bridget- the breakdown – Bridget- of food."  The raspy voice entered my head, confusing me.  I couldn't focus on anything Ellie was saying to me.  Bridget.  Bridget.  Bridget.
I jumped to my feet with sweat dripping down my cheek.  My chest felt heavy as I let out a few gasps.  Ellie watched with raised eyebrows.  Her thoughts explained the expression on her face.  What the hell is she doing?  Ellie was the only student looking at me.  Everyone else had their attention directed at their assigned essay questions.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Book Feature of the Week: Thoughtless- Author Interview



1) Hi Jacqueline. Cool name by the way. Any idea why yourparents named you that?

Because it's Frenchand it's cool!  But really, no specificreason.  It was just a name my parentsliked.




2) So your book Thoughtless is a Paranormal Thriller. Whichindividual genre do you prefer to read?

I love YA.  That's probably obvious!  But I'm also a sucker for food and travelmemoirs.  One of my dream vacations is aroad trip through Europe.  I hope Iactually get to do it someday.




3) I was snooping around your blog and saw you have a book Jade coming out inApril. What can you tell us about it? Also, just a add-on I am in love with thecover to it. :)

Thanks!  I love the cover too!  Jadeis the start of series of novellas set in the fictional mountain town of SilverHills.  After Jade's older sister,Crystal, went missing, her family moved away. But the death of her grandma brings Jade back to town six years later.  And yes . . . history is about to repeatitself!  *gasp*



The second novella iscalled Crystal.  I hope to have it out sometime this summer.



4) So,  who happens to be your favorite book boyfriend? We all want toknow!

My awesome critiquepartner wrote a heroic hottie that I'm currently obsessed with - the Norse Godof winter and Thor's stepson!  I hope therest of the world gets to read about him. It's a definite possibility!




5) What was your favorite book as a teenager?

I was the girl waitingin line at midnight for Harry Potter.  Ieven painted a life-size replica of the Fat Lady for a friend's party in ninthgrade.




6) Have you had a most obsessed stalker- I mean- fan yet? If youdon't I am positive I can find someone on this blog to be a stalker-I meanobsessed  fan.

No.  But if any of you would like to volunteer, Ilive at 543 Main Street Apt. # . . . - I mean, I'm a new face in the bookworld.  It'll be a while before I meet anobsessed fan *cough - stalker - cough* if I ever do.





7) What is the coolest/oddest/funniest blog titles you have cameacross so far?

Courtney's BookNook.  JK!  I read quite a few blogs but I haven't comeacross a name that has made me do a double take.




8) What does your free time consist of when not reading orwriting?

I walk a lot, I hike alot, and I work out if time permits.  Onthe opposite spectrum of that, I'm obsessed with cake decorating.  Every holiday is an excuse to make cupcakes!



9) How long did it take to complete each of your books?

It usually takes me2-3 months to complete a first draft.




10) I just had to ask this, what do you think of the newCourtney's Book Nook look? I know its a little vain but I am in love with itbecause I took all the pictures and edited them all by myself.

No, that's not vain.  Whatevs,that's totally vain.  No, it'snot!  I especially love the cute littlegirl on your header.  Is that you?  I've worn a few pink tutus in my time aswell.  You mean when you wore one yesterday?  . . . Please excuse my wandering thoughts.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Book Feature of the Week- Thoughtless- Giveaway!




 I am so excited to have another Book Feature of the Week and even more excited it is Thoughtless by Jacqueline Gardner! Although she does have 3 books the one I will be doing the most with is Thoughtless which is free right now on Smashwords- so go get you a copy! So, I know you are all wanting something that isn't free. So, Jacqueline is going to give out an ebook copy of Mutiny by herself for the giveaway. So here are your entries:
+1 For just leaving name and email
+1 If you are a follower
+1 If you go download Thoughtless on Smashwords
+3 If you can tell me what you like best about Courtney's Book Nook





Monday, April 2, 2012

Cover Reveal- Falling Away




Jenna's first two years of community college are almost over and it's time to decide where to finish her degree. Should she stay near Harvard to be with Robert, or off to Rutgers, where she really wants to go? Their life together seems perfect but she can't help thinking that maybe there's something more out there. As Sophie and Jhett's wedding nears and Jenna is swamped with Maid of Honor duties, she begins to question if she and Robert will live happily ever after too. Right on cue with her doubts, a familiar dream boy pops up in her dreams again. But Chance's entrance is as abrupt as his exit and Jenna's left wondering about his safety. Concern and curiosity get the best of her and a trip back home puts her within arm's reach of a man that still adores her. Only question is, are Jenna's nerves just playing with her over Robert, or is she suddenly realizing she should've chosen Chance?


Can I tell you people how much I am desiring this book? I mean it is the most exquisite book cover I have seen in FOREVER. I love this one five times more than Falling in Between and I was a big fan of that one also.   Which team are you? Team Chance or Team Robert. I love Chance more just because but I happen to know Devon happens to like Robert a little more from my interview. Maybe she put aside herself and gave Jenna ending up with Chance. All together lovely, lovely, LOVELY cover.