Badass Bookie

Debut of the Month - All About Jess Rothenberg ( The Catastrophic History of You and Me)

2012-02-15T17:00:00.000+10:00

That's right my lovelies! This monthly feature on Badass Bookie is back again this year and kicking off the year we have out February Debutante - Jess Rothenberg!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Debutante Profile

Name - Jess Rothenberg

Debut - The Catastrophic History of You and Me

Genre - Contemporary

Website - HERE

Facebook - HERE

Twitter - HERE

JESS ROTHENBERG grew up in Charleston, SouthCarolina, graduated from Vassar College, and spent most of her twenties editingbooks for teens and middle grade readers. She lives in Brooklyn where she writesfull-time, dances interpretively, and dreams of one day owning a sheepdog namedLeo. TheCatastrophic History of You and Me is her first novel. Visit www.jessrothenberg.com to find out more!

Dream Debutante Dress - Love this dress, completely gorgeous and very pretty :)

Notes from a YA Debutante

Interesting facts about me: Well for one thing, I’m really good atping-pong. (Like, really good.) I’m also thequeen of bad puns, I love to belt out Disney/Broadway show tunes when nobody’shome, and have been weirdly obsessed with Shark Week on the Discovery Channelsince I was a little kid. Yup, I’m kindof a dork. But a loveable dork, I liketo think.

Another interesting fact: I was born a minute before midnight and stillhave a sneaking suspicion the hospital clock was off and my actual birthday is 10/11, not10/10. So I like to celebrate both justto make sure.

What I do when I’m not writing: Oh, things like visiting family and friends,brunching it up in Brooklyn, last minute trips to exciting places… the usualstuff!

My inspirations: MoviesI’ve seen, books I’ve read, dreams I’ve had—even the way the light hits thepavement on a lazy afternoon can spark an idea worth exploring. Inspiration is all around us all the time;you just have to be paying attention!

My journey to publication: I was a YA editor for a number of years before jumpingship to write full-time. (Some of thebooks I edited include Richelle Mead’s VampireAcademy series, Kathy Reich’s Virals,Josh Lieb’s I am a Genius of UnspeakableEvil & I Want to be Your Class President, to name a few.) Then I started a wonderful MFA program gearedtoward writing for Children and Young Adults at the Vermont College of FineArts, where I began working on CatastrophicHistory. The book sold to Dial nottoo long after, and the rights have sold in something like 14 countries. I couldn’t be happier! In fact, when finished copies arrived a fewweeks ago, I literally had no choice but to dance. Just see for yourself! http://bit.ly/yYc4bT

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bookie's Note: Meet Jess - the new girl on the block! Okay, I'm like obsessed with New Girl right now and when Jess comes along with her name - I had to make a reference. *imaginary cap locks* I can't believe you edited Vampire Academy! The series is one of my favourite all time! And Jess, I'm a Disney enthusiast as well! Just ask my classmates - I sing everything from Little Mermaid to Lion King - ALL DAY LONG! Come back tomorrow for the second half of Jess's feature + EPIC giveaway!

Badass Bookie xx

Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick

2012-02-14T10:00:00.000+10:00

Review Time! My blog has been a completemess lately! I’ve been so busy and in a huge state of a reading slump, my bloghas been neglected. Hopefully I can get back on track this week! Last week Iread Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber! Thanks to Hardie Grant Egmont for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Perry Stormaire is a normal high school senior– he is busy applying to college and rehearsing with his band –until he agrees to go to the prom with the Lithuanian exchange student who is staying with his family. It turns out that Gobi Zaksauskas is not the mousy teenager that she seems but rather an attractive, confident trained assassin. Instead of going to the prom, Perry finds himself on a wild ride through the streets of New York City as Gobi commandeers the Jaguar his father lent him for the prom in order to take out her targets. Perry learns a lot about himself – and ends up with some amazing material for his college application essays.

The Short Story? – There is something aboutthis book that gives off the “wow factor”. Whether it was the female assassin or the epic prom night out in NewYork City, Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick was brilliant. The novel really cametogether nicely with great characters and a spectacular plot. If you love carchases, female assassins, revenge and action as much as I do – this is yournext read!

The Long Story? – I have read many booksthat I love but not all of them have the “wow-factor” – in fact very few ofthem do. What is the “wow-factor”? Something about the novel that makes itstand out from the rest – distinctively. In this case, Au Revoir, CrazyEuropean Chick has a one of a kind plot. Honestly, what is not to love about awell-written novel with car chases, bullets flying, female assassin and promnights gone wrong? I LOVED the plot – it was different, exciting, action-packedand one big breathless adventure. Perfect for boys and girls, this ain’t no sappylove story – this is a story of a girl and a boy and what happens on promnight!

I don’t read many YA novels with maleprotagonists and when I do I usually find that there is always a barrierbetween us and therefore I can’t enjoy the book as much as I would have liked.Not the case with Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick. I loved Perry – what acharming and completely adorkable boy! Great personality and totally relatableon some level (I mean, I’m a girl!) + he’s a great guitar player. Our crazy,European chick was so badass I want to be a female assassin too! Gobi is thevery definition of badass! Great girl, I think we have a future of being bestfriends :P Maybe she’ll teach me some tips of the trade… Fantasticcharacterization!

Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick would makea fabulous addition to your shelves! If there is anything I know about a “wow-factor”it’s that they are not to be missed! Joe Schreiber has written a winner of anovel and the only thing that would make it even better would be a sequel!Unputdownable and filled to the brim with adventure. Two thumbs up!

What’s it Worth? – Hand Over the Paycheck/Break Out the Piggy Bank

Badass Bookie xx

City of Fallen Angels

2012-02-13T10:00:00.000+10:00

Review Time! So I’m a “little” late on theprogram but I’ve finally finished City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare, asmany of you already know COFA is the fourth installment in the phenomenal YAFantasy series – Mortal Instruments. The first book is getting turned into amovie so it must be pretty good! Thanks to Walker Books for the review copy!

(Goodreads) The Mortal War is over, and Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And—most important of all—Clary can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war. Clary’s best friend, Simon, can’t help her. His mother just found out he’s a vampire and now he’s homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side—along with the power of the curse wrecking his life. And they’re willing to do anything to get what they want. At the same time he’s dating two beautiful, dangerous girls—neither of whom knows about the other.

When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

The Short Story? – More or less what Iexpected which means it’s totally awesome! Clare has written another fantasticnovel that has left me begging for more – Queen of Cliffhangers! As always,brilliantly witty, filled with humor, one heck of a twisted plot and charactersthat will stay with you forever along with Harry Potter and for the better orworse – Edward Cullen. Bravo Clare – you’ve done it again!

The Long Story? – I’m thrilled that Claredecided not to finish the series after book 3 and signed up for another 3 booksbecause I LOVE this series! COFA is a little different to the first three booksand it almost feels like reading an entirely different series in the fact thatthe same characters have started a new chapter of their lives – a newadventure. The characters are faced with a new threat and the ending suggests thatan epic showdown will be necessary. There are more references to the Infernal Devicesin COFA and some new characters have been introduced. Clare has the skill toswitch from humor to serious in a blink of an eye and I found my elf at oddsconstantly laughing and then gripping the edge of my seat with a pounding hart!Beautifully written, COFA is a must-read for fans of YA fiction (in general!)

As far as characterization goes, aside fromnew minor characters and further development in earlier introduced characters.I found it really weird reading COFA at first because it wasn’t focused onClary and Jace. The novel told from the perspectives of a variety of differentcharacters and each of their individual stories build up to be become thebigger picture. I feel like after reading COFA, I understand more about Simon(who is kind of the “main” character) and while I’m still completely Jace andClary 4EVA – Simon deserves his shot at happiness. He’s a pretty decent guyaside from the wee mistake he made! I starting to *really* like Kyle (aka Jordan) and a teaser for thoselike me – Jace and Clary 4EVA is really heating up! Fabulous!

In theend it all comes down to – to read or not to read. Two thumbs up for me, Clareis a highly talented writer and her novels can be enjoyed by readers of allages and genres. I enjoyed COFA and many of you will too! Beautifully written,great characterization and a fantastic plot. Another fantastic novel in aunputdownable series!

What’s itWorth? – Hand Over the Paycheck

BadassBookie xx

In My Mailbox #41

2012-02-12T10:00:00.000+10:00

Morning Lovelies! I'm sick :( Therefore I'm staying home today and well I'm going to be doing some blog work! Starting with my IMM :) In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Basically we share the bookish contents that we received during the week. I have come to only participate every fortnight! :)

My Hurl -

For Review -

ARC Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter

ARC Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick

ARC Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

ARC The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe ( Swap?)

The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe ( Finished Copy)

Night School by C. J. Daugherty

Lenobia's Vow by P.C. and Kristin Cast

Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler and Moira Kalman ( Second Copy - Swap?)

In Darkness by Nick Lake

Pure by Julianna Baggott

( Thanks to Hachette Childrens, Hachette, Hardi Grant, Harlequin, Murdoch Books and Bloomsbury!)

NOTE: Some duplicates this week but some totally awesome books too! Can't wait to read Out of Sight, Out of Time and Goddess Interrupted! Mixed reviews on Pure but honestly it sounds totally awesome! The Way We Fall sounds awesome as well! AND Night School <--- after Brodie's review totally looking forward to it!

Happy Reading Guys!

Badass Bookie xx

Breakfast with the Bookie - Let's Talk Blogger Manners, Attitude and Etiquette

2012-02-08T08:30:00.000+10:00

Breakfast with the Bookie is a semi-weekly feature here @ Badass Bookie which is making a reappearance in 2012. Every other Wednesday morning ( read - when I'm not drawing a blank), let's all grab our teas and coffees to gather and discuss and share our opinions! Everyone is welcome to join and make sure you leave a comment to state your opinion. Don't be shy!

This Week's Topic - Let's Talk Blogger Manners, Attitude and Etiquette

Okay I'll start off by saying - I hate the fact that I have to revisit this topic every year - EVERY YEAR. If you scroll through my blog archive you will see that I have posted something along the same lines in 2010 AND 2011. BUT this controversy just keeps reappearing in the blogosphere.

Book bloggers are very nice people, extremely friendly and generous! Meeting new bloggers is like reuniting with old friends - there is no such thing as an awkward moment when it comes to book bloggers. However, there are just those "few" bloggers who ruin it for everyone else. I'm not having a go at anyone - in fact while I know there are nasty bloggers out there, I'm not aware who they are. BUT people, you got to stop this BITCHING!

I said this on Twitter and I'm going to say it again - Bitching about other bloggers only reflects on yourself, please adopt a more professional, more mature and friendlier attitude.

That's all it comes down to you need to 1) Remember your manners, 2) Adopt a Friendlier Attitude and 3) Learn the Proper Book Blogger Etiquette.

Things to Remember -

1) Twitter is NOT your Personal Diary - Do not use Twitter a ranting source, do not write mean tweets to other bloggers and definitely do not tweet about bloggers behind their back on twitter. WHY? Because someone is going to read that tweet and word will travel and before you know it, a bunch of bloggers will have the wrong image of you. And then that image will be passed onto publishers, authors and professionals and THEN you've screwed it up for yourself. It's pretty much "Book Blogger Suicide"

2) Keep Your Bitch on a Leash - If you have nothing nice to say - don't say it! Stop the bitching, whinging about other bloggers isn't going to solve anything. Really, the name-calling is really just not on. AND you know what else is not on? Ganging up. Do not recruit other people to fight your battles for you.

3) Image is Everything - Ask yourself this: do you want to be known as "that bitchy blogger" or "that blogger with no manners" or "that blogger who is totally unprofessional". People might not say it to your face but that's what they're thinking. Book bloggers are pretty tight and if you attack one of us, you attack us all. In other words, the chances of you being shunned are very high. Be the better person and keep your mouth shut, go punch a cushion but do not verbally slam other people. NOT ON.

Conclusion - Every time, an episode explodes on Blogosphere ( mainly on Twitter), it doesn't only give yourself a bad name but the whole blogging community. We are not the only ones with social networking, the chances that a publisher, agent or author picks up on an episode is really high. Obviously, if you feel the need to bitch someone has obviously done something to piss you off. Be the better person and walk away. Don't be the person who ruins it for everyone.

What's your opinion? Do you think lashing out at other people is right? Do you think it's right to fight back? And what are others things to be remembers?

Badass Bookie xx

Everneath

2012-02-07T11:00:00.000+10:00

Review Time! I finished Everneath a week ago and couldn't bring myself to write a review. See, Simon and Schuster Australia is running this competition where you upload a video review of Everneath. The prize is $250 to the bookstore of your choice. I debated whether I should post a video review but in the end I didn't! A) Because I'm already just gush and B) What about my air of mystery? :P Thanks to S and S for the review copy though!

(Goodreads) Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

The Short Story? - Based loosely on the Greek Myth of Persephone, Ashton has written a spectacular debut that's bound to be enjoyed by fans of both paranormal and contemporary YA! Dark, seductive and well-written, Ashton has taken a well-known myth and given it a YA twist. Filled with love, lose, heartbreak and letting go, Everneath is a highly entertaining debut that will appeal to lovers of all things YA!

The Long Story? - I really enjoyed this book but I just can't seem to find the words to describe it. While it's classified as a Paranormal Romance, it focused more on the human side of things and less on the paranormal. Everneath deals with letting go, love and sacrifice and while the idea of Everneath (the underworld) rings true throughout the whole novel, it definitely isn't focus. I can almost consider Everneath has a Contemporary Greek Myth retelling. That said, I loved how Ashton developed the underworld, Everneath is utterly intriguing! Taking the original idea of the Underworld, Ashton has turned it into something completely new and given it new qualities. The novel wasn't perfect, a few things needed tweaking but overall it was very very well written. Ashton has a wonderful prose and reading Everneath was very comfortable. A story in which you could easily lose yourself in!

As far as characterisation goes, I had a love/hate relationship with Nikki. I loved her but some of her decision were really bad, I feel that if she hadn't made silly choices - she could have saved both Jack and Cole a great deal of heartbreak. She means well, she has a very likeable personality but some her actions just annoyed me. I loved, LOVED Jack, I'm not sure a guy like him exists outside the pages of a YA novel but I wish he did! Very sweet, completely in love with Nikki and captured my heart! On the other hand Ashton has portrayed Cole as a jerk - he has his sweet moments but overall very jerky jerk. A no-no for me because that's a completely one-sided love triangle - IT'S NOT A FAIR BATTLE! I hope to see Cole portrayed differently in the sequel because while it's a great love triangle, it's not a fair one! Overall, good characterisation - realistic. Flawed characters are always the most believable ( and human).

Everneath is a paranormal novel that borders alongside contemporary. I didn't love - it was more like lots of fond feelings mushed together - it but it was highly entertaining and I'm certain many of you would LOVE LOVE LOVE it! The Greek Mythology side of the novel would definitely appeal to many of you as it appealed to me. Good characterisation, a great plot and wonderfully written. Overall, it's a solid read!

What it Worth? - Squeeze into the Budget/ Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

The Fault in Our Stars

2012-02-06T11:00:00.000+10:00

Review Time! Okay, who hasn't read this book yet? I swear since it's release last month - EVERYONE has read The Fault in Our Stars by John Green! I admit this is my first John Green and well, if the rest of them are anything like this one, I must dip into my savings buy them all! Thanks to Penguin for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

The Short Story? - One of the best contemporary novels I've ever read! A fulfilling novel that's wonderfully, beautifully, refreshingly bittersweet. Realistic, raw and heartbreaking, John Green has written a modern classic in the making! This will the novel people talk about in 60 years. Unputdownable from cover to cover, The Fault in Our Stars will make you cry, laugh and cry some more! Bravo John Green!

The Long Story? - Read this book in private, preferably behind a locked door. YOU WILL CRY. Trust me, I'm the least moved person ever ( I didn't even cry in The Notebook!) but I bawled like a baby reading The Fault in Our Stars. John Green is a master of literature. Like Laini Taylor and J.K. Rowling, he isn't just an author, he is an artist, a story-teller, a unique individual with a gift. Green has beautiful prose, very unique and even in the most serious of situations filled with humour. If anyone can make a girl who hates sob stories ( read- me) love a MAJOR sob story it's him. The Fault in Our Stars is filled with humour, raw emotions and a love story that will you leave in tears. Heartbreakingly beautiful, Green deals with may serious issues that haunt society everyday in this work of fiction. He has written an extraordinary contemporary about life, death and everything in between. Be prepared for the best tear-jerker of the century!

This is perhaps one of the best characterisations I've ever seen (or read). We always talk about our favourite YA couples, well this is one of my favourites - Hazel and Augustus. Their story isn't one with a happily ever after but it's so raw, beautiful and filled with love. Both characters suffer from cancer and they meet through a cancer victim support group. I clicked instantly with Hazel, she's so so brave and she's a downright funny girl! Suffering from cancer, she doesn't have the life of a normal teen yet she makes the most of it! Augustus is just wonderful. He brings out the best in Hazel and she brings out the best in him - that is love. He's the perfect gentlemen, insufferably sweet and very very very witty. (A Jace Wayland reincarnation with personality modification perhaps?). Some of the best characterisations I've read!

If you got anything out of that rubbish review ( filled with too much gushing hey?) you know that I LOVED The Fault in Out Stars. For girl who probably hates nothing more than a contemporary sob story, that's like the highest form of a compliment. John Green only writes the best of the best. You will be a fool to pass up on this one. The Fault in Our Stars is not to be missed. It's an absolute keeper so go buy yourself a copy (or two!)

What's it Worth? - BREAK OUT THE PIGGYBANK ( like NOW!)

The Fault in Our Stars currently has a 4.71 Rating on Goodreads, 8902 people have rated it - do you think we'll lie?

Badass Bookie xx

2012 YA Contemporary Challenge Sign-Up!

2012-02-01T19:05:00.001+10:00

Hey Guys! I wasn't going to do it! I promised myself NOT to sign up for too many challenges because I won't finish them but I spent the whole of January debating it and I don't *think* one more would make too much of a difference right? :) Therefore I'm signing up for the 2012 YA Contemporary Challenge hosted by Katie @ Katie's Book Blog and Angela @ The Reading Angel!

It sound fantastic and since I promised myself to read lots of contemporaries this year - it's just giving me the motivation I need right? :) Here's a little about the challenge -

Levels:
Level 1: 5+ books
Level 2: 10+ books
Level 3: 15+ books

Rules:
You can read any contemporary YA novel that is published between January 1, 2012 and December 30, 2012 but you must read them in 2012! (All formats accepted: paperback, ARC, e-book)

Books included:
We have created a spreadsheet (organized by release date) for contemporary YA books published in 2012. If there is a book that is not on the spreadsheet that you know fits the guidelines, let us know and we will add it. There is also a Goodreads list. You can use either one. Currently the spreadsheet has more books on it.

Spreadsheet

Goodreads list

Authors:
If you have a contemporary YA book coming out in 2012 we would love it if you would participate. We would love it if you would be interested in donating swag/books or being featured here on Katie’s Book Blog or Reading Angel. If you are interested, fill out the form here! (You can also email me!)

Participants:
Anyone who has a blog or a Goodreads where they can post reviews is eligible to participate.

Why you should participate:
Contemporary YA is an awesome genre. Isn’t that enough of a reason?
If not, there will also be giveaways throughout the year as well as one grand prize giveaway at the end of the year. Does that motivate you? =)

You can sign up for the challenge - HERE

I'm signing up for Level 2 - firstly because that way if I read more I can always move up a level and secondly I hate not completing a challenge so I MUST challenge myself to a level that is complete-able. :)

I going to start with a empty list and add books as I got along -

1) ~~The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith~~ - Review
2) The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
3) Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler and Maira Kalman
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)

Badass Bookie xx

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

2012-02-01T18:44:00.000+10:00

Review Time! The Statistical Probability ofLove at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith is a YA contemporary release that thewhole YA blogosphere has eagerly anticipated for a long time! FINALLY inJanuary the release came upon us :) Thanks to Hachette for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

The Short Story? –A quick, cute andcompletely bittersweet novel about love at first sight. Jennifer E. Smith haswritten a heart moving love story that spans over the course of 24 hours.Beautifully written, an adorable plot and two characters that make me want tobelieve in destiny! Thumbs up read!

The Long Story? – I think I want to marrythe next guy I sit next to on a plane ;) Smith makes me want to believe in loveat first sight! I really enjoyed TSPOLAFT, it everything the hype made it outto be, if there was a little more humor it would have been heaven! BUT, thenovel wasn’t THAT funny – actually it covered some quite heavy topics. Smithhas developed a wonderfully bittersweet plot filled with romantic encounters oftwo teens that meets by fate (I think). This is a love story, no vampires, nowerewolves, no saving the world. JUST love between two human teenagers whohappen to meet. It’s hopelessly romantic!

What a cute characterization! TSPOLAFSfocuses on two teen who happen to meet (by fate – I think) at a airport. Thereare other characters in the book but they’re of no importance – really! Hadleyour protagonist is a teenager dealing with the divorce of her parents and thefact that her dad is getting remarried. Hadley is strong, she keeps all heremotions inside and while she is bitter about her parent’s divorce she reallyjust keeps it to herself. The best thing about Hadley is how normal she is!She’s an ordinary teen, like me and yet her story is so special! We can allrelate to her! Oliver is everything that I look for in a guy, he’s a gentlemen,he’s hilarious, good-looking but also kind. The pairing of Hadley and Oliver isreally top class! Fantastic Smith!

The Statistical Probability of Love atFirst Sight is romance in it’s true form. This was romance before Twilight –where guys were human! YOU will love this, YOU will laugh, YOU might cry butYOU definitely should seek the opportunity to read it! Smith has written awinner of a contemporary, she’s written a love story about how love should be.I BELIEVE in LOVE at FIRST SIGHT!

What’s it Worth? – Hand Over the Paycheck/Break Out the Piggybank

Badass Bookie xx

Breakfast with the Bookie: The YA Blogosphere - Cliquey or Not?

2012-02-01T07:30:00.000+10:00

Breakfast with the Bookie is a semi-weekly feature here @ Badass Bookie which is making a reappearance in 2012. Every other Wednesday morning, let's all grab our teas and coffees to gather and discuss and share our opinions! Everyone is welcome to join and make sure you leave a comment to state your opinion. Don't be shy!

This Week's Topic - The YA Blogosphere - Clique-y or Not?

A while back I addressed this question on Twitter and I got back a resounding YES from not only new bloggers but older bloggers who have been on the scene for more than a year or two! Honestly at first I didn't see the clique-yness of the blogosphere but lately I have been noticing the problem quite a bit - perhaps because I've been looking out for it.

I find a blogger on Twitter who said "Guess I'm fortunate that I met some folks who are willing to talk and help me out in getting started. I still find it hard to be 'in' with everyone though. You can definitely tell who is part of the in crowd and who's not."

Cliques are natural in communities there obviously going to be people who you are closer to then others and you might not be aware that you are being clique-y ( hell, I've probably been clique-y and not released it) but others notice it and I think it's something we should dissect in this discussion post! :)

The Different Cliques of the YA Blogosphere ( An Unfinished List) -

The Big Fish Clique - The experienced bloggers who have a couple of years under their sleeves and have rather successful blogs, seem to know their way around the publishing world. Bloggers who you look up to. The 'Professionals' ;)

The Country/State Pride Clique - The bloggers who's stick together because of their nationality. They talk about things you have never heard off and joke with each other over twitter and seem to be GREAT friends!

The Age Similarity Clique - Bloggers of close age that stick together. The mommy bloggers friends with the mommy bloggers. The teen bloggers friends with the teen bloggers. The uni bloggers friends the uni bloggers.

The Fan Girl Clique - Bloggers who share a love for a book and stick together to express their love.

My Opinion - The Dissection and How Can We Close the Barrier?

Honestly, Bloggers are very nice people, especially book bloggers. I've been on the receiving end of generosity and kindness that has really touched me. I think that the clique-yness is unintentional and some bloggers might feel that they're being excluded it could simply be because it takes time to form a close friendship with other people ( even bloggers!) and that friendship can take years to form. It's not as easy as starting a book blog and immediately becoming BFF with others.

Like every other relationship in life, it takes time to form the bond. Best way to close the barrier would be to socialise. Twitter is a great way to make new friends and form those bonds. And while the clique-yness can be seen on Twitter as well, make the effort to reply to other people tweets and to follow many people!

As for those who have already got those close friends ( I know I do!) - I think it would be great if everyone could take the time to reply bloggers who tweet you, go out of your way to make others feel welcome and definitely support those bloggers who have trouble starting out and need a helping hand! :)

Now, what's your two cents? Topic is open for discussion!

Badass Bookie xx

The Pale Assassin

2012-01-31T17:02:00.001+10:00

Review Time! I’m trailing a little behindwith my review lately! With school starting and everything, I haven’t had somuch time to write down reviews. I NEED to start scheduling :( The Pale Assassin is the first book inPimpernelles series by Patricia Elliott, it’s a novel that I won a while backin a giveaway Hachette Children Australia hosted so thank-you Hachette!

(Goodreads) Spoiled, beautiful fourteen-year-old Eugénie de Boncoeur is accustomed to outrageous privilege. The French Revolution may rage around her, but Eugénie's luxurious lifestyle is only improved by visits from her brother, Armand, especially doting since the two were orphaned. What Eugénie doesn't know is that their guardian has promised her in marriage to the wealthy, vengeful Le Fantome, a revolutionary nursing a secret grudge against her family. As the Revolution becomes increasingly violent, Eugénie is shipped off to convent school. Finally, there is no place in France that is safe for her. Eugénie dusts off her lightly used brains and rises to the challenge of survival; and soon she is in the thick of turmoil and romance, confronting spies, secret agents, and double-crossing suitors in her quest to get out of France alive.

The Short Story? – A YA historical fictionthat follows the dangers of the life of a young aristocrat during the FrenchRevolution. Filled with knowledge, danger, secrets and hidden agendas. The PaleAssassin is a thrilling work of fiction that is both beautifully written andwonderfully plotted! Great characterization, this is not one to be missed!

The Long Story? – I’ve always been a suckerfor historical fiction but I admit when I picked The Pimpernelles I didn’t haveany knowledge about what the book was about. I just thought the cover waspretty! I very much liked the plot, the novel follows the life of a youngaristocrat called Eugenie during the French Revolution. It follows hertroubles, her fears and her adventure and journey to England. The Pale Assassinis a wealth of information about the French Revolution, even if it is fiction.I really learnt quite a bit about the Revolution through the novel. Filled withplots, secrets and hidden agendas – if you love a good thriller or mystery thisone is a winner!

The characterization was accurate. Elliottportrayed characters so that their personalities and behaviors reflected on howthe people would have acted during the French Revolution. Eugenie was afantastic protagonist, we really see her develop and by the end of the novel,she becomes a true heroine. She starts of a little vain and clingy and whinybut I guess that’s how rich fourteen-year-old aristocrats would act! As thenovel progresses and as she grows older, her sense of responsibility andawareness develops and you see a significant change of attitude. There weremany secondary characters that I grew fond of including Julien, Guy, Belle andManon. A very rich cast!

The Pale Assassin is perhaps not a verywidely known YA work of historical fiction but it is definitely one that isworth a reading! Filled with adventure, secrets and heart-pounding moments, thenovel is a roller-coaster ride of a read. Plenty of twists and turns andunpredictable outcomes, Elliott has written not only an enjoyable novel but alsoone that carries mystery and suspense! Fantastic read, I can’t wait to read thesequel!

What’s it Worth? – Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

Instructions for a Broken Heart

2012-01-30T18:57:00.001+10:00

Review Time! This year I signed up forthe 2012 TBR Reading Pile challenge to help motivate me to read older releasesthat have been sitting on my shelf for a long time. I also chose to read booksthat weren’t sent to me for review as one of my own guide lines. It also meansto review format is a little different.

(Goodreads) Three days before her drama club's trip to Italy, Jessa Gardner discovers her boyfriend in the costume barn with another girl. Jessa is left with a care package from her best friend titled "Top Twenty Reasons He's a Slimy Jerk Bastard," instructing her to do one un-Jessa-like thing each day of the trip. At turns hilarious and heartwrenching, Instructions for a Broken Heart paints a magical Italy in which Jessa learns she must figure out life-and romance-for herself.

The Short Story? – Instructions for aBroken is a bittersweet YA contemporary about the pain of a broken heart andthe steps it takes to start moving on. Culbertson has captured the heartbreakof a teenager romance. Beautifully written and a wonderful characterdevelopment, it wasn’t what I expected but nevertheless, I’m sure many of youwould enjoy it! For fans of Sarah Dessen!

The Long Story? – I really wanted tolike this one especially after I pinned away on the book for a good deal of2011 but it really didn’t meet my expectations. More than anything, I think the blurb lead me to believe the book wasgoing to be different from what it happened to be. I was expecting a littlemore romance and comedy and a little less ‘poor me’. Maybe a rebound guy, someparties, few stray kisses and at least flirting with the smexy Italian boys! Ireally would have liked to see the Italian setting used to its full advantage.For fans of Sarah Dessen – this is your book; you’re going to love it. Thebroken heart, the instructions and the healing process. For me the novel sat alittle too close to the line between “reasonable sadness over cheatingboyfriend” and “completely ridiculous, man up and get over it”. Most of youwould love Instructions for a Broken Heart but I’m not a huge fan ofcontemporary to begin with and for my picky taste, this just didn’t make thecut.

As far as characterization, initially Iwasn’t a huge fan of Jessa. I could understand that she was broken hearted overthe fact that her boyfriend cheated on her but she just went on and on aboutit. It got to the point where it was just pathetic, I wanted to shake her andsay ‘SO WHAT, you boyfriend cheated, he’s a guy! GET OVER IT!’ Eventually, followingthe instructions (Which were really fun! They were my favorite part of thenovel!) she didn’t start to heal her broken heart and I started to like her. Inthe end, she really became a different girl and I really want to applaudCulbertson on her fabulous character development!

Instructions for a Broken Heart wasn’tbad. There were parts about the novel that I loved. The Italian setting, theinstructions and the moving on in the end were fantastic! It wasn’t what Iexpected and I didn’t enjoy it as much as I would have like but I’m certain,many of you would love, LOVE this novel. It’s the perfect contemporary for acontemporary lover :)

What’s it Worth? – Squeeze into theBudget

Badass Bookie xx

In My Mailbox #40

2012-01-29T09:06:00.001+10:00

Morning Lovelies! I'm kinda still in bed but I'm awake so I thought I'll post my IMM. In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Basically we share the bookish contents that we received during the week. I have come to only participate every fortnight! :)

My Bookish Hurl -

For Review -

On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane

Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

ARC The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jessica Rothenberg

Wildcat Fireflies by Amber Kizer

The Wood Queen by Karen Mahoney

Skin Deep by Laura Jaratt

Going Underground by Susan Vaught

Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate

Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler and Maira Kalman

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Between the Sea and the Sky by Jaclyn Dolamore

( Thanks to Harlequin, Penguin, Random House, Hardi Grant, Bloomsbury and Hachette!)

Won -

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

( Thanks to Erin @ Erin. L. Schneider )

NOTE: I'm so excited to read all the books from my mailbox in the last two weeks! Especially excited for The Catastrophic History of You and Me which sounds absolutely hilarious and probably a little sad too! I've read The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight and it's really cute! There are nothing but good reviews about The Fault in Out Stars but I'm actually leaning towards reading Jessica Rules the Dark Side next! I couldn't finish Jessica's Guid to Dating the Dark Side in one go and I had to take a break but it ended up being superb!

That's all for me and make sure you link me to your IMM :)

Badass Bookie xx

New Blog Design!

2012-01-28T16:25:00.001+10:00

Yes Guys! I've finally done it! I've gotten off my lazy ass and designed a new one! I'm not sure whether I like this better but it's different! GUYS please give me your opinions because if you don't like it I would change it back to the Green. Blue and White Design!

Opinions Please!

Badass Bookie xx

Interview with T.P. Boje

2012-01-28T16:00:00.000+10:00

I don't normally host interviews/ guests posts or blog tours stuff because I'm too lazy :P BUT I think the New Year is the perfect time to get more involved in promoting authors and books. Today, I have on the blog with me T.P. Boje!

Bio - T. P. Boje is a mother of two, a stepmother of another two and a hardcore cartoon lover, Tim Burton enthusiast, and enjoys any movie the Coen Brothers have made (with the big Lebowski being her favorite strongly followed by Burn after Reading). She is also a writer of Y/A Paranormal Romance, fantasy and mystery. She is originally from Denmark but currently living in Florida, USA. Her books are translated into several languages.

To learn more follow her on Twitter, visit her fansite on Facebook or check out her web-page: http://www.tpboje.blogspot.com/

Books - Afterlife Trilogy ( Beyond, Serenity and Endurance), The Eye of the Crystal Ball, One, Two...He's Coming for You

Interview with Therese

Quickies -

Skittles or M&Ms? M&Ms. I love anything with chocolate.

Black or white? I hope it is not a racial thing, but I prefer white, if it is just the color :-) (NOTE: Just a colour thing!)

Coffee or Tea? I am a tea-person. One of the few, I know it is weird, but I really don't like coffee. I love a good cup of tea while I write, and my husband makes the best one.

Print copies or e-books? I love both. Print copies are nice to hold and have such an authentic feeling to them, but e-books are just easier. Especially when you travel. I have heard someone compare it to the difference between a light bulb and a candle. People will not stop buying old-fashioned candles because they are nicer, but light-bulbs are just easier and cheaper.

Dog-ear or Bookmark? oh I am terrible. I make dog-ears all over the book. I am somehow always out of bookmarks when I need them.

Cats or Dogs? I am a little strange, cause I like both. But my husband doesn't like cats, so I think we will get a dog whenever our kids start wanting pets, and we can no longer resist them.

Reading or Writing? Writing, writing writing. I love to write and I have a hard time whenever I have to take a break from it. You could say that I am always at work, but you could also say that I am never at work, cause it never feels like work.

Vampires or werewolves? I am not that crazy about either of them. I used to be a vampire-lover, but I am kind of fed up with that. Maybe that is why I am writing Paranormal Romance without any of them. They are kind of all over right now, and I have read enough about them.

Have you watched Vampire Diaries? No.

Favourite Harry Potter Novel? Probably the third one. The Prisoner of Azkaban. This was when the series came alive to me.

Book you most want to see turned into a Movie? One of my own lol! No, right now I am reading Carlos Ruiz Zafrón The Shadows of the Wind, and I would like to see that turned into a movie. But I recently read that the author said that he thinks that a novel should stay a novel, so I am not holding my breath on that one.

Favourite day of the week? Tuesday. I love my workweek and Monday is always all about getting into my book again and on tuesday I am really focused and always write many pages.

Your perfect breakfast consists of – softboiled eggs.

Five things that make a book "good" - ( ie fight, strong heroine, good-looking boys, high speed car chase, happy endings) – a strong hero or heroine, humor, vivid imagination, romance, surprising plot and twists.

and...

Team Edward or Team Jacob? I am a Jacob-girl. I wouldn't like the cold skin and the feeling of death so close to me. Jacob is wild, warm, passionate and a little hairy. I like that in a man. ( NOTE: Team Jacob FTW!)

The Long Ones -

1) Describe Afterlife in three words.

"Paranormal romance with a twist of fantasy and mystery..." Okay that is a little more than three words, but it is really difficult! Maybe "Will need tissue", cause it is kind of heartbreaking ... but also warm ... and really suspenseful. Okay I have used way too many words now.

2) How did you come up with the storyline?

Haven’t we all at some point wondered where we are going when we die? I used to do it a lot as a kid. Is heaven for real and what is it going to be like once I get there? What kind of a body will I have? What will I look like? Will all of my family come with me? Will I meet my grandmother there? When I was a child I remember reading Astrid Lindgren’s “The Brothers Lionheart”. To those who don’t know it, it is a book about two brothers that both die and go to the country Nangijala, a land in "the campfires and storytelling days". Here the brothers experience great adventures. Together with a resistance group they lead the struggle against the evil Tengil, who rules with the aid of the fearsome fire-breathing dragon Katla. It is really a very beautiful book and I remember how it made me look upon death in a totally different way. Like it could actually be a new adventure.

As I grew up I never thought much about life after death and if there really was one or not. I was busy living my life and thinking about my life here on earth. But then one day not many months ago a thought just popped into my head. What if we have to go to school when we die?

As it so often happens, the thought wouldn’t go away again once it had come into my head, and I started playing with the idea. If it is true that we leave our bodies here on earth, then we must have some new body on the other side, right? And it would probably take some time to get used to that new body. And how about going through walls and doors and stuff? I mean if we become spirits then we would have to learn how to do all those things, right? And what about flying? That is not something that comes to us easily. We would have to practice first, right? And someone would have to teach us. So eventually I started imagining this school that we all had to graduate from in order to be let into heaven, and soon Meghan popped into my head and started walking around on that school - that just had to be run by angels. She soon made some friends and fell in love (as it often happens when you are sixteen). And that was when the problems began. Because the boy was still human, living on earth, so how could they ever be together?

That was when I realized that a book-series was born. And just like the book “The Brothers Lionheart” from my childhood, it was about how dying is only the beginning of the next great adventure.

3) Why did you choose to write YA Paranormal?

I have written a lot of mystery and I wanted to try something else. So I wrote a fantasy-novel called The Eye of the Crystal Ball. It was a lot of fun, but I felt like something was missing. I needed some romance, I wanted to write romance, but not the traditional kind. It had to be romance where I could use my vivid imagination like I had done it in the fantasy-novel and that was when it hit me that paranormal romance was the right thing for me.

4) Character you feel you can relate best to? Why?

Meghan, my main character. Because she has more human emotion and sense of right and wrong than many of her co-characters.

5) Is there a story behind the names of characters?

no, I just make them up as I write.

6) Ar you planning to write any other books outside the series?

I have like a hundred books in my head that I want to write. I have so many characters and stories in my head, but most of them will never get any further than my brain, and yet some of them will find a way out and into my computer. I hope to be writing books for as long as I live. But for now I am focusing on the Afterlife-series. I have written three books so far, but am only half-way. I am planning on writing three more before I can let Meghan and her friends go.

7) Who would play the characters in a movie adaption?

Anyone good-looking, hot and young lol.

And that's that!

Badass Bookie xx

Crave

2012-01-27T17:44:00.001+10:00

Review Time! I didn’t go to schooltoday because of flooded roads so it’s perfect for catching up on writingreviews! Crave by Melissa Darnell was a 2011 Harlequin Teen release, theAustralian cover is different but the story is the same (the US cover is redwith a chick dressed in white)! Thanks to Harlequin Teen for the review copy!:)

(Goodreads) Savannah Colbert has never known why she's so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It's as if he's a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she's destined to fail.

For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back…different, and suddenly he can't stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences...

The Short Story? – A forbidden lovestory with a supernatural twist. Darnell has written an interesting debut lacedheavily with romance and the paranormal. Great characterization and beautifullywritten, told from duo perspectives Crave is a unique story about the value oflove and how far you would go and what sacrifices you would make for the oneyou love.

The Long Story? – Crave focused heavilyon the love between Savannah and Tristan. While I enjoyed the romance overload,I didn’t enjoy the shallow plot. In terms of a plot, there really wasn’t muchof one. The story was going around in circles and getting nowhere. It’s a longnovel and for a story with so little action, I thought a whole chunk of novel couldhave been cut out. Darnell had a massive build up for the ending that soundedlike it was going to be spectacular and it turned out to be good but not asamazing as I thought it would be – it was a very short ending for such a bigbuild up. Crave was a solid read, there were enjoyable moments and the romancewas very nicely written. Darnell has such beautiful prose and I know lots ofreaders did enjoy it but I’m a little disappointed in the plot (or the lack ofone).

The characterization was done wellthough. I had a little hissy fit over the age of the characters, I thought theywere too young but that’s just me and my age prejudice :P Savannah was easy torelate, she is bullied and I think that’s an issue teens can relate. I’m alittle skeptical about the lack of a reaction upon discovering that she nothuman. However the rest of her personality and her actions really brought outwhat a nicely developed character she turned out to be. I really liked Tristan,I love my fictional boys to be manly and possessive and totally handsome.Tristan was all of that but he was also hopelessly romantic and his love forSavannah really showed. I think Darnell did a really great job with thecharacterisation.

I can’t but be a little disappointed inthe plot but Crave was a good novel. Darnell has written a very beautiful lovestory about a forbidden romance and the sacrifices one has to make to be withtheir loved one. If the opportunity showed, I definitely would recommend youguys to read the book because while it might not have been my cup of tea, thereare plenty of people out there who really enjoyed Crave!

What’s it Worth? – Squeeze into theBudget

*For Review Rating Key view Right Sidebar :)

Badass Bookie xx

The 2012 Debutante Event Wrap-Up!

2012-01-26T17:00:00.000+10:00

We've come to a close for the 2012 Debutante Event! What another spectacular year of debutantes! I'm very sad to see all 12 of them go out into the world * wipes tear* BUT they are ready to face the blogosphere! Make sure you check out all the amazing debutante features. We're had beautiful dresses, celebrity dates, facts about the Debs you would have never learnt and insider's scoops that are totally juicy!

Now, a complete list of posts can be found on the 2012 Debutante Event Page ( Click on Button below to go through or click HERE)!

All giveaways are open for a MONTH from the day it's posted so make sure you go enter them! I will not be announcing winners on the blog because every giveaway ends on a different day! Winners will be emailed by me! If you win, you will have 48hrs to reply before a new winner is picked!
That's all for me for NOW!
Badass Bookie xx

Spoiled

2012-01-26T13:47:00.001+10:00

Review Time! It’s been a while since I’veposted a review, I’ve read heaps but because it’s the first week of school, Ihaven’t had to time to actually write the review! Spoiled is a 2011 YA Debutwritten by internationally recognized celebrity bloggers - Heather Cocks andJessica Morgan @ Go Fug Yourself Thanks to Allen and Unwin for the ARC!

(Goodreads) 16-year-old Molly Dix loves her ordinary life in suburban Indiana, so when her single mother passes away, she is shocked to discover that her biological father is Brick Berlin, world famous movie star and red carpet regular.

Equally intrigued and terrified by her Hollywood lineage, Molly moves to Southern California and plunges head-first into the deep end of Beverly Hills celebrity life. Just as Molly thinks her new life and family couldn't get any stranger, she meets Brooke Berlin, her gorgeous and spoiled half-sister whom welcomes Molly to la-la land with a healthy dose of passive-aggressive "sisterly love."

The Short Story? – A funny and glamorousdebut that gives evil stepsister a whole new Hollywood outlook! Spoiled is acomfortable novel that will bring you laughter and exaggerated fashionshowdowns from cover to cover! Cocks and Morgan has written a YA-pleaser filledwith celebrities, limitless credit cards, designer shoes and frenemies!

The Long Story? – I adored this novel, itwasn’t love but it was affection. Spoiled is a typically “clichéd” YA novel,you could even call it satire. The novel is mocking the Hollywood life and thespoiled, trust-fund babes! There were goods and bads about the novel – mainlygoods. I loved the endless drama, it was one showdown in Louboutins afteranother! What I didn’t like so much was the childish quality of the charactersbut then again – they’re spoiled right? Overall, it’s a very comfortable readthat would bring you laughter from start to finish! Spoiled gives wickedstepsister (or in this case half-sister) a whole new meaning!

The characterization fitted with the plotand title. Initially I wasn’t a huge fan of Brooke, so she is MEANT to bespoiled but I wasn’t a big fan of her bratty attitude. As the novel progressed,I got to know her better and suddenly her attitude made sense, Spoiled actuallycovers a lot of heavy topics and issues that many teens all around the worldface everyday. Neglect, loneliness, fear, insecurity and a few others. Brookealso undergoes a change of attitude towards the end of the novel and thatreally was a huge highlight for me! Molly was a sweetheart from the beginning,she’s been throughout a lot and while Brooke wasn’t the nicest person to her inthe beginning, they eventually worked past the evil stepsister syndrome! Anexcellent novel where character development comes through very clearly!

Spoiled is a novel to be enjoyed by teenreaders and reader who are forever eighteen. If you love celebrities, gossip,designer shoes and drama, this one is for you! Cocks and Morgan has written afunny debut about the not-so-glamorous life of the daughters of A-list. Goodcharacter development, fantastic plot and brilliant overall presentation of anovel. Spoiled is a YA- pleaser that will leave you with a feeling utterly entertained!

What’s its Worth? – Squeeze into theBudget/ Hand over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

Day Twenty-Five - All About Everneath + Giveaway

2012-01-25T17:00:00.000+10:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Book Profile

Name - Everneath (Goodreads)

Author - Brodi Ashton

Genre - Paranormal Romance

Release Date - 24th of January 2012

Available - The Book Depository

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's..

The Insider's Scoop

I decided to provide some profiles of the main characters in EVERNEATH, and a short Q&A for each of them.

Character Profiles:

NIKKI BECKETT

Age: 17
Hair: Brunette, and always covering her face
Habits: She knits a lot. This hides the fact that her hands can’t stop shaking.
Tragic Flaw: She made a bad decision. One that she’ll never be able to leave behind.

What scares her the most?
Reconnecting with her old boyfriend, only to hurt him again.

What does she want more than anything?
Her life back.

What’s the one thing she has no hope of getting?
Her life back.

COLE STOCKTON

Age: ?
Hair: Blond
Habits: He likes to flick a guitar pick over his fingers.
Job Description: Lead guitar for an indie rock band called THE DEAD ELVISES
Other Job Description: To find humans to sacrifice to an Underworld-like place called the EVERNEATH.

What’s the one thing he wants more than anything?
For Nikki to return to the Everneath with him.

What’s the one thing he has no hope of getting?
Nikki’s love.

JACK CAPUTO

Age: 18
Habits: Being good at sports. And in moments of his deepest despair, he has a habit of piercing his eyebrow and getting tattoos.

What’s the worst thing he’s ever done in his life?
Letting Nikki go that one night without explaining.

What does he want more than anything?
To be with Nikki again.

What’s the one thing he has no hope of getting?
To be with Nikki again.

~Giveaway~

For Brodi's Giveway, she has offered (1) ONE Signed ARC of Everneath! This giveaway is open INTERNTIONALLY. In case you haven't noticed this book is made of awesome - I can't way to dig into my copy! Please leave a lovely comment for Brodi's posts to show support! Rules are below!

Rule of Entry -

- International

- Ends 25th of February

- Must be 13 or older

- Optional Entries :

* Leaving comment on either of Brodi's posts +1 each

* Tweeting Giveaway +1

* Putting Giveaway on Sidebar +2

* Follow Badass Bookie +2

* Placing 2012 Debutante Event Button on blog +3

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Badass Bookie xx

Day Twenty Four - All About Brodi Ashton ( Everneath)

2012-01-24T17:00:00.000+10:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Debutante Profile

Name - Brodi Ashton

Debut - Everneath

Genre - Paranormal Romance

Blog - HERE

Facebook - HERE

Twitter - HERE

Because of two parents who were Greek myth geeks, I grew up thinking the latest fashion trends were inspired by Aphrodite, and a good conversational opener was, “So, which mythological character do you most resemble?” Despite these social shortcomings, I found a great husband who’s always my first reader. We live in Utah with our two young boys, who still have no idea why I'm at the computer all the time.

I received a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Utah and a Master’s degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics.

Dream Debutante Dress - I chose this dress because I wore pants to my actual prom, and if I had the chance to do it over again, I'd go all out frill! No subtlety anywhere!

Notes from a YA Debutante

I’m so excited to be a 2012 Debutante! So I thought I’d make up a list of 10 little known facts about me.

1. Yes, Brodi is my real name. No, I’m not a boy.

2. My husband can tell the kind of day I’ve had by the number of empty Diet Coke cans by my computer.

3. The first book I ever wrote was about an alien who lived in Idaho. EVERNEATH is not that book.

4. I might be the only person in the world addicted to Good&Plenty.

5. I have a technique for reading revision letters from my editor that involves several intricate steps, like running around the island in my kitchen and shouting battle cries like “Tally Ho!” and “Vive L’Emerpeur!”

6. I also have a technique for pouring Diet Coke so it’s perfect, involving several intricate steps like running water over the ice in the cup before I introduce the Diet Coke, thus preserving the integrity of the bubbles.

7. I have absolutely no technique for cleaning my house or cooking regular dinners.

8. It’s a good thing my husband didn’t marry me for my technique.

9. Okay, #8 came out wrong. ( Bookie's NOTE : Bahah)

10. 98% of everything that comes out of my mouth is wrong!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bookie's Note: Our very last debutante of 2012!!! It's Brodi Ashton and she's awesome!!! I'm sure everyone's heard of Everneath! I mean look at the cover! Honestly, I LOVE your '10 things about me' - you're very funny and I don't pay tis compliment often but you might, MIGHT be funnier than me :P Hehe Everyone, TOMORROW is the last day of the Debutante Event so PLEASE come back for the finale!

Badass Bookie xx

Day Twenty Three - All About Pretty Crooked + Giveaway

2012-01-23T17:00:00.000+10:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Book Profile

Name - Pretty Crooked ( Goodreads )

Author - Elisa Ludwig

Genre - Contemporary/Thriller

Release Date - 13th of March 2012

Available - The Book Depository

Willa’s secret plan seems all too simple: take from the rich kids at Valley Prep and give to the poor ones.

Yet Willa’s turn as Robin Hood at her ultra-exclusive high school is anything but. Bilking her “friends”—known to everyone as the Glitterati—without them suspecting a thing is far from easy. Learning how to pick pockets and break into lockers is as difficult as she’d thought it’d be. Delivering care packages to the scholarship girls, who are ostracized just for being from the “wrong” side of town, is way more fun than she’d expected.

The complication Willa didn’t expect, though, is Aidan Murphy, Valley Prep’s most notorious (and gorgeous) ace-degenerate. His mere existence is distracting Willa from what matters most to her: evening the social playing field between the haves and have-nots. There’s no time for crushes and flirting with boys, especially conceited and obnoxious trust-funders like Aidan.

But when the cops start investigating the string of thefts at Valley Prep and the Glitterati begin to seek revenge, could Aidan wind up being the person that Willa trusts most?

The Insider's Scoop

25 Facts about Me by Willa Fox

Age: 15

Hair color: Blondish-brownish with an auburnish glow.

Eye color: Hazel

Height: 5’2”. Maybe 5’2½” on a good day

Hometown: Right now? Paradise Valley, AZ, but I’ve moved, like, dozens of times.

Personal style: Thrift store chic meets Neiman Marcus with a little Zooey Deschanel thrown in for good measure.

Best trait: My sense of righteousness

Worst trait: I tend to get a little too caught up in my sense of righteousness.

Favorite food: My mom’s no-bake cashew cookies

Career aspirations: Poet, psychologist and/or burglar

Coffee, tea or hot chocolate?: Tea

Favorite movie: Rififi. If you’ve never heard of it, you need to remedy that.

Favorite artist: My mom, Joanne Fox

Favorite color: Indigo

Astrological sign: Taurus, baby. Mess with the bull and you get the horns.

Favorite music: Old-school hip-hop. Also Beach House, Marnie Stern and Dum Dum Girls.

Favorite pickpocketing move: The Ronaldinho, but I haven’t tried it yet (swear!). You’ve gotta hug someone to make it work.

Dream boy: A brain, a badass and biceps, wrapped up neatly with a bow, thanks.

Favorite object in the world: My vintage Schwinn. I tricked it out myself with a crushed velvet seat, chrome fenders and a headlight, because I like to ride in style.

Person you most admire: Probably my mom, and maybe my best friend Cherise as a close second

Fashion obsession: Shoes. You can never have too many shoes.

Favorite sport: If biking doesn’t count, then shopping. I can work up a sweat at a good sale, believe me.

Dogs or cats?: Never lived anywhere long enough to have a pet, but if I had my choice I would probably get a monkey. Or maybe a dog named Monkey.

Goal you’d like to achieve this year: Survive my first year at Valley Prep with a decent GPA and no jail time.

What would you most like to change about the world?: Easy. I would get rid of the bullies.

~Giveaway~

If you're craving to read Pretty Crooked after that fantastic 'Fact About Me' from Willa well, Elisa's being a doll and offering to give a lucky some a chance to read it before it's March release! ONE (1) SIGNED ARC of Pretty Crooked for one of you! The giveaway is INTERNATIONAL. PLEASE leave a comment to support Elisa's!

Rule of Entry -

- International

- Ends 23rd of February

- Must be 13 or older

- Optional Entries :

* Leaving comment on either of Elisa's's posts +1 each

* Tweeting Giveaway +1

* Putting Giveaway on Sidebar +2

* Follow Badass Bookie +2

* Placing 2012 Debutante Event Button on blog +3

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Badass Bookie xx

Day Twenty-Two - All About Elisa Ludwig

2012-01-22T17:00:00.000+10:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Debutante Profile

Name - Elisa Ludwig

Debut - Pretty Crooked

Genre - Contemporary/ Thriller

Website - HERE

Facebook - HERE

Twitter - HERE

Elisa Ludwig has been writing since the ageof nine when she issued The ElisaBulletin to friends and family (for a price). She studied writing at VassarCollege and Temple University. A freelancer, she writes about food, travel andmany other topics. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and her cat, Beau(a.k.a. Bread). PRETTY CROOKED is her first novel, the first of a trilogy, anda lifelong dream. She’s represented by Leigh Feldman at Writers House.

Dream Debutante Dress - I’ve chosen this dress in honor of theheroine of PRETTY CROOKED trilogy, Willa Fox, who is a connoisseur of vintageclothing. We both love this colour. ( NOTE : I love it! The colour is definitely unusual but the vintage design is just beautiful!)

Notes from a YA Debutante

You know what’s hilarious? My fourth gradeautobiography (okay, those three words are hilarious in and of themselves), inwhich I wrote that I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I grew up, but ifwhatever it was didn’t work out, I could “always fall back on writing.” Likethe writing would be so easy. Like publishing fiction was such a sensible andpredictable career path. Go on with your bad self, nine-year-old me.

I was kind of a broody and rebelliousteenager (see here)but mainly I spent a lot of time observing what went on and writing in myjournals. I also read everything I could get my hands on, from the YA greatslike Paul Zindel and Judy Blume to SweetValley High to my dad’s Kurt Vonnegut paperbacks to the sad-girl porn of Go Ask Alice and I Never Promised You a Rose Garden. There were some New Ageyspurts, a brief obsession with Tom Robbins, many Sassy magazines and a long stretch devoted to poetry in there, too.Always, I was looking for evidence of life outside of my little world, and aglimpse of what other possibilities were out there.

One of the reasons I’m drawn to writing YAfiction is that I still have a lot of observations I want to make about what’sit like to be in that bizarro, in-between world of almost grown-upness. Lots ofthings have changed between then and now but a few things haven’t: a) I amstill 5’3” and waiting for a growth spurt; b) I still love to dive into a book;and c) I still have a little bit of a rebellious streak—I’ve just channeled itinto Willa Fox for the time being.

And I guess whatever I planned to do didn’treally work out, because here I am, “falling back” on this crazy racket. I feelreally freaking lucky. Thanks for having me!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bookie's Note: Let's give it up for Elisa Ludwig! You know Elisa, I get imagine you as a broody and rebellious teen :) You're too much for a sweetie! I think everyone reads Judy Blume at least once in their life! You make writing YA sound insightful and deep while when I think YA I think a chance to write boys that are too good to be true ;) Hehe, anyhow come back everyone tomorrow!

Badass Bookie xx

My Bookshelf Growth Spurt ( A Year in Books)

2012-01-22T15:28:00.001+10:00

So instead of doing IMM ( which I only do every fortnight anyway!) I'm posting a bookshelf tour! On January 6th 2011, I posted on my blog about my new bookshelf ( View Post - HERE! It looked a little like this -

This is Maurice :)

This was Maurice last year, she looks a little empty right? Over the course of a year and a bit, my bookshelf encountered a little ( read HUGE) growth spurt. Maurice could no longer hold all my books and therefore I had to buy Maurice a companion - Theodore. Now Maurice and Theodore look like this -

Maurice on the right and Theo left :) They're BFFL's!

A closer look -

Maurice

Theodore

Maurice and Theodore are YA Fiction Shelves - They have a friend called Felicity who is a MG/School Fiction shelf, Felicity resides in another room. She will not be featured in the following bookshelf tour.

THE BOOKSHELF TOUR ( A closer look inside Maurice and Theodore*)

So most people have a very logical way of organising their bookshelf - I DON'T! As long it looks good than that's fine with me :) I like my shelves to look neat so I always, ALWAYS organise it by size ( even if it means separating series!) Anyway, I'll get on with it

*Click on pictures for a closer look :)

Maurice Row #1 and #2 -

Row #1 are all vampire related books, mainly black covers ( which is why I keep them all together - it looks good :P). The books include Morganville Vampires series, Heather Brewers Vampire Chronicles, Twilight Saga, an incomplete Vampire Academy series + Bloodlines by Richelle Mead :)

Row #2 are all hardcovers. Some are signed and some are not.It's organised by colour :P Some of the books include (signed) Enclave by Ann Aguirre, Hex Hall series, Paranormalcy series, Hourglass, Unearthly and A Need So Beautiful among others!

Maurice Row #3 and #4 -

Row #3 are all standard size paperbacks ( except for Epic Fail and Sirenz at the end). I've tried to keep the colour co-ordinating going. The left side are mainly blues and the right are blacks and navies! You can enlarge to see the titles!

Row #4 are a random assortment of hardbacks and massive paperbacks. Again, tired to keep it colour co-ordinated and failed but at least all the books are in descending heights!

Maurice Row #5 and #6

Row #5 are also paperbacks. Few ARCs thrown into the mixture.

Row #6 are a random assortment again! As you can see their is a gap - on the left are all the books that I need to trade and on the right are some paperbacks and ARCs!

That's Maurice!

Theodore Row #1 and #2 -

Row #1 - Random assortment of books. The colour scheme is again at work but it doesn't really look like it's been co-ordinated! I've tried to keep series together!

Row #2 - My proudest row! Again I've tried the colour co-ordination and it's SORTA worked this time! As you can see purple, blue,yellow, orange, pink, red, dark green, navy/dark blues, browns and blacks!

Theodore Row #3 and #4 -

Row #3 - ARCs/ Large Paperbacks and EXTRA Large Paperbacks. Few 2012 YA Debuts in there!

Row #4 - Standard paperbacks.

Theodore Row #5 and Row #6 -

Row #5 - THE REALLY RANDOMS ( There are Aussies YAs, Adult novels and mini paperbacks!)

Row #6 - Not really featured because it doesn't hold books. It holds my two swag boxes, packaging for mailing books, postage stamps, PR releases ( YES I CAN KEEP THEM - I love them :P) and notes from nice bloggers!

And that's a cut!

Badass Bookie xx

Day Twenty One - All About Born Wicked + Giveaway

2012-01-21T17:00:00.000+10:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Book Profile

Name - Born Wicked (Goodreads)

Author - Jessica Spotswood

Genre - Historical Fantasy

Release Date - 7th of February 2012

Available - The Book Depository

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word . . . especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other.

The Insider's Scoop

Character Interview -

I'm interviewing Miss Maura Cahill, age 15, my protagonist Cate's younger sister.

Maura: Excuse me, that's quite aggravating. I'd rather not be defined as Cate's sister. I am my own person in my own right. I'm twice as interesting as Cate.

Me: Yes, of course you are.

Maura (blue eyes snapping): Don't be condescending. I'm twice as clever as Cate, too. She barely even reads.

Me: Well, she has other interests. Gardening. Keeping you out of trouble.

Maura: Keeping me out of trouble is not her responsibility. I don't care what she promised Mother. I am perfectly capable of looking out for myself. Besides, she's not protecting us--she's stifling us.

Me: To be fair, you could be in a great deal of trouble if the Brothers found out you're a witch.

Maura: I know that! Don't you think I know that? I have no desire to be put on trial and thrown into the asylum. I'm careful.

Me: Cate says you're not careful enough. That you do magic whenever her back is turned.

Maura: Cate's jealous that I'm a much better witch than she is. If it were up to her, we'd never learn practice magic. We'd never learn anything about the history of witchery. It's almost as though she's actually taken the Brothers' ridiculous sermons to heart, and now she thinks using our magic is wicked!

Me: But you don't feel that way?

Maura (twirls a red curl around her finger): No. Absolutely not. Magic makes us extraordinary. It gives us power. Cate might be content to marry Paul McLeod and have his babies and waste away in this stupid little town for the rest of her life, but--

Me: I think you'd be surprised.

Maura: But I was made for more than that. I'm going to travel the world and have adventures, and no one's going to stop me.

~Giveaway~

For Jessica's Giveway, she has offered (1) ONE Signed Finished Copy of Born Wicked! This giveaway is open to US/CAN residents ONLY ( Sorry! but there other giveaways open to everyone on the blog!) Please leave a lovely comment for Jessica's posts to show support! Rules are below!

Rule of Entry -

- US/CAN ONLY

- Ends 21st of February

- Must be 13 or older

- Optional Entries :

* Leaving comment on either of Jessica's posts +1 each

* Tweeting Giveaway +1

* Putting Giveaway on Sidebar +2

* Follow Badass Bookie +2

* Placing 2012 Debutante Event Button on blog +3

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Badass Bookie xx

Day Twenty - All About Jessica Spotswood ( Born Wicked)

2012-01-20T17:00:00.000+10:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Debutante Profile

Name - Jessica Spotswood

Debut - Born Wicked

Genre - Historical Fantasy

Website - HERE

Blog - HERE

Twitter - HERE

Jessica Spotswood is the author of BORN WICKED, the first book in the Cahill Witch Chronicles, coming Feb. 7, 2012 from Putnam. She likes reading stories about independent girls who still get in a fair amount of swoony kissing, so that's what she tries to write. She lives in Washington, DC with her playwright husband and a cuddly cat named Monkey.

Dream Debutante Dress - GORGEOUS Jessica! You sure know who to pick them!

Notes from a YA Debutante

Author Journey

When I went to college, I knew that I wanted to be a writer. I had always wanted to be a writer. I wrote three sprawling historical fiction romances in high school; I was the darling of my English teachers, The Writer of my high school class. But in college, there were oodles of other writers, wordsmiths who wrote stunning poetry and piercingly funny plays and gorgeous, thoughtful literary fiction. In comparison, I felt like my romances were stupid and girly and childish. Instead of feeling proud of my writing, I started to feel sort of ashamed. I still took creative writing classes, but the magic had gone out of it; I was always thinking about potential readers and their potentially snarky critiques.

Then I fell in love with theatre, especially dramaturgy--analyzing scripts, researching past productions and historical details.That's what I went to grad school for. I loved working with playwrights on new plays, finding the places of greatest potential in them and trying to help draw that out. I loved the creative collaboration. Working in the background felt safe--but eventually I also started to feel invisible. I was always on the outside, looking in, not quite part of the cast. Actors were not always terribly interested in or grateful for the research I lovingly compiled. Directors weren't sure how to use me. I questioned my place in the rehearsal room all the time. And I missed creating something of my own. By the end of grad school, I was miserable and depressed. I couldn't find a job in theatre. More than that--in my heart of hearts, I didn't want to. But admitting that, after spending three years in grad school--that was hard.

I coped by rereading my favorite books: Anne of Green Gables. Emily of New Moon. Little Women. Christopher Pike and Lois Duncan. Jane Austen. Then I started reading current YA. Vampire Academy. Wicked Lovely. And yes, Twilight. I remember writing a scene, an argument between two girls, at work one afternoon, and emailing it to my best friend, asking if she thought it was interesting, if it made her want to read more.

Thank God, she wrote back an enthusiastic yes.

I wrote a few chapters. I took a month off to dramaturg a friend's play. It took me awhile to admit that writing was what I wanted to do, maybe had always wanted to do, in a deep-down terrifying kind of way. It was scary in the way that things you really, really love are scary. I accepted that--and accepted that, yeah, I wanted to write about finding yourself and falling in love and kissing.

And you know what? I don't give a flying eff if it's girly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bookie's Note: We're down to our last three debutantes! Boo, the event is nearly over :( Everyone, welcome our tenth 2012 Debutante, Jessica Spotswood. I can't think of anyone who doesn't know who she is! It's must be a hard journey, like you said so many other aspiring writers out there! Even I want to be a writer, tough but you made it ;) And to everyone else, come back tomorrow!

Badass Bookie xx

Day Nineteen - All About Never Eighteen + Giveaway

2012-01-19T17:00:00.000+10:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Book Profile

Name - Never Eighteen ( Goodreads )

Author - Megan Bostic

Genre - Contemporary

Release Date - 17th of January 2012

Available - The Book Depository

Austin Parker is on a journey to bring truth, beauty, and meaning to his life.

Austin Parker is never going to see his eighteenth birthday. At the rate he’s going, he probably won’t even see the end of the year. The doctors say his chances of surviving are slim to none even with treatment, so he’s decided it’s time to let go.

But before he goes, Austin wants to mend the broken fences in his life. So with the help of his best friend, Kaylee, Austin visits every person in his life who touched him in a special way. He journeys to places he’s loved and those he’s never seen. And what starts as a way to say goodbye turns into a personal journey that brings love, acceptance, and meaning to Austin’s life.

The Insider's Scoop

Character Profile

Character: Scott McPhee

Age: 21

Austin, the main character in the story played soccer with Scott McPhee in high school. He was senior to Austin’s freshman. Scott had it going on, popular, beautiful girlfriend, and a full ride scholarship waiting for him after graduation. Oh, and he was gorgeous — tall, with dark wavy hair, blue eyes, olive skin, and a strong jaw. His body was to die for, six pack abs, nice butt, muscular thighs, the result of having played soccer his entire life. He dreamed of playing in the World Cup one day.

Something happened that year, something that would change everything for Scott. He became a different person overnight, literally. It was weird, because the night before he’d been just fine. In fact, the soccer team had won a game in the semi-finals and was out celebrating.

He became quiet and sullen. His grades dropped. Eventually, he quit soccer, dropped out of school and lost his scholarship and his girlfriend.

Scott harbors a secret. He tells no one what happened. Now he flips burgers for a living and spends his free time drinking, getting stoned and playing video games. Eventually, he will more than likely drink himself to death and no one will ever learn the secret that burdens him to the point that he gave up on life.

~Giveaway~

For Megan's Giveway, she has offered (1) ONE Signed ARC + Swag + Austin's Playlist! You lucky ducks, seriously these debutantes are completely SPOILING you! Megan is willing to ship INTERNATIONALLY to open to everyone! Please leave a lovely comment for Megan to show support! Rules are below!

Rule of Entry -

- International

- Ends 19th of February

- Must be 13 or older

- Optional Entries :

* Leaving comment on either of Megan's posts +1 each

* Tweeting Giveaway +1

* Putting Giveaway on Sidebar +2

* Follow Badass Bookie +2

* Placing 2012 Debutante Event Button on blog +3

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Badass Bookie xx

Day Eighteen - All About Megan Bostic ( Never Eighteen)

2012-01-18T17:00:00.000+10:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Debutante Profile

Name - Megan Bostic

Debut - Never Eighteen

Genre - Contemporary

Website - HERE

Youtube Channel - HERE

Facebook - HERE

Twitter - HERE

Megan (that’s with a long “e”) Bostic isjust trying to find her place in the universe. Despite the rain and gray making her extremely angsty (she’s truly solarpowered), she’s lived in the Pacific Northwest her whole life, and still does,with her two crazy beautiful girls.

When not writing, Megan can be found in her car (chauffeuring, waiting,cussing), at her girls soccer games (in the sun, the rain, the snow, shecarries the title Ultimate Soccer Mom), in her rec room watching Netflix (thisis for the collapsing portion of the day), at the ocean (where I hide from theworld, used only as needed), or on the Narrows Bridge (to walk, not to jump)

Megan loves the color black, monkeys, is an avidvlogger and blogger, an all-around great girl, and a notorious Facebook addict.She’s a proud member of The Class of 2K12 and the Society of Children’s BookWriters and Illustrators. You can also find her on Twitter, Goodreads, andanywhere else cool authors hang out.

She Travelled to the Ball in Style - Hotness Overload!

Dream Debutante Dress - Look who Megan bought as a date!?!

Notes from a YA Debutante

Funand interesting facts about author, Megan Bostic! (why are you laughing?)

In no apparent order.

11. (because I go up to 11). I remember thefirst poem I ever wrote. I believe I wasfour.

Let’sgo play on a sunny day

Thesun is blazing hot

Let’sgo play on a snowy day

Thesun was just forgot

I saidI was four!

10. In first grade I one the blue ribbon(that’s first prize) in the swing pumping contest. I’m still a good swinger. What?

9. I was a Blue Bird in school, yet sadlynever made it to Girl Scout status.

8. I can play piano, guitar, and drums,none of them very well. (but I cansing)

7. My first “real” boyfriend’s name wasBrody (totally going to use that in a book). I was in fifth grade and was so scared that I never talked to him,touched him, or looked at him during our entire relationship. He broke up with me. I have no idea why.

6. The first boy I kissed was namedJohn. I was 15. John is also my dad and brothers name. I did not realize that coincidence until thisvery second and now am kind of creeped out.

5. When I was a senior in high school I wasin our school’s musical production of Lil’ Abner. I played wife #1 and killed it!

4. Jobs I’ve held: bag girl at a grocerystore (before plastic), pizza maker in a grocery store deli, jewelry storeclerk, record/video store clerk, seller of vehicle license tabs, photoretoucher, data entry for the county clerk, shoe sales (worst job ever), fileclerk, toy sales, body product sales, candle maker, day care provider, winemaker/cashier (I was also manager of the wine shop for about two seconds),video book trailer creator (still do this if anyone needs a trailer, winkwink). *takes deep breath* Aside fromadding writer to the list, I also work as the marketing coordinator in a law firm(okay, my dad’s law firm, so what?).

3. I graced the cover of the Tacoma NewTribune’s entertainment section in my early twenties, and no, it’s not becauseI am a great entertainer. It was becauseI sold tickets for people to go see great entertainers.

2. I have seen three dead seals in mylifetime.

1. From conception to sale, Never Eighteentook one year and four months. When thebook comes out, the publication process itself will have taken longer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bookie's Note: AND that is Megan Bostic! She's a special case as you can see she somehow convinced Eminem to be her date for the event and not JUST that make she travelled in style. Did you see who was carrying her Palaquin? It was hotness overload! Megan, I don't think I knew what a poem was when I was four! Anyhow, come back tomorrow for a fantastic character profile ;)

Badass Bookie xx

Deception

2012-01-18T07:30:00.000+10:00

ReviewTime! Deception by Lee Nichols was a 2010 YA Debut however it was onlypublished in Australia last year. I seem to always keep my review copies on theshelf for a while before reading them (maybe it’s like wine, gets better thelonger it’s on the shelf ;P) Thanks to Bloomsbury for the review copy!

(Goodreads) When Emma Vaile’s parents go missing while away on a mysterious business trip, she’s left all alone in her creepy old house. But her brother’s very cute best friend, Bennett Stern—Emma’s knight in J. Crew armor—arrives unexpectedly to whisk her away to New England. There, Emma settles into his family’s museum-like mansion and enrolls at an old-fashioned private school. She quickly finds friends in the popular legacy crowd at Thatcher and spends her free time crushing on Bennett.

But the eerie visions she’s been hiding from everyone have gotten worse. Emma has memories of Thatcher that she can’t explain—it’s as if she’s returning home to a place she’s never been. Finally, Emma confides in Bennett and learns she is a ghostkeeper, a person who can communicate with ghosts. Bennett brought Emma to Thatcher to protect her, but now he needs her help tracking an other-worldly murderer.

TheShort Story? – A very filling read! Nichols has written a wicked novel witheverything from forbidden romance to murder mysteries! With a ghostly twist,Nichols has developed a very interesting plot filled with adventure and action.Very well developed character with good depth and personality, it’s one for allthe enjoy!

TheLong Story? – It was one of those books that you read and enjoy but it doesn’treally sway one way or another. An inbetweener, the books you read and enjoybut can’t really work out why you enjoyed it. Nichols has written a veryfilling story, the plot is very solid. It’s got a little bit of everything,romance, action, mystery, suspense and adventure. The writing flows and its verynicely paced, comfortable read - a novelthat you can easily lose yourself in! Very original, I don’t think I’ve everread anything novel about Ghostkeepers. One definitely for the paranormal YAreaders who enjoy and it’s just a great novel that’s going to leave you feelingvery satisfied!

Thethings about the characters that really stood out to me was their backgrounds.Nichols has developed further on her characters, not only giving them apersonality and a “life” but a history as well. There is history about theirheritage and also personal history like what event shaped them to be who theyare. It’s really quite an excellent characterization effort! Emma was a very“human” character, she had her flaws and her insecurities and that really stoodout to me. You have characters who are just perfect in everyway and they’renice but they’re not relatable. Bennett was cute, he had his moments but hemade a good impression! I also loved the romance build-up, thank God for noinsta-love! Keen to see where it leads in Betrayal!

In anutshell, I can’t *really* explain whyI loved this novel but I did. It’s just one of those feel-good reads that youcan rest kick-up your feet and know you’re going to enjoy! Great plot,fantastic writing, amazing characterization – don’t pass up on Deceptionbecause it’s really worth your time and money :) Thumbs up!

What’s its Worth? – Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

Day Seventeen - All About The Gathering Storm + Giveaway!

2012-01-17T17:00:00.000+10:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Book Profile

Name - The Gathering Storm ( Goodreads )

Author - Robin Bridges

Genre - Historical Fantasy/ Paranormal Romance

Release Date - 10th of January 2012

Available - The Book Depository

St. Petersburg, Russia, 1888. As she attends a whirl of glittering balls, royal debutante Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, tries to hide a dark secret: she can raise the dead. No one knows. Not her family. Not the girls at her finishing school. Not the tsar or anyone in her aristocratic circle. Katerina considers her talent a curse, not a gift. But when she uses her special skill to protect a member of the Imperial Family, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue.

An evil presence is growing within Europe's royal bloodlines—and those aligned with the darkness threaten to topple the tsar. Suddenly Katerina's strength as a necromancer attracts attention from unwelcome sources . . . including two young men—George Alexandrovich, the tsar's standoffish middle son, who needs Katerina's help to safeguard Russia, even if he's repelled by her secret, and the dashing Prince Danilo, heir to the throne of Montenegro, to whom Katerina feels inexplicably drawn.

The time has come for Katerina to embrace her power, but which side will she choose—and to whom will she give her heart?

The Insider's Scoop

4 Author’s Secrets about The Gathering Storm

Sometimes, I’ll come up with an interesting title and then figure out the story that goes with it, but this book was different. This book has been the most difficult for me to come up with a title! I called it “the Russian book” when I started outlining the first draft. The first working title was THE NECROMANCER’S DAUGHTER, but that really didn’t fit the story. It changed to FORESTALLING THE MORNING when I discovered the Orthodox chant with the same name. Then I thought that was too wordy, so I wanted to change it to A NOBLE MAIDEN’S GUIDE TO RAISING THE DEAD. That was really too wordy. The title changed again, to THE GATHERING STORM, then to TEMPEST after it sold to Random House, and then back again to THE GATHERING STORM! Whew!

There was never a Duchess Katerina of Oldenburg. But almost every other character in the book was inspired by someone of the Russian aristocracy. Even Konstantin Pavlovich.

Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich
(Who was not really a lich tsar)

There really was a school in Saint Petersburg named the Smolny Institute for Noble Maidens. Under the patronage of the Russian empress, this school was a place for young girls to learn everything from music to chemistry. It was also the building later used by Lenin as his headquarters for the Russian Revolution in 1917.

Dance lessons at Smolny

(Photo taken from the Alexander Palace Forum)

I fell in love with the name Katiya, so I knew my main character’s name would be Katerina. The real Duke and Duchess of Oldenburg, Alexander Petrovich and Evgenia Maximilianovna, never had a daughter. But if they had, I imagine they might have named her Katerina after her father’s sister who had died young, or maybe after her great-grandmother, Grand Duchess Katerina Pavlova. Katiya hates that everyone thinks she was named after Katerina the Great, who was her great-great-great grandmother.

(Katerina the Great)

Grand Duchess Katerina Pavlovna:

~Giveaway~

I don't know about you but I'm craving to get my hands on a copy of this debut! I liking the sound of a necromancer and a setting in Russia! Lucky for you, Robin has kindly donated (1) ONE copy of The Gathering Storm + a Imperial Russia Calendar. This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL and please show your support by leaving a comment :) Rules are stated below :)

Rule of Entry -

- International

- Ends 17th of February

- Must be 13 or older

- Optional Entries :

* Leaving comment on either of Robin's posts +1 each

* Tweeting Giveaway +1

* Putting Giveaway on Sidebar +2

* Follow Badass Bookie +2

* Placing 2012 Debutante Event Button on blog +3

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Badass Bookie xx

Hereafter

2012-01-17T10:25:00.002+10:00

Review Time! This book has been sittingon my shelf for an age and it seemed unfair to read new releases when this onewas just waiting to be read! Hereafter by Tara Hudson was a 2011 YA Debut (Ithink) and it seemed like a good read! Thanks to Harpercollins for the reviewcopy!

(Goodreads) Can there truly be love after death?

Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she's dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she's trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive.

Amelia and Joshua grow ever closer as they begin to uncover the strange circumstances of her death and the secrets of the dark river that held her captive for so long. But even while they struggle to keep their bond hidden from the living world, a frightening spirit named Eli is doing everything in his power to destroy their newfound happiness and drag Amelia back into the ghost world . . . forever.

The Short Story? – A poignant ghoststory about forbidden love. Hudson has written an eerily beautiful debut abouta girl stuck in limbo and how saving a life could save your own. A bittersweetplot with a dark twist, Hudson has taken a unique approach and has given anoriginal twist to traditional ghost stories. A haunting that’s worth the read!

The Long Story? – There were both goodsand bads about the novel (mainly goods) but it came through as a solid read. Iloved the romance aspect of the novel. It was a very cute and authentic love, Ifelt Amelia and Joshua really had a connection. The kissing scenes were veryswoon-worthy! What I didn’t like was the insta-love. There was no build up,maybe it’s because death brought them together and it was a love at first deaththing but I would have honestly like to see some build-up. Hudson has beautifulprose and reading Hereafter was very comfortable and it was a very speedy read.There wasn’t much conflict (quite a peaceful read!) and I just thought that theromance really stood out from the rest!

Characterization - I loved the factthat Amelia was very noble, she was willing to sacrifice her freedom and herlife-after-death for someone who held little meaning to her. She waskind-hearted, she wants to save lives and she could really sympathize withothers. However some of her actions really contradicted with herpersonality. I can’t imagine her assomeone who would squeak and totally just close-up when she’s around a guy and reallythey were just bad word choices from the author but there were moments likethat which really made me cringe. Joshuawas a sweetheart, the attraction is understandable. Aside from a few hiccups itwas a good cast.

More than anything, Hudson really hasworked in the originality factor when it comes to ghost stories. I’m more usedto ghosts who cause trouble and kill people rather than saving lives. Theromance was really sweet, I wish Amelia and Joshua would just keep kissing!!!Beautiful prose, a ghost story with a dark twist and a forbidden romance.Hudson has written a solid debut!

What’s its Worth? – Hand Over thePaycheck

Badass Bookie xx

Day Sixteen - All About Robin Bridges ( The Gathering Storm)

2012-01-16T17:00:00.000+10:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Debutante Profile

Name - Robin Bridges

Debut - The Gathering Storm

Genre - Paranormal Romance

Website - HERE

Blog - HERE

Twitter - HERE

By day, Robin is a mild-mannered writer offantasy and paranormal fiction for young adults. By night, she is a pediatricnurse. Robin lives on the Gulf Coast with her husband, one soon-to-be teenager,and two slobbery Mastiffs. She likes playing video games and watching JaneAusten movies. (Alas, if only there were a Jane Austen video game…) THEGATHERING STORM is her first novel.

Dream Debutante Dress - Ohhh vintage and it's such a brilliant red. Great taste, if I ever debut - I would pick a red dress too! ;)

(Painting of Empress Marie Feodorovna, 1894by Francois Flameng courtesy of the Grand Ladies website.)

Notes from a YA Debutante

All About Robin Bridges:

1. Robin is not a duchess. (But hergrandmother used to call her the Barefoot Contessa when she was younger.)

2. Robin is not Russian, although hergreat-grandfather did escape from Russia in the back of a hay wagon.

3. Robin cannot read tarot cards, but likesto collect tarot decks anyway.

4. Robin is not a necromancer. (But she doesknow CPR.)

5. Robin does not speak Russian. (But shelearned how to cuss in French from her mother.)

6. Robin thinks it’s creepy when people talkabout themselves in third person, but that’s okay because she wrote a bookthat’s kinda creepy.

7. Robin likes it when people follow her on Twitter orvisit her website and Goodreads page.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bookie's Note: Give it up for the other half of Robin Squared ( which is what I have taken up to call Robin and Robin :P). I'm *really* surprised that you aren't Russian! Which means a whole heap of research must have gone into the writing of The Gathering Storm. *High five* for knowing CPR, maybe one day you can save a life ;) Again, come back tomorrow for the next half of Robin's epic debut! :)

Badass Bookie xx

Daughter of Smoke and Bone

2012-01-16T08:55:00.000+10:00

Review Time! Daughter of Smoke and Boneby Laini Taylor was one of the most talked about books in the YA blogosphere.I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t get around to reading the novel untilthe last few weeks of 2011 but nevertheless, it’s been read! Thanks to Hachettefor the review copy!

(Goodreads) Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

The Short Story? – Breathtakinglyamazing. It’s hard to explain but the quality of the writing in this novel isjust phenomenal. Taylor isn’t just an author, she’s an artist. Her words paintthe most vivid of pictures and the story just flows. Beautiful prose to match awonderfully shaped plot filled with adventure, history and romance. Daughter ofSmoke and Bone is an extraordinary tale that will linger long after the lastword.

The Long Story? – More than anything,Taylor’s writing is just pure bliss. I’ve never read any book like Daughter ofSmoke and Bone and lots of authors are great story-tellers. Their words flow andit’s comfortable to read and it’s enjoyable but none write like Taylor. She’san artist, throughout the book, my mind is just eclipsed by these vivid scenesand it’s almost like a movie – but better. It’s a very complex and beautifullyshaped plot, there is history and obviously some thought have been put into thedetail of the setting. I liked the plot but I thought it was overshadowed bythe spectacular writing. The first half of the book was unputdownable. The plotwas amazing, I loved the exotic setting and the wonderful characterization,everything was going well and then you get to the second half it’s a massivecollection of flashbacks and that was a little bit of a disappointment. Theflashbacks were critical in understanding the novel but I just thought itshould have been written more in the present than the past. Nevertheless, itwas certainly a pleasant surprise and the hype was well-deserved.

Along the amazing writing, thecharacterization was also very well done. I liked how the characters weredeveloped as they came along. I don’t like it when authors develop theircharacters throughout the novel. You have a character, you develop it on thespot – you don’t introduce then and then 100 pages later say ‘and she hasblonde hair and a quick-temper’. I likedKarou from the very first word, I felt that I could connect with her and thather personality was likable. She’s strong and she can take care of herself andthat’s what a heroine is. Akiva our lovely angel/love attraction is the strongand silent type and he gives off the impression that he is very ‘men’. He’svery good-looking, he seems intelligent and obviously capable of emotions. Icurious to find how Karou and Akiva’s romance develops in the sequel.

In the end I don’t think anyone shoulde disheartened by my ‘little bit’ of a disappointment in the plot to not readthe book because it’s definitely one of the most memorable of 2011 YA releases.Also, the writing is just to die for so if not for anything else you have toexperience the wonderful words of Laini Taylor. Also wonderful characterizationand a very unique setting. An exotic creation of a parallel universe and aromance that’s worthy of a second read! I look forward to the sequel!

What’s its Worth? – Hand Over thePaycheck/ Break out the Piggy Bank

Badass Bookie xx

Day Fifteen - All About Catching Jordan + Giveaway!

2012-01-15T17:00:00.000+10:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Book Profile

Name - Catching Jordan ( Goodreads )

Author - Miranda Kenneally

Genre - Contemporary

Release Date - December 1st 2011 (* Originally a 2012 but we don't discriminate* :P )

Available - The Book Depository

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 on 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 starring position on the team... and has her suddenly wishing to be seen as more than just a teammate.

The Insider's Scoop

This is a deleted scene from CATCHING JORDAN! Originally this scene took place about a third of the way through the book, and it’s a scene between Jordan and her best friend and favorite wide receiver, Sam Henry.

I turn on my Nintendo Wii. First I play the boxing game, then the tennis game. I love Wii, but man, I’d rather be playing some actual tennis, or hitting a real person in the face.

After turning off the game, I go to our workout room down the hall, put on some boxing gloves and start hitting the bag as hard as I can. First I pretend I’m punching Kristen Markum in the face, then I pretend I’m punching Lacey Wilson in the face, but I’m not getting fired up enough. I’ve gotta get rid of some of this anxiety before my body blows up. So I pretend I’m punching my dad, the great Donovan Woods.

Dancing on my toes, I circle the bag, punching it over and over again. First little jabs, then I lean back and slam a punch across the bow. Sweat is starting to coat my t-shirt and I wipe the sweat off my forehead using my forearm. I do another long sequence of jabs and then a punch. “This is for not believing in me!” I yell at the bag, slamming it so hard I think the chains are going to break. “This is for not caring about my dreams!” I crash my fist into the red padding. “And this is for being such an asshole all the time!” But this time, when I slam my glove into the bag, the bag doesn’t move. It’s like I’m punching a brick wall. “Ow!” I yell, ripping off the glove.

Holding the bag with both hands, Henry pokes his head out from the other side. “I think it’s dead, Woods.”

Nodding, I pull my other glove off and throw it on the floor, then yank my shirt up to wipe the sweat off my face. Henry comes over and gives me a long hug. I don’t even need to tell Henry what’s wrong, to tell him my dad’s an asshole. Henry already knows. I bury my face in his shoulder and wipe the rest of my sweat off using his shirt.

“Gross, man,” he says, releasing me. He pretends to wring out his t-shirt. I laugh and walk out of the gym, back into the basement hangout area. I see that he’s already been scrounging in the kitchen because a glass of lemonade and a bunch of cookies are sitting on the coffee table. Sitting down on the floor, I grab a few cookies and stuff them in my mouth. Henry sits down next to me and I drape my legs across his. He puts a hand on my knee and plays with a hole in my jeans.

“What do you want to do?” I ask.

“Did you forget? We’re doing our fantasy football draft tonight.”

“Oh yeah… some fantasy,” I say, pointing at one of my dad’s many memorabilia shelves. We stare up at one of Dad’s two Heisman trophies. The other is upstairs in the family room. Sometimes, being a girl sucks so bad. I’m almost as good as Mike. If I was a guy, I might be even better. I hate that my dad just ignores the fact I even play football, choosing instead to focus on the future careers of my brother and friends.

And what’s sad? I can tell how much it means to Henry when Dad talks to him about football, and I can’t even be happy for my best friend. I know I should be, because Dad’s comments mean a whole hell of a lot to Henry, whose own dad is never home and never talks to him about his future. Henry’s father probably expects him to become some kind of a bum, working in a factory, or hell, driving a truck, too. Why can’t I be happy for him and encourage him to talk to my father about his future? I need to stop being so selfish.

“Remember the other day? When you were arm wrestling Jake?”

Henry grins, leaning back on his hands. “Yeah, I’ll never forget that.”

“That was cool what my dad said to you.”

“Hmph.” Henry suddenly becomes very interested in the pattern of the carpet.

“I was thinking, maybe, you should talk to him about Michigan. Maybe you could ask Dad to come watch you at one of our games. He might be able to help.”

Henry’s eyes find mine and I think I see a tear, but it must just be the light. “I don’t want his help, Woods... Chinese food?” he asks, pushing my legs off his lap, standing up and going to the desk where we keep all our menus. He shuffles through the papers.

“Awesome.”

“I’ll order it while you go take a shower.”

“I don’t need a shower.”

Henry smiles. “I’m not going to sit here and smell your sweaty ass all night. Now go take a shower before Carter and JJ get here. They don’t want to smell you, either.”

~Giveaway~

I don't know about you but I'm craving to get my hands on a copy of this debut! I'm a huge fan of romance novels and this one is right down my alley. Too bad I can't enter my own giveaway because Miranda has kindly offered TWO (2) copies of Catching Jordan to you lucky people! This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL and please show your support by leaving a comment :) Rules are stated below :)

Rule of Entry -

- International

- Ends 15th of February

- Must be 13 or older

- Optional Entries :

* Leaving comment on either of Miranda's posts +1 each

* Tweeting Giveaway +1

* Putting Giveaway on Sidebar +2

* Follow Badass Bookie +2

* Placing 2012 Debutante Event Button on blog +3

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Badass Bookie xx