Pink Smog: Becoming Weetzie Bat

Title: Pink Smog: Becoming Weetzie Bat
Author: Francesca Lia Block
Published: January 24, 2012
Synopsis from Goodreads

The girl in the mirror wasn't who I wanted to be, and her life wasn't the one I wanted to have.

Despite how much Louise insists, no one will call her Weetzie. It's her dad's nickname for her, but it won't stay put. Neither will her dad. Charlie left Louise and her mom and he took everything with him: her family, her home--and her understanding of who she's meant to be.

But Los Angeles is a city full of strange angels, and Louise embarks on a journey to sift through the smog of her heartbreak, to grow her own wings, to become Weetzie.


Before we met Dirk.
Before found Duck.
Before Secret Agent Lover Man, Angel Juan, Cherokee, and Witch Baby.
Even before the time of Slinkster Dog and Go Go Girl

There was Louise.

But she'd like it much better if you called her Weetzie.

Pink Smog is the pre-quel to "Weetzie Bat". Weetzie is 13 years old and in 7th grade. Her Mom and Dad have been fighting and her Dad has finally moved out. Mom, whether heartbroken or unsure what to do next, has taken to the bottle. While Weetzie is left to take care of her and try to live a normal life.

But that's kind of hard to do in 7th grade. Just like high school, junior high can be cruel.

Greta's Thoughts:
Whenever I think of Weetzie, I always think of this Sheryl Crowe song.

But this book is before. In "Pink Smog" Weetzie's life is hard. I found it hard to believe that Weetzie wasn't always full of fun sunshiney rainbow glitter smiles. Sure, she has a good outlook on life but I couldn't believe how many people were mean to her. It helps you understand why Weetzie is so carefree in the later books. If Weetzie can make it through Junior High then she can make it through ANYTHING!

On the way Weetzie does befriend 2 outcasts. They form a club formed by a cruel joke and stick together through thick and thin. This just shows you how loyal Weetzie can be.


Mindblowing?
No, not really. The writing in the book didn't knock me off my feet but it did make me believe that a thirteen year old was telling the story. Maybe that's what FLB was going for. If it was she did a bang-up job. And it does make sense. Most kids don't find their voice until they get a bit older.

Plot:
This probably isn't the best Weetzie Bat book to start with. There are some Ah-HAH moments that will help you understand the later books. I think everyone should start at the beginning. But otherwise that, the story was very interesting and I loved how short it was. Shortness is key to me. It guarantees that I'll probably read it again.

Rated R?
This is a teen book so of course there is a bit of cussing. There isn't much. Also, there is a bit of drug use. If your kids watch "That 70s Show" then this book won't scar them at all.

Overall:
I love Weetzie. I love her style. I love her voice. I love how carefree and caring she can be. I enjoyed watching her grow up into a 40 year old woman. And I loved hearing her tale before she was our Weetzie Bat. For any girl out there who wants to read, get inspired, and dream.... might I introduce you to a girl named Louise.... but you can call her Weetzie.

The First Days (As The World Dies: A Zombie Trilogy #1)

Title: The First Days
Author: Rhiannon Frater
Published: 2011 -first published 2008
Synopsis from Goodreads

The morning that the world ends, Katie is getting ready for court and housewife Jenni is taking care of her family. Less than two hours later, they are fleeing for their lives from a zombie horde.

Thrown together by circumstance, Jenni and Katie become a powerful zombie-killing partnership, mowing down zombies as they rescue Jenni's stepson, Jason, from an infected campground.

They find sanctuary in a tiny, roughly fortified Texas town. There Jenni and Katie find they are both attracted to Travis, leader of the survivors; and the refugees must slaughter people they know, who have returned in zombie form.

Fast-paced and exciting, filled with characters who grab your heart, The First Days: As the World Dies is the beginning of a frightening trilogy.

Do you have a plan in case of a zombie attack?

I have to admit that I've never really thought about it.

It's not like a tornado where I'd go hide in my basement.
That would be dangerous because it would be full of zombies.

Nor would it be like when there is a fire because the neighbors would be zombies and more than likely the Fire Department would be too.

My first instinct will be to put my cats into their carrier thus slowing me down because I now have to lug thirty extra meowing pounds. This also gives me away to the zombies who will have furry desserts.

So, what do you do?

Jenni had the same problem.

She woke up one morning to her hubby gnawing on her little boy, her older son trying to rescue her, and then BAMO!! she had her two sons and a husband knocking on the door moaning and groaning for a fresh Mama Sandwich.

Jenni figured she was seriously screwed. She didn't even have time to get dressed to face the Zompacolypse.

NOPE! She just had her robe and her nightgown and her now zombie transformed family hungry for her brains.

That's when Katie comes in.

Her girlfriend turned zombie but she was able to get away. And somehow fate brought those two strangers together and off the rode into the morning sunrise as the world around them fell apart.

Along the way tons of scary stuff happens. I mean.... who is prepared for this?!!! You can't even go to the bathroom at a rest stop without having some zombie tourist hiding in the next stall wanting more than just square of toilet paper.

And to top it all off! The truck that Katie got a hold of has a dog in the back of the bed!! A dog!! But it's cool because the dog wasn't turned zombie but now they need to keep puppy quiet while they try to make a quiet getaway.

Well, until Jenni starts to scream that she forgot that her oldest step-son is at sleep-away camp and it might be wise to go get him since no one else can pick him up.

They don't tend to give zombies driver's licenses. And there have been horror movies that prove camps aren't the best places to be when scary stuff is involved.

"The First Days" is a most awesome look at what could really happen if the world was ever overrun by zombies. Clever and horrific it kept my attention with tons of gore, down to earth characters, humor that will make you laugh out loud, and situations that seem likely (no urban fantasy Underworld women running around with leather pants).

If you like realistic zombie apocalypse action then this book is for you!

And if you are a fan of "The Walking Dead" then you'll definitely eat this book up!

RAWR!!!!

By The Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead by Julie Anne Peters: Review

By The Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead
By Julie Anne Peters
Published January 10th 2010 by Hyperion
Pick up your own copy at Amazon, B&N, or your local indie today!
Synopsis borrowed from Goodreads:

Daelyn Rice is broken beyond repair, and after a string of botched suicide attempts, she’s determined to get her death right. She starts visiting a website for “completers”— www. through-the-light.com.

While she’s on the site, Daelyn blogs about her life, uncovering a history of bullying that goes back to kindergarten. When she’s not on the Web, Daelyn’s at her private school, where she’s known as the freak who doesn’t talk.

Then, a boy named Santana begins to sit with her after school while she’s waiting to for her parents to pick her up. Even though she’s made it clear that she wants to be left alone, Santana won’t give up. And it’s too late for Daelyn to be letting people into her life…isn’t it?

National Book Award finalist Julie Anne Peters shines a light on how bullying can push young people to the very edge.

Darkfallen's thoughts:

This is one of those books that is hard to read....but you need to read it.

Daelyn has been bullied her entire, ENTIRE life. Ever since she was a little girl she has been over weight and all the kids at school pick on her and torment her until there is no end...literally.

I think this book did all the things that Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why couldn't. It made me feel for Daelyn and even come to understand why she is where she is. There is just a connection there that latched on to me and made really think Suicide might have been my choice too if I were in her shoes. This is a story about a very real problem that all to often goes unnoticed, bullying. From the name calling, to the stuff that crosses over into the physical and sexual assault poor Daelyn has had to endure this torture everyday for as long as she can remember. Even when she went to fat camp one year the bullying from the camp counselors just makes me sick. To top that off she has never had a single friend in her entire life!

Can you imagine never having a single solitary friend...ever?! While I have had my ups and downs like the rest of the world, in the friends department I couldn't imagine being completely without any. That just breaks my heart. How can people be so damn cruel? So it was no surprise to me that Daelyn has tried to commit suicide three times already and is now planning her fourth. Sometimes there is just no other options left when your a 16 year old girl that doesn't have anyone.

That is until she meets Santanta...

Ok so I am not going to give this whole book away. I think you need to read it for yourself to see what I am talking about. I will tell you that the reason this didn't get 5 stars from me is because of the ending. Again I can't tell you what that was but that if left me going WTF?! Still overall I think you should pick this book up and really give it a go. It just might change the way you see things in the world...

Lymi...



The Gate 2: 13 Tales of Isolation and Despair

Title: The Gate 2

Authors: Listed Below

Published: February 2012
Synopsis from Goodreads

...a young man tries to build a better life while trapped in a mall after a plague has killed off most of humanity...

...zombies overrun a world gone mad, leaving a boy with no choice but to rely on possibly mystical means of escape...

...Halloween night brings out a darkness so threatening that a young couple’s only hope of survival may be a procession of strange, ghostly children...

...when the world is given a brief glimpse of divinity, a formerly disabled man must come to grips with the fact that not everything is as good as it seems...

These tales and many more await in The Gate 2: 13 Tales of Isolation and Despair, the new collection edited by Robert J. Duperre. Thirteen talented authors have been assembled, bringing with them the best they have to offer in a wide range of horror, be it slice-of-life or paranormal in nature.

Also included are two bonus stories by the editor.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

15 short stories that focus on themes of ISOLATION and DESPAIR. 13 authors gather together to tell the tales of what they believe best suits this theme. Each tale is also accompanied by a illustration which I felt was very unique.

Below are my views on each tale. Some are great, some I didn't quite understand, and a few were just plane awesome.

If you love short stories with a mix of tragedy, sci-fi, paranormal, apocalyptic, and contemporary then this book is for you. There is something for everyone!

PLASTIC
- J.L. Bryan
Jeremy is a 34 year old Gamestop employee from California. He's wondering the world because some sort of illness called "THE COUGH" is killing the mankind.

Stopping at a mall in Ohio he finds himself in the lap of luxary. What a place to be!! IT has all the things a man could need. Food, water, camping supplies, and babes!

You heard me... BABES!!

But these babes are plastic... and they don't tend to talk back.

Apparently, since the COUGHPACOLYPSE, Jeremy is kind of loosing it or perhaps was never right in the head to begin with. I say this because he still lived with his mom until she died. Can you say looser? *cough cough.

I found this story quite imaginative. There were times when I was reminded of WIll Smith's role in "I Am Legend" (remember how her talked to mannequins) but otherwise that it totally kept my attention.

While sci-fi this story didn't scare me or keep me on the edge of my seat. It did however make me laugh due to Jeremy's relationship with a Magic 8-ball. Think WILSON from Castaway.

A great and easy light read!

+*+*+*+

The Indian Rope Trick
-D.P. Prior
9 year old English boy WES is in big trouble! His Mom is a zombie! Problem is, he doesn't really understand that it's not ok to let her back into the house. That's where Dad came to the rescue and told the boy that was a big NO NO!

I have to admit... this part kind of reminded me of the first episode of the WALKING DEAD where that MOM/WIFE kept trying to get into her house.

Apparently, there is a zombie outbreak and it's so new that we aren't sure what caused it.

Bad thing is... animals might be carriers.

Once Watson the cat comes into the house he just goes BONKERS!! and Dad is about to have a fit because omg... the cat drew blood!

Dad takes Wes up into the attack where he locks him in and tells him to hang tight.

From there, we get to see just how skillful a nine year old is at survival.

Full of HOBBIT LINGO, I found this story pretty easy to follow (with the language barrier. Jolly good show!). I did, however, wonder what year this was taking place. THe reason is because WES found a STAR TREK PHASER toy he got for xmas one year and kept talking about DR. Who stuff. I'm assuming that Dr. Who is big in Hobbitland but is Star Trek? Now, my son would know who the BORG is but I'm not sure if it's common for most kids. Still, I thought the mention of the BORG in a zombie story was quite amusing.

If the cussing was cut I think that this would have made a great episode of "Are you Afraid of the Dark" or "Goosebumps". Dad tends to have a potty mouth, but who wouldn't with zombies outside?

All in all, this was a great story with a really cool ending.

+*+*+*+

Night Night
-Daniel Pyle
There's been a murder. The opening paragraph tells of Henry killing his brother Jerry with a steak knife. It is unclear why in the beginning but makes sense at the end.

I found this story to be kind of boring. It didn't excite me nor did it give me chills when I found out the ending's twist. While clever I feel this story tried too hard with shock value. While I'm a big fan of gore sometimes moderation of blood is best or a big fountain of gore at the end can be a real show stopper.

I also had a hard time remembering who was who because both brothers' names ended in Y.

Definitely original but not my favorite. Maybe if it was longer I could have liked it more.

+*+*+*+

Dead Things
-Michael Crane
Dwight's neighbor, Old Lady Mrs. Hendrickson, swears up and down that she sees zombies. That they are out there ready to chow down on our brains.

Dwight's seven year old son Jimmy believes her. Why wouldn't he? SHe's an adult!

Dwight explains to his son that she's just an old woman who doesn't understand.

But there are zombies out there.

In this modern zombie tale we take a look at how a person can change from being full of life to becoming a walking corpse.

An awesome short story that kept me very interested in what would happen next.

+*+*+*+

Does Laura Like Elephants?
-Steve Pirie
A tragic story about a motionless woman living a wheelchair. The world around Laura keeps going forward while she tries to remember if she likes elephants. Left in a state where she can not function her 'so-called' friends only choose to ignore her.

I found this story to be a bit confusing. It was like watching one of those indie movies that is just about REAL LIFE. The kind that really don't have a point.

While there were some interesting parts in this story, I have to admit that it didn't thrill me. Nor was there much suspense. But don't take my word for it, I can't sit through movies like that so that's probably why the story was difficult.

+*+*+*+

39 Days
Robert J. Duperre
Remember that movie, "Waterworld"?

Remember how everyone said it was lame?

I'm one of the few that enjoyed that movie.

But what happened before the world became nothing but ocean? We're about to find out.

Tommy and Angella are trapped on their apartment building. Acid rain falls from the sky, the ocean is rising, and an asteroid has fallen to the ground. It's not good.

Food is gone, the water is poison, and there's no where to sleep but outside.

The world has become a living nightmare.

I definately felt that this story was intersting. There was a modern hurricane/tsunami feel to it. I did think at one point that maybe the moon was falling and that was cause for the ocean rising, but the asteroid was a nice touch. I also enjoyed the lesions on Angella's skin from the acid rain but I was really hoping she would become a leppar.

The ending was definately very clever and this would have made a great "TWILIGHT ZONE" episode.

+*+*+*+

The Candle Eaters
-K. Allen Wood
Halloween night and Katie is ready for a bit of normalcy. Her Dad died of diabetes not too long ago, sending her mom into a deep depression, and Katie just wants to be a 17 year old kid for the night. No harm in that.

She heads over to Matt's house who is dressed up like a punk-rock werewolf. She made a joke about Team Jacob sending him in a "Don't GO there" comment.

Off they go to fill up their goody bags when all of the sudden they see this freaky kid glowing like a jack-o-latern. What the heck is that?

Then it speaks in Katie's head! Oh snap!

Matt thinks that Katie is just pranking him but Katie knows there is more going on than meets the eye.

I had a hard time following this story. I liked that it centered around Halloween, and I'm sure it would be a great ghost story, but I just wasn't smart enough to keep up. Katie kept me wondering with all the things she 'figured' out and all the things she 'didn't know'.

I understood the ending but was lost throughout the middle. Maybe if I read it again I could enjoy it more.

+*+*+*+

Black Mary
-Mercedes M. Yardley
Mary isn't allowed to chop wood.
Or own a pair of shoes that fit.
Mary isn't allowed to do a lot of things.
Mary was abducted.
He took her
A long time ago.
Mary wants to escape.
Black Mary tells her she can.
Black Mary tells her a lot of things.

This story was most awesome. A glimpse into the life of an abducted child that in a way reminded me of "Living Dead Girl" but with an even more awesome twist.

+*+*+*+

Exhibit C
-David McAfee
Was that a rat? Of course it was!

An emotionally scarred and possibly criminally insane serial killer finds his ex-wife and tells her just what he's going to do to her in this very original and unique tale of a lover scorned.

Talking into a camera you only hear his side of the story while his gagged ex endures Merle the rat nibbling on her ear, toe, and possibly more.

Truely horrific, modern, and creative. Loved every page.

+*+*+*+

CANOE
-Joel Arnold
Tab and his teenage son Carl lived in the big city until Carl started acting out. Trying to join a gang, getting drug home by the police, acting like everyone else was doing it. Tab decided it was time for a change. They moved to the country to live in a cabin. In a small town where there isn't much going on. Not much you can get into if there aren't any distractions.

They live on the river. Sometimes they fish. One day they found a canoe. Carl wants to keep it but Tab says someone is probably looking for it. They push it back into the water.

Not long after that the canoe shows back up. Again, Carl wants to keep it. Tab gives in and says they'll see if anyone claims it. Carl want to go for a ride in it. Tab isn't fond of boats but his son doesn't know that. Carl gets in and paddles. Tab just waits.

Carl goes canoeing every day. Tab thinks this has to be good for him. Being outside. Away from video games and junk food. What's not good about being outside?

That is until he realizes that's all Carl does.

I really liked this story. It reminded me of one of those old ougia board ghost stories I used to hear when I was kid. Extremely clever it never lost my interest and this would (in my opinion) make a fantastic movie.

+*+*+*+

Destination
-Benjamin X. Wretlind
Norahc is to wake Bruce up to take over his post. Bruce is a killer but Company feels he is a good choice to give Norahc a much needed rest. In space between planets, Norahc busses people from there to Destination.

Norahc shows Bruce the ropes. It's pretty easy. Push a button. Open the doors.

The people sleep in tubes (kind of like Demolition Man) until they have arrived. It might not be the destination they are expecting but it's where they are destined to go.

This story was great! It definitely has a Star Trek vibe to it and from reading the author's mini-biography I can see why. If you are a fan of Sci-fi or Ray Bradbury then this is a story for you. I was right when I guessed the ending but it was still amazing. This totally would have made a great "Twilight Zone" or "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" episode.

+*+*+*+

THE GHASTLY BATH
-Dawn McCullough-White
Jules is on a mission. As an assassin he has a job to do. Tonight's job is to kill the jailer. But it's not going to be easy as it sounds. There is a rough road ahead as he delivers the body to it's destination.

This is a bit too much of a historic piece for my taste. I do believe more of a male audience would dig this because it is very straight to the point and very very full of action. Another thing is that I believe this would be a most awesome video game that I could definitely see my son playing.

+*+*+*+

WORLDWIDE EVENT
-David Dalglish
Jake's knee blew out a long time ago. He's been living in pain until one day it was just gone. That's odd. But it wasn't just him. It's a worldwide event. Everyone from arthritic patients to cancer victims seem to be getting better. But how? Is it God? Aliens? Is the Rapture around the corner?

I really really enjoyed this story. I was reminded a bit of HOUSE when his leg got better for a couple episodes but the ending is what is truly phenomenal. Totally worthwhile and is one of my favorites in this series of short stories. The author hit the emotional mentality of disabled person dead on. And I really enjoyed all the tv snippets and the SSI letter. That was indeed clever.

+*+*+*+

CHORUS
-Robert J. Duperre
Once I read the word -howling- I automatically assumed that this story would be about werewolves. Well, kids, let that be a lesson to me not to judge a story by it's howls. Also, if I would have paid attention to the picture before this story then I would have probably not assumed such a thing. But you know me and my one track mind.

Abigail lives on her own at a farm. Not just any farm. This farm has mutated cows with extra legs and tails. I'm not sure if she is on earth. It's possible. She survived the 'Sickness' but did it wipe out the planet? Either way, she hears howls at night. They surround her farm and frighten her.

The local store clerk tells her that nobody has lived or stuck around to really explain quite what the howlers are. But Abigail is about to find out.

I really enjoyed this bit of sci-fi. I think it would be great to have more pictures attached. And I definitely didn't expect the ending. That always makes a story good if I can't figure it out.

+*+*+*+

THE ONE THAT MATTERS
-Robert J. Duperre
It finally happened. The supervolcano that is Yellowstone has erupted. No one was ready. Well, not many. Guido was.

He built a bomb shelter and stocked it full of food and other amenities before the explosion. He prepared for everything. Except for Alyssa.

This story should have been longer! It has such a great plot that I hungered for more and screamed "DAMN IT! That's how he's going to end it?!! NOES!"

I am now threatening the author to write me more of this or I will have to do something like moon people at Wal-mart. Now, we don't want that now do we? Of course not? Why should those innocent people see my naked rump when they did nothing wrong?

Get to writing, ROB!! Save the world from that dastardly sight!

As I was saying, "The One that Matters" was excellent. I think it now has become my favorite in this whole book. This is the story that is the cover of the book. And it's brilliant! Even though it reminded me a bit of "THE ROAD" in some ways, it was so super awesome because it was like following a different family.

Totally an awesome story of isolation and horror. I loved every word.

Waiting on Wednesday - The Vicious Deep

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we just can't wait to get our sticky fingers on.


Title: The Viscious Deep

Author: Zoraida Córdova
Release Date: May 1, 2012
Synopsis from Goodreads:

When an unnatural riptide sweeps lifeguard Tristan Hart out to sea for three days and then dumps him back on the shore of Coney Island, it’s the start of the Sea Court claiming its own. Suddenly, Tristan’s girlfriend dramas and swimming championship seem like distant worries as he discovers the truth: he’s a Merman. Now Tristan must fight for his life, the lives of his friends, and his humanity (if he still wants it), while competing in a race for a throne as ancient as the gods.

Seductive, duplicitous, and with an agenda of their own, these are not the mermaids you know.

ZOMG ZOMG ZOMG!! It's like Aquaman meets Bay Watch meets SpongeBob SquarePants! How freaking cool does this sound? I mean? Sign us up BUTTERCUP!!

And to something this freakishly AWESOME we must sing through bubbles:

Must have NOWS!

We needs it!!

We wants it!!

We can't lives without it!!

Now that you've heard what our CAN'T WAIT book is... What's yours? Drop us a comment so we can find out what has you on pins and needles.

The Winter Saga Giveaway!!

Welcome to the Winter Saga Giveaway!!

The much anticipated sequel to Winter's Shadow, Winter's Light, is finally here today! And to celebrate this release we have a awesome giveaway for you today, but first how about the official trailer?

And now for the giveaway....


I just so happen to have got my hands on a few copies of this series, and since it is only being released in Australia that was no easy feat. But even better? One of them is SIGNED!!!


But still that's not the best part. The best part is that this giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY! That's right, you can't buy this series anywhere but in Australia but you can win a copy here. There will be TWO winners. The first place winner will get a copy of Winter's Shadow AND a SIGNED copy of Winter's Light. The second place winner will get a copy of Winter's Shadow and Winter's Light (not signed).

Sound Good?
All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

Winter's Light by M.J. Hearle: Review

Winter's Light (Winter Saga #2)
By M.J. Hearle
Published April 24th 2012 by Pan Macmillan Austrailia
Synopsis borrowed from Goodreads:

Blake is gone.

He sacrificed himself to save Winter, leaving her alone, unprotected... hunted.

An ancient enemy is rising, but Winter is no longer the innocent girl who was fated to die at Pilgrim's Lament. She will not wait to be saved. She will do what she must to survive, even accept an unsavoury alliance with those who destroyed her love.

In the gathering darkness, the enemy of an enemy is not always a friend, and Winter must find the strength to stand alone and fight for the one she loves. For she is the key to unlocking the secrets beyond the veil of shadows.

And she is Blake's only hope.

Darkfallen's thoughts:

Winter has nightmares of the night she lost Blake. Nothing seems much worth it anymore without him. Even graduating from high school seems unimportant now. But all that starts to change with a flicker of hope after a vision she gets while at a graduation party. Hope that maybe, just maybe, Blake isn't completely gone, but trapped in the Dead Lands somewhere. But then what happens after Winter leaves the party turns everything dark. Again Winter finds herself on a ride for her life trying to outrun the Demouri that are hunting her again, and being rescued by the most unlikely person.

Will Winter be able to find Blake? More importantly is Blake really alive somewhere? And if he is, will Winter be able to live long enough to find him?

I have to honestly say that I missed Blake so much it hurt during this book. I'm currently not sure who wanted him back more, me or Winter? Still this book is packed with action and bone chilling moments that will leave you gasping for air. And then the twist at the end? OMG take about evil! It will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat begging for the next book. This was a great and dark addition to this series and I can't wait to learn more about these strange and scary new supernaturals.

Oh and I really need Blake...lol *winks*

Lymi...



Candy: A Novel of Love and Addiction

Title: Candy: A Novel of Love and Addiction
Author: Luke Davies
Published: 1998
Synopsis from Goodreads

"Candy is beside me, drenched in sweat. She's breathing gently, long slow breaths. I imagine her soul going in and out: wanting to leave, wanting to come back, wanting to leave, wanting to come back. The day will soon harden into what we need to do. But for now we have each other. . . ."

He met Candy amid a lush Sydney summer. Gorgeous, sexy, free-spirited Candy. They fell in love fast, lots of laughter and lust, the days melting warmly into each other. He never planned to give her a habit. But she wanted a taste. And wasn't love, after all, about sharing lives? Candy had a bit of money and in the beginning, everything was beautiful. Heady, heroin-hazed days, the world open and inviting. But when the money ran out, the craving remained, and the days ceased their luxurious stretch.

But there was still love. Only now, it was a threesome. Heroin had its own demands, its own timetable, and thoughts of nabbing the next fix hurled them into each day. Then, when desperation sets in, Candy will stop at nothing to secure a blast, as she and her lover become hostage to the nightmarish world of addiction.

Painful, sexy, tender, and charged with dark humor, Candy provocatively charts the daily rituals of two lovers maintaining a long-term junk habit. Told in stunningly vivid prose and set against the backdrop of suburban and urban Australia, Candy is both an electrifying and frightening glimpse of contemporary life and love.

I honestly did not want this book to end!!

It was brilliant, haunting, utterly cruel and true love story. It wracks your brain, wrecks your heart, and leaves you wanting more. There were times when I couldn't put it down, times when I wanted it to end because I thought something really really bad was going to happen, and times when I fell so madly in love that I just didn't know how much more I could handle.

This has to be one of the most real books I have read. I kind of wonder if it is real or not. Is there any truth to this story?

Told in 1st person pov you never learn the name of the man telling the story. NEVER once!! I thought we would learn it on the last page but never once. So, was it the author? Or was it just a man inside his head? A character that I fell so deeply in love with that I wonder if he is now my own private addiction.

The man telling the story is a heroin addict. He meets a nice girl. An innocent girl who he falls in love with and wants to share everything with... even his habit.

From cover to cover you learn how they lived their lives in Australia, exploring each other, and scamming the masses to get more money for drugs. Candy seems to be the main bread winner by working in a brothel. The man in the story does most of the deals or scams or sells books that he stole for a bit of extra cash.

It's a beautiful story. I recommend it to everyone. I feel this will probably replace Party Monster for me. I can't tell you how many times I have read that story and there is no way I can predict how many times I will be reading this one.

Differences between the movie and the book

The man telling the story's name is DAN in the movie and in the book they never tell his name.

In the movie they are in a swimming pool many times. I don't remember once when they went swimming in the book.

In the movie CASPER has a big part. He doesn't have a very big part in the book. He's mentioned a bit but not as much in the movie.

The little girl in the movie at the wedding is (in the book) Candy's aunt's kid. I guess that would make her a cousin.

In the movie Candy is really into art but in the book Candy wanted to be an actress.

Final Thoughts
There is a lot more but I think everyone should watch the movie first then read the book. That's the way I did it and I wasn't at all disappointed. I'm not sure how I would feel if I had done it in reverse. The poetry in this book is just unreal. You can tell that the author really put his heart and soul in this book. I absolutely loved it!! IF I could five it more stars I would. Super duper loved!

Tim O'Rourke's Swag and Books Giveaway from Can't Put it Down

Paranormal Wastelands is proud to present a special announcement from Jenn at Can't Put it Down.

Please stand by:

Hello Wastelanders!!

So, our favorite Kiera Hudson author has given me the green light to go go GO with this giveaway and I think you will all be super stoked!!!

First, I'm gonna tell you what he wants to give!

How about an e-copy of Vampire Shift AND a Vampire Shift skin for your iPhone 4

AND

an e-copy of Dead Flesh AND a Dead Flesh skin for your iPod Touch!!!!!

Exciting isn't it!

Here are the images, and remember, this is NOT for the device, you have to already have that, they are the skins only

(ya I know common sense but just in case!).

VAMPIRE SHIFT skin for the iPhone 4

DEAD FLESH skin for the Apple iPod Touch 2nd/3rd Generation

*How to Enter*

Please Visit my blog - Can't Put It Down - Leave a comment on the designated blog post including your email address. That's it!

*Things to Know*

1) Tim is so super nice he is willing to send the skins anywhere! This is open internationally!

2) Winners will be drawn at random for both sets of prizes.

3) Winners will be notified via email and must be willing to provide a name and mailing address, all of which I will pass along to Tim for shipment. I will also share you email address with Tim so that you can get your book copy!

4) Winners will have 24 hours from the time I send the email to respond back to me with the information requested. If I have not heard back within the 24 hours, a new winner(s) will be drawn and the same provisions will apply.

5) No P.O. Boxes

6) Rules and/or prizes are subject to change at my or the author's discretion.

7) Dead Flesh is almost ready for release so rest assured winner, Tim will get your copy to you just as soon as it is available.

8) Giveaway ends April 30, 2012. Winners will be notified by May 2, 2012!

Dead & Beyond by Jayde Scott: Review/Blog Tour

Welcome to the Dead & Beyond Blog Tour!

Look at that cover...isn't it gorgeous?!!

Today on our tour stop one lucky winner will get their hands on their own eBook copy of this amazing book! But first let me introduce you to the author behind the pages and characters within them...

Author Bio:
Jayde Scott is a psychology graduate and writer most notable for creating the Ancient Legends series.

She lives in London with her family and is a huge fan of baking chocolate cake and listening to indie music.

You can keep up with Jayde Scott on her Website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube

About the book/review...

Dead & Beyond (Ancient Ledgends #4)
By Jayde Scott
Published February 25th 2012 by Create Space
Pick up your own copy at Amazon or B&N today!
Synopsis borrowed from Goodreads:

Amber Reed is a dead girl walking.

Having just been turned by her gorgeous vampire boyfriend, eighteen-year-old Amber Reed is bestowed with the ability to see ghosts. Between trying to figure out how to control her bloodlust and solving the mysterious disappearance of a friend, Amber realizes someone wants to step into her shoes so badly, they’ll do anything to take her place.
When one secret after another pops up, the only person who believes her is her enemy, Devon. Amber can’t figure out if he’s here to help or save his own immortal race from losing the ancient war against the vampires. What she does know, however, is that she can’t resist his good looks just as much as she can’t help becoming someone else…

In a world of dark magic and ancient enemies, three powerful courts fight for supremacy, and Amber might just be the pawn in winning this war forever. But how’s a girl to survive when everyone wants her dead?

Darkfallen's thoughts:

This book was soooo good that it took me by surprise! It was a perfect mix of comedy, drama, action, teenage angst, and paranormal that I couldn't get enough of. Not to mention the fact that Jayde Scott always leaves you with a suspense filled cliffhanger at the end of every chapter leaving you not being able to put the book down!

To be honest I really didn't know what to expect when I picked this book up. First of all this is the 4th book in the series and I haven't read the previous books. Secondly I hadn't heard about this series or this author until I was asked to sign up for the blog tour and I am sooooo glad that I did! It was awesome in a light yet intense kind of way. Yes I know that's an oxymoron...just roll with it. *winks*

Amber is 18, she's also a vampire, and a necromancer. Not by choice though. She was happy to be your normal average human, that is, until her boyfriend Aiden's friend kills her and then her Aidens' brother turns her into a vampire...Yea not exactly the way you want to start your summer vacation huh? This book picks up as Amber is trying to stumble through her new life as a vampire necromancer. As if bloodlust isn't enough she also has these darn ghosts scarring the crap out of her, and it's not like she can turn to Aiden for help in that department because he isn't a necromancer and can't see the things that go bump in the night. He also doesn't suffer from the bloodlust anymore because of a spell.

One thing leads to another and the lies just keep piling up while Amber tries to help find Angel, a friend that was kidnapped. Will Amber be able to help find her friend or will the whole she has been digging herself into eventually swallow her up?

This was such a fun read. It had me laughing over and over again, while sitting on the edge of my seat at the same time. I love Amber and Aidens relationship. It wasn't all smooth and perfect. It had bumps in the road mostly because the town kept making it worse on each other like all teenagers do. I also loved how in the end they both learn the valuable lesson that not matter what lying to each other is the wrong thing to do. It was just so sweet.

Overall this is a book to revile Carrie Harris's Bad Taste In Boys and I enjoyed every minute of it!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of
this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading
Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was
no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not
necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure
is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of
Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*

Now on to the giveaway...

One lucky winner will get their own eBook copy of Dead & Beyond! All you have to do is leave a comment answering the question below and fill out the Rafflecopter form.

If your boyfriends brother turned you into a vampire what would be the worst thing about your new vamperism?

Good Luck!

Darkest Caress by Kaylea Cross: Review/Giveaway!

Darkest Caress
By Kaylea Cross
Published April 23rd 2012 by Carina Press
Pick up your copy at Amazon or B&N today!
Synopsis borrowed from Goodreads:
Two-hundred-year-old Daegan Blackwell is one of the last remaining Empowered, an ancient magical race. Daegan's duty is to lead and protect his remaining Brethren in the coming war foretold by prophecy. The last thing he expects is to meet the one woman who will either save or destroy him-his destined mate.

Fiercely independent Realtor Olivia Farrell believes darkly handsome Daegan is simply a prospective client. Until she's attacked by a man with a strange aura-and Daegan fights him off, taking away her pain with just his touch. At first, Olivia refuses to believe she's part of a magical race, yet mounting evidence and her powerful chemistry with Daegan are too strong to deny.

But as Daegan's partner, Olivia becomes a target in the battle between good and evil that threatens her life, as well as the very existence of the Empowered. And the only one who can save her is the man claiming to be her destiny...

Darkfallen's thoughts:

I've been reading a LOT of PNR lately and this book was soooooooo good! I couldn't put it down or get enough of it!

This is Kaylea Cross's first crack at paranormal romance and she hit a home run. I honestly didn't expect it to be as spot on since she usually sticks to the contemporary romance, but I was pleasantly surprised. Not only was the writing near flawless, but the suspense around the lore and the new twist on the supernatural element at work here was a breath of fresh air. It was nice to not only read about a new race of supernatural being outside of your typical vampire/werewolf/demon world, but for it to also be believable? That was perfect.

Liv is your typical single girl. She's a real estate agent that teaches piano on the side. Her life is pretty normal, if not a little boring and slightly lonely. That is until she shows a house to the hottest man she's ever seen and everything starts to change. Once she meets Daegan all sorts of weird and uncontrollable urges spring inside her leaving her feeling like she is losing her mind. Not to mention the fact that she's been getting migraines for over a year but every time he touches her they seem to go away. He can't possible be taking the pain away...can he? No, she must be going crazy.

Daegan has been around for over two hundred years without a mate. To say that he was surprised when he walked into that house and the agent showing him the place turned out to be his mate would be an understatement. While he should be thrilled, he has a past that won't let him claim what's his. He can't repeat what his parents went through. Fighting against every instinct he has to claim her and bond to his mate, he tries to get to know Liv before springing everything on her. But can he control his hungry and sexual urges long enough?

The relationship between Daegen and Liv was smoking hot, yet somehow sweet at the same time. I loved that Liv was a strong heroin that didn't just fall in love with him and accept everything he told her. No she fought against it, and it made me love her even more. Not to mention it mad it even hotter when she finally gave in to Daegan. But this book isn't just about the sex. It's full of suspense and heart wrenching scenes that will leave you on the edge of your seat all the way up until the end.

I think fans of Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark Series will love this book. It is definitely a series to look out for and I can't wait for the next book in this series! Let's just say Daegan's cousin Cade is smoking hot and I desperately want to spend a little time with him *winks*

Overall this is a great PNR and you won't be disappointed!

And now...because the fine people at Carina Press are made of awesome...one lucky winner will get their own eBook copy of Darkest Caress!

All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below for your chance to get your hands on this smexy hot book!

This giveaway is open internationally!!

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie Maguire: Review

Beautiful Disaster
By Jamie Maguire
Published May 26th 2011
Pick up your copy at B&N, Amazon, or your local indie today!
Synopsis borrowed from Goodreads:

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend America, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the charming college co-ed. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his charms, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’ apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

Darkfallen's thoughts:

This book was simply amazing! Seriously probably the best story I've read this year, and I don't see that changing as the year goes on. It's beautiful, raw, passionate, and at times devastating. To say that this is a beautiful disaster...well there isn't much disaster at all to this...

Abby starts her freshman year of college at Eastern U desperately trying to start over. She needs to live a life that is the polar opposite of her past life with her dad Mick. So no more drinking, gambling, and definitely no more bad boys. So with a wardrobe full of preppy "good girl" clothes Abby tries start over in a place where no one knows her or her father. But it doesn't take long before she meets Travis, the campus bad boy, and she falls back into her old life.

The relationship between Addy and Travis is raw, chaotic, and at most times like a train wreck. You know it's not healthy but you just can't tear your eyes away from it. They both bring their own baggage and problems to the table and when they collide they are beyond a beautiful disaster, but it's perfect in it's faults. I couldn't get enough of these two and I know that this is a book that I will read over and over again. In fact this is one of those books that compels you to read it no matter what. Sleep? Who needs sleep when you have a book this good?

And don't even get me started on how swoon worthy Travis is. Covered in tatts, picking fights at ever turn, but yet super smart at the same time he just took my breathe away. A perfect balance between the dark sexy side of a bad boy and the softer side of a boy that cares about people he loves.


I do want to address one thing...

Before picking this up I read some bad reviews of this book. It made me a little leery at first. The most common complaint these reviewers had was that the book was too violent. That there was too much unnecessary fighting. Well I couldn't disagree more with those people. We know from the synopsis that Travis is part of an underground fighting ring, and this is an important and vital part to the story. That being said yes there are graphic fight scenes in this novel but they are necessary to plot and make you really see the battle that Abby has when it comes to letting Travis in. I never once felt the scenes where overly violent. They were realistic and raw.

Overall Travis and Abby were perfect together and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this series. And yes there were a few editing errors here and there. I few things that could be cleaned up, but never once did it take away from the story; has you can tell by my 5 star rating. Actually I would venture to say this is more of a 7 star book!

Lymi...



Six Weeks

Title: Six Weeks
Author: Jessica L. Degarmo
Published: 2011
Synopsis from Goodreads

SIX WEEKS FOR LIFE OR DEATH ......

In 'Six Weeks', Jessica L. Degarmo departs from the style of her very successful Romance novels - 'Hooking Up', 'The Storm Within', 'Decisions' and 'How To Meet A Guy In The Supermarket' - to examine every teenage girl's nightmare: that she is pregnant and not certain she's ready for a child.

It is a life and death decision – not her life, but her decision - and despite the opinions of those around her, she is on her own.

In a world of gray, one thing is black and white. Six weeks is her deadline to decide.

Maybe you have been there, in which case you will understand.

I could relate to this book. Not in a sense of abuse but in the sense of being young, pregnant, and on a thin line between poverty and spinning out of control.

If you have ever experienced such a thing. If you have ever found yourself at a Pregnancy Crisis Center. If you have ever been given a choice and found it hard to choose. Then this book is for you.

Imogene is 19 years old. She goes to college, has an 8 year old sister, lives in a bad part of town, doesn't have any money, and her mom is a drunk.

On the bright side she is trying to better herself with schooling. She yearns to get away from her mother. To take her sister with her as they imagine themselves on a house on the beach where they can hear the ocean and ride horses.

But that's a child's dream because Immy has to grow up. She just learned that she's six weeks pregnant and only has six weeks to make a decision. One that could change everything. One that could leave her without child or bring one into the world.

I adored this book. It's short but that was great! It was in no way drawn out and the characters are so colorful that you can imagine them every time you read their lines.

Immy is the girl who tells the story. She's unsure what to do with her new problem. Keep it? Or let it go. She goes to a free clinic and then to an organization run by a church. She's given the options but she has only six weeks to decide.

Sadie is Immy's eight year old sister. She's very smart and to me acted more like an eleven year old. She was a very needed character in this book and I enjoyed how the author portrayed her.

Matthias is the father of Immy's baby. He is twenty years old, has many siblings, and lives in a very abusive home. Matthias thinks he can raise the baby. He wants to. But would he be able to?

Immy's Mom is a total drunk. She scolds Immy for messing up her life. She doesn't show any support and only worries about where she will get more booze.

If you enjoyed Ordinary Beauty by Laura Wiess or How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr then you'll really enjoy Six Weeks.

I found it highly entertaining. It was like watching a reality show mixed with an afterschool special.

Jessica L. Degarmo has defiantly made a new fan!

***Song that reminds me of Six Weeks - Lullaby by James

Teaser Tuesday: The Gate 2 Giveaway Extravaganza

Welcome to Teaser Tuesday!

This meme is sponsored by MizB over at Should Be Reading.

(wanna learn more about how you too can join in and play along? click here)

This week’s teaser is from....



Their eyes danced with madness as they wielded planks of wood with nails driven through them. Guido held Alyssa tight and reached into the cart behind him.

Kindle Version - 95%

Are you looking for an anthology based that is just too freaktasticaly awesome and scary and devastatingly brilliant with the whole WOE AS ME THEME!?! Then you've picked the right Teaser Tuesday! Cuz not only do you get a freatastical teaser you also get a cool as toast giveaway!

Robert J. Duperre has decided to hook our lovely Wastelanders with not one prize pack but TWO!! You heard right! IT doesn't matter where you live... it can be as awesome as Australia (Hugh Jackman: call me!) and you can still win!!

CAn I get a YES YES!?!

Here's the skinny: Enter below and Canada/US residents have the change to win a paperback copy of The Gate 2: 13 Tales of Isolation and Despair. AND one International winner will get a eBook copy!

Sound like a winner winner chicken dinner?

You betcha!

Good luck!!!!