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Friday 15 May 2015

Blog Tour: Prodigal and Riven by Sherry D. Ficklin and Tyler H. Jolley


Prodigal and Riven (Lost Imperials #2 & #3) by Sherry D. Ficklin and Tyler H. Jolley

 Blurbs:
Two journeys. One inescapable outcome. No time to lose.

RIVEN:
What should be a routine mission leaves Ethan with a serious problem. He's fractured—a break between mind and body that leaves him at the mercy of his Rifter abilities, which are quickly tearing him apart. He will have to trust the only person who might know how to fix him, a mysterious Rifter named Stewart Stills, who seems to have a special connection with the time stream.

Forced to face his dark past and a decision he may never forgive himself for, he will be trained unlike any of the others, to become a true guardian for time. If he accepts, it will mean leaving everyone he loves behind. If he refuses, time itself could unravel. After a glimpse of the dark future awaiting them all, he will have to choose between destiny and desire. Will he rise up and take his place as a defender of the natural order, or will he watch as all of time burns at the hands of the girl he loves?
Welcome to the time war.




PRODIGAL:
Stein has been with the Hollows for as long as she can remember. Taken as a child, she has no memories of her past—and that's always been fine by her. Until the day she stumbles across a hidden journal containing the devastating truth about her paternity. Now everything she thought she knew—and everyone she thought she could trust—has changed. The truth about who she is and where she came from is a secret so deep, it will rock the Hollows and the Tesla Institute alike.

During a test to verify her bloodlines, Stein makes a terrible discovery. She is carrying a rare genetic mutation that is slowly killing her. Unsure who to turn to and running out of time, she has no choice but to turn to Tesla—her most hated enemy—for help. But can she trust the man who she's been fighting against her whole life, or will she end up another piece in his deadly game of cat and mouse with the people who betrayed her so long ago?


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Interview:

-How does it feel to be releasing two books at once? 
Sherry – Crazy. On one hand, it’s a bit frenzied, but it’s also a unique challenge, which I love. We’ve never been big on doing things the ‘conventional’ way, so when it was suggested, we jumped on the idea. This way people don’t have to wait a whole year for what is essentially another side of the same story.
Tyler – I agree with Sherry, we’re as unconventional as it gets in the publishing world, and that’s saying something.  Oddly, it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be.  The biggest thing was making sure the stories were consistent and didn’t contradict each other or the first book of the series, Extracted.

-Was it easier co-writing these sequels than it was Extracted? Did much (or any) of your process change?
Sherry – I think it was much easier. We worked with a new publisher on these books, and they gave us a lot more freedom with the narrative. Plus, splitting it the way we did, there was less intersection, so we were really able to take our individual stories and write them completely, separately, before going over the together. We didn’t have to leap frog as much.
Tyler – With Extracted there was a get-to-know-you phase and “don’t step on each other’s toes,” part of the writing.  Now, after Extracted, I knew Sherry’s writing style and she knew mine.  We knew how the other outlined, processed ideas and worked through plots.  Plus edits were a million times easier.  The editing process on Extracted was like walking for an eternity on hot coals.  It was the first real edits I had been through so I thought it was always like that.  I’m glad that’s not the case.

-Did you have the entire story line for the series mapped out from the beginning? If so, have you since made any changes?
Sherry – Yeah, I think we really did. We made some minor adjustments, but really, because of the subject matter, we don’t stray too far from the outlines. We have a definite destination in mind for the finale, so we need to get everyone there (mostly) intact.
Tyler – The outline was pretty intense, and with a time travel series, you really can’t deviate too much from it.  If you do then you end up with a series that doesn’t work anymore.  The end game is clear and it’s going to be awesome!

-How do you decide between the two of you how the story is going to go?
Sherry – We sat down and plotted the entire arc, start to finish. We’ve always known where and how it’s all going to end, and what stories needed to be told to get us there.
Tyler – Plotting with Sherry is intense, and being a discovery writer I had to transform into an outliner. I had learned to embrace the world of outlining versus freely writing my novels.

-Which character do you relate to the most?
Sherry – I think I’m an Ember. More empathetic and less quick to temper.
Tyler – Lex, I didn’t think so at first, but looking back, he’s my young alter ego. 

-Is there a favourite scene of the series in either of the two new books?
Sherry – Wow, I have so many. The scene Tyler wrote with the Llamas and the rickshaws tops my list. But I really like all the scenes with Ember and Ethan too.
Tyler – Oh yeah, definitely the Llamas and the rickshaws for sure.  But then again, there is a pretty major reveal that is…HUGE.

-Out of Prodigal and Riven, which was more difficult to write, and why?
Sherry – Wow, I don’t know. I don’t think, for me at least, that either were difficult. Again, it’s all about letting the reader in on everyone’s individual stories going into the finale.

Tyler – Stein was tough for me to write, I couldn’t find her voice.  Originally I was going to write her POV and Sherry was going to write Ethan’s.  I’m glad we switched, it was meant to be.  Sherry was able to capture Stein’s voice the way I envisioned her in mind.


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Bio:
Tyler H. Jolley is a sci-fi/fantasy author and full-time orthodontist, periodontist (see: Overachiever). He divides his spare time between writing, reading, mountain biking, and camping with his family.
Sherry D. Ficklin is a full-time writer and internet radio show host with more mouth then good sense. She has a serious book addiction, but continually refuses treatment, much to her husband’s chagrin.
Tyler and Sherry met one fateful day and bonded over their love for books, science fiction, and donuts. Their first co-written novel came shortly after. Now, they still do all those other things, but also go to various steampunk conventions and events under the guise of ‘research’. They can often be found lurking on the Lost Imperials Facebook page or over on the official website, www.thelostimperials.com.




Preorder link B&N exclusive FLIPBOOK: http://bit.ly/1ICxcCI

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Wednesday 8 April 2015

Cover Reveal: Every Last Breath by Jennifer L. Armentrout

We are so excited to bring you the Cover Reveal for EVERY LAST BREATH, the hotly anticipated conclusion to the Dark Elements trilogy from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout!! EVERY LAST BREATH is a Young Adult Paranormal being published by Harlequin Teen and is a part of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s The Dark Elements Series. It is being released on July 28th, 2015. Pre-order EVERY LAST BREATH and then be sure to read the first books in this amazing series before its release!

Every Last Breath - Cover

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks ** IndieBound ** Kobo ** BAM

 

EVERY LAST BREATH Synopsis:

Some loves will last 'til your dying breath

Every choice has consequences—but seventeen-year-old Layla faces tougher choices than most. Light or darkness. Wickedly sexy demon prince Roth, or Zayne, the gorgeous, protective Warden she never thought could be hers. Hardest of all, Layla has to decide which side of herself to trust.

Layla has a new problem, too. A Lilin—the deadliest of demons—has been unleashed, wreaking havoc on those around her…including her best friend. To keep Sam from a fate much, much worse than death, Layla must strike a deal with the enemy while saving her city—and her race—from destruction.

Torn between two worlds and two different boys, Layla has no certainties, least of all survival, especially when an old bargain comes back to haunt them all. But sometimes, when secrets are everywhere and the truth seems unknowable, you have to listen to your heart, pick a side—and then fight like hell…

“Armentrout is a major talent…I just can’t stop reading!”

--New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter

“Armentrout works her magic with swoon-worthy guys and a twist you never see coming.”

--#1 New York Times bestselling author Abbi Glines on White Hot Kiss

And we have a surprise for you! The first books in the series have been given a new look too!!

Don't miss the previous titles in The Dark Elements Series-now with new covers! Readers interested in downloading the new cover jackets for their previously purchased Dark Elements Series titles, can download them HERE!

downloadhere


For best results when downloading the new cover jackets:

  • Print on 8.5x14" (Legal paper)
  • Use landscape or horizontal setting = 8.5" tall x 14" wide
  • Print at 100% scale or "actual size"
  • Print with the image centered on page
  • Fold and trim to fit
White Hot Kiss - New Cover

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** BAM ** iBooks ** IndieBound ** Kobo ** Walmart

 

WHITE HOT KISS synopsis:

One kiss could be the last.

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

Stone Cold Touch - New Cover

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks ** IndieBound ** Kobo ** BAM

 

STONE COLD TOUCH Synopsis:

Every touch has its price

Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life—no easy task for a seventeen-year-old who’s pretty sure things can’t get worse. Her impossibly gorgeous best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to the mysterious powers of her soul-stealing kiss. The Warden clan that has always protected her is suddenly keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the wickedly hot demon prince who understood her in ways no one else could.

But sometimes rock bottom is only the beginning. Because suddenly Layla’s powers begin to evolve, and she’s offered a tantalizing taste of what has always been forbidden.  Then, when she least expects it, Roth returns, bringing news that could change her world forever. She’s finally getting what she always wanted, but with hell literally breaking loose and the body count adding up, the price may be higher than Layla is willing to pay…

"Constantly entertaining...the narrative sizzles with as much tension as romance."

Kirkus Reviews on White Hot Kiss

 And the Prequel Novella, BITTER SWEET LOVE...

 

Bitter Sweet Love - New Cover

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks ** BAM ** Kobo

 

BITTER SWEET LOVE Synopsis:

In a sizzling prequel novella to her new series The Dark Elements, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout draws readers into the extraordinary, irresistible world of Wardens and demons.

Dez wasn't just Jasmine's crush. A gargoyle Warden like Jas, he helped her come to terms with her destiny—fending off demons and maintaining the balance between good and evil. He was her everything…right until the moment he disappeared without a trace. It didn't help that Jas's father had just announced that she and Dez would one day be mated. Hard not to take that personally.

And now he's back, three years older, ten times hotter, ready to pick up exactly where they left off. But Jas isn't taking that risk again. Dez has seven days to meet all her conditions and earn back her trust. Seven days filled with terrifying danger and sweet temptation. Seven days to win her heart—or shatter it all over again…

"With her signature flare for combining humor, romance and action, Armentrout weaves a fast-paced read that will have readers' hearts racing in more ways than one. Like Armentrout's previous heroines, Jasmine is fun and full of attitude, while Dez is as snarky as he is sexy. This is a must read for new and old fans alike!" -RT Book Reviews

 

Author Photo

Jennifer L. Armentrout/J.Lynn Bio:

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.


Website | Twitter | Facebook | Jennifer L. Armentrout Goodreads | EVERY LAST BREATH Goodreads | STONE COLD TOUCH Goodreads | WHITE HOT KISS Goodreads | BITTER SWEET LOVE Goodreads

 

Wednesday 4 March 2015

Waiting On Wednesday #53: Red by Alyxandra Harvey

This is a weekly meme 'Waiting on Wednesday' that I take part in, it is hosted by Breaking the Spine
It is a meme where you post about a yet-to-be-released book that you are looking forward to reading. Here is a book I have been highly anticipating:


Red 

by Alyxandra Harvey


Release date: March 10th, 2015


Add on Goodreads

Summary (from Goodreads)

Bad girls burn hot…

Red is the color of Kia Alcott's hair.
It's her temper, which blazes hot and always gets Kia into way too much trouble.
And it's the color of fire. Fires that Kia can start…just by thinking about them.

When her latest “episode” gets her kicked out of school, Kia is shipped off to her grandmother, who works for the wealthy Blackwoods. It's an estate shrouded in secrets, surrounded by rules, and presided over by a family that is far from normal…including the gorgeous and insolent Ethan Blackwood.

Ethan knows far more about the dangers of the forest surrounding the estate than Kia can ever imagine. For this forest has teeth, and Ethan is charged with protecting the outside world from its vicious mysteries.

But inside, even the most vibrant shade of red doesn't stand a chance against the dark secrets of the Blackwood family…
 


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I've read quite a few of Alyxandra Harvey's novel and have loved every one of them and Red sounds incredible. I cannot wait to get my hands on Red and read it!!



Tuesday 3 March 2015

Trailer Reveal: Prodigal and Riven by Sherry D. Ficklin and TylerH. Jolley

Welcome (back) to the TIME WAR...

Books 2 & 3 of the best selling Lost Imperials series

Releasing 5/5/15

from Clean Teen Publishing

Prodigal_large cover_1800x2700Riven cover lg

Individual digital editions will be available everywhere e-books are sold.

Click on the cover to read more!

 

 

Exciting news! Prodigal and Riven will be available in 2 special combined print editions!

Barnes & Noble and other retailers will feature a standard combined print edition:

Ebook_COMBINED_TheLostImperialsand Amazon.com will offer an exclusive flip book print edition!

flipbookcover

PRODIGAL:

STEIN has been with the Hollows for as long as she can remember. Taken as a child, she has no memories of her past, and that's always been fine by her. Until the day she stumbles across a hidden journal containing the devastating truth about her paternity. Now everything she thought she knew, and everyone she thought she could trust, has changed. The truth about who she is and where she came from is a secret so deep, it will rock the Hollows and the Tesla Institute alike.

RIVEN:

ETHAN is left with a serious problem after what should have been a routine mission. He's fractured, a break between mind and body that leaves him at the mercy of his Rifter abilities, which are quickly tearing him apart. He will have to trust the only person who might know how to fix him, a mysterious Rifter named Stewart Stills, who seems to have a special connection with the time stream.


Want to know more about The Lost Imperials Series? Check out below:

In a battle for control of the time stream, the past and the future will collide, either saving mankind, or destroying it.

The Tesla Institute stands on one side of the battle. Controlled by the mind of one of the greatest inventors in history, the Institute recruits gifted, young time travelers called Rifters. Those who survive his training are sent into history with the mission to preserve the time stream, recruit more of their kind, and better humanity through subtle, controlled event manipulation.

Standing in the way are the Hollows, a rogue group of Rifters who have vowed to put an end to the Tesla Institute, at all costs. They steal, cheat, and bend history to their own ends. Using children stolen from time as their personal armies, they fight not only for control of time itself, but also for self-preservation.

 

You can find, EXTRACTED, book 1 of The Lost Imperials everywhere books are sold.

Lex front

Wednesday 16 July 2014

Waiting on Wednesday (#52) Black Ice

This is a weekly meme 'Waiting on Wednesday' that I take part in, it is hosted by Breaking the Spine
It is a meme where you post about a yet-to-be-released book that you are looking forward to reading. Here is a book I have been highly anticipating:


Black Ice


by Becca Fitzpatrick

Release date:
October 7th, 2014

Summary: 

Sometimes danger is hard to see... until it’s too late. 

Britt Pfeiffer has trained to backpack the Teton Range, but she isn't prepared when her ex-boyfriend, who still haunts her every thought, wants to join her. Before Britt can explore her feelings for Calvin, an unexpected blizzard forces her to seek shelter in a remote cabin, accepting the hospitality of its two very handsome occupants—but these men are fugitives, and they take her hostage. 

In exchange for her life, Britt agrees to guide the men off the mountain. As they set off, Britt knows she must stay alive long enough for Calvin to find her. The task is made even more complicated when Britt finds chilling evidence of a series of murders that have taken place there... and in uncovering this, she may become the killer’s next target. 

But nothing is as it seems in the mountains, and everyone is keeping secrets, including Mason, one of her kidnappers. His kindness is confusing Britt. Is he an enemy? Or an ally? 

BLACK ICE is New York Times bestselling author Becca Fitzpatrick’s riveting romantic thriller set against the treacherous backdrop of the mountains of Wyoming. Falling in love should never be this dangerous…

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I can't wait for this next Becca Fitzpatrick novel, it sounds so damn amazing, plus that cover is simply gorgeous. Black Ice looks like the best kind of thriller, so excited for this one!

What are you waiting on this week?

Wednesday 9 July 2014

Cover Reveal: Parallel Triangles by Kimberly Ann Miller

Parallel Triangles


by Kimberly Ann Miller

Release date: April 28th, 2015 - by Spencer Hill Press

Book Blurb:

How does a cruise change your life?
By sailing through the Bermuda Triangle.
Carly Carmichael has one goal in life--to perform on Broadway. She refuses to have a Plan B because she's never needed one--until now. When Carly's parents send her on a cruise as a graduation present, she takes her best friend and their boyfriends along with her. Once the ship sails into the Bermuda Triangle, Carly finds herself unable to sing or walk, much less preform. And things just go downhill from there. Hoping for help from the ship's doctor, she ends up with more questions than answers about the mystery behind the Bermuda Triangle and why her life is now unrecognizable. If Carly can't get her real life back on track, she may end up spending the next sixty years trapped in a life the Triangle chooses for her. 


Author Bio:
Kimberly Ann Miller received Bachelor's degrees from Georgian Court University and Rutgers University and a Master's degree from The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She’s an avid reader and particularly enjoys true crime and young adult novels. She grew up in New Jersey and currently lives in Monmouth County with her husband and three cats. When she's not writing, she loves to travel to sunny islands where she snorkels by day and stargazes by night. She always takes her Nook.


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I absolutely CANNOT wait to read Parallel Triangles, I read Triangles (that novel that this book will be a companion to) and I loved it, so this one is definitely a must read!

*You can read my 5 star review of Triangles here

The cover of Triangles and Parallel Triangles together: 


Both totally gorgeous don't you think?!

Waiting on Wednesday (#51) The Young Elites

This is a weekly meme 'Waiting on Wednesday' that I take part in, it is hosted by Breaking the Spine
It is a meme where you post about a yet-to-be-released book that you are looking forward to reading. Here is a book I have been highly anticipating:


The Young Elites

(The Young Elites #1)
by Marie Lu

Release date:
October 7th, 2014

Summary:

I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.

Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.


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I loved Legend by Marie Lu and the premise for this one is so interesting that I'll definitely be checking it out!

What are you waiting on this week?

Tuesday 8 July 2014

Top Ten Tuesday: Blogging Confessions

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme is all about list-making, with a new topic each week.

This weeks Topic:
Top Ten Blogging Confessions

1. I will probably never read "classics" like Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice, A Tale of Two Cities, etc. The sound of these books does not entice me to read them even a tiny bit. I was meant to read Wuthering Heights last year for school, but couldn't stand the characters (Catherine is the BIGGEST brat), and I ended up reading only the first and last 3 chapters and just paid extra attention to class discussions of the book as a means of learning about it enough to write essays on it. 

2. I always place too many books on hold at the library.

3. I buy more books than I read - sad but true, I'm trying to fix this.

4. I get really hyped up about new book, whether they are by a favourite author or the latest in a series, I get beyond excited for them, but if I haven't read that series or other books by that author recently, I tend not to read them for ages even though I really want to. Also, I am somewhat (ok, more than "somewhat") paranoid about what will happen with a sequel or whether I'll like it.

5. Since i started blogging, I DNF more books, am more picky about what I read - I think this is because I've been exposed to more genres and writing styles so I have a better grasp of what good writing is and what contributes to a good story, as well as what works for me personally.

6. I'm not a huge fan of lending out my books, I'm more than a little OCD about keeping my books in perfect condition (I'm not as fussed if I bought the book second-hand and it's old or a tiny bit damaged) and have lent out books before only to have them returned in less than perfect condition - bent pages, bent of creased cover and spine and it drives me crazy.

7. I somewhat shy away from books that are very much hyped up by everyone, as I have found on more than one occasion that my opinion vastly differs.

8. Spoilers are incredibly off-putting to me, if I stumble across a spoiler for a book I want to read or am told of the spoiler, it makes me very reluctant to read that novel, and I outright hate it when people completely disregard the fact that I am planning on reading a book that they have already read (and they know this for a fact) yet competely disregard this and purposely tell me something that happens - I find it to be extremely inconsiderate and it really pisses me off.

9. I don't mind having books suggested to me to read, but if someone really pushes a book in my face, it makes me less inclined to pick it up, as I like to get to books in my own time and to make my own choices on what to read next, rather than feeling pressured.

10. I disagree with this: people saying that they are more of a fan of a book/series/author than I am (or anyone else is) simply because they have either read the book more times or read it first - neither reading a book earlier or more times means that someone is more of a fan, anyone can discover a book at any time, or read a book only once or twice, and still enjoy it as much as the next person - it shouldn't be a competition.

Friday 27 June 2014

Blog Tour: UNDERSTUDY by Cheyanne Young


UNDERSTUDY
Author: Cheyanne Young
Standalone
Publication date: February 15th, 2014
Publisher: 336Love
Number of pages: 142
Date read: June, 2014
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Source: Review Copy provided by Oops I Read Tours
Format: Ebook
Add on Goodreads



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(Description source: Goodreads)

The high school play is in two months and senior Wren Barlow just became director. Wren still isn't over the fact that she got stiffed as a stagehand instead of the lead role that she totally deserved. Now she is in charge of rehearsals, costumes, navigating around cast member hookups and managing the real life drama at home.

The principal counts on her to succeed because tickets have been sold and the money has been spent. But when he drops a gorgeous bad boy on her and wants him to help the play for extra credit, she falls hard for someone she knows she can't date. With everything spinning out of control, the mysterious and secretive detention king named Derek has a few tricks up his sleeve and wants to help—too bad Wren is scared to give him a chance to prove himself.

Purchase linksAmazon | B&N


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Wren is only auditioning for the school play as it will help her get into her dream college, however Wren gets lumped with the roles of understudy and stagehand. 
Add a guy only known as trouble and she almost has her hands full.

When their director, Wren's overly dramatic aunt, quits her jobs as their teacher and director, Wren is coerced into taking over the reins and then she really does have her hands full. Busy dealing with set designs, casting issues and personal troubles, the "bad" boy is her one bright spot, but will she give him the chance he's hoping for?

Understudy is a very fast-paced read, time passing is a little difficult to tell throughout the novel because of the fast pace, as in months have passed in the story but it doesn't quite feel like it.

Wren is very self-absorbed, she doesn't tend to consider how others feel or anything except how circumstance affect her chances at her dream college and how she isn't getting what she wants. Despite not really caring much about acting, she really is quite dramatic. This is not to say that I didn't like Wren's character, but she did irritate me a great deal.
The times I liked her character best were when she was being nice and relaxed while having fun hanging out with Derek.
It was also awesome to see how she loved creating things in her wood workshop class and was interested in interior decorating.

Her friendship with her best friend is tried throughout the novel but I loved the resolution between the two.
Derek is my favourite character in this story, I just loved him, he had to deal with rumours and comments and yet managed to always remain the sweetest guy. 
I really like how even though Wren has heard had things about Derek, she stills hangs out with him and gets to know him.

Although, Wren does struggle with the fact that Derek can't tell her the whole truth about his situation and I feel she really should have been more understanding and less over-the-top about it all, but the situation was unique and the truth is something you will find yourself wondering about until the very end of the novel when it is all revealed.

The secondary characters are well-rounded, each of them had their own issues going on, and I liked the way Gwen seemed to end up happy.
Wren's aunt however, is unchanging and poorly behaved.

I liked the ending, although I would have liked Wren to apologize for her hot-and-cold behaviour which was a little much.

A very quick read, with a sweet romance and theatrical characters - Understudy contains some really cute moments. 


I rate UNDERSTUDY Three out of Five!!!

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Excerpt:

School has been out for thirty minutes so I’m surprised to find a student in the back of the warehouse using the skill saw. I don’t recognize him from behind, but from what I can see of his backside, he’s too hot for Lawson High. Maybe he’s a movie star researching his next film role. He’s wearing jeans a tight fitting black shirt. His brown hair touches his shoulders and is as silky smooth as mine is after an hour of flat-ironing it to death. Ugh, why do guys always get the best hair?
Mr. Harrison gives an old man arthritic grunt as he settles onto his work stool. He slides the longest piece of molding across the workshop table toward me. “Cut this on the chalk line.”
I slide open my tape measure, but he stops me. “Use the square. Come on girl, I taught you better than that.” Of course he did. The normal me would have known to grab the square to mark a perfect line, but right now I can’t think over the thudding of my heart in my chest. How is it that I’m more nervous standing across the room from a guy who hasn’t even noticed that I exist, than I was moments ago while auditioning for the biggest role in the school play?
I head over to the pegboard wall with all the tools on it. The square, which actually looks like a triangle, should be on the lower left corner but it’s not. I check the workspaces around me but still can’t find it. I’m about to tell Mr. Harrison that someone stole his tools again when I see it.
It’s shoved in the back pocket of the hottest ass I’ve ever seen. I make my way over to the possible movie star, miraculously not dropping dead from cardiac arrest. A sheepish grin falls over my face. “Can I have that square?”
Hot Boy turns around, a carpenter’s pencil sticking out of his mouth. He takes the square from his pocket and hands it to me. “Thanks,” I say. He glances over at my project and then back at me, and I’m pretty sure his eyes graze over my entire body in a split second, but it feels like it takes an hour.
“Crown molding?” He says it like he’s confused. Like we’re in a shoe factory instead of wood shop.
I give an awkward shrug. “I want my room to look like a French boudoir.”
He nods and this smirk spreads across his lips as he looks at the molding and then back at me, as if suddenly understanding my entire personality.
There’s something in his smile that makes me want to rip off my shirt and throw myself into his arms, declaring my soul as his love slave, like some lunatic in an Axe body wash commercial. He holds out his hand. “I’m Derek.”


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About Cheyanne Young

Cheyanne is a native Texan with a fear of cold weather and a coffee addiction that probably needs an intervention. She loves books, sarcasm, nail polish and paid holidays. She lives near the beach with her family, one spoiled rotten puppy and a cat who is most likely plotting to take over the world.

She also writes under the pen name Amy Sparling.





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