Crush Control Tour: Interview with Max

Today, Max, from Jennifer Jabaley's Crush Control has stopped by the blog for an interview! Welcome Max! :)
Favorite flowers were something brought up numerous times, so let's branch out a bit, what would you say your favorite scent is?

My mom's cooking. Specifically, her baking....her cakes and muffins.

That sounds absolutely wonderful! What is your favorite hair product to use in the Georgia heat?

I'm a pretty low maintenance kind of guy. My hair is pretty short, but when it grows in a little I just use some gel.

What is your favorite class in school?

Music. Shop. Gym

If you could travel anywhere where would you go?

I really haven't been many places so I'd love to go anywhere. But top of my list is Nashville because the music scene is so alive there. I'm not a country music fan, but still, I'd love to be in a place where so many unknowns have been discovered just strumming their guitars or banging their drums in a local bar.

What is the craziest thing you have ever done?

When I skipped class with Willow in elementary school. Both our moms were home so we snuck into our neighbor's empty house using the key hidden under the mat. We played with our neighbor's toys all day and no one ever found out.

Should you be able to choose a character in A Midsummer Night's Dream to be, who would you choose to be?

Well, I kind of think it'd be fun to be Puck, the court jester, because he's mischievous and fun.

------------------------------

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog Jennifer and Max :) You can find Jennifer on the web at her website, blog, facebook, and twitter. Make sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour.

Interview with The Opposite of Amber's Ruby

Today, I am honoured to have Ruby from Gillian Philip's The Opposite of Amber. The Opposite of Amber is out April 18th. Here's a bit about The Opposite of Amber, in case you haven't heard:

They found the fifth girl right after the snow melted ...the place where he left her was winter water, crazed with ice-feathers and dusted with snow. The traces from her body were gone, the ones that said his name, but she had an extra skin of ice that protected her and she looked perfect, like Snow White'. Ruby and her older sister Jinn live together on their own, just about making ends meet. Jinn is beautiful, with glittering blonde hair, and makes it her business to look after Ruby. They are horrified by, but try to ignore, the local newspaper stories of prostitutes who are murdered, their bodies eventually discovered underwater. Then the no-good Nathan Baird turns up on the scene - again - and Jinn starts to change. First Nathan moves in with Jinn and Ruby, making Ruby feel an outsider, and then Jinn and Nathan move out, leaving Ruby alone. Jinn no longer has time to look after Ruby. And it seems to Ruby that Jinn herself needs looking after. Her beautiful glittering hair starts to lose its shine. And then Jinn disappears. A deeply moving, chilling, and incredibly powerful thriller that celebrates the love two sisters have for each other and mourns the events beyond their control that will conspire to drive them apart.

Now, here is Ruby! :)

What made you decide to work in the salon?

Hi Erica! Well, firstly, of course, because I’m crazy about hair design. I love everything about it – the way it can change people, everything from the way they look, to the way they act, to the way they feel. What’s the first thing most women do when they feel they need a new chapter in their life? Change their hair. I love that!
Sometimes I do wonder if I made a mistake not going to college... and then I think, nah. Starting in work straightaway was just right for me, and it’s not like I can’t work towards my qualifications in the salon. I really like it there – the place, the boss, the other staff, the customers (except for Mrs Bolland of the Brick-Melting Face, but I shouldn’t say that).

But mostly, I think, I just wanted to get out of full-time education. I wanted to... grow up. Job-wise, at least. I wanted to go and make my own way in the adult world. I reckon that’s something to do with always being in Jinn’s – not shadow, I’d hate to use that word; maybe just Jinn’s care. I never really had to do anything for myself, look out for myself, and I suppose I thought it was time I did. Maybe one day I’ll regret not going to college. But not yet.

Can you share a favorite childhood memory with Jinn with us?

Oh. There are so many. OK... there was the key ring incident. I was about seven, I think, and I had this key ring – long before I had any need for keys, of course. It was just a toy to me. It was a really fierce-looking orc, all cross-eyed and snarly, and it glowed in the dark, and I loved it. I took it everywhere... which was a mistake, because of course I took it to the playpark one day and lost it. I didn’t realise till I got home, and then I was hysterical. My mother was pretty upset for me too – practically smothered me with hugs and sweets and promises to get a new one – but it was Jinn who didn’t give up on it, even though it was the middle of winter. Lara went out that evening with some bloke and left Jinn in charge, so Jinn got a torch and took me back to the playpark and we hunted for ages. She made it all into a big adventure. And sure enough, there it was half-buried in bark under the swings, glowing away in the torchlight, looking absolutely livid. Jinn gave it such a row, and told it it didn’t scare her and never to do that to me again, till I was practically killing myself laughing.

I still have that orc, even though it eventually fell off the actual key ring. I’m careless with a lot of my stuff, but that’s one thing I’ve kept safe.

How did you first meet Wide Bertha?

Must have been soon after she gave Jinn a weekend job at the mini-mart. I’d seen her around before that, because it’s a small town and she’s, ah – she’s a big lady. Don’t tell her I said that, or she’ll kill me. I remember being scared of her when I was little, thinking she was one of the Breakness witches, because she’s got a fierce face when she isn’t smiling, and she has this enormous presence (uh-oh, there I go again). So when I went to see Jinn at work one day, and Bertha was behind the counter, I was practically petrified. She said, ‘You’re looking for Jinn,’ and I couldn’t even speak (what’s new). She tried again, and I was still dumbstruck, so I just nodded. So she sighed, and rolled those eyes, and picked up a packet of Starburst and slapped it into my hand, and said ‘Well you might as well use that mouth for something.’ And after that we were mates.

If you could change your name to anything, what would it be?

You know what? I used to think I’d change it to something exotic or romantic, like Lola or Roxanne or Gabrielle. But now I wouldn’t change it for anything. It’s just me. It’d feel like changing my head for another one. I’m happy to be Ruby.

What's the funniest moment you and Foley have had together?

That’d have to be the time he tried to teach his little sister Mallory how to play Poohsticks. (Poohsticks! That was funny in itself. The child’s a delinquent psycho.) Anyway, there we were on the rickety bridge that goes over to the beach at Breakness, and he hadn’t collected very many sticks, so when one of them got caught under the bridge she was broken-hearted. Or pretended to be. So she did the Bambi-eyes thing that he always falls for, and he leaned right over, with me hanging on to his ankles, and tried to dislodge it. And needless to say, a rotten old rail of the bridge gave way and I lost my grip and he fell in. And again needless to say, when I leaned over, a bit worried and not thinking, the little minx shoved me after him. Now that I think about it, it wasn’t so funny at the time, but we did laugh about it later, especially when we got to dry each other off with our jackets. It’d have been even funnier if Mallory had fallen in instead.

Rapid Fire! Could you share with us some of your favorites?

Favorite Color:
Well, red of course!

Favorite Food:
Jinn’s chicken fajitas, with far too much sour cream. Or a sandwich picnic at Lara’s grave.

Favorite Flower out of Jinn's Garden:
Nasturtiums. They keep coming back all summer and they’re impossible to kill.

Favorite Animal at the Zoo:
Not the goat. Let’s see... I hate to admit it, but it’s those incredibly ugly pigs that Mallory likes. Oh, and I have a soft spot for the peacock, since it scared Foley into my arms.

Favorite Icecream Flavor:
Breakness Butterscotch. The chunks of butterscotch are big enough to stick in your teeth. Delicious, and another excuse not to talk too much.

Wow, Thanks Ruby for stopping by! The Opposite of Amber is out April 18, and you can pre-order is on The Book Depository!

You can visit Gillian on the web at her website, twitter, and Facebook.

The Iron Queen Blog Tour: A Guest Post from Ash

Hello everyone! Welcome to the last stop on the Iron Queen blog tour! I am thrilled to be a part of the tour, and I hope you all have been following the tour as it ran it's course - I know I have been! Here's a summary of The Iron Queen.

My name is Meghan Chase.




I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

I am so excited to say that today, a super special guest from the Winter Court has stopped by. Yes, my friends, Ash has stopped by, so without further ado here is a post from him:

Sigh.

If you know me at all, you know I don’t want to be here. I am not a trained monkey; you cannot just put me on stage and expect me to caper for your amusement. If anyone does think that, please step forward so my blade can demonstrate just how mistaken you are.

Oh, very well. Let’s get this over with. My name is Ash, third son of the Unseelie Court. I’m supposed to sing the praises of the Winter Court today (though there will be no singing), so it will be a rather short list. Virtues: we don’t have many of those. We’re strong, we’re ruthless, and we don’t show mercy to our enemies. The Winter Court doesn’t prance around trees or dance under the moon like Summer. We’re good at fighting and killing; those are our virtues.

Although…there is beauty in the Winter Court, if you know where to look for it. The Crystal Woods are quiet and peaceful. You won’t even hear a bird chirp, mostly because they’re all frozen . And farther north, the Icetooth Mountains are impressive, though you have to keep alert for avalanches and wendigos.

In any case, it’s not a good idea to venture too far into Winter, especially if you’re human. If you do find yourself in Mab’s court, be sure to have a gift for the queen. She’s particularly fond of human infants. And don’t turn your back on the redcaps. That’s good advice wherever you are.

-Ash

Or here is a direct link to the trailer, here.

The author of The Iron Queen is Julie Kagawa. I feel the urge to throw out that The Iron Queen hit the NYT Bestseller list at #6, which is absolutely awesome! Julie is the author of The Iron Fey Novels (The Iron King, The Iron Daughter, The Iron Queen, and the forthcoming The Iron Knight). You can visit her on the web at her her website, her blog, her twitter.

If you would like more information about the tour, including past stops, check out the Iron Fey Facebook Page here. For all you Winter Court Folk make sure to check out my two co-captains stops on the tour here and here!

I am super excited to announce that I have an epic giveaway that 5 lucky people will get! What is it may you ask? *drum roll*

Exclusive Iron Queen Winter Court prize packs, featuring an Iron Queen blanket, hooded jacket and hat!

Seriously, I am so jealous! I wish I could enter at my own blog, ha! So 5 winners will get these. To enter, fill out the following form and leave a comment on this post. Open to US only and will end February 28th.

Blog Tour: Character Interview - Interview with Angelfire's Geir

Today, Geir from Courtney Allison Moulton's Angelfire has stopped by the blog to answer a few questions! Here's a bit about Angelfire, in case  you haven't heard:

When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.



A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once.

 While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember.
 
------
How old are you?

I am 438 years old, but my bloodline has made me as powerful as those twice my age.

On a daily basis, how often do you find yourself using your human disguise?

Mingling with humans isn't something I enjoy, so I don't waste my time trying to blend in. I would rather spend my entire life within the Grim, hidden from mortal sight, instead of forcing myself to appear human. In battle, I may transform to increase my strength, but I will share no more secrets with you unless you intend to fight me. I would really like to fight you, or just eat you. You look like you'd taste like candy.
Is your true form the one your prefer?
Causing fear and panic in my victims delights me, so naturally, yes.
What has been a favorite memory throughout your long life?
The night we took the Guardian and Ragnuk killed the Preliator. The look on that swine's face when we tossed her carcass on the ground was priceless. *gives a wide, satisfied smile, showing off multiple rows of sharp teeth*
Are you constantly practicing your fighting and with your power to get better?
We demonic reapers thrive on violence and continually struggle for dominance amongst ourselves. If I weren't doing all I could to make myself more and more powerful, I would have been killed by another stronger than me. I can't allow that.
What would you say you fear most in life?
I fear nothing, though I would fear Bastian's wrath should I fail my mission. He wants the Preliator and I will bring the little brat to him whole or in pieces.

-----

Angelfire comes out February 15th, and I can tell you it is sure one heck of a book! It is one my favorites!
You can find Courtney on the web:

Website | Twitter | Blog

Blog Tour: Interview with Everlasting's Camille + Giveaway

Today, I have the lovely Camille from Angie Frazier's Everlasting stopping by for an interview! Everlasting is an absolutely wonderful book, and I loved it. You can see my review here if you wanted to see my love for it!

-----

If you had your own ship, what would you name it?

I’ve been dreaming of owning my own ship for a long time, and have decided it will be called the Revolution. But I don’t just want to own a ship—I’d love to sail it as well.

What is your favorite part about a voyage?

Setting sail is by far the most exciting part of sailing. As the ship makes its way out to open water, the sailors ready the sails, and the land shrinks on the horizon, there is this thrilling feeling of wonder that never ceases to amaze me.

On the same note, what would you say your least favorite part about a voyage is?

Well, quite honestly, sharing the head (that is, the, ah, toilet) with the entire crew isn’t always a pleasure.

Do you have a superstition you tire of, such as the “it's bad luck to have a women on board the ship”?

Oh yes, that one is the worst superstition of them all. Some of them are silly and harmless, but it’s infuriating when a superstition prevents women from being able to enjoy the sea when men are so readily allowed.

Where's a place you'd love to travel, but haven't had the opportunity yet?

I’ve never been to Africa. Perhaps one day I will take the Revolution to Table Bay, near the Cape of Good Hope. Of course, I’d want a fine first mate with me for the long voyage :)

------

You can visit Angie on the web at her website, blog, or twitter.

Now, I also have the opportunity for one lucky winner to win a SIGNED copy of Everlasting! This is open until December 17th and will be open to US only. :)

An Interview with Harmonic Feedback's Justin

Earlier this week Drea from Harmonic Feedback and today Justin from Tara Kelly's Harmonic Feedback has stopped by to answer a few questions! If you haven't already heard about this fantastic book, here's a summary:

Sixteen-year-old, music- and sound design-obsessed Drea doesn’t have friends. She has, as she’s often reminded, issues. Drea’s mom and a rotating band of psychiatrists have settled on “a touch of Asperger’s.”

Having just moved to the latest in a string of new towns, Drea meets two other outsiders. And Naomi and Justin seem to actually like Drea. The three of them form a band after an impromptu, Portishead-comparison-worthy jam after school. Justin swiftly challenges not only Drea’s preference for Poe over Black Lab but also her perceived inability to connect with another person. Justin, against all odds, may even like like Drea.

It’s obvious that Drea can’t hide behind her sound equipment anymore. But just when she’s found not one but two true friends, can she stand to lose one of them?

If you had to describe what music meant to you in a sentence, what would it be?
Music saved my life.

Do you have a favorite pianist you admire, since you had awesome piano skills?
I'm a Beethoven guy. The fact that he could still play while losing his hearing blows me away. That's dedication.

What is your biggest goal you'd like to achieve in life?
I want to become a psychiatrist and help people, especially teens who feel lost and misunderstood.

Is there one song you would say defines you?
Blackest Eyes by Porcupine Tree. I completely relate to the lyrics and it's an amazing song.

Thanks so much Justin for stopping by! You can find more about Harmonic Feedback and its author, Tara Kelley, on the web at: http://thetaratracks.com/

An Interview with Harmonic Feedback's Drea

Today the wonderful Drea from Tara Kelly's Harmonic Feedback has stopped by to answer a few questions! If you haven't heard about Harmonic Feedback, it comes out tomorrow! Here's a short description:

Sixteen-year-old, music- and sound design-obsessed Drea doesn’t have friends. She has, as she’s often reminded, issues. Drea’s mom and a rotating band of psychiatrists have settled on “a touch of Asperger’s.”

Having just moved to the latest in a string of new towns, Drea meets two other outsiders. And Naomi and Justin seem to actually like Drea. The three of them form a band after an impromptu, Portishead-comparison-worthy jam after school. Justin swiftly challenges not only Drea’s preference for Poe over Black Lab but also her perceived inability to connect with another person. Justin, against all odds, may even like like Drea.

It’s obvious that Drea can’t hide behind her sound equipment anymore. But just when she’s found not one but two true friends, can she stand to lose one of them?

Has your relationship with your Grandma ever been any different?
No, we've pretty much never gotten along. When I was little, she'd make me stay at the table until I cleaned my plate. I dreaded my visits with her.

If you could be any instrument, which would you be?
A synthesizer, most specifically the Virus TI. I love making new sounds and nothing beats the Virus.

If you had to pick one, which of your mom's "boyfriends" would you say was your favorite? Do you have a favorite story about one of them?
Probably James. He bought me a guitar I really wanted, and he wasn't fake or mean. He had good taste in music too-took me to a Portishead concert! When he and mom broke up, she said it was a mutual thing...but I'm pretty sure she broke up with him.

What's your favorite thing about music?
The way it makes me feel calm and safe. It turns off the noise in my head and inspires me.

What would your dream pair of headphones look like?
They'd be purple and green with flawless sound. Believe me, there are a lot of crappy headphones out there!

Thanks so much Drea for stopping by! You can find more about Harmonic Feedback and its author, Tara Kelley, on the web at: http://thetaratracks.com/

Make sure to check back Wednesday for an interview with Harmonic Feedback's Justin and Tuesday for a review of Harmonic Feedback!

Interview with The Naughty List's Tessa

Today I'm lucky to have Tessa, the main character of The Naughy List, here to answer a few questions! She's a cheerleader by day and an active member of SOS by night. Check out SOS's blog here!. Tessa stopped by The Frenetic Reader earlier this week to answer a few questions about her day to day life, but today she's answering a few questions about SOS and her role in it!

How did you meet Kira? You two seem really close. How did she get involved with SOS?

Well, every approved member of the Smitten Kittens cheer squad is also inducted into SOS. When I met Kira, she had quite a rep. But I never held that against her. I could tell she was sweet as molasses. And we are very close. She’s always got my backside.

What spy-related things do you always keep with you no matter what?

I always have a camera. I usually have a few adhesive-backed listening devices, a lock pick. Just the usual.

Do you see yourself as being a spy for the real deal in the future?

Definitely not. I think my services would be much better suited in the cheering industry. I’m hoping to one day open a cheer camp for the pep-impaired.

How much do your cheerleading moves help you on missions?

Oh, tons! The human pyramid has saved our rears on a number of occasions. And just last week, Leona had to high kick her way out a back door. She nearly died in there!

What spy gagdet are you dying to get for future missions?

I’d like to find some great disguise wear. Rubber masks, putty noses, even a wig or two. I think it’d be a lot of fun and much more helpful when we’re undercover at Applebee’s.

Thanks Tessa!

-----

Make sure to visit Suzanne's blog and Twitter! Also check out The Cheater Report, The Naughty List's OFFICIAL blog!

Don't forget to go enter the contest at The Frenetic Reader for a The Naughty List ARC, a tote, and stickers here!

Interview with The Naughty List's Christian

Yesterday I had the opportunity to interview the author of The Naughty List, Suzanne Young, and today I have an interview with the one of the guys from the book, Christian. He's the new guy at school this year who is a total hottie and is rather mysterious. So without further ado... Christian!

How are you truly dealing with the divorce? How was your relationship with your sister before the divorce?

Wow. Don’t waste any time, do you? Um… what should I say? Divorce sucks. Chloe and I were not really that close before, but when you lose a parent, you have to compensate. Let’s just say I’m better at coping.

What is your favorite quality in a girl?

Smart, fun. Although recently, I’ve taken interest in girls of the sweet variety.

Can you tell us about some of your past girlfriends?

As long as you promise not to track them down. Not sure they’d have nice things to say about me. There was Marissa—class president at East Washington. She was pretty—a little dull. Then there was the time I dated Rena. She was a blast, but she was too passive. I like a girl with a little spunk.

What are some hobbies you have?

I work on cars sometimes. Nothing too involved, but I like using my hands. Figuring things out. I’m also great at chess.

What holiday do you think is overrated?

Valentine’s day. It’s completely useless and just a scam to get to people to spend money.

--------

Make sure to visit Suzanne's blog and Twitter! Also check out The Cheater Report, The Naughty List's OFFICIAL blog!

Don't forget to go enter the contest at The Frenetic Reader for a The Naughty List ARC, a tote, and stickers here!

Interview with The Secret Year's Colt!

Tuesday I had the opportunity to interview the author of The Secret Year, Jennifer Hubbard, and today I have an interview with the narrator of the book, Colt.

Where do you see yourself in the future? Do you see yourself going off to college like Tom? Staying near the flats?

I would like to go to college and see more of the world, but I wouldn’t mind at all coming back to live along the river.

What do you fear most in life?

Losing everything. Before Julia died, I didn’t really believe that could happen.

You seem pretty close to Syd and the guys, how did you meet them?

We all live in the same neighborhood. We went to school together. We’ve been around each other as long as I can remember.

Which of all the little places you go in the flats is your favorite, to just relax and forget the problems in your life?

I used to like the bridge a lot, but then that spot became all about Julia. There are a couple of other places along the river where you can sit on the rocks or a log, and nobody will bother you.

I know you're a huge fan of eating, so I must ask - what would you say your favorite food is?

My mother exaggerates that. What does she expect? You go to school all day and then work, or walk a few miles along the river, you get hungry. I like spaghetti, steak, pizza—pretty much anything. I’m not that picky about food.

Thanks Colt for stopping by, and answering a few questions! =)