Sunday, November 17, 2013

Miranda Kenneally Guest Post for Racing Savannah!



The lovely Miranda Kenneally wrote an insightful guest post as part of the blog tour to celebrate the release of the fantastic RACING SAVANNAH.

What do you hope readers gain from reading your books?

Thanks for having me on your blog today! What a great question - I don't think anyone's ever asked me that before.

I know that some readers have been disappointed that all my books aren't mirror images of CATCHING JORDAN, and I've heard other readers are disappointed that RACING SAVANNAH and CATCHING JORDAN aren't as "deep" as STEALING PARKER or THINGS I CAN'T FORGET. But I have been very deliberate in what I write about and who the main girl characters are in my books.

You see, I want to write a variety of books for different types of girls who come from different backgrounds. I want to show that even if a character is poor or rich, they still have every right to work hard and go after their dreams. They still have a right to go after that hot guy, too!

I am thrilled that different readers like and relate to some of my books more than others. I want readers to take whatever they want out of my books, whether one encourages a girl to go after her dreams, or just makes a girl laugh. Readers can like or dislike my books - it's all up to them. 

When I'm reading, I want a good romance, but I also want to learn about something new or visit a place I've never been before. I love reading fiction that involves travel and road-trips.

What do you like most about reading?

 Miranda Kenneally is the author of CATCHING JORDAN, STEALING PARKER, THINGS I CAN'T FORGET, and RACING SAVANNAH. Her fifth book, most likely to be titled BREATHE, ANNIE, BREATHE, is coming out in July 2014. She enjoys reading and writing young adult literature, and loves Star Trek, music, sports, Mexican food, Twitter, coffee, and her husband.


I really enjoyed RACING SAVANNAH and can’t wait to share my review with you this week.



Thursday, November 14, 2013

The Lair by Emily McKay


The Lair by Emily McKay
Publication Date: November 5th
Publisher: Berkley
Source: Publisher – thank you!
Rating: I liked it
After making it to a resistance base camp in Utah, Lily learned to survive at all costs. But when a Tick attack decimates the fighters, Lily and her pregnant friend, McKenna, decide to make the hard trek north to Canada—and safety. Meanwhile, Mel is being taught how to survive by the very vampire that turned her. Living without her sister is hard, but dealing with the fact that her autism was cured by the vampire bite is an even bigger challenge. But when a monstrous betrayal places Lily in mortal danger, Mel must set out to find her, save her, and begin to unravel the empire of destruction that the Ticks have built.

The Skinny: A fast-paced, interesting sequel

I really enjoyed THE FARM, so when I received a copy of THE LAIR, I sat down and started reading before the UPS wrapping touched the floor. I am usually nervous when reading sequels to books I enjoyed. What if it doesn’t live up to my expectations? What if the author lost that Book 1 magic? I did not experience any of those traditional anxieties because Emily McKay knows how to craft novel-worthy characters and nerve-wracking plotlines.

In THE LAIR, the world McKay created delicately unfolds and we learn more about the characters we met in THE FARM. Mel adjusts to her new life, and we look at the world through her unique perspective. Her emotions and thoughts have been shaped by her experience with Autism, so her lens uniquely interprets the world and provides the audience with an alternative to Lily’s mature, protective outlook. The characters in THE LAIR are exactly the type of people you would want on your side if all hell breaks loose.

Emily McKay is great at writing gripping scenes and throwing out plot twists that will make your head spin. Filled with ulterior motives, backstabbing, and dubious actions, THE LAIR is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Readers of Julie Kagawa’s Blood of Eden will love this series.