Two Chicks On Books

Monday, May 20, 2013

Blog Tour- The Cryptid Tales by Brina Courtney and a Giveaway!!

Hey y’all! I’m excited to have The Cryptid Tales Blog Tour stop by Two Chicks today! And although I haven’t read it yet I just needed to share this awesome giveaway. And also all of the other blogs who have participated their reviews have all been awesome!

Haven’t heard of The Cryptid Tales? Well its super cool it’s all of Brina Courtney’s stories in one omnibus! Yep that’s right all the books on one place! Here some info about the books!

Title: CRYPTID TALES OMNIBUS

Author: Brina Courtney

Pub. Date: April 25, 2013

Find it: Amazon

The complete bestselling series with over 35,000 readers!

You think seeing ghosts is weird? Tell me something I don't know.

My childhood best friend Jeremy happens to be a ghost.

My life is a puzzle, and the biggest piece missing has been my dad. Since his disappearance when I was six it's been tough, but Jeremy has been by my side through it all.

But now Jeremy has gone missing too and I feel like I'm never going to get all the answers I've been looking for.

Fate intervenes when Hugh, a real live college beefcake, starts taking an interest in me. He divulges that he also shares my little "gift" of seeing the dead and I know I'm finally getting closer to finding all the pieces.

However, the more the puzzle is completed, the more questions I have.

Senior year is hard enough as it is, but clearly I like a challenge.

About Brina:

Brina Courtney is a young adult author obsessed with chocolate, crime shows, and fantasy movies. She's spent the last few years as an elementary teacher and a high school cheering coach. She lives in a small town in Pennsylvania with her husband and two very loud, small dogs.

Website/Facebook/Twitter/Goodreads

Giveaway:

Swag bag package with a bracelet, bookmarks and stickers.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule

5/1/2013 Paranormal Reads

5/2/2013 Only God Can Make a Tree

5/3/2013 Ren's Rambles

5/6/2013 Ramblings of a Diva Booknerd

5/9/2013 Paranormal Book Club

5/10/2013 The YA Bookshelf

5/14/2013 Book Briefs

5/15/2013 Inside the Pages of a Book

5/16/2013 My Two Cents

5/20/2013 Two Chicks on Books

5/21/2013 Caught Between the Pages

5/22/2013 Reading The Paranormal

5/23/2013 Bookish Things & More

5/24/2013 TSK TSK What to Read

5/27/2013 Fictitious Delicious

5/28/2013 Teen Blurb

5/29/2013 New Adult Addiction

5/30/2013 Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews

5/31/2013 Book Nerds Across America

Friday, May 17, 2013

Blog Tour- The Loop by Shandy Lawson

Hey y’all! I have another fantastic playlist for you today! This one is from Shandy Lawson author of THE LOOP available now from Disney-Hyperion! Check out the post and the videos and let us know what you think J

The Music of The Loop

It's funny, how when I write, I need silence. Gotta have total quiet or I'll get nothing done. I see other writers typing away in the park, surrounded by noise and chatter, and I see writers with headphones on, typing to music. Not me though.

And yet music is a huge part of my process. The right song will fill my head with images, characters, dialogue– even launch a storyline if I follow it far enough. I came up with a great idea for a novel while riding the train and listening to BiffyClyro on my headphones.

I remember while writing The Loop, I got really into a song by Ryan Adams called "Magick." That's the song I see Maggie trying to get Ben to dance to in the headlights after they've had that terrible military surplus meal, before the song ends and the music turns slow. And that slow song they finally dance to, I kind of imagined that might be "We Found Each Other in the Dark" by City and Colour.

The part where Ben is dragging himself across town try and save Maggie, and he's bleeding and sick-- that scene would definitely benefit from "Seven Nation Army" by the White Stripes as a soundtrack.

And I kind of envision "Panic Switch" by Silversun Pickups playing nice and loud during the chase scene through the French Quarter.

You? If you think a certain song is a good fit for your favorite part of The Loop, leave a comment and let me know. I'll definitely make a point to check it out. Thanks for reading!

Thanks for stopping by Shandy! Now here’s some info about the book and author!

Ben and Maggie have met, fallen in love, and died together countless times. Over the course of two pivotal days—both the best and worst of their lives—they struggle again and again to resist the pull of fate and the force of time itself. With each failure, they return to the beginning of their end, a wild road trip that brings them to the scene of their own murders and into the hands of the man who is destined to kill them.

As time circles back on itself, events become more deeply ingrained, more inescapable for the two kids trapped inside the loop. The closer they come to breaking out, the tighter fate's clutches seem to grip them. They devise a desperate plan to break free and survive the days ahead, but what if Ben and Maggie's only shot at not dying is surviving apart?

Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble/The Book Depository

About Shandy:

Shandy Lawson writes teen fiction stories about things that excite, fascinate and frighten him. When not writing, Shandy cooks, eats, and feels lazy for not writing. He lives in New York City but has his eye on Key West each time winter comes around.

Visit him online at www.shandylawson.com

Website/Twitter/Facebook

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Blog Tour- Of Triton by Anna Banks and a Giveaway!

Hey y’all! I’m super excited to have this post today! I loved Anna Banks OF POSEIDON and the sequel OF TRITON is just as awesome!!! Two of my favorite characters in the books are Galen’s best friend, Toraf and Rayna, Galen’s little sister. Why do I love these characters so much you ask? Well they’re bond mates and they are hilarious I mean they bring the comic relief to the books and they bicker like an old married couple. And they’re just teenagers LOL

Ok so on to the awesome part! I got to interview them!!!! So look below for their LOL answers and make sure to enter the giveaway for a paperback of OF POSEIDON and a hardcover of OF TRITON and an OF POSEIDON book mark!!(US and Canada only)

Hi Anna, Toraf, and Rayna!

Thanks so much for answering some questions for the Of Triton blog tour!

Anna: Thanks times infinity for having us today. Toraf and I are so grateful to be here, and Rayna has even promised to be tolerable. Which is a HUGE compliment.

Ok so here are the questions.

So when did you two know that you were “the one” for each other?

TORAF: When? I don’t know. When I was born? I mean, it’s not something that just hit me one day. I always knew it would be me and her.

RAYNA: *shrugs* When Grom had us sealed, I guess. Not a lot you can do after that.

TORAF: Aw, princess, that hurts my feelings.

RAYNA: Better your feelings than your nose, right?

Rayna what is your fascination of the surface? Would you rather live there instead of the water?

RAYNA: It’s just that humans are so strange. They have so much stuff, more stuff than they ever could truly cherish. They have different clothes for the daytime and the nighttime. The females match their face and fingernail paint to their clothes. They have about a million gadgets you can use to cook a fish. They’re obsessed with spying on other humans through the fat screens in their living rooms. And apparently they have horrible memories, since they take pictures of EVERYTHING.

You’re all just so entertaining and silly. Who wouldn’t want to live on land and watch you?

Ha thanks I guess.

Toraf you have some mad tracking skills. Do you ever wish you didn’t have all that responsibility so you could spend more time with Rayna?

TORAF: I always want to spend more time with Rayna, but I usually need my Tracking abilities in order to find her first. She plays this adorable game where she tries to hide from me, don’t you princess?

Hides? I’d never hide from you Toraf *makes dreamy eyes*

What do you two think of Galen and Emma together?

RAYNA: *rolls eyes* I think Galen is a complete hypocrite. Growing up, he used to tease me endlessly about loving human things, and then he hauls off and falls in love with one of them! I mean, she is a Half-Breed, I know, but she’s more human than anything else. She doesn’t even have a fin! And sometimes they act like we’re not even there, which is rude.

TORAF: I’m just glad Galen came to his senses. I thought he was going to go mad, trying to hide his feelings for her like that. Poor minnow. Of course, their relationship could never be as passionate as mine and Rayna’s—OUCH! What did I say, princess?

LOL Behave Rayna!

What’s coming up next for the two of you can we have any hints about book 3?

RAYNA: Let’s just say King Antonis has more secrets than the beach has sand. And I get to hit people.

TORAF: And I am practically useless.

Useless? Never!

What is your favorite thing about the surface? Favorite Food? Music?

RAYNA: I like sleeping in a bed. It’s so soft, like floating on thick water. My favorite food is those sweet cookie things Rachel makes with the Nimy Nims in them. Music? What, that noise you guys make? *snorts*

TORAF: Uh, I like the bed too—OW! Sorry, princess.

Hahahahaha ok you two I think we should stop before Rayna does some serious damage to Toraf’s arm ;)

Thanks again for taking the time to answer my questions!!

In this sequel to OF POSEIDON, Emma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess, and now struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she’s a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm below. Syrena law states that all Half- Breeds should be put to death.

As if that’s not bad enough, her mother’s reappearance among the Syrena turns the two kingdoms—Poseidon and Triton—against one another. Which leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen’s request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? Or should she risk it all and reveal herself—and her Gift—to save a people she’s never known?

Make sure to check out some cool stuff!

Anna Banks will be on tour in June as part of the Fierce Reads Tour. Get all the info/dates: https://www.facebook.com/FierceReads/events

Of Triton is featured in our Spring 2013 Fierce Reads Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/w-F_U3TtW24

Pre-order Of Triton and Anna Banks will send you bonus content! Details: http://byannabanks.blogspot.com/2013/04/of-triton-pre-order-bonus-content.html

Follow Anna Banks on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ByAnnaBanks

Become a fan of Fierce Reads on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/FierceReads

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Make sure you stop by all of the other Tour Stops!

Monday 5/13

Tuesday 5/14

Wednesday 5/15

Thursday 5/16

Friday 5/17

Monday 5/20

Tales of a Ravenous Reader

Tuesday 5/21

Wednesday 5/22

Thursday 5/23

Friday 5/24

Swoon Thursday (7)- Phoenix by Elizabeth Richards

Ok so you said you’d like me to keep doing Swoon Thursdays and I am here to please! Thanks to the lovely ladies at YA Bound for this awesome meme! I love being able to a share swoon-worthy snippet with you!

So this week I’ve decided to share a swoon-worthy scene from one of the books I read a little while ago but it doesn’t come out until June! This book was awesome and I know you all will be dying to get your hands on it after this passage!

Phoenix by Elizabeth Richards

This book was awesome and OMG Ash is so sexeh! I love this scene it’s steamy and romantic and just such a tease lol!

There’s another splash of water, followed by the sound of footsteps padding across the wooden floor. I turn around, my heart racing. Ash stands a few inches away from me. Beads of water snake down his bare torso, sliding past his belly button toward...I swallow, flushing. He stretches out a hand and rests it on my hip. I can’t focus on anything but those five fingertips pressed against my skin.

He doesn’t do anything for a long moment, just gazes at me, silent and uncertain. A warm breeze flows through the open balcony windows, stirring his wet hair. Finally, he pulls me toward him, and dios his head. The kiss is slow, beautiful, intense, and I’m instantly lost in him. I lace my fingers through his inky hair and draw him closer, deepening our kiss. The beads of water on his body soaks through my cotton vest, making goose bumps break out across my skin, but I don’t care; all I can focus on is his hand sliding down my back. It rests above the waistband of my underwear.

“I’ve missed you…” he murmurs, his fingers slipping under the elastic.

So what did you think? Does this make you want to add it to you TBR? I’d love to hear what you think!

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Dying to Read(29)- Alienated by Melissa Landers

Hey y’all thanks for stopping by to see my Dying to Read post and of course as always I have to give credit to the lovely Jill over at Breaking the Spine for the Waiting on Wednesday Meme!

This week the book I’m dying to read is ALIENATED by Melissa Landers!!!!! I’ve been dying to read this one I love me some sci-fi and add a hawt boy and comedy I’d say that’s a win!!!!!

Alienated (Alienated #1)

Melissa Landers

Release Date: February 4, 2014

Hardcover: 352 pages

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

ISBN: 978-1423170280

Goodreads

Amazon

Interplanetary relations have never been more exciting! The first in a funny, romantic YA sci-fi series.

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them.

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class.

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

So what do you think? Will you be adding this to your pile? What are you dying to read this week?

Monday, May 13, 2013

Blog Tour- The Girl With the Iron Touch by Kady Cross and a Giveaway!

Hey y’all! I am so excited to be a part of THE GIRL WITH THE IRON TOUCH blog tour hosted by Kismet Book Tours! I absolutely love Kady’s Steampunk series and I have the elusive American Jasper Renn stopping by to answer some burning questions. Some he was more open than others but that’s Jasper for you! Also make sure to enter the awesome giveaway below!

But now I give you Jasper Renn!

1. What is your honest opinion of Finley? What about Griffin?

Well, Miss Finley sure can be unpredictable, but she’s a loyal friend, and there’s no one else I’d rather have watching my back. Griffin’s the most honorable fella I’ve ever met. I’d trust him with my life. I have, in fact.

2. How was your time in San Francisco? Are you ready to return to London and meet up with the gang?

I went to San Francisco just after Mei’s death, so it was good to be with my family. That’s all I really want to say about that. It’s good to be back in London.

3. Your martial arts skills are impressive! What made you want to learn how to fight like that?

Necessity. The West ain’t a place for sissies.

4. You seem to adapt well in different many different situations. Like hanging out with the rich and famous, to feeling at ease in the not so nice areas in London and New York. How did you learn how to do that? Is it something that just comes naturally?

I reckon I find it easy to pretend, but underneath it all we humans ain’t so different. Not where it counts.

Elusive right? Oh well maybe we’ll get more of an answer in THE GIRL WITH THE IRON TOUCH! Speaking of here’s some information about the book!

In 1897 London, something not quite human is about to awaken

When mechanical genius Emily is kidnapped by rogue automatons, Finley Jayne and her fellow misfits fear the worst. What's left of their archenemy, The Machinist, hungers to be resurrected, and Emily must transplant his consciousness into one of his automatons—or forfeit her friends' lives.

With Griffin being mysteriously tormented by the Aether, the young duke's sanity is close to the breaking point. Seeking help, Finley turns to Jack Dandy, but trusting the master criminal is as dangerous as controlling her dark side. When Jack kisses her, Finley must finally confront her true feelings for him...and for Griffin.

Meanwhile, Sam is searching everywhere for Emily, from Whitechapel's desolate alleyways to Mayfair's elegant mansions. He would walk into hell for her, but the choice she must make will test them more than they could imagine.

To save those she cares about, Emily must confront The Machinist's ultimate creation—an automaton more human than machine. And if she's to have any chance at triumphing, she must summon a strength even she doesn't know she has....

THE GIRL WITH THE IRON TOUCH - BOOK 3 IN THE STEAMPUNK CHRONICLES Pre-order your copy today: Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble
THE GIRL WITH THE STEEL CORSET – BOOK 1 IN THE STEAMPUNK CHRONICLES Grab a copy: Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble | Harlequin
THE GIRL WITH THE CLOCKWORK COLLAR - BOOK 2 IN THE STEAMPUNK CHRONICLES Grab a copy: Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble | Harlequin

About Kady Cross - website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads

In her other life, Kady Cross is a USA TODAY bestselling author of more than twenty books. She is lucky enough to have a husband who shares her love for the slightly twisted and all things geek, and a houseful of cats with whom she shares her darkest secrets. When she’s not listening to the characters in her head, she’s either trying to formulate the perfect lip gloss or teaching herself to solder. She has a weakness for all things girlie, sugar skulls and boots. Her love of books and makeup borders on addiction—of which she never, ever wants to be cured.

Contest Info: There are two giveaways for those following the tour!

The first giveaway is a daily one for the chance to win your choice of either The Girl in the Steel Corset, The Girl in the Clockwork Collar or The Girl with the Iron Touch.

The second giveaway is for a grand prize of a beautiful Clockwork Necklace, the matching Ring and a set of The Steampunk Chronicles books!

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Make sure to check out the rest of the tour schedule for more chances to win!

Monday, May 6th - Harlequin Paranormal Blog & Reading Teen
Wednesday, May 8th - Candace Book Blog
Friday, May 10th - Rainy Day Ramblings
Monday, May 13th - Two Chicks on Books
Wednesday, May 15th - YA Bibliophile
Friday, May 17th - Fiktsun

Friday, May 10, 2013

Blog Tour- Maid of Secrets by Jennifer McGowan Playlist and a Giveaway!

Hey y’all! I have an awesome playlist (videos of my favorites included) for you today for Jennifer McGowan’s Historical YA novel MAID OF SECRETS! And make sure to check the giveaway at the end of the post!

Thank you so much for having me today, Jaime! You’d asked about a play list for my characters, and I am happy to share my rather bizarre playlist for MAID OF SECRETS!

But lest you have any fear—none of this music has anything to do with Elizabethan England! I actually tried to listen to some songs of the period to get “in the mood” and I have to confess, they just didn’t strike the right chord with me (pardon the pun).

Now, the Foo Fighters? Yes. In fact, the Foo Fighter song I list below for Meg is one that was on auto play for far more times than I’d care to admit. But without further ado—let’s get to the playlist!

Playlist: MAID OF SECRETS

THE THIEF:

Meg’s song: The Pretender – Foo Fighters

Meg Fellowes, the heroine of MAID OF SECRETS, has been living a role her whole life… first as a thief, then as an unofficial actress for her traveling acting troupe, and now as a spy to the Queen. But who is Meg really?

THE FOREIGNER:

Rafe’s song: Way Cool Jr. – Ratt

Meg gets some unexpected (and unwanted) help from a mysterious Spanish spy, Count Rafe de Martine. Rafe is the original bad boy, and definitely not someone you can trust… which is why we’re throwing him back to the Hair Band rockers of the 80s to find his song. It’s a bit off the wall, but it provides the swinging cool vibe of Rafe.

THE SPY GIRLS:

Beatrice’s song: Material Girl – Madonna

This one will also take you way (way) back to the 80s, but no one captures Beatrice’s confidence and style like Madonna. As the darling of the Queen’s court, Beatrice knows everyone’s secrets. But there’s also a secret of her own that she’s desperate to hide.

Anna’s song: Firework – Katy Perry

Anna is the smartest girl in the room—even when she doesn’t want to be. Lost in her world of intricate puzzles and mysteries to solve, she sometimes feels on the outside looking in when it comes to being a part of a group. Her inner light, however, is just beginning to shine.

Sophia’s song: She’s a Mystery to Me – U2//Bono

The youngest spy, Sophia is rumored to have the Sight… only her powers haven’t manifested yet. Despite that, she’s already up to her ears in danger that lurks just beyond the shadows.

Jane’s song: All that I’m Living For – Evanescence

Jane hasn’t had it easy. As the assassin of the spy group, she’s seen her share of tragedy, beginning with a deadly attack on her village that haunts her still. Now she must fight the demons in her memory… even as she defends the Queen.

THE QUEEN:

Queen Elizabeth’s song: Super Girl – Hillary Duff

Speaking of the Queen: in MAID OF SECRETS we find an Elizabeth I who’s just come to power… at only 25 years old. With half the kingdom praising her and half wanting her dead, it’s going to take a Super Girl to stay on top.

Book Video:

To give readers a quick idea of what the story is about, I also had this Maid of Secrets video trailer made by author and all around awesome creative collaborator Phoebe North.

Bonus Track:

When it comes to MAID OF DECEPTION, book 2 in the Maids of Honor series, I have a new song for Beatrice. In book 2, Beatrice and the Queen square off in a constant clash of wills that is, well, best exemplified by this song:

Enemies – Shinedown. (So. Much. Win.)

And that’s my story! Thank you again, Jaime, for the opportunity to share my musical inspiration for the Maids of Honor!

Seventeen-year-old Meg Fellowes is a wry, resourceful thief forced to join an elite group of female spies in Queen Elizabeth’s Court. There she must solve a murder, save the Crown, and resist the one thing that will become her greatest freedom–and her deadliest peril.

For Meg and her fellow spies are not alone in their pursuit of the murderer who stalks Windsor Castle.

A young, mysterious Spanish courtier, Count Rafe de Martine, appears at every turn in the dark and scandal-filled corridors of the Queen’s summer palace. And though secrets and danger are Meg’s stock-in-trade, she’s never bargained on falling in love…

Hardcover, 416 pages

Expected publication: May 7th 2013 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Goodreads

Barnes & Noble | Amazon | IndieBound | The Book Depository

Author Bio:

Jennifer McGowan writes Young Adult romance full of swash and buckle. Her first novel, MAID OF SECRETS, debuts in Spring, 2013 from Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Age: Royal Secret

Came From: A small town in northern Ohio

Became a Maid of Honor: After bringing her tale of spygirls to the noble city, and winning the favor of the great house of Simon (& Schuster).

Special Skill: Matrix-like reflexes, superior strength, fabulous wit… okay, ah – we’ll get back to you on that.

http://www.jennifermcgowan.com/ | @Jenn_McGowan

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Make sure to check out the rest of the Tour Schedule!

1 May Tour Kick-off at Bookcase to Heaven™

Tour kick-off at Jennifer McGowan’s official site

2 May Author Interview at Framed In Words

Review + Author Spotlight at Defiantly Deviant

3 May Character Interview with Meg (Maid of Secrets) at Hobbitsies