Blog Tour- AMBER SMOKE by Kristin Cast an Interview and A Giveaway!

I am so excited to be hosting a spot on the AMBER SMOKE blog tour! This is Kristin Cast's first solo book (it's New Adult btw) and I can't wait to read it. I have an interview with Kristin to share today! And make sure to enter the giveaway to win an awesome prize pack!
Haven't heard of AMBER SMOKE? Check it out!

Title: Amber Smoke (The Escaped #1)
Author: Kristin Cast
Publisher:  Diversion Books
Release Date: June 9^th, 2015
ISBN: e-9781626815520 |  p-9781626815537

Price: e$9.99 | p$14.99

Find it: Amazon, Barnes& Noble, iBooks, Booklaunch, Kobo, Goodreads

There is a world that runs parallel to our own, a world in which the souls of the damned are caged, where they are looked over by the Furies, and where they spend eternity in torment, mirroring the devastation and mayhem they created when alive.

Someone has opened the cage.

The worst of terrors has crossed the barrier that separates our world from theirs, and the Furies send a great, albeit untested warrior—their only son, Alek—to try to bring those souls back.  He is young and handsome, headstrong and impulsive, and he won’t be able to do it alone. 

Eva has grown up, beautiful and beloved, but surrounded by secrets.  First, she will be hunted in an ancient feud that will threaten her life.  Then, she will become the hunter.

With the police closing in and two worlds on the verge of crumbling around them, Alek and Eva must find each other, discover the limits of their powers, and work together to save everything they hold dear, including one another.  Blending elements of mythology with the dazzling storytelling that her fans have devoured through the House of Night series, Kristin Cast weaves a spellbinding and passionate tale that starts a thrilling new series with an explosive charge.

PRAISE

"Amber Smoke is thrilling and funny with just the right amount of magic. Brilliant job, Kristin Cast!" —Kresley Cole, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"I love Kristin Cast! In Amber Smoke, Cast's wit, creativity and talent shine!  I turned the pages at lightning speed, ready for more! What a tasty treat!" —Gena Showalter, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author

Now on to the interview! 

Kristin Cast Interview Two Chicks Interview 6/17/2015

Hi Kristin! First I want to say welcome to Two Chicks on Books! I’m really looking forward to AMBER SMOKE and am so happy that you could stop by for a visit!

Is there a title for the sequel yet?
I do have a title, but I don’t know if I’m allowed to release it yet. I will say this, I think it’s pretty frickin’ awesome!

       Were any of the characters in the book inspired by people from your real life?

Lori, Eva’s mom, is based on my mom, the fab PC Cast. Eva and Lori share a similar relationship to my mom and me, and they have the same inside jokes and funny little things they say to each other.

Who was your favorite character to write? What about your least favorite?

My favorite character to write definitely had to be Bridget. She’s so much fun! My least fave was Alek. He’s not from this realm, so he speaks and looks at the world differently than the other core group of characters.

What is your favorite passage/scene in AMBER SMOKE?

My favorite scene in AMBER SMOKE… There are so many I love, it’s hard to choose! Right now, my favorite is the big fight scene. (I won’t say much more about it because, spoilers.) I watched a lot of different action movies, and took notes about how the characters moved. I wanted to make sure it was intense, and I think I accomplished that.
What kind of research did you have to do for the story?

As strange as it might sound, a lot of my research comes from watching different shows and movies. I’m very much a visual learner, and I find things being acted out on screen very inspiring. I also read a lot of books on Greek mythology, and spent a lot of time researching police tactics and medical practices.

What are you reading right now? Or what do you have on your TBR that you’re dying to read?

Unfortunately, right now I don’t have time to read as much as I’d like to. I did recently finish ALIVE, which is the first book in Scott Sigler’s new YA trilogy. It was fantastic! You definitely have to get a copy when it comes out in July.
Who is your ultimate Book Boyfriend?

I definitely have to stand by Heath Luck all the way!

What inspired you to write YA and NA?

I think AMBER SMOKE branches out into NA, which is still a relatively new genre. However, when I write, I don’t think about any of that. My mom told me to write the book I most wanted to read, and I took her advice.

Lightening Round Questions

Twitter or Facebook?

Twitter

Favorite Superhero?

Superman

Favorite TV show?

Doctor Who

Sweet or Salty?

Sweet

Any Phobias?

Bodies of water too dark/murky to see into.

Song you can’t get enough of right now?

Anything by Nahko and Medicine for the People

Fall Movie you’re most looking forward to?

There are movies coming out this fall?! I’m living in my office right now writing book two.

Thanks so much Kristin for answering my questions! I can’t wait to read AMBER SMOKE!

Thank you! This interview was a lot of fun!!

About Kristin:

Kristin Cast is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who teamed with her mother to write the wildly successful House of Night series. She has editorial credits, a thriving t-shirt line, and a passion for all things paranormal. When away from her writing desk, Kristin loves relaxing with her significant other and their dogs, and discovering new hobbies. This year she'll work on swimming, yoga, and adding to her Doctor Who collection. 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest| Instagram | YouTube

Giveaway Details:

One winner will get: (One) signed copy of the book (print), $50 Nook gift card,  temporary tattoo metallic (book inspired object). US only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out the Tour Schedule over at Me My Shelf And I!

Jaime's Review of Lenobia's Vow by PC Cast and Kristin Cast

From Goodreads.
The second in the enthralling new mini-series of novellas from the #1 bestselling authors of the House of Night, Lenobia's Vow tells the gripping story behind the House of Night's enigmatic riding instructor – and one of Zoey’s closest allies against evil
The House of Night is an international publishing sensation; with almost 12 million books in print, and an incredible 120 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, the series has taken the world by storm. Now, the excitement continues as the Cast mother-daughter duo shares the back stories of a few of the House of Night's most important – and mysterious – characters. The second of the House of Night Novellas brings us Lenobia, the strong, beautiful horseback riding instructor, who guides Zoey through some of her darkest hours, and has a dark secret buried in her own past...
In a small southern town at the turn of the century, young Lenobia is developing into a beautiful young woman with ideas of her own. But when she is Marked as a fledgling vampyre, her world turns upside down, and she is drawn to the musical streets of New Orleans. There, she learns of the city’s dark underbelly, ruled by powerful black magic. As Lenobia experiences her first love – and loss – and discovers a passion for horses to sustain her, she must come face-to-face with Darkness itself. And she may not escape without scars.

If you’re a House of Night fan Lenobia’s Vow  is a must read. If you haven’t read the series don’t fear you can dive right into this novella without missing a beat. In the second installment of the House of Night novella’s we get to read about the Horse Mistress Lenobia. She is one of my favorite characters in the series so I was really looking forward to getting to know her better.

This story was about Lenobia’s transition from a serving girl, to an imposter, and finally to a fledgling vampire. Most of the story takes place on board a ship travelling to the New World where Lenobia will be married off to a rich plantation owner but, Lenobia falls in love with a charming Quadroon named Martin who is all kinds of hot and sweet! All the while she is being hunted by an evil man who wants her as his own. I really loved hearing the story from Lenobia’s point of view; the parts told from the bad guy Charles I could have done without. I really didn’t feel the need to see into the mind of a madman. I also really enjoyed learning more about her connection to animals and horses in particular. Now if you’ve read the House of Night books you all know how this story will end and I did shed a few tears even though I knew what was coming. I just couldn’t help it I fell for Martin just like Lenobia did.

I’ve selected a passage to share between Martin and Lenobia.

“Cherie, we do not speak of it, but I know you one of the fille de casquette. You promised to a great man. That true, Cherie?”

“It is true. His name is Thinton de Siegne,” she said. “He is a name with no face—no body—no heart.”

“He is a name with land, though, Cherie. I know his name and his land. His plantation, the Houmas, it is like paradise.”

“It is not paradise I want Martin. It is only y—“

“No!” He stopped her, pressing a finger against her lips. “You canot speak it, you. My heart, he is strong, but not strong enough to fight your words.”

So like I said before if you’re a HON fan this is a must read! Also did you know Lenobia's Vow is out in audiobook form? Here's a sample!

Purchase Lenobia’s Vow.

Add it to your Goodreads shelves.

Thank you to the Cast’s for a signed copy to review! I look forward to to the next House Of Night novel and Neferet’s novella!

Jaime's Review of Destined by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

In Destined, the forces of Light and Dark collide as their epic struggle focuses on Tulsa's House of Night. Zoey is home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side and preparing to face off against Neferet. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, he and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together if Rephaim can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow.

But is Zoey really safe? Does she truly know those who are closest to her? And will love win when it is tested by the very soul of Darkness? Find out what’s destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

Jaime’s review….

I will freely admit I was one of those people that after Awakened I was sooooo angry and frustrated with this series and especially with  Zoey and Neferet ( I mean honestly that woman should’ve been stopped by now right?) that I was going to break up with the HON series. I actually refused to buy Destined because of my anger with it but then something funny happened I actually won a contest! I enter them all the time and I never win and yet I won Destined so I guess I was destined to read this book!

So after my internal battle about reading this book was over I settled in to read it hoping that this book wouldn’t make me want to throw it across the room like Awakened did. I was pleasantly surprised and by chapter seven where we meet the hot and absolutely legal (yes he’s an adult YAY) Travis I was hooked! Yes Zoey is still annoying but I actually could tolerate her more and I looked forward to Stevie Rae, Rephaim and Lenobia’s POV’s and also we get to see from Shaunee’s POV which was really cool and Aphrodite (who didn’t have her own POV but should) was freaking hilarious as usual this series wouldn’t be what it is without her snark and I love her for it!

The story is really good! I liked the twists that evolved and the ending as Aphrodite so exquisitely said “Holy Shit” was something I had hoped for but never thought would happen! I laughed and cried and had a really hard time putting this one down and now I’m really looking forward to the next House of Night book!

Since I’ve been adding some quotes that I love and I couldn’t pick just one from this book I’m picking two one from the new man in my life Travis and the other from the other boy I <33 Stark J

First the swoon worthy Stark.

“If Zoey’s in it, it’s my fight. And you need to understand I’ll win. Every time so walk away”

Now the southern gentleman and my new love Travis; and he’s talking about a horse peeps so keep your heads out of the gutter!

“Take my girl out. She’ll remind you to breathe and smile. Oh and Lenobia, I’d ‘preciate it if you’d stop callin’ me Mr. Foster.” He tipped his hat to her, added a smile and a long, slow, “If you please, ma’am.”

Ugh I love that man! Ok so anyhoo yes HON pissed me off but now it has won me back 100% and I will definitely be buying the next book!

You can buy Destined at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the BookDepository or your local bookstore. Check out the HON website too there’s cool stuff there!