Monthly Archives: October 2012

An Interview with Melissa West

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An Interview with Melissa West

The Reading Cafe would like to welcome Melissa West. Before we start the Interview, here is a short biography about Melissa.

Melissa lives in a tiny suburb of Atlanta, GA with her husband and daughter. She pretends to like yoga, actually likes shoes, and could not live without coffee. Her writing heroes include greats like Jane Austen and Madeleine L’Engle.

She holds a B.A. in Communication Studies and an M.S. in Graphic Communication, both from Clemson University. Yeah, her blood runs orange.

GRAVITY is her first novel.

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Hi Melissa.  Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions today. We are always looking forward to reading about the author behind the book.

TRC: Will you please tell us about yourself?

Melissa: Ah, this must be the most difficult question I’m asked as I’m not one to talk about myself. Perhaps it’s because I’m so boring! I could tell you all the basics–I’m married and will soon have two daughters (I’m expecting my 2nd now). I could tell you about my education, my work, etc. But instead, I’ll tell you the funny quirks that few know. When I was little, I was obsessed with horror movies. Loved them. Watched all of them hundreds of times. But that love turned me into a complete scaredy cat of an adult! I can’t sleep with closet doors open, and I check under my bed every night before crawling into it. And don’t even get me started on ghosts! 🙂

TRC: Congratulations on the upcoming arrival of your second daughter..🙂

TRC: Have you always been interested in writing?

Melissa: Interestingly enough, no. I went to college, received my masters, and began focusing on my career. I’m a very driven person, so I didn’t really have time to think about anything beyond advancing my career. It wasn’t until after I had my daughter that I decided to write a novel. It was actually my father’s idea, and of course, now I’m hooked.

TRC: Is there anything (in general) you find particularly challenging about writing?

Melissa: I think the entire process can be challenging, depending upon the type of writer you are. For me, I struggle with the second leg of the middle of my books. The beginning is easy, the end a breeze, and then I get to the middle and bam, I hit a wall. I have to force myself to write through the wall, and then typically I rewrite that section again and again during edits.

TRC: What is your writing process?  Do you like to write at specific times, in a special place?

Melissa: I prefer to write alone in a quiet room. Where that room is doesn’t matter, though I enjoy writing in my bedroom glider. And I’m a night owl, so I typically write between 9 p.m. and midnight.

TRC: Gravity is your debut novel, can you please describe your reactions when you found out your book was going to be published?

Melissa: As childish as it may sound, I cried. I remember receiving the call at 1 a.m. and then jumping on my husband--who was already in bed--and screaming, “I’m going to be published!” I’ll never forget that day.

TRC: Gravity is part of a series- The Taking. How many books do you plan in this series?  How did you come up with the idea of The Taking?

Melissa: Yes, GRAVITY is the first of a three book series. As for the Taking itself, it came to me in a dream. I had been thinking a lot about my idea of an alien species that entered earth through the trees. I wanted there to be a reason they had to come to earth, and decided it needed to be to “host” to humans. When would they do this hosting? How would it work? I toyed with lots of ideas, and then one night, I had a dream of a boy hovering over a girl, both of them surrounded by light. I woke in the middle of the night and wrote it all down. I knew I had my idea, I had the Taking.


TRC: Would you please tell us the premise behind Gravity?

Melissa: GRAVITY is about a seventeen-year-old military legacy that learns the most popular boy in school is an alien spy, who needs her help to prevent a war between the two species.

LINKS TO PRE-ORDER
Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Book Depository

TRC: Gravity is YA, and Sci-Fi romance.  What drew you to YA and Sci-Fi?  Have you considered writing any other genre?

Melissa: I adore YA, both as a writer and a reader. There is something so pure about that time in our lives. I’m not sure why I first began writing YA, but I knew when I received my first full manuscript request that I had made the right decision. He said that I had a wonderful teen voice. At the time I wasn’t so sure, but since then, both my agent and my editor have commented on my voice, so I would say it was meant to be. As far as other genres, I definitely plan to write in other genres within YA. I’m not sure that I will ever write adult fiction. We shall see. 🙂

TRC: What are you currently working on?

Melissa: I’m revising a YA sci-fi thriller for my agent and then finishing up book 2 in The Taking series.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas with family and friends.  With whom do you bounce ideas?

Melissa: My father is my first reader. I always say he humors me, which I think is one of the best things a parent can do. He’s honest, but he never laughs, he never judges.

TRC: What books, authors or people in your life have influenced your writing?

Melissa: I adore Libba Bray and feel her writing has for sure influenced mine.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: This is so sad, but french fries. 🙂

Favorite Dessert: Tiramisu

Favorite Author: Jane Austen, Madeleine L’Engle, Libba Bray, among others.

Favorite Novel: Pride and Prejudice

Favorite Movie: The Wizard of Oz

Favorite TV Show: Top Chef

Last Movie that you saw: The Hunger Games

Thank you Melissa, for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes you the best of luck with Gravity.  Keep us informed about your next book in your The Taking series, as well as any new books or series that you have planned.

If you want to learn more about Melissa, you can find her at the following links:

Website: http://www.melissawestauthor.com/
Blog: http://m-b-west.blogspot.com/
Twitter:
Facebook:
Goodreads:

 

Melissa has graciously offered to give a member of The Reading Café a chance to win an e-arc (advanced read copy) of her new release, Gravity.

1.  You must be a member at The Reading Cafe. If you are not a member, please register using the Log-In at the top of the page, or by using one of our social log-ins.

2.  If you are using a social log-in e.g. Twitter, please leave your email address along with your comment.

3.  Please post a comment and say hi to Melissa.

4.  Giveaway open Internationally.

5.  Contest runs from October 23rd – October 26th.


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Gravity by Melissa West – a Review

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Gravity by Melissa West – a Review

 

Gravity by Melissa West, is her debut novel, and a wonderful start in her sure to be a successful career.  Gravity is the first book in her The Taking series. This is Y.A. with a SciFi and Romance theme.  Yes, there are so many YA books out there now, but this one is a bit different, and has a real catchy promotional phrase…..Don’t. Ever. Peek.  Once you start Gravity, you will not put this book down.  Below is a description from the cover, and my review.  Since this is an early review, I will try to avoid spoilers, and yet give you my thoughts of this book.

Description:
In the future, only one rule will matter:

Don’t. Ever. Peek.

Seventeen-year-old Ari Alexander just broke that rule and saw the last person she expected hovering above her bed — arrogant Jackson Locke, the most popular boy in her school. She expects instant execution or some kind of freak alien punishment, but instead, Jackson issues a challenge: help him, or everyone on Earth will die.

Ari knows she should report him, but everything about Jackson makes her question what she’s been taught about his kind. And against her instincts, she’s falling for him. But Ari isn’t just any girl, and Jackson wants more than her attention. She’s a military legacy who’s been trained by her father and exposed to war strategies and societal information no one can know — especially an alien spy, like Jackson. Giving Jackson the information he needs will betray her father and her country, but keeping silent will start a war.

 

Review:

We learn early, that after a major war, with much destruction, an uneasy truce was made between the humans and Ancients, who are aliens that look human.  They live in peace, with the humans helping the Ancients; and the Ancients, who live off planet, will not hurt the humans.  But the agreement was that after many years, the time would come when the Ancients would become acclimated to Earth, and they want to coexist on Earth together.  But things are about to change. 

Ari Alexander is our heroine, and we meet her immediately, as she is in bed awaiting an Ancient to come to her and take the necessary nutrients/vitamins/immunity, they need to survive.  Each human is assigned an Ancient, who comes to them to take what they need to survive, at no harm to the humans.  As the story starts, Ari awaits her unseen Ancient for his taking, and right before the Ancient is expected, she moves to put on her eye piece that disables her ability to see what the Ancient looks like. Humans are not allowed to look at their Ancient….”Don’t Ever Peek”.  But Ari cannot find the eye patch, and when the Ancient comes, she does peek.  Did we doubt she would, after all just the tempatation of Don’t Ever Peek, is enough to peek. lol  We meet our hero, Jackson Locke, who surprisingly to Ari, is an Ancient. A surprise, since Jackson is the most popular guy at school, and he is a gorgeous hunk, nothing like a hideous monster she expected to see.  Jackson has never paid much attention to Ari, or at least he avoided her.  But now with his secret out, he confides to Ari that he wanted her to see him, and he needed her help.  The world as they know it, was about to change, and if she didn’t help him, humans were all in danger of losing their lives in another war. 

Melissa West has done an excellent job of this world building.  In the beginning, it took a short time to learn all the particulars, but as the story unfolds you totally get into the flow.  The Ancients are tired of the humans delaying the agreement of them to coexist and live together on Earth, especially now that they have become fully acclimated. Hence the danger that Jackson has explained to Ari.  But unbeknownst to them, the human hierarchy has been planning secretly for years to stop the Ancients.

West has also created some wonderful characters.  Ari is a great heroine.  She is not only pretty, but smart, tough, a brilliant fighter, as well being well liked & respected by her peers.  Her father is the Commander, under the President.  Ari is considered a legacy, destined to be trained to be his replacement in the future. She is also promised to Lawrence, the President’s son, who is also being trained to replace the President in the future.  Both Ari and Lawrence accept their destined future together, and are good friends.  Then there is her friend Gretchen, who becomes part of the behind the scenes fight to save the world.

This is an emotional story also, as Ari and her friends become aware of what is being done to secretly fight the Ancients, and the lies that have been told to all of them.  There a number of surprises, and twists along the way that will totally blindside you, especially the ending.

Gravity also has a very nice romance between Ari and Jackson, that has you rooting hard for them to make it together. There were a lot of dark moments during the action paced last half of the story, that were somewhat horrifying, but understandable in war.  This was a thrilling, fast paced and exciting book that I had to keep reading to find out what happens. 

Will Ari betray her family to save them all?  Does Jackson truly care about Ari, or is he using her?  Is there a future for Ari and Jackson? Will the humans unleash their surprise attack against the Ancients? Will the two species end up in a full scale war again? As I said before, Melissa West leaves us somewhat hanging a bit at the end, and I dare you to not come back for the next book.  Great debut for Melissa West.

LINKS TO ORDER
Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Darynda Jones-Interview with the Author

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DARYNDA JONES-Interview with the Author

With the release of TWO upcoming novels-FOURTH GRAVE BENEATH MY FEET and DEATH AND THE GIRL NEXT DOOR (new YA series), The Reading Cafe would like to welcome the amazing Darynda Jones.

TRC: Hi Darynda and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the amazing success of your Charley Davidson series and the new release FOURTH GRAVE BENEATH MY FEET and your new Young Adult series DEATH AND THE GIRL NEXT DOOR.

Darynda: Thank you!!!! And thank you so much for having me here today!

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Darynda: Absolutely! My name is Darynda Jones and I write the Charley Davidson series, a paranormal mystery/urban fantasy story about a female private investigator who was born the grim reaper, and like Charley, I live in New Mexico. Sadly, I am amazingly boring. I try to be cool, but it just doesn’t happen. I love to read. I love to write. I have two beautiful sons who are both taller than I am now. I have a degree in sign language interpreting (my oldest son was born Deaf) and was an interpreter for many years. I have been married longer than most of your readers have been alive and I’ve been writing forever. I sold my debut book, First Grave on the Right, in 2009.

TRC: Many authors develop their love of writing at an early age. What was the catalyst that sparked your interest in writing?

Darynda: I have been writing since I was a kid. Even before I could read and I’d pick up a stick and pretend to write a story. I was never a drawer like all my friends. When I doodled in the margins of my papers, I wrote words that I loved. I didn’t know I wanted to BE a writer until I was in Jr. High School. While not everything I write is strictly romance, everything I write has a strong romantic subplot, so yes. I love romance. There simply must be some kind of romance in every story I write.

TRC: FOURTH GRAVE BENEATH MY FEET is the most recent release (October 30 2012) in the Charley Davidson series. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

LINKS TO PRE-ORDER
Amazon / The Book Depository / Barnes and Noble / Books a Million

Darynda: Sure! Here is the blurb.

Sometimes being the grim reaper really is that. Grim. And since Charley’s last case went so awry, she has taken a couple months off to wallow in the wonders of self-pity. But when a woman shows up on her doorstep convinced someone is trying to kill her, Charley has to force herself to rise above. Or at least get dressed. She quickly realizes something is amiss when everyone the woman knows swears she’s insane. The more they refute the woman’s story, the more Charley believes it.

In the meantime, the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, has been cleared of all charges. He is out of prison and out of Charley’s life, as per her wishes and several perfectly timed death threats. But his absence has put a serious crimp in her sex life. While there are other things to consider, like the fact that the city of Albuquerque has been taken hostage by an arsonist, Charley is having a difficult time staying away. Especially when it looks like Reyes may be involved. Just when life was returning to normal, Charley is thrust back into the world of crime, punishment, and the devil in blue jeans.

TRC: Your sense of humor and use of sarcasm throughout the Charley Davidson series is one of the major attractions. Have you always had a sense of humor or is it something that developed out of necessity?

Darynda: People who are naturally witty have always amazed me. I always wanted to be the person who has a joke on the tip of her tongue, a comeback for any occasion. Sadly, that’s not me. I’m not that funny in person, but for some reason, I am much better at it while writing. I’m no Ellen Degeneres, unfortunately, but I hold my own in the written world.

TRC: The relationship between Charley and Cookie is very close and very real. What is the inspiration behind their friendship and bantering? Is there a Cookie in your life?

Darynda: Oh, don’t I wish! Everyone should have a Cookie. And if I ever find one, I’m going to kidnap her and force her to do research and go to the post office for me. LOL. As far as inspiration, I do have some very close friends who have taught me a lot about true friendship, and I watch a lot of sitcoms. 🙂

TRC: Are the characters in the series, based on people you know or have met in your life e.g. Cookie or Ubie?

Darynda: Cookie was physically based on a friend of mine. I will do that sometimes, just for a reference for physical characteristics. I like to combine people too. Like maybe the physical traits of someone combined with the sense of humor from someone else. Ubie is physically based on a former employer.

TRC: Rayaziel (Reyes) Alexander Farrow for all of his faults and evil heritage is one of the sexiest and sensual male characters. What do you think is his appeal to your readers?

Darynda: I think he is so hot partly because he is so dark and mysterious, but partly because he has had a very hard life as a human, and that makes him even more appealing. He has been abused and has flaws, but through it all he has loved Charley and protected her the best he could. That makes him a hero despite his dark side. I think the difficult part is making him hot, sexy, angry, and yet vulnerable all at the same time. Reyes is an alpha, so he is smart, tough, sexy as hell, and yes rough around the edges, but his vulnerabilities, namely his love and devotion to Charley, creates that soft spot in our hearts. We all want someone who, if we run up to him crying, takes one look at us and says, “Whose ass do I have to kick?”

 

TRC: The image of Reyes on your blogsite is an amazing representation. Do you know the name of the model who posed for that particular picture?

Darynda: Again, I wish! He is absolutely perfect!

TRC: If you could virtually cast the major players in the Charley Davidson series, which models or actors would best portray the characters (in your opinion)?

Darynda: There are so many actresses I could see playing Charley, oddly enough, but Reyes is much harder. I originally based him on Jason Behr. He has become darker and rougher than my original image, but I still think Jason could play him. He is an actor with a wide range of acting abilities. I could definitely see Melissa McCarthy as Cookie and Jim Beaver as Uncle Bob. Oh! And Shemar Moore or Columbus Short as Garrett Swopes.

TRC: Um…Donovan (sigh)….another bad boy with a very strong presence in the storyline? Have you considered writing a series around Donovan and The Bandits?

Darynda: Not until about five seconds ago. Now my head is buzzing with ideas. LOL! I do love me some Donovan.

TRC: The character of Quentin is a young teen who is deaf. Is your son the inspiration behind Quentin? And if so, does he have an opinion about the direction of this particular part of the storyline?

Darynda: Deep down inside, he is probably very much the inspiration, although I named the character after my little (he is 6’ 2”) brother. But he definitely has my son’s mannerisms, deep yet soft voice when he uses it, and beautiful blue eyes. When I told him I had a Deaf character in the book, my son just said, “Cool.”

TRC: What do you have planned for the next installment in the Charley Davidson series?

Darynda: Right now I’m working on book five, Fifth Grave Past the Light. I’m hoping, with all my fingers and toes crossed, to be able to pull off a few truly creepy scenes. I want this book to be a bit scarier, especially since the first books weren’t scary at all. Keeping that in mind, surely I can make this one stand out.

Basically, Charley is invaded by the ghosts of women who were murdered by a serial killer. It gets pretty creepy in her apartment, as they tend to scurry under her bed and across her ceiling at all hours of the night. Fun!

 

TRC: DEATH AND THE GIRL NEXT DOOR is the first book in your new Young Adult DARKLIGHT series. Would you please tell us something about the series?

LINKS TO ORDER
Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository / Books a Million

Darynda: Death and the Girl Next Door is about sophomore Lorelei MacAlister. Ten years ago,Lorelei’s parents disappeared without a trace. Raised by her grandparents and leaning on the support of her best friends, Lorelei is finally beginning to accept the fact that her parents are never coming home. Life goes on and is as normal as can be until a new guy—terrifying, tough, sexy Jared Kovach—comes to school and he seems to have a specific interest in Lorelei, something that never happens. To complicate matters even further, the school’s designated loner, Cameron Lusk, begins to stalk her, turning up where she least expects it, standing outside her house in the dark, night after night. Jared and Cameron instantly despise each other and Lorelei seems to be the reason for their animosity. What does Jared know about her parents? Why does Cameron tell Jared he can’t have Lorelei? And what will any of them do when Death comes knocking for real?

TRC: There are certain unwritten guidelines for writing Young Adult storylines but sometimes the lines blur, especially knowing many of the readers are adults. Where do you think the lines should be drawn as it pertains to sex and violence (graphic or otherwise) in young adult storylines?

Darynda: I think, as with any book, those elements should fit the story. They should never be gratuitous. I personally draw the line at sex, but only because I think in YA it would be gratuitous in almost any form. Violence, as long as it’s not completely graphic, is okay because it’s in everything we see on TV and in the movies. But again, that’s just my opinion. It totally depends on the story. Admittedly, I have fight scenes in my YA’s that are pretty violent. And there is, of course, sexual tension to the Nth degree throughout.

TRC: DEATH DOOM AND DETENTION is the second storyline (release date 2013). Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Darynda: Sure! The normal part of Lorelei MacAlister’s life didn’t just slip away quietly the day Jared Kovach came to town. Nope. The normal part of her life shattered. It exploded. It burst into a gazillion shards of fleeting light. It went out with a bang. Goodbye normal. Hello dark and eerie. While her best friend, Brooklyn, is focusing all of her energy on helping Lorelei hone her abilities, Lorelei is dealing with the reality that Satan’s second in command has taken up residence inside her body. Oh, and the fact that she has a crush on the Angel of Death. But what a beautiful death it is. If those weren’t bad enough, something sinister has come to town and it wants nothing more than to hear Lorelei’s dying breath as it strangles it out of her. Thank goodness the gang has a supernatural champion. But what happens when the only being who can save them switches sides midstream? How can a group of misfits capture one of the most powerful beings ever created? And will they find out how to bring Jared back to them before it’s too late?

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series?

Darynda: The Darklight Series is a Trilogy, so just the three.

TRC: Writers Block is a very real phenomenon for many authors. How do you handle the stress and anxiety of writers block?

Darynda: If I get stuck, I have learned that it means something is inherently wrong with my manuscript. I force myself to step back and take a look deeper look at it. Oddly enough, it’s almost always something with my hero. They are so cantankerous. Or there’s something wrong with the story itself. Something just isn’t quite working and I know that deep down inside.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas with other authors, friends or family. With whom do you bounce ideas?

Darynda: Um, pretty much anyone who will listen. My sister is fantastic for bouncing around ideas, and my critique goddess, Tammy Baumann, as well as friends and even my husband’s family. They come over on Saturday nights. They are like hostages to my whims. Hehehe

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Darynda: Well, I just finished rewrites for the second in the Darklight Trilogy, Death,Doom and Detention. Now it’s on to Fifth Grave Past the Light, the fifth in the Charley Davidson series. I also have three other series started, but I’m trying to focus. Not easy when you really do have ADD. 🙂

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Darynda: Just a big fat thank you!!!! I am thrilled to be here!

LIGHTNING ROUND
Favorite Food Anything Mexican

Favorite Dessert Cheesecake

Favorite TV Show Buffy forever!

Favorite Movie Pride and Prejudice

Last Movie You Saw Men in Black III (LOVED!)

Dark or Milk Chocolate Dark

Coffee or Tea Coffee

Last Vacation Destination Vegas

TRC: Thank you Darynda for taking the time to answer our questions. Your Charley Davidson series is one of my favorite series because of your humor and the sarcastic one on one banter between the characters. Congratulations on both of your new releases. We are looking forward to a continued friendship with all of your characters.

Darynda: Squee! Thank YOU!

You can follow Darynda at:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

Darynda is giving away one copy of her new YA novel DEATH AND THE GIRL NEXT DOOR.

Please click HERE for the rafflecopter and The Reading Cafe giveaways.

The Reading Cafe is offering a SECOND giveaway. Everyone who posts a comment on the Blog Tour Giveaway or the INTERVIEW with Darynda Jones will be entered into a SECOND giveaway for a copy of DEATH AND THE GIRL NEXT DOOR.

The Reading Cafe GIVEAWAY is OPEN to anywhere THE BOOK DEPOSITORY delivers.

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Young Adult Storylines-Teen Sex

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YOUNG ADULT STORYLINES- Teen Sex

 

Last week I posted my thoughts about the requisite love triangles found in many Young Adult storylines and this week I will endeavor to put words to the virtual paper, once again, to discuss teen sex–NO, not in general, but in YA storylines and novels. Although teen sex is a topic some adults would rather brush under the proverbial carpet, so to speak, it is a topic that should be addressed. In today’s society sticking one’s head in the sand with regards to teen sex ranks close to neglect but I am not going to address such issues. I would like to talk about teen sex in the YA storylines-virtual teen sex-so to speak.

I would like to start by saying emphatically…”I am not a prude. I do not preach about the morality or lack thereof of today’s society. I do not sit in judgment of anyone’s lifestyle, as long as the people involved are free from harm and everything is consensual”. But I am talking about adults-over 18 years of age. Saying that, as readers, we all know that YA storylines are no longer just for teens and young adults. Gone are the days of ‘Little Women’ and ‘The Hardy Boys’. Authors write many of their novels knowing that a large portion of their audience and readership are adults over 18 years of age. But there appears to be some unwritten guidelines as it pertains to the sexual content of young adult storylines. And keeping that in mind, I have noticed more YA storylines involving teen sex. These storylines are not sexually graphic: there is no erotica-style writing: there is rarely any description of a sexual or erotic nature: most of the sex is implied or ‘fades to black’, but there is a sexual encounter or more precisely-intercourse. The scenarios vary, the circumstances range from clumsy first times, implied intercourse to beautiful encounters but the reality of the situation is that an underage (under 18) character(s) is having sex. Most YA storylines talk around the issue of sex, the characters come close to participating or experiencing sex, but a few cross into sexual territory or engage in sexual intercourse.

Awhile back, The Reading Café had an author comment on a review regarding the graphic nature of the violence in his YA storyline. The author pointed out that, as a teen, he was reading novels that contained graphic violence and sex, but what he failed to note, was that these novels were written for adults. The novels he mentioned were not directed at the young adult market nor were they ever intended for the teen reader, but many teens do read novels from every genre and every age level, so they will be exposed to various styles of writing and content. I, myself, read only adult literature in my teens and didn’t think twice about the content and apparently neither did my parents-the maturity level of the teen was the motivating factor. Again, I will address that issue further along.

To prove a point, many readers are concerned about Karen Marie Moning’s (KMM) new release ICED. ICED is part of KMMs Fever series. The Fever series is an ADULT paranormal series, but ICED’s heroine is a young teen girl who ages from 14-17 years old over the next 3 releases. Karen has pointed out that her character of Dani O’Malley will NOT be engaging in sex but the other adults in the storyline will: KMM writes about sex and enjoys the storylines with sex. ICED is NOT a young adult storyline, but a continuation of her adult FEVER series.

October 15, 2012- Karen Marie Moning’s FACEBOOK:

Guys, ICED is NOT Young Adult. Dani ages during the next three books of the Fever Series. Yes, there’s sex. I like writing about sex. I always write about sex. No, 14-year old Dani doesn’t have sex. Other people do. Nor does 14 -year old (at the start of the trilogy) Dani make it a book by or for a 14 year old. I promise you all the magic you’ve come to expect from the Fever World. I don’t write YA. This series isn’t YA. Please spread the word so my inbox will calm down:)

This is an example how readers are concerned about potential storylines involving underage teens and sex. And yet, all this uproar, involved an adult storyline not intended for young adult reading.


But, I am not talking about adult storylines. I would like to address the storylines that are written specifically for teens, where the lead characters are under 18 years of age. In a society where many teens ‘learn’ about sex from books, magazines and friends on the street, should the storyline heroine lose her virginity to the hero or anti-hero? A series I read recently, had an adult male, in a position of authority, engaging in sex with female students at the local high school. And to complicate matters, most of the leading characters in the storyline were very much aware of the situation, yet not one adult made any attempt to stop the male teacher in question. And the girls, with whom he had sex, were jealous of his many conquests. This, to me, lacks moral responsibility. It almost screams, that it is okay for a male teacher to have sex with female students. But, I will digress and add, the YA storyline in question is written in the paranormal genre, and the adult male is technically several centuries old (rolling eyes) and looking for his mate (again rolling eyes) which is not an excuse, only an explanation of this particular premise.

Another paranormal YA series had the female lead, a young teen of 15, trying to seduce many of the male characters including teens and adults, all in the name of over-active supernatural hormones. She was eventually successful in her attempts and lost her virginity to another supernatural being (just after her 16th birthday). The scenario did not contain any graphic sexual content, but the scene was written from the heroine’s point of view (as well as the entire series) throughout the encounter. And in the end, her over-eager need to copulate was written-off as over-active shapeshifter hormones.

In both of these circumstances, each sexual encounter was written as part of the storyline premise trying hard not to appear as gratuitous or unnecessary and in my humble opinion not adequately addressed.

And yet another YA series, the young couple in question are both teen vampyres. Their relationship is basically monogamous, although the female in question has not always been faithful to her beaus.  She lost her virginity at 16 to a 23 year old professor and in her present coupling, the sexual intercourse is implied using euphemisms such as “he loved me all night long” and “our loving was hot and heavy”.

Addressing the age of consent.  In Canada and the USA, the age of consent (age of protection) is 16 and perhaps that is also an issue with the YA storylines as it involves teens under the age of 18.  Sexual intercourse with a minor under 16  is illegal in North America and punishable by law.  There are many different circumstances as it pertains to age of consent for teens between 16 and 18 years of age but I will not address the criminal justice system at this time.

Here is where the reader’s maturity level will come into play. Like the requisite love triangle in many YA storylines, the readers must make the decision and understand the exact nature of the sexual premise. Some 14 year old readers are more mature intellectually than some 18year olds (and vice versa) but that doesn’t negate the fact that an under age character is engaging in intercourse. As a teen, I was reading my mother’s Harlequin romance novels where most of the sex was implied or glossed over with euphemisms, and there were a few novels that were questionable due to their sexual or violent content (The Happy Hooker by Xaviera Hollander and The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty). My attempts at Ayn Rand’s ‘Atlas Shrugged’ garnered me a few raised eyebrows from my friends, but it took me several reads to understand fully the nature of the ‘beast’ that was Rand. But I digress. These novels were written specifically for adults, with adult content and never with the intention of having a 15 year old girl from a small Canadian city holding court over the storyline content. But I was well ahead of my peers in the maturity level and my parents, especially my father, was always open to conversation and question if ever I was willing to talk or ask.

I guess we can look at this two-fold.

1. Should the young adult storylines include sexual intercourse between under-age (under 18) teens (or between teens and adults) in their YA novels and series? And if so, should there be a disclaimer as to the sexual content of the novel? Should the publishers have a rating system in place that warns of the sexual content in young adult storylines?

Please note: many writers are following the dictates of the publisher as it pertains to content of their novels. Whatever is ‘hot’ at the moment, the publisher may ask the author to ‘pursue’ that avenue as it pertains to the storyline content and premise.

We are all well aware that many teens are sexually active. Do we want to perpetuate the scenario in the young adult storylines-making teen sex  acceptable, inevitable and in some cases, necessary? No matter how much we preach, teach, educate and advise, there are still teenage pregnancies, teenagers contracting STDs and having unprotected sex. And on that note-many of these YA storylines involving sex do NOT talk about protection:  the characters are NOT practising safe sex.  


2. Adult storylines and teens. What is your opinion, feeling or thoughts about teens reading adult storylines with sexually graphic scenes and premises? Would you want your 15 year old child reading many of today’s more popular storylines that contain BDSM and sexually explicit content? You might say that the parent must be ever vigilant when it comes to their children’s reading habits etc, but with the advent of the e-reader and e-books, the availability of every genre and storyline is beyond our imaginations.

Let me know how you feel. Oh, and let us know how old you were when you read your first sexually explicit storyline. Do you remember the name of the book?

Just my thoughts-Sandy

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COVER REVEALS

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COVER REVEALS

 

 

TITLE:  Wolf With Benefits

AUTHOR:  Shelly Laurenston

SERIES:  Pride Series

RELEASE DATE:  March 2013

 

 

 

 

TITLE:  Tidal

AUTHOR:  Amanda Hocking

SERIES:  Watersong

RELEASE DATE:  April 2013

 

 

 

 

TITLE:  Dead Ever After

AUTHOR:  Charlaine Harris

SERIES:  Sookie Stackhouse

RELEASE DATE:   May 2013

 

 


 

TITLE: Apollyon

AUTHOR:  Jennifer Armentrout

SERIES:  Covenant

RELEASE DATE:  May 2013

 

 

 

TITLE: One Night With A Hero

AUTHOR: Laura Kaye

SERIES: Contemporary Romance

RELEASE DATE: October 2012
(available now)

 

 

 

 

TITLE: A Soul for Chaos

AUTHOR: Krista McHugh

SERIES: Soulbearer Trilogy

RELEASE DATE: December 2012

 

 

 

 

TITLE: By Love Unveiled

AUTHOR: Sabrina Jeffries

SERIES: Historical Romance

RELEASE DATE: March 2013

 

 

 

 

TITLE: Rogue Descendant

AUTHOR: Jenna Black

SERIES: Nikki Glass #3

RELEASE DATE: May 2013

 

 

 

 

TITLE: The Seduction of Elliot McBride

AUTHOR: Jennifer Ashley

SERIES: Highland Pleasures #5

RELEASE DATE: January 2013

 

 

 

 

TITLE: Crystal Cove

AUTHOR: Lisa Kleypas

SERIES: Friday Harbor

RELEASE DATE: February 2013

 

 

 

TITLE: Collide

AUTHOR: Juliana Stone

SERIES: Barker Triplets

RELEASE DATE: January 2013

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An Interview with Fabio Bueno

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An Interview with Fabio Bueno


The Reading Café would like to welcome Fabio Bueno,who has published his first book…Wicked Sense. 

Our review of Wicked Sense was posted before this interview. 

Let us meet Fabio.

 

 

Hi Fabio.  Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions today.  We are always looking forward to reading about the author behind the book.
Will you please tell us about yourself?

Fabio: Thanks for having me over at the Reading Café, Barb! My name is Fabio Bueno (yes, it’s my real name :). I live in the Pacific Northwest with my wife and kids. I like to write and hang out with friends and family, travel, run, play games, drink coffee, and talk endlessly about books, movies, and sports.

TRC: Have you always been interested in writing?

Fabio: Yes, since I was a kid. I’ve written a little in high school, a novel after college, and a couple of screenplays a few years later. However, I’ve only decided to write seriously a few years ago.

TRC: Is there anything (in general) you find particularly challenging about writing?

Fabio: Writing is a solitary business. It was hard in the beginning, but now it’s not so bad. I meet weekly with my great critique group (we call ourselves Writers in the Rain because we all live near Seattle). I go to conferences, workshops, and book events. And I’ve been fortunate to meet many friends online (readers, writers, editors, bloggers). Now, I don’t feel alone at all.

TRC: What is your writing process?  Do you like to write at specific times, in a special place?

Fabio: I usually create a rough outline of the novel before writing anything. Nothing too detailed, just a sentence describing each chapter. I also like to have fully fleshed out characters before I start. Then, I let the details come organically to me. As for the writing environment, I prefer mornings, writing in the library, and being offline, but I’ve written anywhere and anytime 🙂 If you wait for ideal conditions to write, you will write very little.

TRC: Wicked Sense is your debut novel.  It is part of a series- Singularity. How many books do you plan in this series?  How did you come up with the idea of Singularity?

Fabio: The Singularity Series will be a trilogy. I have also outlined a pair of novellas featuring a couple of intriguing secondary characters, but there’s no release date for those yet. 

The Singularity concept came from a series of questions: what if witches lived among us in a secret society within our society? How would that work? How challenging would it be to remain hidden today, when technology is available everywhere? How would this society resemble the old folk tales about witches?


TRC: Would you please tell us the premise behind Wicked Sense?

Fabio: Witches live in our world, hiding behind a Veil of secrecy enforced by a code and by magic. But when an extraordinary release of magical energy announces the arrival of a teen witch with unparalleled powers (the Singularity), the Veil is threatened. The British covens send Skye to Seattle to find the Singularity. Skye, however, gets involved with a charming boy and faces a formidable rival in one of the Night Witches. 

I wanted the audience to experience both sides of the relationship, so I decided to write it in alternating chapters showing the points-of-view of the female and the male protagonists.

  • Link to Amazon (readers can also download a free sample for kindle and free kindle apps)
  • Link to Goodreads (free sample available in .epub format for most other e-readers)


TRC: Wicked Sense is YA & Paranormal.  Your website says you love Urban Fantasy and Paranormal. What drew you to YA, Urban Fantasy/Paranormal?  Have you considered writing any other genre?

Fabio: I just read a lot of YA and fantasy in general. I believe I like YA because it deals with a very special time of our lives, when our personalities are still taking shape, the possibilities are endless, and everything seems possible. The fantasy aspect builds on that, taking the “what-if” factor to an even higher level.

I like to write suspense and romance too, but instead of writing these genres, I try to incorporate elements of both into the YA paranormal/UF stories 🙂

TRC: How do you describe what Urban Fantasy is?

Fabio: For me, a book is considered Urban Fantasy if it has supernatural elements and takes place in modern times, in our world, but depicting a secret or underground society.

TRC: What are you currently working on?

Fabio: I’m working on the sequels to Wicked Sense, and on a new series, a darker YA urban fantasy.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Popcorn!

Favorite Dessert: Chocolate cake topped with condensed milk (I know it’s unusual, but you should try it)

Favorite Author: Nowadays, it’s John Green

Favorite Novel: “The Giver”

Favorite Movie: “Casablanca” (perfect blend of everything: romance, action, suspense…:).

Favorite TV Show: A tie: “Firefly,” “The West Wing,” and “Gilmore Girls” (I guess I have an eclectic taste 🙂

Last Movie that you saw: “Super 8” – it has an “E.T. the Extraterrestrial” vibe. I liked it.

Thank you Fabio, for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes you the best of luck with Wicked Sense.  Keep us informed about any new books or series that you have planned.

If you would like to learn more about Fabio, you can find him at the following links:

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Wicked Sense by Fabio Bueno – a Review

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Wicked Sense by Fabio Bueno – a Review

 

While there may be an overflow of Young Adult Paranormal Romance books, the fact that it’s “cool” to read again should be celebrated by all.  What I find particularly disturbing in YA books, as I read many, is the dystopia theme running so rampantly.  Wicked Sense, the debut novel by Fabio Bueno, was a breath of fresh air!  PNR without a doubt, the heroine is a 17 year old witch searching for the elusive “Singularity” (the witch at the pinnacle of their practice), but the dialogue, the interactions between characters, and the love story…all very normal and age-appropriate.  It reminded me of my own teen craze, but without the cringe.  It made me hopeful for what my own daughters are [not too] soon to face.

Skye is the only daughter of a famous, Oscar award-winning British actress who also happens to be a witch.  In keeping with the “business”, Skye travels with her mother A LOT.  They have a beautiful house In London filled with staff, but it’s always felt like a movie set; not a welcoming home.  

When a witch comes into her powers at the approximate age of 15 (which Skye implies are disguised debutante balls & quinceaneras), there is an outburst of magical energy, aka Daybreak.  They inherit two (2) charms:  Athleticism, Shifting, Intimidation, etc…  Skye inherited the Allure and True Sight (a more precise ability to detect or sense another witch).  The Singularity’s Daybreak was so thunderous; it was felt across the entire West Coast!  As a result, witches from covens world-wide, known as the Sisterhood, are searching for the witch in an effort to learn what makes her so unlike everyone else.  Hey…someone transfer Skye across the pond to Greenwood High School in Seattle! 

The Sisters aren’t trying to constrain or stifle the Singularity; they fear such an expulsion of energy will result in revealing the Veil, their basic protection of the craft.  If such an event is revealed to the public, fear of the unknown can result in magic criminalization or worse:  modern day witch trials.  So why won’t the Singularity tow the line and reveal herself?  A witch so powerful, she is masking her unique signature to avoid all interested parties.

Enter swoon-worthy Drake, a non-competition swimmer who decides to approach new-girl, Skye, before his more experienced friends make their move.  To their mutual surprise, the connection between Drake and Skye is instantaneous.  They are both shy, but interested in letting their attraction develop gradually.  Level-headed thought processes at this age?  Not only a resounding YES, but they’re both very careful with each other’s feelings and sensitive to those around them.  Where was MY Drake 25 years ago?! 

Before long, episodes of magic take root and accelerate.  A classmate and fellow Sister named Jane approaches Skye who is none too happy with her presence and basically tells her to keep her distance (her resentment is off the charts).  While teaching Skye a short-cut through the park during a storm, Drake is struck down by a tree.  Unable to carry Drake’s unconscious body (let alone get cell service to call 911), Skye relies on her magic to stem the flow of blood from Drake’s head wound, but she doesn’t realize that Drake is unconsciously committing that to memory.  When someone intentionally exchanges Skye’s facial moisturizer with a blinding potion in the locker room, leaving her in the most vulnerable position after her shower, you can imagine the result.  Could these acts be those of the Singularity, trying to fend off Skye’s approach or could there by another Sister vying for the ultimate conquest herself?  Perhaps she should ask the Overseer of the Seattle Sisterhood if there have been any sightings on the whereabouts of the Singularity?  Oh, no wait — he’s Skye’s ex-boyfriend…awwwwkward. 

Turmoil is a minimum in spite of Skye’s true nature and mission to locate the Singularity.  Drake handles the knowledge and pressures well.  The pair intelligently navigates through insecurities and peer pressure (both narrate the story; alternating chapters are from Drake and Skye’s POV) amidst a supportive cast of friends.  The two male friends come across as “good cop” “bad cop”, but they add a comical element to jab at Drake’s innocence.  Skye’s BFF has an immodest reputation, but she proves steadfast and indispensable.  

The Singularity’s identity is revealed, but the reason behind the concealment was my only criticism of the book.  Skye redirects attention, **I won’t spoil it for you!** but this will undoubtedly give cause for an investigation.  And then where will Skye be?  Hey…NOT thinking things through…VERY YA!!! 😀

I was pleasantly surprised by Wicked Sense.  And truth be told, I WANT the investigation into the “irregularities” to begin sooner than later.  Why?  I WANT to revisit Skye and Drake!  I was so fond of this well-crafted couple, they are worthy of carrying a sequel.  I know we have tons of books on our To Be Read list, but this book merits attention by every demographic.  I look forward to future stories by Mr. Bueno.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

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GUARDIAN’S JOY (Guardians of the Race #3) by Jacqueline Rhoades-a review

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GUARDIAN’S JOY (Guardians of the Race #3) by Jacqueline Rhoades-a review

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GUARDIAN’S JOY is the third storyline in Jacqueline Rhoades Guardians of the Race series.

Some background: The Guardians are of the Race, with superior strength and speed, descended from Gabriel who are on earth to protect the humans and guard the portal, ensuring the demons do not cross the barrier. When a Guardian dies and his heart still remains within his chest, he is changed into vampire, and must be destroyed before the blood rage consumes. The women in the storyline are the Daughter’s of Man and the descendants of one of the original matings. All males of the Race are born with a tiny red tear drop over their left chest muscle. When they mature, the lilies bloom (it is not a tattoo). When they are initiated into the Guardians, the skull and tears appear. Once they are mated, a rose will bloom with the lilies. A white rose for a mated pair, a red rose for a blood bond pair.

Guardian’s Joy focuses on Joy JJ Justice, a cop who recently tendered her resignation following the death of her partner. Joy has a special ability to ferret out ‘demons’ and vampires, and takes it upon herself to track the evil beings. But on the night in question, JJ will find that she is overpowered by a demon and the man who is trying to help, believes she has killed an innocent victim. When the demon poison takes hold, Joy will find herself alone and slowly dying from an infected scratch.

Bernardo “Nardo” believes he has found his mate in JJ. With her ability to call forth a power, the other women in the Guardian House believe she is a Daughter of Man, but JJ only knows that her mother believed her to be a witch. Without the benefit of knowledge, JJ was placed in a commune with others of her ‘kind’. But it is the missing memories that continue to haunt when she is unable to remember the past and the Guardians will discover that Joy is something much more.

Canaan’s Guardian House was losing money. Their finances were a mess and an investigation would reveal that someone was skimming from the outside. Meanwhile there were drained bloodless bodies of young female Paenitentia discovered throughout the city, 14 missing male Paenitnetia and the rumors of a blood-lust vampire were on the rise. Upon further bloodshed and investigation the Guardians would discover the resurrection of an ancient brotherhood from the past breeding hybrid vampires and demons. But Joy’s past will catch up when she recognizes those in power hoping to bring a new breed of Guardian into the world.

Nardo and JJ’s relationship is very slow to build. Injured and fighting the demon poison will find JJ in bed recovering for a period of time, and Nardo’s ill-timed declaration that JJ ‘is mine’ raises the young woman’s hackles and screams ownership. She is determined never to place herself in the position again. She has issues of trust and it would a long time before she felt she could trust anyone ever. But it is her ‘tattoo’ that will have everyone wondering what it means to the House of the Guardian.

GUARDIAN’S JOY is another exciting and wonderful storyline in Jacqueline Rhoades’ Guardians of the Race series. I like Jacqueline’s ability to blend the previous storyline characters into each successive novel, and it doesn’t hurt that everyone lives together in the same house. There is bound to be plenty of interaction. Dov and Col continue their puppy-like antics much to the chagrin of their Lord Leige, but like every patient parent, the household women become protective of their little cubs. And another positive aspect of Jacqueline’s series, she includes much of the Guardian’s backstory and history with every novel, which helps the new readers to the series.

READING ORDER
1. Guardian’s Grace
2. Guardian’s Hope
3. Guardian’s Joy

Reviewed by Sandy

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