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My Top Halloween Reads (+ A Giveaway!)

31 Oct 2013
It's that time of year again when kids dress up in costumes for sweets and everyone gets into the spooky Halloween spirit. So what better thing to do over the next few days than curl up with an amazing paranormal novel in celebration? Here are some of my recommendations :)

Young Adult books

Moon Spell by Samantha Young - Amazing YA trilogy that I am head over heels in love with and wish it had never finished. Full of many supernatural creatures that are at war and one girl has the power to bring peace to all the races. This YA is on the steamy side too ;)

Grasping at Eternity by Karen Amanda Hooper - This is quite a light paranormal novel for those who aren't really fans of PNR or UF. It revolves around reincarnation and soul mates and is a beautiful romance novel.

Blood Warrior by H.D Gordon - Perfect for people who love a tough, kick-ass female lead and male characters strong enough to have a chance with her.

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead - Another book with a strong main character and equally strong male characters. This book has some of the best book boyfriends in YA fiction ;)

New Adult books

WitchBlood by Emma Mills - A great, sexy NA novel featuring Vampires, Witches, Angels and more. I love this book!

Vampire Shift by Tim O'Rourke - Free on Amazon. A great, mysterious New Adult paranormal with creepy vampire-like creatures and an amazing main character.

Providence by Jamie McGuire - I'm sure you will all have heard of this author :P This paranormal trilogy by the author of Beautiful Disaster is equally as good as her bestseller.

Blood Singers by Tamara Rose Blodgett - Another freebie on amazon! Tamara writes dark, sexy and intriguing novels and this NA paranormal is no exception.

Adult books

Sterling by Dannika Dark - A brilliant, unique Urban Fantasy novel with thrilling action and sexy romance.

Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill - This series is fantastic! Great storyline AND great romance with moments that will make you laugh and others that will make you cry.

Stray by Rachel Vincent - One of the first adult UF novels I ever read and to this day still one of the best. Books with shifters (were-cats in this one) always have the sexiest guys ;) An extra bonus to this book (at least in my eyes :P) is that it could be counted as NA.

Giveaway


To celebrate Halloween I am running a spooktastic giveaway. Enter to win a mix paranormal, sci-fi and non-spooky contemporary novels. There will be Eight winners so it is definitely worth entering!

Signed copy of Marking Time (YA paranormal/sci-fi) by April White to one winner and ebook to a second winner.
Choice of Ebook by bestselling author Lauren Blakely (Adult and NA contemporary romance novels)
Ebook of The Blueblood Legacy - Draw of the Bane (paranormal romance) by Amy Bol
Ebook of Removed (NA Sci-fi romance) by S.J. Pajonas
Ebook of All Of You (NA contemporary romance) by Christina Lee
Ebooks of Ocean's Gift (paranormal romance) and Nightmares of Caitlyn Lockyer (horror/suspense thriller) both by Demelza Carlton
Ebook of Soul Ties (NA paranormal) by Lisa Swallow

Please leave a comment with which of the books you would most like (and a few other second and third etc. choices) and I will try to allocate the prizes based on preference.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Debut of the Month - Interview with Emma Carroll

This month I selected Frost Hollow Hall by Emma Carroll to be my Debut Of The Month. To find out more about the book and what inspired it to be written check out the guest post yesterday. Today I have an interview with Emma and then tomorrow you get to meet my November Debut of the Month.

Interview with Emma Carroll


Why did you decide to become an author?

I’d always loved writing, but never had the guts or the motivation to try it seriously. Then in 2009  I went on an Arvon Foundation course with my students (I’m a teacher too) and the bug took hold. A few months after that, I enrolled on the brilliant MA in Writing For Young People at Bath Spa Uni. I haven’t stopped writing since.

How do you balance writing with other things in your life?

Good question! One thing I’ve learned this past year is how much time writing a book takes, especially when you’re under contract (not that I’m complaining!). I work part-time as a teacher, and have recently dropped my hours further to fit the writing in. I don’t have children and do have a very understanding husband who gives me space to write and makes me cups of tea when I need them. It’s still hard sometimes to make sure you have a proper day off though- and you do need it!

What is your favourite thing about being an author?

Gosh, all of it. It’s been my dream job since I was little. I love writing first drafts, when you completely lose yourself in the magic of the story. I love editing. I love working from home with my dogs snoozled up next to me, and I really love meeting people who are interested in books and writing too.

What are your favourite books?

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte because its so dark and the characters are real anti-heroes.  Any book by Sarah Waters- they’re all wonderful. One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey- the writing is so good it makes my scalp prickle.

Are there any books/authors that inspired you to write?

My love of stories set in the Victorian era was definitely influenced by Sarah Waters, and by Philip Pullman’s Ruby in the Smoke series. I also love the narrator’s voice in ‘The Observations’ by Jane Harris.

Describe your book in one sentence.

A Victorian ghost story.

Where did you get the idea for Frost Hollow Hall, did anything inspire you to write it?

The story started as a scene on a frozen lake. I’d been thinking about a time in my childhood when I’d skated on frozen floodwater. I also had this character in my head, a working class girl with a strong voice who wanted to be heard. We were then set an exercise in our MA class to write about crossing over into a different world. I wrote about a girl falling through ice.

What made you decide to write a ghost story?

I don’t honestly know. It just sort of… well… happened. That’s what I love about writing- it takes you in directions you don’t always anticipate. That said, I love ghost stories, and there’s something about the C19th that lends itself so well to the genre.

What would you say makes your book unique and worth reading?

That’s a mean question! I wanted to write a good old-fashioned romp of a story, with strong settings and characters, a little bit of spookiness, and little bit of gentle romance. My narrator is feisty but likeable (I hope) with a unique voice.

Is there any specific message you wanted to convey in the book?

Without giving too much away, the story deals with grief and recovery. It also considers our expectations, how so often we want what we haven’t got, rather than appreciating the things that we have.

What are your plans for future books?

I’m about to start the edits on my second book for Faber, which is about a girl who walks the tightrope in a Victorian circus. The ideas for my third book are taking shape as we speak. It is based around the story of the Cottingley Fairies, but might include a modern day character too.

Do you have any hobbies and Interests unrelated to books?

Um… errr…not really! Other than walking my dogs, eating my husband’s delicious dinners and being idiotic with my friends.

Would you ever consider putting these into any of your books?

Never. No-one but me would be in the slightest bit interested.

FUN STUFF

If you could meet any one author (dead or alive) who would it be and why?

Sarah Waters. Just to breathe the same air would be amazing, right?

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself.

I don’t like birds. Dead ones make me feel physically sick.

What is your favourite food?

It’d be toss up between my husband’s homemade pasta, and peanut butter, marmite and cucumber on toast.

What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?

Travelled through the Amazon on the roof of a minibus with a sack of live chickens for company.

Debut of the Month - Guest Post by Emma Carroll

30 Oct 2013
This is the second month of Debut of the Month here at Bookish Treaures. This is a monthly feature that will focus on a debut author and their novel that is releasing that month through an interview, review etc. To learn more and apply to be Debut Of The Month for December or beyond please visit my Authors/Publishers page.

This month I have chosen Emma Carroll and Frost Hollow Hall. Today I have a guest post by the author about Inspiration. Check back tomorrow to read my interview with Emma!

Frost Hollow Hall by Emma Carroll



Synopsis

The gates to Frost Hollow Hall loomed before us. They were great tall things, the ironwork all twisted leaves and queer-looking flowers. And they were very definitely shut.

Tilly's heart sinks. Will's at the door of their cottage, daring her to come ice-skating up at Frost Hollow Hall. No one goes near the place these days. Rumour has it that the house is haunted . . . Ten years ago the young heir, Kit Barrington, drowned there in the lake. But Tilly never turns down a dare.

Then it goes horribly wrong. The ice breaks, Tilly falls through and almost drowns. At the point of death, a beautiful angel appears in the water and saves her. Kit Barrington's ghost.

Kit needs Tilly to solve the mystery of his death, so that his spirit can rest in peace. In order to discover all she can, Tilly gets work as a maid at Frost Hollow Hall. But the place makes her flesh crawl. It's all about the dead here, she's told, and in the heart of the house she soon discovers all manner of dark secrets . . .

Frost Hollow Hall is a thrilling historical fiction debut. Told in Tilly's unique voice, it is a tale of love and loss, and how forgiveness is the key to recovery.


Try Frost Hollow Hall! Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK

Inspiration: The Ideas Behind Frost Hollow Hall


I’m not a very creative person in the arty sense. The only things I can draw are horses (they have to be facing left), I’m terrible at wrapping gifts and my handwriting is illegible. Writing stories is different. When it came to penning Frost Hollow Hall it was like a switch flicking on in my head. At times it was very hard to switch off.

            So where did the ideas come from?

            The truth is I’m a bit of a sponge, a magpie, call it what you will, collecting things as I go along.  This was certainly the case with Frost Hollow Hall. Though once I’d gathered my ideas, I then had to turn them into a story that was mine.

            My biggest influences were a soupy mix of all of the things below:

 

1.    Books- classics like ‘Jane Eyre’ and ‘Wuthering Heights’ and modern day takes on Victorian novels such as ‘Fingersmith’ and ‘The Observations.’ Ghost stories, servant accounts, books about Victorian houses, books about death in the C19th century. These were all things I loved reading, so it made sense to write something I’d read myself.

2.    Films- Actually, one film. In my teens I watched ‘ The Dead Zone’, based on the Stephen King novel. It’s set during an unpleasantly cold winter and one scene has always stayed with me, the moment when a school ice hockey team falls through lake ice. The boys’ panic is so tangible. So too is the strange underwater light, the air bubbles… it is a deeply disturbing scene.

3.    Old Photographs-  I trawled books, postcards and the internet for old photos of people who might represent my characters. I found Will Potter and Mrs Jessop almost immediately. Yet it wasn’t until the book was written and edited that I finally found a girl who looked like the Tilly in my head. When I saw her I knew immediately. The other big discovery were ‘post-mortem’ photographs, where as an act of memorial, a family would have their photo taken with a dead relative. These were very unsettling; I decided to not include them in the book.

4.    Memories+ Experiences-  the first scene I wrote was what is now Chapter Three. This was inspired by my own childhood memories of skating on ice on the Somerset Levels. Like Tilly, dead people have visited me in my dreams. And I know what is feels like to have family members on the other side of the world, when you’d rather they lived just down the road; my only sibling emigrated to Australia 18 years ago.

5.    Me-  I am a complete snow obsessive, so the story just HAD to be set in winter. I also teach Victorian Literature to AS English students, which has given me an insight into the era. One of the story’s themes is how mothers love their children; I’m very close to my own mum, which is reflected in the importance I place on this relationship. As a teenager I was quite stroppy like Tilly- actually, I probably still am! And finally, I do like a story to have a satisfying ending; I hope my readers feel I’ve given them that.


Waiting on Wednesday - Uninvited

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and it allows readers to share the books that they are most looking forwards to reading.

This week the book I have chosen to feature is Uninvited by Sophie Jordan.



Title: Uninvited

Author: Sophie Jordan

Series: Uninvited #1

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication date: 28th January 2014

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK


Synopsis

The Scarlet Letter meets Minority Report in bestselling author Sophie Jordan's chilling new novel about a teenage girl who is ostracized when her genetic test proves she's destined to become a murderer.

When Davy Hamilton's tests come back positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome (HTS)-aka the kill gene-she loses everything. Her boyfriend ditches her, her parents are scared of her, and she can forget about her bright future at Juilliard. Davy doesn't feel any different, but genes don't lie. One day she will kill someone.

Only Sean, a fellow HTS carrier, can relate to her new life. Davy wants to trust him; maybe he's not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly.


My thoughts

I am VERY excited this book. Sophie Jordan is an incredible writer and this book just sounds incredible! I really am so intrigued by the synopsis and hope the book will be as awesome as it seems.

Greed Release Day With Kindle Fire Giveaway

29 Oct 2013

 
 
At the start of this year I read an amazing and utterly moving NA novel called Vain by Fisher Amelie. It was such such a unique and unexpected novel that I was incredibly excited when I found out there would be more books in the series. Book 2 Greed releases today and in celebration you can enter to win a kindle fire or one of five signed copies of Vain.
 

Greed by Fisher Amelie



Synopsis

Gather ‘round, love, because I want you. I want what you have, I want what you don’t have, I want more of what I already have. I want. But if you so much as ask for something in return, go ahead and walk away. Know if you want to play in my world, it’s every man for themselves and the weak become mine. Leeches will be obliterated because I make it my job to destroy them. I protect what’s mine and I take what’s yours...because that’s what I do. I want.

My story will not endear me to you and, frankly, I could care less if it does because I’m in this for the money and nothing else. There’s nothing redeeming about me. I’m a corrupt, money hungry, immoral asshole from Los Angeles. I’m every man’s worst nightmare and every girl’s fantasy.

I’m Spencer Blackwell...And this is the story about how I went from the world’s most coveted guy to the guy no one wanted around and why I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

Try it for yourself! Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
 

About the Author

 
Fisher Amelie is the author of The Leaving Series, Callum & Harper and Thomas & January. She began her writing career as a copywriter for an internet marketing company wherein one of their client's said, 'Hey! You're funny. You should write books'. Which in turn she said, 'Hey, get out of here! This is the lady's restroom.' While washing her hands and the embarrassment from her face, she thought they may have had a valid point. So, she took the thousands of hours of writing stories growing up, tucked them into her pocket and began writing and writing and writing.
 

Giveaway

 

Review of Still Human

28 Oct 2013
To check out Katie's review of book 1 on this series go here.


Synopsis

Danny and Liv are back...

Danny loves Liv. He knows he loves her more than she loves him because she ran without a word when she saw their future mapped out before her. He knows he will never love anyone like he loved her and this time he doesn’t think he can move on.

Liv loves Danny. She knows she loves him more than he loves her because he broke her heart in the worst possible way, right when things were falling into place. She knows she will never love anyone like she loves him and this time she doesn’t think she can move on.

They needed a second chance because they just weren’t ready for their first, but when events changed everything between them, they discovered they were just human after all. Now Liv and Danny have to find a way to survive being hurt by each other.

They doubted, they underestimated and they did believe the worst, but only because they were too young the first time and too vulnerable the second time. But now they have changed and if they are not the same, surely things can only turn out differently?


Review


After reviewing Just Human, I eagerly awaited the release of the sequel.  Now, I am going to say that I have been known to get frustrated with books where everything is all one big misunderstanding, but this was not one of those times.  The book starts immediately where we left off with the first book.  It’s upsetting, no doubt, but their reactions make perfect sense especially as we are able to see both of their inner monologues.  This is not a book where I felt the urge to slap some sense into the heroine because all of the details of her past and the incident piece together to make her response perfectly logical, though not ideal.  This is what I love about this book.  It isn’t contrived or serendipitous; it’s honest.  Everything from their reactions to the plot itself feels natural rather than formulaic or forced.

Danny is perfect in this book.  He got to make his honest mistakes in the first book and the very beginning of this book but then he was all in and had to carry the burden of things.  He endured numerous trials and, honestly, got the short end of things for a while there.  Our favorite meddlers are back at work but are careful to not push things too much, which again, is perfect.  I could not have been that friend because I am positive I would have lost it at some point.

The plot is…simple.  There are no crazy plot twists or extreme situations.  The characters and their love is the story and it is perfectly executed.  Danny is the undisputed King of patience AND grand gestures!  And while things are far from steamy in the beginning, it really heats up towards the end so fear not.

The ending left me full of warm fuzzies.  We are graced with everything being tied up with a nice little bow but, again, not in some cheesy, unrealistic manner.  Sure, a few things certainly went their way but they deserved that after everything they had to go through to get to this point.  I am in awe of Kerry Heavens because she has a firm grasp on all the little details.  Rather than just ignoring little details for the sake of the romance, she calls attention to them and explains them.  Yay!  On top of everything, the problem with second chance books is that you are often left with that feeling of “Oh, if only they hadn’t missed out on all that time together!”  Our fine friend, Kerry Heavens, has addressed that as well.

So, in conclusion, you are seriously missing out if you don’t read these two books.  You can’t help but fall in love with these relatable, well-developed characters and you will not walk away disappointed.
Try it for yourself! Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK

Katie

Stacking the Shelves / Showcase Sunday #37

26 Oct 2013
Showcase Sunday is hosted by Vicky @Books, Biscuits, and Tea and Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews and they both give bloggers the opportunity to share the books they have received in the past week.

They week I bought LOADS of books that as quite a few that I was already interested in were on sale. This week was a very NA week though there a several different NA genres featured and I did also get one YA book that I think A LOT of people bought this week. If you want some books to stack your shelves I have a few awesome giveaways running on my giveaway page. As always if you click on the book cover you will be taken to its Amazon page.

Review

Ebooks

I got a few great books this week including two future releases by some of my favourite authors - Mine by Katy Evans and The Thrill Of It by Lauren Blakely!
 
 

Freebies

 I just got two freebies this week but they both look incredible - and both are still free! (Click on the image to be taken to amazon.)
 
 
Bought
 
I bought a lot of books this week. Most are books that were on sale for $0.99 but a few others were recommendations I had been given. I also got a pretty big YA release.
 
 Paperback



Ebook
 

So what do you think? Are there any books you have read, plan to read or have just now caught your eye? Feel free to link to your Stacking the Shelves or equivalent post in the comments.

Review of Either Side of Midnight

FOR TODAY ONLY (26/10) THIS BOOK IS FREE ON AMAZON! GET IT HERE!


Synopsis

WHAT IF THE BEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE TURNED INTO YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE?

When nineteen-year-old Naomi Stone is snatched from her husband at knifepoint on the night of their wedding and taken to a deserted cemetery, she knows her life is finished. Drugged and disorientated, she loses consciousness as she lies in an open grave with a gun to her head.

But the following day, she mysteriously awakes to find herself unharmed and secured to a bed. She's in a beautiful bedroom in a secluded cottage in open countryside. Only one person knows she’s there – the man in the balaclava who’s holding her, feeding her, revealing nothing. Naomi senses the unfolding of a plan. She should be on honeymoon in the Caribbean. Instead, she’s trapped with an emotionless psycho with no hope of escape . . . And his voice is chillingly familiar.

Who is he? What does he want? What's happened to her husband? Where is she? Will anyone find her before it's too late?
Review

Sometimes you read a book that is a breath of fresh air and is exactly what you were looking for but you didn’t even realise it. This perfectly sums up this book for me. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book but it absolutely blew me away. Either Side of Midnight is an incredible suspense novel that will keep you guessing throughout but gets even more amazing once the truth is revealed.

The book is told from multiple pov’s though the main focus by far is Naomi’s perspective and it also alternates between present time which is this confusion Naomi has woken up in and the year leading to that moment. This means there are two aspects to the story, Naomi’s bizarre kidnapping and the seemingly simple romance story of her starting at University and meeting the guy that will become her Husband.
Parts of this book are very much what you would expect in a typical New Adult romance novel but the rest is very unique. This book is far from being a typical NA!

I really loved Naomi. At the start she seems quite weak and gullible but she grows into this strong character who won’t let anyone mess with her. She ends up being the sort of character who plays with fire in the hope that those who have wronged her will get burned.
As for the rest of the characters, well, let’s just say I feel a mix of hatred and love and then leave it at that :P

Either Side of Midnight is perfect for readers who like books that will fuck with your mind. Fans of the Consequences series by Aleatha Romig in particular will love this book. A must read!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, this has not affected my opinions or rating in any way.*
Try it for yourself! Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
 
Laura

Feature Friday - Interview with Genna Rulon

25 Oct 2013
Feature Friday is a brand new item on Bookish Treasures. Every Friday I will be featuring an author through either an interview or a guest post. If you are interested in taking part please send me an email.

This week I am featuring Genna Rulon whose debut novel Only For You released last month.

Only For You by Genna Rulon



Synopsis

“In its purest form love is self-sacrificing, eternal, selfless, enduring, truthful, forgiving and indulgent.  It also feels an awful lot like a kick to the stomach when you try to fight it!”
           
All Everleigh Carsen wanted to do was complete her final semester at Hensley University and begin the life she carefully planned.
 
When a wave of violent crime seizes campus, Everleigh is persuaded by her best friend to attend a school sponsored self-defense seminar, where she meets volunteer instructor, Hunter Charles. After Everleigh’s biting sarcasm induces Hunter to eject her from class, an explosive relationship is born.
 
Everleigh is determined to forget the striking man, but fate—that fickle shrew—continuously intervenes. Unable to escape him, she declares Hunter an enemy combatant.  The only complication…Hunter is resolutely pursuing vindication…by any means necessary. Verbal warfare ensues, and despite Everleigh’s ingenious efforts, in Hunter, she has finally found her equal.
 
Only For You is a compelling tale of friendship, desire, and redemption—brimming with intelligent characters, witty dialogue, unexpected twists, profound sorrow, unfettered hope, and love’s unassailable perseverance.
 
Try it for yourself! Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK
 

Interview with Genna

 
 
Why did you decide to become an author?
 
I have been an avid reader for years, and always fantasized about writing my own stories.  However, I never believed people would want to read my imaginings, and with a husband, two young sons, and a full-time job, time was scarce.  Life threw me a curve ball, and I wound up staying home after my second son was born.  With the little bit of extra time, and the increasing desire to give voice to the characters in my head, I said, “What the heck!” and went for it.
 
 
How do you balance writing with other things in your life?
 
It’s a challenge.  I try to write as much as I can during the day, but with two young ones around it’s in spurts, which makes it difficult to get the flow that is so important in writing.  I usually enjoy family time in the late afternoon/early evenings and then when everyone is tucked in bed (hubby included) I sit down and write uninterrupted.  I am severely sleep deprived, but very gratified.
 
What is your favourite thing about being an author?
 
I love the ability to express myself creatively.  The opportunity to capture emotions in words, to make the reader feel, is extremely appealing.  I also love the flexibility.  Not being restricted to a traditional office environment and hours. 
 
 
What are your favourite books?
 
I have hundreds of favourites, too many to list.  I’ve read thousands of books in various fiction and non-fiction genres, but my favourite genre to read remains romance.  I love all romance: contemporary, historical, paranormal, fantasy, dystopian, new adult, young adult, you name it.  A few of my favourite authors are:  J.R. Ward, Kristen Ashley, Amy Bartol, Shelly Crane, and Jennifer Armentrout, just to name a few.
 
Are there any books/authors that inspired you to write?
 
From the Acknowledgements of Only For You:
I was inspired by countless authors, who have swept me away with their stories of life, love, and heartbreak.  I can’t imagine I would have had the courage to pursue my dream if it weren’t for their bravery.  Please allow me to thank you all collectively for your talent and pluck.  I am compelled to list several authors who were particularly inspiring and motivating, each for their own reasons.  Alphabetically (because it just seemed fair), I offer my most sincere gratitude to:  Jennifer L. Armentrout, Kristen Ashley, Amy Bartol, Shelly Crane, Colleen Hoover, M. Leighton, Jamie McGuire, Raine Miller, Jessica Sorensen, Nicole Williams, and Samantha Young.
 
Describe your book in one sentence.
 
Only For You is a compelling tale of friendship, desire, and redemption—brimming with witty characters, intelligent dialogue, unexpected twists, profound sorrow, unfettered hope, and love’s unassailable perseverance.
 
 
Where did you get the idea for Only For You, did anything inspire you to write it?
 
I should first mention that I have always imagined conversations in my head, playing out possible scenarios to life’s ‘what ifs.’  One day a conversation (in my head…no I don’t hear voices—I may be crazy, but not like that) came to me between Everleigh and Hunter from a pivotal moment during the story.  I sat down at my computer and typed a few paragraphs to capture the dialogue before I began to question ‘how did they get to this point?’ and ‘what happens afterward?’  That little conversation in my mind was the spark that finally inspired me to sit down and construct the plot that would become Only For You.
 
What made you decide to write a New Adult romance novel?
 
I love the transitional period between almost adult and adulthood.  I believe there is natural drama during this phase of life and so much personal growth and lessons learned.  Watching characters figure out who they are and the type of people they want to be—how they overcome adversity.
 
 
What would you say makes your book unique and worth reading?
 
I think the balance will be most appealing to a reader.  It is a contemporary new adult romance, but it is also a story of friendships.  There are strong elements of comedy, mystery, and suspense in the plot and dialogue which blend to make the read interesting and diverse.
 
Is there any specific message you wanted to convey in the book?
 
I had a lesson/message in mind for each character.
 
Everleigh’s life lesson in Only For You:
 
Responsibility.  One of the defining aspects of adulthood is responsibility.  Ev’s story is about her journey as a new adult fully into adulthood.  She must learn to take responsibility for her own actions and words, as well as those she loves.  She also must take responsibility for her own happiness by communicating her wants and needs, setting boundaries, letting go of what is not right for her, and embracing her chance at happiness.
 
Hunter’s life lesson in Only For You:
 
Honour. Doing the right thing is often the hardest choice one must make.  Sacrificing your own wants to make honourable decisions can come at a high price, but in the end, we are defined by our actions and choices when right isn’t easy.
 
Sam’s life lesson in Only For You:
 
Life isn’t fair.  Sam learns the hardest lessons in this book and is still learning how to process and deal with these tough realities.  Being a good person does not prevent bad things from happening.  Being a good friend does not prevent betrayal.  Making the right decisions does not guarantee a favourable outcome.  Loving fully does not ensure equal love in return.  These are difficult truths we all have to face, though we rarely want to.  The question remains, now that Sam has learned these lessons, how will it shape and define the person she becomes.
 
Griffin’s life lesson in Only For You:
 
Patience and consistency!  With ourselves, with others, with circumstances beyond our control…life is an exercise in patience.  At times it may feel that those around us are getting what we so desperately want, and we must choose to support and share in their joy (or in Griffin’s case, be an integral part in facilitating that joy)  or become bitter and jaded.  It takes patience to wait for your turn or the right time to have your own dreams fulfilled.
 
 
What are your plans for future books?
 
Yes, the second book in the series, Pieces For You will be released on December 17, 2013.  The third book in the For You series will be released in April 2014.
 
 
Do you have any hobbies and Interests unrelated to books?
 
Travel, music, skiing, swimming (not alone), cooking, and general merriment.
 
 
Would you ever consider putting these (answer to above) into any of your books?
 
Yes, many of them already are, actually.  I want to write a series that involves travel or where each book takes place in a different country based on the cities I love from my own travels.
 
 
FUN STUFF
 
If you could meet any one author (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
 
I would love to meet Kristen Ashley.  I adore her books and all her yummy alpha-men.  My choice may possibly be influenced by the possibility that she actually base her characters on real men she knows and I could garner an intro ;-D
 
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself.
 
I have an irrational fear of sharks in the water.  Yes, I mean oceans, lakes (fresh and salt water), even swimming pools.  You can thank my older brother for that last ridiculous fear.  I know it is completely senseless, but I still don’t like to swim alone.  I’m counting on the ability to outswim my water buddy if Jaws shows up.
 
What is your favourite food?
 
Sushi.  I could east sushi for ever meal of the day and be a happy, happy girl.
 
What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?
 
LOL.  *clears throat*
I don’t know if I have an appropriate answer for the most adventurous thing I have ever done, but I have been on a lot of adventures.  I have travelled extensively to destinations across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Caribbean.
 
If you could be any supernatural creature which would you choose?
 
An angel.  They have a vast assortments of abilities and are usually the “good guys,” plus they are on the winning team most of the time!
 

Excerpt from Only For You

 
As I approached, Hunter rose to greet me, gallantly appropriating my tray to place it on the table.  He dramatically pulled out my chair and assisted me as I sat.  I appreciated gentility as much as the next girl, but the whole scene struck me as abnormal.
“Care to tell me what that was about?” I distrustfully queried.
“I was merely practicing proper etiquette.”  The twinkle in his eyes belied his innocent excuse.
“You were trying to call attention to our matching faux pas, weren’t you?”
“I will neither confirm nor deny.”
“Ass,” I muttered beneath my breath.
“That is the second time you have called me an asshole,” Hunter said sternly.
“I have never called you an asshole—to your face—I simply left a trail of breadcrumbs from which you could deduce my meaning.”
“Ah ha.  You finally admit that our song is ‘Sweet As Hole’.” 
“I will neither confirm nor deny,” I said, mocking his earlier statement.
“It was exceptionally ingenious of you.”
“I know, right?”
I caught his smile and realized my mistake.  He had tricked me, and I confessed the song I had insulted him with.
“Dammit, Hunter.  How do you always outmaneuver me?  They should have you interrogate suspected terrorists.  You would trick them into revealing their evil plot every time.”
“Nah, terrorism isn’t my specialty.”  He winked before suddenly whistling, “That is some lunch you have there.”
“I’m as hungry as the bear I just spent the last hour pretending to be.  A salad was not going to tame my ravenous need.  Besides, who am I trying to impress?”
“Not me, that’s for sure,” he answered quickly with synthetic sorrow.
“Here I thought you were a martial arts instructor.  Are you moonlighting as a comedian?”
“Martial arts is my moonlighting gig,” he paused as if weighing his words.  “Where is Sam?”
“I’m not sure.  She planned to join us.”  I searched the dining room and saw her at the cashier with Robbie beside her.  “There she is, her new guy Robbie is with her.  Don’t ruin it for her by—just try not to be yourself for a little while.”
“You are a cruel woman, Everleigh.”
 
 

About the Author



Genna Rulon is an up-and-coming contemporary romance author who loves nothing more than a good love story. 
 
During her 15 years in the corporate world, Genna, inspired by her love of reading, fantasized about penning her own stories.  Encouraged by her favorite authors, many of whom are indie writers and self-published, she committed to pursue her aspirations of writing her own novels.
 
Genna was raised on Long Island in New York, where she still resides, surrounded by the most amazing family and friends.  Married to a wonderful man who patiently tolerates her ramblings about whichever book she is currently working on, even feigning interest relatively convincingly!  Genna is blessed with two little boys who do their best to thwart mommy's writing time with their hilarious antics and charming extrapolations.
 
All of Genna’s reviews are brought to you courtesy of copious amounts of coffee and Disney Junior (something has to entertain the boys when mommy is writing). You can find Genna online at:   www.gennarulon.com   
 
Be sure to join the mailing list for updates about future books, as well as giveaways, and other fun facts.
 
Genna would love to hear from you, and will personally respond to all messages! You can contact her as follows: Email: genna@gennarulon.com | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest