Book Blogger Love-a-Thon ~ Interview

The Book Blogger Love-a-Thon is an event where we can share our love for our fellow book bloggers! The event is hosted by Alexa at Alexa Loves Books and Katelyn at Kate's Tales of Books and Bands.

1. How did you come up with your blog name?

My blog name came about from my favorite movie of all time - Donnie Darko. I've always liked the expression "pearl of a girl" (I've used this for my Hotmail address and Twitter handle). I thought about naming my blog "Pearl of a Girl" but love Donnie Darko so much! My favorite books are kind of dark like the movie, so I thought "Donnie Darko Girl" would be a better fit for the kind of books I wanted to showcase.

2. What genre/subject matter do you read and review most on your blog? 

I'm super into demons & zombies and love reading apocalyptic, dystopian, horror, and paranormal books the most. I read and review YA & NA books in those genres. Contemporary YA & NA draw me in from time to time - especially when it's dealing with mental health issues like addiction.

3. Name the 3 books you're excited for in 2014!

There are so many it's hard to narrow them down to just three. But here goes!

UNHINGED by A.G. Howard - When I read SPLINTERED last year, I didn't realize it was the beginning of a series. As soon as I found out about UNHINGED'S existence, I have been so stoked to get my hands on a copy, which I just did last weekend!

LOVE LETTERS TO THE DEAD by Ava Dellaira - This is a book I think I'll connect with on many levels. A girl is assigned to write a letter to a dead person, and she chooses Kurt Cobain who died young like her sister did. She works through her grief by writing more letters to more of the dead which leads to her eventually writing about her feelings with regard to her sister's death.

The continuation of the ADDICTED TO YOU series by Krista Ritchie & Becca Ritchie - God, I love this series SO much! Lily and Lo are struggling with their separate yet entwined addictions - Lily is addicted to sex while Lo is addicted to alcohol. The story of these two facing their addictions together has to be one of the most raw and powerfully moving stories I've ever read.

4. Where in the world are you blogging from? 

Ohio, so basically a corn field. ;) Actually, while there is an awful lot of corn around here, there's also some cool stuff, too, like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame up in Cleveland, Kings Island & Cedar Point, the Bengals, and of course, the Buckeyes. :)

5. Tell us - how did you get into blogging in the first place? 

A few years ago, my husband suggested to me I start up a blog, and I tried but couldn't figure out how to set one up. Epic fail. >.< Plus I just didn't have the courage like I do now. Two years ago, he encouraged me to try again, and I finally did it. Now he wishes I wasn't as into it as I am, lol.

6. Apart from reading, what other hobbies/interests do you have?

I love to write stories and poems. I'm working on three different books right now. 0.0

I'm a huge music lover and go to as many concerts as I can afford! Last fall, I finally got to go to the Austin City Limits music festival and had a blast! I sing, hum, or whistle ALL the time. 

I'm obsessed with the 60's - the music, the culture, the fashion, lol. 

I love dyeing my hair in "unnatural" colors, well, unnatural unless you're an anime character, lol. My hair has gone from purple to pink to turquoise. :D 

I love tattoos - I have four so far and am working on sleeves. 

7. If you were stuck on a deserted island, which books would you bring with you?

Witch by Christopher Pike

Walking Dead graphic novels - as many as I can

Let's Pretend That Didn't Happen by Jenny Lawson

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

The Addicted to You series

Splintered & Unhinged

8. If you were stuck in some dangerous situation (like a fire, a sinking ship, a warzone), which book boy or girl would you want to come save you? 

Michonne from The Walking Dead hands down. (She's in the graphic novels, too). She's smart, strong, and levelheaded...not to mention I have a total girl crush on her! 

9. You're attending a party with you friends. Suddenly, the DJ changes the song and it's YOUR song - what song would that be?

"Kill the DJ" by Green Day LOL

10. What 3 movies would you love to have your favorite author write into books, or vice versa? 

Donnie Darko of course! I would LOVE it if that movie was a book! 

50 First Dates

Star Trek: Into Darkness

Book Blitz: Character Interview & Giveaway ~ Fractured Legacy (Darkness Bound #1) by Skye Callahan

Title: Fractured Legacy (Darkness Bound #1) 

Author: Skye Callahan

Publication date: October 22nd 2013

Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Blitz organized by: Xpresso Book Tours

~ Synopsis ~ 

Kaylyn Anderson's fascination with abandoned places and dark creatures kindled her work as a paranormal investigator. But when dreams begin to distort reality, she questions what is real and pulls away from everyone she trusts. The opportunity to investigate the Teague Hotel - a long-abandoned landmark that has always piqued her curiosity - provides a chance to redeem herself. Unraveling the hotel's secrets won't be easy, but Kaylyn soon finds herself the target of a dark entity that has been trapped in the building for decades. 

If Kaylyn stands any hope of defeating the spirit, she'll have to accept that her fears are real and convince fellow investigators that she hasn't lost her mind. 

Goodreads |  Pinterest | Chapter 1 & 2 | Giveaway

~ Meet the Author: Skye Callahan! ~

Skye Callahan was born and raised in Ohio and has seen enough unbelievable stuff to feed a lifetime of paranormal stories. When not writing or working at the dayjob she hangs out with her ethnomusicologist husband and pet ferrets, reads, and takes long walks through the cemetery. 

~ Social Links ~ 

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog 

~ Skye Interviews Jonah ~ 

Skye: Hi Jonah, thanks for agreeing to be interviewed.

Jonah: I don't recall having much of a choice in the matter.

Skye: Um... well, tell us a little about yourself.

Jonah: I'm originally from Minnesota, I moved around a lot and now I do research for Aicil and manage the office in Ohio. 

Skye: Can you be more specific? Tell us about some of the creatures you've tracked down for aicil! 

Jonah: *Grimaces* I'm not at liberty to openly discuss our work. 

Skye: Fine, are you at liberty to discuss your tattoos? 

Jonah: You've been talking to Kaylyn again, haven't you? You shouldn't listen to everything she says. 

Skye: Hah, I'm the one person in the world she can't lie to. 

Jonah: We'll see. 

Skye: (He looks like he's holding back a smile, but I can't really tell. Hmpf) You're just as bad with cryptic statements and secrets as Kaylyn. 

Jonah: Yes, but unlike Kaylyn I'm willing to concede when I know a secret could get people seriously hurt. Any more questions? 

Skye: *pauses* Are you ever wrong?

Jonah: *smirks, then his face hardens and becomes unreadable* Yes. I was wrong to let Kaylyn take the Teague Hotel case, and because of that, I risked both of our careers and her life. 

Skye: Any thoughts on what will happen with you two?

Jonah: I'm sure we will continue to berate each other for the foreseeable future. She and Cole seem to have a knack for attracting trouble. Whoever decided that assigning those sisters as partners should have his head examined. 

Skye: Wasn't that Carlisle? 

Jonah: Case and point. Are we done?

Skye: Fine. Go back to work.  

   

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Book Blitz ~ Interview & Giveaway: Sia by Josh Grayson

Hi! Welcome to the Sia Book Blitz hosted by Xpresso Book Tours. Make sure to scroll down to read the interview provided by the host of this blitz as well as to check out the giveaway for an eBook of Sia! :D 

Title: Sia

Author: Josh Grayson

Publication date: November 20th 2013

Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult

Blitz organized by: Xpresso Book Tours

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~ Synopsis ~

When seventeen-year-old Sia wakes up on a park bench, she has no idea who or where she is. Yet after a week of being homeless, she's reunited with her family. At school, she's powerful and popular. At home, she's wealthy beyond her dreams. But she quickly realizes her perfect life is a lie. Her family is falling apart and her friends are snobby, cruel, and plastic. Worse yet, she discovers she was the cruelest one. Mortified by her past, she embarks on a journey of redemption and falls for Kyle, the "geek" she once tormented. Yet all the time she wonders if, when her memories return, she'll become the bully she was before...and if she'll lose Kyle.  

~ Meet the Author: Josh Grayson! ~

Josh Grayson was born in Mexico, raised in Massachusetts, and now lives in Martinsville, Virginia. It was his move to the South that stirred his imagination and gave him the courage to start writing. During his free time, Josh enjoys reading, jogging, swimming, and watching YouTube videos. 

Josh currently works as a medical driver, shuttling people all over Virginia and North Carolina. He has also worked as a machinist, film sales rep, administrative assistant, and telemarketer (he apologizes if he called you).

Sia is his debut YA novel.

~ Social Links ~ 

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram   

Q & A 

If you could fly anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where would you most likely want to go?

Italy, simply because it's always ranked as having the best food in the world. Its beaches are nice too. I've Googled it. 

What is your favorite genre to read/write?

Young adult (YA), because those stories carry universal themes we can all relate to, a peek into the lives of characters who are more intriguing, real, and raw. 

What is one silly fact about you?

I can mimic Enrique Iglesias's voice pretty well. I sang "Hero" at a friend's birthday party once and received an enthusiastic response. Some applauded, others laughed. Overall, though, I felt good about my performance.

What got you started on your writing journey? 

My move from Massachusetts (where I'd lived most of my life) to Virginia. The first year here was difficult. I was alone, depressed, and in completely new surroundings. But it was here in the South that I began seeing all these stories in my head, and that my "writing gene" got activated. So it seems the old saying is true, everything does happen for a reason. 

Why do you choose to write clean/sweet romance? 

I didn't choose, per se. I just write whatever I see in my head. And so far, all the romantic parts have been sweet and clean, which is fine with me.

What other things do you have planned with your writing for the rest of the year 2013?

I'm working on another YA novel that Sia fans should enjoy as well. If things go according to plan, I'll publish that in the summer of 2014. 

What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer? 

Being able to partake in the wildest adventures imaginable, all without ever leaving your house.

Do you have a favorite comment or question from a reader? 

One reviewer said, "It, without a doubt, inspired me to find ways to help others in need. I'm looking into charity work." I loved hearing that, because that's exactly what I wanted Sia to do: to motivate others to become their best self, to make positive changes in the world, wherever they are. 

Where do your ideas come from? 

I find muses everywhere! In books, magazines, poems, movies, YouTube videos, and so much more. I always try to be receptive. You never know what might trigger your next story.

What inspired you to write Sia?

Initially? Oprah. (laughs). I saw an interview she did on a man with fugue amnesia that impacted me. Fugue amnesia occurs when someone, usually in response to excessive stress, takes off on some unexpected travel. And during the travels, that person assumes either a partial or complete new identity. I found it both fascinating and frightening to think that stress alone can cause the human brain to demand a reset like that. I often wonder why I haven't gotten fugue amnesia yet!

Is it true you wrote the screenplay adaptation as well?

Yes! I wrote it as soon as the book was finished. I'm about to hire a seasoned Hollywood screenwriter to polish it. When it is up to industry standards, we'll submit it to film companies and cross our fingers. I think Sia would translate wonderfully to film.

If you could sum your main character into five words, what would they be?

Determined. Compassionate. Humble. Kind. Brave.

Use no more than two sentences. Why should we read your book? 

Because I believe it will leave you touched, encouraged, and - of course - entertained. 

~ Giveaway ~ 

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Book Blitz: Interview & Giveaway ~ Creatura by Nely Cab

Title: Creatura

Author: Nely Cab 

Publication Date: August 6th 2013

Genre: YA Paranormal 

Blitz organized by: Xpresso Book Tours

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~Synopsis~

Isis can control her dreams. Or she could - until recently. The creature in her nightmares has been haunting her for months. As if being dumped wasn't bad enough, now she dreads going to sleep. She decides to confront the creature and win back some of her peace; only, she finds that he's not a monster and he's not a dream.

A sacrifice for love, a shocking discovery and a jealous ex-boyfriend blur the lines between reality and dreams, making it hard to tell who the real monsters are.

Who would've known...that sometimes love is lethal?

~Purchase Link~

Amazon  

~About the Author~

Nely Cab was born on December 9, 1974, in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. She has lived and resided in a small, quiet South Texas town most of her life. Putting her Computer Accounting skills to use, Nely worked in banking for several years. In 2001, the author relocated to Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, where she dedicated time to the study of culinary arts and the art of oil painting. After her return to the U.S., Nely resumed her employment in banking and later transitioned to the field of Social Work.

Today, Nely Cab writes from the comfort of her home, where she lives with her husband and son. Her life goal is to check-off Bucket List Item No. 95,623,351: To conquer the world. While she aspires world domination, Nely continues to work on her debut series Creatura.

~Author Links~

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter 

Now I'd like to share an interview with the author! :D  *Special note: The interview was provided by Xpresso Book Tours for this post. I didn't interview the author myself.*

1. Tell us 5 words to describe Creatura.

Love Story, Thrilling, Surprising, Different, Intoxicating

2. Which was the main reason you started writing it?

I started writing out of boredom and took it up as hobby. I had enjoyed writing when I was younger and decided that this was something that only required my imagination and my computer.

3.How do you see your future as a writer?

I try to stay positive about new doors being opened for me as a writer even though there is a lot of competition in the literary world. But for now, I will to continue writing for you and the rest of the YA reader out there and hope for the best in my future.

4. Do you find yourself reflected in any of the characters? In which one and in what way?

I find myself relating mostly to Nyx and Claire because they are both mothers and like to cook. They take care of their families and are ready to defend their children like a lioness.

5.  Tell us one favourite book you've read or you want to read (except yours , of course, hihi!)

I really want to read a lot of books, but one that has caught my eye recently is “Obsidian” by Jennifer L. Armentrout.

6. My interview ends here so I invite you to say something for my readers and your fans (or future fans).

I’d like you all to know that your support and your interest in “Creatura” overwhelm me. I never expected such a warm reception when I first published my book, especially not from people outside the U.S. I thought for a long time that no one would take interest in my novel. But now, to know that it will soon be in a country as beautiful as Romania and read by its people that are equally or more beautiful, gives me inspiration to write. Thank you for being a part of my world and a huge part of motivation.

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