Entries Tagged 'Romance' ↓
March 6th, 2010 — Fantasy, Giveaway, Romance
Q: How do you know if you're writing for young adults?
Is the book you're writing a YA, or could the story be told better in an adult novel? Here are three ways to know, according to Bonnie Hearn Hill. Bonnie has helped many writers break into print. Ask her a question, and her favorite one will win a copy of Aries Rising.
- Is your protagonist a teen?
- Have you read YA novels, and are you comfortable with the language and pacing of teen books?
- Do you have a high-concept idea, something that might lend itself to a series?
If so, start researching these books--how many words they contain, what topics have been done and overdone.
ARIES RISING
Love is in the Stars!
Details: It's the first book of the series to publish, with the second (Taurus Eyes) and third (Gemini Night) book out this summer and fall.
When Logan McRae discovers a magical book called Fearless Astrology, all she wants is to change her sucky life. In order to get into the summer writing camp of her dreams, she needs the recommendation of her stubborn and irritable English teacher Mr. Franklin. Logan also has her eye on Nathan, the hottest guy in class. Unfortunately, so does popular, beyond-gorgeous Geneva, editor of the high school paper.
Logan's two best friends, Chili and Paige, are always there to give her the advice she needs. But now that she has Fearless Astrology, Logan discovers a whole new way to overcome her dilemmas-while helping the three of them land
the guys they're crushing on.
When the Gears, a group of boys, starts causing trouble in school and out, she decides to identify them using astrology. Her goal: to impress Mr. Franklin, Nathan, and the kids who believe she is faking her newfound knowledge. The answers are in the stars, all right, but can Logan decipher them before it is too late?
Buy: Star Crossed: Aries Rising
Bonnie poses with hip hop artist B-Smoove (right) and his group. They met when both were being interviewed at a Sacramento television station, and were soon talking about writing and astrology.
Q: What inspired you to write the Star Crossed Series?
Bonnie: An interest in astrology along with her close friendship with Cosmo Magazine Astrologer Hazel Dixon-Cooper inspired the Star Crossed series: Aries Rising, Taurus Eyes, and Gemini Night.
Q: What’s your sign?
Bonnie: I’m a double Gemini, saved by an Aquarius Moon. Air and Fire with very little Earth.
Giveaway:
One copy of Aries Rising to a reader! To enter: Leave a comment telling us your astrology sign, ask Bonnie a question, and/or tell us why you want to win Aries Rising! One entry per relevant comment; multiple entries allowed. Open to US and International Readers. Ends March 31, 2010. Good luck!
There's also a contest for an iPod Touch involved for those who enter. The drawing for the iPod Touch will happen at the end of March, 2010. Those details can be found at MotherofConfusion.com. (iPod Touch is also open to International readers.)
Buy: Star Crossed: Aries Rising
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February 15th, 2010 — 3.5-4 Treasure Chests, Book Review, Family Life, Historical Fiction, M-O, Romance
by Captain Lyaf Yarr
Title: Sarah Plain and Tall
Author: Patricia MacLachlan
Format: Paperback
# of pages: 58 pages
Grade Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Summary: When Anna and Caleb's dad invites a mail ordered bride to come and stay with them for a month all they want is for her to stay. But will their fathers' and Sarah s' differences get in the way? Or well the month she's with them be a waste of time?
Why I Started the Book:
I started this book because I was going through my bookshelf and both my sister and my mom said they really enjoyed it so I thought that I would give it a try.
Likes:
- I liked the character Sarah. She's a very independent woman for her time. She answers an ad for a mail order bride but sets her own rules. She'll come out for a trial period and then decide!
- I liked how Sarah was honest from the beginning about herself and her expectations. She didn't act like she was coming for the love of their father, but just to help them out. She's not afraid to get down and dirty.
Dislikes:
- This book was good but I wish it was longer and that more happened in it.
- I wished that the kids made something happen, like if they didn't want Sarah to be their mother then they would try to make bad things happen to her. They didn't really do anything. They were good kids and just agreed to everything and were excited and happy. Not much conflict there.
Last minute thoughts: Sarah describes herself as “Plain and Tall” but really she's not plain at all. I also searched this book on Amazon and I found out that there is a movie to this book! So I will get the movie from the library and watch it!
Buy: Sarah, Plain and Tall
Book Rating: I give this book 3.5 treasure chests!
February 3rd, 2010 — 4.5-5 Treasure Chests, Book Review, M-O, Paranormal, Romance, YA Genre
by Captain Lyaf Yarr
Title: Twilight
Author: Stephenie Meyers
Page Count: 498
Format: Paper back
Grade Reading Level: 9 - 12
Summary: Bella Swan moves to a small town called Forks in Washington, USA and meets a different boy, Edward Cullen. He’s more than a little different; he’s a vampire. Bella doesn’t know this, yet but as she gets more clues she figures it all out. Once she does, Bella and Edward sit down for a heart to heart talk. It creates a whole new relationship. Will Edward and Bella fall in love? Will he lose control and kill Bella? Read to find out!
Why did you read the book:
I read this book because I wanted to see the movie
, and in order to see the movie my eldest sister told me I had to read the book and so that’s exactly what I did.
Likes:
- I enjoy the idea of vampires in a romance novel! He loves you so much he wants to drink your blood - that's hot.
- I love all of the characters in this book, it wouldn’t be Twilight as we know it without them all. The Cullens are a great part of the book. They are a fantastic family.
- Edward’s and Bella’s chemistry is one of the best parts of the book. It’s AWESOME! Won't spoil you further you have to read the book for yourself!
- One of the best parts of this book is the action! It’s probably the BEST (and only) action filled romance book I’ve ever read. James is scary.
Dislikes:
- I don’t like Jacob Black! He likes Bella and loathes Edward, it just doesn’t make sense who (how can you not LOVE Edward Cullen?!?). Go team Edward!
Buy: Twilight (paperback)
, The Twilight Saga Collection in Hardback (Books 1-4)
Book Rating: I give this book 4 ½ treasure chests! It was greatly written and every part caught my attention!
Originally posted 2009-09-16 03:43:01.
February 1st, 2010 — 3.5-4 Treasure Chests, Book Review, M-O, Paranormal, Romance, YA Genre
by Captain Lyaf Yarr
Title: New Moon
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Page Count: 563
Format: Paperback
Grade Reading Level: 9 -12
Summary: New Moon begins when Edward Cullen leaves Bella Swan in Forks to make sure he doesn’t kill her. Edward leaving Bella is as bad in her mind as if he or his family had killed her. But then Jacob Black comes along and gives her a shoulder to cry on. Their relationship becomes stronger and weaker at the same time... see Jacob can be a good friend, but he doesn't want to be a friend, he wants more. Eventually one of Bella’s daredevil antics triggers an anomaly in Alice’s visions which starts a whole world of trouble for Edward, Bella, and the Cullens.
Why I Started This Book:
I began this book because, I read the first book in the series and I thought the second one would be just as well. Also I wanted to see the movie and I couldn’t unless I read it before the movie. I read it so early because, I thought I would read it just as slow as I did Twilight, but I read it much faster.
Likes:
- I liked when Bella opened the door to her house and all we know is vampire. It could have been Victoria! It was Alice and then I was worried about Edward and just had to finish the book that night to find out what happen.
- I enjoyed the scene in Italy when Bella shoves her way between all those people in the square to get to Edward and stop him before he revels himself as a vampire to humans.
- One of the best parts of this book was when the Cullens voted to decide if Bella would become a vampire or not. Loved the result even if Edward didn't!
Dislikes:
- I disliked most of this book because of Jacob. He's so pushy. He's always looking for angles.
- I don’t like how Jacob assumes that Jacob and Bella are now a couple now that Edward’s gone and calls her names like honey.
- I don’t understand why people think Jacob is so nice and innocent. He's a good guy, sure, but he's pretty incapable of accepting just Bella's friendship. Who needs that drama?
Last Minute Thoughts: This book was good but it I'd read the first book again if I had a choice between the two. Stupid Jacob! BLAH! He ruins most of the book, but luckily Edward comes back and saves it! Sparkles over fur! I can’t wait till the movie! I hope it’s just as good as the first one.
Buy: New Moon (paperback)
, Entire Twilight Saga Unabridged CD Package (4 audio books)
, New Moon (Paperback Spanish Edition)
, The Twilight Saga Collection in Hardback (Books 1-4)
Book Rating: I give this book 3.5 Treasure Chests.
Originally posted 2009-09-30 03:09:40.
January 23rd, 2010 — 3.5-4 Treasure Chests, Movie Review, Paranormal, Romance
by Captain Lyaf Yarr
Title: Twilight
Director: Catherine Hardwicke
Run Time: 122 minutes
Rated: PG 13
Summary: Bella Swan moves to the little town of Forks and meets a handsome boy named Edward Cullen. But what she doesn’t know is his secret, that he and his family are vampires. Will Edward be able to save her... from himself? Can the lion love a lamb? When Bella finally finds out it brings danger in everyone’s lives. Will Bella survive?
Why I watched this movie:
I watched this movie because, I heard it was good. Also, I read the book and I wanted to compare the book to the movie. Plus I wanted to see Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen!
Likes:
- I enjoyed when Edward sparkled!
- I liked the scene when Edward and Bella are officially dating and they go to school and everybody is staring at them. Edward in sunglasses is hot.
- I liked the actor Cam Gigandet (James). I think he did a good job. He looked scary and like he was going to kill someone.
- The last scene when Bella expects Edward to bite her and he doesn’t but, kisses her neck! So cute.
- One of my favorite scenes is when Edward takes Bella to their house and the Cullens make Italian for her.
Dislikes:
- I think it would be better if the actresses Nikki Reed (Rosalie) and Rachelle Lefevre (Victoria) switched places. I think Rachelle is prettier than Nikki, and would be a better actress for Rosalie.
- I disliked that in the beginning Edward was in Bellas’ room without her knowing, watching her sleep. (I wouldn’t like it if someone was watching me sleep... it was okay after she invited him to do so, to each their own you know.)
Buy: Twilight (Two-Disc Special Edition), Twilight [Blu-ray]
Movie Rating: I give this movie 4 treasure chests! I enjoyed every scene and line, and I Loved all the actors.
Originally posted 2009-09-22 03:25:38.
