Blog Tour - Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys

Title: Out of the Easy

Author: Ruta Sepetys

Publisher: Philomel Books

Release Date: February 12, 2013

Source: ARC from Publisher

Buy the Book: Amazon / Book Depository

It's 1950, and as the French Quarter of New Orleans simmers with secrets, seventeen-year-old Josie Moraine is silently stirring a pot of her own. Known among locals as the daughter of a brothel prostitute, Josie wants more out of life than the Big Easy has to offer. She devises a plan to get out, but a mysterious death in the Quarter leaves Josie tangled in an investigation that will challenge her allegiance to her mother, her conscience, and Willie Woodley, the brusque madam on Conti Street.

Josie is caught between the dream of an elite college and a clandestine underworld. New Orleans lures her in her quest for truth, dangling temptation at every turn, and escalating to the ultimate test. 

With characters as captivating as those in her internationally bestselling novel Between Shades of Grey, Ruta Sepetys skillfully creates a rich story of secrets, lies, and the haunting reminder that decisions can shape our destiny.

I remember when I first heard about Out of the Easy, I just knew this was a book I had to read. The synopsis just caught my attention and I kept thinking about what a story set in the French Quarter of New Orleans in the 1950s would be like. Now after having read the book, I can say that it was a fantastic story that also really moved me.

Josie Moraine knows how to take care of herself. With a mother like hers she didn't have any other choice but to make a life of her own, and has been doing so she was 12 years old. But despite everything, Josie can't just let her mother go and can't help wanting to protect her. But now that her mother has left town, Josie has a plan. She's applying to college and she's going to get out of New Orleans and away from all the people who know her only as a prostitute's daughter. But when a wealthy tourist turns up dead, Josie's plans take an unpredicted turn. Now trying to stay clear of danger even when danger comes knocking on her door, Josie is conflicted: should she leave everything behind and go or should she stay and help protect the people she loves.

The story in Out of the Easy is not about the plot, it's about the characters. But that doesn't mean the story wasn't beautifully written and didn't captivate me from start to finish. There was intrigue, love and loss all mixed together to make this fantastic story. The historical aspect of the story truly captivated me and Ruta Sepetys' writing made me feel like I was walking the French Quarter in New Orleans right along side Josie. I was transported back in time by the writing and I could just picture everything while I was reading. Though I said the story itself was more about the characters, that doesn't mean there wasn't a plot at all. Because there was, and it kept me interested the whole way through. I just wanted to know what would come of everything and if something would finally go right for Josie because she more than deserved it. And as you may have gathered, the plot was all about the characters, their relationships and their growth.

Josie was so interesting to read about. She has never had an easy life but she never let that deter her from going after what she wanted. Her mother may have been one of the worst mothers I have ever read about, but still Josie found a way to make her own life, learning early on that if she wanted something she would have to go for it herself. And throughout the book it was just really interesting to see her coming to terms with everything that has happened to her and learning from those experiences to move forward. By the end of the book I was really happy to see just how far Josie had come. The other characters in the book, though they were not necessarily as prominent as Josie were still all fully fleshed out. I could so easily picture Cokie driving around in his cab, Sadie in the kitchen going about her business unable to say a word, Willie fiercely protective of Josie even though she didn't owe her a thing or Patrick going about his business in the store, getting excited about books. It was really great to see that though her family was a mess, Josie had all those other people around her willing to step in and do just about anything for her. And best of all was Jesse, even though Josie didn't realise he had been there all along until it was almost too late.

Ruta Sepetys' Out of the Easy was an absolutely fantastic read. From the very first page, the atmosphere of the book drew me in and I was right there in the French Quarter in 1950. Even if historical fiction is not something you tend to enjoy, you can't go wrong with Out of the Easy. You should really give it a try.

Double Cover Reveal: Cold Fury and Flicker & Burn by T.M. Goeglein + Giveaway

Today I have the pleasure of revealing the cover for two books. One is a redesign, and the other is for the sequel. So without further ado, here are the covers for Cold Fury and Flicker & Burn by T.M. Goeglein.

The thrill ride that began in Cold Fury kicks into high gear in Flicker & Burn, as the threats to Sara Jane Rispoli come at her from all directions. She continues the desperate search for her missing family, but this time she’s on the run from creepy beings with red, pulsing eyes and ghostly white skin chasing her through the streets of Chicago in black ice cream trucks – they can only be described as Ice Cream Creatures. They're skeletal and ferocious, hell-bent on catching or killing her, but also a weird link to her family, a clue to where they might be and who has them.

While Sara Jane battles these new pursuers, she learns painful lessons about the phenomenon that possesses her, cold fury. At the same time, she’s uncovering buried secrets about the misdeeds of her family – old murders and blood vendettas – that might be connected to the disappearance of her mom, dad, and brother. The mysteries, violence, and constant state of chasing or being chased could be the undoing of her relationship with handsome Max Kissberg. Despite the love growing between them, Sara Jane can’t tell him the truth about her life, and fears for his safety.

Not only do the Ice Cream Creatures display the grisly amputated finger of her mom to prove their viciousness, and not only does Lucky, the Outfit Boss of Bosses, whistle in Sara Jane for a sit-down with deadly consequences, but her gorgeous cousin, Heather Richards, enters the scene, as well. All that matters to Sara Jane is saving her family and keeping everyone she loves alive and safe. But the forces she encounters, both external and the ones crackling inside of her, fight her every step of the way.

If you haven't read it already, you can pick up a paperback copy of Cold Fury in June 2013, which will give you plenty of time to read it before the release of the sequel, Flicker & Burn, in August 2013.

And now for the giveaway:

There is ONE ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of Flicker & Burn up for grabs. To enter, just fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway is open to US only.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: The Friday Society by Adrienne Kress

Title: The Friday Society

Author: Adrienne Kress

Publisher: Dial

Release Date: December 6, 2012

Source: ARC from Publisher

Buy the Book: Amazon / Book Depository

An action-packed tale of gowns, guys, guns--and the heroines who use them all.

Set in turn of the century London, The Friday Society follows the stories of three very intelligence and talented young women, all of whom are assistants to powerful men: Cora, lab assistant; Michiko, Japanese fight assistant; and Nellie, magician's assistant. The three young women's lives become inexorably intertwined after a chance meeting at a ball that ends with the discovery of a murdered mystery man.

It's up to these three, in their own charming but bold way, to solve the murder--and the crimes they believe may be connected to it--without calling too much attention to themselves.

Set in the past but with a modern irreverent flare, this Steampunk whodunit introduces three unforgettable and very ladylike--well, relatively ladylike--heroines poised for more dangerous adventures.

A steampunk story about kick-ass girls? Count me in. The Friday Society by Adrienne Kress was a fantastic and fun story about three girls who definitely weren't afraid of much and didn't let anything stand in their way. I am such a sucker for books about girl power and this one ended up being right up my alley.

Cora, Nellie and Michiko had never met each other but one fateful night brought them together, and from then on their paths kept on crossing. Together they decide to solve a mystery the police hasn't deemed important enough and each brings something different to the table. Cora, an inventor's assistant can solve any problem thrown her way and can organize like no one else. Nellie, a magician's assistant can pull off just about any trick. Michiko, a Japanese fighter can can herself out of any tricky situation with the help of her katana. Together they form quite the formidable trio. And there is little that together they cannot face. And all in an almost lady-like fashion.

So I love Steampunk stories. And I love stories about kick-ass girls. So basically The Friday Society  by Adrienne Kress was the perfect book for me. And once I started reading the story really didn't disappoint me. It always felt like there was something happening and often whatever was happening was quite the adventure. And if that wasn't enough, there was just the right amount of humour in The Friday Society. I often had a smile on my face while reading, if I wasn't actually laughing out loud, which actually happened on many occasions. I have to say that those chapter titles had an important part to play in why I was often smiling while reading. They were totally appropriate for the story and fit right in with everything else that was going on.

So like I've said before, this story is about some pretty kick-ass girls. Before I get into each of the girls specifically, let me just say that I loved the way each of the girls was introduced. Every time one of the girls was introduced there seemed to be an explosion. And that wasn't even the craziest thing to happen to any of the girls. Each of them brought something different to the table. Cora is quite the intelligence and resourceful young woman. Despite her modest background, she has managed to make so much for herself, especially considering the times she is living in. Nellie isn't afraid to tell it like it is, and she often had me laughing on multiple occasions with the way she talked. And Michiko, she was quiet and reserved but she was a fantastic fighter. Together they made quite the unlikely trio and I think that's what made them so endearing. They were just so unexpected that they basically worked. And they were a lot of fun to read about.

The Friday Society by Adrienne Kress was a fantastic read. Though I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from it, it was also one that took me by surprise. It wasn't long before I found myself being unable to flip the pages fast enough. You can be sure that I will be looking out for more by Adrienne Kress in the future.

Blog Tour: Venom by Fiona Paul

Title: Venom (The Secrets of the Eternal Rose #1)

Author: Fiona Paul

Publisher: Philomel

Release Date: October 30, 2012

Source: ARC from Publisher

Buy the Book: Amazon / Book Depository

Cassandra Caravello is one of Renaissance Venice's lucky elite: with elegant gowns, sparkling jewels, her own lady's maid, and a wealthy fiancé, she has everything a girl could desire. Yet ever since her parents' death, Cassandra has felt trapped, alone in a city of water, where the dark and labyrinthine canals whisper of escape.

When Cass stumbles upon a murdered woman--practically in her own backyard--she's drawn into a dangerous world of courtesans, killers, and secret societies. Soon, she finds herself falling for Falco, a mysterious artist with a mischievous grin…and a spectacular skill for trouble. Can Cassandra find the murderer, before he finds her? And will she stay true to her fiancé, or succumb to her uncontrollable feelings for Falco?

Beauty, love, romance, and mystery wave together in a stunning novel that's as seductive and surprising as the city of Venice itself.

The Italian Renaissance is without a doubt my favorite period of history. So when I first heard about Fiona Paul's Venom, I just knew that I had to read the book. Not only does it take place during the Renaissance, but it is also set in Venice which is an amazing city. And then I started reading and I found myself being carried away to another time and place.

Cassandra Caravello has always had everything she needed, being part of the elite of Renaissance Venice. But lately, Cass has wanted to escape the future that has all been planned out for her, especially her marriage to reliable Luca da Peraga. While out wandering the cemetery next to her aunt's villa, Cass meets Falco, a mysterious artist who makes Cass believe she might be able to escape her future. But then dead bodies start appearing all over town, and Cass decides to investigate with Falco's help. Though Cass may not be completely safe, and even the people she thinks she can trust might not be who she thinks they are. And the more time she spends with Falco, the more Cass wants to believe she can have a future different from the one that has been all laid out for her.

I absolutely love the Renaissance. It is not a period I would have liked to live in at all, but it is by far one of my favorite periods of history to study. And I love Italy, especially Venice. I've been lucky enough to visit the city and it was amazing. So when I heard about a YA novel set in Renaissance Venice, I knew I had to get my hands on it. And when I started reading, I immediately felt myself transported to another world. I found myself getting carried away reading, picturing the city alongside Cass. And to make things better, the story had that element of mystery that I absolutely love. Fiona Paul kept me guessing about who the guilty party was the throughout the entire story. But that wasn't all. The writing itself was was magical, and all the little details are what allowed me to be transported to another time and place. I can only assume an incredible amount of research went into the writing of Venom and that was made the story so believable while I was reading it. And that still wasn't all. The romance in Venom was sensual in a way that fit perfectly with the Italian Renaissance. Lust was everywhere, but love wasn't instantaneous. Instead, I got to see Cass's relationship with Falco and Luca as more of a courtship, again, fitting in perfectly with the time period. But what made the romance as great as it was are the characters themselves.

Cass was so different from what I expected. Knowing this was a book set in the Renaissance, I expected a typical Renaissance young lady. But that was not at all who Cass was. Sure, on the outside that's how she portrayed herself, but then below the surface there was this rebellious and adventurous girl who was just dying to come out. And that's the side of Cass I loved so much. I have to admit I also loved the side of Cass that came out whenever Falco was around. Around him, she was someone who wasn't afraid of saying what was on her mind, or doing whatever she wanted to do. And I think Falco's personality had something to do with that. Falco was definitely rebellious, but as an artist he was also a bit of a dreamer. And though he had his flaws, I could see what Cass saw in him. But there was also Luca, Cass's fiancé, and he was just as mysterious and intriguing as Falco. And he had this fiercely protective streak, willing to do anything to keep Cass out of danger. And Cass was torn between Falco and Luca, and I can see why.

Fiona Paul's Venom was a magical read. The writing took me to another time and place and as I was reading I could picture Venice in all of its Renaissance glory. This was a story that mixed mystery and romance in just the right doses, making it difficult to leave the story. My only wish is that I already had Belladonna, the sequel, to read. 

Waiting On Wednesday (65)

For those who don't know, Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine where book bloggers showcase books they are particularly looking for to. For the next few weeks, I'm going to be doing this a little differently. Like I did last year, each week I will be talking about books that are coming out early next year from different publishers. Up this week are January 2013 releases coming for Penguin/RazOrbill Canada.

Just One Day by Gayle Forman
January 8, 2013

A breathtaking journey toward self-discovery and true love, from the author of If I Stay.

When sheltered American good girl Allyson "LuLu" Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there's an undeniable spark. After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines.

Just One Day is the first in a sweepingly romantic duet of novels. Willem's story--Just One Year--is coming soon!

Do I even have to explain why I am beyond excited to read Just One Day by Gayle Forman? This story just sounds like something that will completely suck me in and I know from reading Gayle Forman's other books that my heart will inevitably be breaking while reading this book. But it's not like that's going to stop me from reading Just One Day.

Rise by Andrea Cremer

January 8, 2013

The sequel to Rift and the prequel to the New York Times bestselling novel Nightshade.

Everything Conatus stands for is at risk. Hoping to gather enough resistance to save their order, Ember and Barrow attempt a desperate escape. But fate offers little mercy. When their mission is exposed, the couple face relentless pursuit by the supernatural horrors that act on the commends of Eira's ally: the mysterious Bosque Mar. A shocking revelation forces Ember out of hiding, sending her back into the heart of dark magic at Tearmunn keep, where she must convince her old friend Alistair of her love or face dire consequences. Ember's deception offers the only chance for the resistance to succeed, but what she discovers in the shadows beneath the keep will shatter her world and bring about the Witches's War.

Richly sensual and full of magic, action and danger, Andrea Cremer's fifth book set in the Nightshade world is an edge-of-your-seat page turner.

I still have to read the first Nightshade prequel, Rift, but that is not stopping me from being excited about the release of the sequel. Rift is on my to-read pile for the Christmas holidays, that way I will be ready for Rise when it comes out in January. And I just know this book will look pretty on shelf what with the shimmery cover and everything.

The Gypsy King by Maureen Fergus

January 2013 (RazOrbill Canada)

A runaway slave with a shadowy past, sixteen-year-old Persephone has spent four long years toiling beneath the leering gaze of her despised owner and dreaming of a life where she is free to shape her own destiny. Then, one night, a chance encounter with a handsome chicken thief named Azriel changes her life.

Sold to him for a small bag of gold coins, Persephone soon discovers what she already suspected: namely, that Azriel is not what he seems. And when she realizes that he believes Persephone has a special destiny--she is determined to escape him and his impossibly broad shoulders.

But things are no longer as simple as they one were.

Torn between her longing for freedom and her undeniable feelings for the handsome thief with the fast hands and the slow smile, Persephone faces the hardest choice she will ever have to make.

And no one--least of all her--could have imagined the shocking truth her decisions will reveal.

It wasn't until I went through RazOrbill Canada's Winter 2013 catalogue that I discovered Maureen Fergus' The Gypsy King. But then I read the summary for the book and it sounded like something I would definitely be interested in reading. I'll just have to wait for January to see what this one is all about. 

So these are the Penguin/RazOrbill Canada January 2013 titles I'm looking forward to. Just from preparing all these posts I know that my wallet will be in pain come the new year, but that doesn't stop from being excited about all of these titles. Once again, January 2013 can't come soon enough!