LIES WE TELL OURSELVES

The Book

Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley
Genre: YA | american literary fiction

About Lies We Tell Ourselves:

It’s 1959. The battle for civil rights is raging. And it’s Sarah’s first day of school as one of the first black students at previously all-white Jefferson High. No one wants Sarah there. Not the Governor. Not the teachers. And certainly not the students – especially Linda, daughter of the town’s most ardent segregationist. Sarah and Linda are supposed to despise each other. But the more time they spend together, the less their differences matter. And both girls start to feel something they’ve never felt before. Something they’re determined to ignore.

Source: Info in the About Lies We Tell Ourselves was from the press kit from the publicity team.

Buy Link(s):


The Buzz

Because it’s one thing to stand up to an unjust world – but another to be terrified of what’s in your own heart 'This is so thought-provoking it almost hurts to read it, yet every word is needed, is necessary and consequently this is a novel that lingers long after you've finished it' - Lovereading

‘Lies We Tell Ourselves is a powerful, important story that I can’t recommend enough’ - Paperback’d Reviews

‘I want to recommend this book to everyone. This book will make you angry, it will make you cry, but it will also make you smile.’- No More Than Books

a Harlequin title

www.mirabooks.co.uk | twitter | facebook

Meet The Author

About Robin Talley:

I grew up in Roanoke, Virginia, and escaped to Washington, D.C., at the first opportunity. I now live with my wife, our antisocial cat, and our goofy hound dog on Capitol Hill and work for a progressive nonprofit organization. I spend my nights and weekends writing young adult fiction about LGBT characters, reading books, and enjoying The Daenerys Show (you may know it as Game of Thrones).

My first novel, Lies We Tell Ourselves, will be released Sept. 30, 2014, by Harlequin Teen. It's set in 1959 Virginia, and it's about a black girl who's one of the first to integrate an all-white high school, and the white girl with whom she ultimately falls in love. My next book, Unbreakable, follows a high school couple -- Gretchen, who identifies as a lesbian, and Toni, who identifies as genderqueer -- whose relationship is tested when they're separated for their first year of college.

My website is at http://www.robintalley.com. You can reach me on Twitter at @robin_talley or by email at robintalley678 at gmail.com.

www.robintalley.com | twitter | facebook | goodreads

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In The Mail: PUSHING THE LIMITS

This is what Mr. Mailman had waiting for me when I got home today!

Thank you to the publisher/PR team for the review copy of Pushing The Limits by Kate McGarry received!

Pushing The Limits by Kate McGarry

About Pushing The Limits:

"I won't tell anyone, Echo. I promise." Noah tucked a curl behind my ear. It had been so long since someone touched me like he did. Why did it have to be Noah Hutchins? His dark brown eyes shifted to my covered arms. "You didn't do that-did you? It was done to you?" No one ever asked that question. They stared. They whispered. They laughed. But they never asked.

"An edgy romance that pulls you in and never lets go. I was hooked!"-Gena Showalter, New York Times bestselling author of the Intertwined series

So wrong for each other...and yet so right.

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible. Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

Source: Info in the About Pushing The Limits was taken from GoodReads at http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10194514-pushing-the-limits on 13/06/2012.

Author Spotlight: MELISSA DARNELL

Author Melissa Darnell!

Melissa Darnell is a book lover through and through. In addition to authoring a growing list of adult and YA fiction and nonfiction books on a wide assortment of topics and genres, she is also a freelance book editor, layout and cover designer, and ebook formatter with more than 75 books to her professional credit. She wrote her first story in the third grade, was first published in the sixth grade when her poem was selected for an anthology, and has since won several regional and national essay contests with prizes ranging from the complete Harry Potter collection in hardback to an actual horse with a year's worth of feed in the 1992 Ponies of America essay contest. Born in California, she grew up in East Texas and has also called the following states home at one time or another: Utah, West Virginia, Louisiana, Alabama, Kentucky, and Iowa. A former award-winning dancer with 12 years' formal training in jazz, tap, and ballet, she currently lives in South Dakota with her husband and two children, where she enjoys watching Whale Wars, UFC matches and True Blood, trying out new hair colors, designing fun stuff to sell in the virtual world of Second Life, and of course writing her latest book!

Author Link(s):
www.melissadarnell.com
Book Link(s):
www.theclannseries.com
Buy Link(s):
Barnes & Noble
Amazon US
Amazon UK

Crave by Melissa Darnell
Book 1 of The Clann series
Genre: urban fantasy romance

About Crave:

Savannah Colbert has never known why she's so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It's as if he's a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she's destined to fail. For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back…different, and suddenly he can't stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences….

Source: Info in the About Crave was taken from GoodReads at http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11164626-crave on 08/03/2012.

Guest Post: MARIA V. SNYDER & Get A Chance To Win An iPad

Touch of Power is my ninth novel. Ninth! I’m still a bit surprised. I know what you’re thinking – you wrote them all, surely it isn’t a real surprise – is it? No, but... You see back when I was sending my first book around to publishers, I despaired at ever getting one book published, let alone nine. I did my research and knew the odds weren't good, and read the horror stories of authors being orphaned (where their editors quit and no other editor at the publisher wants them).So when I got “the call” for Poison Study I was thrilled, but wary until I signed the contract. But even then I couldn't really celebrate. I worried someone at my publisher would decide the book was horrible and refuse to print it. It was similar to a very long pregnancy (two years in this case). You know there is a book/baby coming, you can see/feel the stirrings of life (cover art, edits, promotional plans, etc...) yet you worry – will the book be well-received (will the baby be healthy?). It wasn't until the baby was born (or rather printed) that I could truly celebrate. But new worries start – reviews, sales, and will my publisher want another book? I had made sure to thank everyone and I mean everyone in my first book's acknowledgements just in case I didn't get another chance :)So you would think after going through nine pregnancies that I'd be calm, cool, and relaxed. Then you'd be wrong. ;> Now I have loyal readers who I don't want to disappoint. And Touch of Power has all new characters, magic, and a new world – would it be liked as well as my others? See?But it's not all worry and angst :) Each book is also thrilling and it's gratifying to see it on the shelf – yes, even the ninth one! Reader emails are still precious to me and I'm enjoying book signings just as much today as seven years ago. And I'm sure I'll be amazed when book number ten is published. Ten? Gulp!

Author Link(s):
Maria V. Snyder

Book Link(s):
www.touchofpower.com
GoodReads

Publisher Link(s):
Mira Ink
Mira at Facebook

Touch Of Power by Maria V. Snyder
Book 1 of the Healer trilogy

Genre: fantasy

About Touch Of Power:

The Fifteen Realms is in a state of turmoil, reeling from a ruthless plague that has ripped through the lands killing thousands. Now the realms are on the brink of war as potential leaders vie for power, using whatever horrific means possible.At one time revered for her healing abilities, Avry of Kazan is in hiding from those who wish to manipulate her powers to further their own cause. But when Avry heals a sick child, she is captured, facing the guillotine for using her forbidden magic. That is until she is rescued by the mysterious Kerrick and his band of men, who need Avry to save their dying friend, Prince Ryne. Having heard of Ryne’s various atrocities, Avry is more than reluctant, but with a bounty on her head, she needs their protection. In a quest across the Nine Mountains, encountering man-eating ufas, armies of the undead and gangs of mercenaries, the group battles to reach Ryne before the armies of the power-hungry Tohon and the evil Estrid can capture any more land.With Kerrick promising that Ryne is the answer to peace for the Fifteen Realms, Avry must make the ultimate decision. Either way she faces a certain death – but should she trust Kerrick and heal Ryne, or die a martyr to a lost cause

Source: Info in the About Touch Of Power was taken from the blog tour press release.

My review of Touch Of Power is HERE.

Win An iPad!
Create a video review of A Touch of Power and be in with a chance of winning an iPad!

Maria V. Snyder has teamed up with top teen mag Mizz to give you the chance to win an iPad and be the official book review for MizzMag TV to boot! All you need to do to enter is make a video review of A Touch of Power. MIRA Ink is giving away free review copies to the first 50 people who get in touch, so visit facebook/MIRAInk for more details on how to get involved! Also, check out Mizz Mag TV at www.youtube.com/user/MizzMagTV for an exclusive video of Maria talking about her new Healer series!

Review: TOUCH OF POWER

Touch Of Power by Maria V. Snyder
Book 1 of the Healer trilogy

Genre: fantasy
Publication Date: 6th January 2012

About Touch Of Power:

The Fifteen Realms is in a state of turmoil, reeling from a ruthless plague that has ripped through the lands killing thousands. Now the realms are on the brink of war as potential leaders vie for power, using whatever horrific means possible.

At one time revered for her healing abilities, Avry of Kazan is in hiding from those who wish to manipulate her powers to further their own cause. But when Avry heals a sick child, she is captured, facing the guillotine for using her forbidden magic. That is until she is rescued by the mysterious Kerrick and his band of men, who need Avry to save their dying friend, Prince Ryne. Having heard of Ryne’s various atrocities, Avry is more than reluctant, but with a bounty on her head, she needs their protection. In a quest across the Nine Mountains, encountering man-eating ufas, armies of the undead and gangs of mercenaries, the group battles to reach Ryne before the armies of the power-hungry Tohon and the evil Estrid can capture any more land.

With Kerrick promising that Ryne is the answer to peace for the Fifteen Realms, Avry must make the ultimate decision. Either way she faces a certain death – but should she trust Kerrick and heal Ryne, or die a martyr to a lost cause

Source: Info in the About Touch Of Power was taken from the blog tour press release.

Review:

I thought that this would be another series in the Yelena Zaltana world just like the Opal Cowan trilogy was. But no, the Healer trilogy is a totally different world from the Yelena Zaltana one. Still of the fantasy genre though, but totally different worlds. Although I find the magic system is somewhat similar.

Having read the previous work of this author, I knew that she has a real weakness in the plot building, i.e., Opal Cowan trilogy (I blame it on the weak plot anyway). So even before I started reading this book, I was kinda dreading what kind of plot this book might have. But I worried for no reason! The plot is good and the story ended with a satisfying resolution. Although the ending also made room for more in the story, but we know already that this is gonna be a trilogy. However despite that, the ending did a good job of resolving the main dilemma in the story.

Maybe it's just me, but I seem to be developing a fixation for bad guys. Tohon is sounding like an anti-hero I could like... I think Alexander Skarsgard would make a good Tohon... for those of you who've read this book, don't you think so?

Another thing I can say about this book is that it retained the wonderful story telling quality that I've come to know with Maria V. Snyder. It made the reading time whiz pass and before I knew it, I was at the ending and I wanted to read more! Unfortunately I have to wait until next year for the next book. Next year!!

Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 5
Character development = 4
Story itself = 4
Ending = 4
World building = 5
Plot = 4
Cover art = 4
Pace = 4

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 cherries

Author Link(s):
Maria V. Snyder

Book Link(s):
www.touchofpower.com
GoodReads

Publisher Link(s):
Mira Ink
Mira at Facebook

Thank you to the publisher/PR team for the review copy of Touch Of Power by Maria V. Snyder received.

Review: THE IRON DAUGHTER

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
Book 2 of the Iron Fey Series

Genre: YA, urban fantasy

About The Iron Daughter:

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.
Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

Source: Info in the About The Iron Daughter was taken from GoodReads at http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7747064-the-iron-daughter on 24/08/2011.

Review:

The way the writer painted the story to life is quite breathtaking in this second book, The Iron Daughter. The surroundings and new characters was really imaginative. I also like the inner message of the story. The reality of the past fading and modernisation taking over. That's so true.

Meghan Chase was still not my cup off tea in this book but I pushed through, because the story did it for me, it kept me from wanting to find out more and explore Nevernever further.

I have to say I thought I would not enjoy this book as much, but I was wrong. It had everything in it. War (well 2 wars intertwined into 1), deseat, cheat, crimson and so mush more. And the twists.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Can't wait for the third book. Its got this book to contend with.

Books In The Iron Fey Series:


Thank you to Mira Ink for the review copy of The Iron King by Julie Kagawa received!