#BIR2012: Last Rite by Lisa Desrochers - Interview + Giveaway

The 7th and finally day of #BIR2012 has just begun! 

Here are important details to know during #BIR2012: Make sure to follow and keep up with the main site: Best I've Read then check out the #BIR2012 Blog Roll:

On the Best I've Read Site these are the 5 days of books featured: 

Monday:

PUSHING THE LIMITS by Katie McGarry - Post LINK

THE RAVEN BOYS by Maggie Stiefvater - Post LINK

Tuesday:

INSURGENT by Veronica Roth - Post LINK

PANDEMONIUM by Lauren Oliver - Post LINK

Wednesday:

GRAVE MERCY by R.L. LaFevers - Post LINK

TAKE A BOW by Elizabeth Eulberg - Post LINK

Thursday:

SHADOW AND BONE by Leigh Bardugo - Post LINK

THE IMMORTAL RULES and THE LOST PRINCE by Julie Kagawa

Friday:

BLOODROSE and RIFT by Andrea Cremer

OBSIDIAN and ONYX & PURE and DEITY by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Amethyst Daydreams • A Reader's Ramblings • Books Complete Me • Cindy Thomas, YA Author • I Am A Reader, Not A Writer • Mundie Moms • Once Upon a Twilight (that's us) •Portrait of a Book • Page Turners • Reading Lark

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Today's Best I've Read Book is:

Last Rite by Lisa Desrochers

Why was Last Rite chosen as a #BIR2012 book: Simple: Luc and Michael! Both were equally amazing in the trilogy. You loved both equally. Of course Last Rite is not just about Luc and Michael, Lisa created a thrilling tale with her demons & Angels. You were always on the edge of your seat with Last Rite just like the 2 installments before it. You can read my full review of Last Rite HERE.

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Interview with Lisa Desrochers

OUaT: Have we seen or read the last of the Personal Demons series?
At the moment, there are no plans for any other Personal Demons books. I've had people suggest spinoffs involving Frannie's sisters or prequels of Gabe's and Luc's stories, but nothing's in the works.

OUaT: What did you enjoy writing or experiencing with Last Rite?
Finally gettig to write from Gabe's point of view was the highlight of Last Rite for me. He didn't want a POV in the previous two novels, but he demanded one in Last Rite. And writing him broke my heart.

OUaT: Is there a particular song that represents Last Rite when you hear it playing?
Absolutely. More than any of my other novels, there is one song that embodies this book, and I didn't even find it until after it was finished. It's like the band reached into my hard drive and pulled my novel out, then made it into a song. It's War by Poets of the fall, and here's the Youtube link: http://youtu.be/0f_hewSrAH4

OUaT: What can we expect for you in the near future?
Many things are in the works, some Personal Demons related and others not. I have several projects in progress and we're getting ready to submit the best thing I will ever write. All I can say about it is it's a YA contemporary with speculative elements.

OUaT: Favorite quote from Last Rite?
There are a few. I love Aaron's condescending nicknames for Gabe and how Rhen calls Gabe a used-up feather-face. But I guess I have to go with this...
Matt to Gabe: “Guardian angel protocol rule one: Never let down your guard, even for lemonade.”

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Purchase Last Rite via: Amazon • Barnes & Noble • IndieBound • Book Depository

Follow Lisa Desrochers via: Web • Blog • Goodreads • Facebook • Twitter

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Thanks to Tor Teen we have a copy of Last Rite to give one lucky reader.

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#BIR2012: In Honor by Jessi Kirby - In Honor Playlist + Giveaway

Day 6 of #BIR2012 has just begun! 

Here are important details to know during #BIR2012: Make sure to follow and keep up with the main site: Best I've Read then check out the #BIR2012 Blog Roll:

On the Best I've Read Site these are the books featured today: 

BLOODROSE and RIFT by Andrea Cremer

OBSIDIAN and ONYX & PURE and DEITY by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Amethyst Daydreams • A Reader's Ramblings • Books Complete Me • Cindy Thomas, YA Author • I Am A Reader, Not A Writer • Mundie Moms • Once Upon a Twilight (that's us) •Portrait of a Book • Page Turners • Reading Lark

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Today's Best I've Read Book is:

In Honor by Jessi Kirby

Why was In Honor chosen as a #BIR2012 book: This book just warmed my heart. The story, the characters and setting were perfect. Jessi created a story that teaches us faith, hope and love but mainly to NEVER GIVE UP! Jessi Kirby's writing is some of the most honest writing I have read. Read my full review HERE for In Honor.

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IN HONOR Playlist:

Sparks Fly--Taylor Swift (Number 1, overall theme song)
Every Mile a Memory--Dierks Bentley
Wayward Son--Kansas
Free Fallin--Tom Petty
Fearless--Taylor Swift
Walkin Along the Fenceline--Wade Bowen
Big Hard Sun--Eddie Vedder
Where Are You Going--Dave Matthews
Great Expectations--Gaslight Anthem
Today Was a Fairytale--Taylor Swift
God Bless This Town--Wade Bowen
Skinny Dippin'--Whitney Duncan
Fans--Kings of Leon

*all links lead to youtube videos

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Purchase In Honor via: Amazon • Barnes & Noble • IndieBound • Book Depository

Follow Jessi Kirby via: Web • Goodreads • Facebook • Twitter

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Thank you to Simon Teen we have 1 copy of In Honor to give to one lucky reader.


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#BIR2012: Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally - Interview + Giveaway

Day 5 of #BIR2012 has just begun! 

Here are important details to know during #BIR2012: Make sure to follow and keep up with the main site: Best I've Read then check out the #BIR2012 Blog Roll:

On the Best I've Read Site these are the books featured today: 

SHADOW AND BONE by Leigh Bardugo - Post LINK

THE IMMORTAL RULES and THE LOST PRINCE by Julie Kagawa

Amethyst Daydreams • A Reader's Ramblings • Books Complete Me • Cindy Thomas, YA Author • I Am A Reader, Not A Writer • Mundie Moms • Once Upon a Twilight (that's us) •Portrait of a Book • Page Turners • Reading Lark

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Today's Best I've Read Book is:

Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally

Hundred Oaks #2

Why was Stealing Parker chosen as a #BIR2012 book: Miranda's books give Girls a place, they are athletic and have no fear. She doesn't write her characters so they are shy, quite or gullible. Stealing Parker deals with everyday issues we have faced at one pint or another during our school years and I feel that even though these stories are addicting and juicy to read, you actually do learn something from the book. You can read my full review of Stealing Parker HERE.

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Interview with Miranda Kenneally

OUaT: Welcome Parker to OUaT. What was your first reaction when you found out you would be in a book?

-- I thought, oh shit. Now every one's going to know the real reasons why I've been acting so wacky this past year. Also, I wondered if there would be a Lifetime movie about me. Maybe Demi Lovato could play me? Maybe?

OUaT: If you didn't play sports, what other activity would you have wanted to do?

-- I would've been on the school newspaper with my best friend, Drew. I want to say I would be the advice columnist, but I honestly don't know who would want advice from me. I'm a train wreck!

OUaT: What will you always remember about high school?

-- My first kiss with Will Whitfield.

OUaT: If you had a choice of who your book boyfriend could have been, who would you have picked?

-- Are you asking if I could have a book boyfriend like in another book? If so, I'd probably pick Po from GRACELING, because he is hot and badass. But if you're asking about my book (the one that might become a Lifetime movie- STEALING PARKER), then I would say Will/Corndog. :)

OUaT: If you go to a bookstore right now, what 3 items would you pick up?

I love historical romances, so I'd probably pick up The Duke and I by Julia Quinn, Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas, and Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas.

If I could: go anywhere on vacation, I would take a cruise to Alaska.

I don’t really think I can: play tennis. I am the worst tennis player ever. I always hit the ball over the fence.

My life would be complete if: I had a screened-in porch and a fireplace.

Bloggers are: the reason my books have sold so well. :)

I only want to: get a starred review from Kirkus. Ha!

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Purchase Stealing Parker via: Amazon • Barnes & Noble • IndieBound • Book Depository

Follow Miranda Kenneally via: Web • Goodreads • Facebook • Twitter

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So to celebrate Stealing Parker making this year's #BIR2012 list. Miranda is offering a signed copy of Stealing Parker to one lucky reader.


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#BIR2012: Angelfall by Susan Ee - Interview + Giveaway

Day 4 of #BIR2012 has just begun! 

Here are important details to know during #BIR2012: Make sure to follow and keep up with the main site: Best I've Read then check out the #BIR2012 Blog Roll:

On the Best I've Read Site these are the books featured today: 

GRAVE MERCY by R.L. LaFevers

TAKE A BOW by Elizabeth Eulberg - Post LINK

Amethyst Daydreams • A Reader's Ramblings • Books Complete Me • Cindy Thomas, YA Author • I Am A Reader, Not A Writer • Mundie Moms • Once Upon a Twilight (that's us) •Portrait of a Book • Page Turners • Reading Lark

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Today's Best I've Read Book is:

Angelfall by Susan Ee

Penryn & the End of Days #1

Why was Angelfall chosen as a #BIR2012 book: I chose this book because still today and pretty much everyday, I bring it up with someone. The story Susan Ee created has stayed with me ever since I finished the book in one night. Every time I bump into a reader, I tell them about this book. What a concept in creating a Angel Apocalypse. Everyone talks about Zombie but not Angel. Well Susan Ee took it there and Oh my! Seriously, there is no wonder why they pick up the film rights on Angelfall. The story is perfect for the big screen. Can't wait for book 2!!! Read my full review of Angelfalll HERE. 

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Interview with Susan Ee

OUaT: Welcome Susan to OUaT and congrats for being one of the BIR2012 authors this year. What are 3 things you never imagined would happen when you wrote Angelfall that have happen to you?

Thanks so much for having me on your site! Let's see, three things— such amazing and supportive readers, thousands of reviews, and a movie deal with Sam Raimi. These were beyond my dreams for my debut novel.

OUaT: Everyone talks about a Zombie Apocalypse, but in Angelfall its all about the Angel Apocalypse. Did the story always start off this way? Did you have different variations?

It's always been about the angels. I envisioned the angels before any other part of the story.

OUaT: In Angelfall how much research was involved and what did you reference to during the process of writing?

I dove into the Book of Enoch, which was one of the discoveries of the Dead Sea scrolls. It talks about the Watcher angels and how they took Daughters of Men as their wives. And then they had monster children. Fascinating stuff. I also did some research into fighting techniques through women's' self defense classes, jujitsu books, and consulted with a black belt martial artist. Then, I spent an evening with a weapons collector to figure out what kind of angel sword a petite girl could carry, as well as what types of guns the Resistance would carry. We decided a gladius would be the best sword for Penryn. I got to swing one around and felt the heft and balance of a gladius. It was fun.

OUaT: How did the cover of Angelfall come to be? How much were you involved in the process?

The cover was done by a Serbian artist who entered a book cover contest that I held for Angelfall. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was the one.

OUaT: If you could be one of your characters, who would you choose and why?

Penryn because she has the greatest chance of surviving. :)

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Angelfall can be purchased via: Amazon • Barnes & Noble • IndieBound • Book Depository

Follow Susan Ee via: Web • Goodreads • Facebook • Twitter

5 chapters sneak peak

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Im happy to say OUaT is offering 2 copies of Angelfall to 2 lucky readers. Thanks to Amazon Children's Publishing making it possible. So enter below and dont forget to check out all the other blogs and the main site too during #BIR2012.

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#BIR2012: Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala - Interview + Giveaway

Day 3 of #BIR2012 has just begun! 

Here are important details to know during #BIR2012: Make sure to follow and keep up with the main site: Best I've Read then check out the #BIR2012 Blog Roll:

On the Best I've Read Site these are the books featured today: 

INSURGENT by Veronica Roth - Post LINK

PANDEMONIUM by Lauren Oliver

Amethyst Daydreams • A Reader's Ramblings • Books Complete Me • Cindy Thomas, YA Author • I Am A Reader, Not A Writer • Mundie Moms • Once Upon a Twilight (that's us) •Portrait of a Book • Page Turners • Reading Lark

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Today's Best I've Read Book is:

Don't Breathe A Word by Holly Cupala

Why was Don't Breathe a Word chosen as a #BIR2012 book: This book makes you feel such powerful  raw emotions. Its stays with you days and months after you read it. I felt so connected with each page or word when I read Don't Breathe a Word, Holly didn't hold back when it came to telling this story in its true color and form. So without a doubt Don't Breathe a Word had to be one of this year's #BIR2012 books. To read my full review of Don't Breathe a Word, just CLICK HERE.

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Interview with Holly Cupala

OUaT: When you write your powerful novels, do they affect you like they affect the reader?

Thank you for the compliment, Yara! I love my characters (especially the most broken ones), and it’s definitely an emotional journey to write them. I hope readers care about them and feel their emotions and want to follow them into the heart of the story.

OUaT: Have you ever considered writing something other than contemporary/realistic fiction? If so what?

Absolutely. There are lots of ideas simmering—an allegorical fantasy, a speculative-eschatology, maybe even a theological mystery. Right now I’m working on a contemporary: four voices, four terrible secrets, and one explosive murder that will bring them all together. I don’t have to write realistic, but it’s hard not to write about secrets!

OUaT: If you can have one of your characters fall for another character in a different series, who would you pick and why?

I wonder…who would my characters like? Kartik from A Great and Terrible Beauty? (No wait, that’s me.) I imagine Kartik to look like my devastatingly handsome Indian husband. ;-)

Character-wise, I think maybe Miranda might like Owen from Sarah Dessen’s Just Listen, or Sebastian from Deb Caletti’s The Nature of Jade. It’s hard for me to imagine Joy wanting anyone but Creed from DBAW. Swoon. But wait, there’s Hugo in my next book… I’m hopelessly in love with him at the moment.

OUaT: How has your writing routine changed since your new baby was born?

Writing routine…? Definitely changed. I wrote as much as I possibly could on my next novel before DBAW and baby landed, and I’ve been chipping away at the last few layers whenever I have a few quiet moments. They are rare and much appreciated!

OUaT: What are 3 things on your author bucket list?

* Write a novel with a friend.
* Spend a month writing in some exotic locale, like on the coast of the Black Sea.
* Write a book that changes lives.

Thanks so much, Yara, for featuring DON’T BREATHE A WORD in your BIR 2012 list—it’s an honor to be included!

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To Purchase Don't Breathe a Word: Amazon • Barnes & Noble • IndieBound • Book Depository

Follow Holly Cupala via: Web • Goodreads • Facebook • Twitter

Two chapter sneak preview

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#BIR2012: Evergreen by Brenda Pandos - Interview Chat + Giveaway

Day 2 of #BIR2012 has just begun! 

Here are important details to know during #BIR2012: Make sure to follow and keep up with the main site: Best I've Read then check out the #BIR2012 Blog Roll:

Amethyst Daydreams • A Reader's Ramblings • Books Complete Me • Cindy Thomas, YA Author • I Am A Reader, Not A Writer • Mundie Moms • Once Upon a Twilight (that's us) •Portrait of a Book • Page Turners • Reading Lark

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Today's Best I've Read Book is:

Evergreen by Brenda Pandos

Mer Tales Series #2

Why was Evergreen chosen as a #BIR2012 book: Evergreen is one of the most vivid mermaid stories I have read to date. Brenda does such an excellent job with the setting and characters. Evergreen has it all: action, humor, thrills and of course Romance! Plus look at the gorgeous cover. To read my full review of Evergreen, just CLICK HERE. 

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A conversation between Brenda, Ash, Fin and myself:

Yara: Welcome Brenda, Fin and Ash to OUaT. So happy to have you all 3 on today to celebrate Evergreen being selected on this year's Best I've Read 2012 event. It has been a good year for Evergreen and Mer Tales. How does it feel to be apart of such a great book and series?
Fin: It’s been pretty amazing actually, all the popularity, and awesome reviews about it. I’m a little surprised though considering in the book I almost—ouch! (Fin glares at Ash) Why’d you kick me?
Ash: Sorry. (she smiles apologetically) I didn’t want you to spoil the story for anyone who hasn’t read Evergreen yet.
Brenda: Yes, let’s keep this interview spoiler free.
Fin rolls his eyes and huffs: Fine. Yara, you’ve got a bunch of drama starved readers and I for one need a break after all that I went through. (Fin turns to Ash and Brenda) Better?
Ash intertwines her hands with Fin’s and smiles: Yes.
Brenda: Yes, I’m stunned and honored we’ve been picked for the Best I’ve Read event. I’m so proud at how great Ash and Fin handled everything I dished out to them in Evergreen. It was quite a rollercoaster, and we’re happy to be here to visit with you.
Fin: Yeah, and apparently we’re still alive.
Ash glares.
Fin: Kidding… well, kind of.
Yara: Fin this year you were also featured on the Fifty Shades of YA boys, did that change anything for you?
Fin blushes: Uh, yeah. That was cool accept, did you hand out my number to someone, Yara?
Yara clears her throat: Not that I know of. Ash how did you feel about knowing he was picked as a YA hottie?
Ash: I think it’s great that that happened, but as I told that one girl … Jena was her name I think … Fin’s taken and we’re bonded, so he’s not on the market.
Brenda giggles.
Yara: Brenda did they celebrate this news or was there a bit of jealousy going on?
Brenda: I think Fin handled his fame fine and Ash trusts him, so it went well. Personally, I wasn’t his answers until I read the blog post… he’s a funny one.
Yara: Brenda when it comes to telling Ash and Fin's story, how do they behave for you most of the time?
Brenda: For the most part they both are pretty cooperative. Okay, I take that back. Ash was broody and unpredictable in Everblue, and Fin did a 180 on me in Evergreen with his attitude and recklessness. So, no. They’re always surprising me, but I love having them as my main characters. Keeps things from becoming boring.
Yara: Ash & Fin what do you wish Brenda would write in to your story already?
Ash and Fin look at one another and smile.
Fin: Well, I’d love to kick Azor’s ass already.
Ash: Me, too.
Fin: And then there’s other stuff.
Ash blushes: Fin!
Fin: What?
Ash: Don’t mind him, Yara. What’s the next question.
Yara: Can all 3 of you describe Natatoria to us and probably why we would love to go visit it?
Ash looks down: I’ve never been there, so …
Fin: You will one day, babe. It’s pretty cool. The underwater city has all these neat houses with air bubbles inside. Mer’s like to collect human stuff, though they’re not really supposed to. We actually do a lot of stuff we aren’t supposed to do, but it’s all harmless. And the girls like all the colorful sparklie stuff, so it’s pretty. And the singing 24-7. It’s peaceful.
Brenda: Readers will learn a lot more about Natatoria in Everlost, actually. Pretty much the entire story takes place there. But sorry, Fin. After you left, things didn’t remain peaceful.
Yara: What will the 3 of you strive for in book 3 next year?
Fin yawns: Well, from what I hear, a lot of Tatch’s drivel.
Ash hits Fin in the arm: Don’t say that about your sister.
Fin: Well, she does.
Ash: You’d do that too if you were promised to Azor. (She makes a sour face)
Fin: Fine. You’re right. Somewhere we make an appearance, so I hear. (Fin raises a brow at Brenda)
Brenda ignores Fin: Yes, Everlost is in Tatchi’s perspective, so we’ll learn all about what she had to deal with while Fin and Ash were away.
Yara: Can we expect it to be back on the BIR2013 event?
Brenda: Wouldn’t that be cool! We’ll have to see if Everlost is just as loved as Evergreen.
Yara: Maybe a tease?
Brenda: Hmmmm… You’ll just have to wait and see!

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To purchase Evergreen: Amazon • Barnes & Noble • IndieBound • Book Depository

Follow Brenda Pandos via: Web • Blog • Goodreads • Facebook • Twitter

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Make sure you check out all the blogs listed above and the Best I've Read blog everyday during #BIR2012.


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#BIR2012: Hidden by Sophie Jordan - Interview + Giveaway

Guess what?!?!?!?!  Today Kicks-Off Best I've Read 2012 . We are back for our 3rd year. #BIR2012 is an annual blog event that celebrates those books that left their marks throughout the year. #BIR2012 once again will be hosted at the Best I've Read site and 10 blogs will also feature more books, features and giveaways. So without futhur hold on, its time to share 1 of 7 books Once Upon a Twilight will feature everyday until 12/15. Make sure to check each individually blog and the #BIR2012 site too. 

Here are important details to know during #BIR2012:

Make sure to follow and keep up with the main site: Best I've Read

then check out the #BIR2012 Blog Roll:

Amethyst Daydreams • A Reader's Ramblings • Books Complete Me • Cindy Thomas, YA Author • I Am A Reader, Not A Writer • Mundie Moms • Once Upon a Twilight (that's us) • Portrait of a Book • Page Turners • Reading Lark

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Today's feature is:

Hidden by Sophie Jordan

Firelight Series book #3

Why was Hidden chosen at a #BIR2012 book: Hidden rocked my world when I read it. Out of all 3 books, I absolutely loved Hidden the most. Sophie Jordan outdid herself with the conclusion to this trilogy. Sophie left me in a very happy place even though I was sad to see the story end. So pretty much that is why HIDDEN made #BIR2012 list!!! To read my full review of Hidden, just click HERE. 

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Stopping by to celebrate Hidden being featured are Cassian and Will from the Firelight series. They finished off a couple sentences for you to enjoy reading.

NOBODY KNOWS I AM:
Cassian: Head over for Jacinda. Ok. Everyone knows that.
Will: Nobody really knows what I am ... including me. I have draki blood and draki abiliities, but I'm not a draki.

I WISH I COULD STOP:
Cassian: always feeling so responsible for the pride ... like I'm the only one who can protect it ... and everyone in it.
Will: feeling so guilty for hunting draki in the past. I wish I'd never let myself be my father's pawn .... I wish I had stopped sooner ... but then I might never have met Jacinda.

I'M A SUCKER FOR:
Cassian: a damsel in distress. Ok. Maybe just a damsel. Because Jacinda doesn't need rescuing and I'm a sucker for her.
Will: redheads. Who fly. And breathe fire.

A GOOD TIME FOR ME IS:
Cassian: Flying
Will: Pretty much anything that doesn't have to do with my family ... considering they hunt draki. Ultimately, they want to capture my girlfriend and sell her to some butchers. Just hanging out with Jacinda without our lives being threatened is a pretty good day for me.

NOBODY WOULD BELIEVE ME IF THEY SAW ME:
Cassian: watching Project Runway. But sometimes I do. Tamra got me into the show. Normally I could care less about human television, but that show hooked me in.
Will: Singing in the shower. I'm a decent baritone.

I'D REALLY RATHER:
Cassian: Travel. See the world. Meet draki from other prides.
Will: Be anywhere as long as it's with Jacinda. Oh, and I'd really rather not hunt draki anymore. But I think that's understood, right?

THE FIRST THING I DO IN THE MORNING IS:
Cassian: Excersise. Usually training exercises with other draki.
Will: Work-out.

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To Purchase Hidden: Hidden: A Firelight Novel • Barnes & Noble • IndieBound
Follow Sophie Jordan: Web • Goodreads • Facebook • Twitter

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Ill remind you again, make sure to check the Best I've Read blog and all the blogs participating this year. They will all have features and giveaways.

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