Book Review: Amaretto Flame (Eagleton Coven) by Sammie Spencer

Amaretto Flame (Eagleton Coven) by Sammie Spencer

Release Date:March 2011

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services

Age Group: Young Adult 

Overall: ♥♥♥♥♥ 

Olivia has spent her life learning about her enemies, the deadly Venator - including how to kill them. What she knows nothing about is whiskey, playing poker, or rugged, copper-haired musicians. As punishment for a small 'crime,' Olivia is sent to a safe house in a human town and forced to live as one of them for a summer. There, she meets the charming Jackson Vance, and her real education begins. She soon discovers that she's being hunted, and figuring out why means she uncovers a secret that threatens to end everything she's ever fought for.

Book Trailer:

My Thoughts:                                                                                                 

Amaretto Flame (Eagleton Coven) is WICKED!! “a read-in-one-sitting-I-can’t-look-away-oh-crap-it’s-1am-I-need- to-sleep-but-can’t-yet-it’s-too-good novel." Seriously it was awesome.

I haven’t read a good witchy book in a while (since Harry Potter).

I loved the characters for one, Olivia Landry (the protag) a hero with a heart of gold. She is so selfless, she would do anything for her coven and new friends; if their lives were at stake she wouldn’t think twice about cutting off her legs and arms for them if it came right down to it. Not only that, but if you knew what she could do, you would not want to get on her bad side. She’s pretty kick ass.  I wish I could mention all of the characters because they are so unbelievably well written and I love them. So I’ll talk about Everett who is kind and charming, a little on the quiet side, he leaves things left unsaid when it comes to his true feeling for Olivia. I hope maybe it will blossom. But even if it doesn’t Livvy has a good guy on her hands and that is Jackson. The amaretto colored eyes, guitar playing hottie. I have to mention this line he said to Livvy:”I know you love pancakes. I know King Arthur stories are your favorite, and that you think James Dean was the most gorgeous man to ever live.” Seriously swoon-worthy, I wish I had a guy who pays attention to the little things.

The plot and setting was so epic, there’s a war going on between Venator and the Wise ones. It’s kind of sad to say but I think trouble follows Livvy wherever she goes. I really enjoyed getting lost in the world Spencer created. There just wasn't enough! I could breathe, eat, and sleep this novel. There’s steamy romance in this one, maybe a potential love triangle. Both guys have their awesome qualities that make them a good match for Livvy. It’s was hard to decide who I prefer but we’ll see.

Amaretto Flame (Eagleton Coven) is a breathtaking story, filled with magnificent characters and a charming romance!! I can’t wait to read more about Livvy and her adventures and watch her face the “big evil” alongside her coven and of course I’d like to see a little bit more Jackson! YAY for Amaretto Flame (Shadow Wishes)!

ecopy courtesy of Author, for honest review/blog tour

To find out more about this series and author, visit the following links:

-Visit Sammie  around the web here: Website|Twitter | Blog | Facebook
-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Barnes &Noble | Smashwords

Author Guest Post:: Holly Schindler , Playing Hurt Blog Tour

How To Make A Character Have Depth:

My debut, A BLUE SO DARK, and my second novel, PLAYING HURT, have missing scenes. Scenes that got axed as I revised each book, the same way scenes sometimes wind up on the cutting room floor during the process of editing a movie.

In A BLUE SO DARK, I cut several scenes from the original version that focused on the relationship between Janny and Aura when they were little girls. In PLAYING HURT, I cut a scene from the beginning of the book that showed Chelsea being profiled for USA WEEKEND Magazine, for an issue highlighting the best female athletes in the country.

But, actually, those scenes still exist in the novel.

“Wait,” you’re saying. “Look, Schindler, you either cut the scenes or you didn’t. Which is it?”

Well—I cut them, but they remain.

I’ll explain: though I cut scenes that depicted Janny and Aura’s early childhood friendship in A BLUE SO DARK, the fact that I’d written them wound up adding richness to their present-day interactions…(And really, all those scenes got boiled down into the prologue, where we see Aura and Janny on a beach during a summer vacation when they’re small—that scene was one of the last things I wrote.) Same for the scene of Chelsea being interviewed for USA WEEKEND…the scene itself might not exist, but having written it—having lived that scene with my character—added a depth of emotion as I described how she felt for the loss of her basketball career.

Everything you write has on affect on everything ELSE you write within the novel…Sometimes, by writing external scenes—scenes you never even intend on including in the book—you can understand your characters with much greater depth.

A few examples of some external scenes that might be helpful:

How did your protagonist spend his or her last birthday?

What was the moment of your protagonist’s biggest disappointment?

What was your protagonist’s biggest success?

What did your protagonist do last weekend?

You’d actually be amazed at what you can discover about your characters by exploring them outside of the goings-on of your novel…

About Holly Schindler

Holly Schindler (Springfield, Missouri) dove headfirst into her writing pursuits after obtaining an M.A. in English from Missouri (ma-zur-ah) State University. Her essays, poems, and short stories have appeared in such journals as The Explicator, Slipstream, and Short Story. A Blue So Dark is her first novel.


To find out more about this author and her books, visit the following links:
-Visit Holly around the web here: Website| Blog | Facebook| Twitter

Books by Holly Schindler

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

PLAYING HURT Star basketball player Chelsea “Nitro” Keyes had the promise of a full ride to college—and everyone’s admiration in her hometown. But everything changed senior year, when she took a horrible fall during a game. Now a metal plate holds her together and she feels like a stranger in her own family...... Goodreads Page Buy this book: Amazon | B&N | BookDepo | Borders| IndieBound

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

A BLUE SO DARK Fifteen-year-old Aura Ambrose has been hiding a secret. Her mother, a talented artist and art teacher, is slowly being consumed by schizophrenia, and Aura has been her sole caretaker ever since Aura’s dad left them. Convinced that “creative” equals crazy, Aura shuns her own artistic talent. ... Goodreads Page Buy this book: Amazon | B&N | BookDepo | Borders| IndieBound

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Waiting On Wednesday"(58)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

(click titles to go to the books goodreads pages)

Fateful by Claudia Gray 

Angel's Fury by Bryony Pearce 

From Willa, With Love by Coleen Murtagh Paratore

Going Underground by Susan Vaught

Displacement by Thalia Chaltas 

Lark by Tracey Porter 

Wicked Pretty Things (13 Tales) by Trisha Telep

The Wood Queen (The Iron Witch #2) by Karen Mahoney

Armchair BEA(day 2) "Best of 2k11"

 

Today is the second day in our Armchair BEA series post,posting topic is “Best of 2011!” I'll  share some of my favorite books so far this year, Here's my list (in no order) of some of our fave YA books that we've read so far this year. Each of the books listed are ones that have all been released in 2011.

Looking forward to:(which i know will be @ BEA*cries*)
Wolfsbane (Nightshade, #2) by Andrea Cremer
Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices, #2) by Cassandra Clare  
A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies
Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, #3) by Maggie Stiefvater

Book Review: Clarity by Kim Harrington

Clarity by Kim Harrington 

Release Date: March 2011

Publisher: Scholastic Point

Age Group: Young Adult 

Pages:   242

Overall: ♥♥♥♥♥   

When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth?

This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats.

Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.

And a curse.

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case - but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother - who has supernatural gifts of his own - becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

In My Mailbox(59)

IMM is hosted by The Story Siren / Inspired by Alea from Pop Culture Junkie In My Mailbox is where I post the books/swag I won, received for review, bought, borrowed, or ect.* *The book titles are linked to their goodreads pages**

Hey my awesome reader peeps!! I received some great books over the last couple of weeks so...

FOR REVIEW:

Blood Ties (Blood Coven, #6) by Mari Mancusi
Wildefireby Karsten Knight 
A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies 
Populazzi by Elise Allen 
My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody
Bitter End by Jennifer Brown 
Witches of the East End (The Beauchamp Family, #1)by Melissa de la Cruz 

Ebooks(for review)

Amaretto Flame (Eagleton Coven) by Sammie Spencer 
Airel by Aaron Patterson
Bone Dressing by Michelle I. Brooks
The Last Archangel by Michael Young 
The Light of Asteria: Kailmeyra's Last Hope (Kailmeyra, #1) by Elizabeth Isaacs 
Fanfare by Renee Ahdieh
Dreamwalk by Sarah MacManus  

Won:

Clarity (Clarity, #1) by Kim Harrington

(thanks Emily  at Red House Books!! ) 

Library(ebook)

Origins (The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries, #1) by L.J. Smith 

BTW here you guys saw the new sneak peak trailer, to 

"The Secret Circle" by LJ SMITH (The CW)

it looks awesome i can't wait to watch it, So sad TVD went off for the season, next is Glee. all my shows are going off for the season! :(

Giveaway: A Discovery of Witches + Swag!

I heard this book is really awesome! I'm excited to be hosting a giveaway for you lovely readers. A finished copy of A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness and a set of buttons relating to the book.

A Discovery of Witches
by Deborah Harkness

Release Date: February 8th 2011
Series: All Souls Trilogy #1

Age Group: Young Adult & Adult
Publisher: Viking Adult

 A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together.

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism.

 

Deborah Harkness is a scholar and writer specializing in the history of science and medicine. She has received numerous awards, including Fulbright, Guggenheim, and National Humanities Center fellowships. Currently a professor of history at the University of Southern California, her most recent academic publication is The Jewel House: Elizabethan London and the Scientific Revolution. This is her first novel.

Now is your Chance to win A Discovery of Witches + Swag

Official Giveaway information:

• to enter, please fill out this FORM
• entrants must be 13 years of age or older
• contest deadline is May 29, 2011
• contest open to US mailing addresses only*
• ONE ENTRY PER PERSON!
• check out my Contest Policy

Character Guest Post with Jackson( Amaretto Flame by Sammie Spencer ) blog tour + Giveaway!

 

Amaretto Flame
by Sammie Spencer

Release Date:  March 2011

Age Group: Young Adult

Olivia has spent her life learning about her enemies, the deadly Venator - including how to kill them. What she knows nothing about is whiskey, playing poker, or rugged, copper-haired musicians. As punishment for a small 'crime,' Olivia is sent to a safe house in a human town and forced to live as one of them for a summer. There, she meets the charming Jackson Vance, and her real education begins. She soon discovers that she's being hunted, and figuring out why means she uncovers a secret that threatens to end everything she's ever fought for.

Today I get to bring you Jackson *sighs*, the love interest, swoon worthy Jackson. The guitar playing, ladies man, hottie with Amaretto-colored eyes, But I think it's safe to say "Cupids got him in a choke hold" with Olivia...*so jealous*So without further ado, a little guest post from Jackson himself(and yes Max Irons is how I see him =>)

****************************************************

Hi. I'm Jackson Vance. You probably don't know me, but I show up a lot in Sammie Spencer's Amaretto Flame. A few things about me: I sing, occasionally I drink whiskey, and I have a mastiff named Zeus. Faye suggested I post some songs that might reflect my life a little, and I hope you'll indulge me. Below is a list of songs that have really meshed with what I felt in my life at certain times.

  

 A lot of times, there aren't songs that explain how I feel, so I write them myself. Songs or poems or just random words that seem to express my feelings. What about you? What do you do to express yourself? Thanks so much for allowing me to spend a little time with you!

*************************************************

Thank you, Jackson, for stopping by.

Now for YOUR chance,to win your very own ebook of Amaretto Flame & a pair of Jackson guitar earrings!**EDITED those who entered in the comments below I've entered you in the giveaway**

Official Contest information:

• to enter, please fill out this FORM
• contest deadline is May 14, 2011
• contest open to US & Canada(but for everyone for an Ebook)*
• ONE ENTRY PER PERSON!
• check out my Contest Policy

And just in case you're only now turning in to the tour, make sure to check up on the rest of the stops for more Sammie, Amaretto Flame, character and chances to win.*Reminder: Most tour stops have prizes and giveaways, and if you comment on EVERY stop in the tour, you could win a big ending prize.

May 1 - Tattooed Books - Character Guest Post *BLOG TOUR KICKOFF*  
May 2 - YABound  - Character Interview with Everett
May 3 - Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm - Character Guest Post + Character Interview
May 4 - I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read - Review and Character Interview
May 5 - Jagged Edge - Guest Post and Giveaway
May 6 - Diary of a Bookworm - Review and Giveaway
May 7 - Dark Readers - Review and Giveaway
May 8 - Kayleigh M. Books - Review + (To Be Determined)
May 9 - Wicked Awesome Books - Review
May 10 - Aine's Realm - Review
May 11 - Izzie Vandero - Character Interview
May 12 - A Life Bound by Books - Character Guest Post
May 13 - Pagan Culture - Fiction Journeying and Giveaway
May 14 - I Heart YA Books - Blog Tour Wrap Up!

Character interview with Olivia( Amaretto Flame by Sammie Spencer ) +Blog Tour Giveaway!

Amaretto Flame
by Sammie Spencer

Release Date:  March 2011

Age Group: Young Adult

Olivia has spent her life learning about her enemies, the deadly Venator - including how to kill them. What she knows nothing about is whiskey, playing poker, or rugged, copper-haired musicians. As punishment for a small 'crime,' Olivia is sent to a safe house in a human town and forced to live as one of them for a summer. There, she meets the charming Jackson Vance, and her real education begins. She soon discovers that she's being hunted, and figuring out why means she uncovers a secret that threatens to end everything she's ever fought for.

Book Trailer:

******************************************************************************************************

Merry Meet Olivia, can you tell us your story well the beginning; how you came to Eagleton Coven...or after?


Merry Meet! I was a small child when Ivanna (my high-priestess) found me. I had been living in a group home for a while. I remember thinking that she was different from the others; from the kids and the adults in the orphanage. Something about her resonated with what I was. Of course, now I know it's because she also had the magick. She took me in the middle of the night and brought me to Eagleton. At first, I was terrified. I didn't know why the adults in Eagleton were interested in me, but I quickly came to realize that they were on my side. When they brought Everett a little while later, I was in total bliss. I had finally become part of a real family; a family where I was free to be myself!


Has living among humans changed your view on them?


Absolutely. You have to understand that in the past, Wise Ones were open protectors of humans. As their prejudices grew about our beliefs, we retreated to our own sacred spaces. Now, we protect them in secret from the Venator while they curse us and stomp on our ancient beliefs. Living with the humans showed me that not all humans hate, and that they are victims of prejudice, too...just of different kinds. The most important thing I learned, though, is that they love just as easily and just as fiercely as Wise Ones, and they can be hurt just as easily too. We all seek love; humans and Wise Ones alike. I hope someday we will be able to find it together, without the barriers that now exist.


Why is that most human parents of wise one “give” them up?


I think people are terrified of things they don't understand. If you have been taught your whole life that magick was an evil thing, you would have a hard time accepting that your child is able to do magickal things. Not all human parents believe this, of course, but Ivanna searches for the Wise Children who are victims of these beliefs. It is my greatest hope that one day, humans will understand that their magickal children are not to be feared or cast away. 


You are the wrathful face of the Goddess; do you [view] your power as a gift or curse?


Both. One of my strongest beliefs is that our energy comes back around to us; that we will suffer or celebrate depending upon what we've sent out. Every time I kill a hunter, I know that I've saved Wise Ones and humans, but I can't help but wonder what form my energy will come back to me in. That fear will never stop me, though, and so I think it's a double-edged sword.


If you could have another one of you Family Coven’s powers what would it be and why?


If I could have the powers of someone in my family, I think I would choose Max's. His powers are not offensive; not obviously meant to destroy. He has the power to blend into his surroundings to the point where he becomes invisible. I have wished many times throughout my life to be invisible. 


What attracted you to Jackson? You heard from the girls that he was a heart breaker/ ladies’ man.


For that very reason, it was my plan to avoid him. Obviously, I failed with that. It's difficult to explain. When Jackson is laughing with you or telling you something or even sharing a shot of whiskey with you, it feels like you're part of something secret and something amazing. He makes you feel like there's a joke between the two of you that only you know, and that you can keep it separate from the rest of the world. It was this that attracted me to him initially; the way he so easily connects on an intimate level, without fear or shame of who he is.


What surprised you most about him?


I think I was surprised most by how fiercely loyal and caring he is. Knowing his past, I never expected him to be that way. 


What do you think about his awesomely sweet poem for you, Slayer?


Jackson is amazing and can eloquently put into words exactly what I am feeling but can't describe. When I think about the fact that he feels the same, I am shocked all over again. The poem is almost as amazing as Jackson.


So you’re the future high-priestess of Eagleton Coven, that’s a pretty big role, are you a little bit nervous about it?


I am terrified. There are so many things to care for as high-priestess, most importantly the safety of my family. I hope Ivanna remains high-priestess for many, many years.


I heard from Sammie that they’re going to be “Blood and guitars” in the next book, that doesn’t sound like a very good thing...Are you guys prepared? **sending you guys good juju** 


We have spent our lives preparing, and those who seek to take any part of my family away or to endanger their safety will have to go through me first. To those people, whether they are Venator or humans, I say, "Bring it on!"


That's what I want to hear, the Wise Ones will prevail! Team Eagleton Coven
<3 Everett & Jackson!


******************************************************************************************************

To find out more about this series and author, visit the following links:

-Visit Sammie around the web here: Smashwords| Facebook| Twitter

-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Smashwords

-Other fun bits one this series: Read the 1st chapter here

May 1 - Tattooed Books - Character Guest Post *BLOG TOUR KICKOFF*  
May 2 - YABound  - Character Interview with Everett
May 3 - Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm - Character Guest Post + Character Interview
May 4 - I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read - Review and Character Interview
May 5 - Jagged Edge - Guest Post and Giveaway
May 6 - Diary of a Bookworm - Review and Giveaway
May 7 - Dark Readers - Review and Giveaway
May 8 - Kayleigh M. Books - Review + (To Be Determined)
May 9 - Wicked Awesome Books - Review
May 10 - Aine's Realm - Review
May 11 - Izzie Vandero - Character Interview
May 12 - A Life Bound by Books - Character Guest Post
May 13 - Pagan Culture - Fiction Journeying and Giveaway
May 14 - I Heart YA Books - Blog Tour Wrap Up!

PRIZES: 

Most tour stops have prizes and giveaways, whether it's a free Kindle Edition of Amaretto Flame, author swag, or extra goodies. *Those who visit EVERY stop and comment  on the posts will be entered to win a BIG end prize in addition to the prizes for each stop.,  If you haven't already commented on the previous stops, feel free to do so now, and please follow along for the remainder of the tour! CHECK OUT THE PRIZES!