Chasing Nirvana

Chasing Nirvana
by Elyn Oaksmith
Genre: YA Coming of Age Romance/LGBTQ
                       Release Date: November 3rd 2017                                                 Add to Goodreads

Description: A girl, a band and a dream. And another girl. 

Fran Worth is just another girl trying to make it through senior year in Aberdeen, Washington. But it's 1993 and Fran is gay. Her comfortably off the radar life turns vividly public when a student nominates Fran for prom queen. When confronted by angry parents Fran refuses to back down, promising to deliver her hometown heroes in hopes of winning prom queen votes. 

Fran heads out on a 24 hour road trip to Daily City, California with four friends, including her crush who may or may not be gay. Their plan? To sneak backstage to ask Kurt Cobain and Nirvana to come home and play prom. No problem. Unless something goes wrong.

About the Author Ellen Oaksmith

I graduated from Smith College and have a very expensive MFA from The American Film Institute. Some writers will tell you that their MFA was a waste of money. I won't. It gave me great editorial skills and colorful, crazy experiences working as a screenwriter in LA. Cooking on fishing boats in Alaska paid my tuition. Screenwriting and working in the middle of the Bering Sea have a lot in common: hard work, unpredictability and occasionally both make you want to scream.  Besides my family and friends, I love rescue dogs, cats, cooking, baking, open water swimming, kayaking and reading, reading, reading, reading. Did I mention reading?

Author Links:

Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook│Instagram│Amazon Page

GIVEAWAY:

Anyone who comments on any of the blogs during the tour is eligible to win one of 30 e-book copies of Chasing Nirvana.

Anyone who signs up for the Author’s newsletter during the blog tour at this link: http://eepurl.com/2ZfTP  will enter to win one of 5 signed copies of the paperback.

Top Ten Tuesday: Unique Book Titles

This weeks Topic for Top Ten Tuesday is Unique Book Titles. Or rather, Book Titles I found intriguing.

Girl Of Glass

Synopsis: Two worlds...one glass wall...no turning back.

The human race has been divided. The chosen few live in the safety of the domes, watching through their glass walls as those left on the outside suffer and die. But desperation has brought invention, and new drugs have given the outsiders the strength to roam the poisoned night unafraid – but it comes at a price.
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Seventeen-year-old Nola Kent has spent her life in the domes, being trained to protect her little piece of the world that has been chosen to survive. The mission of the domes is to preserve the human race, not to help the sick and starving. But when outsider Kieran Wynne begs for Nola’s help in saving an innocent life, she is drawn into a world of darkness and danger. The suffering on the other side of the glass is beyond anything Nola had imagined, and turning her back on the outside world to return to the safety of the domes may be more than she can stand. Even when her home is threatened by the very people Nola wants to help.

My Review

       Girl of Glass is about 16 or 17 year old Nola who currently lives inside a dome with her mother to keep her safe from the elements and sickness of outside. However, there are still people who live outside, who are getting sick and dying regularly, and no one of the domes wants to help. 

      Due to desperation, the people who live outside of the domes were forced to create their own medicine to survive which had many negative side effects. Each time a doctor has attempted to improve the medicine, a new side effects takes place. Between the sick, the dying, the desperate and starving people live Vampires, Werewolves and Zombies. 

      Nola is wise to beware of going outside of the domes, but it doesn’t stop her desire to help people. Especially when her friend Kieran, a boy she’s obviously in love with, ask for her help. Well, he actually tricks her a bit, but gives her an opening to reach out to him. 

      Naturally a teenager in love, and fear for his safety, can’t pass up an opportunity to race headlong into danger not thinking of the consequences at all. All the while a boy, Jeremy, who lives in the domes with her is chasing after her heart, despite her sketchy behavior.

     I repeatedly thought Nola was naïve and making some bad decisions. However, I liked the concept of where she was headed. I really wanted to see how this was going to work out for her. I honestly wouldn’t say she won in the end. It seemed more like an, accepting reality send off. 

Meet Author Megan O'Russell

How long have you been writing?

I've always had an interest in storytelling, but I began writing in earnest about seven years ago. My first book was published about four years ago, and by early 2018 I'll have four open book series!

What genre would you say your book was in?

It's a young adult dystopian with paranormal elements. I like to call it a SciFanTopian, but that's not a real thing. 

What book would you compare it to?

A little bit City of Bones with a touch of Twilight. 

Name 3 unique facts about yourself.

I am a professional stage actor, I have lupus, and I have an extreme travel addiction. 

What is your favorite Genre to read?

I love young adult fantasy.

How would you describe your main characters in one sentence?

A girl incapable of ignoring the pain of others. 

If you could choose one character from another book to be a hero/ villain in your book, which would you choose?

I would love Remus Lupin to join the werewolves!

What sets your book apart from the rest?

Girl of Glass looks at a dystopian world from the point of view of one chosen to survive in comfort. The protagonist isn't searching for food and fearing for her life. She is forced to watch the suffering of those who have been abandoned by the system. It's her inability to watch without action that drives her story. 

What social media do you use the most and why? 

I love Facebook and my blog on my author site MeganORussell.com. I love my Facebook page because it's easy to interact with readers, and I have the ability to do live videos. I love my blog because I can go more in depth about the process of writing and provide updates on where my projects sit in the publishing world.

Top Ten Tuesday: Characters I could have Lunch with

Lara Jean was the first person I thought of when thinking about Foodie Character. She was a baking extradanaire. Really, she should open her own bakery and catering company because her style and design is amazing as well. Thanks for the recipe book that was featured at the end of the book. 

If only Hermoine and I could stroll into the great hall, arm in arm stuffing our faces with the smorgasbord laid before us. The best laid buffet I could ever imagine. 

Jonah was such a good cook. Humble but passionate about it. About his fathers restaurant. I wish I could be at Vivi's birthday party. 

I had to google her name again, Nastya, was also a great baker. I love how she found baking therapeutic. And always smelled like vanilla. I'd taste test any of her cookies. 

The spread laid out for Queen Levana was so impressive I definitely would have dragged Cinder to eat at least one plate. 

 

Everything about the Night Circus was magical, especially the food. I was so impressed and then a little disappointed I wouldn't be able to taste it. 

The dystopian books have such a divide between it's people so often it's either scavenging for food or a lavish spread with so much food it makes your stomach hurt. I'd definitely help Katniss ravish the table. 

Waiting On Wednesday: Brave by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Synopsis From Goodreads: Ivy Morgan hasn't been feeling like herself lately. Not like anyone can blame her. After all, being held captive by a psychotic fae prince hell-bent on permanently opening the gates to the Otherworld is bound to leave some mental scars.

It’s more than that, though. Something dark and insidious is spreading throughout Ivy, more powerful than she could ever imagine... and it’s coming between her and the man she’s fallen deeply in love with, elite Order member Ren Owens.

Ren would do anything to keep Ivy safe. Anything. But when he makes a life altering choice for her, the fallout of his act has far reaching consequences that threaten to tear their lives apart. If Ivy is going to have any hope of surviving this, she must put aside the hurt and betrayal she feels, and work with not only those she loves, but with an enemy she would rather kill than ever trust. War is coming, and it soon becomes clear that what Ivy and Ren thought they knew about the Order, themselves, and even their enemies, has been nothing but a cluster of dangerous, deadly lies. Ivy knows she must be more than just brave to save those she loves--and, ultimately, to save herself.

Because behind ever evil fae Prince, there’s a Queen… 

Why I'm Waiting

I loved Jennifer L. Armentrout's series White Hot Kiss so much. I loved the Obsidian series as well. I only have high expectations from her. And she usually comes through. 

Top 10 Tuesday: Fall Covers

This was really hard. I couldn't think of but 1 book off the top of my head and even looking through my shelves. I couldn't find any books with leaves on the covers. So I only have 4 this week. I can't wait to see all the creative covers everyone finds.

Top Ten Tuesday: Book Boyfriends

This is the EASIEST Top Ten List yet! I am still madly in love with book boyfriends from 4 years ago so don't judge. They're just hard to beat.

1. Peregrine "Perry" (Under The Never Sky)
            He was never reffered to as attractive, but described in such an attractive way. Dark skin from being outside. Curly and unruly hair. A lifetime of physical labor so you know he's muscled and lean. And scarred. Scars represent a lack of fear to fight for what you believe in. And so kind and caring to his whole village. Such an amazing leader. I've probably read this whole series 3 times.

2. Kayden ( The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden)
            Kayden couldn't be more different from Perry. He has this beautiful scarred soul and stuck in this life. He feels helpless and doesn't even have hope. But his heart is so big. I just want to pick him up, give him a big hug and tell him he's going to be ok.

3. Fade (Enclave)
            He wears the strong sexy silent type like no other! Kayden and Perry were relatively laid back and low key. But Fade was serious. And mysterious. He had Dueces back to the very end. He fought better than anyone but only when he had to. He wanted this simple close life with Duece and it's all she wanted with him back.

4. Four (Divergent)
           Four was perfection. He was quiet and strong. Mysterious. Supportive. Sexy. Sensitive. Attractive. I loved all his tattoos.

5. Po (Graceling)
           He had the most charming personality. Polar opposite of Katsa which was exactly what she needed. He never gave up. His heart was so good when he didn't have to be.

6. Arin (The Winners Kiss)
             Love in the wrong places is always so good! Arin was so emotional! I think I need to read this again. She drove him crazy until he had to accept and admit how deeply and completely he loved her and she loved him. He never quit for his people or for her.

7. Roth (Dark Elements)
             Sexiest bad boy! Why deal with good hearts when you can have Roth? I immediately fell in love with his character. I couldn't explain exactly why.

8. Warner (Shatter Me)
             I did not expect to love Warner, as Tahereh Mafi intended with her writing of course. But getting to know him was such a beautiful journey. When he was vulnerable, when he loved, when he fought for himself and stood for his beliefs. Warner is the Lion no one ever asks how they're doing. But even the Lion needs love too.

9. Adrian (Vampire Academy)
            I think Adrian acted differently from Vampire Academy to The Golden Lily. VA Adrian was so flawlessly wonderful. A smart mouth, charming personality. Sensitive and emotional. But Loyal so loyal. I was realllllllllly rooting for Adrian.

10. Kellan (Thoughtless)
            He was such a artist! Caught up in the back and forth angst of adultery. Trying to find himself along with way. Trying to do the right thing. trying not to get his own heart broken. Because his whole heart was in it so transparently.

Book Blogger Hop

This is a meme hosted by Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer. 

Book Blogger Hop was created to get to know new bloggers. 

Feel free to join in! Answer the question on your own blog, leave me a link below. 

Today's question

 Have you ever slept with a favorite, beloved book under your pillow, or cradled in your arms?

This question is funny. Yes I've fallen asleep in bed with a book. Yes I've hugged or cradled a book. No I've never held a book like a teddy bear when falling asleep. I might have kept it under my pillow in my teens for safe keeping. 

Share you answers below

Book blogger Hop

This is a meme hosted by Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer. 

Book Blogger Hop was created to get to know new bloggers. 

Feel free to join in! Answer the question on your own blog, leave me a link below. 

Today's question

What are your favorite banned books?
I actually had to google "banned" books because, um who banned them from where?
School I'm guessing.
*shrug, I went to a weird school, so this never applied to me*

I loved The Giver.

BookBlogger Hop

The Book Blogger Hop is Hosted by Ramblings of A Coffee Addicted Writer

This weeks question is

Have you ever bought a second copy of a book for the prettier cover?

Honestly, no. I like the story itself more than the paper copy of it. My favorite is trolling Goodwill and any second hand book store which never has nice covers. I like loved on books, with rips and stains. The reader took it everywhere with them, or read it multiple times.

The best I've done is buy a book the day it came out, hard back copy, maybe even got it signed. The original covers are usually my favorite.

Top Ten Tuesday: Throwback Edition

This weeks edition of Top Ten Tuesday will feature our favorite Throwbacks!

I started my first blog about 5 years ago. Man do I wish I'd kept up with it and put forth this much effort then.
I've always enjoyed reading. I do remember exactly where it started. A friend suggested I read True to The Game. Which is a new movie by the way. All you "Support Diversity" shouters should go see it. Moving on, True To The Game was full of action, sex, cursing, killing, and pretty much everything my parents would never let me watch. In extreme detail. I was about 12. And, yep, I've never looked back.
When I went to college I slowed down and pretty much stopped. I didn't really pick it back up for a few years.

1. 50 shades of Grey: This is one of those guilty pleasure books. I never hated it, even though some love to hate! If you didn't like it, just leave it at that. I will admit. While I enjoyed it, I didn't think it was that innovative as far as the BDSM aspect. I've read it doesn't depict the community accurately to which is probably true. But it was such a fun, addictive, entertaining read!

2. Hunger Games: This was my very first dystopia novel. It was still new and unique and interesting. After reading dystopia for years now, it feels like Hunger Games simply followed a formula. I loved the first book. But the excitement didn't last throughout the series.

3. Divergent: Of course, after reading Hunger Games, Divergent was literally SHOVED down your throats. It was easy as hell to digest too! I thought it was a better version of Hunger Games. However, I liked books 2 and 3 even less than Hunger Games 2 and 3. I had higher hopes for Divergent.

4. Vampire Academy: I did NOT read Twilight. Therefore I thought I'd hate Vampire Academy. But I really loved this 6 book series. I read every single one, attached to the page.

5. Slammed: This was Colleen Hoover's first book, and I devoured it pretty quickly. Unprepared, it really grabs a hold of your heart. Looking back, it's one of my least favorite. I don't appreciate books that pile on the sad stuff (death usually) so high you're pretty much a jerk for not crying. But at the time, oh my god!

6. City of Bones: Here is another book that grabbed my heart without my permission. I really wanted to quit this monstrously long series, but I HAD to know how it ended. Around this time in my reading career I'm learning a new love for fantasy and paranormal.

7. The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden: This is my type of emotional book. No one died! Gosh! But if you think I didn't cry! I still cry thinking about this author and all the emotionally driven books she's published.

8. Thoughtless: I will never not be a sucker for a good romance. It doesn't matter if it's in paranormal, dystopia, ya, na, contemporary, fantasy. I good Love Triangle works for me every time. Even if I seriously dislike a few characters.

9. The Fault In Our Stars: I was so happy to have read this before the hype. I don't even remember when or where I got it. I just spontaneously got it, read it, cried everywhere! And then noticed its popularity. To which I couldn't deny if I wanted to.

10. Beautiful Disaster: Another guilty pleasure. For fans of 50 shades, because each relationship was so damn toxic. But a fun rollercoaster read.

What are some of your most memorable throwbacks?

Book Blogger Hop

Book Blogger Hop

This is a meme hosted by Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer. 

Book Blogger Hop was created to get to know new bloggers. 

Feel free to join in! Answer the question on your own blog, leave me a link below. 

Today's question

Have you ever bought a book because you liked its cover art?

Of course I have! I can't remember my most recent unfortunately. My TBR keeps me plenty busy. 

I remember clearly buying this for the cover. I thought it looked intriguing. Along with the title and I already enjoyed this author. 

What book have you bought for the cover art? 

Can't Wait Wednesday: Warcross by Marie Lu

Can't Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings Book Blog. Let's discuss those books we "Can't Wait For"
But 1st! I literally feel like the WORST BOOK BLOGGER EVER! I never really wait for books.

a) Because there is a great long pile of books on my shelf at home I still haven't read
b) Because there's a ton of books on my TBR already, that I desperately want to read
c) Honestly, unless it's the last book in the series, I only care minimally, because of A and B
d) If it is the last book in the series, I probably forgot everything that happened come before it.
e) Waiting on books really psyches me out, raises the expectations and ruins the experience.
f) Last but not least, I can't afford, my wallet or my time to buy and read every single book I find interesting, as is a Book Lovers way.

With all of that being said, I CANNOT WAIT for this book!!!

I was tricked! I'd thought Warbringer was Warcross as both authors were to be in discussion, and I didn't even know Warbringer was coming out. (see worst book blogger) Until I actually purchased the book. 

Why I'm excited for Warcross. I loved Legend as much as I hated The Young Elites. 

I'm positive Marie Lu is an amazing author. 

The Young Elites is a prime story of WAITING that psyched me out. I couldn't get into the story. One day I plan to read it again. 

So I can wait 6 days, enough time to finish Warbringer and get over the inevitable book hangover to devour this beauty. 

The Synopsis:
For the millions who log in every day, Warcross isn’t just a game—it’s a way of life. The obsession started ten years ago and its fan base now spans the globe, some eager to escape from reality and others hoping to make a profit. Struggling to make ends meet, teenage hacker Emika Chen works as a bounty hunter, tracking down players who bet on the game illegally. But the bounty hunting world is a competitive one, and survival has not been easy. Needing to make some quick cash, Emika takes a risk and hacks into the opening game of the international Warcross Championships—only to accidentally glitch herself into the action and become an overnight sensation.

Convinced she’s going to be arrested, Emika is shocked when instead she gets a call from the game’s creator, the elusive young billionaire Hideo Tanaka, with an irresistible offer. He needs a spy on the inside of this year’s tournament in order to uncover a security problem . . . and he wants Emika for the job. With no time to lose, Emika’s whisked off to Tokyo and thrust into a world of fame and fortune that she’s only dreamed of. But soon her investigation uncovers a sinister plot, with major consequences for the entire Warcross empire.

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Books you're happy you didn't quit

This meme is hosted by Broke and Bookish. This week we're picking 10 books we struggled to get into but loved in the end. Share your list with me!

The Night Circus probably meant to talk in circles, to add to the mystery and intrigue of the Night Circus. Before I knew it, I loved every character like my very own. 

I didn't know what to expect with this book, and it took me a minute to grasp the setting, the plot. It had this sneaky way of grabbing a hold of my heart all at once without warning. It wasn't until it was over and I kept looking for pages that I realized how much I loved it. 

This story built on itself so damned beautifully, I look back in awe. 

I don't know why I put reading this book off for so long. It had this subtle sort of addiction to it. you think it's no big deal, until the you've stayed up all night, or finished the entire series. 

This book takes ordinary and makes it so beautiful. 

I kept wanting to quit. It was interesting while I read it, but when I stopped it was just so wordy. It took me a long time to finish this book and series, but when I was done, I was so enthralled and so firmly in their world. 

This book starts off slow but it so emotional.  I found myself loving it so much I read it again and found all these missed gems throughout.