Dare You To by Katie McGarry: A Review

Beth’s the bad girl that no-one wanted, not even parents.
Ryan’s the high school hero that everyone wants a piece of – even if no-one knows the real him.
Their paths should never have crossed – now they’re each other’s only life line.

If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk’s mum they’d send her mother to jail. So seventeen year old Beth protects her mum at all costs. Until the day she can’t. Suddenly sent to live with her uncle in a small town Beth’s now stuck with an aunt who doesn’t want her, and at a school that doesn’t get her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn’t go anywhere near a girl like Beth. . . .

Ryan Stone is gorgeous, a popular jock and the town golden boy—with secrets he can’t tell anyone. Even his friends. As Ryan and Beth dare to let each other in, they’re treading on dangerous ground – and the consequences could change their worlds forever.

(From NetGalley)

I first became aware of this author with her debut book, Pushing the Limits, a book which I really enjoyed for its gritty portrayal of the romance between a good girl with issues and a bad boy with even more hard-hitting issues. I wasn't sure what to expect with Dare You To because I was wondering how the author could top the first book, but I didn't need to worry. The author very capably depicts the romance between the main characters, just as she did in Pushing the Limits, only in this case, the roles are reversed - the girl is bad and the boy is golden. But, somehow, it works. And even though their relationship begins on a dare, it really blossoms into something else and it does so in a believable way.


I really liked the characters. Sometimes I wanted to shake Beth and scream at her not to throw away her second chance - just as I would if she were a real person. Sometimes, it really grated on my nerves that she kept pushing Ryan away and was so stubborn in her anger toward her uncle - who was really just trying to help her - but I'm glad I stayed with the story long enough to see it through to the end. It was well worth it. Ryan, on the other hand, was just the type of guy you want to take home to Mom - loyal, kind, and a little bit tortured. His biggest flaw is probably his loyalty to people who don't always deserve it, namely - his parents. They drove me crazy. They were so into image, they didn't really care what was important to their sons.
So if you liked Pushing the Limits or - if you haven't read that one yet (you should) - you just like gritty, realistic contempiorary YA stories, you should really give this book a try. Dare You To.

Spotlight On: Preston Norton, Author of Blud and Magick

THE DARLA IN ALL OF US

by

Preston Norton

The dedication in the opening pages of BLÜD AND MAGICK reads, “If you feel like the world is against you, then you’re probably doing something right. I dedicate this book to you.” Now those who have read and reviewed BLÜD AND MAGICK have compared similarities to Harry Potter. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t aware of such similarities. In writing this novel, it was not my intention to recreate something similar to Harry Potter, but in actuality, to create an “anti-Harry-Potter.” Now that I have thoroughly confused everyone, let me explain. Harry Potter’s entire existence is based on the idea that he was born a hero. He was a hero before he was even capable of making a conscious decision. 

Whereas Harry Potter is an instant celebrity, the protagonist of BLÜD AND MAGICK, Darla Summer, is an automatic outcast. She was born from the ashes of the dead Shadow Lord, Remmus Alrad. Most everyone in this world believes that she is some sort of reincarnation of the Shadow Lord and that she is most definitely the personification of evil. And honestly, under such circumstances, who wouldn’t? She is forced to live outside of the magical world in a fourteen-year probationary state, unaware of her dark origins, before she is deemed safe to attend the Alrad Academy of Blüd and Magick, founded by the Shadow Lord’s virtuous father, Amarant Alrad. However, Darla not only has to convince everyone else that she isn’t evil, but she also has to convince herself. And there are plenty of creepy things happening inside Darla’s head to give her doubts. And on top of that, Remmus Alrad’s followers, the Shadow Risers, are intent on somehow resurrecting their master from her soul. As the tagline to BLÜD AND MAGICK reads, “How do you fight your greatest enemy when he’s living inside you?” 

Now these are obviously extreme circumstances, and the premise of my story is pure fantasy. Nevertheless, there are certain transcendent truths that I believe resonate with the human condition. I created the character of Darla Summer because I believe there’s a little bit of her in all of us. I believe we are all judged from preconceived notions that are out of are control. We are hated all too often simply for being who we are. I think this is especially true of children and teenagers who are simply trying to discover who they are and just want to fit in. I created Darla Summer for them. I believe she stands as a beacon of hope that says: Yes, there is good and beauty in all of us, and that goodness can overcome all else.

About the Book:

Blud and Magick

“Uncle Ed, I . . . I did that to them,” she stammered.

Edwin cocked an eyebrow. “Did what?”

She pointed to the two bodies, impaled by ice.

“You did?” His eyes became wide with concern.

Darla nodded, biting her lip. “Uncle Ed . . . what am I?”

Fourteen-year-old Darla has always been a little odd, from her love of horror movies to her obsession with mirrors. But she has no idea how different she really is until the day she finds herself wielding a power she never knew she had.

But having an extraordinary ability is only the beginning. As Darla uncovers the secrets of her past, her world goes from dangerous to deadly. Now she must decide which part of her she will allow to rule her heart, the evil from which she was born or the good by which she was raised.

This spellbinding novel is full of action, humor, and twists you won’t see coming!

About the Author:

PRESTON NORTON is the co-author of The Lost Son to be released in October 2012, and Blüd and Magick, to be released in January 2013. He was born in California, raised in Texas, and is currently a student at Brigham Young University – Idaho, seeking a degree in English Education. He enjoys sushi, rock concerts, and scary movies.

(Please Note: I was supposed to do a review of this book, but it wasn't my cup of tea, so I decided to just spotlight it instead and let the readers decide for themselves.)

”The Tutor’s Daughter” by Julie Klassen! Enter to win a “Downton Abbey” Kindle Prize Pack

Julie is celebrating by giving away one of the new Paperwhite Kindles, Downton Abbey (season 3) and hosting a fun Author Chat Party on Facebook. (January 31st)

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Paperwhite
• Downton Abbey, Season 3
• A Julie Klassen library (The Tutor’s Daughter, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Silent Governess)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on January 30th. Winner will be announced at "The Tutor's Daughter Author Chat Party on January 31st. Connect with Julie, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be great giveaways - gift certificates, books and season 3 of Downton Abbey!

So grab your copy of The Tutor's Daughter and join Julie on the evening of the January 31st for a chance to connect with Julie and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 31st!

Super Book Blast and Giveaway: Holding Off For a Hero by Gail MacMillan

Holding Off For a Hero

by 

Gail MacMillan

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Beautiful, vivacious Emma Prescott has a love-'em-and-leave-'em reputation.  Fact is, Emma's holding off for a hero.  When she moves to a cabin at wilderness Loon Lake and meets her one neighbor biology professor Frasier MacKenzie, he's still just another guy, even with his killer blue eyes and body that just won't quit...until he rescues her and her Pug from one danger after another.  Then he definitely falls into hero territory.  But the professor has no intention of filling the role of white knight in Emma's life.  All he wants is to be rid of her and her annoying little dog so he can get on with his research. In fact, he's ordered to get rid of them whether he wants to or not.  Looks like Emma may have to go on holding off for a hero...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:

She floored the gas, and they took off with a squealing of tires.

“Hey, hey!” he yelled. “Slow down! The speed limit is 100 km. You’re heading to 130!”

“Look, I told you, I’m in a hurry!” she exploded.

“I’ve got a ton of things to do back at the cabin. You see,” she continued, quieting and sounding sly, “I’m having a party tonight. I have to get ready.”

“A party? You’re having a party? At the lake?”

Ah, man, that just about tears it.

“Actually, a bachelorette bash. One of my teacher friends is getting married next week, and a
bunch of us decided we’d give her a real whing-ding of a sendoff…up at my cabin where there’ll be no witnesses. Teachers and the likes of myself have reputations to think of, you realize.”

She cast him a wicked glance.

“So there’ll be music and a lot of noise and…”

The Professor’s blood pressure would skyrocket when he gave him this information.

“Oh, y-e-a-h.” She dragged out the last word.

“Couldn’t you have it somewhere else? Like a male strip joint in town?”

“Didn’t you hear what I just said about teachers and others of that ilk? We can’t be seen parading into one of those places. Our superintendent would suspend every last one of us. Anyway…” She looked over at him. “I don’t see why it should be such a big deal for you. You don’t have to keep banker’s hours. If the noise bothers you, stay up, watch a video, and sleep in on Sunday morning.”

“Okay, okay, but will you please keep your eyes on the road? And slow down! There’s a speed trap somewhere along…”

Behind them a siren wailed.

“Quick!” she ordered, pulling over as the police cruiser rolled alongside. “Hunch over and clutch
your chest!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Gail MacMillan is a three-time Maxwell Award Winning writer and author of 26 published books.  A graduate of Queen's University, she lives in New Brunswick Canada with her husband and two dogs, Fancy a Little River Duck Dog and Bruiser the cover guy and hero of Holding Off For a Hero.

Gail's web site is www.gailmacmillan.ca     




Holding Off for a Hero is available in both print and e-book from:

Amazon.com:  e-book -  http://www.amazon.com/Holding-Off-Hero-ebook/dp/B009SDED76/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1355876388&sr=8-2&keywords=Holding+off+for+a+hero

Print - http://www.amazon.com/Holding-Off-Hero-Gail-MacMillan/dp/1612174396/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355876388&sr=8-1&keywords=Holding+off+for+a+hero

The Wild Rose Press:   

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=175_133&products_id=5004


Giveaway:

Gail will award two $5 Amazon GCs and three digital copies of "Lady and the Beast" to randomly drawn commenters during the tour.

Please follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/12/virtual-super-book-blast-holding-off.html