Bad to the Bone - Jeri Smith-Ready

Bad to the Bone (WVMP#2) - Jeri Smith-Ready
Grade: Adult - UF
Rating: 5/5 stars

TURN ON. TUNE IN. DROP DEAD.

Welcome to WVMP, “The Lifeblood of Rock ’n’ Roll,” where conartist-turned-station-owner Ciara Griffin manages an on-air staffof off-the-wall DJs—including new boyfriend Shane McAllister—who really sink their teeth into the music of their “Life Time” (theera in which they became vampires). Ciara keeps the undeadrocking, the ratings rolling, and the fan base alive—withoutmissing a beat.

For Halloween, WVMP is throwing a bash. With cool tunes, hotcostumes, killer cocktails—what could go wrong? To start, areligious firebrand ranting against the evils of the occultpreempts the station’s midnight broadcast. Then, when Ciaratracks down the transmission, the broadcast tower is guarded bywhat appears to be . . . a canine vampire? Behind it all is a groupof self-righteous radicals who think vampires suck (and arewilling to stake their lives on it). Ciara must protect the stationwhile struggling with her own complicated relationship, her bestfriend’s romance with a fledgling vampire, and the nature of hermysterious anti-holy powers. To make it to New Year’s in one piece,she’ll need to learn a few new tricks. . . .(Description from Goodreads)

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After finishing 'Wicked Game' I was desperate to get my hands on the sequel. I wanted to know exactly what happened to Ciara and the vampire gang next. 'Bad to the Bone' was equally as exciting and packed full of adventure. I loved it!

It’s hard enough trying to live a normal life in the company of 6 vampire DJs, but Ciara Griffin’s life could not be more complicated. Caught up in the vampire world, Ciara has a pretty neat existence: A marketing job that seems to be an extension of herself, fabulous friends and a fantastic boyfriend who is crazy about her. But when a religious sect hijacks WVMP’s wave length to run anti-vampire segments, Ciara has to find a way to get her station back on track. It’s no surprise that when vampires pop up, religion is not far behind: the evils of blood sucking and living forever. I really enjoyed seeing this play out in ‘Bad to the Bone.’ Jeri Smith-Ready’s vampires follow some of the ‘traditional’ vampire myths and restrictions – such as sunlight and stakes to the heart – but they also face troubles with religious objects and holy water, so it was interesting to see the holy/religious take on their ‘fake’ existence. We get to see Ciara’s struggle with her own ideas on religion too, which helps us understand her a bit more – unravelling another layer of Ciara, because she has so many!

But it’s not just religious sects the vampires have to deal with in this book. There is a secret government organisation that is proving to be more trouble than help. The Control is not new to this series, but their history and involvement in the story can’t be overlooked. Like the rest of the DJs, The Control does not want the truth about vampires leaked; any chances of exposure could mean the death of a vampire or at least their detainment. I still have mixed feelings about The Control. For the most part, they seem to be trying to contain threats and protect vampires, but they’re sneaky and withhold information. I’m curious to find out more about their involvement in the supernatural world.

While not the biggest storyline for the book, I wanted to mention again that I love how unique Jeri’s stories are. Not only are there normal vampires in ‘Bad to the Bone’ but we’re introduced to animal vampires! Seriously, who would have thought anything like that could happen? Not me. It was a super cool concept, and Dexter the Dog is awesome.

Fantastic sequel to ‘Wicked Game’. Very exciting and action-packed; a really fun read!

5/5 stars


Kim
(Originally posted on Goodreads)

WINNER: Vote for Zachary Giveaway

We knew it was going to be a tough match, and #TeamKilt put up a massive fight. I couldn't be more proud of the friendships we've formed and the efforts we made to get Zach to the next level. We tried so hard and while we might not be in the next round, we still got a win. It was a win for #TeamKilt - because no-one has more fun fighting for our favourite guy than we do. 

But there's another winner from this round of the Tournament. My giveaway winner! 

Nicole Thorsen

Congrats! You've won your choice of a paperback copy of Shade, Shift or Shine! I'll be contacting you by email very soon to get your address and book preference. 

Kim

Vote for Zachary Giveaway!

By now – if you keep up with the YA blog world – you’ll be aware that the YA-Sisterhood has been hosting the 2^nd YA Crush Tournament. It’s a big deal in the book world. Everyone wants their favourite to win and we’re doing everything we can to prove that our boy is the best.

Who is my boy? Well that’s easy: Zachary Moore! (from the fabulous Shade series by Jeri Smith-Ready!)

Who wouldn’t love a guy that is kind and caring; wears an impressive kilt to the Prom; is incredibly strong even when there seems to be no hope; who has an insane amount of patience – especially when it comes to the girl he loves - and HAS A SCOTTISH ACCENT? Yeah, he's just that awesome.

*Gasp* You haven’t read about the amazing sexy Scot? That’s insane! You must have been hiding under a rock for the past couple of years! Well, here’s your chance to get to know just how awesome he is – and for those who have already met him, well you might just want to add to your collection.

Here’s the thing. Today (or tomorrow...depending on what part of the world you're visiting from) Zach heads into a tough match in the Crush Tourney - in fact, it's a round that's put a little tension in my relationship with best friend and blog partner, Kerrie (don't worry, we'll be friends again soon enough :P) Zach’s up against a very strong opponent, Will Herondale, and he’s going to need all the votes her can get! So, in order to give a little something back, I’m hosting a Vote For Zachary Moore Giveaway!

Support Team Kilt - Vote for Zach - and ONE lucky person will win their choice of a paperback copy of Shade, Shift or Shine! And it is International! (as long as The Book Depository ships to your country for free...because I’m taking full advantage of their shipping offers)  But wait! There’s more! If you win, the fabulous Jeri Smith-Ready will send you an autographed & personalised bookplate! (also international, so no-one misses out) How cool is that? And I’m speaking from experience here, as I’ve got a few of those bookplates myself, and they’re super awesome.

Vote for Zach and then fill out the form below. It’s that simple. Since I also love Will though, I’m not going to deny you the chance to win and meet Zachary – so here’s my counter offer. You’ll get an extra point – that’s an extra chance to win - if you vote for Zach! (I can’t actually tell if you voted for Zach, because the votes are private, so please be honest and only mark the ‘ZACHARY’ box if you actually voted for him.)

VOTE FOR ZACHARY

Giveaway closed. Winner announced soon.

Details

* One entry per person.

* You must be at least 16 years old or have permission from your parents before entering.

* Giveaway is INTERNATIONAL as long as your country is on The Book Depository's free shipping list

* The giveaway is open now and will run until 11:59pm (AEST) 26th July 2012

* Winner will be picked by Random.org and announced on the blog.

* Winner will also be emailed and have 1 week to reply before a new winner is picked.

Find out more about the YA Crush Tournament

Support Zach’s Tourney advocates

See more Shade giveaways

Kim

Wicked Game - Jeri Smith-Ready

Wicked Game (WVMP #1) - Jeri Smith-Ready
Grade: Adult - UF
Rating: 5/5 stars

LATE NIGHT RADIO YOU CAN SINK YOUR TEETH INTO

Recovering con artist Ciara Griffin is trying to live the straight life, even if it means finding a (shudder!) real job. She takes an internship at a local radio station, whose late-night time-warp format features 1940s blues, '60s psychedelia, '80s goth, and more, all with an uncannily authentic flair. Ciara soon discovers just how the DJs maintain their cred: they're vampires, stuck forever in the eras in which they were turned.

Ciara's first instinct, as always, is to cut and run. But communications giant Skywave wants to buy WVMP and turn it into just another hit-playing clone. Without the station — and the link it provides to their original Life Times — the vampires would "fade," becoming little more than mindless ghosts of the past. Suddenly a routine corporate takeover is a matter of life and undeath.

To boost ratings and save the lives of her strange new friends, Ciara rebrands the station as "WVMP, the Lifeblood of Rock 'n' Roll." In the ultimate con, she hides the DJs' vampire nature in plain sight, disguising the bloody truth as a marketing gimmick. WVMP becomes the hottest thing around — next to Ciara's complicated affair with grunge vamp Shane McAllister. But the "gimmick" enrages a posse of ancient and powerful vampires who aren't so eager to be brought into the light. Soon the stakes are higher — and the perils graver — than any con game Ciara's ever played...(Description from Goodreads)


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I love Jeri Smith-Ready. Just thought I’d put it out there. There are some authors that can just do no wrong and, for me, Jeri is one of those authors. I know vampires and con artists aren’t exactly new these days, but I never considered putting the two in the same story. The mix of the supernatural and deception circulating throughout ‘Wicked Game’ made it a more engaging story that I could ever have hoped for.

My favourite part of ‘Wicked Game’ had to be the main character: Ciara Griffin. Like all good Urban Fantasy characters, she has a troubled past that we’re introduced to throughout the story. There are so many layers to Ciara and she hides herself so well – probably because she grew up pretending to be different people in order to con them, because that’s who she is: the daughter of two con artists; bending the truth comes naturally to her. We get to see Ciara grow and change throughout the book. Her skills are used in many tricky ways and her idea of the world gets modified drastically – who wouldn’t have their mind changed slightly when they discover vampires exist? But I really enjoyed seeing how strong Ciara is. She’s sceptical and doesn’t instantly believe in the idea of vampires; more often than not she thinks before acting (which is more than some UF characters can claim) and she doesn’t let herself get pulled into things she doesn’t believe in such as religion and, like I mentioned earlier, the existence of vampires themself. I found these all added up to make an extremely strong leading lady. I love her.

I also love vampires. Not in an I-want-to-be-one way, but if I had to pick a favourite supernatural being it would definitely be vampires. I’m always a little surprised – and insanely happy – when I came across a new vampire story that puts a unique spin on the vampire myth. That’s not to say the traditional cape wearing “I want to suck your blood” vamps aren’t interesting, but I love when there’s a bit of a creative spark that makes the author’s vampires stand out in the crowd. ‘Wicked Game’ has that spark for me. Jeri Smith-Ready’s vampires – upon undeath – become frozen in the era they were turned in. While the world changes around them, they’re unable to adapt and learn the new ways of the new age...at least not without some serious help and a lot of struggle. That’s not their only quirk, but it’s the one that hooked me onto their crazy awesomeness. I really liked the idea of these vampires from all over the last century being stuck in their different times, bringing their personal histories and experiences to the present while fighting to not “fade” – another vampire quirk where the vampire’s mental stability starts to lessen as they move further away from their own era.

Speaking of history, a lot is displayed in the book through the music mentioned. Jeri is my go-to author when it comes to music. If anyone could bring such a strong focus on musical influences and turn it into an essential part of an amazing story, it’s Jeri Smith-Ready. Music is obviously an important part of the story, with the main 6 vampires running a radio station, each hosting separate shows based on the era they grew up in. Jeri gives the vampires an outlet to fight the possibility of fading through their DJ-ing and through music. What better way to allow the vampires to connect to their past and unique eras than through the music they would have listened to while alive? It works so well and gives them something to hold onto. I loved it and it also gave me a chance to expand my own music knowledge. I don’t actively seek new music, but I’m really tempted to look up every song mentioned in ‘Wicked Game’ because I know they’d be awesome tracks to add to my ipod. Entertainment and musical education, only part of what ‘Wicked Game’ brings to its audience.

An important and major part of the story revolves around the vampire DJs and hiding their true existence from the world, while also marketing on it. This is where Ciara’s past comes into play. She’s perfect at creating a new image for the DJs and finds many ways of selling that image to the public without actually revealing who or what they really are. I love the excitement and sense of danger that comes with this risk – and it is a risk, as they could be discovered at any moment. It makes you sit on the edge of your seat hoping nothing will go wrong, but knowing something’s going to pop up to put a spanner in the works.

I loved every moment of ‘Wicked Game’ and can’t wait to see what trouble Ciara gets up to next.

5/5 stars


Kim
(Originally posted on Goodreads)

Shine - Jeri Smith-Ready

Shine (Shade #3) - Jeri Smith-Ready
Grade: YA
Rating: 5/5 stars

In this dramatic conclusion to the Shade trilogy, Aura and Zachary’s relationship sizzles as the secrets of the Shift are revealed.

Life can change in an instant, and no one understands that better than Aura. It’s been almost a year since her boyfriend tragically died. She’s finally letting go of Logan’s violet-hued ghost, but not her search to uncover the truth about her past.

As the first in a generation that can see ghosts, Aura is convinced she has a connection to the Shift. She’s trusted Zachary, ever patient and ever by her side, with all that she knows. But when the government threatens his life in an attempt to learn Aura’s secrets, she will stop at nothing to protect herself and the one she loves...even if that means betraying her own heart. (Description from Goodreads)
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The smile has not left my face since I finished ‘Shine’. I always get that way when I read the perfect end to an amazing series (I know there’s still a Zach novella to be released, but Shine really does complete the series). I cannot explain how excited I was for this book; how anxious I was to see Aura and Zachary safely together; how curious I was to uncover the secrets of the Shift. It was an amazing book and I loved every moment of it.

‘Shine’ continues on from the moment ‘Shift’ ends. Aura’s still in the cemetery, mourning the loss of Logan once again, sitting by his headstone and worrying about Zachary’s flight. I’ve mentioned this in reviews before, but it’s worth saying it again: I’m a big fan of books that start immediately after the previous book’s end. This way you feel like it really is a continuing story – there are no missing pieces, you haven’t skipped days of activity, there’s no sense that something important has been lost. This is what it feels like with ‘Shine’. You’re thrown right back into familiar scenes and emotions, the action hits you immediately – no waiting for things to get started. I love it.

I was a little nervous about reading - and finishing - ‘Shine’. It’s no secret that the Shade characters get into a fair bit of trouble; there’s no shortage of fights, running, spy missions, even death – very hard to avoid death when one of the main issue in the series involves ghosts. Jeri doesn’t shield her characters from danger and I was worried for Aura and Zachary, I felt like the universe kept throwing things in the way of their Happily Ever After. ‘Shine’ is not lacking in dangerous adventures and secrets. It makes for an incredibly action-packed story, where you can’t help sitting on the edge of your seat – desperate to find out if everything will be alright in the end.

I loved the action within ‘Shine’; it doesn’t lack the get-your-heart-pumping scenes that help drive a book to a deeper level. With the Department of Metaphysical Purity (DMP) watching Aura’s every move, waiting for her to reveal what she knows of the Shift, and MI-X attempting to reveal the DMP’s secrets and the new edition – Nighthawk – the unknown assassins lurking around corners waiting to pounce; you can’t help looking over your own shoulder every few minutes to make sure you’re not being tracked and followed too. It definitely made the book hard to put down.

The biggest mystery Aura and Zachary face is trying to uncover what makes them so unique. If you’re a Shade fan already, you’ll know that Zach and Aura are pretty special people, and not just because they’re awesome, but because they have certain gifts that developed because of the Shift. There are still questions surrounding the Shift and the pair’s gifts, and obviously, with ‘Shine’ being the last book in the series, we get a lot of answers to these. There is no way to explain that further without giving things away, but let me tell you this, it involves some pretty awesome discoveries.

Jeri Smith-Ready has a way of reaching out to her fans through her characters, especially through the amazing men in the Shade series. Zachary and Logan cannot be overlooked. These two fellas have not had an easy journey, constantly pitted against each other as though one will prove to be better than the other. It’s hard to pick a side when they share the page time and are both pretty awesome – though I did always have my favourite *cough*Zach*cough* But ‘Shine’ definitely shifts the focus. We’re no longer pulled in two directions in terms of romance – there’s no questioning, no doubt. Everything is out in the open and to say the end to the romantic side of the story was not perfect would be the biggest lie I’ve ever told. I don’t think I’ve had such a satisfying ending in so long. The closure we get, mixed in with the wonder of what might happen in the future; it was just PERFECT.

You will laugh, you will cry; but in the end you will love ‘Shine’ because it was the perfect ending for Aura’s story.

5/5 stars


Kim
(Originally posted on Goodreads)

Shift - Jeri Smith-Ready

Shift (Shade #2) - Jeri Smith-Ready
Grade: YA
Rating: 5/5 stars

Aura's life is anything but easy. Her boyfriend, Logan, died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling. Aura knows he needs her now more than ever. She loves Logan, but she can't deny her connection with the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she's not sure that she wants to.

Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift.

As Aura's search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets…and her heart. (Description from Goodreads)


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'Shift' is an unbelievable sequel to 'Shade'. Once again I had a heap of trouble putting it down. I had to force myself to sleep last night instead of reading throughout the night (I wish I'd kept reading). Jeri Smith-Ready takes us on another wild emotional ride to try and uncover more of the Shift's mystery and how the ghosts function in the human world. I so happy that 'Shift' met the expectations I had after finishing 'Shade'. Never a dull moment. There was action, mystery and romance; and so emotional, I was in tears at the end.

I love the idea of solstices and equinoxes being so important with the Shift. I know the solstices were important in 'Shade' too, but they hit me harder in book 2 (I'll admit I had flashbacks to my young teen years when my sister and I obsessed about solstices and wicca.) Really enjoyed all those moments.

So many twists that left me more curious than before (and at times left me shocked and heartbroken). I love when stories take dramatic turns you're not expecting, it makes everything so exciting and really hard to put the book down. Most of these twists help to unravel the secrets of the Shift, but at times I wondered if we really had all the information. It seems like there are still a few pieces of the puzzle missing; which is awesome because that means more excitement in the next book.

After 'Shade' I had mixed feelings and theories about who Aura would end up with. Both guys are awesome and you can't help loving Logan and Zachary, as they both bring so much to the story. I loved seeing Logan's music passion spring up once again, he's got skills; and Zach's ability to comfort Aura (despite some issues) makes me melt. It's hard to think that only one guy can really win the girl; but 'Shift' has helped me make my choice. I'm in love with the Scotsman, so Team Kilt!

Can't wait to see what happens next. I'm dying for 'Shine'
5/5 stars.


Kim
Originally posted on Goodreads

Shade - Jeri Smith-Ready

Shade (Shade #1) - Jeri Smith-Ready
Grade: YA
Rating: 5/5 stars

Love ties them together. Death can't tear them apart.

Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.

Well, sort of.

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.

It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding—and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift. (Description from Goodreads.)

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Wow. I think that’s the best way to describe how I feel about ‘Shade’. I love the concept of 'Shade'. It's a fantastic mix of hauntingly-spooky moments (as to be expected when ghosts are involved) and sweet tragic-romance that leaves you tingling. Add to that the mystery of the Shift and you’ve got yourself an awesome story that you can’t put down. An emotional story, full of love and sadness, and that left me wanting more.

Aura Salvatore lives in a changed world. The minute of her birth marks the start of this change, where children are now born with the ability to see and talk to ghosts (violet spectral beings that can only haunt places they visited in their living days). A cool skill, right? Well there’s a downside. Ghosts can’t see or talk to other ghosts so it means these kids, none of which are older than Aura’s own 16 (almost 17) years; which means ghosts spend a lot of time trying to talk to these kids, the Post-Shifters.

Aura can deal with all the ghost madness though, as long as she doesn’t face a Shade: a ghost who turns dark, black instead of violet, and who now has no limitations in the world except for obsidian and the colour red. Shade’s a scary things, dangerous and make you sick. Aura’s faced a few and I can’t imagine how she feels coming in contact with one.

Enter the guys: Logan Keeley, long term boyfriend and music god, who unfortunately has a sad beginning and faces heartbreaking moments throughout the book. And Zachary Moore, Scottish exchange student who may hold some answers to Aura’s burning desire to uncover the mystery to the Shift. As a story that has a large focus on romance, the loss of a loved one and the potential for new love, it’s hard not to focus on the guys. ‘Shade’ is another one of those YA books where you can't pick one guy over the other and part of me loves and hates that feeling. I love it because there’s never that moment when you’re thinking “Gee, I hope the other guy turns up soon.” But I hate the idea that one guy is going to be picked in the end and I have no idea who it will be, but I know someone's going to end up hurt and that kills me. When Aura's with Logan you melt. He's saying all these sweet things about staying with her...for her, and you can't help but sigh. But then Zachary pops up, and he's this mystery man with a cute accent and an extremely large amount of patience and makes you shiver and smile.

I love how the cause of the Shift is still unknown. One minute kids couldn’t see ghosts and the next certain kids could. I can’t wait to find out more of the mystery, especially considering it seems to involve so many factors and people.

Awesome start to the series; can’t wait to dive into the next one.

5/5 stars

Kim
Originally posted on Goodreads