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{Release Day + GIVEAWAY} Alienated by Melissa Landers

A NOTE FROM MELISSA LANDERS!

Hey, fiction lovers. I’m author Melissa Landers, and I’m thrilled to announce that my debut YA sci-fi romance, ALIENATED, is finally available from Disney-Hyperion! Cue the dancers and toss the confetti, because it’s been a long wait!

In a nutshell, ALIENATED is the story of valedictorian Cara Sweeney, who gets more than she bargained for when she agrees to host the nation’s first intergalactic exchange student, the gorgeous but emotionally-stilted Aelyx (pronounced A-licks) from planet L’eihr. The tone is light and humorous, but I explore some deeper themes as well.

BLURB
Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them. Handpicked to host the first-ever L'eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she'll have inside information about the mysterious L'eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara's blog following is about to skyrocket. Still, Cara isn't sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L'eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn't seem more alien. She's certain about one thing though: no human boy is this good-looking. But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class. Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn't just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life-not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

WHAT DO REVIEWERS HAVE TO SAY?

“The storyline is out of this world and character development paired with authentic voice is superb. Filled with intrigue and suspense, this book will appeal to both sci-fi and contemporary YA fiction fans.” –VOYA

“Interstellar relations heat up in this start to a new romantic science fiction series. Landers [explores] larger social, ecological, and ethical issues in this tense, fast-paced read.” –Booklist

“The perfect blend of sizzling romance, action, and suspense.” –#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout

“Smart, funny, and epic. I am now awaiting contact from planet L’eihr.” Julie Cross, bestselling author of Tempest.

“Intergalactic exchange students? Yes, please! I fell in love with this story and couldn’t put it down.” Jodi Meadows, author of Incarnate.

If you like hot, swoony science fiction as much as I do, I hope you’ll give ALIENATED a try. It’s now available in stores and online.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1eHsLaf

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1dZqtBI

Book Depo (free international shipping): http://bit.ly/1hzxOfs

Indie Bound: http://bit.ly/1dfZHDW

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melissa Landers is a former teacher who left the classroom to pursue other worlds. A proud sci-fi geek, she isn’t afraid to wear her Princess Leia costume in public—just ask her husband and three kids. She lives outside Cincinnati in the small town of Loveland, “Sweetheart of Ohio.” For more information, or just to say hello, visit www.melissa-landers.com.

GIVEAWAY

To celebrate my book birthday, I’m offering one lucky winner a Nook Simple Touch. I’ll even throw in a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble so you can fill your new e-reader with whatever you want!

Now for the fine print: This giveaway is open to US residents only. (Sorry, international friends, but you need a US billing address to buy digital content on the Nook.) Due to sweepstakes laws, entrants must be 18 years or older to participate.

Best of luck, and happy reading!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Obsidian (Lux #1)

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Title: Obsidian

Series: Lux #1

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Published: May 8th 2012

Genre: Paranormal Romance

“I didn't want to spoil the mood. This was probably the longest Daemon and I had ever spoken without some statement earning him the finger.”

***Mild spoilers***

THE GOOD:

The story:

Wow…just wow! I loved this book! As soon as Katy moves in next door to Daemon they are at each other throats, throwing insults at each other and generally giving the impression they despise one another. But it's clear that there is enough sexual tension between them to power the entire neighbourhood for a year! Every scene with them was electric!

The story is also full of lots of excitement with plenty of twists and turns as we follow the Luxens (aka 'good' alien's of light) try to protect each other & their identities from the Arum (aka 'bad' alien's of darkness).

The heroine:

The main character & narrator, Katy, is awesome - I loved how she has this real fiery, sarcastic attitude to her. She's not afraid to say what she thinks, especially to Daemon, which was a nice change from the normal push over style heroines we're used to. When Daemon was nasty or insulting her, she called him a d**khead, flipped him the bird (so many times I lost count) & poured spaghetti on him in the cafeteria (I loved that one!). She didn't take any of his crap, which I really appreciated.

“No. Sorry. You have spent months being the biggest jerk to me. You don't get to decide to like me one day and think I will forget that. I want someone to care for me like my dad cared for my mom. And you aren't him.”

I also liked how Katy has a couple of other friends that she continues to hang out with after she becomes friends with Dee & discovers she's an alien. She doesn't just forget her other friends (which seems to happen a lot in other books like this).

The Writing:

Armentrout's writing style won me over. There was a real sense of humour to it that I really enjoyed. I think some people may find the narrator's voice irritating with her sarcastic comments, but if you read the blurb this gives a very good example of how the book reads. The book doesn't feel as dark & heavy as many paranormal books do & I personally found my self laughing quite a few times, which was very refreshing!

I was also really impressed by how well this story was constructed. With explanations on how the aliens arrived, how the government were dealing with it, and also how their alien powers worked. These details are gradually released through the story, generally as Katy discovers them.

THE BAD:

I have to admit I did find Daemon a little irritating at the beginning - I know that was his intention, to push her away to keep his sister safe, but I just felt at times he went a bit too far & was straight out nasty. As the book went on I started to like him more & when I read the few chapters at the end of the book told from Daemon's point of view, I started to understand his actions better. I think the story could have actually benefited from having both Katy & Daemon's perspective throughout the book (but I always love dual POV stories)

FINAL WORD:

Overall this was a really enjoyable book - fun, adventurous & smothered in sexual tension! Bring on Onyx!

CONTENT:

Sexuality: medium / intense kissing with partial nudity, discussions of sex

Violence: medium / character attacked & almost sexually assaulted, fighting scenes with aliens killed

Language: mild-medium / d**khead, douche bag etc

Drugs & alcohol: mild-medium / underage drinking at party