Wednesday 5 March 2014

BLOG TOUR - TEMPUS BY HOLLY LAUREN



Title:  Tempus
Author: Holly Lauren
Publisher: Libertine Press
Genre: New Adult Fantasy
Release Date: Available NOW!

BLURB from Gooadreads
Chapel Ryan isn't crazy. At least, that's what she's been trying to convince herself of for most of her life. But after being hallucination-free for three years, Chapel finds herself facedown on her English classroom’s gritty linoleum floor. When she looks up, everyone around her is suspended in animation. Mouths hang open mid-yawn, feet hover mid-cross, Ms. Freeman’s arm flexes mid-sentence diagram. It's another hallucination. Or, is it? 

Chapel prepares to tear herself back to reality when something happens. Something that has never happened before in any of her hallucinations--someone moves. And not just any someone—it’s the new guy with a scar over his lip and a reputation as black as his perfectly styled hair. And all of the sudden Chapel's white-knuckle grip on her life has slipped, and with it, her assurance that what she's experiencing isn't real.

Available here: Amazon & Barnes & Nobles
ONE SENTENCE BOOK DESCRIPTION
After she learns the true nature of her hallucinations, high school senior Chapel Ryan must decide who she can trust in a world where the rules of genetics do not apply.
Book Moodboard


CHARACTER INTERVIEWS
Interview carried out & supplied by GMTA Publishing
Interview with Chapel
Interviewer: Hi Chapel, I’m so excited to be here with you today! I’ve been trying to prepare for this interview for a few days and, let me tell you, it has not been easy. I could just sit here and gossip about your incredibly attractive neighbors over there, but I guess I have a job to do, so let’s get right to it!
Interviewer: I know that you enjoy reading, can you tell me who you favorite character from literature is, and why?
Chapel: Just one? Hmm…
I think Julie from Isaac Marion’s Warm Bodies is one of the toughest heroines out there. She’s confident and funny, but brave and thinks for herself. Plus, there was something about her that made R hesitate long enough to not eat her. As far as zombie-love goes, that’s tops!
Interviewer: And how about your favorite villain?
Chapel: I don’t know about the best villain, but the scariest villain of all time has to be Voldemort from the Harry Potter series. Can you think of a scarier name? Much less the man with the name. Sheesh! Timmy made me watch every movie with him in a marathon one weekend. I had nightmares for a month. 
Interviewer: Even though you’re a cheerleader, you don’t seem to fall into a “clique”. Why (and knowing the pressures of high school, ) how is that?
Chapel: While I’m not like, a social outcast, I’m not the most popular girl in school, either. (Who would want that kind of pressure?) Cliques always seemed kind of like conforming, and conforming like giving up control … and I think we all know how I feel about control.
As for cheering in high school, I basically tried out just to get Erica to shut up about it. It also gave me a chance to keep my tumbling sharp, and I got to hang out with her, Timmy, and Logan on Friday nights.
Interviewer: How are you and your ex, Logan, doing as of today?
Chapel: Logan has a new girlfriend who lives a few towns up. Erica and I bumped in to them at the mall last week, and Erica tried to trip her. So … (Presses lips together.) Yeah. That’s that.  
Interviewer: How about you and Zay?
Chapel: (Giggles.) Gosh, I’m lame, right? We’re really good. (Giggles again.) Please ignore me and ask the next question.  
Interviewer: If you could repeat one moment in your life, what would it be?
Chapel: My first date with Zay.
Interviewer: Can you tell us one of your biggest regrets?
Chapel: Not spending more time with my sisters when we lived in the same house. Now I don’t think we’ll ever live together again.
Interviewer: You seem like such a brave girl, do you have a phobia?
Chapel: Commitments, closets, dependency, diets, the future … Sorry. Did you say just one?
Interviewer: What song in your playlist is on repeat?
Chapel: (Blushes.) Um, Zay put a song on my iPod. It’s kind of old. It’s called ‘Green Eyes’ by Coldplay.
Interviewer: Sum up your style in a two words.
Chapel: Country boho.
Interviewer: Okay, Chapel, my next set of questions are fill in the blank.
My type of guy is: quick-witted
I’m addicted to: reading – or I was, until Erica made me hide my books in the basement …
The best way to move past a break up is: Pretend it never happened? Just kidding. Do as I say, not as I do! The best way to move forward from a break up is to not to figure out what went wrong, but to celebrate what went right, and be brave enough to try again the next time around.
My idea of the perfect date is: Did you hear about my first date with Zay? Hot dogs, dancing in fountains, and a kiss? I’m not sure it gets better than that!
I feel the most confident when I’m wearing: My cowboy boots!
A good friend is: Gosh, I’m afraid if I put them in any certain order they’ll argue over who got to be mentioned first ... To keep it fair, I’ll list them in alphabetical order: Erica, Timmy, and Zay. All three of these people allow me to be me, while also pushing me to be the best version of me. That’s true friendship right there, friends.
I'm happiest when: Zay + Snack + Soft Surface + Book = Heaven
Interviewer: Chapel, I've had such an amazing time getting to know you better. There's just one last thing before I stop the tape, do you have any special plans tonight?

Chapel: After we train, Zay is taking me to see the new X-Men movie. He said maybe we can learn a few things from it … I still can’t figure out if he’s joking or not. 

Interview with Isaiah (Zay)

Isaiah: Here they are ladybug! 

Interviewer: "Hello Isaiah, or may I call you Zay? I have to say I'm a bit nervous. The chance to actually get to interview you is a rarity and I'm sure you never would have agreed had Chapel not persuaded you. I do hope I do not ask any overly private questions, but if I do feel free to decline to answer."

Isaiah: Only my closest friends call me Zay … but … I’ll make an exception. I did that with Chapel, and you see how that worked out … (Winks.)

The interviewer fidgets around with a sheaf of papers in her hand, her eyes darting from one sheet to the next. It's obvious she's extremely nervous and can barely keep herself contained. Her hands shake and she drops an index card on the floor. She leans over quickly, almost too quickly nearly toppling out of her chair as she snatches it up afraid he'll see the little stars and hearts she's drawn around his name. 

Interviewer: "Ahem... sorry about that." Glancing back up at him she smiles shakily and begins with her first question. 

Interviewer:  "So, Zay, how about those Yankee's?"

Isaiah: I don’t do baseball anymore. (Points to scar over his lip.) Remember?

Interviewer: She can see that her attempt at a joke fails miserably but quickly bounces back with a small smile. "But seriously, what your fans would like to know is... how exactly did you feel when you saw Chapel for the first time?"

Isiaih: The first time I saw Chapel was almost a year ago. It was mid-March, and I was sitting in the car waiting on Jackson and his realtor to look at—yet another—house.

There was a break in the trees that divide our yards, and there was just room enough between two of them for me to see her. She had her music blaring when she pulled up—that’s what got my attention. She was playing an angry song--one of my favorite songs.

And I look over expecting to see some angsty dude, and instead there’s this short blonde girl in heels and a blouse slamming her car door. Usually I’m not into short girls, but I couldn’t look away from her. Because while she was small, she took up all the spaces in my vision.

Turn around, turn around, I found myself thinking. I wanted to see her face. When I did, I let my feet slip from the dash into the floorboard as I leaned forward. She was beautiful. Beautiful, and sad.

My first thought was, I want to take that away from her. I want to make her not sad. My second thought was, Don’t be such a freaking pansy, Zay. That girl is hot. You have to find a way to make out with her in between missions. So I went inside and told Jackson that was the house for us.

Interviewer: Somewhat heartbroken she moves on. If only there'd been the slightest chance she could have turned his head. Oh well, she'll just have to dream on. "What kind of music do you like?"

Isiaih: I’m into hip-hop, mostly. Jay Z, Eminem. Anything I run or slam a punching bag to. (Leans forward and whispers) I’ve been known to download the odd Katie Perry song.  But let’s keep that between us, hm?

Interviewer: She's becoming a bit more comfortable now and finally settles into routine. "If you had to name a hero, someone that's not related to you or someone you don't really know, that you would like to hang out with for a week, who would it be and why?"

Isiaih: Superman. He has x-ray vision …

Interviewer: "Where do you shop for clothes and what's your color preference?"

Isiaih: I actually enjoy shopping—which guys think is weird until they see the fruits of my labor. Girls love dudes who put a little thought into what they wear. I travel so much that I don’t have time to go into malls. I shop online. As for colors … (Looks down at all black outfit.) Do you gotta ask?

Interviewer: "Favorite ice cream? Or do you even like ice cream?"

Isiaih: Jackson would make me run a dozen sprints just for using the word ice cream.

Interviewer: "If you could dye your hair any color, what would it be and why?" 

Isiaih: Have you seen my hair? (Points to perfectly-coifed locks.)  Nu uh.

Interviewer: Feeling that her questions are a little more feminine than he'd like, she finally tosses the papers on the table and goes for the nitty gritty stuff.

"Alright, so..." Leaning forward she smiles wickedly. "What do you really think is going on with Chapel's dad and the fact that he's still alive after all?"

Isiaih: I have a few theories in the works, actually. (Runs a hand down the side of his jaw.) Let’s just say I’m hoping they all turn out to be bogus.

Interviewer: "Do you have any jealousy toward Valentine? I mean let's face it, he's pretty close to Chapel and well... even though he's 'technically' with Erika...?" Leaving  the question open ended she waits for him to answer, hoping she can get some serious dirt here.

Isaiah: I hate to disappoint you, but I’m not really a jealous guy. I’m happy Chapel had a good friend growing up. He’s a really good dude, to be honest. Smart and funny. (Pauses.) Okay, now that I think about it, maybe I am a little jealous. But have you seen his hair? (Shakes his head.) I feel good about my chances.

Interviewer: "How did it feel to be able to rough Carter up a bit? I bet you wanted to get a few more good licks in huh?" 

Isaiah: (Smirks.) Now we’re talking. I’ve wanted to punch Carter in his pretty boy face ever since I saw him standing close to Chapel in his classroom last fall. If Chapel hadn’t been there to stop me, I’d be having this interview from a jail cell.  

Interviewer: "So tell me about Rush, does he have anyone he's interested in?" Realizing she's fishing again she leans back and holds up her hands. "Sorry... never mind you really don't have to answer that." Even though she hopes he will.

Isaiah: You’re not the first girl to fish for information about my boy. (Chuckles softly.)  I think Rush has his eye on someone. But you’ll have to stay tuned to figure out who …

Interviewer: "Say you and Chapel didn't work out, and you had the chance to go out with any girl you wanted, even a celebrity, who would it be?"

Isaiah: I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I’m not really a relationship kind of guy. This thing with Chapel scares the sh—uh (Catches himself.), it’s outside of my comfort zone, so to speak. I have no idea how I’ll react if it doesn’t work out, because I’ve never done this before. 

Interviewer: "When you have time to watch television, are there any shows you really enjoy?" 

Isaiah: Television? Is that still a thing?

Interviewer: She's pretty good at this back and forth, light and intense thing and really feeling at ease now she goes for another serious question. "Tell us about your mom, Zay, where is she? Who was she really?

Isaiah: (Coughs into his fist.) Next question.

Interviewer: "Just one last question and I guess we'll be done. I'm sure all the fan girls out there will want to know. Is there ever a chance that you might become... you know... the 'old' Zay again?" There's a hint of hopefulness in her eyes, even just one night with this handsome rogue would be enough to last her a lifetime... let's face it she's not had much action lately.

Isaiah: The old Zay? The old Zay was a lot to handle. (Lifts up one corner of his mouth.) But he had some good times, too. Wait … are you okay? You’re breathing kind of funny …

Interviewer: "Alright, well..." she stands and gathers her papers accidentally leaving the index card behind she'd dropped earlier. Holding out her free hand she smiles. "Thank you Zay for the wonderful interview, I really hope we can do it again sometime." Leaning in a bit just for one moment of closeness she winks. "Anytime... you have my number... call me." Releasing his hand after a moment she turns to walk toward the door trying to sashay a bit, though the execution is poor and she trips on the rug in the foyer. Catching herself against the wall she makes sure not to look back, sure he's laughing at her and exits the house.

SOUNDTRACK


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Holly was born and raised in a small town in North Georgia. The third of four children, Holly grew up telling stories to get herself out of—and her siblings into—trouble. When she was eight years old, she penned her first publication: a newspaper called Sunny Dayz News. While she didn’t sell any actual copies, her sympathetic grandmother did peruse through the edition at least once.
When Holly isn’t dreaming up new plotlines for her next book, she enjoys breakfasting at Picnic Café in Dahlonega, Georgia with her (handsome) husband and their two (adorable) daughters.
AUTHOR LINKS



GUEST POST
Subject - 5 YA couple scenes I love by Holly Lauren

My sister and I are always highlighting scenes and quotes on our Kindles and sharing them with one another. I am going to share 5 of our favorites “couples” scenes below. So, actually, that title should say we love instead of I love. (But if my sister were writing this, she’d probably take all the credit.)

***BE WARNED. WE ARE GIRLY AND SILLY AND BASICALLY LAME.***

 SCENE ONE
Jace and Clary from City of Bones by Cassandra Clare 
"How did you know I had Shadowhunter blood? Was there some way you could tell?"
The elevator arrived with a final groan. Jace unlatched the gate and slid it open. The inside reminded Clary of a birdcage, all black metal and decorative bits of gilt. "I guessed," he said, latching the door behind them. "It seemed like the most likely explanation."
"You guessed? You must have been pretty sure, considering you could have killed me."
He pressed a button in the wall, and the elevator lurched into action with a vibrating groan that she felt all through the bones in her feet. "I was ninety percent sure."
"I see," Clary said.
There must have been something in her voice, because he turned to look at her. Her hand cracked across his face, a slap that rocked him back on his heels. He put a hand to his cheek, more in surprise than pain. "What the hell was that for?"
The other ten percent," she said, and they rode the rest of the way down to the street in silence.

SCENE TWO
Tris and Four from Divergent by Veronica Roth 
“You think my first instinct is to protect you. Because you're small, or a girl, or a Stiff. But you're wrong."

He leans his face close to mine and wraps his fingers around my chin. His hand smells like metal. When was the last time he held a gun, or a knife? My skin tingles at the point of contact, like he's transmitting electricity through his skin.

"My first instinct is to push you until you break, just to see how hard I have to press." he says, his fingers squeezing at the word break. My body tenses at the edge in his voice, so I am coiled as tight as a spring, and I forget to breathe.”

SCENE THREE
R and Julie in Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion 
As she dampens my shirt with sadness and snot, I realize I'm about to do another thing I've never done before. I suck in air and attempt to sing. “You're . . . sensational . . . ,” I croak, struggling for a trace of Frank's melody. “Sensational . . . that's all.”
There's a pause, and then something shifts in Julie's demeanor. I realize she's laughing.

“Oh wow,” she giggles, and looks up at me, her eyes still glistening above a grin. “That was beautiful, R, really. You and Zombie Sinatra should record Duets III.”
I cough. “Didn't get . . . warm-up.”



SCENE FOUR
Mara and Noah in The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
“Have you kissed many boys before?" he asked quietly.
His question brought my mind back into focus. I raised an eyebrow. "Boys? That's an assumption."
Noah laughed, the sound low and husky. "Girls, then?" 
"No."
"Not many girls? Or not many boys?"
"Neither," I said. Let him make of that what he would.
"How many?"
"Why—"
"I am taking away that word. You are no longer allowed to use it. How many?"
My cheeks flushed, but my voice was steady as I answered. "One."
At this, Noah leaned in impossibly closer, the slender muscles in his forearm flexing as he bent his elbow to bring himself nearer to me, almost touching. I was heady with the proximity of him and grew legitimately concerned that my heart might explode. Maybe Noah wasn't asking. Maybe I didn't mind. I closed my eyes and felt Noah's five o' clock graze my jaw, and the faintest whisper of his lips at my ear.
"He was doing it wrong.”

SCENE FIVE
Peeta and Katniss in Mocking Jay by Suzanne Collins 
“Peeta and I grow back together. There are still moments when he clutches the back of a chair and hangs on until the flashbacks are over. I wake screaming from nightmares of mutts and lost children. But his arms are there to comfort me. And eventually his lips. On the night I feel that thing again, the hunger that overtook me on the beach, I know this would have happened anyway. That what I need to survive is not Gale's fire, kindled with rage and hatred. I have plenty of fire myself. What I need is the dandelion in the spring. The bright yellow that means rebirth instead of destruction. The promise that life can go on, no matter how bad our losses. That it can be good again. And only Peeta can give me that. So after, when he whispers, "You love me. Real or not real?" I tell him, "Real.”

And, because I am a shameless writer, here’s one of my favorite scenes from my debut novel, TEMPUS, out now:

BONUS SCENE I LOVE FROM TEMPUS! 
BONUS: Zay and Chapel from Tempus by Holly Lauren
Chapel made a complete circuit, peeking through the breaks in the stream, but she still didn’t see him. Had he left her there? The thought burned a hole through her excitement.
The song changed again. This time it was something more current. A woman singing about going around and around.

Tell me now, tell me now, tell me now, tell me now you know.


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