Crux Blog Tour, Interview, Book Review and Giveaway!

I am really excited to have Julie Reece author of the new YA Paranormal book Crux, here today. She so kindly agreed to do a little interview with me (which for the record I think is so great that we are doing it today on Friday the 13th!!) as well as offer you a chance to win a copy of her new book Crux.

Author Bio:

Born in Ohio, I lived next to my grandfather’s horse farm until the fourth grade. Summers were about riding, fishing and make-believe, while winter brought sledding and ice-skating on frozen ponds. Most of life was magical, but not all.

I struggled with multiple learning disabilities, did not excel in school. I spent much of my time looking out windows and daydreaming. In the fourth grade (with the help of one very nice teacher) I fought dyslexia for my right to read, like a prince fights a dragon in order to free the princess locked in a tower, and I won.

Afterwards, I read like a fiend. I invented stories where I could be the princess... or a gifted heroine from another world who kicked bad guy butt to win the heart of a charismatic hero. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that? Later, I moved to Florida where I continued to fantasize about superpowers and monsters, fabricating stories (my mother called it lying) and sharing them with my friends.

Then I thought I’d write one down…

Hooked, I’ve been writing ever since. I write historical, contemporary, urban fantasy, adventure, and young adult romances. I love strong heroines, sweeping tales of mystery and epic adventure… which must include a really hot guy. My writing is proof you can work hard to overcome any obstacle. Don’t give up. I say, if you write, write on!

Author Interview:

MGO: "I think it is wonderful and admirable that you had some learning disabilities and were able to overcome them and learn to love reading and writing as a cause of it.
What were your favorite books to read growing up?"

Julie: When I was very young, I loved Grim fairy tales, Mother Goose, Hans Christian Anderson, C.S. Lewis and Beauty and the Beast. I read every book about horses I could find and old Nancy Drew, and Meg Mysteries. Then I jumped right to the Classics. Jane Austen, Bronte sisters, Dickens, Mary Webb, Shelley. Authors aren’t allowed to write with all the heavy description they used to, but there is an element of that I miss. I confess Dorian Gray about buried me though! Ugh. I am editing my new book right now, a historical YA paranormal romance that is a bit more flowery in writing style than Crux.  ;)

 MGO:  "What book or movie inspired you the most while you were writing Crux?"

Julie: The idea for Crux came from a dream. In the battle, I envisioned the moorlands from something like Wuthering Heights or The Secret Garden. I write in total silence, but if I’m stuck, I get in my MINI and drive. I crank my tunes to ten and ‘get inspired’.  I fit the mood of the scene I’m struggling with to different genres of music and sometimes and idea will pop into my head from nowhere at all. I love it when that happens.

MGO: Who was your favorite character to write about? Do you relate to any of the characters in anyway?

Julie:

My favorite character is always the one I’m currently writing. It’s always a challenge putting yourself in a stranger’s position and asking how you would feel in their place. I love Bird and Grey’s story—the struggles they battle and overcome. I like his bull headedness and her snark. They make a good match, but my all-time favorite characters (I’ve written) are the ones from my paranormal romance I’m editing. Their romance is intense. Lots of tension. Ahem … I may need to tone them down a bit for YA!

I think I write the character I wish I was. My alter egos perhaps? Not sure, maybe a little of both.  My heroines tend to be brave and bold (not me) and flawed (definitely me). I did a lot of dreaming when I was a kid and was addicted to comic books. The characters were always flying here or there kicking bad guy butt. I wanted to be just like them. Imagine my disappointment when no fairy godmother showed up and my super powers never kicked in! In frustration, I started writing and live vicariously through my characters. J

MGO:"Do you have any other books or series in the works?"

Julie: I do. I have two more YA urban fantasies I’m writing at the same time. Oy! Never tried that before, and it’s a weird feeling! I’m also editing a finished YA  paranormal romance. All are stand alones ( I seem to gravitate to three hundred word single title stories) Why is that?  Hmm, no idea. Anyway, the historical is my exception (should someone choose to publish it, lol) and it will be a series. That sucker finished at 130k words (500 pages) but I’ve whacked the bloat to 87K, closer to 300 pages.

 MGO: "Okay last question, lets make it a fun one, if you could have any super power, what would it be and why?"

Julie: I always wanted to control the weather and be Storm from X Men. She’s gorgeous and powerful and too cool. Either her, or Thor’s wife. What? You think it wouldn’t take some super power keeping up with that boy? Thor is freaking awesome! 

MGO: Thank you so much Julie for agreeing to be here today, it has been so much fun getting to know you better! I really enjoyed your book and I can't wait to read more from you in the future!!

 Synopsis:

 She should have run. Now, she’ll have to fight.

Eighteen year old Birdie may be homeless, but she’s surviving, that is until a mysterious guy throws money in the air like a crazy game show host, and she grabs some with the idea she’ll be able to buy dinner that night.

In that singular moment, unassuming Birdie becomes the girl in everyone’s viewfinder. Thugs want to kill her. Money-guy wants to recruit her. The very hot, very rich, and very out of her league Grey Mathews wants to save her.

Birdie, though, wants nothing to do with any of them, until she realizes fate didn’t bring them all together.

Her heritage did.

Now, with only twenty-one days left, she’s got to decide whether to follow in the footsteps of those before her or risk her life for people she’s only just met.

My Thoughts and Review:

  What can I say about this read other than to put it simply and say it was fantastic.

Completely engaging. It had just the right amount of action, mystery, romance and fun to make it a page turner and to keep me interested. 

I never felt like it dragged or lacked anywhere. 

The characters, every single one of them, were truly wonderful. I adored Grey. Birdie was kick butt and her sense of humor was witty and sarcastic and I just loved how far she came throughout the story. 

Kate, Scud, Dylan. Again, all fantastic. 

I really don't know what else to say about it other than to keep it short and sweet and say, this really is a must read book. One that you won't want to miss.

Reese did an amazing job with it and I know that I will be looking for her work in the future.

I give this one a very solid 4 Stars!!

Giveaway Details!

a Rafflecopter giveaway