Book Jems: tellulah darling

I was weak in the face of bad boys with ink.

Source

Sometimes I think Darling is peering directly into my soul when I read her work. Because come on, who doesn't love a bad boy? And there's even a new character with a British accent!! It's like this book was written just for me! Okay, anyway, moving on...

My Date From Hell picks up right where My Ex From Hell left off. Sophie is being held captive by her father, the all-powerful Zeus, and trying all means of possible escape. I'd want to get the heck out of there too. Father dearest is proving he's not above torturing his little girl for answers. Once reunited with Kai and getting the hell out of Olympus, Sophie sets out on the seemingly impossible task of getting Persephone's memories back.

Our favorite players are back: Sophie, Kai (swoon), Theo, Hannah - even ones we don't love, such as Bethany.

But we also get a few more players added to the mix: Pierce (aka Cupid. Get it, Pierce - cause Cupid pierces the hearts of his victims with arrows? I thought that was wicked clever.) and Festos (aka Phaestos) are two additions that I loved. Especially the back story with Theo and Festos...ahhh so brilliant! We also get to meet Aphrodite (self-centered) and Hermes (think Trickster for all you Supernatural fans) as they play their parts in this game of helping Sophie regain her memories.

Oh, and did I mention there's more Kai...sigh. Prince of Darkness can be sweet, imagine that.

What Darling does so exceedingly well is give us just the right balance of Greek mythology and real teenage life. Most YA books showcase their teenagers as these unrealistic versions of what they think teens are like and their voices don't come across as teens. Many teenagers are impulsive, scared and young. They try to be brave but deep down life terrifies them. Darling captures that innocence without making it seem immature. And she gives them voices that are true to their ages. The characters just jump off of the page, their personalities their own not blending into others. And she has a knack for seeing relationships that most wouldn't have seen or put together (ex: Pierce and Hannah). Mix this with witty one-liners and pop culture references, Date definitely lives up to its predecessor.

There's just one little thing. Umm...Tellulah, my dear, what was with that ending?? How can you leave it there?!?!?! Not cool at all! I need more!!

Source

PS: You know, I'm not really threatening you right? Well, not really...

I received an e-copy of this book from the author is exchange for an honest review.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Sassy Girl Swoony God Tourney Challenge #4: Emily

So if you didn't already know from our raving reviews that Jenn and I adore Tellulah Darling and her novels, then let me tell you: Jenn and I love Tellulah Darling and her novels. Her third novel, My Date From Hell will be released next month and to help her promote the book, Jenn and I have joined Tellulah and a bunch of bloggers in the Sassy Girl Swoony God Tourney. You can get more information on this tournament and see the other participating blogs HERE.

Challenge #4: Cast Sophie & Kai

My Cast:

Ellen Page as Sophie

Alex Prettyface er... Pettyfer as Kai

What do you think of my casting? If you were going to cast Sophie and Kai, what actors would you choose?

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Sassy Girl Swoony God Tourney Challenge #4: Jenn

It's that time again! My weekly entry into the Sassy Girl Swoony God Tourney Challenge hosted by the lovely Tellulah Darling in anticipation for the release of My Date From Hell.You can get more information on this tournament and see the other participating blogs HERE.

Challenge #4: Cast Sophie & Kai

Casting people for book characters is always extremely hard for me because they look a certain way in my head. But after thinking on this for awhile I came up with two that I believe fit well. I introduce you to my Sophie & Kai: Tyler Blackburn and Alexandra Daddario

I know that everyone is going to have their own picks, but this was hard! So, who do you think should play Sophie & Kai? And if you haven't read My Ex From Hell, what are you waiting for??

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Sassy Girl Swoony God Tourney Challenge #2: Emily

Challenge #1: Create a playlist from Sophie to Kai.

My playlist:
Turning Tables by Adele The Wind Blows by The All-American Rejects Warm Me Up by The Audition Let's Get Lost by Beck & Bat for Lashes The Mixed Tape by Jack's Mannequin Disintegration by Jimmy Eat World Trouble Sleeping by the Perishers Was It A Dream? by 30 Seconds to Mars

Have you read My Ex From Hell? If so, do you think these songs fit in well with Sophie's feelings towards Kai? If you haven't read it yet, what are you waiting for?!

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Sassy Girl Swoony God Tourney Challenge #1: Jenn

So for those of you readers who haven't heard just how awesome Tellulah Darling is, you must be living under a rock. From Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls to My Ex From Hell, Tellulah brings something new and exciting to the YA genre. Next month, the second in the Blooming Goddess Trilogy, My Date From Hell, will be released. In honor and anticipation of this, both Emily and I have joined with Tellulah and other bloggers to participate in Sassy Girl Swoony God Tourney. You can go here to read about this fabulous competition and see who else is participating.

Challenge #1: Decide in which tropical location on Earth, Kai first kidnapped Persephone.

In My Ex From Hell, the place where Kai kidnaps Persephone is described as from Persephone as:

The air was perfumed with grass and a bouquet of floral aromas which should have been cloying but instead seemed to fuel me. I dug my toes into the cool earth. Because I actually was on earth. Somewhere tropical and lush. There was an almost overpowering scent of jasmine.

So taking all of this in, the place I picked for the kidnapping is Raja Ampat in Indonesia where one of their three national flowers is jasmine.

So beautiful...

Anyway, if you haven't already read My Ex From Hell, what are you waiting for??? Get on it now! You won't be disappointed. And then tell me, where do you think Kai kidnapped Persephone?

Sassy Girl Swoony God Tourney Challenge #1: Emily

Challenge #1: Decide in which tropical location on Earth, Kai first kidnapped Persephone.

My first thought was that Kai took Persephone from here:

But the toilet is not a tropical place. Though it is widely believed that you are at your most vulnerable when going to the restroom, so it made a lot of sense in my head.

Choosing an ACTUAL location is a bit more difficult. But if I had to choose, I'd say that Kai took Persephone from here:

...Excuse me while I drool a bit. Gods, that looks glorious. Don't you just want to dive right in? This picture was taken in Jamaica (and not by me). I could totally picture Persephone hanging around here. There is so much greenery, and it looks like it would be a wonderful place to swim, or just lay in the sun and admire the scenery.

Have you read My Ex From Hell? If so, from where do you think Kai snatched Persephone? If you haven't read it yet, what are you waiting for?!

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Book Review: Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls by Tellulah Darling

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:

Release Date: October 17, 2012
Publisher: Te Da Media

Why the hell can’t chicks be more like guys?

That question plagues high school senior Sam Cruz. Sam is perfectly happy being a player. He just wishes girls wouldn’t change the game from sex to relationships. It makes him look like an asshole. But when Sam’s best friend, Ally Klinger, gets dumped, she begs him to transform her into someone who can screw around then screw off. No risk of heartbreak that way. It’s Sam’s chance to create the perfect female AND cheer up his best friend. Armed with Sam’s Three Step Guide to Backseat Success, Ally gets the game better than Sam thought she would and before long, Sam has his wish: the female version of himself. Too bad it’s driving him nuts. Told from Sam’s and Ally's alternating POVs, Sam Cruz’s Infallible Guide to Getting Girls is a fast-paced YA romantic comedy that follows these teens as they navigate the minefield of sex, love, and friendship.

This book contains strong language, drinking, euphemisms, and lots of “bow chicka wow wow.”

Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls is Tellulah Darling's debut novel and a hilarious one at that! I read this after reading (and loving) her second novel, My Ex From Hell. I must admit that I did not enjoy this one as much. That's not to say it's a bad book. It's fantastic! It was just different than what I had expected.

If you looked up, "player" in the dictionary, you'd see Sam Cruz's face. He's a ladies man and not ashamed of it. When his best friend, Ally, asks him to teach her how to treat sex the way he so publicly does, he's sure that he finally found a girl that can handle "friends with benefits." Ally, on the other hand, has just been dumped for her long-term boyfriend. She's ready to screw around without letting her heart get in the way. As Ally's transformation rounds out, Sam discovers something he never expected: feelings for his best friend.

The best part of this novel was the banter between the characters. Ms. Darling writes with great humor that had me laughing out loud several times. Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls is not a complex, moral-led story. It's a coming-of-age, fun-to-read, simplistic novel. And it works for her. It's a bit predictable, but the friends-to-lovers storyline never gets old! Tellulah's plot moved smoothly and at a really steady pace that had my almost constant attention--stupid school taking up so much of my time!

I liked the characters, but didn't love them. Each had realistic flaws, but often grated on my nerves. Sam's casual approach to sex is not something I generally enjoy, but rooting for him and Ally to make things work between them came naturally. They had a fantastic friendship that lead to a adorable, albeit sexy, relationship. All of these characters had their own flavor of wit and charm that tied together for a fantastic cast.

The themes in this novel are not for the immature. The focus is sex that means: there is a lot of sex, a lot of innuendo, and a whole lot of hilarious awkwardness. This is really a book about two teenagers growing up and discovering themselves. Though it's a pretty mature storyline, Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls takes a humorous approach to the subject. It will make its readers laugh. It will make them swoon. And it will provide a kind of entertainment that will have its readers looking for opportunities to read it again.

Tellulah has a ton of talent. She's a real comedian that I'm sure will excel in her writing career. Her stories are full of heart, humor and some extremely attractive, fictional boys--so basically, they've got everything. I definitely recommend her work! (Seriously, go read these books!)

I received an e-copy of this novel from the publisher for my honest opinion and review via Netgalley.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Interview with Tellulah Darling + Giveaway

We here at Ed and Em's Reviews are happy to help pimp out Tellulah Darling's new release, My Ex From Hell. In fact, I, Emily, even ~~harrassed her~~ convinced her to join me for an interview!

E: Helllllllllllo, Tellulah. Welcome to our blog! Tell us about yourself in 10 words or less.

T: My God, you just start with the tough questions, don'tcha?

Cynical, sensitive, smartly smart-ass of sensuous shape.

heh heh

E: I just slowed clapped at your excellent use of alliteration. Brava! Now describe My Ex From Hell in ten words or less USING NONE OF THOSE WORDS.

T: Thank you. Thank you. I don't get enough slow claps in my life.

Braces self - I can see these are going to get progressively harder. Okay here's my answer.

A kiss

rocks world

now goddess

sexy ex

save humanity

I want bonus points for its poetic-like (esque?) form.

E: So many bonus points. If you play your cards right, I might even slow clap for you again before the interview is up.

So how does it feel to be releasing your sophomore novel? Is it much diffferent than when your first book, Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls, came out?

T: It's a wonderful feeling to be releasing Ex. Not only is there an incredible sense of accomplishment but with every book, new readers find me. And that means I get to connect with very cool people from all over the world. I find myself stopping in amazement and giddy wonder at times when I get a tweet or message with someone I've become friends with - where the only reason we got to know each other was because they read my story. But also, Sam Cruz was a stand alone novel and Ex is the first in a trilogy so both these books involved bringing new characters to life. I think what will be interesting is launching the second book in this trilogy. I think the launch for that book, My Date From Hell, in which I'm continuing with these familiar characters will feel different, I'll have to prove myself in different ways, if that makes sense.

E: So true. I mean... Without your books, I probably wouldn't have been able to stalk... Err... Find you and introduce you to my amazingly awesome, schmexy self.

So why do you write New Adult? Of all the age groups, what made you write for maturing teens? Do you plan to expand your horizons and dip your pen into books for any other age group?

T: Very true!

When I wrote Sam Cruz, I wasn't thinking of it as New Adult. I wanted to tell a story about two best friends who needed something huge to wake them up to the fact that they are perfect for each other. Sam and Ally love each other but should be in love with each other. And it was sex that upset their platonic friendship. Dealt with in a funny and hopefully genuine way but yes, sex. I later realized I was writing more NA on that one than YA. And I've come to love NA. Sex is a natural part of the coming of age process. I'm not advocating that everyone should have it. But I do think it's an important aspect of being human and making connections and I believe most teens think about it and whether or not it's right for them. To cut out that aspect of Sam and Ally in this particular story because of an age group - remember they are 17 - would have been doing my novel and their journey a disservice. I'm adamantly against the sexualization of children (Karen Marie Moning, I'm looking at Dani in ICED here) - but it was right for Sam and Ally. That said, My Ex From Hell - very middle of the road YA. There is no sex, just kissing and longing. Again, true to the adolescent experience for Sophie. I want to do right by my characters. Had I put sex into this book, I would have been pandering and just going for shock value. That's stupid. My next series, well, it might be even more NA than Sam was. After that? Who knows? I might write an adult sci fi. I go where the story takes me.

E: Since you brought it up, what other books are you working on or planning to write?

T: Since I enjoy writing kick ass snarky girls and broody boys, I figure why stop? So let's get all NA smexy and throw the romantic comedy into magic misadventures. I want to feature one self-contained romance per book with an overarching battle. Probably 5 books in the series.

E: Ooh, you should write one about me and my wonderful love affair with Garrett Hedlund. I mean, I can magically make his pants disappear. That counts, right? (But really... Remember those names as you are writing... Emily and Garrett, nicknamed Rhett.) Sounds über magical, for sure.

What kinds of books do you read?

T: I do like Rhett. But I don't like the name Garrett. Do I still get to live?

I read everything except Westerns. I love authors as diverse as Salinger, Gaiman, Douglas Adams, Armistead Maupin, Jane Austen, David Levithan, Jennifer Crusie, Haruki Murakami and Salmon Rushdie. Good storytelling is good storytelling. I do read a ton of romance and YA though. I've probably read thousands of romance novels and am always a sucker for a good one. Especially a witty, steamy HR.

E: *LE GASP* My feelings toward you have diminished. I can't believe I slow clapped for you... But when I said Rhett, were you thinking of Gone With the Wind?

Hmph, you have good taste in books for someone who doesn't like my future husband's name.

Final (typical) question: What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

T: At first but then I took it in the spirit of nicknamed couples that it was offered. And it works well. Vertitably trips off the tongue.

Look at it this way - by not coveting your future husband or his name, it means we will never have a friendship ending disagreement over a guy.

I know it sounds so cliché but keep writing. Finish those stories or poems or novels. You'll never get your work to where you want it to be if you don't finish it. :) Also read and then read some more.

E: Well thank you for joining us and allowing me to pick your brain. Oh and offering some lucky folks your books. You're pretty chill, homie. Now say something memorable and deep as an end to this interview.

T: To quote the brilliantly witty Ms. Dorothy Parker “Authors and actors and artists and such - Never know nothing, and never know much.”

My Ex From Hell by Tellulah Darling

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:
Release Date: April 1, 2013
Publisher: Te Da Media
272 Pages

Sixteen-year-old Sophie Bloom wishes she’d been taught the following:

a) Bad boy’s presence (TrOuBlE) + teen girl’s brain (DraMa) = TrAuMa (Highly unstable and very volatile.)
b) The Genus Greekulum Godissimus is notable for three traits: 1) awesome abilities, 2) grudges, and 3) hook-ups, break-ups, and in-fighting that puts cable to shame.

Prior to the Halloween dance, Sophie figures her worst problems involve adolescent theatrics, bitchy yoga girls, and being on probation at her boarding school for mouthy behaviour. Then she meets bad boy Kai and gets the kiss that rocks her world.

Literally.

This breath stealing lip lock reawakens Sophie’s true identity: Persephone, Goddess of Spring. She’s key to saving humanity in the war between the Underworld and Olympus, target numero uno of Hades and Zeus, and totally screwed.

Plus there’s also the little issue that Sophie’s last memory as Persephone was just before someone tried to murder her.

Big picture: master her powers, get her memories back, defeat Persephone’s would be assassin, and save the world. Also, sneak into the Underworld to retrieve stolen property, battle the minions of Hades and Zeus, outwit psycho nymphs, slay a dragon, rescue a classmate, keep from getting her butt expelled from the one place designed to keep her safe …

… and stop kissing Kai, Prince of the Underworld.

My Ex From Hell is a romantic comedy/Greek mythology smackdown. Romeo and Juliet had it easy.

VISIT THE AUTHOR:

FIND THE BOOK:

Giveaway Details:

- Three winners will receive a signed copy of My Ex From Hell

- Open Internationally

- We are not responsible for lost and/or damaged packages

- Ends 04/08/2013

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What did you think of the interview? Isn't Tellulah lovely? We definitely recommend picking up her books!

Sunday, March 31, 2013

ARC Review: My Ex From Hell (The Blooming Goddess Trilogy #1) by Tellulah Darling

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:

Release Date: April 1, 2013
Publisher: Te Da Media
April 1, 2013

Sixteen-year-old Sophie Bloom wishes she’d been taught the following:

a) Bad boy’s presence (TrOuBlE) + teen girl’s brain (DraMa) = TrAuMa (Highly unstable and very volatile.)
b) The Genus Greekulum Godissimus is notable for three traits: 1) awesome abilities, 2) grudges, and 3) hook-ups, break-ups, and in-fighting that puts cable to shame.

Prior to the Halloween dance, Sophie figures her worst problems involve adolescent theatrics, bitchy yoga girls, and being on probation at her boarding school for mouthy behaviour. Then she meets bad boy Kai and gets the kiss that rocks her world.

Literally.

This breath stealing lip lock reawakens Sophie’s true identity: Persephone, Goddess of Spring. She’s key to saving humanity in the war between the Underworld and Olympus, target numero uno of Hades and Zeus, and totally screwed.

Plus there’s also the little issue that Sophie’s last memory as Persephone was just before someone tried to murder her.

Big picture: master her powers, get her memories back, defeat Persephone’s would be assassin, and save the world. Also, sneak into the Underworld to retrieve stolen property, battle the minions of Hades and Zeus, outwit psycho nymphs, slay a dragon, rescue a classmate, keep from getting her butt expelled from the one place designed to keep her safe …

… and stop kissing Kai, Prince of the Underworld.

My Ex From Hell is a romantic comedy/Greek mythology smackdown. Romeo and Juliet had it easy.

VISIT THE AUTHOR

FIND THE BOOK

Review:

Instead of calling this a review, this should be classified as a fangirling episode. The gist of the following is: READ THIS BOOK. BUY IT. STEAL IT FROM SOMEONE. WHATEVER IT TAKES.

As soon as I finished My Ex From Hell, I immediately picked up Ms. Darling's first novel, Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls so I wouldn't start going through withdrawals of humor. Let me tell you, this is an author to watch! Tellulah spins mythology brilliantly and makes My Ex From Hell the funniest retelling I've ever read!

Sophie thought she was your average human, living an average life. She's trying to destroy her mortal enemy. Until kissing an complete jerk, albeit an extremely attractive, complete jerk, she thought she was mortal as well. Then she began to regain her memories. Not only was she the goddess, Persephone, but she was in a relationship with Kai, said extremely attractive jerk whom she kissed. Now to figure out how exactly this happened to her, she must unlock her past, with the help of her jerky ex and two best friends, to figure out exactly who and why someone was trying to murder her former self.

This book was hilarious! Sophie has to be one of my favorite main characters of all time. She has a fantastic humor that kept me reading from start to finish. Her personality is relatable and her inner monologue left me in stitches. Her best friends, Hannah and Theo, only add to this story. The trio is an absolute riot, but they also obviously care for one another, which is always a plus in friendships. And Kai's hot. A total skeez, but hot. Like so hot that I drooled a bit every time he was mentioned. That hot. He's also a bit of a d-bag. Though, instead of making him less attractive, I found myself rooting for him and Sophie even more.

From the moment Tellulah begins this story, I was enraptured. It was impossible to put the book down. I actually read it in one sitting, though I only meant to read a few chapters to help me fall asleep. (Stupid Tellulah and her engaging story.) The plot is filled to the brim with hilarity and adventure. It will continuously keep its readers on their toes. It's original and witty, a complete and total win.

There is only one thing I didn't like about My Ex From Hell and that was the fact that it ended! It was such a good story that I was genuinely disappointed that the sequel is nowhere near being released. No, now I, and all of the other fans, have to wait until October to read the next installment. (Stupid calendar system.) I sincerely am looking forward to the second book. I'm sure that it will be just as fantastic as the first. Though… for the sake of my heart, I can only hope that Tellulah will give Kai and Sophie a break! (Because they belong together like peanut butter and jelly, or Blay and Qhuinn--AMIRITE, TELLULAH?)

I received an e-copy of this novel from the publisher for my honest opinion and review via Netgalley.

And find Jenn's review of My Ex From Hell HERE and stop back tomorrow for an interview with Tellulah and a chance to win a signed copy of this novel!

Monday, March 18, 2013

ARC Review: My Ex From Hell (The Blooming Goddess Trilogy #1) by Tellulah Darling

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:

Release Date: April 1, 2013
Publisher: Te Da Media

Sixteen-year-old Sophie Bloom wishes she’d been taught the following:

a) Bad boy’s presence (TrOuBlE) + teen girl’s brain (DraMa) = TrAuMa (Highly unstable and very volatile.)
b) The Genus Greekulum Godissimus is notable for three traits: 1) awesome abilities, 2) grudges, and 3) hook-ups, break-ups, and in-fighting that puts cable to shame.

Prior to the Halloween dance, Sophie figures her worst problems involve adolescent theatrics, bitchy yoga girls, and being on probation at her boarding school for mouthy behaviour. Then she meets bad boy Kai and gets the kiss that rocks her world.

Literally.

This breath stealing lip lock reawakens Sophie’s true identity; Persephone, Goddess of Spring. She’s key to saving humanity in the war between the Underworld and Olympus, target numero uno of Hades and Zeus, and totally screwed.

Plus there’s also the little issue that Sophie’s last memory as Persephone was just before someone tried to murder her.

Big picture: master her powers, get her memories back, defeat Persephone’s would be assasin, and save the world. Also, sneak into the Underworld to retrieve stolen property, battle the minions of Hades and Zeus, outwit psycho nymphs, slay a dragon, rescue a classmate, keep from getting her butt expelled from the one place designed to keep her safe…

…and stop kissing Kai, Prince of the Underworld.

My Ex From Hell is a romantic comedy/Greek mythology smackdown. Romeo and Juliet had it easy.

VISIT THE AUTHOR

FIND THE BOOK

Review:

A Greek goddess hidden away in a 16 year old. This book could have been super cheesy…but it wasn’t. It was sooo good. I loved it. Like big puffy heart loved.