• Splintered - AG HowardSplintered
  •  graceling - kristin cashore
  •  someone to love - addison moore
  •  breaking beautiful - jennifer shaw wolf
  •  the perfect game - j sterling
  •  the edge of never - ja redmerski
  •  independence - shelly crane

Thursday, January 31, 2013

{Spotlight & Top 5} Trapped by Ella James







Trapped 
by Ella James
Series: Here Trilogy (#2)
Pages:  210




CONTAINS SPOILERS - DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT READ HERE.
When Milo Mitchell falls for the beautiful, tuxedo-clad guy she found wandering her family's rural Colorado property, she never dreamed he was a scout from another galaxy, or that their relationship would leave him with an impossible choice: eradicating humankind, or initiating the end of his own people.

Nick's job is finding the elements his people need to power their elaborate interweb of minds. Being a scout means he is capable of traveling to other planets on his own. It also means that, unlike The Rest, he has access to primitive feelings and individual desires. For eons, he was part of the whole, but when he encountered Milo, his obsession with her changed everything.

Nick's partner, Vera, is capable of independent thought, but not compelled by it. She is satisfied with her existence as one of The Rest, and she won't agree that humans are worth sparing; not when their planet has a precious cache of the gold her people need so badly.

While Vera tries to force Nick into endorsing an Earth invasion, working behind the scenes to tie his hands, and the Department of Defense lays a trap for them with Milo's mom as bait, Nick and Milo are waging their own war - against a primal desire that can only lead to one thing: heartbreak.

Five Books I Wish Were Mine by Ella
1. The Only Alien on the Planet by Kristen D. Randle ~ Because Kristen D. Randle wrote a lovely, sad, sweet, heartfelt YA story before YA was the coolest thing on the block, and when I read it in 8th grade, I knew what I wanted to do when I grew up.

2. The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay ~ Because Nastya is one of my favorite YA heroines EVER. Because the characters don't just seem real; they are realer than my grandmother. Because I STILL miss Josh, and I finished this book more than a month ago. Because I think I'll need to read it at least two more times this year, and my lifetime re-read list only includes about four books.

3. Hopeless by Colleen Hoover ~ Because just when I was really sad I'd finished SoT, Colleen Hoover put out Hopeless. As an author who critiques books more than I enjoy them, the best way I can sum up this book is masterful. *THIS* is YA romance at its best.

4. Across The Universe by Beth Revis ~ Because the plot, the character, and the worldbuilding are through-the-roof awesome, and spec fiction is my crack. Also, because Beth Revis writes some of the best plot twists I've read in years. Spaceship + romance + secrets = awesome.

5. Almost by Anne Eliot ~ Because her characters are sensitive, honest, and real, and her writing is just plain fun to read. Also, I'm a sucker for stories about hardship and healing. This is one of them. Bonus: It's also a really sweet romance.



Ella James is the author of Stained and Stolen, books one and two in the Stained Series; HERE, book one in a sci-fi romance trilogy; and Before You Go, a romance YA beach read that tells the first meeting of Logan and Margo, who will be featured in her upcoming adult release, Over The Moon. She has a YA paranormal romance release scheduled for every month of 2012, including Chosen (Stained Book Three) in June and the second HERE book in July.

Ella is inviting readers to help her write a shapeshifter romance, which is plotted via polls and questions on her blog and her Facebook page.

Ella lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her wonderful husband, opinionated baby, and mopey dog. You can visit her blog at www.ellajamesbooks.blogspot.com, or friend her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ellajamesbooks.

The Birthday Blog Hijack Alien has COME!


Helllloooooo everyone!! Happy January 31st! It's a special day here today on Doodle's Book Blog? WHY? It's Doodle's BIRTHDAY today! And I, the great blog hijack alien, have come to celebrate! Wheeee! Now who am I?

alienhijackerofblogs_zpsa7fa5084 photo alienhijackerofblogs_zpsa7fa5084-1_zps7fe33b93.jpg

I am the Toy Story Alien who goes around to blogs promoting happiness and sparkles! Okay fine, under the mega-awesome alias I'm Inky from Book Haven Extraordinaire! But, this is not a post about me, is it? This is about DOODLE!



Now, generally when we have one of these parties, I ramble about how awesome the blogger is and fill the post with gifs. But. there is one SLIGHT problem...I don't know Doodle as well as I would like to yet! So I've invited a little help to join me...in the form a lovely guest post which goes by the name of...

embarressment101 photo embarressment101_zps8aec07d9.jpg
Don't worry, I'm not exposing her plans to take over the world and rule the world as Supreme Queen of the Galaxy (oopsies..). Instead three awesome bloggers have agreed to dish out lots of love and praise about Emily!!! Welcome to Justin @ Justin's Book Blog, Annabelle @ Sparkles & Lightning, and Michelle @ Michelle Chew Writes! I'm so excited that you were able to come spill the beans party it out with me! ONWARD HO! 
How Did You Meet Her?
Justin: I'd been a follower of Emily's blog for a long time, but we never really started talking much until our vlogging group started. I'm really glad to have her as a friend though, she is a great person.

Annabelle: Blogging! I honestly don't remember exactly how we started talking, but I know it was through twitter. And we kind of just hit if off. We talk as much as we can now. I think she knows more about my life than the people actually in  my life.

Michelle: Through RAK(Random Acts of Kindness) in May last year. I offered to send her a RAK for that month and we have been RAK-ing each other since then. :)
First Impressions?
JustinMy first impressions of Emily were all great. She is such a friendly person, and I always enjoy being able to talk to her.

Annabelle: A smart, witty girl with a passion for books!


Can You Tell Us Anything Cool About Doodle?
Justin: There are so many cool things about Emily. I know that sounds cliche, but it's true. She has talked to me about things she wants to do with her life and some of the goals she has set for herself. It is hard not to see how motivated she is to get where she wants to be, and I really do hope that she is able to reach all of those goals she has set for herself.

Annabelle: Um, she's Doodle. 'Nuff said.

Michelle: Oh! I definitely remember something about Doodle wanting to join Air Force! *salutes* She lasik because she needs it to join the Air Force! And joining Air Force is totally COOL!!
What Do You Think Doodle Does To Set Apart Her Blog And Make It Hers?
Justin: She really sets her blog apart by being herself, she loves doing little things to make her blog standout be it a meme she has created or other little things. And I think that really shows recently with her post about all of her plans for 2013 on her blog. One of the main reasons I love her blog so much is
that she doesn't try to conform to what everyone else is doing. And being a blogger, I think that is a hard thing to be able to do but she does quite a good job at it.

Annabelle: The design is gorgeous, for one thing. And she has so many unique features that I love. Her reviews are also so distinctly her.


What Do You Admire About Doodle?
JustinThe thing I admire most about Emily is how hard working she is. As I mentioned above, she has some really ambitious goals and if you get to know her it is clear to see that she isn't the type of person to stop something until she gets to where she wants to go.

Annabelle: Everything! Seriously. She's such a fun and generous person.

Michelle: Definitely her long list of books for IMM! And she does great IMM video post every time. Go watch them!
Favorite Thing About Her?
JustinBy far her personality. You just can't help but enjoy being around her and talking to her, she has such a friendly attitude and really has a way of making people feel happy. I've not known her an extremely long time, but she is one of the friendliest and nicest people I know.

Annabelle: I love talking to her and she's so loyal!
When Did You Know She Was A Bloggy Friend & Not Just Another Blogger?
JustinAs I mentioned above, her personality really plays into this. Everyone wants friends they enjoy talking to and can count on. And she has really been one of those friends for me.

Annabelle: She was so easy to talk to and I started spilling my life to her only a few days after we met. That's when I knew.

Michelle: When we talk(email) about stuff that are non-books related and how on how time passes so fast every time we exchanges emails. *laughs*



Best Thing Doodle Ever Said To You?
Justin: It's hard to just pick out one thing she has said, because like I had said above she is one of those friends that you can really count on to be there for you whatever the case might be. And I think that is such a great thing about her. 

Annabelle:Pretty much everything. I love when she says things sarcastically. It's fabulous.



Now That You Know Her Well, What's Something Awesome About Her?
Annabelle: She never forgets the important things! Unlike goldfish-memory me.
If(When) You Got To Meet Her, What Is The First Thing, You Would Do Or Say?
JustinIf I got to meet Emily in person I am sure it would be no different than how we talk now. She is so easy to talk to, and I don't think being face to face would change that. It would just make it better being in person.

Annabelle: OHHH EMMMM GEEEEEE THIS IS AWESOME. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. Then I would tackle hug her.

Michelle: "Oh gosh! I finally get to meet you!!" *insert some squeals*


Anything Random You Want to Share? Special Stories?
Justin: I don't really have any special stories or anything to share, I am not really a person to share things without having permission to share it. There are a lot of wonderful things about Emily, and I think I covered a lot of it in the questions above. She is a wonderful friend, and I am lucky to
have had the chance to get to know her. And I feel like anyone that does get the chance to know her should really count themselves lucky to have such a great friend.

Annabelle: Emily is one of the most generous gals I know! She is always buying me books and making me the coolest things! She's amazing!

Michelle: She pre-orders lots of books! Really! There was once she listed about 11 books in a single email. *impressed* Two is usually the maximum for me.



-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So you all see that Emily is one amazing person right? Because she is! She's more than willing to help you with a problem, spazz about a book, offer encouraging words and spam your Twitter with lots of fun! Emily, you are one amazing girl and I'm so glad I met you! Here's to getting better acquainted  and another YEAR OF FUN AND AWESOME!!!

doodlebdayhijack photo doodlebdayhijack_zpsfbe0bb19.jpg
And with that, sadly, our party here is done. Thanks so much to Doodle for letting me take over her blog! Muchas Gracias to all the bloggers who shared their input! I hope you loved it and make sure to give Emily all the birthday love you can! HAPPY THURSDAY! Much love,


Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Wishlist & Waiting on Wednesday #33




Wishlist Wednesday is hosted by Pen to Paper



Just Remember To Breathe by Charles Sheehan-Miles


Summary:
Alex Thompson’s life is following the script. A pre-law student at Columbia University, she’s focused on her grades, her life and her future. The last thing she needs is to reconnect with the boy who broke her heart.

Dylan Paris comes home from Afghanistan severely injured and knows that the one thing he cannot do is drag Alex into the mess he’s made of his life.

When Dylan and Alex are assigned to the same work study program and are forced to work side by side, they have to make new ground rules to keep from killing each other.

Only problem is, they keep breaking the rules.

The first rule is to never, ever talk about how they fell in love.


Why it's on my wishlist...
I've been buying New Adult books left and right recently, but I haven't had a chance to get my hands on a paperback of this yet. Dying to read it!!



What's on your wishlist?







Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine


This week I'm waiting for.....

by Mercy Amare
To Be Released on February 8, 2013

Summary:
Roxy is broken
Aiden wants to fix her

No matter how hard Roxy tries to overcome her past, she can't. She writes on her arms to escape the pain, but nothing can soothe the ache that she feels.

Aiden didn't go to college to meet girls, he came to play football. Too bad that it is impossible for him to stay away from Roxy.

After meeting on the roof, they instantly feel connected, but neither of them are ready for love.

You Got Me is a story about new beginnings, and finding love when you least expect it.




Why I'm waiting:  
First, the cover is gorgeous. Second, it's a New Adult title so again I repeat, I'm buying these left an right and I can't wait to get my hands on this one. 


What are you waiting for?



Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter by Nikki Jefford is Free!




As January's Aurora Sky blog tour comes to a close, the author would like to thank everyone who
participated and checked out the tour.


So before this sucker concludes what say you to a free e-book at Amazon Kindle?



If you're excited about this freebie, please click "like" when you go to download the book on
Amazon. (The button is under the title next to the star rating.)




Happy reading (and hunting)!


Tuesday, January 29, 2013

{Cover Reveal} The Only Exception by Magan Vernon




I'm excited to have the opportunity to share the cover of The Only Exception by Magan Vernon with you today

Fiercely liberal Monica Remy prefers to blend in. Despite her tattoos, piercings, and outspoken personality, she transferred to Central to escape—before she finds out that her next door neighbor is the uber conservative governor son, Trey Chapman.

No matter how hard she tries to avoid Trey, he still finds a way to get under her skin. Monica can’t stand his crisp white shirts or his staunch views on women. But she can’t help counting every freckle on his face and wondering what it would feel like to have him stop talking politics and kiss her.

A class debate project forces the unlikely pair to work together, and the political lines are blurred in late-night make out sessions. But despite their fiery chemistry, Trey’s politics threatens to smother their relationship for good.




New Adult Romance
To Be Released on April 9, 2013





Magan Vernon is a Young Adult and New Adult writer who lives with her family in the insurance capital of the world. She is in a very serious, fake relationship with Adam Lambert and constantly asks her husband to wear guyliner. He still refuses. She also believes her husband is secretly an alien, disguised as a southern gentleman.


You can find Magan...

Monday, January 28, 2013

{Spotlight} Here by Ella James







Here 
by Ella James
Series: Here Trilogy (#1)
Pages:  210
Available as of February 15, 2011
Amazon



Milo Mitchell's life used to be charmed, but that was before her family dissolved, she went a little crazy, and her best friends started acting more like strangers. Spending Saturday morning in a treehouse with a stun gun for company and a herd of deer for friends is the only exciting thing in her life...until she shoots a fawn and finds her dart stuck in a guy.

Her gorgeous victim is dressed in a Brioni tux and armed with a hanky. He has no idea who or where he is. Afraid her dart caused his amnesia, Milo takes him in, names him Nick, and vows to help him solve his mystery. Soon the pair find Nick's face in a newspaper obituary, and Nick beings to have strange, ethereal memories of Milo--who is sure she's never met him. Suddenly Nick knows things he shouldn't know and is doing things he shouldn't do. When the Department of Defense shows up, Nick and Milo run--toward a shocking conclusion that could destroy both their worlds.

Ella James is the author of Stained and Stolen, books one and two in the Stained Series; HERE, book one in a sci-fi romance trilogy; and Before You Go, a romance YA beach read that tells the first meeting of Logan and Margo, who will be featured in her upcoming adult release, Over The Moon. She has a YA paranormal romance release scheduled for every month of 2012, including Chosen (Stained Book Three) in June and the second HERE book in July.

Ella is inviting readers to help her write a shapeshifter romance, which is plotted via polls and questions on her blog and her Facebook page.

Ella lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her wonderful husband, opinionated baby, and mopey dog. You can visit her blog at www.ellajamesbooks.blogspot.com, or friend her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ellajamesbooks.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

{Review} Kiss Me by Jillian Dodd




Kiss Me
by Jillian Dodd
Series: The Keatyn Chronicles (#2)
Pages: 312
Source: Purchased
Available as of November 28, 2012
Amazon | Barnes & Noble 


I've always written scripts for my perfect life.
But no way could I have ever scripted this.
My life is so far from perfect, it’s not even funny.
All because of a stalker.

I’m at a boarding school where I have to lie about who I am.
I can’t see my family.
I’m tutoring a Hottie God that tortures me with his smile.
The most popular girl already hates me.
But there’s this boy.
This hot, sweet, sexy boy.
So I’m going to stop trying to script my life and just live it.
Because who knows how long I have left.






This review may contain spoilers if you haven't read the first book in this series. 
You can find the other reviews at the following locations:


Kiss Me was just as, if not more exciting than Stalk Me. Jillian Dodd did a fantastic job describing the new world Keatyn has been forced into. And the boys? Yum!

Keatyn has been forced into a life of hiding, lying, and limited social media because Vincent is still after her. Her new life is harder than she thought. Lying all the time about her past is getting harder because the people she's grown to be friends with deserve the truth. To add to all of her problems, she has two guys after her. Who will she pick? The sweet guy who's not over his ex or the one labeled as a player who puts her in a trance anytime he's around...

I like Keatyn, I really do, but sometimes she just annoys the crap out of me. She's stuck in this love triangle/square and can't pick a guy. She's fun, outgoing, and all the guys love her for it. She lets loose, doesn't label anything, and just goes with the flow. Who wouldn't love that? However, it's her antics with the boys and her indecisiveness about which one she want's that made me rate this at three hearts.

I must say the best part of this book was the boy drama, but it got old after a while. Aiden and Dawson are two almost completely different guys who are battling it out for Keatyn's heart. I flip flopped a lot between the two while reading and I swear I switched teams like eight times. While the boy drama was entertaining, I felt the story was a little slow at times. Some scenes would drag while other were fast paced. I loved the descriptions Jillian had about each of the boys, the settings, and Keatyn's feelings.

Overall, Kiss Me was a good read. I wish we got to see more of Aiden, but he was off with a stick up his butt half the time. No matter Aiden's issues, I'm still excited for the third book, Date Me, to come out in the spring. This series is an awesome, light, fun read and I intend to read each and every one of the books.




Friday, January 25, 2013

{Interview} Kaitlyn Deann


Today I have Kaitlyn Deann, author of The Witches' Sleep, with me today on the blog.

Hi Kaitlyn! Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to be here at Doodle’s Book Blog!

Pet Peeves? Everyone has them. Could you tell us about a few of yours?
I don’t like wooden kitchen utensils. I don’t like scrubbing carpet with a rag. People can’t eat cereal around me unless I’m eating some too. And I don’t like the sound of slurping or smacking.

If you could choose to have any superpower, what would you want and why?
Invisibility, so I can stalk someone and not be creepy. Haha! *winky face*

If we were to take a look at your nightstand, what book would we find?
Holding the Future Hostage by Tialla Rising!

When you aren't writing what do you enjoy doing?
I love hanging out with my friends when I’m not writing! I also read. Or just chill and listen to music; that’s one of my favorites, I suppose.

Name 3 things you always have with you when you are writing.
Laptop, iPod, flash drive.

Do you listen to music when you write? If so, can you name a few songs that were playing or inspired you while writing The Witches’ Sleep?
Yes! I have a playlist PER BOOK! Let’s Dance by Hawk Nelson, Set Apart This Dream by Flyleaf, Heaven by Jars of Clay…to name a few!

Can you describe The Witches’ Sleep in 10 words or less?
That’s super hard! How about this: “Ella’s shot and wakes up in a new world as a different person.” 13 words. That’s about as short as it’s going to get!

Where did you get the idea for this story?
For The Witches’ Sleep, I had watched the movie Inception, and from there I built a whole story, finding inspiration in small ideas from other little things and squishing them all together to mold them into what I wanted, which is now The Witches’ Sleep.

Are any of the characters based off of people you know?
Not on purpose. I did accidently write my dad into the book as the character’s dad. Only slightly though. The part of him being loving, caring and sacrificial is all inspired by my dad! I didn’t realize this until after the third draft. No one else in the book resembles anybody I can think of right now. The mother in the book is nothing like my mother. She’s dramatic and stuck up, and my mom isn’t like that.

Is there anything you would like to say to your readers?
 Ehem… My dearest readers, what can I say that hasn’t been said or implied? I shall try my best to get across my affections towards you in the simplest way: What shall I do if you do not read what I have produced? I am indebted to you, my faithful readers, because you have inspired and encouraged me when I have needed it the most. Blessings be to you, my darling readers! May blessings be poured in plenty upon thy life!

Thanks again for being here with us today Katilyn!






The Witches' Sleep 
by Kaitlyn Deann
Series: The Witches' Sleep (#1)
Pages: 428
Available as of August 2012
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
The Book Depository




At only seventeen, Ella Barnes is shot and killed for an unknown reason. She is shocked when she wakes up in a different world, a world of witches. Ella has to learn to adapt to a new body, new life and new world, surrounded by new people. As Ella gets to know Raena, the world of the witches and its people, she realizes they aren’t the perfect creatures they believe themselves to be, and she’s not the type of person to stand around and twiddle her thumbs. Will Ella succeed in changing the mindset of the people? Or will she be doomed to die another cold and tragic death because of her rebellion?




Kaitlyn Deann is a 17-year-old homeschooled author of THE WITCHES' SLEEP. As a writer she wants to keep a reader turning pages late into the night and give them something to think about long after they finish the last page. She loves her friends, family and God. Activities include piano, singing badly and not caring, breathing, eating too many cuties (fruit) at inappropriate times and of course, writing. Laughing is her favorite calorie burner. She lives in Texas with her family. To know more, visit www.kaitlyndeann.com




Thursday, January 24, 2013

{Review, Interview & Giveaway} Unmaking Hunter Kennedy by Anne Eliot




Unmaking Hunter Kennedy 
by Anne Eliot
Pages: 437
Source: paperback provided by author
Available as of October 17, 2012
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
The Book Depository


After a car accident--an event he considers a prank gone bad--pop star, Hunter Kennedy is forced to hide out with his aunt in small-town Colorado. He’s supposed to rest, heal his scars and attend high school in disguise until the press dies down. But he only wants to get back to work.

Worse, the girl who’s been assigned to make him over into a geek is a major geek herself. Vere Roth is a chattering pixie, a blushing tornado and a complete social disaster. He’s never met a girl who’s never-been-kissed, believes in romance and thinks Hunter’s a 'nice' guy.

Funny thing is...Hunter is nice around Vere because she’s his first real friend. He also can’t seem to stop sharing his secrets or keep her out of his heart. Knowing he’d never deserve a girl as sweet as Vere, he resigns himself to the friend zone, and helps his new bestie with her own makeover.

She tortures him daily for ridiculous guy advice on how to snag her life-long crush. A guy Hunter thinks is totally wrong for Vere, and sadly, one who has taken note of Vere’s transformation.

When Vere asks her best friend for some kissing advice, Hunter can’t resist...

And that’s when things get out of control...




Most adorable book ever! I must say, I've really gotten into the whole rockstar is a main character thing recently. Anne Eliot did not disappoint in this story of trust, first kisses, and love.

Hunter Kennedy isn't your average kid. He's been in the public eye for most of his life shooting commercials and, most recently, as the lead singer of GuardRobe. Then he hit a low point. His mom sent him to get help then shipped him off to middle of nowhere Colorado to live with his aunt. Will he flounder or find himself while he tries to stay undercover?

I must say that I absolutely loved all the characters. It was extremely easy to fall into Vere's shoes. She was sweet, innocent, and was completely and entirely clueless about boys. It was awesome being able to reflect on my own days while reading, knowing exactly how she was feeling. Hunter was much more accepting of this situation once he got to know her. I loved reading from his point of view because he was so eager to make her happy. Charlie was the epitome of big brother. He was strong and protective, but also wanted to see that his sister wasn't going to be broken by the star who came into their lives.

Like I said before, Unmaking Hunter Kennedy was the epitome of adorable. It was sweet, just like a first kiss should be. I love that it was written in both Vere and Hunter's points of view. You could just tell by the way Vere would describe him that she was totally head over heels in love with him, but that she was oblivious to it too. We knew from square one that Hunter had some problems to work though and I loved seeing how he evolved and grew through the entire story. It was descriptive and kept me hanging on each word.

Overall, Unmaking Hunter Kennedy is a beautiful story of first loves and it was great being able to revisit my own teenage years through Vere and Hunter. If you are looking for a very sweet, very innocent story of two kids falling in love, you've found your book!



Hi Hunter! Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to be here with me today on Doodle's Book Blog. I feel like we really get to know the you you are today in Unmaking Hunter Kennedy so I'd like to talk to you about your childhood.

What was it like before you became a child star?
That's a tough one because I can only repeat what I've been told. My dad was alive, we lived sort of a normal life, but I hardly remember any of it. I mostly remember being a family. Sitting on a green couch with my dad. Mom in the kitchen burning frozen pizza. (She could never cook even back then). Little stuff like that. Sorry I can't be more help on that one.

Was acting and performing something you've always wanted to do?
I was always one of those kids that showed off in front of the TV. Every cell phone, every video camera, every store camera with a TV monitor-- I was always trying to get in front of it. The acting was just me, being me--when I was younger, anyhow. I'd land commercials and then people would pay me to goof off and eat cereal, sit in mini-van and have a pretend family. Back then, I thought I was working for ice cream. As I got older, I was fortunate enough to work with some real professionals who inspired me. I watched them and understood acting was a job, it was work, as was the singing and learning the guitar. Mom got me voice lessons right away and my voice teacher, acting coaches, music teachers, they have all been with me so long. I think of them as extended family because they are really all I have for aunts and uncles and…yeah only them. I think, sometimes the reason we in GuardRobe have a solid stage presence is because we all started out as actors first.

How did your life change after you landed your first role?
Well it had already changed so much because Dad had died. So, landing roles became part of our 'new life' without him in it. Mom pulled me out of school. That was fine by me, because I didn't want to go anyway. She and I hung out together and back then we used to be really close. She homeschooled me through elementary school and then as the jobs got bigger and the work harder, I got tutors. So, yeah…after Dad died…I don't remember my life changing exactly, I just remember it becoming something different without Dad.

Did you ever feel like if your couldn't land a role your family would be disappointed in you?
No. Never. Mom was really supportive if I didn't get a role, but I was pretty hard on myself once I realized my roles were what paid fore everything. Mom never let me do roles that were not serious. She's the one who sought out the NewtTV gigs because they were longer and more consistent. She felt those would be better and less stress for me if I landed one, because there were fewer auditions in between.

Your mom is portrayed as hands off and unaffectionate through most of Unmaking Hunter Kennedy. 
Was your mom always like this?
Mom's amazing and no, for sure she was not unaffectionate. I would also never call Mom hands off. If you read my story and got to the end, you would know my mom was actually fighting for me from the start. I just didn't know it, and my agent didn't know it either. She loved me so much she was willing to full on send me away because in her mind, she was trying to save my life.

As my career took off and I turned into a young teen I drifted away from her. She felt like I needed space to grow up and was also really busy just managing my life and calendar. Around age 14, right when the GuardeRobe group took off on the charts, that is when she and I had a huge disconnect. I would be pulled away to travel overseas. She would often stay home and meet up with me later. We also grew up fast. We'd did our first world tour while the three of us were 8th and 9th graders. She was always around, but she and I were never really talking after awhile. But what thirteen and fourteen year old kid talks to his mom? We sure didn't. I guess you could say I blew her off, and then she got mad at me for it and blew me off back for awhile. Somewhere along there, I got depressed and pushed her away even more. I wish that was not the case, but we are working on things now. Because of her, because of Colorado, we are back to being friends.

Tell us about your favorite childhood memory.
Disneyland. Disneyland. Disneyland! Every single year, me and Mom. I'm a huge fan, and a LANDER not a WORLDER. California all the way. (Though I did love Epcott, when it comes to the big castle and Main Street, I chose the Land and so does my Mom.) I love everything about the park. Know the rides and the map and the timing of when to go on the rides exactly. Favorite memories are somewhere between ages six and 10 and involve StarTours and Pirates of the Caribbean! Although…now that California Adventure Park is in the mix, I'm going to have to add Soaring and California Screaming' to those as well.

What is one thing you will always remember about your dad?
I will remember how he loved Mom. How he loved me. How he always jumped when she called. How he made her light up and happy, and how I used to love the sound of his voice calling me 'Little Bud'. I guess what I'm saying is I will always remember how he made us be 'us'--because he showed us how to love so well.

Moving on to something a little more current, what is your favorite memory with Vere?
Ah so many. Too many and I've only known her so little. The bun. Her epic, insane bun, of course. The first time I saw her spinning around on Charlie's back. How she asked me if my eye color was fake and if I could pull off my eyelashes. How she busts on me. When she bought me my first fresh peach milkshake. Oh wait. I know. How about when I first fell for her so hard? It was when she brought the guitar to my house as a gift and she cried all over me. That's a good one for sure.

Thanks again for joining me today Hunter! Is there anything else you'd like to say to your fans before you go?
Just thanks so much and…go search out some cool, heart shaped rocks. You won't be sorry if you do.



Open to US Only
Ends 2/1
a Rafflecopter giveaway





Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...