Thursday 27 October 2011

Book Excerpt: Fate Fixed by Bonnie Wheeler



As part of the 'Fate Fixed' book blog tour hosted by The Bookish Snob Promotions, I have an excerpt from Bonnie Wheeler to share with you all. You can find my review and links to where to purchase the book here.


Book Blurb

Fate Fixed: An Erris Coven Novel is young adult paranormal romance. When Lexie Anderson’s mother suddenly announces she is marrying a Romanian immigrant, Lexie willingly leaves behind her busy life in Connecticut for her penance in “The Moose Capital of the World.” Small town living is strange enough, now Lexie must cope with her overbearing stepfamily monitoring her every move. They disappear into the woods at night and keep a strange secret locked in their shed. Her once calm mother is now having violent outbursts and Lexie’s little sister is hearing sinister sounds coming from the forest behind their new home. Lexie’s biggest surprise comes when she discovers the boy she has been dreaming about since her accident is living in Maine. Despite Torin’s questionable reputation, Lexie cannot resist the physical and emotional attraction pulsating between them. Animals and people in town are turning up dead and Lexie learns the strange new world she lives in has real life monsters. Just when she decides she wants to be with Torin forever, she must fight to protect her mother and sister from being harmed by a formidable evil.

Book Excerpt


Lexie

Lexie ran with a confidence only found in dreams. She propelled her body through a lush forest that was full of rich colors and intoxicating scents. She knew where the trail would take her and smiled knowing she would see him again. As she rounded the corner of the worn trail, he stood there motionless. Surprise once again filled those intense blue eyes of his. She could never see his whole face, but his eyes always captivated her, drawing her in. Wrapping her arms around him, she breathed in his heady scent. His arms encircled her and she hoped the moment would last, that she could will herself to stay long enough this time to hear the sound of his voice wash over her. There was so much to say, but the sudden vile presence of death crawled up from behind her as her words turned into a scream….

Lexie reached out and felt the cool space next to her on the bed. As always, she was alone. The dream was so real. As much as the ending always terrified her, she could almost smell his pleasing scent on her pajamas and feel his touch. Her dreams were easily forgotten, but not this one. She had been having the same dream, with a few slight variations for months. Even while lost in slumber, she was always aware she was dreaming of him and hoped for a different outcome, but it never happened. Of all mornings, she wished it had a happy ending.

Mornings were never her specialty, but the hurried sounds of her new stepbrothers banging through the small condo made this particular morning disturbing. They awoke her from dreaming of him with their obnoxious shouting of directions and generalized complaints. Over the last month of getting to know them, it had been their noise that required the biggest adjustment. She no longer lived in a calm home with just her mom Ruby and sister Ella, she now lived in what felt like a testosterone zoo.
Or a psychotic reality show.

Stretching across her bed with a complacent smile, Lexie decided not to allow them the privilege of making her last morning in her childhood home unpleasant. They could try rushing her all they wanted but she would take her sweet time getting out of bed.

Once her heart rate settled from the dream’s frightful ending, the warmth and fulfillment of his embrace left her feeling content and flushed. As she rolled onto her side and hugged her pillow, she grasped on to the lasting image of him just behind her eyelids and wished her dreams of him didn’t always end so abruptly.

She never met anyone like him – tall and dark haired, he was intense but beautiful. Although he was an illusion, thinking of him was comforting. As a rule, Lexie never bought into the idea of ESP or the guy on TV acting like The Ghost Whisperer, but sometimes she wished she could. If there was a possibility he was really waiting for her in the woods somewhere, she would shake inside out with excitement and search the great northeast to find him.

My subconscious created perfection for me. It’s just a shame he doesn’t really exist.

With that thought, her enthusiasm faded. Even if she did find him here, she would be leaving him behind, just like she was leaving her home, friends and the remnants of her dad.

Why Lexie was being forced to move to the “Moose Capital of the World” was not her favorite topic to think about. She had so many plans for her senior year of high school, plans that would form lifelong memories with her best friend Liz. They were going to hop on a train and catch a Broadway show in New York, maybe visit some colleges in Boston, and most definitely skip a little school to go to Six Flags.

What will I do without her? She has kept me going through this last year.

Lexie’s father Ed died the year before. It was such a painful time; she did not think she would ever accept that he was really gone. His lasting presence in her condo was wrapped in the memories of him sitting in the living room grading papers or coming through the door after being at the college all day. The worst part was, she caused his death and moving was not going to ease that memory.


So how did you guys like that excerpt? Does it make you want to read more? Then see my giveaway below for your chance to own an e-copy of 'Fate Fixed'.


About Bonnie Wheeler

Bonnie Wheeler lives in Torrington, Connecticut with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing or spending time with her family, she is attending classes at the University of Connecticut. Bonnie loves cooking, writing, reading, and shopping. Fate Fixed was released in July and is the first novel in The Erris Coven Series. She is hoping to release the sequel later this Fall.


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GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!

Here's your chance to win an e-copy of 'Fate Fixed' by Bonnie, who has kindly agreed to giveaway one copy to one of you guys!

To enter:

- You MUST be a follower of my blog

- Leave a comment on this post with your e-mail address

And that's it. Competition will close at 6pm UK time on the 3rd of November.


Review: Fate Fixed by Bonnie Wheeler

My Rating: E, P, B

Published: 2011
Publisher: Compelling Read

Authr's Website: fatefixed.blogspot.com

Purchase @ Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com Smashwords Barnes and Noble

Fate Fixed: An Erris Coven Novel is young adult paranormal romance. When Lexie Anderson’s mother suddenly announces she is marrying a Romanian immigrant, Lexie willingly leaves behind her busy life in Connecticut for her penance in “The Moose Capital of the World.” Small town living is strange enough, now Lexie must cope with her overbearing stepfamily monitoring her every move. They disappear into the woods at night and keep a strange secret locked in their shed. Her once calm mother is now having violent outbursts and Lexie’s little sister is hearing sinister sounds coming from the forest behind their new home. Lexie’s biggest surprise comes when she discovers the boy she has been dreaming about since her accident is living in Maine. Despite Torin’s questionable reputation, Lexie cannot resist the physical and emotional attraction pulsating between them. Animals and people in town are turning up dead and Lexie learns the strange new world she lives in has real life monsters. Just when she decides she wants to be with Torin forever, she must fight to protect her mother and sister from being harmed by a formidable evil.

‘Fate Fixed’ is the first book in ‘The Erris Coven’ series by Bonnie Wheeler.

My love for this book and its characters was instantaneous. Lexie and Torin’s backgrounds are so very different yet very similar: they are a match made in heaven. Cian, Theo, Liz, Braden and Teagan all played their part in this book and I loved how it all came together. Theo and Teagan made me laugh quite a bit with their quick thinking wit.

I loved how Torin’s family history was explained in such depths. It made me realise that the other characters subtle comments earlier in the book were just teasing me and building me up for the full explanation into Torin’s history.

I felt so sorry for Lexie. Her history isn’t as gruesome as Torin’s but still as tragic. She has had to carry some major guilt with her and I’m surprised that she hasn’t sunk into a major depression but it just shows that she is made of strong stuff. I did feel really bad for her when her mother was taking her step-family’s side in everything.

Overall, thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I hope there is more to come. If there is, then you will probably find me huddled up in a corner getting my fix.

Disclaimer: I was sent this book for review as part of a blog tour via The Bookish Snob Promotions. I have not been paid to write this review and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

Wednesday 26 October 2011

Book Excerpt: Cherished by Belinda Boring



As part of the 'Cherished' book blog tour hosted by The Bookish Snob Promotions, I have an excerpt from the amazing Belinda Boring to share with you all. You can find my review and links to where to purchase the book here.



Book Blurb

For a moment, Darcy almost convinced herself the last twelve hours didn’t happen. As image after image hits her, the sinking realization of all she’s lost overwhelms her and all she can think of is to run. Run far away where her shame can’t find her, and most of all, where she’ll never have to see the look of blame in Mason’s eyes. Feeling like a complete failure, she scrambles to make plans. But the voice of her mate-to-be penetrates her frantic thoughts, asking for the chance to show her just how much she is loved.

It hurts Mason deeply to hear Darcy’s thoughts, knowing the events of the previous night have completely rattled her. Grieving over the death of his beloved sister Jasmine, Mason knows he has to act fast. Darcy is all he’s ever wanted and the idea of life without her is unacceptable. Armed with his unswerving love and wolfish charm, he sets out to remind Darcy just how valuable she is and why there is no one else for him but her.

Can Darcy let go of the shame of failure consuming her or will Mason convince her that after all is said and done, she truly is… Cherished?

Book Excerpt

"There’s something erotic about the stillness that comes to me when we share a kiss. Everything fades away until there’s only me and him, hearts beating in anticipation. How his hot breath feels on my lips right before I quickly moisten them with my tongue. The flickering of his eyes as he breaks contact with mine so he can glance down at my mouth. I love the tingles that erupt over my skin, and how my stomach dips as if a million butterflies take flight. Everything inside screams for me to take what I want, to not draw it out, but seize the moment passionately. It doesn’t matter how many times I kiss Mason, each time my reaction was the same. I’ll never be able to get enough of the taste of him.

But my favorite moment is always the few seconds after I tenderly brush my lips against his, as I pull myself away with a slight smile.

What will he do? Will he take the bait?

Looking straight into his eyes, I prepared myself for it. The flash of hunger and desire that tells me he wants me just as bad, if not more. From the way his pupils dilate to the moment where I can almost see his wolf peering out through his eyes. One touch, that’s all it ever takes.
Mason moved so fast that had I blinked, I’d have missed it. His hand weaved its way through my hair, pulling my face back to his. The world stopped as he kissed me back. Forcefully. Masterfully. Perfectly.

I believe you, I repeated over and over as he dominated our kiss, his tongue stroking and moving against mine. I struggled not to drown in him as heat exploded in my body and I devoured everything he gave me. I poured all my love back into the moment, hoping I could somehow convey just how amazing I thought he was and how grateful I was for him. I couldn’t tell him enough, show him enough, so I stopped trying and just reveled in the sensations I was experiencing. I was his and he was mine.

I couldn’t help but quake as he brushed his fingers over my fevered skin, each touch wreaking havoc on my sensitive flesh and I clung to him as our kiss deepened even more.

“You’re killing me, Mason,” I groaned helplessly into his mouth as I sunk into his embrace further. The man had turned me into a gooey mess.

His chuckle rumbled through his chest, vibrating against me and he made to pull away. Whimpering, I moved to straddle him, taking control. Now that he’d started, there was no way I was ready for it to be over."

Wowzee, does Bel know how to get you all in a tizzy or what? What do you guys think of this excerpt - hot, right?


About Belinda Boring

A homesick Aussie living amongst the cactus and mountains of Arizona, Belinda Boring is a self proclaimed addict of romance and all things swoon worthy. When she's not devouring her latest read, you can find her celebrating her passion for books on her blog The Bookish Snob.


With all that excitement, it wasn’t long before she began writing, pouring her imagination and creativity into the stories she dreams. Whether urban fantasy, paranormal romance or romance in general, Belinda strives to share great plots with heart and characters that you can’t help but connect with. Of course, she wouldn’t be Belinda without adding heroes she hopes will curl your toes.

Surrounded by a supportive cast of family, friends and the man she gives her heart and soul to, Belinda is living the good life. Happy reading!

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GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!

Here's your chance to win an e-copy of 'Cherished' as the awesome Bel has kindly agreed to giveaway one copy to one of you guys!

To enter:

- You MUST be a follower of my blog
- Leave a comment on this post with your e-mail address

And that's it, easy peasy lemon squeezy. Competition will close at 6pm UK time on the 2nd of November.

Next stop, tomorrow, on the tour is Ren's Blogging About.

Monday 24 October 2011

Interview with Emma Raveling: Author of 'Whirl'



As part of the 'Whirl' book blog tour hosted by The Bookish Snob Promotions, the lovely Emma Raveling has stopped by to answer some questions. You can find my review and links to where to purchase the book here.


Interview



 Describe ‘Whirl’ in three words.
Elementals. Dark. Kickass.
Tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind ‘Whirl’.
Whirl was inspired by a piece of classical music. The French composer Maurice Ravel composed a work for solo piano called Gaspard de la Nuit. This music was based upon a series of poems by Aloysius Bertrand.

The first movement of Ravel’s work, entitled Ondine, is based upon the poem of the same name by Bertrand. This poem serves as the epigraph in Whirl. Based upon an old French myth, the poem tells the story of Ondine, a water nymph who sings to a mortal man, attempting to lure him to her. He rejects her love and pleas to join her in ruling the water world. Rejected and heartbroken, Ondine fades away, disappearing beneath the waves.

I highly recommend readers of Whirl to listen to Ravel’s Ondine. The intricate music is haunting, dark, romantic, and exciting. These were all qualities that influenced Whirl and the Ondine Quartet series.

 When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer?
I began writing stories as a child, so I’ve always had a vague, far-off dream of becoming a published writer. Life ultimately took me down a different career path, but the dream remained.
Last year, I did NaNoWriMo for the first time just for fun. I simply wanted to get into the habit of writing daily. Once I completed it, I couldn’t stop. That was when I really realized that I wanted to be a writer and write every single day.
In January 2011, one of my new year’s resolutions was to publish my first book. No more excuses. The idea for the Ondine Quartet series came to me at the end of that month, and I immediately began to work on Whirl.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I’m an avid reader. Besides books, I also enjoy watching movies, Japanese TV shows (j-dorama), and going to museums and classical music concerts. I love to train my dog and spend time outside with her. Food is another passion of mine, so I spend quite a bit of time per week trying out new recipes and exploring new restaurants with my husband. I also practice vipassana meditation daily.
What is the hardest part about writing?
Writing requires total and absolute concentration for me. I shut my home office door, turn off the phone, and I can’t listen to music or other people talking. Because it requires so much concentration, I’m constantly surprised by how physically and mentally exhausted I get, especially after an intense writing session. It really does take everything out of me.
If you could have any actors, model etc in the world to play your characters in a tv show, who would you pick and why?
This is difficult! Since I don’t really watch television, my picks are mainly movie actors. All of these choices are based on looks alone, and my image of my characters may not be the same for all readers!
- Kendra: Lily Collins, with lighter, honey-brown hair.
- Chloe: Elle Fanning
- Aubrey: Emma Stone (with short hair)
- Tristan: Ben Barnes (but more bulked up)
- Julian: Ian Somerhalder
- Ryder: Alex Pettyfer
- Marcella: Marion Cotillard
- Gabriel: Mehcad Brooks
- Naida: Jody Foster
- Rhian: Helen Mirren

I love your choices! What do you guys think?

About Emma Raveling
Emma Raveling is a fantasy author who leads a slightly eccentric life traveling throughout the world with her accommodating husband and charming, neurotic dog.
Hopelessly addicted to coffee and diet coke, she has a strange love of spreadsheets and organizational tools because they give her the illusion that she is somehow in control of the chaos that is her life. A dedicated practitioner of vipassana meditation, Emma loves to cook and often spends time scouring the Internet for new recipes. She adores beautiful art such as painting and sculpture, classical music, lyrical writing, and great graphic design.
Whirl is her debut book. She is currently busy at work writing Billow, the second installment of the Ondine Quartet series.
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GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!

  Here's your chance to win an e-copy of 'Whirl' as Emma Raveling has kindly agreed to giveaway one copy to one of you lucky followers!

To enter:

- You MUST be a follower of my blog
- Leave a comment on this post with your e-mail address


And that's it, easy peasy lemon squeezy. Competition will close at 6pm UK time on the 31st October.

 
Next stop, tomorrow, on the tour is The Bookish Snob
 

Friday 21 October 2011

Review: Whirl by Emma Raveling

My Rating: E, E, E

Published: September 2011
Publisher: Mandorla Publishing

Author's Website: emmaraveling.com


Purchase @ Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com Smashwords Barnes and Noble

Seventeen-year-old Kendra Irisavie is an ondine, a water elemental caught in the middle of an ancient war. The Aquidae are immortal dark demons who will stop at nothing to destroy the fragile balance of the Elemental world. Fierce and independent, Kendra has always played by her own rules. Gifted with the powerful magic of Virtue and trained to be a deadly fighter, she has spent her life breaking hearts and getting into trouble. When her life explodes one violent night in a northern California city, a dark stranger appears, promising answers to her mysterious past. Alone and with no one to trust, she must now navigate through a dangerous new world, face the temptations of a forbidden romance, and remain true to her duty and destiny. All while the Aquidae continue to hunt her down, in the hopes of eliminating her forever… An edgy urban fantasy/paranormal romance, Whirl is recommended for older teens and mature readers due to strong language and mild sexual situations.

Whirl is the first book, and debut, in the Ondine Quartet series by Emma Raveling and what a debut it is.

At the beginning I was a bit confused by all the customized terms that Raveling had used but once I read more into the story I totally became ensnared by the thrill of Julian, the taboo of Tristan, the boyish charms of Ryder and the unconditional love that comes from friendship with Chloe and Aubrey, that I soon got lost in their world. The main heroine herself, Kendra is everything that you don’t want in an enemy: tough, defiant, persistent and an unlimited supply of fighting spirit.

Now that I have gushed over the characters, let’s get on with the other good stuff, the plot. My favourite thing about this book is that it’s a very different, unlike anything I have come across before. The plot centers around Kendra and her role in freeing her race (water elementals) from an ancient war with the Aquidae (fire elementals) as well as irritating the hell out of her grandmother on her journey. The moments between Kendra and her grandmother, I find quite funny because if I Kendra’s age and in her situation then I would be the same taking into consideration her upbringing. I think a lot of other readers would agree. With the help of her friends and some gorgeous men, Kendra starts to make a real difference in the hidden town of Haverleau and comes to realize her full potential.

The other thing that I love about this book is the way it gets me questioning things. I am fascinated by this different, but same, world where ondines, dissondines, selkies and demillirs were a race started by a water deity. It’s a bit god like in the creation but it gets me thinking about evolution. The unique virtues, hierarchy, French undertone and hidden villages have me intrigued and excited about this series and I honestly can’t wait to read the next installment, ‘Billow’.

Disclaimer: I was sent this book as part of a blog tour hosted by The Bookish Snob Promotions. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

Sunday 9 October 2011

Book Excerpt: Lust After Death by Daisy Harris




As part of the 'Lust After Death' book blog tour hosted by The Bookish Snob Promotions, I have an excerpt from Daisy Harris to share with you all. You can find my review and links to where to purchase the book here.




Book Blurb


In the Pacific Northwest, where life hurries to keep pace with technology, a re-animated bride named Josie struggles to escape her creator.


Assassin Bane Connor wants to get the girl to the Zombie Underground and receive his payoff—a mental reset that will erase his memories as well as his guilt. But an attack by a rival faction derails his rescue, and the wide-eyed female ignites desire like he’s never known.


The newborn stein needs touch to live, and wanting her is a complication Bane doesn’t need. The last thing a killer wants is a his lover who can read his thoughts, but if Josie can love him the way he’s programmed, perhaps Bane can find a way to heal his past.


Book Excerpt


"She ran her hands through the brush that rose around her. Each branch was filled with droplets. Spikes pricked on some plants, others felt smooth. One felt soft and downy at first, then stung her curious fingers and Josie pulled her hand to her chest. Her legs ached as they summited the hilltop.

Bane led her a small ways down the other side and he pointed to a small clearing. “It won’t be the softest night’s sleep. But I’m so dead on my feet I won’t care.”

Josie cocked her head to the side and noticed the way his body slumped forward and his feet dragged. “This’ll be fine.”

He bent at one side to lower the pack to the ground. “I can defend this, but I’ll want to catch some Zs before nightfall.” He kicked a few stones out of the way. Then he pulled a pile of cloth out of his bag and rolled it out on the mossy ground. Josie watched him slide metal sticks from the same nylon bag. He adjusted them back and forth ’til they became long, skinny poles, which he fed through loops of plastic on fabric.

“What is that?” Josie marveled at Bane’s skill as he swiveled the metal tubes and the interior of the contraption inflated, forming an oblong box.

“It’s a tent.” He rifled through the pack again, pulling out several machines, which Josie now knew to be guns, and then two sleeping bags. “We may have to zip these together to stay warm.” He didn’t meet her eyes. “But I won’t try anything.”
He tossed a few more items into the enclosure and crawled inside. Josie could tell she’d be able to fit too, but it would be a tight squeeze. The idea of being in such a small space so close to Bane’s body again sent shivers of anticipation fluttering along her back and shoulders, even while a small tremor of nerves jolted between her legs.

The tent stretched one way, then another, as Bane organized things within it. Something about the increasingly long stretches between his movements told her he was dragging it out. “Um, I’m done. But I need to sleep for a while.” The tone of his voice sounded like a question.

Josie went to her knees at the mouth of the tent and stuck her head inside. “What do you want me to do?” She searched his deep-set eyes for direction.
Bane rested on his heels, his knees splayed wide. The top of his blond head nearly brushed the roof of the tent and his broad shoulders filled the close space. “I’m asking if it’s okay with you if I rest for a while.”

As she’d never been asked such a question, Josie didn’t know how to answer. “Yes, it’s fine…” When he didn’t move, she struggled to clarify. “Do you want me to come inside, or stay out there?” She jerked her thumb back in the direction of her hips, which still poked out the tent’s door.

“Whichever you want, babe.” He said it with a small chuckle, but Josie noted the redness creeping up his neck to play under the stubble on his jaw. She remembered the way his chin had scraped hers when they kissed. Her hand rose to cool the abrasion.

“I want to stay here.” She crawled into the tent alongside Bane and lay on her side on the sleeping bag he’d rolled for her. “I want to know… I want to understand what you were thinking before.”

Nervousness danced in her belly, but Bane turned away from her and lay down on his own sleeping bag, his back to her, his head resting on a small pillow. “Forget about it. It won’t happen again, and in a few days neither of us will even remember this.” He made a show of yawning, stretching and settling his body.

Imitating him, Josie stretched her arms above her head and struggled to find a comfortable position on the ground. Bane had spread some thin, inflatable pads under the sleeping bags, but it was far less comfortable than her bed at Adam’s house, or the mattress on the boat.

The thin cotton of his t-shirt strained across his shoulders and upper back. Josie scooted closer, until she nestled against the length of him. A little jolt of excitement shot through her to feel his firm backside against her hips, and she angled her body until those mounds pressed into the cradle of her groin. Of course, that necessitated her laying a hand on his upper arm for balance, and her face pressed between his shoulder blades.

“What are you doing?” The pillow muffled his voice.

Josie stopped shuffling, realizing she’d been pawing him. “Nothing, just getting comfortable.” Instinct told her to pull away and roll back to her side of the tent. Bane’s muscles felt stiff under her fingers. But she didn’t want to let go.
“I only have so much self-control, babe.” He began rolling her direction, and Josie scooted back to avoid getting squashed. When his gaze fell on hers, it looked darker, and infinitely more scary than usual. “If you don’t want a repeat performance of earlier, you’ll keep some distance.” His look dared her to argue, demanded she slink to her corner and cower.

Well, Josie had done enough of that with Adam. “If you just explained to me what you were trying to do…” Her voice rose and she struggled to find the right words, but Bane’s hand shot out and grabbed her wrist. He dragged her hand to the juncture of his thighs and pressed her palm to the ridge along his fly. Only this time she knew what lay beneath, and what he meant to do with it."



About Daisy Harris


Birkenstock-wearing glamour girl and mother of two by immaculate conception, Daisy Harris still isn’t sure if she writes erotica. Her paranormal romances start out innocently enough. However, her characters behave like complete sluts. Much to Miss Harris’s dismay, the sex tends to get completely out of hand.




If you like science-y subplots, fantastical creatures, and red-hot chemistry, you’ll love Daisy Harris. You can find her on Twitter, Facebook and at www.thedaisyharris.com.


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GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!


Here's your chance to win an e-copy of 'Lust After Death' as Daisy Harris has kindly agreed to giveaway one copy to one of you guys!


To enter:


- You MUST be a follower of my blog
- Leave a comment on this post with your e-mail address


And that's it, easy peasy lemon squeezy. Competition will close at 6pm UK time on 16th October.


Next stop, tomorrow, on the tour is Reader Girls.