Author Love, Zachary Moore, And Team Kilt

Hi everyone!

Today I have a very special blog topic to post about. I'm sure you've all heard about the YA Crush Tourney happening over at the YA Sisterhood Blog (if you haven't go click the link and check it out! It's awesome). One of tomorrow's matches is between Will Herondale, the top seed of the entire tournament, and Zachary Moore, the sexy Scottish lad from the Shade series. Will, and all other Cassandra Clare characters, have been sweeping these tournaments, beating their opponents by thousands of votes. Yeah, THOUSANDS. Now, I can understand why. The Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices series are great and very popular. I've loved TMI since I was fourteen and consider Jace, last years' Crush Tourney winner, to be extremely swoon-worthy. But, isn't it time to give the underdog a chance? Isn't it time we end the total wipe-out of the other, lesser known crushes? Well, I think so. But I also think that Zachary Moore deserves your vote, regardless of who he's up against.  He's everything and more you could want in a crush. He's melted my heart, made me laugh, smile, tear up, and been a part of a story I love so dearly. 

Now, I have yet to read Shine. Yeah, it's a bit mind-boggling but I have my reasons. One of them being I simply don't want this series to end. I love it too much! I remember picking it up, two years ago right before the Smart Chicks Signing in Brampton. I wasn't sure what to expect, but what I got was an amazing story, one cheer-worthy protagonist, one ghostly rocker, and one smile inducing Scottish boy. 

Haven't heard of Team Kilt? Well, we #TeamKilt members just so happen to be huge fans of the Shade series. We love everything about it, we love talking about it, we love having #TeamKilt chats, and we love men in kilts. I mean, who doesn't? Team Kilt is just such a fun, supportive group to be a part of, and I've loved every mad lib, #SHADEboys chats, blog post, and Nessie in lingerie that's happened.

Another reason to vote for Zach? Well cause of his creator, Jeri Smith-Ready. I don't think you understand how awesome she is (well, you might, but I'm going to tell you why anyways). I actually had the pleasure of meeting her two years ago. I happened to fan-girl and mumble and mentioned her other adult series, in which I share the same name as the protagonist (first time that's every happened), and probably embarrass myself. But she was super welcoming and friendly, with this big smile on her face, which helped (some what) to ease my fan-girl jitters. My friends and I were trying to get our tank-tops signed and we spotted Jeri outside the book store (she'd left the panel early). We went up to her and asked to have her shirt signed and even though she was in a huge hurry (on her way to catch a flight) she still took the time to sign them and thank us for coming. Then there's the online presence she has. Always keeping her fans updated, responding to tweets we send her, participating in online chats, hosting giveaways, sending bookplates, and always being her awesome and fun self. She may say that her fans are amazing but really, she's just an amazing person.

So, now that I've given my reasons for voting Zach...what do you think? Wanna vote? (I'll love you forever) 

How YOU can support Zachary Moore and Team Kilt!

1. VOTE. Vote an every browser, mobile device, and computer you have for Zach. Or, just vote once. Either way, you're awesome! All it takes is three clicks: one on the link, and one on the "Zachary" button" and one on the "Vote" button.

2. Spread the word! Even if you tell just one person, that's another vote that Zach could have. And we need every single one we can get! Tell a friend, or neighbor, or sales clerk, or sports coach, or the person standing next to you in line! We need thousands of votes to win this round. It's all up to us!

3. Spread the word in different ways! You can also post about it on your blog (and you could win prizes!) change your display picture, pin it on Pinterest, retweet the links, anything! Just get the word out that Zachary needs our help!

Links, Links, Links Galore! (To be updated when more links appear!)

Still not convinced to Vote Zach? Or, wanna find out more about him and Team Kilt? Well, here's a list of links that will answer all of your burning questions and curiosities!

*UPDATED: VOTE HERE*

Shade (find out more about the book!)
- Goodreads
- Amazon
- Jeri Smith-Ready's Website

Jeri Smith-Ready's Website

- Team Kilt Post

- YA Crush Tourney Post Round One (including incentives to vote)

Team Kilt (and some giveaways!)

- Kilt and Keeley Fansite

- Fictitious Delicious

   * What's Happening for Round Two!

- Team Kilt Blog Hop

- GReads Giveaway

- Team Kilt Pinterest Board

- Shade Boys Tumblr

Twitter:

- Jeri Smith-Ready (the woman who started it all!)
- Zachary Moore (yeah, he has a legit Twitter account)
- Logan Keeley (the other awesome swoon-worthy guy from the Shade series)
- Aura Salvatore (the crazy awesome protagonist)
- Kilt and Keeley (Shade Fansite)
- Fictitious Delicious (Zachary's advocates)

So, at midnight tonight VOTE ZACH! And leave a comment here if you do! I'll give you a big virtual hug!

- Ciara who is lost at midnight  

Waiting On Wednesday (7): Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, in which bloggers talk about the books they are most eager for!

This week's pick: Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Release Date: May 1st, 2012 

Life can change in an instant, and no one understands that better than Aura. It’s been almost a year since her boyfriend tragically died. She’s finally letting go of Logan’s violet-hued ghost, but not her search to uncover the truth about her past.
As the first in a generation that can see ghosts, Aura is convinced that she has a connection to the Shift. She’s trusted Zachary, ever patient and ever by her side, with all that she knows. But when the government threatens his life in an attempt to learn Aura’s secrets, she will stop at nothing to protect herself and the one she loves...even if that means betraying her own heart. (Summary from Jeri Smith-Ready's website)

Okay, it's time for me to gush like a crazy fan-girl, because I love everything about this series. The story, the characters, the writing, the concept, the author, and of course, the amazing group called Team Kilt all come together to make one of the best combinations in the world. I'm going to be terribly sad that this amazing series is coming to an end, but I know Shine is going to be one heck of a book. 

The reason I first picked up Shade was because Jeri Smith-Ready was going to be at a signing I was attending later in the year (2010). I read Wicked Game, one of her adult novels, first and absolutely adored it (I knew I was going to love it when, on the first page, the main character clarified "It's KEER-ah, not see-AIR-ah"). I purchased Shade not long after, and loved it even more. Such an interesting and original concept. Such fantastic characters (the only books in which I can truly say I can't choose between the guys), and such a fantastic (Irish) author. Pick up this book! You will love it. Seriously, I kid not, you will LOVE IT. The entire trilogy will even be out in paperback for the May 1st release of Shine!


For fans of the series, make sure to check out KiltandKeeley.com, the Shade fansite which is always up to date with information! They're planning an exciting Team Kilt Con, which sounds amazing! Too bad I live in Canada making it a little difficult to attend. 


Also, the website above is doing a fantastic pre-order giveaway! Just pre-order the book and win fantastic prizes!


Check out the Shine trailer below! Only a couple more weeks!

- Ciara who is lost at midnight

Find this book: Jeri Smith-Ready's wesbite | Amazon | Goodreads

"Kiss Me, I'm Irish" Giveaway Hop!

Hello, and Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

I'm going to be participating in the "Kiss Me, I'm Irish" Giveaway hop, held by Kilt and Keeley, the fansite dedicated to the fantastic-awesome-sauce Shade series by Jeri Smith-Ready. Basically, in honor of Saint Patrick's Day, and the Keeley Brothers' heritage, their asking blogs to host a giveaway hop, talking about either something Irish, or kissing! I chose to go the Irish route, because of my lovely family.  

I don't know if I can adequately express how I feel about Ireland. I have never been there, although I've always wanted to go. I grew up surrounded by Irish music, and feel a tug in my heart every time I hear it. I've always felt that I know so much about my heritage, but have only recently seen how much more there is to learn. It's a part of me I love and cherish, and will be proud of for all my life. I decided to talk about some of my favorite Irish things including:

My Favorite Irish Songs
1. Ciara by Luka Bloom (I think that was a given)
2. The Parting Glass by Shaun Davey
3. Rip the Calico by the Bothy Band


My Favorite Irish Movies
1. The Commitments (Contains a serious amount of swearing...but fantastic music)
2. Waking Ned Devine
3. The Secret of Ronan Inish 

My Favorite Books with Irish Heritage
1. Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready (OBVIOUSLY)
2. My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent
3. Wicked Game by Jeri Smith-Ready (Main character and I share the same name!)

I also decided to thrown in a bit of random facts that pertain to me and my Irish-ness! 

Some Random Irish Facts about Myself and My Family
1. My mother and I often Irish dance around in our dining room.
2. Both my mother and my grandparents were born (the latter raised) in Dublin, Ireland.
3. I'm visiting Ireland (hopefully) this coming September. Planning on taking a trip to Newgrange!
4. My grandparents were friends of The Clancy Brothers. They still have a picture of my uncle, as a baby, being held by Liam Clancy.
5. My grandfather wrote a book on Irish churches and monasteries, and has a thesis bound at Trinity College.
6. I know all of two words in Gaelic. One of them is cheers, the other is a swear word.
7. My name, Ciara, is translated to "black" in Gaelic. (So, I guess I know three words!)
8. The basketball team The Boston Celtics say their name wrong (okay, not a fact about me, but something that bothers me deeply).
9. When I was younger, when ever my aunts would come to Canada from Ireland they would bring me something with my name on it because that was the only place where there were things monogrammed with "Ciara".
10. Last year was the first year I ever did something for Saint Patrick's Day.

(Actually, though)

GIVEAWAY! 
*THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED! CHECK BACK TO SEE IF YOU'VE WON*
Okay, time for the giveaway! Now, I've never held a giveaway here on the blog (or ever, actually) so I'm going to keep this very simple. The winner (who will be chosen by random.org) will receive a paperback copy of Shade, the novel that started it all, AND a copy of My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent, another awesome book that features Celtic mythology! Here are some rules!

• Up for grabs: paperback copies of Shade (Shade #1) and My Soul to Take (Soul Screamers #1)!
• This giveaway is open from now until Monday, March 19th at 11:59EST
• Open where ever the Book Depository ships to
• Must be over 13 years of age to enter
• To enter, comment on the blog, and you MUST check back here on Tuesday! 
• *optional* In your comment, tell me something you love about Ireland!
• Please DON'T write your email in the comments!
• The winner will have 24hrs to respond, otherwise I will be forced to choose another winner!
• You don't need to be a blog follower to participate (although, if you are YOU'RE AWESOME) just make a comment!

Want to hear one of the best parts of this giveaway? If you win, you'll be entered to win the LAST SHINE ARC. Yeppers! You heard right! Jeri Smith-Ready, author extraordinaire and fellow Irish gal, is giving away her last ARC copy of Shine, the final book in the Shade trilogy. So, enter away! Good luck! And be sure to check out all the other blogs on the giveaway hop, and their awesome prizes!

"I gently rise and softly call,
Good night and joy be with you all." 

Slainte. Erin Go Braugh. And Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

-Ciara who is lost at midnight