Blog Tour: The Dirty Opportunist Tour with Tarryn Fisher

So reviews are almost always written, right? Very rarely do we see vlog reviews (video reviews for blogs), but Hannah from Book Worms Talks does them and she did The Opportunist and Dirty Red this way.  It's an innovative new way to review books. It's pretty cool! We get to actually see and feel what went through her while reading.

I must say, if I wasn't camera shy I would totally do this! It would also help if I was a tad bit photogenic...

But I'm neither of those. Pity.

Anyway, Hannah has offered to share her reviews with us for Tarryn Fisher's tour. Thanks Hannah!!! I'm also including a link to her Youtube page, which is totally freaking awesome! Little did I know, Hannah does these reviews for all the books she reads! I got stuck on her Youtube page for a little while... and I bet you will too when you find reviews from books you love! Go check her out!! Hannah from Book Worms Talk.

Ummm...Hello fabulous giveaway!!! Can I enter? 

For the Dirty Opportunist tour, all you have to do to be entered in the grand prize giveaway is leave a comment below and follow the directions in the rafflecopter.The grand prize includes:

Michael Kors Purse ($300 value)

Pressed Penny Necklace (kissing penny from Jaxsons!!)

Team Cherry Garcia T-shirt

20 Amazon e-book copies of The Opportunist

6 Amazon e-book sets of The Opportunist and Dirty Red

3 complete Love Me With Lies Amazon e-book sets (The Opportunist/Dirty Red/Thief)

 

Each blog is giving away a set of The Opportunist and Dirty Red as well. YOU MUST leave a comment with your email address to be entered in the giveaway.  Thanks and good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review and Giveaway: Thief by Tarryn Fisher

Reviews for this particular author are always the hardest to write some reason. Here goes...

Tug of war. That’s exactly what Tarryn Fisher does with my heart. Each and every time, too. I love it yet I hate it. It’s a sick relationship I have with books that few can deliver- And Tarryn can. There hasn’t been many books this year that has rocked me to the core, but Thief did. And you all know I don’t lie about my reads...

Thief does not disappoint! Tarryn has a deep fond for her readers, more so than I think people realize. She knows what they want and gives it to us good- but in the only manner she knows how. Tarryn Fisher style.

I prepared myself before reading Thief. I’ve never done that with any other book, but with this particular book I did. Tarryn Fisher is not a predicable writer. NOT. ONE. BIT. We never really know what to expect of her. Just when I thought I finally knew the outcome of the book and could relax for a moment, I was knocked off my axis and my mouth dropped! OHMIGOD!!!!! At times I thought I was going to be sick to my stomach! Then there were times I thought my chest would pop because of the true, heartfelt love Caleb has for Olivia. Plus, Tarryn’s writing addictive writing. It’s like crack. Uppers, downers...I don't care! Just give me more! 

What the hell, Tarryn? Why you gotta do me dirty, you sick and twisted freak!

Just kidding. Maybe a little twisted...

So I went in thinking that we’re not going to get the happily ever after that the majority of readers want. And if we are, we’re going to get it Tarryn style.

And we do.

But oh, is it good.

Sooooo. Damn. Good.

And bittersweet. Because that’s how Tarryn rolls. It’s what I would describe as a loosely tied bow. It’s there, but it hurts. It’s a bit sad and heartbreaking, but happy too. Make sense?

I can honestly say I was hooked from the beginning, which is saying something. We’re immediately drawn back into the story as if there was no break. It picks up pretty much right where Dirty Red ended and it doesn’t stop. There isn’t a dull page, moment, character, whatever. It was phenomenal! There are no questions left; they’re all answered in Thief. Anything you wanted to know, it’s in this book. But I warn you, be prepared. It’s not what you think. 

The story is written with past and present chapters. Normally I’m not big on that because it can become boring or used as filler, but it’s not here. Being inside of Caleb’s head was an experience to say the least! I love male point of views. It’s my favorite to read and this one was done very well. Caleb is just as sweet as jalapeño pepper. I. LOVE. HIM. He is for sure going on my Jerk self! He’s a sweet, fiery jerk. I felt everything he felt. The heartbreak, the struggle, the rage, and emotion. The deep seeded hatred for Leah. The profound love he has for Olivia. The devotion and will he has for fighting for Olivia. It’s all there. No one is meant more for each other than Caleb and Olivia. BUT, Olivia is so damn hardheaded and stubborn! I wanted to shake her and punch her in the throat multiple times! Olivia is hard to love because she won’t allow it, but Caleb’s had enough. He’s goes after her regardless of her husband Noah.

Noah is a prick, by the way. A selfish prick. Anyway...

While Caleb was trying to win Olivia back, he’s also struggling with the redheaded sadist Leah, and the possibility of Estella not being his. My. GOD. What that man goes through nearly killed me! Caleb is there, walking over burning coal and willing to do anything for Olivia and he's also dealing with Leah who lives to play dirty. Then tragedy strikes. FML. How much can one person take??

Tarryn said Caleb fights for her. HOLY HELL she wasn’t lying! Gahhhhhhhhh!!!!! SO EFFING GOOD! 

When he says...

"I make you vulnerable because you love me. That's the price you pay for love, baby girl."

And...

“Don't make me love you more," she says. "My clock is ticking and you're talking baby."

I grind my teeth to keep from smiling.

"Let's make one," I say, taking a step toward her.

And...

"We'll never be over".

Shit. I need a break. 

Then he said, 

“This is the last time I'm going to say this, so listen carefully." I can smell her skin. "No one is keeping us apart again. Not Noah or Cammie and least of all, fucking Leah. You are mine. Do you understand me?"

She nods.

I kiss her. Deep. Then I walk out. 

EFFFFFFFFF. Hold up a minute.

For me, Thief was better than The Opportunist, and I consider TO as a favorite read. I’m not even counting Dirty Red into the equation. I didn’t like that book. The fact that the author offered me this book even after I rated Dirty Red low speaks numbers in my eyes. A true author who can take criticism and let it roll off her shoulders.

Thief is packed full of insanely intense emotion. Tarryn slips inside the mind and works a web of lies and love. It’s panick inducing and suspenseful with incredibly passionate characters. Tarryn Fisher competes with setting the bar in the indie world. She’s one of the few I will read now. Sounds harsh, but it’s true. She introduced me to indie and will forever hold a special place with me. Thief kept me entertained until the end and I still wanted more. I hate finishing series. It’s like saying goodbye to characters that I grew with over the years. I know it’s never really goodbye since I can read it again, but it’s...hard. Especially when it’s from an author I love.

Favorite lines:

She has the kind of love that can stain your soul, make you beg not to have one, just to escape the spell she's put you under. I've tried to break myself of her over and over, but it's pointless. I've got more of her in my veins than blood.

Find it on GoodReads!

We're giving away 5 ebooks of Thief by Tarryn Fisher. Leave a comment here for a chance to win. You have until Midnight Tonight (7/22/13) to enter! So, leave those comments!

THIEF now has a blurb!

Rumor has it THIEF will be released next week! And Tarryn Fisher has finally released the blurb! Check it out!

I love how original the blurbs in this series are. They're unique and intriguing yet gives nothing away. I was fortunate enough to read THIEF early. How the hell was I so lucky I'll never know.

THIEF is panic inducing and suspenseful. Its incredibly passionate and realistic characters make for a seriously intense read. Tarryn slips inside the mind and works a fine web of lies and love with an ending that can only be described as a Tarryn Fisher ending- Completely unexpected and totally Tarryn's manner of style. 

THIEF is a definitely one of my few favorite reads for 2013! Be ready to devour this book as soon as it drops!

Add to your Goodreads today!

Review: The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher

There are moments in our lives when we find ourselves at a crossroads, confused, without a road map. The choices we make in those moments can define the rest of our days.– One Tree Hill
HOLY GREAT BALLS OF FIRE...I LOVED THIS BOOK! I never wanted it to end and when it did, I was sick with grief. How can a book do this to me?

This is by far the best book I've read all year! Can I give this book more than 5 stars?

If an opportunity presented itself would you take it regardless of the consequences? Even if it didn't matter if it was the right move or wrong move, so long as it furthers you along, would you still take it?

Olivia has a bit of a mean jealous streak in her. But honestly, who doesn't? She loves Caleb beyond what she can comprehend. So she'll do what she has to in order to have him in her life. When she runs into him at a music shop three years after their bitter breakup, she realizes she never let go of the feelings she had for him. How could she? Caleb is intelligent, attractive, caring, an all around good guy. She believes the choices she made ruined them. But what Olivia doesn't know is how manipulative Caleb can be: almost as manipulative as her.

Sadly for Olivia, Caleb has no recollection of who Olivia is when they speak at the music shop. He was in a car accident after their break up and lost his memory. Olivia is heart-stricken over this. How could he forget all the good times they shared…their love…how they met? Everything! Olivia quickly recovers from the initial shock of Caleb not remembering anything. She sees this as an opportunity to make things right again and start over. Unfortunately for her, again, Caleb is dating someone else. He’s been with Leah since before the car accident, so Leah tells him.

What transpires after the first few chapters is mind blowing. There is so much that happens I don’t even know where to begin. Just know this: Caleb and Olivia share a love like no other. A love that runs so deep it tears them apart over and over. A love that made my chest ache with anxiety to the point of agony. They exploit every situation they have to work in their favor until it backfires on them. Until there is no time left. But don't think it's just Caleb and Olivia. Oh, no, no, no! There are a few other opponents playing as well. The question is which side are they on?

Olivia is a manipulating little wench. But so is Caleb. He is not the Saint he is painted to be. BELIEVE ME. He plays a huge pawn in this game. What he did was a total and complete shock, like a slap to the face. I did not see it coming! Actually there were many things I didn’t see coming. But that’s the beauty of this book. You will be taken on one hell of a psychological ride the entire time reading The Opportunist.

This book just goes to show that all it takes is one wrong move and your life will be irrevocably changed forever. Tarryn Fisher is a fabulous story teller and writer, but an evil little thing for creating this book. I don't know whether I want to slap her senseless or kiss her speechless for creating this intoxicating story! The way she spun the lies and deceit, the love and hate, the story line and full character development was amazing. This story weaved through the past and the present just right. You were not left confused with each chapter, only that you wanted more. MORE! MORE! MORE! Don't get me started on the angst...oh the angst! It's what I live for in a book. If you want and love angst, then read this book. You will be choking on it.
 
Once you start this book you won't be able to stop. It's addicting, captivating and appealing to all ages. The Opportunist is the kind of book you love to hate- and I mean that in the nicest way possible. The Opportunist should come with a warning label. It's the kind of book that takes every ounce out of you, sucking you dry, and yet you're still begging for more! The kind of book you want to read over and over and never want to end. The Opportunist is like a mind trip. It plays with your brain.

I stayed up until 3am reading this book. My husband woke in the middle of the night and looked at me like I was crazy. I had my kindle, which I was gripping so tightly in my hands and my eyes nearly popping from my head. He couldn’t believe I was still awake reading.

When I awoke the next morning after finishing this book, the first thing I did was look up Tarryn Fisher. I mean, as soon as I cracked my eyes open, I had my phone in my hands and I was looking her up. I needed to know whether this story actually ended or not. Because honestly, I did not like the ending, but then again, I think that's why I loved the book so much. She really squeezed and tugged on my nearly pulverized heart with that ending. It couldn’t possibly end…. It just can't!

I am happy to say there will be another book! A sequel! I am beyond happy you can't even begin to imagine! The only problem? It won't be released until April 2013. 2013! That is too damn far away for me. She needs to hurry up.

200th Post with author Tarryn Fisher!

Today is my 200th Blog post!! I seriously can't believe it! 

Since I loved The Opportunist so much, I've decided to give this day to author Tarryn Fisher with a review and an interview. I am insanely obsessed with this book and you would be too if you read it. It will make your heart spasm and your blood boil. It will make you wickedly happy and then you'll want to cry your eyes out. Either way, I promise, YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK!

I came across Tarryn's book, The Opportunist on Goodreads recently. It had gotten a lot of great ratings and thought it sounded like my kind of book- angsty, emotional, love triangle, heavy drama and a little dark. Unfortunately I had too many other books to read at the moment so I couldn't pick it up to read when I wanted to. 

While on Twitter one day looking for more books to read (as if I need anymore!) Tarryn and I started talking about books with dysfunctional relationships and how I like them. She had mentioned that her book sounded like what I was looking for and then told me to read her book. I LOVED that she said that to me. Most authors won't push themselves when a reader is looking for a particular book, which I find a bit aggravating. We want you to recommend yourselves to us IF it's what we're looking for. Trust me- it makes our searching much easier. :) I liked her immediately for that.

After reading The Opportunist, I fell in love; madly, deeply in love with this book. Now I know why it got such superb ratings. IT'S AMAZING! I became captivated with this story and I needed more...STAT! Sadly, there are no other books available yet and won't be next year. I almost cried when I found that out. But I did manage to track Tarryn down and pick her brain for an interview. She is in the process of moving right now, but took the time to answer all my questions, which came as a shock to me! I didn't expect them all to be answered!

Thank you for taking the time for an interview, Tarryn. I am beyond happy to have you here! Please start off by telling us a little about you and the kind of books you write.

Human emotions fascinate me. I don’t try to write angsty stories, they just sort of spill from my fingers. I like things that dare me to feel something; anger, sadness...heck, sometimes I get really wild and dabble in happiness. I respect sadness the most- so much so, I give it a lot of attention.  

After reading The Opportunist, I became obsessed with it, which seems to be the general consensuses for your book. I’m sure it’s what every author wants, but did you expect it to happen so fast, especially for being a self-pub?

I didn’t expect it to happen at all. I was told by the publishing industry that no one would like my book; it was too raw, too ugly. Olivia was unlikable. Self publishing The Opportunist was almost a rebellious experiment that I fully expected to fail.

This is a very well written book with hardly any errors, which isn’t all that common with a self-pub. I’ve heard people say they can ignore all the errors if they love an author. Well, I can’t. Did you have an editor for this book? The first few rounds of this book were rough. I hate reading what I write, so I don’t go back and comb through for grammar and misspellings. Eventually, an editor got in contact with me and said; I love this story, let me fix it. Her name is Lori Sabin and I love her.

Are you currently working on anything at the moment? If so, can you give us a sneak peak please? You know about Dirty Red. I am also writing the third book which features my boy, Caleb. There is a secret YA project I’ve been working on for years. I was a chapter away from finishing it when I left it to write Dirty Red. I hear it calling me back. It’s so unique I’m afraid to let anything about it slip.

I had no idea this was going to be a series until I stalked your website for anything I could get after reading The Opportunist- yes, I am that obsessed. How many books do you plan and do you plan different points of view for each book? There will be three. I do not believe in telling the same story from another perspective. I feel like that would be stale. So, what I’m doing is continuing Olivia and Caleb’s story, but we get to see it unfold from two different perspectives. First Leah will speak and then we’ll let Caleb decide everyone’s fate.

Why did you decide to do different points of view?

Everything we saw in The Opportunist was from Olivia’s perspective. Her mind is warped, so unless we see things from the other perps, we won’t get the full picture.

I’m a huge romance reader. The more romance, the better. If the story is intriguing enough for me then I’ll read a light romance book, which is what I would consider yours to be. Will there be more romance scenes in your next book?  Maybe a little heavier this time? I don’t know that anyone wants to see Leah and Caleb get it on. I mean, Leah is the anti prude. Would they hate me for that? I decided to stop being a prude for Caleb’s book. He’s a guy, he has sex. You’ll get more sex. I’m getting hives just thinking about it. I have to drink to write sex scenes...like an entire bottle of wine. Whenever my friends hear I’m drinking, they’re like “You’re writing a sex scene aren’t you?”

I know your readers want an HEA for Caleb and Olivia. How do you feel about this? How can there be an HEA between those two if Olivia married Noah?

Did she marry Noah? I keep putting them in these situations and then I watch to see how they work themselves free. I do not know how the story is going to end. Olivia and Caleb have their own personalities at this point, so no matter how hard I try to force them, I don’t know if they’ll find their way back to each other.

Dirty Red is set to release in April 2013. Can you please write faster? I need it…like yesterday!  I’m writing so fast. I care how each sentence looks, so I put so much time into making them just right. *hangs head* I’m a terribly slow writer. I wish I had Colleen Hoover’s speedy fingers.

Do you plan your characters and storyline or does it come to you as you write? What happens when you do plan the story but you find it going in a different direction? Do you go in that new direction or stick to your original one?

I am a strict believer in NEVER telling my characters what to do. After I gave Olivia her personality, it was her job to run her own story. I just presented roadblocks and allowed her personality (not mine) to make the decisions.

Describe your writing in four words. Angry. Potent. Dark. Choppy.

If your book came with a warning, what would it say? WARNING! This book will take your fairy-tale romance dreams and f**** them sideways.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author so far? What has been your greatest compliment?

My greatest compliments come from the reviewers on Goodreads. They take time out of their day to write their thoughts about something that I created. I love every word of their reviews. I guess the same can be said about the criticism in the bad reviews. It hurts when they hate my story, but I take everything they say very seriously and try to make myself a better writer.

What is something readers wouldn’t know about you? I am afraid of clusters of circles. When I see circles in a cluster, I want to throw up.

The Opportunist is definitely one of the most angst filled romance book I have ever read. Are those the kind of books you like to read? If so, can you please recommend some of your favorites? Those are the books I search high and low for and have the hardest time finding. I love anything that reeks of darkness.  One name; Gillian Flynn.

What helps you get in the mind set of writing? Do you have a writing regimen? I have to leave the house. My children bite me and climb on me, so I write at Starbucks. I listen to music. I drink coffee.

What is the most important element in publishing a book? Having an editor? Beta reader? Blog tours? Promo help? Will you be doing anything different for the release of your second book then you did for the first book?

A good reader is important. They are so rare. You need someone that will tell you the truth and know enough about the industry to know if you’re writing something that will flop or fit.

Authors have different opinions on whether or not to read reviews of their books. Some say it brings them down, others say it helps with their writing. What are your views on it? I read everything. Bad reviews sting. But, if the readers are telling you that something sucks...it might suck. You have to take everything into consideration.

What do you want reader to take away once they’ve read The Opportunist? I want them to feel like they were Olivia’s conscience...the Jiminy Cricket that sat on her shoulder while she made all of the wrong choices.

Where can we find out more about you and your work?   My website is www.tarrynfisher.com. But, I have this disease called, Facebook. I lurk around in there all day.

Where can we buy your book? It’s available on Amazon and Barnes&Noble. Amazon now sells the paperback.

Lightening speed round!

Vanilla, Chocolate or Strawberry? Coconut

Pumps, Sandals or Sneakers? Sandals

Beer or Fruity Girly drink? Wine!

Boxers, Briefs or Commando? Whatever Kellan Kyle wears.  

Book or ereader? You’re killing me! Both, I do both.

Vampire, Demon or Shifter? I can kill all three at the same time.

Soft and Sensual or Up Against the Wall? up against the wall....or a tree.

Beach or Snow? Rain! never the beach...never ever.

Jeans or Pearls? Jeans.

Tattoos or Piercing? Tattoos

Thank you so much for being here, Tarryn. I truly appreciate it!

You can review Taryn's review HERE.

Since I am in LOVE with this book so much, I will be giving away a copy of Tarryn's book, The Opportunist. PLUS, I will be giving away a big pile of swag from many different authors!


All you have to do is LIKE MY FACEBOOK PAGE and leave a comment for Tarryn. Contest will run one week. REMEMBER TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS WITH YOUR COMMENT.

Thanks and good luck!