I’m so excited for this post because not only do I get to share my mad love for Hope Collier’s THE WILLOWS: HAVEN today, BUT I also get to giveaway an ebook copy to one lucky reader! Believe me, you want to win this book. To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment below with your email address, and I’ll notify the winner this Sunday.
And if you don’t happen to win this contest, no worries. Just follow the rest of the book blog tour and enter at one—or all—of the many stops left. And finally, at the end of the tour, be sure to enter for the GRAND PRIZE: a signed print copy of the book and awesome swag!
Now, for why you want to win . . .
When tragedy strikes, seventeen year-old Ashton Blake sets out on a cross-country road trip, leaving the comforts of Malibu for the mountains of Kentucky. Along the way, she encounters Gabe Willoughby—the mysterious drifter with eyes like the sea and a knowing smile. Getting to know Gabe raises questions about her past. But no secret can be buried forever, and Ashton soon finders herself in a world where water is air and myth becomes reality.
Just as Ashton comes to accept her newfound heritage, she’s summoned to fulfill a treaty laid down centuries before — a treaty that will divide her love and test her loyalty. In the end, her future isn’t her biggest concern, her humanity is. To run may mean war, but is she strong enough to stay?
Hope Collier’s YA Debut, THE WILLOWS: HAVEN is filled with things to love. A unique paranormal premise, an endearing protagonist, a plethora of hot love interest possibilities, and a well-paced plot full of twists and turns designed to keep you guessing . . . But my favorite? Gabe’s fitted gray thermal shirt.
I know, I know. It doesn’t sound like much. But in the hands of this gifted author, this innocuous piece of clothing transforms into an object worthy of swooning for months. I myself was a loyal Team Gabe member throughout my reading journey, but the guy had me from page 12, where he first appeared in ‘a gray thermal clung to his chest, the washed out fabric settling nicely into the contours of well-defined muscle.’ I’m not usually one to pay particular attention to the clothes my book hotties wear, but I swear to you that the image of that shirt—and that chest—has literally stayed with me for months.
Beyond Gabe’s shirt, and the six-pack abs it conceals, THE WILLOWS is a feast for your senses. Amazing setting descriptions make you feel as though you are standing on the grass, swimming in the river, and cuddling up in cave to shelter you from a storm along with her larger than life characters. And the characters themselves are fantastic. Ashton is a girl I can identify with. She makes mistakes and has real flaws—along with her kind heart and special brand of paranormal coolness.
The story world is vibrant and intriguing. I am so glad this is the first in a series as I cannot wait to explore more of the world, the myth and culture, and discover the next chapter in Ashton’s quickly evolving life. If you enjoy romance and adventure, myth and legends, and lush writing that completely envelops you, you will thoroughly enjoy this spectacular debut. Keep an eye out for Ms. Collier. She’s certainly one to watch.
