Chapel Ryan isn't crazy. At least, that's what she's
been trying to convince herself of for most of her life. But after
being hallucination-free for three years, Chapel finds herself
face down on her English classroom’s gritty linoleum floor. When she
looks up, everyone around her is suspended in animation. Mouths hang
open mid-yawn, feet hover mid-cross, Ms. Freeman’s arm flexes
mid-sentence diagram. It's another hallucination. Or, is it?
Chapel prepares to tear herself back to reality when
something happens. Something that has never happened before in any of
her hallucinations--someone moves. And not just any someone—it’s
the new guy with a scar over his lip and a reputation as black as his
perfectly styled hair. And all of the sudden Chapel's white-knuckle
grip on her life has slipped, and with it, her assurance that what
she's experiencing isn't real.
AND a few quotes from Tempus:
Praises from Tempus:
When high school senior Chapel Ryan learns the truth about her hallucinations, she embarks on a journey of love, justice, and truth.
Find Tempus on Amazon.com or at BarnesandNoble.com
“If Colleen Hoover and Cassandra Clare had a baby, her name would be Holly Lauren … For anyone looking for a fresh voice in the YA arena … I highly recommend Holly Lauren.” -Amazon.com Reviewer
“Tempus was an interesting, unique, unpredictable book. The mix of paranormal and mystery, friendship and romance, and complex, likable characters gave Tempus the elements I most enjoy in a young adult book.” -Kimberly Faye, Kimberly Faye Reads
“I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with such great, BELIEVABLE dialogue! … I really did love Tempus, and I’m sure I’ll wear out my tablet reading [it] over and over” -Echo Reed, InkBerry Book
“I generally run screaming from YA, but [Tempus] I absolutely loved. Please tell me there will be a book 2?” - Carrie Shepherd, Amazon.com Reviewer.
*****************************************************************
Here is Arlena's Book Review of Tempus....
Title: Tempus
Author: Holly Lauren
Published: Libertine Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Blog For: GMTA
Review:
"Tempus" by Holly Lauren was a wonderful well written incredible young adult read. You will find some fantasy, mystery, suspense, friendship, romance and some likable as well as unlikable characters in the awesome told novel. Be prepared for action, drama, complex feelings mixed in with hurt and love all in this novel.
Here is a Quote from "TEMPUS"
In truth,
no one knew all of her.
She gave out pieces of herself here
and there, but the whole
of Chapel belonged to no one
but Chapel. That was how she
wanted it.
The characters were also mainly all well developed, well rounded, colorful and simply fascinating to read about. We find that the two main characters Chapel(Chap) and Isaiah (Zay) were so very captivating and intriguing only to give the reader a good read. Let's not leave out some of the supporting cast/secondary characters because truly Erica and Timmy were Chapel's buds that were just a few of these phenomenal folk in "Tempus."
This author really works her magic taking the reader of a journey full of twist and turns of what was
causing Chapel to hallucinate. Were there someone out there that knew her secret and could stop them? What happens when Isaiah (Zay) the new kid at school actually...well you will be kept guessing right up till almost the end of the read. Then you throw in problems Chap had with her mom(Valerie), stepfather, friends (ex boyfriend),(new boyfriend and then you have a real story that this author tells so very well. With all the struggles that were on Chap would she be able to except a romance with Zay? What was up with them being able to finish each other sentences?
And another quote from TEMPUS:
“Zay,” she whispered, and her
voice, her always sure, always
steady voice, shook. “I want—”
She didn’t finish.
“I want, too,” he said simply.
This author really transported the reader into a 'world of Chapel Ryan' in that she was so 'kind hearted, strong and a fiery' person who was just trying to be a normal HS senior. Then their is Isaiah (Zay) will he let Chap know what is going on? ...and I will stop and let you pick up the good read "Tempus" to see for yourself how this author presents it all to the reader.
I will only say after reading "Tempus" is that you will be ready for the sequel and with that leaving me to say, Wow what a interesting ending!
AND A LITTLE MORE!
What I should have said was that
I want all of it.
I want your stubbornness, your
jealousy, your impetuousness, your
determination, your laugh, your
freckles, your heart. I want you.
Plus here is a BONUS: Zay and Chapel from Tempus by Holly Lauren
Chapel made a complete circuit, peeking through the breaks in the stream, but she still didn’t see him. Had he left her there? The thought burned a hole through her excitement.
The song changed again. This time it was something more current. A woman singing about going around and around.
“Tell me now, tell me now, tell me now, tell me now you know.”
Chapel pulled her hair over her shoulder and wrung it out. She felt cold for the first time.
“Don’t know how to feel about it. Something ‘bout the way you move.”
She backed up to the center of the ring, making herself visible. She wondered if she should leave.
“Makes me think I can’t live without you, and it takes me all the way.”
“Chapel.” His voice was right behind her.
“I want you to stay.”
She turned slowly. Met his eyes.
“I want you to stay.”
All pretense of play was gone as his fingertips brushed against her chin.
"You're not at all what I thought you'd be,” he said.
Her heart thundered in her ears, along with the pulsing water around them. "What did you think I'd be?"
He drew his dark eyebrows down. "I thought you were just another girl."
She swallowed. "But instead I’m . . .”
“Not." He dropped his hand, stared at his fingers.
His breath was warm against her cheek as he stepped even closer and leaned his mouth toward hers.
She was paralyzed.
Not by fear. Not by indecision. But by the feeling that the moment was unique. That it was monumental for them both. That they were lowering their shields, holstering their weapons—at least for that perfect span of time.
He kissed the side of her temple, just over her trio of freckles. When he leaned back and studied her, water droplets from his hair showered her like rain.
“Zay,” she whispered, and her voice, her always sure, always steady voice, shook. “I want—” She didn’t finish.
“I want, too,” he said simply.
Then she closed her eyes. His hand came around the back of her neck, and with his thumb, he angled her jaw toward him.
“So beautiful,” he whispered.
*****************************************************************
Here is An Interview with one of the cast members of Tempus:
"Hello
Isaiah, or may I call you Zay? I have to say I'm a bit nervous. The
chance to actually get to interview you is a rarity and I'm sure you
never would have agreed had Chapel not persuaded you. I do hope I do
not ask any overly private questions, but if I do feel free to
decline to answer."
Only
my closest friends call me Zay … but … I’ll make an exception.
I did that with Chapel, and you see how that worked out … (Winks.)
The
interviewer fidgets around with a sheaf of papers in her hand, her
eyes darting from one sheet to the next. It's obvious she's extremely
nervous and can barely keep herself contained. Her hands shake and
she drops an index card on the floor. She leans over quickly, almost
too quickly nearly toppling out of her chair as she snatches it up
afraid he'll see the little stars and hearts she's drawn around his
name.
"Ahem...
sorry about that." Glancing back up at him she smiles shakily
and begins with her first question.
"So,
Zay, how about those Yankee's?"
I
don’t do baseball anymore. (Points to scar over his lip.) Remember?
She
can see that her attempt at a joke fails miserably but quickly
bounces back with a small smile. "But seriously, what your fans
would like to know is... how exactly did you feel when you saw Chapel
for the first time?"
The
first time I saw Chapel was almost a year ago. It was mid-March, and
I was sitting in the car waiting on Jackson and his realtor to look
at—yet another—house.
There
was a break in the trees that divide our yards, and there was just
room enough between two of them for me to see her. She had her music
blaring when she pulled up—that’s what got my attention. She was
playing an angry song--one of my favorite songs.
And
I look over expecting to see some angsty dude, and instead there’s
this short blonde girl in heels and a blouse slamming her car door.
Usually I’m not into short girls, but I couldn’t look away from
her. Because while she was small, she took up all the spaces in my
vision.
Turn
around, turn around, I
found myself thinking. I wanted to see her face. When I did, I let my
feet slip from the dash into the floorboard as I leaned forward. She
was beautiful. Beautiful, and sad.
My
first thought was, I
want to take that away from her. I want to make her not sad.
My second thought was, Don’t
be such a freaking pansy, Zay. That girl is hot. You have to find a
way to make out with her in between missions.
So I went inside and told Jackson that
was the house for us.
Somewhat
heartbroken she moves on. If only there'd been the slightest chance
she could have turned his head. Oh well, she'll just have to dream
on. "What kind of music do you like?"
I’m
into hip-hop, mostly. Jay Z, Eminem. Anything I run or slam a
punching bag to. (Leans forward and whispers) I’ve been known to
download the odd Katie Perry song. But let’s keep that between us,
hm?
She's
becoming a bit more comfortable now and finally settles into routine.
"If you had to name a hero, someone that's not related to you or
someone you don't really know, that you would like to hang out with
for a week, who would it be and why?"
Superman.
He has x-ray vision …
"Where
do you shop for clothes and what's your color preference?"
I
actually enjoy shopping—which guys think is weird until they see
the fruits of my labor. Girls love dudes who put a little thought
into what they wear. I travel so much that I don’t have time to go
into malls. I shop online. As for colors … (Looks down at all black
outfit.) Do you gotta ask?
"Favorite
ice cream? Or do you even like ice cream?"
Jackson
would make me run a dozen sprints just for using the word ice
cream.
"If
you could dye your hair any color, what would it be and why?"
Have
you seen my hair? (Points to perfectly-coifed locks.) Nu uh.
Feeling
that her questions are a little more feminine than he'd like, she
finally tosses the papers on the table and goes for the nitty gritty
stuff.
"Alright,
so..." Leaning forward she smiles wickedly. "What do you
really think is going on with Chapel's dad and the fact that he's
still alive after all?"
I
have a few theories in the works, actually. (Runs a hand down the
side of his jaw.) Let’s just say I’m hoping they all turn out to
be bogus.
"Do
you have any jealousy toward Valentine? I mean let's face it, he's
pretty close to Chapel and well... even though he's 'technically'
with Erika...?" Leaving the question open ended she waits
for him to answer, hoping she can get some serious dirt here.
I
hate to disappoint you, but I’m not really a jealous guy. I’m
happy Chapel had a good friend growing up. He’s a really good dude,
to be honest. Smart and funny. (Pauses.) Okay, now that I think about
it, maybe I am a little
jealous. But have you
seen his hair? (Shakes his head.) I feel good about my chances.
"How
did it feel to be able to rough Carter up a bit? I bet you wanted to
get a few more good licks in huh?"
(Smirks.)
Now we’re talking. I’ve wanted to punch Carter in his pretty boy
face ever since I saw him standing close to Chapel in his classroom
last fall. If Chapel hadn’t been there to stop me, I’d be having
this interview from a jail cell.
"So
tell me about Rush, does he have anyone he's interested in?"
Realizing she's fishing again she leans back and holds up her hands.
"Sorry... never mind you really don't have to answer that."
Even though she hopes he will.
You’re
not the first girl to fish for information about my boy. (Chuckles
softly.) I think Rush has his eye on someone. But you’ll have to
stay tuned to figure out who …
"Say
you and Chapel didn't work out, and you had the chance to go out with
any girl you wanted, even a celebrity, who would it be?"
I’m
not sure if you’ve noticed, but I’m not really a relationship
kind of guy. This thing with Chapel scares the sh—uh (Catches
himself.), it’s outside of my comfort zone, so to speak. I have no
idea how I’ll react if it doesn’t work out, because I’ve never
done this before.
"When
you have time to watch television, are there any shows you really
enjoy?"
Television?
Is that still a thing?
She's
pretty good at this back and forth, light and intense thing and
really feeling at ease now she goes for another serious question.
"Tell us about your mom, Zay, where is she? Who was she
really?"
(Coughs
into his fist.) Next question.
"Just
one last question and I guess we'll be done. I'm sure all the fan
girls out there will want to know. Is there ever a chance that you
might become... you know... the 'old' Zay again?" There's a hint
of hopefulness in her eyes, even just one night with this handsome
rogue would be enough to last her a lifetime... let's face it she's
not had much action lately.
The
old Zay? The old Zay was a lot to handle. (Lifts up one corner of his
mouth.) But he had some good times, too. Wait … are you okay?
You’re breathing kind of funny …
"Alright,
well..." she stands and gathers her papers accidentally leaving
the index card behind she'd dropped earlier. Holding out her free
hand she smiles. "Thank you Zay for the wonderful interview, I
really hope we can do it again sometime." Leaning in a bit just
for one moment of closeness she winks. "Anytime... you have my
number... call me." Releasing his hand after a moment she turns
to walk toward the door trying to sashay a bit, though the execution
is poor and she trips on the rug in the foyer. Catching herself
against the wall she makes sure not to look back, sure he's laughing
at her and exits the house.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR.....Holly Lauren
Holly was born and raised in a small town in North
Georgia. The third of four children, Holly grew up telling stories to
get herself out of—and her siblings into—trouble. When she was
eight years old, she penned her first publication: a newspaper called
Sunny Dayz News. While she didn’t sell any actual copies, her
sympathetic grandmother did peruse through the edition at least once.
When Holly isn’t dreaming up new plotlines for her
next book, she enjoys breakfasting at Picnic Café in Dahlonega,
Georgia with her (handsome) husband and their two (adorable)
daughters.
Now that my first published novel is
out and about (the most terrifying and awesome feeling ever), folks
are getting curious.
How long did it take you to write
it? (1 year to write, 1 year to edit)
Where did you get the idea? (A
dream)
Where did you find the time?
(Time isn’t change on the ground that you find, you make
time)
Does it come in large print?
(Not yet, Grandmother, but you’ll be the first to know)
But the main question people want to
know, and one that I wanted to know before I had this opportunity, is
how in the world does a person go about getting a book published.
Holly Lauren's Story:
2006: I wrote a book. It was
terrible. I queried it and got rejected.
2008: I wrote a book. It was
slightly less terrible. I queried it and got rejected.
2010: I wrote a book. It was
bearable. I queried it, got a little interest, but no representation.
2011: I wrote TEMPUS. I queried
it, got a little interest, but no representation. Something in me
KNEW this book was worth fighting for. So in …
2012: I spent a year re-dreaming
TEMPUS. I sent out manuscripts to people I trusted for feedback. I
got a critique partner. I edited, cut down, edited, cut down.
2013: I queried TEMPUS again.
This time, Kitty Bullard reached out to me and asked if I’d like
her wonderful publishing house, GMTA, to publish TEMPUS. I was in
bed. I pressed my face into the pillow and screamed for joy.
2014: TEMPUS was released .
Quick Tips:
-Tailor your queries so you’re
sending agents/publishers ONLY what they ask for.
Agents almost always list what they’re
currently looking for in their profiles. Do you fit in their niche?
Do they already represent someone like you? Do your research and
mention these things specifically. I queried about 25
agents/publishers with TEMPUS, but I knew that each of them were
looking for something like it, and believed I added to or
complimented their current list.
-Join a good database like Writer’s
Market to keep yourself up-to-date on trends and current marketplace
needs.
This is also where you can get
connected to agents, publishers, and other writers. I got nearly all
my agent profiles off this page.
-Read good books to sharpen your
usage and mind.
I learned a ton from reading books like
WARM BODIES (Isaac Marion), The DIVERGENT Series (Veronica Roth), and
THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS Series (Cassandra Clare). These people have
“made it” so to speak, so watching what they do teaches you what
gets published.
-And, most of all, keep
writing, keep writing, keep writing.
If I had given up
after my first book, that would have been it. Rejection is hard. But
I made myself a promise: I would keep writing until someone published
my book. I was just crazy enough to believe it. And if you’re a
writer, my guess is that you’re a little crazy, too.
If you’ve been published before, I’d
love to hear about your journey.
Confessions
3
things I’ll do differently with my next manuscript …
1.
Query fewer agents. With TEMPUS, I queried just about everyone accepting
manuscripts in my genre. I probably queried someone you know. I might have
queried you. That’s how many people I queried. Now, I lucked up and got an
AWESOME publisher, but this is not always the case. I’ve heard some horror
stories about publishing deals gone bad, and that easily could have been me. NO,
I will look at agent websites, lists, and what other authors are saying about
said agents before I query them.
2. Edit, Edit, Edit. I thought TEMPUS had
been edited within an inch of its precious little book life. But between the
stage where I deemed it “perfect” and its publishing, it lost 50 pages of
content. Holy cow. That’s more than a little. That’s slightly less than a
lot.
3. Start the book 25% further into the story. I like to tell stories in
chronological order. I don’t do a lot of flashbacks or retrospective narratives,
so my manuscripts read in a very linear fashion. The problem with this is that
the build can be very slow, especially when you are trying to establish
characters, settings, and foundational plot elements. HOWEVER, on my next
manuscript, I am only going to reveal the details you absolutely must have in
order to understand what is happening in that moment—and even then, I may not
give you all the details.
What
will you do differently with your next manuscript?
Thank you so much for sharing with us about your new novel TEMPUS and I hope for any of you who haven't picked up this wonderful read will do so.
You can find more information about this wonderful Author Holly Lauren at:
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