Alex Franks believes the madness is behind them. With Ascension Labs under his direction and the forces threatening Emma's life overcome, they have a chance at a normal life, and keeping his secrets safely buried. But a shadow rises from Alex’s past, and she wants him back. Criminally brilliant, Hailey Westmore will stop at nothing to claim the boy she was meant to be with.
Without warning, Emma Gentry finds she cannot trust anything. Not her mind, her memory, not even herself. Tragic events and unexpected deaths stalk Alex and Emma, testing them in ways they would never imagine, and may not survive. Alex carries a new secret, and a horrifying guilt that Hailey uses to her advantage.
Emma’s life and sanity hang in the balance, and Alex may have created a monster... (From Goodreads)
For more information on A.E. Rought and Tainted, please see:
As part of A.E. Rought's Tainted blog tour, I have been pondering on doing something different and decided that I should apply both the elements that make up my blog: fashion and books. I would like to share with you guys the two main characters' style which could also show a bit of their personalities. As an added bonus, I also included some sound snippets (it's been a while since I last did that) and a book recommendation to add to your reading list (if you haven't yet).
(1) Deep red sweatshirt; (2) white tank top; (3) jeans; (4) sneakers; (5) backpack; (6) Mugz-N-Chugz breve with caramel; (7) black-blue eyeliner; (8) Dracula by Bram Stoker
I always take note of how the author describes a character's style because like I said, it gives a hint of their personality. With Emma, I chose the outfit she wore that night. If you have read the first book, you'll know what I mean. It's also evident that she prefers comfort and sticks to very casual pieces. A sweatshirt, a hoodie, a shirt or tank, jeans and sneakers will always be her go-to look. Aside from the specific descriptions, I added some pieces that I think Emma would wear: the beanie and the ragged accessories. There was a time in my life where I was a girl-in-sneakers-and-loves-stacked-simple-bracelets-phase. So I went back to that time and somehow applied my choices on Emma. I pictured her as a beautiful girl who hides herself from everyone by not catching so much attention hence the layered clothing and the beanie. I also know she's a tough cookie to break because she punches guys without hesitation so I think the leather backpack would be appropriate and for flight purposes, sneakers will help her run as fast as she can. She was a spitfire alright and somehow rebellious which explains the black-blue eyeliner, and she loves Dracula.
(1) inky dark jeans; (2) light weight hoodie; (3) battered brown leather jacket
Similar to Emma, Alex is into hoodies, sweatshirts and layered looks, too. Well, you will understand if you have read both books. This also shows that he is an introvert, quiet and mysterious. I would've preferred him wearing a fit white shirt under that jacket but a hoodie will do. The less skin, the more we're curious. *wink wink* LOL. Just kidding. ;)
Surprise for extra outfit sets! These are inspired by their costumes on the Halloween dance in the first book, Broken.
I just loved this dress and when I saw it on Polyvore, I just knew that I should use it to create this set for Emma. It just gives off a classic but modern feel to it which is perfect for the story's concept. This is a different take on Emma's style because this reveals too much skin as opposed to the previous look. I think she'll look dazzling in this which explains everyone's stares especially Alex's.
To stick with the traditional and modern look merged together, I chose pieces that would still emulate the Zorro outfit if it will be worn nowadays. Looking at it, I just removed the suit, and added the vest and the mask. Oh, I can see how dashing Alex is.
Don't they look good together? :)
SOUND SNIPPET:
I chose these songs since I believed they were perfect and meant for Emma and Alex's love story. It will tell you their tale as soon as you listen to it and heard the lyrics. I will have to warn you though because these might contain spoilers from the first book. So if you haven't read the books, just read on your own risk.
Now and Forever by Richard Marx Whenever I'm weary From the battles that raged in my head You made sense of madness When my sanity hangs by a threadI lose my way, but still you Seem to understand Now & Forever,I will be your man
I can hear this playing whenever Alex have lapses due to his condition and Emma will always be there to help him stabilize. She is his clarity to his insanity.
You Were There by Southern Sons on Grooveshark You Were There by Southern Sons I guess you heard, I guess you know In time I'd have told you, but I guess I'm too slow. And it's overly romantic but I know that it's realI hope you don't you mind if I say what I feel. It's like I'm in somebody else's dream, This could not be happening to me. But you were there, and you were everything I'd never seen. You woke me up from this long and endless sleep. I was alone. I opened my eyes and you were there.
Alex always said that Emma was his dream. He still can't believe that she is his dream and it really came true. I can also hear this playing in the scene where Alex woke up and the first thing he saw was Emma's face. ;)
ADD TO YOUR READING LIST
Dracula by Bram Stoker
A rich selection of background and source materials is provided in three areas: Contexts includes probable inspirations for Dracula in the earlier works of James Malcolm Rymer and Emily Gerard. Also included are a discussion of Stoker's working notes for the novel and "Dracula's Guest," the original opening chapter to Dracula. Reviews and Reactions reprints five early reviews of the novel. "Dramatic and Film Variations" focuses on theater and film adaptations of Dracula, two indications of the novel's unwavering appeal. David J. Skal, Gregory A. Waller, and Nina Auerbach offer their varied perspectives. Checklists of both dramatic and film adaptations are included.
Criticism collects seven theoretical interpretations of Dracula by Phyllis A. Roth, Carol A. Senf, Franco Moretti, Christopher Craft, Bram Dijsktra, Stephen D. Arata, and Talia Schaffer.
A Chronology and a Selected Bibliography are included. (From Goodreads)
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Mary Shelley began writing Frankenstein when she was only eighteen. At once a Gothic thriller, a passionate romance, and a cautionary tale about the dangers of science, Frankenstein tells the story of committed science student Victor Frankenstein. Obsessed with discovering the cause of generation and life and bestowing animation upon lifeless matter, Frankenstein assembles a human being from stolen body parts but; upon bringing it to life, he recoils in horror at the creature's hideousness. Tormented by isolation and loneliness, the once-innocent creature turns to evil and unleashes a campaign of murderous revenge against his creator, Frankenstein.
Frankenstein, an instant bestseller and an important ancestor of both the horror and science fiction genres, not only tells a terrifying story, but also raises profound, disturbing questions about the very nature of life and the place of humankind within the cosmos: What does it mean to be human? What responsibilities do we have to each other? How far can we go in tampering with Nature? In our age, filled with news of organ donation genetic engineering, and bio-terrorism, these questions are more relevant than ever. (From Goodreads)
This is not the end yet! Here is another surprise! A.E. Rought will be giving away signed copies of Broken and Tainted, a custom-made Zombie Deer 'sock monkey' stuffy, and a $25 gift card from Amazon or Book Depository (winner's choice). Enter below: a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Geneva Decision (Pia Sabel #1) by Seeley James
(Started: March 16, 2013; Finished: March 19, 2013)
Summary/Description:
Pia Sabel plays to win.
Until a few weeks ago, she was an international soccer star. But now she’s taken the helm of her billionaire father’s private security company, and she’s playing against a whole new set of opponents – the kind who shoot to kill.
On her first day on the job, Pia’s client is assassinated in front of her. There’s no time for training, so Pia must trust her instincts and athletic skills to unravel the complicated maze of money laundering and piracy that will take her from Swiss mansions to the jungles of Cameroon.
Her battle-hardened employees suspect she’s just a spoiled rich girl with a mean corner kick. But Pia’s got some unexpected moves of her own. Will they be enough to bring her team through its mission? (From Goodreads)
Review: 3 stars
Released on: March 01, 2013
Source: Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) through Netgalley
It was unique in a sense that an international footballer would choose to switch career by being an agent. It was like Pia Sabel's life turned 360 degrees in that change. I am a fan of shows, movies and stories of spies, secret agents or even agents gone rogue especially if the protagonist is a woman. Aside from the perks of traveling, awesome weapons and ninja moves, I think it is badass when woman can kick your ass. Sorry for the language but I think it is an appropriate description. It empowers us and I admire such characters making me want to be like one, too. Strong-headed and independent female characters create a big impact to me, and I think also to other female readers since it motivates us and inspires us to be like them as well.
When the story started, I saw Pia Sabel as a character that possesses the qualities aforementioned. Though she was sort of rash and stubborn, her evolution to being a more mature and responsible person was one of the story's highlights.
I had to pinpoint some areas that somehow disappointed me. There were times that I got confuse who the author was referring to because of the delayed introduction of some characters. For example, Alphonse was described as a handsome officer but his name was not mentioned and he did not even introduce himself. But as I turned to the next page, his name appeared out of the blue which somehow struck confusion. I thought I missed out on another character that I had to go back to the previous pages to check. Another is that, there were times that I felt the story line was somehow going to an unrealistic direction. For an ex-football player to get head on and even capture some of the criminals alone was highly unlikely. But it's fiction so I guess I can just accept that as it is aside from Pia Sabel being athletic, trained and a quick-thinker. Moving on to a more positive point, I liked how it turned out after all the twists on who started it all. I was able to predict half of it but the other was a mystery that surprised me so I think that was good. Plot-wise, it was okay. It was not that bad. But I'm still hoping for a better and more explosive sequel!
For the quotes I got from the book, please visit my Tumblr: