Blog Tour and Giveaway: Manic by J. A. Huss

About The Author
J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).

She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Review
Title: Manic
Author: J. A. Huss
Publisher: Science Future Press
Released: August 1st 2013
Pages: 218 (Kindle)
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / Kobo / B&N
Add on Goodreads

TRAGIC is over and Rook is ready for the future—Spencer Shrike and the STURGIS contract! 

It’s three months of body art modeling! That means three months of Spencer Shrike’s paintbrush all over her body, three months in front of Antoine’s camera, and three months of twenty-four hour filming for Spencer’s Biker Channel reality show.

Wait a minute…what reality show? Maybe she should’ve read that STURGIS contract a little closer? ;)

Sure, Rook’s bank account is almost overflowing, but Ronin is angry, Clare is trying to escape rehab, Antoine is a worried mess, and Elise is just trying to hold everyone together. Her new family is about to fall apart before she even gets the chance to enjoy them.

Add in a mysterious man from her past, a road trip to the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and a final show in front of the entire world where all her good are on display, and you've got Manic—a new adult contemporary romance that will definitely make your summer sizzle!

I adored Tragic, the first instalment in the Rook and Ronin trilogy, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on Manic. What can I say? I have a crazy soft-spot for modelling stories, and Huss's writing really just hits the spot. Diving head-first into Manic, I was instantly impressed as I was swept up into Rook and Ronin's world once again - this is a series that just keeps getting better and better.

Running away from an abusive relationship, Tragic found Rook out on the streets with barely a dollar to her name. However, luck finally seemed to turn her way as she was signed up for the TRAGIC contract with Antoine Chaput, making a lot of money through erotic photography. Manic follows Rook as she starts the STURGIS contract, modelling Spencer Shrike's bikes with only paint covering her body. However, not everything is plain-sailing, and soon Rook finds herself face-to-face with an unwelcome flame from her not-too-distant past.

Rook improved so much from Tragic! In my last review, I said that although I liked her, I did find her quite superficial and annoying at times. In Manic, she is much more grounded, and I found her infinitely easier to relate to. She also didn't go on and on about how gorgeous she was - success! Rook has transformed into a shallow, impulsive girl, to a proud, strong young woman, and I can't wait to see more of her in the next instalment.

Again, I loved Ronin - it's impossible not to ship these two! However, in this book I did find myself kind of wanting Rook to dump him. Although I understand he was close with Clare and whatnot, it did annoy me that he constantly kept ditching Rook for her. Maybe I turned into Ronin's jealous girlfriend? I sort of wanted Rook to be a bit more jealous, or for her to go out with Spencer or even Ford (insert gasp here). Let's just say I'm very confused about my feelings for these two.

Huss's writing was fantastic, as per usual. Manic drew me in just as Tragic had, and I actually finished this within a few hours - I couldn't put it down! I think I actually preferred Manic, as the STURGIS contract was intriguing - imagine your entire body being a canvas! Huss's writing made the art come alive for me, really, and it was as if I was watching Spencer paint her, not just reading about it; the reader gets completely swept up in the story.

There was only one thing I didn't like about Manic, and that was the ending. As the reader, I knew it was building up to something big - however, the actual climax was very weak, and I ended up finishing the book with a bit of a Whut?! look on my face. It wasn't the worst ending I've ever read, but I think I was just expecting a little bit more.

I honestly don't usually go into details about the covers, but these are always so gorgeous! Tragic was amazing, but Manic blew me away - it's seductive and captures the eye immediately, and I'm quite excited to see what the cover of Panic will be! Luckily, I only have a few more months until we all find out.

Overall, Manic was an amazing read, and for me this series is only going upwards. It may be an indie book now, but in a couple of years time, I can definitely imagine the Rook and Ronin series being on shelves worldwide. Huss combines serious topics with gorgeous characters and an interesting plot, creating reads that I just can't get enough of. If you're interesting in reading this series, then click on the image on the right, as Tragic is only .99c over the space of the tour!
Rating: 4/5

Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway