Photo Content from Kiki Hamilton
Paperback: 268 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (February 12, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1479391786
ISBN-13: 978-1479391783
Praise for THE LAST DANCE
"Funny, serious, sad and joyful, Kiki Hamilton will pull you in by the heart and never let you go." ― Amy Fellner Dominy, author of OyMG and Audition & Subtraction
Was there a defining moment during your youth when you realized you wanted to be a writer?
Why is storytelling so important for all of us?
What is the best piece of advice you ever received from another author?
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (February 12, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1479391786
ISBN-13: 978-1479391783
"Funny, serious, sad and joyful, Kiki Hamilton will pull you in by the heart and never let you go." ― Amy Fellner Dominy, author of OyMG and Audition & Subtraction
I wish I could say that there was but I didn’t start writing until I was an adult. Though I did talk about writing a book when I was in my 20’s, I was in my 40’s when I actually started.
Why is storytelling so important for all of us?
I think it’s because we can see bits of ourselves in the characters in a book. In some cases, it’s a way for us to relive the joys (and torture) of high school, (or just life) and enjoy different outcomes. It’s a way to experience emotions (love, fear, joy etc.) without any risk. And it’s a way to ‘live’ in someone else’s skin and have a different world-view than we might have the opportunity to have in life.
Beyond your own work (of course), what is your all-time favorite book and why? And what is your favorite book outside of your genre?
Beyond your own work (of course), what is your all-time favorite book and why? And what is your favorite book outside of your genre?
My all-time favorite book is the Harry Potter series, because in reality those seven books constitute one story. LOVE it. As for outside my genre—I loved THE DAVINCI CODE, which is more of a thriller. I loved how Dan Brown blended fact and fiction and made the Reader view history with a completely different perspective.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received from another author?
Actually, the best piece of advice I ever got in regard to writing was from an actor, Daniel Radcliffe, and I read it in an interview. He said he never reads reviews because “that way madness lies.” I totally agree and have made it a point to (mostly) not ever read reviews of my books.
In your new book; The Last Dance, can you tell my Book Nerd community a little about it and why they should read your novel?
In your new book; The Last Dance, can you tell my Book Nerd community a little about it and why they should read your novel?
THE LAST DANCE is a story about having the strength to find your own way. Sometimes I think society (especially in high school) molds us into stereotypes (in this case for both main characters: Kellen and Ivy) with certain expectations based on choices we make (i.e. band, football, cheerleading, chess club) or how we look. This is a story about two people who didn’t know each other; who, on the surface, didn’t appear to have anything in common, but find over time that they are much more alike than different. There are, however, complications.
What part of Ivy did you enjoy writing the most?
What part of Ivy did you enjoy writing the most?
What I liked about writing Ivy’s perspective / story was watching her change from being so focused on her academic achievements and trying to please her parents, to considering and reaching for something that was important to her.
For those who are unfamiliar with Kellen, how would you introduce him?
For those who are unfamiliar with Kellen, how would you introduce him?
For me, Kellen wasn’t very likeable at first. He’s the star quarterback of the football team, good-looking with a pretty girlfriend—a stereotype—kindof stuck-up and thinks he’s all that, but as the story progresses, we get to see beneath the superficial layers and find the real Kellen as he struggles to find his way in life that is suddenly very different from what he’s known.
When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?
When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?
Officer I have no idea what you’re talking about – I wasn’t speeding!
What's the most memorable summer job you've ever had?
What's the most memorable summer job you've ever had?
I was a waitress one summer between college and I HATED it. I had to work a split lunch / dinner shift and it was awful! I quit early.
Who was your first boyfriend?
Who was your first boyfriend?
I believe it was Tim.
Tell me about your first kiss
Tell me about your first kiss
– It wasn’t memorable enough to talk about. However, I’ll tell you about my first concert. My boyfriend (Tim) took me to see Led Zeppelin in 1975, which was right after the Black Dog album came out (the one with Stairway to Heaven) and they were HUGE. One of the biggest bands in the world at the time. They were in Seattle and there were four hours of rushes in the line while we waited to get in. There were cops on horseback trying to control the crowd – it was crazy! I was 15 at the time and I LOVED it!! I was hooked and have forever been a music lover. I’ve gone to MANY concerts since then.
When was the last time you cried?
When was the last time you cried?
I cried about a week ago when I was reading CODE NAME VERITY by Elizabeth Wein. What an amazing book. It’s been a LONG time since a book made me cry.
Which would you choose, true love with a guarantee of a heart break or have never loved before?
Which would you choose, true love with a guarantee of a heart break or have never loved before?
Hmmm…..that’s a tough one. I’m not fond of heartbreak…it’s so dang painful... I think I choose never loved before.
What decade during the last century would you have chosen to be a teenager?
What decade during the last century would you have chosen to be a teenager?
I was a teenager in the 70’s and I really liked my childhood. I had so much fun and LOTS of adventures so I’ll pick that era.
Two people couldn't be more opposite...
Kellen Peterson, the gorgeous star quarterback of the Griffin High football team, seems to have it all. Until the night of the Homecoming game, when Kellen gets tackled and suffers a traumatic brain injury — an injury that changes his life — including his ability to walk, talk and throw a football.
Ivy Ly is a senior and counting down the days until she can escape to college. Though her parents have big plans for her to be a doctor, Ivy is afraid to tell them she'd rather pursue music as a career.
Ivy's best friend, Mira, is obsessed with Kellen. When Ivy is asked to tutor the injured football player upon his return to school, she thinks it's the perfect opportunity for Mira to get to know him better — but sparks fly — in more ways than one...
The Last Dance by Kiki Hamilton is a poignant story about two people on opposite sides of the spectrum. Kellen Peterson is the high school football quarterback star whose life is changed after suffering a serious brain injury during a game that leaves him paralyzed. Ivy Ly is the quiet girl that cannot wait to graduate high school and move on to college. Going against her parents’ wishes, she wants to pursue a career in music. Agreeing to tutor Kellen in order for Ivy’s friend, Mira, to get to know him better, Ivy and Kellen discover that they have a lot of things in common and begin a long tenure of courtship.
The dual point of views that switches between Kellen and Ivy was the perfect delivery for a YA romance. Readers are given a full understanding what the two are feeling as their friendship develops. A great love story is told from the ground up and that is exactly what author Kiki was shooting for and it was excellently executed. Being able to get deep into their thoughts, it offered a channel to give them emotional depth that ultimately enhances their story.
Kiki’s writing style is very magnetic right from the start. It leaves the feeling that something magical will happen in spite of the Kellen’s horrible injury. The developmental romance is certainly full of heart-aches and uncertainties, but it reminds us that even when things are going wrong, there is always room for hope and love.
Another aspect of the book that readers will appreciate is the inclusion of Kellen’s sports injury. Although this is a love story, it also educates readers on the seriousness of the injuries sustained from high-impact sports. The Last Dance is a love story that is full of drama and action with memorable characters .
Kellen Peterson, the gorgeous star quarterback of the Griffin High football team, seems to have it all. Until the night of the Homecoming game, when Kellen gets tackled and suffers a traumatic brain injury — an injury that changes his life — including his ability to walk, talk and throw a football.
Ivy Ly is a senior and counting down the days until she can escape to college. Though her parents have big plans for her to be a doctor, Ivy is afraid to tell them she'd rather pursue music as a career.
Ivy's best friend, Mira, is obsessed with Kellen. When Ivy is asked to tutor the injured football player upon his return to school, she thinks it's the perfect opportunity for Mira to get to know him better — but sparks fly — in more ways than one...
The dual point of views that switches between Kellen and Ivy was the perfect delivery for a YA romance. Readers are given a full understanding what the two are feeling as their friendship develops. A great love story is told from the ground up and that is exactly what author Kiki was shooting for and it was excellently executed. Being able to get deep into their thoughts, it offered a channel to give them emotional depth that ultimately enhances their story.
Kiki’s writing style is very magnetic right from the start. It leaves the feeling that something magical will happen in spite of the Kellen’s horrible injury. The developmental romance is certainly full of heart-aches and uncertainties, but it reminds us that even when things are going wrong, there is always room for hope and love.
Another aspect of the book that readers will appreciate is the inclusion of Kellen’s sports injury. Although this is a love story, it also educates readers on the seriousness of the injuries sustained from high-impact sports. The Last Dance is a love story that is full of drama and action with memorable characters .
You can purchase The Last Dance at the following Retailers:
And now, The Giveaways.
Thank you KIKI HAMILTON for making this giveaway possible.
3 Winners will receive a Signed Copy of The Last Dance+Bookmarks by Kiki Hamilton.
1 Winner will receive a Surprise ART Poster and Bookmark by James Vallesteros.
5 Winners will receive a Surprise ART Bookmark by James Vallesteros.
5 Winners will receive a Surprise ART Bookmark by James Vallesteros.
WEEK ONE
JULY 15th MONDAY JeanBookNerd REVIEW & INTERVIEW
JULY 16th TUESDAY Fiction Freak REVIEW
JULY 17th WEDNESDAY Gobs and Gobs of Books EXCERPT
JULY 18th THURSDAY Book Briefs REVIEW
JULY 15th MONDAY JeanBookNerd REVIEW & INTERVIEW
JULY 16th TUESDAY Fiction Freak REVIEW
JULY 17th WEDNESDAY Gobs and Gobs of Books EXCERPT
JULY 18th THURSDAY Book Briefs REVIEW
JULY 19th FRIDAY Once Upon a Twilight REVIEW
JULY 20th SATURDAY A Dream Within a Dream EXCERPT
JULY 21st SUNDAY Beneath the Cover THIS OR THAT
JULY 22nd MONDAY Word to Dreams TENS LIST
JULY 24th WEDNESDAY Stuck in Books REVIEW
JULY 25th THURSDAY Mom with a Kindle FAVORITE THINGS
JULY 26th FRIDAY Escaping One Book @ a Time REVIEW
JULY 27th SATURDAY Rose’s Book Corner MUSIC PLAYLIST
JULY 27th SATURDAY Best Books REVIEW
JULY 28th SUNDAY Two-Tall-Tales REVIEW
JULY 29th MONDAY The Reader Lines EXCERPT
JULY 30th TUESDAY The Best Book Ever REVIEW
JULY 30th TUESDAY James Vallesteros ARTWORK
jbnpastinterviews
Thanks for the giveaway! I really want to read this book =)
ReplyDeleteThe cover is so cool :D Thank you for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI love all of Kiki's books and THE LAST DANCE is no exception. It's such a great story and so romantic and true. Great interview--thanks!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your wonderful support and for hosting such a fantastic tour!!!
ReplyDeletexo
Kiki