Character Interview: Caleb Evans from Karma Bites by Nyrae Dawn

I'm really excited to have a very special someone on my blog today! He's totally cool. He has a bad boy reputation around school, but when it comes to a certain girl, he's totally sweet and kind and just has a good heart all the way! He can make you swoon and break your heart all at once.
He's my favorite, gorgeous green-eyed, black hair beauty: Caleb Evans from Karma Bites by one of my favoritest authors ever, Nyrae Dawn!

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Hi Caleb! Thanks for stopping by my blog! It's an absolute honor to have you :)

Umm…sure. No problem.

Can you tell my blog readers a little bit about yourself, of course, without spoiling the mysteriousness that is Caleb Evans?

I’m not sure I’m mysterious or really what to say at all. I’m the guy your parents don’t want you to hang out with. If there were tracks, I’d live on the wrong side of them. Parents who don’t care. You know, all that. Which really doesn’t mean anything, but that’s what most people see when they look at me. 

Oh, Caleb. You are so much more than that.

I know you don't like Karma very much for reasons that cannot be named at the moment, but is there anything about Karma that you like? The food, the people? Anything? 
Abby.

Mhm, I think I knew that one ;) 

How do you juggle school and all your other "responsibilities"? It sounds really tough. 

You do what you have to do to survive. There’s not really another option. Plus, school’s always been easy for me.

I admire the fact that you don't care about what other people think and that you're comfortable just doing your own thing. Is that how you've always been or is it because of the situation you were currently in?

*shrugs* I don’t know. I guess I’ve always been like that. I mean, I have people I hung out with, but we were different. My head was always in a different place than theirs, so it’s hard to get too close. I know how life is. There aren’t many people you can depend on other than yourself, so why pretend?

I hear you, Caleb. It's tough.

What's up with those friends you supposedly hang out with? What are they like? Are they any fun?

Eh. They can be a good time, if that’s what you’re looking for.

Stacy and the LP seem to be at the top of the school hierarchy, where do you stand?

I don’t know. I don’t really pay attention to that. 

Now Let’s talk about Abby. 

Yeah, we can't have this interview without talking about Abby *winks*

What was going through your mind when you saw Abby at her tree that day? Have you ever noticed her before then? 

It’s hard not to notice her…she doesn’t see that about herself, or she’ll blame it on the vampire stuff with her mom, but, yeah, I noticed her. When I saw her by the tree… I don’t know if I was really thinking. I just didn’t like to see her cry. I don’t know why. I just wanted to make sure she was okay

What's the best thing about Abby in your eyes? How does she make you feel? 

Umm… I’m not real good at talking about that stuff. I guess…I guess she makes me feel important, if that makes sense. And she’s funny as hell too. 

I completely agree. Abby's one hell of a girl. I adore her.

Ok, lets talk Gabe. 

Do we have to?

Yeahh. We do. Sorry, Caleb. *winces*

How do you feel about him? Before and then After? Do you think he'll be your rival for Abby's affections? He is pretty dreamy, not that I know I wasn't looking or anything. 

I hate him. I always have and always will. I can’t go into why without giving stuff away, but no, I don’t like him and I hate the way things are right now. As for Abby…we have a lot of stuff between us right now, but I don’t see Gabe being a problem in that way. This is real life. Our lives and not just a game. Regardless of how things went down, I trust her and I know her. I’ll always believe in that. 

*phew* That wasn't so bad, right? Promise not to ask anymore Gabe questions, ever. 

All right, a few quick fire questions and I'll let you go.

Last thing you bought? Food, which honestly was weeks ago. Since that, I haven’t needed much. 

Color of your room? White, though I don’t really feel like it’s mine. I’m just being “housed” right now.

Favorite time of day? Night

My favorite too. *grins*

Best subject in school? All of them 

*smiles in adoration*

One thing you can't be without? One thing I don’t want to be without or can’t physically? The answers would be different.

And my million dollar question: Boxers or Briefs? *winks* Boxer-briefs

*sigh* What I would give... *shakes out of day dreams*

Thanks again Caleb for being here, I can't wait to learn more about you in the second book. Maybe you can talk to Nyrae about writing it very soon ;) lol

Thanks for having me. If you see Abby, tell her…tell her I said hi. 

Oh, Caleb. I will. I most certainly will. *hugs*

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Check out my review for Karma Bites

More books from Nyrae Dawn:

REVIEW: Karma Bites by Nyrae Dawn

Title: Karma Bites
Author: Nyrae Dawn - Website | Twitter
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
Published: August 15, 2012
Format: ecopy* 214 pages
Rating: 5/5!

"Whoever said, 'parents are always right' really should have thought that one through. After all, my mom believes in vampires. Go figure."

All Abigail Thompson ever wanted was to be considered normal. Instead, she ended up a loner with a vampire–obsessed mom and a stamp labeling her the resident freak of Karma, California.

When bad boy Caleb Evans saves Abby from a mean girl attack straight out of a “B” movie, Abby’s own karma starts to improve. Maybe “normal” could become her way of life, after all. But Caleb isn’t the only boy to notice her. Once newcomer Gabriel Chambers becomes Abby’s new best friend, she finds herself trapped between two boys, both holding secrets. And when Abby learns sometimes things really do go bump in the night, she discovers one of those secrets could just get her killed.

Get it: Amazon || B&N

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions.

Karma Bites is another book to add on to my ever growing obsession, addiction and admiration for Nyrae Dawn. It’s also another one of Nyrae’s books that will be added to my all-time favorites list because I seriously cannot tell you how much she never ceases to WOW me with her work. Just when I thought her last book was my favorite, she goes and writes another, that I knew would be completely great, but instead I get blown away. 

Whether it be contemporary or a paranormal book, Nyrae Dawn is a master storyteller, a master at writing books that you can easily lose yourself into where you can relate to the characters and the story. She has the power to make you feel like your living in the book rather than just reading it. 

Karma Bites is Nyrae’s first paranormal novel and the first book of hers that I read with a female narrator. I can tell you that Nyrae excels at writing paranormal and she creates one killer female protagonist. (Was there even any doubt?!) I love how Nyrae eases us into this world with a steady pace that doesn’t lack excitement. She doesn’t bombard you with information, but leaves you with enough to want and need more. KB is not your typical paranormal book and not your everyday vampire story either. It’s different and unique, cool and believable. Nyrae Dawn creates her own vampires, giving them a twist within Abby’s story. These vampires don’t sparkle in the sun, but they are the menacing and dangerous creatures of the night with powers only humans wish to obtain. At the same time, they are capable of real human feelings and emotions where you can love them wholeheartedly. 

Abby was an excellent main character. I adored her from the very start. Her voice was so clear in my head, I could almost see and feel her right next to me. Abby had this spunk, this attitude that really captured my attention and made her unforgettable in my eyes. She constantly made me laugh with her snarky comebacks and her never-ending sarcasm. I loved how real Nyrae created Abby. She was just a young girl who wanted nothing more than a normal life. I found Abby to be very loving and understanding. Despite what her mom believed in and the things she goes through, Abby keeps their strong, unbreakable bond. My favorite thing about Abby was her endearing and charming personality. Even when she said something silly and ended up embarrassing herself, I just ended up loving her more. She was just so adorable and cute I wanted to keep her forever. Abby was so easily relatable and so easy to connect with I felt like I could be friends with her in a heartbeat. Because my connection with Abby was so deep, whatever she was feeling my emotions were up front and center with hers. I felt her sadness, her loneliness, her anger, her happiness, her heartbreak and all her giddiness. 

There are two boys in this book that will definitely make you swoon, but Caleb was my favorite all the way. He was mysterious, gorgeous, a green-eyed, black haired beauty I couldn’t get enough of. He was totally cool in that I-don’t-care-what-other-people-think kind of way. Although he was aloof towards Abby at times, he was kind to her when no one else would give her the time of day. He helped Abby a lot, believed in her strength when she didn’t think she had any and he boosted her confidence when she thought she had none. On the outside, Caleb had this bad boy persona, but he was vulnerable and sweet on the inside.

Nyrae surely knows how to pack in the action and give a little more than a punch to the stomach. Karma Bites had me at the edge of my seat to the point where I couldn’t seem to read fast enough for my brain to catch up with all the anticipation I was feeling. Right when things were going great for Abby, BOOM! Cue in explosive plot twist one after the another that keeps you guessing all the time. It’s intense and crazy and I was so swept up into a whirlwind full of emotions and turmoil. Just when I think it couldn’t get any better than that, it does. It really does. So many parts of this book was so unexpected, I’m at a loss for words. 

Overall, Karma Bites is one fierce and riveting book. It has wonderful characters anyone call fall in love with, an exuberant storyline, and writing that can mesmerize all. Nyrae Dawn is one of very few authors who can make me fall in love with a book after the first page alone.

*Thank you to Nyrae Dawn and CMP for sending a copy for review!

Teaser Tuesday #30

Teaser Tuesday is weekly meme hosted by MizB from Should Be Reading.

Karma Bites by Nyrae Dawn

Publication Date: August 15, 2012

"I feel like an idiot. Like he has to wear his kid gloves with me because I'm the girl with no friends. "I wouldn't have minded somewhere private."

Gabe smiles. "I guess I'm being a gentleman for no reason, then." Page 75.

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"Then come with me." I want nothing more than to do as he says. I peek my head inside and when I do, Caleb grabs my hand. "Come on, Abby. Please?" There's no way I can deny him. Not when he's looking at me with those forest green eyes than remind me of the woods we spend so much time in. Page 100.

*sigh* I seriously lovelovelove Caleb. He makes me feel things. lol

Special thanks to  @dduffield75 for randomly choosing these page numbers on twitter and for everyone who participated when I asked :)

And thanks to Nyrae Dawn for Karma Bites <3

What do you guys think of those teasers?

Let me know and leave me your cool links!

KARMA BITES by Nyrae Dawn RELEASE!

It's not a secret that I absolutely LOVE Nyrae Dawn and all the books she writes! I've already made it a rule that a book written by Nyrae Dawn is a must-have and a must-read. No ifs, ands, buts, or questions asked. I, Jessirae, solemnly swear to read anything and everything that Nyrae brings forth.

Because Nyrae Dawn has moved straight to the top of my favorite authors lists, I'm more than honored to help her celebrate the release of her latest book, KARMA BITES!

Karma Bites by Nyrae Dawn

Publication Date: August 15, 2012 (TODAY!!) <3

Blurb:

"Whoever said, 'parents are always right' really should have thought that one through. After all, my mom believes in vampires. Go figure."

All Abigail Thompson ever wanted was to be considered normal. Instead, she ended up a loner with a vampire–obsessed mom and a stamp labeling her the resident freak of Karma, California.

When bad boy Caleb Evans saves Abby from a mean girl attack straight out of a “B” movie, Abby’s own karma starts to improve. Maybe “normal” could become her way of life, after all. But Caleb isn’t the only boy to notice her. Once newcomer Gabriel Chambers becomes Abby’s new best friend, she finds herself trapped between two boys, both holding secrets. And when Abby learns sometimes things really do go bump in the night, she discovers one of those secrets could just get her killed.

And here's a little excerpt to keep you going ;)

I wonder how teachers make the school clocks run so slowly? As soon as you step through the doors you’re in a parallel universe where time runs slower than Mr. Henry’s drawn-out algebra lectures. Like any of us will need this outside the classroom. If we did, there would be an adult other than a math teacher who could help with homework.

There’s not.

           I sigh, letting my eyes travel to Stacy, queen of The Lipstick Posse. Her eyes, dark brown, but they almost look black, narrow at me and she gives me one of those wicked smiles that only someone who excels in mean-girlism can give. She mouths vamp freak at me. So original. The least she could do is muster up some creativity. Okay, so my mom believes in vampires. That’s golden as far as reasons to make someone’s life miserable. If I were Stacy, you can bet I’d have a better game than that.

             In case you didn’t catch it, my life sucks. Ha! A pun. It wasn’t even on purpose either.

             At the first shrill ring of the bell, I pull my familiar swoop-and-roll maneuver, jerking my backpack over my shoulder, rolling out of the chair and making a break for the door. It’s not that I’m scared of The LP. Okay, that’s a lie; maybe I’m just a little afraid. Who can blame me? It’s not only three on one, but I have no doubt if Mom’s crazy vampires-are-real fantasy were true, Stacy Cavanaugh and her death stare would be the poster child for the undead. She sucks the life out of me every day. Not that I have much of a life to suck. Wow, I rock at puns.

         I squeeze my way through the students herding toward the door. Don’t these people understand I’m tortured here? They should totally let me out first. I’m trying not to become a bullied teen statistic.

“Excuse me. Excuse me.”

I try to wiggle my way through, but it doesn’t work. Everyone else might not stoop to calling me “Vamp Freak of Karma, California”, but they do enjoy the show, no matter how many reruns The LP play.

       I’m halfway down the hall before I exhale a deep breath. I might have made it.

        “Hey, Vamp Freak. How’s your crazy mom?” They surround me like a bad Mafia movie. I keep walking. “It must be hard, living with a nutcase. Do you guys have padded walls in your house?”

         It doesn’t bother me. It doesn’t bother me, I chant to myself. But it does. No matter what, she’s still my mom and besides the one tiny—okay, maybe not so tiny—but besides the one peculiarity about her, she’s completely normal.

“My mom’s not crazy.” I glance at her. “Oh, I think you missed a spot. Your top lip is looking a little less hooker-red than the bottom.”

       Tiffany stumbles. Stacy’s hooker lips form an “O”. Even I’m a little surprised by my comment, but a vamp freak can only take so much.

      “You little bitch.”

        Uh-oh. She pulled out the big guns. Bitch means she’s really pissed and I don’t feel like being shoved into the lockers today. Three on one, remember?

       I break into a run. Sad, I know, but unfortunately I don’t have any super-vampire abilities where I’m able to take on The LP by myself.

      I shove through the charred-brown doors leading to the back of campus. Ahead of me is a field of green. If this were a movie, I’d be frolicking through it rather than running for my life. Just beyond the field is the line of trees separating high school hell from my reprieve. I find solace in the woods. My problems feel a whole lot smaller when surrounded by towering trees.

Maybe it’s because I know The LP won’t follow me out here. They might get dirty or something.

      “Run, freak, run!” Stacy yells as I dash through the field. How cliché. If kids are still quoting movies that came out when most of us weren’t even alive, what chance do I have they’ll ever lose interest in crazy Abby and her psycho mom? If I were old enough to bet, my money would go on never.

       My run dies as soon as I hit the trees, settling into a nice, slow walk. A few more months. Only a few more months and I’ll be out of Karma for good. I kick a branch. What kind of name is that anyway? Karma, California. Did I wrong someone in a past life? Oh! Maybe I was a vampire hunter in a past life and this is their payback. But that would take me believing in things like that.

        Which I don’t.

       Seriously.

        Maybe I especially don’t want to believe because, at seventeen, I’d just been allowed out after dark. Kind of hard to fear the night monsters if you’re the only teenager in the world who has to be in by the time the streetlights come on. The only reason I can swing it now is because I threatened to sneak out of the house—gasp! After nightfall. Unfortunately Mom only okays it very rarely and on prearranged, extra-special circumstances.

       All thoughts of crazy moms, vampires and psycho, tormenting teens, flitter out of my head on the wind as the tiny cabin comes into view. There’s only one person who has a cabin way out here and my little path leads right past it. Lucky, right?

       Caleb Evans.

        It’s embarrassing to admit, but I remember every detail about the few conversations we’ve had. Every. Last. One. Pathetic.

       The slow, lazy walk I was enjoying is over and I start speeding up. Not into a run, because I don’t want to look like the freak everyone thinks I am. A girl has to save face whatever way she can.

        Before I reach the dirt road in front of the tiny shack of a cabin Caleb shares with his dad, the blinds part slightly. When eyes I know are the most unique shade of green peer out, I trip. Yes, a stupid rock jumps in front of me when Caleb Evans looks out his window. Nice. My cheeks are hot.

          I start walking again.

Just like those few conversations, I know every look too. And surprisingly, Caleb Evans looks at me a lot. But then, who doesn’t like to stare at the vamp freak?

His gaze is scalding on me, burning me up from the outside in. Soon, I can’t take it, my eyes darting to the woodsy earth beneath my feet. It doesn’t last long. My eyes are drawn to him, and I can’t help but seek out his green again.

He’s still there. My thoughts start rapid firing at me. How did he get home so fast? Why does he stare at me? Did he ditch? Why do I like it? Where are his friends? Why can’t I be one of them?

Okay, maybe not that last question, because as addictive as Caleb Evan’s gorgeous green eyes and messy black hair are, his friends are a little scary. I’m pretty sure most of them will end up in prison one day. Well, except for Caleb, because he’s beautiful and makes me burn inside.

God, I really am a freak!

Before losing sight with him, I shoot one more glance his way. And he smiles. Not a real smile, because I’m not sure his mouth really works that way, but a half one. He has me in some kind of Caleb-induced trance. Pfft, trance. It’s called good looks, Abbs. But this is the first smile, so it has to mean something. I can’t help but return it. As soon as I do, the curtains close and he disappears behind them.

The trance is broken. Hell, I’d probably even imagined the smile, because that is my biggest fear. Imagining things, seeing things, believing things. As normal as Mom is in so many ways, I’m scared of becoming that hidden part of her most people don’t see. I’m scared of being like the crazy, vampire-obsessed woman I call Mom. 

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Totally awesomesauce already right!? I love it so much and it's just an excerpt! Abby makes me laugh out loud already and CALEB!? ohsweetheavens, can I have some more of his green-eyes and black hair and half smile? Please? ;)

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