The Cajun Book Lady

How is everyone doing!?

2011-10-26T07:35:00.002-05:00

How are all my wonderful blogger and reading friends doing? I know it's been a while since I posted but sometimes life comes up and we must prioritize! Hopefully.....I an get back on schedule and catch up with all of you. I've missed my friends and my reading so it's time to get back to that. I hope you all are having a great day and will stop in to say hello!

Have you checked out Shelf Awareness?

2011-08-17T08:48:00.000-05:00

The publication booksellers turn to for news on the book industry is now publishing a version for book lovers! Shelf Awareness: Enlightenment for Readers is a FREE emailed newsletter with reviews on the 25 best books publishing each week along with author interviews, book excerpts, giveaways and more. Right now they’re running a contest for new subscribers. Check out the button on our website to sign up for the new publication and to be entered for a chance to win a great book!

Series Review: Generation Dead by Daniel Waters

2011-07-28T17:51:00.005-05:00

Truth be told, this series has been sitting in my TBR pile for quite some time now. Not because I wasn't looking forward to reading it but because as a review our TBR stacks are always a mile high.

I decided to pick this out of the pile and was totally pleased with the series. So pleased in fact, that I read through the series in 3 days.

I really enjoy zombie books....or differently biotic.....if you like that term better. If you enjoy a good non-scary zombie book that takes a look at it from the zombie perspective then this is a series to try out.

I have my own favorite characters and there is someone for EVERYONE in this series so go ahead and see who YOU like the best.

Find out more about the series here: Generation Dead

**Review copies are my own.

Review: Anna Dressed In Blood by Kendra Blake

2011-07-19T08:30:00.002-05:00

I really enjoyed this one! I love a good ghost story and this one had it all. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline.

I'll be honest and say that I'm not familiar with the author BUT I will now be keeping my out for her.

I found the story to be original and entertaining. I also thought that it was refreshing to be reading something different. I read A LOT so it's hard to find something that doesn't seem repititious. This was a good little break from vampires and werewolves. (Though I still love them dearly LOL!)

I'd say to check this one out whenever it is released. I know I'll be wanting to read more from this author.

About The Book:
(from Goodreads)

Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.

So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.

When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn't expect anything outside of the ordinary: track, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he's never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, now stained red and dripping with blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.

But she, for whatever reason, spares Cas's life.

**Review copy: Amazon Vine program All opinions are my own. I did not recieve any monetary compensation for this post.

Review: The Well Of Truth by Amber Riley

2011-07-18T08:19:00.004-05:00

The Well Of Truth is Amber Riley's second book in this series. I read the first one "Flasf of A Firefly" a while back and really enjoyed it so when Amber contacted me for this one I of course, said yes!

Book two was equally wonderful and enjoyable. I like how Amber manages to mix it up with "old" vampires and "new" vampires. Her stories are always interesting and exciting.

The characters are also great and they have something for everybody. I really really enjoyed this one and can't wait for the next one!

About The Book:
(From Goodreads)

Kaden has made a promise to the Iustitia. In exchange for helping the vampire hunters rid Rome of their supernatural infestation, he will never be hunted by the church-assuming he makes it out of the country alive. With a master vampire who is letting the city be terrorized, Kaden must uncover his true motives before it is too late.

Something dangerous is closing in on Kaden, and he cannot afford to be weak. Inside Vatican City, the vampires are more vulnerable than they have ever been. But with his independence on the line, Kaden is breaking every rule in the book, putting everyone's lives at risk. Worse yet, he is feeling things again-things he has not felt in centuries. He must find a way to completely sever his ties with the past. Unfortunately, in a city that is supposed to be off limits to all vampires, Kaden finds more than he bargained for-and loses even more.

The Well of Truth tells a haunting tale in which a hardened vampire will realize that some secrets are better left in the dark.

**Review copy provided by author. All opinions are my own. I received NO monetary compensation for this post.

Review: Boneman's Daughters by Ted Dekker

2011-07-14T08:21:00.003-05:00

I am a huge fan of Ted Dekker and when looking for something to read off my shelf the other day this is what I grabbed. Once again, Dekker DID NOT disapoint.

He creates wonderfully suspenseful stories that keep you on the edge of your seat and these complicated characters are fascinating.

When I first started reading Dekker's work I never knew he was considered a christian writer but once I knew that I started noticing the christian elements in his books. He's very much a talented writer in my opinion.

More about the book on Amazon.

**Review copy purchased by me.

Review: These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf

2011-06-14T10:34:00.000-05:00

This is another book that I've read recently and thoroughly enjoyed. I found it to be very much in the same style of Heather's first book The Weight Of Silence. I really enjoyed that one to so you would have to be the judge.

If you didn't like the style of the first then you won't like this one. I personally enjoy the changing of POV from one character to the next.

This one deals with some heavy subject matter so be prepared. If you've read After by Amy Efaw then you might like this one. The subject matter is comparable.

Find out more on Goodreads.

*Review copy provided by Amazon Vine program

Review: Spirit Storm by E J Stevens

2011-06-13T10:25:00.004-05:00

I love E.J. 's books and she never dissapoints me. Spirit Storm was no exception to that. Once again I was sucked in by these characters and found myself rooting for Yuki.

E.J. has a wonderful writing style that I love....her sense of humor really shines through in her stories and no matter how "ghostly" they are you can always get a good chuckle.

While it is YA I think this one is good for anyone from the younger YA readers to the older YA readers. If you haven't checked her out yet then you are really missing out. E.J. is absolutely one of my favorite indie authors!

Find out more about the book on Goodreads.

Summer is Here! (at least for me!)

2011-05-27T14:36:00.002-05:00

Wow, these last two - three months have been so hectic around here! Thankfully, the kids are out of school now and I'll be able to catch up on posts, reviews, and reading YAY!

You know I have been busy when I haven't read the newest Black Dagger Brotherhood book yet....I'll be starting on that one today.

So what have all of you been up to? What are you reading and have you read anything really great lately that I need to check out?

Amazon.com: Your Profile: Reviews

2011-05-12T14:52:00.004-05:00

Amazon.com: Your Profile: Reviews: "I love Sarah Addison Allen and own all her books. I found this author by accident one day and have been hooked since. When I saw her new book I was ecstatic!

As usual Allen delievered for me. I find all her stories 'magical' and The Peach Keeper was no exception. I found the characters to be endearing as always and the storyline to be wonderful.

I was sucked into this story from page one and of course read through it quickly. I felt many emotion throughout the story and connected with these characters through ther regret, hope, and longing. I also laughed along at times and it left me with a smile.

If you're an Allen fan I think you'll be equally happy with this one!"

Canine book consultants on the blog today!

2011-05-02T07:17:00.005-05:00

Our guests Alice and Shannon served as canine consultants for the book Toto’s Tale, written by their humans, K.D. Hays and Meg Weidman. Today they’re going to share thoughts about their experience.

Alice: Thanks for having us here today. Most of the time, humans don’t take the time to get our perspective on—

Shannon: Do you have any food?

Alice: If I did I wouldn’t give it to you. So anyway, I appreciated it when our humans—

Shannon: Do you have any food?

Alice: I already said I didn’t.

Shannon: No, you just said you wouldn’t give me any.

Alice: Right, so it doesn’t matter. So, when our humans started paying attention to—

Shannon: I smell pork chops. Do you have any?

Alice: You already asked me twice.

Shannon: I asked if you had food. Not pork chops.

Alice: Pork chops are food.

Shannon: I like to wear them as jewelry.

Alice: No, you eat them.Shannon: Mouth jewelry.

Alice: We are here to tell people what it was like to work as consultants on a book. So pay attention to the people who will be reading this.

Shannon: Okay.

Alice: As I was saying—

Shannon: Do you have any food?

Alice: I already told you

Shannon: I was talking to the people

Alice: Grrr

Shannon: What? You said to talk to them.

Alice: You’re supposed to tell people what it was like to help our humans write a book from a dog’s point of view, not extort food from them.

Shannon: Hey, I hadn’t thought of that. Extortion. Sounds threatening.

Alice: Yeah? Well it won’t work from you.

Shannon: Why not?

Alice: You’re the cute dog. I’m the threatening dog. People are scared of me.

Shannon: That’s just because of your mismatched teeth.

Alice: Don’t make fun of my teeth. I’m very sensitive about my underbite. My first owners didn’t have money for orthodontia.

Shannon: You said I’m the cute one.

Alice: Yes.

Shannon: I’m cute.

Alice:Yes. Cute and annoying.

Shannon: I’m cute because I have good teeth.

Alice: Sigh. Maybe we should get back to pork chops.

Shannon: Where? Where are the pork chops?

Alice: In this interview. And the book. (Holds up Toto’s Tale) Toto has a fixation with pork chops. That was my idea.

Shannon: (Grabs the book and rifles through the pages) No fair! I’ve sniffed through every page of the book and haven’t found a single chop.

Alice: Hmm. I wonder what inspired me?

Shannon: Did Toto find any pork chops in the book?

Alice: You don’t know? Didn’t you read the book?

Shannon: I’m waiting for the movie.

Alice: Well I’m not going to tell. I would hate to spoil the suspense for readers.

Shannon: I’ll bet he did find the pork chops. He found them and ate all of them and that’s why I couldn’t find any in the book.

Alice: You really don’t understand the concept of a book, do you?

Shannon: No, I don’t. I don’t understand why our owners like them so much. They taste terrible. Just like paper. The rabbit likes them, though.

Alice: Maybe they should have interviewed her for this article. They’re not learning much from us. Well thanks for talking to the canine consultants for Toto’s Tale. I’m going to go find Shannon a snack before she eats me.

Shannon: Or Toto.

Alice: It’s a good thing the book wasn’t “Shannon’s Tale.” It would be very short.

Shannon: Are you making fun of my tail?

Alice: T-A-L-E, not tail. And it would be short because you would eat all the words off the page before the authors could save them.

Shannon: What do words taste like?

Alice: Quick, readers—get out now while you still ca—

Canine book consultants on the blog today!

2011-05-02T07:17:00.001-05:00

The Blog... by MaxTheQuiltCat

2011-04-20T12:31:00.000-05:00

Lou Belcher's latest release is The Zen of Max (a memoir of great wisdom and many naps). It's a memoir of an ordinary cat with extraordinary wisdom, love and compassion as well as a few quirks..

Lou started a blog for Max (her snowshoe point mix) to help her finish his book. Soon enough, Max's voice took over the blog. So, this post is from Max as it's only fitting that he post about pet blogging from his point of view.

Max here... I'm so glad to have this opportunity to talk to you about my experiences of pet blogging. I never dreamed I would have my own blog as a forum - especially after crossing the Rainbow Bridge. In a nutshell, here's how it all started:

You see, Lou Belcher is my food human. (As a point of reference, let me explain that I call her HH. That's short for Her Highness -- it's a term of endearment and it has stuck.)
HH started me on my path to becoming a pet blogger. I didn't have a clue what the blogosphere was about, but I soon found out when HH put up the blog and called it

http://www.MaxTheQuiltCat.com. Before the blog, my mission was to sit on as many quilts as possible. Now, that is still a priority, but I have much loftier goals too.

The blog started because of the book (The Zen of Max). Before I crossed the Rainbow Bridge at the age of 18 1/2, HH started to write a book about me. When I died, she put it aside. She missed me so much, she just couldn't write about me anymore.

Almost two years later, she decided that she needed to finish it. To help her get over the block of writing about me, she decided to give me a blog. It worked... not only did she finish the book, but the blog thrives. (And....shhhhhhh.... I'll tell you a secret. HH doesn't like hearing it, but my blog receives more comments and attention than hers... hee hee... and I have over 2,000 followers on Twittter... just saying, with all modesty of course, that there's something happening here.)
So, the blog started about two years ago, and I do love writing it. At first, I was all paws and was a little stiff. But now, I look forward everyday to posting what's new in the cat world and commenting on the blogs of others.

I bet you're wondering how a cat can have so much to say. Well, I blog about all sorts of things. I've even written a short mystery novel on line (with me as the hero of the story, of course). I blog about Knuckles and Bugsy (those are my two nephews HH just rescued from the SPCA) and I throw in the occasional book review or product reviewB (about cat and dog products). And, once a week, I put up the picture of one of the pets from the SPCA of North Brevard who needs a forever home. We all need to do as much as possible to find homes for those who don't have them. That's for sure.

I must admit that when I started blogging, I didn't think it would grow into all of this. But HH and I have found it wonderful to have a platform to bring the fun of pets to the public as well as to bring the need of pets to the readers. Now, I'm just leading my life in cyberspace and loving it.

Thanks for listening to me... Let me leave you with one of my favorite Lessons Learned from The Zen of Max... It's about sticking to your guns... you may quote me.

"If you want to be carried, someone will eventually carry you. You just have to be willing to be left behind a few times until they realize that you mean business - you will not walk on a leash."That's my post and my story.... Have a super day everybody... Max loves ya!

Why Do We Love Them So? By Cheryl Malandrinos

2011-04-18T07:32:00.004-05:00

*Once again I apologize for Bloggers poor formatting. I'm not sure what's going on. :( Our next guest post in our Readers Heart Animals month if from Cheryl! I've had the pleasure of "knowing" Cheryl since I've started blogging and if you have a chance you should check her out. ************************************************************************************* Cheryl Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. A regular contributor for Writer2Writer, her articles focus on increasing productivity through time management and organization. A founding member of Musing Our Children, Ms. Malandrinos is also Editor in Chief of the group’s quarterly newsletter, Pages & Pens. ************************************************************************************* Cheryl is a Tour Coordinator for Pump Up Your Book, a book reviewer, and blogger. Little Shepherd is her first children’s book. Ms. Malandrinos lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband and two young daughters. She also has a son who is married. You can visit Cheryl online at http://ccmalandrinos.com/ or the Little Shepherd blog at http://littleshepherdchildrensbook.blogspot.com/. ************************************************************************************* Why Do We Love Them So? By Cheryl Malandrinos **************************************************************************** I’m convinced cat owners are special. How else could we put up with pouring so much love into a relationship with four-legged creatures that don’t care about our existence unless we’re feeding them, brushing them, or cleaning out their litter boxes? I’ve owned cats most of my adult life, and I still can’t tell you why. I had a dog growing up. Fritz was a good companion; he learned a few tricks, and other than when he got mad at you and peed on your bed, he was fun to have around. But cats? I just don’t understand them. What’s worse, I don’t know why I love them so much. Take my first cat, Ashley. She hated people. Unless you were feeding her, she wanted nothing to do with you. I kept trying to encourage her to be playful, bought her toys and treats, but nothing ever worked. Then came Tito. Now, he was beautiful. A Siamese mix, he was my baby from day one. He was a fun kitten, though not many pairs of nylons survived. If you were looking for companionship, however, you needed to go elsewhere. He tolerated being petted, but if you kept at it too long, he would scratch your arm off. Here I was giving these cats more attention than I gave to brushing my hair in the morning, and they could barely bother to rub up against my legs and purr. Actually, Tito didn’t purr. He yowled. I guess Siamese cats are talkers. Anyone out there speak Siamese? I think our luck in choosing cats that have a greater compassion for our limited human intelligence is improving. Stubby, our Pixie-Bob with the stubby tail—hence the name—encourages us to pet her. She even looks us in the eye when we talk to her. I think she’s laughing at us. Killer, despite his name, couldn’t hurt a fly. That could be because he’s 18 pounds and can’t run after anything faster than a snail. He’s as close to a dog as a cat could get; though he’s much too dignified to admit it. He follows my husband around the house everywhere he goes, but if you look at him, he tries to make it appear like he was heading in a different direction. The kittens, Giggles and Boots, humor us lower life forms by playing with the numerous toys we buy, and engaging in playful kitten games running through the house and knocking things over. Lest we forget whose boss, they’ve also nibbled the life out of several silk flower arrangements, torn up a few carpets, and broken a lamp I bought for my husband fifteen years ago when we vacationed in North Carolina. They definitely don’t want us thinking they are getting too attached to us. Not everyone is cut out to be a cat owner. They aren’t the faithful companions that dogs are, and yet, they are more comforting to snuggle up with than a hamster or a ferret. I can’t understand why I speak baby talk to my cats or why I would rather take daily doses of asthma medication than have a cat-free house. I just know I love my furry little beasts and our house couldn’t possibly be a home without them. ************************************************************************************* Check her out online here: http://ccmalandrinos.com/ http://littleshepherdchildrensbook.blogspot.com/ http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/ http://booktoursandmore.blogspot.com/ http://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/ http://profwritersconnect.blogspot.com/ http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/

Review: The Chimp Who Loved Me by

2011-04-15T08:00:00.003-05:00

Since we are celebrating Animal Prevention Cruelty Month this month it was an ideal time for me to review this book. There are several stories of little mentioned animals in this one which made it for an enjoyable read.

I do believe that I laughed through 99% of the book. Now there were the serious moments but the majority of the stories had me laughing out loud. I must tell you that after reading this book I never want to buy a pig LOL!

I loved the stories and I loved the writing. I would certainly read more works by this pair since they seem to mesh so well together with storytelling.

I would say that if your looking for a LOL animal book then check this one out!

About The Book:

The Chimp Who Loved Me is a collection of true stories from the life and times of Annie Greer, a veterinary chiropractitioner, animal healer, radio host, speaker, farmer’s wife and all-around magnet for bizarre animal behavior. When Annie and Tim Vandehey, a professional writer, met in 2006 and began talking about Annie’s endless trove of strange and pants-wettingly funny tales about drill sergeant sheep and insane veterinary clinic customers, a book was born. Infused with Annie’s trademark dry English wit and Tim’s storytelling panache, The Chimp Who Loved Me is a sort of twisted love child of Dave Barry, David Sedaris and James Herriot ofAll Things Bright and Beautiful fame. If you’re sick of the treacly sweetness of animal books like Marley and Me or Dewey and crave twisted tales of sex, poop, pee and death, where apes throw donuts at chefs during dinner parties and stoned veterinary students dispense bizarre advice to puzzled dog show contestants, then you won’t be able to put The Chimp Who Loved Me down…until it hits you in the nose because you’re reading in bed, silly.

About Tim Vandehey & Annie Greer

Annie Greer is a certified veterinary chiropractioner, radio host, animal behaviorist, farmer’s wife and AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator who, with her veterinarian husband, Kent, runs three animal clinics and a 40-acre farm in Apopka, Florida. Tim Vandehey is a journalist, ghostwriter and book collaborator who has written more than 35 books since 2004 in the sports, self-help, memoir, spiritual, financial, business, and healthcare genres. His recent published co-authored works include Blindsided (with Jim Cole, St. Martin’s Press, 2010), Running on Faith (with Jason Lester, HarperOne, 2010), Produced by Faith (with DeVon Franklin, Simon & Schuster, 2011), and I’m Here to Win! (with Chris McCormack, Center Street, 2011). Tim lives on Bainbridge Island, Washington, with his wife and two daughters.

The Chimp Who Loved Me is Tim and Annie’s latest hilarious endeavor.

You can visit their website at www.thechimpwholovedme.com.

**Review copy provided by author. I received NO monetary compensation for this post and all opinions are my own.

Guest Post from Author and Pet Blogger Lou Belcher!

2011-04-12T09:36:00.002-05:00

Pet Blogging: A Labor of Love

Lou Belcher is the author of The Zen of Max (a memoir of great wisdom and many naps). Her post today is about one of her passions: pet blogging. Lou is a blogger, writer, editor and photographer. She has four blogs that keep her busy.

She started blogging with two blogs designed to help artists and authors. It was only natural that she would give her cat Max a blog and Twitter site in hopes of breaking through the trouble she was having finishing a book about him. Now, Max's blog has taken on a life of its own. It's no longer Lou talking about Max, but Max has taken over in his own voice and his personality comes through loud and clear. Today's post is about her start as a pet blogger and the purpose she has found in this endeavor.

I have been a freelance writer and editor for many years. I happened into pet blogging incidentally. Initially, I started blogging to bring some attention to artists and writers in Florida. My first blogs were Brevard Art News (a blog about art in Brevard, Florida) and Florida Book News (a blog about Florida writers, their books, writing organizations and events). Immediately, I loved the process of blogging. I liked the connection with readers and the immediacy of it. Therefore, it was only natural when I reached a sticking point in a book I was writing that I put up a blog in an attempt to get un-stuck.

You see, before my cat Max died in 2008, I had started a book about him. After he died, I just couldn't work on it. One day, I decided I had to finish it. To ease back into writing about him, I gave Max his own blog. It did the trick. At first, my writing as Max was a bit stiff. I searched for other pet bloggers to get a feel for how they did it. I found a variety of approaches. I (or Max, that is) began to talk to other bloggers by commenting on their blogs and through chatting with them on Twitter (@MaxTheQuiltCat). Soon enough, Max found his voice.

Max's blog is diverse. He blogs about daily events, such as the time a fish fell from the sky near a local restaurant and the staff made Lucky (the fish) into their pet. That day, Max put out an alert to all cats to get out in their yards: "Fish are falling from the sky!" He also writes book reviews, blogs about pet products, and blogs about anything that has anything to do with dogs, cats, and pets of all varieties. He loves to write poetry, but he doesn't do it that often. And, he writes short stories in the first person where he is the hero, of course. There are pet blogs in many formats. At MaxTheQuiltCat.com, Max blogs in the first person. That works well for him. Other bloggers blog about their pets in the third person, and still others blog by posting photos or drawings with captions or youtube videos.

No matter the format, pet blogs seem to have several common threads: to raise awareness on how valuable pets are, to inform others about the connectedness of all species, and to help raise funds and/or find forever homes for animals who need them. In addition, I've found one important common factor: pet bloggers really care about one another. They are quick to help each other, to send followers to one another, and to offer assistance when another blogger seems to be having a rough patch. I must admit... At times, I'm a little jealous of Max. His blog often gets a bigger response than my other blogs. I guess that's why I find his blog the easiest and most fun to write... of course, that might be because he practically writes it himself. Please feel free to visit Max and leave comments for him. He loves to hear what others think. http://www.maxthequiltcat.com/

Review: Until Tuesday by Luis Carlos Montalvan

2011-04-07T08:35:00.005-05:00

The next post in Readers Heart Animals Month is a review of an upcoming memoir featuring a brave soldier and his faithful service dog. I finished it in no time because I was so caught up in this story. I read about a lot of things that growing up with a veteran of Korea I had seen before. For me, I was able to connect with this book through the reading, the story of Luis, and of course Tuesday. I laughed and I cried and I was interested in reading this Luis's point of view on things. If you enjoy memoirs or dog stories then this may be one to check out. I thoroughly enjoyed it. About The Book: (From Amazon) A heartwarming true dog story like no other: Tuesday, a lovable golden retriever, transforms a former soldier's life forever Excerpt: "Tuesday combines a golden retriever's innate playfulness and bouncy exuberance with a noble bearing and seriousness of purpose. But it is not his beautiful coat, or even his regal attitude, that attract the stares. Tuesday has an extraordinarily expressive face. He has sensitive, almost sad eyes, but they are more than offset by his big goofy smile. He can't pass anyone without flashing them a sly look with those eyes, as if to say, sorry, I'd love to play, but I'm working. He just makes a connection; he has a personality that shines. I am not kidding when I say it is common for people to pull out their cell phones and take pictures of and with him. Tuesday is that kind of dog. And then, in passing, they notice me, the big man with the tight haircut. There is nothing about me--even the straight, stiff way I carry myself--that signals disabled. Until people notice the cane in my left hand, that is, and the way I lean on it every few steps. Then they realize my stiff walk and straight posture aren't just pride, and that Tuesday isn't just an ordinary dog. He walks directly beside me, for instance, so that my right leg always bisects his body. He nuzzles me when my breathing changes, and he moves immediately between me and the object--a cat, an overeager child, a suspiciously closed door--any time I feel apprehensive. Because beautiful, happy-go-lucky, favorite-of-the-neighborhood Tuesday isn't my pet; he's my service dog." **Review copy provided by publisher. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Guest Post and Blog Tour: Rocsanne Shield "Save Magic City"

2011-04-06T08:38:00.003-05:00

Joining us today is Roscanne Shield with a guest post about the story behind her book. Grab your coffee and sit with us for a moment! (I apologize for the format since blogger seems to be acting wacky.) ********************************************* The Story Behind "Save Magic City" ********************************************* After retiring, I got lots of time to look around me and take stock of the changes that had taken place while I worked. The world is dominated by corporations who conduct their business in a globalized way. They change work forces the way we, plain humans, change clothes. As soon as a new poorer country offers better conditions, the factories and offices move and the old work force is "let go". That means that men and women are left without the means to continue life as they knew it. The process of finding new jobs entails such stress that families split and children suffer. I believe firmly that people should help each other when misfortune strikes; the need to put something on paper became an obsession. While writing, I changed from Romance to Children's Fiction. Save Magic City was born. I was watching an animated movie when I realized that Edmund, who lived in 13th century England, had to come to our times. In the movie, a child finds a huge robot. In my novel, the child finds armour, with somebody inside! After the first three chapters, it became clear that he was brought to the year 2007 by Leona, who needed someone to help her help the city. My book focused on how to help people in a small community, where the major work supplier left and has taken their living means away. Leo, eight, needs a father figure, to love and grow to resemble. Edmund fills the role to perfection. Leo is the glue; he unites all the characters around their common goal -- to save their town from death. Squirrel can act as a perfect PA as she can hear people's thoughts as well as tell them things without words. She keeps the leaders informed, and helps Edmund to listen to the needs of the different teams who are working over the city, performing repairs and asking for help to find specific materials for their work. She also named the teams "Ganny/grampy teams". Raccoon is the resident Internet wizard and he sets up the lists of needs, volunteers and ideas, and them helps Leona find the most pressing needs. He also finds a lawyer willing to volunteer his work for the good of the city. He is the one who keeps his calm in moments of danger and need. The town becomes a unit and they might as well adopt the Musketeers' logo -- one for all and all for one. The children surely live by that. To read their story, go to my website http://www.rocsanneshield.com/. You will find an excerpt of "Save Magic City"; if you are intrigued to hear more, you can purchase my book there as well. Save Magic City is also available for purchase at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble "Save Magic City" is an excellent book for adults who want to teach their children the importance of caring for each other and the environment they live in. My book makes great reading and you will, I hope, tell others about it too. ************************************************************** About The Book: ************************************************************** Hurled into the time flow by a banishing spell, 13th Century Edmund lands in the USA, in 2007, in answer to Leona's fervent prayers for help to save her town. The corporation employing the townspeople has left, the bank’s foreclosures have created whole streets of empty houses, people are leaving in droves... the town is slowly dying. A black magician in his own time, Edmund is forbidden to do any magic if it is not for helping other people. He discovers and is fascinated by the magical powers of the Internet and wants to bring instant relief to the townspeople. But Leona, who does not trust their dependency on magic, forbids him to do so. Leo, Leona's adoptive son, and his friends, Squirrel and Raccoon, accept the magic with enthusiasm and do their best to help the town survive. When misfortune strikes, Leona gives her blessing for Edmund to use his magic.S

Review: Emily and Einstein by Linda Francis Lee

2011-04-04T10:36:00.004-05:00

Post 2 for Readers Heart Animals month is a review of a new book by Linda Francis Lee. I received this one a little while ago and it didn't take long for me to whiz through it. The story was exceptional and the characters are great. While there is a lot of sadness there is also a lot of hope. It's all about living your life, standing up for what's right, and second chances. I'll admit to having shed some tears while reading it but that's what makes a good book. One that can make you emotional is usually a winner in my eyes. If you enjoy dog stories then I'd say to check this one out. It's certainly and enjoyable and entertaining read! ************************************************************************************************ About The Book: (From Author's Website) Emily and her husband Sandy Portman seemed to live a gracious if busy life in an old-world, Upper West Side apartment in the famous Dakota building. But one night on the way to meet Emily, Sandy dies in a tragic accident. The funeral isn't even over before Emily learns she is on the verge of being evicted from their apartment. But worse than the possibility of losing her home, Emily is stunned when she discovers that her marriage was made up of lies. Suddenly Emily is forced on a journey to find out who her husband really was . . . all the while feeling that somehow he isn't really gone. Angry, hurt, and sometimes betrayed by loving memories of the man she lost, Emily finds comfort in a scruffy dog named Einstein. But is Einstein's seemingly odd determination that she save herself enough to make Emily confront her own past? Can he help her find a future—even after she meets a new man? **Review copy provided by publisher. All opinions are my own. I was given NO monetary compensation for this post.

Review and Blog Tour : Reunion by Jeff Bennington

2011-04-03T08:09:00.006-05:00

I'll tell you that I love horror in all shapes and forms...books. movies, etc. When Jeff contacted me about Reunion I was excited because it's not very often that I get horror requests and these are actually my favorites. ************************* I jumped on the chance after reading the blurb because it sounded like a great storyline with subject matter that isn't touched on a lot. ************************* The characters in this one were very relatable and the storyline itself was scary even without the supernatural elements. I enjoyed reading about the characters after they left school and finding out what had become of them. It made for an interesting read and gave some great background for when they came back together. ************************************************* The book certainly gave me the willies and got my heart pumping at times. I would say that if your a fan of the genre then this might be one to check out. I thoroughly enjoyed it and know that I'll be keeping my eye on this author in the future. ************************************************* About The Book: ************************************************* David Ray killed eight students and then turned the gun on himself. He thought the shooting and suicide would fix his world. It didn't. The massacre threw Tanner Khan and the other survivors into chaos. ************************************************ Twenty years later, Tanner and his fellow classmates reluctantly agree to hold a reunion to lay the past to rest. Although they suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, they come back to their hometown and reunite in the defunct school building. *********************************************** Old flames are rekindled, fears are ignited, and their lives are about to explode in a whirlwind of memories, haunted by the spirit of David Ray. Once they're inside the school, they discover that a dark entity has joined them. It has come to collect a debt, long overdue, and someone has to pay. Will Tanner and his classmates overcome their fears, putting the pieces of their lives back together, or will they be consumed by their worst nightmare? ********************************************** Find out more at Jeff's website here.

Guest Post and Giveaway Info from Author Jeff Bennington

2011-04-02T06:34:00.002-05:00

Hi Kris…I mean, Cajun Book Lady.

Thank you for having me. I’m looking forward to sharing a few details about the characters in REUNION with you and your readers. But before I start, I want to remind everyone that I’m giving away 2 FREE Kindles on May 15th – one will go to a REUNION Blog Tour follower and one will go to a REUNION Blog Tour host. For details about the book, the Kindle giveaway rules, blog tour dates, and blog topics, go to jeffbennington.com. (or have a look at the end of this post.) Meet the Survivors Now, let me get to the business of telling you about REUNION and the characters that bring it to life. To begin with, REUNION is a supernatural thriller that begins the morning that David Ray, a troubled teen, shoots and kills a teacher and seven of his classmates. The first three chapters are comprised of a two and a half hour period where the students live out a typical morning as the school year comes to a close. David Ray, however, is lurking in the shadows of his bedroom, listening to his demons, and preparing to fix his world - hoping to finally seize control of his life by controlling the lives around him.

In these chapters, you’ll meet seventeen-year old David Ray. You’ll see life through his eyes, feel what he feels, and dream his horrific nightmares. You’ll also meet Tanner Khan, an underdeveloped, happy-go-lucky, smarty-pants who has a crush on Lana Jones, the most beautiful girl that has ever graced the senior hallway of Crescent Falls High. Then there’s Noah Berkley - the star-studded foreign exchange student, Maria Vasquez – the hip valedictorian, Bryan Jacobs - the pre-med hopeful, all around great guy, Kate Schmidt – the dressed in black, hair over her eyes, goth, who has dreams of art school, and Nick Tooley – the jerk who just loves making life miserable for “nerds” of every kind. They’re a typical group of kids… until David enters the school. REUNION is about a ricochet in time where one moment, one decision, one dark and sinful choice changed everything. Trauma will do that, you know.

When you first meet the kids from Crescent Falls, you’ll get to know who they are before they go through one of the most traumatic experiences…a school shooting. Unfortunately, by the time the last bullet shell hits the floor these characters change forever. All of their hopes, their plans, and their dreams come to a crashing halt. Traumatized and unable to handle the life they’ve been given, Tanner, Kate, Nick, Bryan, Maria, Lana, and Noah are suddenly forced down a new path, unknown and unwanted. They suffer from various degrees of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; in some cases, worse than a soldier who’s been in military combat. As the creator of these brave individuals, the challenge was to not only form believable and interesting teenagers; I had to turn around and grow them up into traumatized adults and create a new life that is realistic and representative of the original person. But I’m amazed at how much I learned from them. They inspired me by their wisdom, insight and honesty into subjects that without them, I would never have explored on my own. I guess that’s why I love writing. I think I get more from the book than anyone else, because to me, writing is as much a healing and learning process, as it is a creative process.

That sounds strange doesn’t it, an author learning from his characters? Makes me laugh just thinking about it. I guess I always thought writers knew everything about the characters because he or she created the story, like a god spinning his all-powerful web of life and death and destruction. But in fact, I think the opposite is true. I think I dream up my characters to answer my own unanswered questions - questions about love and life and death and the horrific realities of a fallen world. Thanks for reading. Be sure to “follow” The Cajun Book Lady and then go to jeffbennington.com to learn more about the book and the tour. And most importantly, be sure to show your support by purchasing REUNION on April 15th so it can shoot up the rankings through buying en masse.

REUNION ISBN: 9780615450865

Release Date: April 15th. I'm trying to merge the digital and print release on the same day. If your readers would like to buy a copy, I'd love it if they'd buy it on April 15th so that my rating goes up, giving the book more exposure.

Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10467702-reunion (Reviews are coming in!)

Kindle Link: http://www.amazon.com/Reunion-ebook/dp/B004S7AR0E

Smashwords Link: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/44678

Also available on Apple ibook, Nook, and in Print.

Kindle Giveaway Rules: I am giving away 2 Kindles: 1 to a lucky blog follower, and 1 to a luck blog tour host. I will post a video on May 15th (last day of the tour) and have my children pick a winner from each group (followers/hosts).

There are only two (2) simple rules:

#1. Buy REUNION and email your receipt to reunion.kindlegiveaway@yahoo.com by May 13th.

#2. Comment on one or more blogs on the REUNION Blog Tour.

Goodreads Giveaway: I will also host a 2 book Goodreads giveaway during the course of my blog tour (April 1 through May13th). Goodreads will contact winners. I will mail a signed copy to each of the winners.

To see the full tour schedule and topics, go to jeffbennington.com

YOU TUBE Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpBMLWahANU&feature=player_embedded

**Make sure to stop in tommorrow to see my review of Reunion!

Guest Post and Giveaway from Author Ingrid King

2011-04-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

For our first guest post during Readers Love Animals month we have author Ingrid King!

Ingrid King is the Author of "Buckley’s Story: Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher"Winner of the 2010 Merial Human-Animal Bond Awardwww.ingridking.com She is the Founder and Publisher, The Conscious CatConscious Living, Health and Happiness for Cats and their Humanswww.consciouscat.net

Meet Virginia, the office cat who came before Buckley

Buckley, the star of Buckley’s Story: Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher, was my office cat at the animal hospital I managed for eight years before she came home to live with Amber and I. She wasn’t the first one, though. Not the first tortie, and not the first office cat. Before Buckley, and even before Amber, there was Virginia.

I first met Virginia when I went for my first interview for the hospital manager position at the animal hospital. The hospital was owned by a husband and wife team. I had spoken to Janet on the phone briefly before my interview, but really didn’t know what to expect. This was in the days before every animal hospital had a website, so it was a lot harder to get information ahead of time. While I didn’t know much about them, I knew what I was looking for in a potential employer as far as practice philosophy, and in addition, I was looking for a clinic that had that intangible right “feel.”

As soon as I walked into the waiting room of the hospital, I knew I had found the right place. There was an old-fashioned wooden bench, a rocking chair, and the walls were covered with photos of dogs and cats. A large free-standing cage held several kittens. When Janet came up to greet me, I was even more sure. I instantly liked her. She took me back to her office and began the interview.

After a few minutes, a beautiful tortoiseshell cat walked into the office. “That’s Virginia,” explained Janet. “She’s one of our two hospital cats.” Virginia proceeded to walk over to me, looked up at me, and then dug her claws into my legs and used them as a scratching post. I wondered whether that was part of the interview – a test, perhaps, to see how I would react? In hindsight, I realized that, of course, this was the moment she marked me as her own. I had dressed up for the interview and was wearing a skirt and pantihose – I can honestly say it was the first and only time in my life I left an interview with runs in my pantihose caused by kitty claws! The interview went well, and I left feeling hopeful that I would be offered the job. A couple of weeks later, Janet called to invite me to go out to dinner with her and her husband Jack. We sealed the deal over dinner, and I spent the next eight years managing the animal hospital. And the fact that Virginia was part of the deal only increased my happiness. She was estimated to be about ten years old. She was FIV positive. FIV is the feline version of the aids virus. It is contagious, but is primarily spread through bite wounds. Casual, non-aggressive contact does not spread the virus, and it is not zoonotic, which means it cannot be spread from cat to humans. However, Virginia’s owners were not comfortable keeping an FIV positive cat and had left her at the animal hospital for euthanasia. Somehow, the hospital staff never got around to it, and by the time someone remembered, she had wormed her way into too many hearts for them to go through with it.

Virginia was the poster child for “tortitude” – that unique personality of tortoiseshell cats. She had definitely read the manual. She was feisty, independent, and set in her ways. The only other animal she liked was Marmy, our other hospital cat, a sweet, wise, old medium-haired orange cat. You could often find Marmy in his cat bed, with Virginia curled around him, squeezed into the small bed with him. She liked most of the staff members, but this was not always mutual. She thought nothing of using her claws if she felt like someone wasn’t doing her bidding (ie, petting her properly, feeding her on her schedule, or committing any number of transgressions only she knew about). None of these were exactly the kinds of qualities you’d look for in a hospital cat. At one point, early on during my time as manager, there was talk of sending her to a nearby sanctuary for FIV positive cats. I was nervous about doing so, but I set an ultimatum: if Virginia went, so would I. Thankfully, by then Janet and Jack had come to rely on me, and took my “threat” seriously. Virginia got to stay.

She loved me fiercely. She was at the door to greet me each morning. When I took a few days off, the staff would tell me that she’d been looking for me, and when I returned to work, the look on her face made it clear that she did not appreciate being abandoned like that.

She had her routine, and it didn’t vary much from day to day. In the morning, she would sleep in a cat bed I had placed in front of a sunny window on my desk, next to my computer. Even though she was napping, she still woke up frequently enough to make sure that I paid attention to her, often clawing at my “mouse hand” to get my attention. As lunch time got closer, she would park herself on the bench in the exam room adjacent to my office, which is where most of the staff gathered for lunch each day. She loved to mooch off of peoples’ lunches, with morsels of meat or cold cuts and yogurt, especially peach flavored, being favorites. For four years, she made my office my home away from home. She showed no symptoms of her disease. Then, in the spring of 2002, she started to decline rapidly. She seemed to lose energy, and her always healthy appetite started to wane. She couldn’t make it to the litter box in time and had frequent accidents outside the box. She wouldn’t come to greet me at the door in the mornings.

An ultrasound showed that her heart and liver were in bad shape. So on a sunny April morning, we decided that it was time. I spent her last morning in the office with her in her bed by my side. When I wasn’t crying, I was calling staff members who were not on duty that day to let them know, in case they wanted to be present for her final moments. I held her on my lap in the office, surrounded by all the people who had been a part of her world, as she took her last breath. I don’t think there are many cats who got the kind of send off she did.

I still miss her. She was my introduction to and beginning of my love affair with torties. She still has a piece of my heart.

About Buckley's Story:

Buckley’s Story is the story of how one small cat changed the author’s life in ways she never could have imagined. In this warm-hearted memoir, Ingrid King shares the story of Buckley, a joyful, enthusiastic and affectionate tortoiseshell cat she meets while managing a veterinary hospital. When Ingrid leaves her job at the veterinary hospital to start her own business, Buckley comes home to live with her and Amber, another tortoiseshell cat who had adopted the author several years earlier.

Buckley is diagnosed with heart disease after only two years of living with Ingrid, and caring for Buckley through her illness only deepens the bond between cat and human. Interspersed with well-researched information about cat health in general, and heart disease in particular, the author describes the challenges and rewards of managing illness in a feline companion, and ultimately helping her through the final transition. Ingrid shares both the day-to-day joys of living with a special cat as well as the profound grief that comes with losing a beloved animal companion.

Buckley’s Story is a celebration of the soul connection between animals and humans, a connection that is eternal and transcends the physical dimension.

Where to Find Ingrid Online:

Connect with me onFacebook www.facebook.com/ingrid.king

Twitter www.twitter.com/consciouscats

Giveaway:

Thanks to Ingrid I have one copy of Buckley's Story to give to one lucky US Winner.

To enter please leave a question or comment for Ingrid.

+1 if you spread the word about the giveaway or the Readers Heart Animals Month!

Just a reminder!

2011-03-28T10:55:00.004-05:00

Starting Friday we'll be celebrating animals both big and small in a month long special including guest posts and reviews. We have some great guest posts coming from authors, publicists, readers, bloggers, and a few famous felines and canines....all who love animals and want to share some animal awarness issues with us.

April is Prevention of Cruelty To Animals month so I hope you will all stop by during the month to see what's in store.

Please feel free to spread the word, post the picture and link it up on your blog, tell a friend, whatever you'd like. Thanks!

Early Review: Wither by Lauren Destefano

2011-03-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

I have to say that I thought this one was exceptional! I love YA and this one really had it all IMO.

The characters were great and compelling while the story totally took me by surprise. I was expecting something much different but I was delighted by what I got.

Lauren Destefano and The Chemical Garden Trilogy are defenitely ones to watch. I can't wait to read the rest of this series and follow Rhine and Gabriel through their journey.

About The Book:

(From Goodreads)

What if you knew exactly when you would die?

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limted time she has left.

About The Author:

(From Goodreads)

Lauren DeStefano (pronounced: de STEFF ano) graduated Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, CT in 2007. Her debut novel, WITHER, the first in The Chemical Garden Trilogy, is due to hit stores in March 2011 by Simon & Schuster BFYR.

Guest Post and Giveaway from Author Heather Wardell

2011-03-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Joining us today is Heather Wardell who writes women's fiction and she is going to be talking to us about reoccuring characters in stories. Do you (the reader) like it? Or would you rather new characters every time.

Stay tuned to the end so you can find out more about the giveaway!

Three of my five novels feature recurring characters. A hot restaurant owner named Kegan shares male lead duties in the first one (my free download "Life, Love, and a Polar Bear Tattoo"), makes a guest appearance in "Go Small or Go Home", and takes on the lead role in my newest book, "Stir Until Thoroughly Confused". In addition, several characters from the first and second books reappear in the third, some as brief guest appearances and some as fairly major characters.

I didn't intend to do this, since I don't particularly want to write a series. Nothing against them, but I've always enjoyed finding and exploring new main characters too much to want to rehash what I've done before. But as I wrote the first draft of "Go Small or Go Home", Kegan just showed up and seemed to fit. I liked how his presence added to the book, so since then I've watched for opportunities to bring in my past characters.

So far the readers who've commented on this seem to like it, but I still see both advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at a few of each and then I'll tell you what I plan to do in the future.

Advantages

1. Readers can find out what their past favorite characters are up to. This is obvious, but that doesn't make it any less true. If you've read and enjoyed a novel, you've invested something of yourself in the characters and their stories. It's only natural to want to see what they're doing after the book is over. If they made a career change, do they regret it? If they fell in love, is that still working for them? Seeing them again in a future book lets you find out.

2. The world of the book can seem more real. We do often re-encounter people we've known before, so I think it can feel natural and normal to have book characters re-appear. Forrest Williams, the hockey star male lead of "Go Small or Go Home", is friends with Kegan through Kegan's brother who also plays hockey, so when I began Kegan's book it made sense to me that he would be there. Knowing that the other characters continue to live their lives makes the world seem richer.

3. Readers (and authors!) can see characters in a different light. I loved bringing Forrest back in "Stir Until Thoroughly Confused". I loved him in "his" book, and it was so much fun to see him through a new main character's eyes. Readers have mentioned they liked that too.

Disadvantages

1. What if you hated Kegan? Now he's back again, and then AGAIN? If he did nothing for you the first time, you're unlikely to want to read my third book that's all about him.

2. Continuity becomes an issue. Keeping track of how long it's been between books in the "book world" can be difficult, and I don't want readers hung up on wondering if I've done that timeline correctly. I know sometimes when I'm reading I find myself thinking, "This doesn't seem to fit with when the author says it happened," and I would rather not make my readers think the same thing. Kegan is founding a restaurant in my first book, which Forrest and his leading lady Tess visit in the second. I had to make sure that when Tess says, "It's only been open three months" that was reasonable given the month it opened and the month she was there. (I know the vast majority of readers won't notice this, but I will and it'll bother me unless I do it right!)

3. It can feel forced. I have a cameo appearance in my current book, which is still in first draft, and I'm not at all sure I like it. It has the feel, at the moment, of a joke that's all set-up and no punchline. I like what happens during the appearance but I'm not positive the same people will still be there by the time the book is done. I definitely don't want to get into a "I have to bring someone back for every book" mindset, since sometimes it won't work.

4. Deciding how much backstory to give is a challenge. If a reader's read all of my books, they just need a refresher about the person's history. If they haven't, they probably still only need that same refresher, since the book isn't really about that person. For example, in "Go Small or Go Home", my main character's sister is an alcoholic. That sister appears in "Stir Until Thoroughly Confused" but I don't touch on her addiction. Why? Because in the scenes where she appears, it's not relevant, and the main character of that book would never know. I wanted to mention it, though, because it's part of her story. And that's the danger: that the author gives more backstory than is needed and the reader, whether new to the stories or not, gets bogged down in irrelevant information.

So, given the pros and cons, what will I do in the future? I'll continue bringing characters back into my books when it feels right and natural. I think that the depth and entertainment value it can add to a story is worth the careful attention needed to make sure it's done right.

What do you think? Do you like recurring characters? I'd love to know why, especially if you don't. :)

**
Heather Wardell writes women's fiction with depth, humor, and heart. She has five novels available now, one for free download and the rest for $0.99 each. You can read excerpts at http://www.heatherwardell.com/
**

Now For The Giveaway!

Heather is offering one print copy and three ebooks!

To enter please leave a comment on Heather's question: What do you think? Do you like recurring characters? I'd love to know why, especially if you don't. :)

+1 to new or old followers

+1 if you spread the word in any way

Feature and Giveaway: The Truth About Vampires by Theresa Myers

2011-03-14T05:00:00.000-05:00

As part of Theresa Meyers Bewitching Book Tour we'll feature her The Truth About Vampires AND offering an awesome giveaway for a signed copy of the book!

About The Book:

(From Amazon)

All her life, Seattle reporter Kristin Reed sought her breakout story. She never thought she'd find it in the crimson lair of a real-life creature of the night. Kristin never believed vampires existed—until with dark brooding eyes and a decadent chocolate scent, Dmitri Dionotte called out to her….

Dmitri and his clan's true nature was cloaked in secrecy until a warring vampire order threatened their existence. Kristin was just the woman he needed. She couldn't resist their story…or Dmitri. Her blood pulsed hot and furious when he touched her, and with his kiss, all logic fled. But each night she spent with her vampire lover brought her closer to death and destruction. A death not even an immortal could triumph over.

About The Author:

(From Amazon)

The progeny of a slightly mad (NASA) scientist and a tea-drinking bibliophile who turned the family dining room into a library, Theresa Meyers learned early the value of a questioning mind, books and a good china teapot. She started her first novel in high school, eventually enrolling in a Writer's Digest course and putting the book under the bed, writing as a freelancer for newspapers and national magazines.
It wasn't until she joined Romance Writers of America in 1993, that she seriously began to pursue a career in fiction. In 2005 she was selected as one of eleven finalists for the American Title II contest, the American Idol of books. She has since sold several novels and novellas. She writes paranormal and historical romance, Steampunk, Young Adult books and some Middle Grade fiction.

Theresa firmly believes in love and first sight. Afterall, she's married to the first man she ever went on a real date with (to their high school prom), who she knew was hero material when he suffered through having to let her parents drive, and her little brother sit between them in the backseat of the car (which is a whole other story. They've been married over 20 years.
They currently live in a Victorian house on a mini farm in the Pacific Northwest with their children, four cats, an old chestnut Arabian gelding, an energetic mini-Aussie shepherd, several rabbits, a dozen chickens and an out-of-control herb garden. When she isn't writing, reading, watching movies (her favories include Stardust, Indiana Jones, Back to the Future, Lost Boys and too many others and the television series Supernatural) she's usually having tea with her friends, volunteering at the school or outside enjoying the flowers. If you're curious to know more, you can always find her website online, or visit with her on Twitter and FaceBook.

Theresa is offereing one signed copy to one lucky US winner! To enter please leave a comment with a way to contact you!

+1 for new or old Followers
+1 if you spread the word in any way!

Quickie Review: The Duff by Kody Keplinger

2011-03-12T19:21:00.002-06:00

If you haven't picked this one up yet I say "Do it now!" I really adored this story and everything that came along with it. I thought it was honest and real and I felt familiar with the main character. It's wonderfully written and I think it's basically just awesome!

About The Book:

(From Goodreads)

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “the Duff,” she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren’t so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

**Guest Post from Alayna Williams: Author of Rogue Oracle

2011-03-08T05:00:00.002-06:00

Today we welcome Alayna Williams, author of Dark Oracle and Rogue Oracle, two fabulous books! Grab your coffee and sit back with us for a few! My apologies for not having it up sooner! Yikes! It's Mardi Gras day and I guess I'm uber distracted!

Facing Fears: The Tower
by Alayna Williams

I wrote both Dark Oracle and Rogue Oracle with a deck of cards at hand – much like my heroine, Tara Sheridan, a criminal profiler who uses Tarot cards to solves crimes. Whenever I get stuck on a character or plot point, I shuffle the cards and pull out one at random. More often than not, I can find something in the symbolism of the image that captures my imagination and propels my writing forward.

When I was developing the outline for Rogue Oracle, there was one card that haunted me more than any other. One card that kept coming up whenever I shuffled the deck and spread the cards out before me: The Tower. The Tower depicts a disintegrating structure at night, struck by lightning, from which two people fall. The traditional meaning of the card has to do with old ways of life collapsing and a new order taking its place. It's about destruction, an event after which nothing is ever the same again.

There was always something about the Tower that bothered me, that frightened me on a deep, subconscious level. Something distantly familiar. I looked at its image in several other decks before I realized what it symbolized to me for this story: the disaster at Chernobyl, almost twenty-five years ago.

One of my childhood fears was Chernobyl. I was in middle school when the news reports began to filter in that something terrible had happened in Europe...that a Soviet reactor had melted down, breached containment in fire and invisible poison. The Ukraine seemed a thousand worlds away. And I was less than a bystander, an ordinary kid on an ordinary street in the U.S.

But something about the story captivated and frightened me. I remember seeing some pictures of Chernobyl on the news, of an industrial plant not quite so different than those plants that surrounded me where I grew up where my dad worked. And seeing fire. And the rumors about plumes of poison moving over Europe, unstoppably.

It made me shudder. I remember that my mother turned off the television when we were in the room.

But the story of Chernobyl - of the people who died immediately in the fire, those who died after of horrible cancers, of secrets and something invisible that could kill more effectively than an army - it seemed to seep into the minds of the adults. I remember that my class was shown a film about radiation in the school library. I don't remember what it was called, but I remember that it was pretty graphic. It talked a lot about Hiroshima. Poisoned radioactive organs in jars. A man in a perfectly pristine white T-shirt who was covered in radiation burns. Almost a supernatural horror - more terrifying than the books about the making of classic Dracula and Frankenstein movies that we were reading.

It did give me nightmares. And I think many of the other kids.

And I guess that it never did completely dislodge from my memory. The black shape of the containment structure, the Sarcophagus, reminds me so much of the shadowy tower in all its supernatural power.

And because it scared me, I knew that this was the concept to pursue. I would put my heroine on the trail of a Chernobyl survivor who was selling old nuclear secrets on the international black market. I would take her to the place that I dimly remembered from old television footage, now sharpened by research. I made Tara walk through the tall grasses and stand before the Sarcophagus. I'd let her feel the prickle of radiation on her skin, taste the metallic tang of the rain, let her see the bird's nests wedged into the splitting seams of the structure.

I made her stand in the shadow of the Tower, the closest thing I could connect to such a fearsome symbol in the real world.

And...it does still scare me.

About Rogue Oracle:
(From Author's website)

The more you know about the future, the more there may be to fear.Tara Sheridan is the best criminal profiler around - and the most unconventional. Trained as a forensic psychologist, Tara also specializes in Tarot card reading. But she doesn't need her divination skills to realize that the new assignment from her friend and sometime lover, Agent Harry Li, is a dangerous proposition in every way.Former Cold War operatives, all linked to a top-secret operation tracking the disposal of nuclear weapons in Russia, are disappearing. There are no bodies, and no clues to their whereabouts. Harry suspects a conspiracy to sell arms to the highest bidder. The cards - and Tara's increasingly ominous dreams - suggest something darker. Even as Tara sorts through her feelings for Harry and her fractured relationships with the mysterious order known as Delphi's Daughters, a killer is growing more ruthless by the day. And a nightmare that began decades ago in Chernobyl will reach a terrifying endgame that not even Tara could have foreseen…

Here are the rest of the tour stops:

March 9 Guest Author at Just Viewshttp://www.justviews.net/
March 10 Interview and Giveaway Book of Secretshttp://bookofsecretsblog.com/
March 11 Interview at JoJo's Book Cornerhttp://jojosbookcorner.blogspot.com/
March 14 Review & Giveaway at Michelle's Book Bloghttp://michellesramblins.blogspot.com/
March 14—SOS Alohahttp://sosaloha.blogspot.com/
March 16 Interview at A Buckeye Girl Readshttp://lovesromances.blogspot.com/
March 17 Guest blog at Pearls Cast Before a McPighttp://mcpigpearls.blogspot.com/
March 25 Interview at Vampire Wirehttp://www.vampirewire.blogspot.com/

**Review: Rogue Oracle by Alayna Williams

2011-03-08T04:30:00.002-06:00

I loved the first book and was equally excited to read this one! I'm so glad that I did! Alayna once again did a great job with her story.

I love her character building because it seems there is always one more layer or bit of depth to each one. They don't get boring for me.

Of course her plot building is also excellent and there is a surprise around every corner.

If you're an Urban Fantasy fan and you haven't checked out this series yet then I suggest trying it out!

About The Book:

(From Author's Website)

Review: Lessons From Stanley The Cat by Jennifer Freed

2011-03-07T08:00:00.000-06:00

Today's review is a little book called Lessons From Stanley The Cat! While it is a "small book" it has some much needed advice about some of the big things in life...and the not so big things. It was enjoyable to read and full of humor. I enjoyed it and think this would make a great gift....especially for the cat lover.

About The Book:

Seduction is just the practice of artful stretching.

Never let people know how fast you are.

Appear slow in all things, and less is expected of you.

When someone is on the computer too long, help them by distracting them, or walk lightly on their keyboard.

So advises Stanley, a remarkably astute cat with a keen eye for the important things in life. Perhaps you don’t have time for yoga, can’t afford therapy, or wouldn’t dare cry to mother. If so, let Stanley be your guide. Lessons from Stanley the Cat offers wise and witty maxims from Stanley himself, translated by his doting psychotherapist (human) parent, Jennifer Freed. Whether you’re a cat lover or prefer companions of the canine variety, Stanley’s warmth and insight are sure to brighten even the grayest days.

About The Author:

For more than 25 years, Jennifer Freed, Ph.D., has been a licensed marriage and family counselor, group psychotherapist and educator. She was the Clinical Director at PACIFICA GRADUATE INSTITUTE, one of the country’s leading centers for depth psychology, where she continues to serve as a professor and workshop leader.Dr. Freed is a recognized expert on behavioral matters such as teen bullying, character development, marriage and family relationships, and diversity issues. She has provided thousands with the practical tools to compassionately reassess personal behaviors and make significant life changes.
National media appearances include GOOD MORNING AMERICA, NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO, ABC NEWS, FOX NEWS, SIRRIUS RADIO, AIR AMERICA, USA TODAY, DISNEY.COM, LIFESCRIPT.COM, and others. Jennifer Freed currently hosts the popular radio program FREED UP! on Voice America.
Jennifer Freed is the co-founder/director of the highly successful teen program called THE ACADEMY OF HEALING ARTS (AHA!), which serves more than 1000 families annually in the state of California. AHA! is dedicated to the development of character, imagination, emotional intelligence, and social conscience in teenagers , while helping them set goals, support their peers, and serve their community. For The Academy of Healing Arts, Dr. Freed created the educational book series “BECOME YOUR BEST SELF”, which includes workbooks on Relationship Wisdom, Character, Compassion and Creative Expression, targeted to teens and young adults.

In addition to the workbook series, Dr. Freed has published THE ULTIMATE PERSONALITY GUIDE, a popular interactive guidebook for understanding personality typologies. Her latest book published by Penguin, LESSONS FROM STANLEY THE CAT: Nine Lives of Everyday Wisdom, inspired by a beloved feline friend, has received rave reviews. To learn more about Stanley, please visit stanleythecat.com.

Dr. Freed is the recipient of the 2009 Santa Barbara’s Local Heroes Award and THE HOPE AWARD from Sierra Tucson Treatment Center, in recognition of her innovative curriculum for high school teenagers, which led to a 75% reduction in school suspensions. The Academy of Healing Arts was just awarded YOUTH PROGRAM OF THE YEAR by the City of Santa Barbara in 2010 and AHA! is also the recipient of the 2010 Southern California Teen Coalition Teenie Award in the category of Be the Change Award – this category recognizes youth/teen groups/organizations that are working to help teens make a difference in the world or in their community by projects, activities or personal changes that actually make tangible differences. The membership of the SCTC is about 500 strong with about 70 or more agencies represented.
She also was the founder of the statewide program called THE MEDIA PROJECT which worked with teens to produce media products for the prevention of drugs and violent offenses.
Additionally, Jennifer is a renowned psychological astrologer with thousands of clients all over the country and the world. She is the director of Astrological Counseling Seminars which has provided classes to over a thousand students. She has also maintained a clinical practice in Santa Barbara serving individuals, couples, and families for 26 years.

You can visit her website at www.jenniferfreed.com.

I'm baaaaaack! From vacation that is...

2011-03-05T14:36:00.002-06:00

We had a great vacation and now I'm playing the catch up game. I'm trying to reply to all emails ASAP but if I haven't replied to yet and you need to talk to me please feel free to email me again.

I'm busy working on a TOP SECRET project and my Animal Month project so I haven't been online very much everyday. Don't forget...if you want to participate in the pet project there is still time!

Dual Review: Prophecy Of The Sisters and Guardian Of The Gate

2011-03-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

I liked these. I'll admit that it did take me awhile to get into it but once I was in I enjoyed it. In my personal opinion you MUST read both books. You won't be able to understand the second unless you read the first. Which is okay of course, because it is a series.

If you enjoy YA set in a "historical" type setting then you may want to check this one out if you haven't yet.

Guest Post and Giveaway from Author Rob Tobin: God Wars: Living With Angels Book 1

2011-02-28T08:00:00.001-06:00

Hi, my name is Rob Tobin. I'm a Canadian novelist, screenwriter, non-fiction book author, and speaker, living and writing full-time in Huntington Beach, southern California with my wife Leslie and goofy-but-loveable dog Shackobe. I want to thank Kris and all her wonderful blog readers for giving me the distinct privilege of doing a guest blog here today.

Doing these kind of guest blogs is always a bit of a tightrope walking act, because the reason I'm here is that I'm on a blog tour to promote my upcoming e-novel, "God Wars: Living with Angels," book one of the "God Wars" trilogy, an urban fantasy, available on March 1 from Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and Omnilit.com. There, you see, just in explaining why I'm here I've become a crass pitchman, lol. I feel as if I should be hawking Shamwows -- which actually sell better than most books do anyway.

Kris very kindly gave me what she called "creative freedom" to blog about whatever I wanted to here today, and what I'd like to chat about is the genre of urban fantasy, and the process of writing a book in this genre. First, let's define that genre: it's fantasy that takes place in a modern setting, whereas traditionally fantasy has been set in alternate worlds or in the past.

Reading fiction of any kind involves putting oneself into the hero's shoes, whether a tragedy (where the hero succumbs) or a non-tragic story (where the hero overcomes and triumphs), but none so much as urban fantasy. Fantasy in general represents the ultimate wish fulfillment, the reader living vicariously through the hero in ways that are impossible in the normal physical universe, and of course today there is no genre as hot as fantasy, especially YA fantasies such as "Twilight" and "Harry Potter," which have sold hundreds of millions of copies. Urban fantasy goes even further than "regular" fantasy, because it brings the impossibility and limitlessness and wish fulfillment of fantasy into our every day lives, into OUR world, not just some parallel sword and sorcery world or into some past setting. This is not our father's fantasy story, it's OURS.

That, you see is the key to the genre: it gives us the ability to fulfill dreams that life itself might not give us -- that are, in fact, so amazingly wonderful that they go beyond the realities of life, of physics, of facts and figures and hard truths. And, it does so in our world, in a way we can identify with even more closely than when watching this kind of magic take place in castles and societies of the past, or in alien or alternate worlds. The authors are not just bringing us into a world of magic, they are bringing magic into our world. You can't get much more enjoyable than that, and that is why the genre is so amazingly successful.

This is also why I wrote "God Wars: Living with Angels," which is about a young woman in today's world, who is drawn into witchcraft by a sinister figure posing as one of her law professors, and she develops magical powers that allow her to avenge herself against the "bad people" of the world around her, including the gangbanger who paralyzed her, putting her into a wheelchair and killing her parents. This is one of the ultimate wish fulfillment scenarios, especially because it is set in our world, so that the "bad people" are people we recognize and even have to deal with occasionally in our lives. And how often do these people get their comeuppance? Not often enough. Sometimes never. But in fantasy, urban fantasy especially, we get to emerge triumphant vicariously through the hero's triumphs, and in a setting and against opponents so deliciously familiar to us.

Urban fantasy, then, is a bit like country music -- it's not Bach, but it's fun, it's ours, and it tells stories we can identify with far more than most of us can identify with, say, opera or huge, inaccessible and brilliantly complex classical music. In the end, then, fantasy and urban fantasy is a guilty pleasure and the really nice thing about it is that it contains absolutely no calories, cholesterol, transfats or carcinogenic substances!

Enjoy your fantasies, then, and don't worry, you don't have to work it off on the stair master afterward! And don't worry -- unlike those "other" fantasies, you don't really have to feel guilty about them, lol.

Thanks Kris, and to you blog readers, for letting me discuss the urban fantasy genre, and I hope to come back here sometime to see you all again.

Best,
Rob Tobin"God Wars: Living with Angels," available on Amazon.com on March 1.

Giveaway:

Rob is offering one lucky winner a copy of his ebook. If you would like to enter please leave a comment or question for Rob!
-ends March 10th

Quickie Review: The Time Pirate by Ted Bell

2011-02-25T08:00:00.000-06:00

Loved this action packed MG/YA book. It was a great follow up to the first and defenitely a good pick for those reluctant boy readers. It's action packed and fun!

About The Book:

(From Goodreads)

A thrilling sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller Nick of Time in which the young time traveler Nick McIver must prove his courage once more, on two fronts: in World War II era England, where Nazis have invaded his homeland, and in America during the Revolution, where Nick stands shoulder to shoulder with General George Washington. It’s 1940 and the Nazis are invading Nick’s beloved home, the British Channel Islands. So Nick takes to the skies in an old World War I fighter plane he discovers in an abandoned barn. Determined to learn to fly, he is soon risking life and limb to photograph armed German mine layers and patrol boats, and executing incredibly perilous bombing raids over Nazi airfields by night. Meanwhile, the evil pirate, Captain Billy Blood, still desperate to acquire Nick’s time machine, returns to Greybeard Island. He kidnaps Nick’s sister, Kate, and transports her back to Port Royal, Jamaica, in the year 1781, leaving Nick a message that if he wants to see her alive again, he must come to Jamaica and make an even swap: Kate’s life for Nick’s wondrous time machine. Traveling back in time, Nick discovers a plot that threatens to change the outcome of the American Revolution. Disguised as an eighteenth-century cabin boy, he travels to the Caribbean and confronts his old enemy, who has assembled the world’s largest pirate armada. From the battlefields of the New World to the brutal German occupation of English soil in World War Two, The Time Pirate has Nick McIver fighting once again to defend his country, the outcome of two wars resting on his young shoulders.

Review copy: Mine

Review: Love Of A Stonemason by Christa Polkinhorn

2011-02-24T08:00:00.001-06:00

This was a tale of loss, love, and life told beautifully by Christa. The characters are a touching blend of imperfect and real.

The author's attention to detail is impecable and makes you feel as if you are traveling along with Karla and Andreas. It's one of those books to take you away.

I loved Christa's smooth writing style and ability to make me feel emotional throughout the story.

If you are looking for a tale that has a realistic representation of life and love then you may want to check his one out.

About The Book:

The young painter, Karla Bocelli, is no stranger to loss. When she was five years old, her mother died in a car crash in the south of Switzerland. Her Peruvian father lives at the other end of the world, and a year ago, her aunt and guardian passed away. Now, at age twenty-four, Karla almost gets hit by a speeding car. As if this wasn't fateful enough, Andreas, the driver, turns out to be a sculptor and carver of tombstones. In spite of his profession, Andreas is anything but morbid. Quick-tempered and intense, he exudes a rough-and-tumble energy. After a tumultuous start of their relationship, Karla comes to see in Andreas the "rock in her life," the perfect antidote to her fears of abandonment and bouts of depression. Andreas, however, wrestles with his own ghosts: an alcoholic father who abused him as a child and his own fits of anger. Together, the two artists must confront the demons that haunt them. Love of a Stonemason is a story about the struggle of two artists with their past, their family, their creativity, and their love for each other. Told from the point of view of Karla, it depicts the world through her painter's sensibility. It takes the reader on a journey full of sights, smells, tastes, and sounds from the south of Switzerland to Italy and the Peruvian Andes.

Review copy provided by author. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Dual Review: Cara Mia and The Twilight Of The Gods by Denise Verrico

2011-02-23T08:00:00.000-06:00

If you're looking for something different in your vampire books then this is a good place to start. Denise Verrico spins an original tale on vampires...something unexpected and exciting!

She has attention to detail and creates interesting multi-dimensional characters in her stories. Both Mia and Kurt are wonderful characters who make you want to root for them as they find their way through the many tials they have to face.

There are twists and turns, love, and unexpected events that keep you on your toes and keep you entertained. I enjoyed it!

About Cara Mia:
(from Goodreads)

Vampires Mia and Kurt become involved in a deadly mission to harness the power of immortality. Mia Disantini is a vampire whose greatest desire is to walk in the sun again. She is enslaved by her charismatic master, Ethan, and plunged into an ancient, unenlightened Immortyl culture. As Mia struggles for the freedom to live as she chooses, she is trained as Ethan's Bird of Prey. Soon she becomes the pawn of their powerful, enigmatic elder, Brovik, in his deadly games of deception and intrigue against his rival, Gaius, concerning their forbidden science experiments. When Mia is cast out by Ethan she joins forces with Kurt, and together the lovers steal fire from the gods and deliver it to Genpath Laboratories. The company CEO Lee Brooks deceives and imprisons the pair. While held captive, Mia calls upon the aid of Dr. Joe Ansari. The couple is hunted for their crime and time is running out. Will Mia and Kurt escape with their lives and succeed in their mission before their Immortyl enemies harness the power of immortality for evil purposes?

About Twilight Of The Gods:
(From Goodreads)

Vampire lovers Mia and Kurt are on the run from their Forbidden Science rival Gaius Lupus.
After narrowly escaping the implosion of Genpath Laboratories, Immortyls Mia Disantini and Kurt Eisen go into hiding in a place they think is safe. All too soon they are discovered, and Kurt is captured by Gaius.When he's rescued with the aid of feral child and teen vampires known as sewer rats, Mia witnesses first-hand the charismatic spell her lover casts over these would-be revolutionaries, who vow to join Kurt in his mission to bring down the house of Gaius.Meeting obstacles to government funding to support the research that will one day allow them to walk in the sun, Kurt builds his forces. Mia navigates the minefield of rat politics, where she is distressed to be shunted into the background; viewed merely as an overly ambitious concubine who stands between the beloved "Loki" and his followers. One in particular-the oddly timid but beautiful Arturo, who threatens to sever the deep bond between Mia and Kurt.Will Kurt and Mia defeat Gaius's brutal attacks and realize their dream of a cure for their condition? Will the new order they establish survive betrayal from within? And...will their love adapt to the challenge of a third partner?

Review copy provided by publisher. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Review: In Dreams Begin by Skyler White

2011-02-22T08:00:00.000-06:00

At first I was expecting one thing and then was totally surprised by what actually came to be.

This is not your average paranormal, fit into a mold book. It has extreme depth and emotion that will leave you entwined in the story and not wanting to put it down.

Skyler has written a thought provoking piece of work that will leave you asking deep questions about love, life, and how far that love can go.

It's not a book that you can speed read...you have to soak it in and take your time. You'll get caught up in these characters before you know it.

I loved it!

About The Book:
(from Goodreads)

n a Victorian Ireland of magic, poetry, and rebellion, Ida Jameson, an amateur occultist, reaches out for power-but captures Laura Armstrong, a modern-day graphic artist, instead. When Ida channels Laura into the body of celebrated beauty and Irish freedom-fighter Maud Gonne, Laura falls in love with the young poet W. B. Yeats. Their love affair entwines with Irish history and weaves through Yeats' poetry- until Ida discovers something she wants more than magic in the subterranean spaces between Laura's time and her own. With Laura's Irish past threatening her orderly present, she and Yeats must find a way to make their love last over time, in changing bodies...or lose each other forever.

About The Author:
(from Goodreads)

Skyler White crafts challenging fiction for a changing world. Populated with angels and rock stars, scientists, demons and revolutionaries, her dark stories explore the secret places where myth and modernity collide.

Review copy provided by publisher. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Feature: teen YA author Paige Agnew!

2011-02-21T08:00:00.002-06:00

About The Author:

Paige wrote her first book, Starless Sky at age 15 and published it in January of 2010. Starless Sky was birthed during the time of grief and loss while Paige was in the 8th grade.

Paige loves to know that she can speak words of life through writing that brings entertainment, escape, or healing to readers. She can write words that make readers cry, laugh, exclaim with excitement, or stay up all night wondering what happens in the end. Her sense of humor and from the heart personality shines through her writing.

She was born in Michigan. Her compassion and sense of humor is in all of her writings. When Paige is not writing, she enjoys sports, dancing, singing, playing the piano, reading and attending her brother's college football games. In addition, spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Tigger are important to her. She is also actively involved in her church and community.

Visit Paige Agnew's website http://paigeagnew.com

About The Book:

Life is funny sometimes. Little kids drop ice cream cones, people in general often run in to screen doors, there's even the occasional moment when one might trip going up the stairs. Kahlen could expect those things, deal with them even. But what she didn't expect, not even in her wildest, horrific nightmares, that just as something so terrible could happen, something so wonderful could follow after it.

When Kahlen Thomas has a difficult time dealing with the lost of her best and only friend, she has hopes that the new boy at school, Kennley Morgan, will be the perfect distraction from her pain. She slowly realizes that Kennley doesn't as much distract her from her problems as much as he adds to them because of his own interesting past.

Review: Wanted Undead Or Alive by Jonathan Maberry and Janice Bashman

2011-02-18T08:00:00.000-06:00

If you are like me and love all things creepy and scary that go bump in the night then you must add this one to the TBR pile! It's educational...yes people I said educational; but in that morbid curiosity way.

Want to know about pulp fiction, the Lizzie Borden rhyme, or maybe RPG's? This book has got it all and can tell you about nearly every horror realated thing or the origin of it.

It's a seriously enjoyable read that I think you should check out if you want to find something far away from romance and fluffy bunnies...oh and it has some cool pictures!

About The Book:

(from Amazon)

These days you can-t swing an undead lycanthrope without hitting a Minion of Evil. They-re everywhere-TV, film, the basement-right behind you! It-s never been more important to know what you can do to keep them at bay. Garlic? silver bullets? holy water? torch-wielding mob?

From today-s foremost experts on nightmares-come-to-life, this indispensible guide identifies and describes mankind-s enemies-supernatural beasts, ghosts, vampires, serial killers, etc.-and unearths effective time-proven responses to each horrific threat.

Separate fact from fiction, the deadly from the merely creepy.

Learn when to stand your ground and when to run screaming for your life.

Determine which monster-specific heroes to call and their likelihood of success.

Consider your own potential as a Champion for Good, Conqueror of the Damned.

Whether we-re talking ancient vampire hunters or modern-day FBI profilers, it-s good to know someone-s got your back in the eternal struggle between Good and Evil. And this book, with over fifty illustrations, as well as commentary from luminaries like filmmaker John Carpenter, author Peter Straub, and the legendary Stan Lee, provides all the information and reassurance you need to sleep soundly at night. Just not too soundly.

With 8 pages of color art

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Citadel (September 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0806528214
ISBN-13: 978-0806528212

Review Copy: Author

**I received no monetary compensation for this post. All opinions are my own.

Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner....

2011-02-17T11:55:00.003-06:00

Ok so it's not chicken dinner but you have won a book! If you see your name here please email me @ ksg_amg(at)yahoo.com with your mailing addy so your prizes can go on their way!

Books With Love Hop!

Linda Kish

Bloody Valentine

SophTheWriter

An Unexpected Evening and Swag Pack

Danielle Gorman

Darklands

Print copy- Ek0O724

Ebook- BJ (I already have your email)

Review and Blog Tour: Dreams Of A Dark Warrior by Kresley Cole

2011-02-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

Seriously people...Kresley Cole is just an awesome writer. Her books always make me swoon. This story of the "star crossed lovers" was a total winner for me.

The Immortals After Dark Series has always rocked my world so I had been looking forward to this one. Sometimes I worry when I get excited that I'll end up being dissapointed. Not the case!

The plot twist is great and these characters are just spectacular. I love Regin and well; Aidan/Declan...gotta love the bad boys. We always want to straighten them out. *shrug*

If you're a fan of this series (or even if you've never read it) defenitely check this one out!

About The Book:

(From Amazon)

HE VOWED HE’D COME FOR HER . . .

Murdered before he could wed Regin the Radiant, warlord Aidan the Fierce seeks his beloved through eternity, reborn again and again into new identities, yet with no memory of his past lives.

SHE AWAITS HIS RETURN . . .

When Regin encounters Declan Chase, a brutal Celtic soldier, she recognizes her proud warlord reincarnated. But Declan takes her captive, intending retribution against all immortals—unaware that he belongs to their world.

TO SATE A DESIRE MORE POWERFUL THAN DEATH . . .

Yet every reincarnation comes with a price, for Aidan is doomed to die when he remembers his past. To save herself from Declan’s torments, will Regin rekindle memories of the passion they once shared—even if it means once again losing the only man she could ever love?

Book Info:

Mass Market Paperback: 528 pages
Publisher: Pocket (February 15, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439136807
ISBN-13: 978-1439136805

Review Copy: Publisher

About Kresley Cole:

(from Amazon)

KRESLEY COLE is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the vastly popular Immortals After Dark paranormal series. Two IAD novels—A Hunger Like No Other and Kiss of a Demon King —won the RITA Award for Best Paranormal Romance, and Kiss of a Demon King topped the New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. Kresley Cole has also written five award-winning historical romances.

A master’s grad in English and former competitive athlete, Kresley lives in Florida with her husband and far too many pets.

Visit her website at www.kresleycole.com

**Review copy provided by publisher. I received no monetary comp. for this post. All opinons are my own.

Review and Blog Tour: The Kensei by Jon F. Merz

2011-02-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

This book really has it all! Vampires, paranormal elements, ninjas, humor, and gusto! I REALLY enjoyed it and found it to be a fast paced read with the right amount of action, drama, and of course some kick butt martial arts.

This is one that the man or woman in your life can read and find enjoyable. It has a great balance for all. You'll be pulled into this one and flipping pages to find out what happens next.

This is book 5 in a series but I'll say that it can certainly stand alone. I haven't read the first four but I think I'll be searching for them soon.

I'll say that I think Lawson is awesome! (I rhymed!)

About The Book:

(From Publisher website)

Meet Lawson. A cynical, wise-cracking vampire charged with protecting the Balance between vampires and humans, he is part cop, part spy, and part commando -- James Bond with fangs. Lawson mixes shrewd cunning with unmatched lethality to get his job done. He tries his best to dismantle conspiracies, dispatch bad guys, and live long enough to get home. In The Kensei, a battle-weary Lawson heads to Japan for a little rest and some advanced ninja training. But he no sooner steps off the plane than lands in the midst of a Yakuza turf war orchestrated by a shadowy figure known as the Kensei. With the help of Talya, a former KGB-assassin, Lawson must put a stop to the Kensei’s organ trafficking networks, prevent the creation of an army of vampire-human hybrids, and save his own skin in the process.

About The Author:

(From Pub website)

Jon F. Merz is a writer with over a dozen published novels, a producer for New Ronin Entertainment and a trained black belt ninja. He has taught defensive tactics to civilian crime watch groups, police, military units, and agencies like the US Department of State, the Department of Justice, and the Bureau of Prisons. In his past, Jon served with the United States Air Force, worked for the US government, and handled executive protection for Fortune 500 clients. He lives with his wife and two sons in suburban Boston. Visit his Web site at www.jonfmerz.net.

Book Info:

St. Martin's Griffin, January 2011

ISBN: 978-0-312-66223-3,

ISBN10: 0-312-66223-8,

Review Copy: Publisher

** I received NO monetary compensation for this review. All opinions are my own.

Feature and Giveaway from Author David H Burton <---awesome guy!

2011-02-15T08:00:00.001-06:00

I must tell you that I adore David! He is among one of the first authors to give me a chance when I started blogging and since I love his stuff I'm more than happy to tell all of you about him! Stay tuned after all the blurbage (I know...not a word) for a very AWESOME giveaway!

About Scourge:

(I love that cover!)

Two dads, five siblings, and goggles!

Grim Doyle has always known his life was not exactly "normal", and thingsget even more curious when he discovers a set of stones that sweep him andhis family to the fantasy, steampunk world of Verne - a place they hadescaped from years ago. Now that they've returned, Grim and his siblingshide from the evil Lord Victor and his minions. And while learning aboutJinns, Mystics, and the power of absinth they try to discover who is trying to kill them with the deadly Scourge.

****************************************
As for what I'm working on:

I have another children's novel that I'm posting live at my blog as I write it called Billy Bones: Beyond the Grave that I hope to release this summer.

********************************************

I'm also releasing a paranormal romance novel in the spring titled Broken.

(A note from me...the blogger: Go check out the blurb on this one! It sounds really good! Curses and Fey!)
*******************************************
I have a dark fantasy novel I released last year called The Second Coming which you so very kindly reviewed, to which I'm hoping to have the next book in the series out by the end of the year. I'm also trying to work in the next of the Grim Doyle series as well.

(Note from me again: Creepy book but oh so good!)

Now for the awesome giveaway!

FIVE people have the opportunity to win an electronic version (ebook) of Scourge with a dedication page, addressed tothe winner, that is autographed by me.

Here is the awesome part!!

Davidwill substitute the name of one of the minor characters in the book with the name of the winner. It makes for a unique version of the book for those that want it.

So if you want to enter please leave a way to contact you.

+1 for old or new followers

+1 if you spread the word in any way

Books With Love Hop!

2011-02-14T00:01:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone and welcome to the blog! Today is the start of the Valentine's Day Books With Love Hop put on by Once Upon A Twilight and Good Choice Reading!

For my giveaway I'll have one lucky US reader who will receive a copy of In Dreams Begin by Skyler White! It's an awesome book and my review will be coming up on it in about a week so watch for it.

Rules:

If you would like to enter please leave a comment along with a way for me to contact you. (I would use a form but I can never figure those things out! LOL!)

+1 entry if you are a follower-old or new (not needed to enter but I'd love for you to visit again!)

+1 entry if you tweet about it and add @KrisLovesBooks in your tweet

Remember that this is US only. Sorry all, but postage is expensive.

Other Stops:

Call to authors, publishers, and bloggers! We're talking animals!

2011-02-12T16:19:00.006-06:00

(photo copyright The Cajun Book Lady)

Hey Friends! I'm going to be doing a month long special later this year. I'm making a call out now to prepare for 31 days of dogs and cats on the blog. I'm looking for non-fiction and fiction with a strong animal presence. I'll consider other animal stories also!

Examples of what I've read: Stay by Allie Larkin, Oogy, Sparkle The Cat, Advice from Stanley the Cat, The Chimp Who Loved Me...

I'm looking for guest posts also! So if you want to write about your favorite animal based book, favorite animal character from a book, your animal, etc. or your an author who would like to share pics and stories of your furry/feathered/scaled pets etc. Send me an email @ ksg_amg(at)yahoo.com

P.S. If you're wondering who the cute doggie is....that's our Biscuit!

The pups wanted to say an early Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-12T12:27:00.003-06:00

I won't be online tommorrow and Monday is the Valentine's blog hop so Woofie, Biscuit, and myself would like to wish you all an early wonderful Valentine's day!

author fail....or not?

2011-02-10T08:22:00.004-06:00

Now you may be wondering why in the world I'm going there. Let me explain...it's another case of an author behaving badly. Normally I do NOT involve myself or my opinions in these things but I just can't help it this time. Read this post here if you want the back story. Be warned though...there are a lot of comments.

Now have you read it? Well let me tell you what I think. Everyone has an opinion and everyone is entitled to their opinion no matter if it is right or wrong. BUT, I think the number one lesson that should be taught to authors right off the back...don't take a review personally and certainly don't bash a whole community based on a review that was less than favorable. Majority of authors know this "rule" and generally live by it.

In my OPINION, this post managed to tee off a lot of people in the book blogging community. In that lies the problem. Book bloggers have big mouths and we say what we think. That post has now spread over the book blogging world and grown to great proportions. We all have thoughts on it because it was offensive.

To say that "Oftentimes, the people who set up these kinds of blogs have never written a thing in their lives, except maybe a grocery list." is offensive to the entire blogging world. Big, epic, Fail! For a fact, I don't even write a grocery list! I just throw things in the cart willy nilly and hope I can make a meal out of it.

Sure, I should probably keep my opinions to myself but I was pained by this authors clumping of bloggers (who have a right to their opinions just as the author does) and I feel sorry for authors in general who tend to shoot themselves in the foot.

Bloggers are not bad people. We don't get paid to do this and if someone wants to approach us to review their book then they should expect ANYTHING! Just because we are given a free book, that doesn't mean a glowing review is given.

On my blog....because it's MY blog and I do what I want with it...If I hate a book I won't blog about it. Simple as that. I'll let the author know that I'm not writing a review of it. But isn't that dishonest, you ask? Well no, I just don't want the negativity directed at me because of things like this. I will post a review if I even semi-liked a book. Just because I didn't LOVE it doesn't mean you won't LOVE it. See what I mean? If you truly can not handle criticism then don't ask for a review. Nobody beats down the doors on Kirkus, NY Times, etc when they get a bad review.

My point is this...do not bash the book blogging community. It will come back to haunt you. It is spread like a virus over the net and now there is a good chance that thousands of bloggers have seen it, commented on it, posted on their blog about it, and their thousands of readers have read about it.

So now that I've said all that I'm done. I would LOVE to get some opinions from my readers and some of the authors that I know follow this blog. What are your general thoughts on these situations?

Disclaimer: I am not a professional as you can see. I'm sure I have a ton of punctuation and grammatical errors but that is OK!

YA Review and Giveaway: Starless Sky by Paige Agnew

2011-02-09T08:00:00.001-06:00

This was a good one. It was a touching book that dealt with a difficult subject. It was interesting for me to read this one because I was fascinated by the fact that a teen wrote it. I liked seeing how a YA story was written from a YA perspective.

Paige does seem to be a descriptive writer who wants you to really know what's going on in the story. For a contemporary YA I thought it was a good and I can't wait to see this author grow over time.

About The Book:

(From Goodreads)

Life is funny sometimes. Little kids drop ice cream cones, people in general often run in to screen doors, there's even the occasional moment when one might trip going up the stairs. Kahlen could expect those things, deal with them even. But what she didn't expect, not even in her wildest, horrific nightmares, that just as something so terrible could happen, something so wonderful could follow after it.

When Kahlen Thomas has a difficult time dealing with the lost of her best and only friend, she has hopes that the new boy at school, Kennley Morgan, will be the perfect distraction from her pain. She slowly realizes that Kennley doesn't as much distract her from her problems as much as he adds to them because of his own interesting past.

About The Author:
(from The YP Publishing)

Paige wrote her first book, Starless Sky at age 15 and published it in January of 2010. Starless Sky was birthed during the time of grief and loss while Paige was in the 8th grade.

Paige loves to know that she can speak words of life through writing that brings entertainment, escape, or healing to readers. She can write words that make readers cry, laugh, exclaim with excitement, or stay up all night wondering what happens in the end. Her sense of humor and from the heart personality shines through her writing.

She was born in Michigan. Her compassion and sense of humor is in all of her writings. When Paige is not writing, she enjoys sports, dancing, singing, playing the piano, reading and attending her brother's college football games. In addition, spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Tigger are important to her. She is also actively involved in her church and community.

Visit Paige Agnew's website http://paigeagnew.com

Now for the giveaway:

-One lucky winner (in the US or Canada) will receive one copy of Paige's book!
- To enter leave a comment or question for the author along with an email that I can reach you at.
-+1 if you tweet this giveaway (please include @KrisLovesBooks in the tweet) or leave a link if you prefer
-+1 if you are a follower of the blog (old or new it doesn't matter just let me know )
-Giveaway ends on February 21st--> The day that Paige rejoins us for an interview!

**Review copy provided by author. All opinions are my own. I received NO monetary compensation for this post.

Guest post from Author Sarwat Chadda!

2011-02-08T10:21:00.002-06:00

After you read the guest post don't forget to look in the sidebar to enter the giveaway for Devil's Kiss and Dark Goddess!

Girls Who Kick Ass

Since this is the genre (feminist paranormal ass-kickers) I write it I thought I’d take this opportunity to discuss Billi SanGreal’s ancestors.

Let’s deal with the obvious question first, why is a middle-aged English bloke writing about a teenage girl? Well, why not? But apart from that it’s because I have two daughters, both already ass kickers in their own right.

Billi SanGreal is the first female to be recruited into the Knights Templar. Her job is to fight the Unholy, the supernatural evil that preys on humanity. In Devil’s Kiss she faced the Angel of Death, in Dark Goddess she fights a twenty thousand year old witch and her followers, a pack of all female werewolves. There is swordfighting. There is horror. There is tragic romance. The best things in life, I’m sure you’ll agree.

I’ve picked three female ass-kickers, one modern, one historical and one mythical. They’re the three biggest influences in creating Billi SanGreal.

1. Buffy Summers. I came to Buffy later than most.

I’d seen the movie back in the day but hadn’t watched the series until I was into my third or fourth draft of Devil’s Kiss. But Buffy casts a long shadow so I had to mention her.

I love Buffy. I love her world and Giles and Spike and the rest of the Scoobie Gang. ‘Once More with Feeling’ remains one of the best bits of tv ever. Buffy’s got the moves, the humanity, the humour. The series moved seamlessly from light comedy, to belly-laughing (spank-monkey indeed) to raw pathos. Seven series of sublime brilliance. I couldn’t compete on the humour so I thing (subconsciously at least) the tone of my books went darker to distance myself from the Buffy-verse. Buffy has plenty of dark moments, but they’re highlights against a fairly bright and hopeful world. I went bleak where the humour is the faint flicker in an otherwise grim world. That said the Holy Grail joke still makes me laugh.

2. Athene. The Greek goddess of war and wisdom.

The ultimate Daddy’s girl. Sprung from the head of Zeus armed and armoured, ready to rumble. Now that’s an entrance.

War is when we need wisdom most. A warrior has the power of life and death over the defenceless and that’s when things go wrong. Life’s a fragile thing. But such wisdom comes only with questioning, with doubt. Who’s the good guy? No-one really knows. When I wrote Dark Goddess I wanted my ‘villain’ to have an agenda that was just as pure, just as noble as Billi’s. Maybe even more so. The witch, the dark goddess, wants to save the world. Can’t get more noble than that. But to save it she needs to get rid of the thing that’s infecting it. Mankind.
To stop her Billi must kill an innocent child. Someone who’s done nothing wrong but be born at the wrong time at the wrong place. But the fate of the world turns on the smallest of lives.

3.. Boudicca. Queen of the Iceni tribes she fought the Romans and destroyed London. She’s just one of the coolest characters in British history.

Billi’s got that raw rage and passion of Boudicca. That capacity for total war. You cross her and she will unleash hell. Dark Goddess introduces us to a harsher Billi, one who’s suffered and will not be open to pain again. It’s made her tougher, but at what cost? I think the book’s as much about her making impossible choices as it is about her opening her heart again to love. Boudicca made war until she was destroyed. Her rage burned her out and all those who served alongside. I like the idea of Billi having that temptation, that capacity for self-destruction. It makes her the hero she is. I think we all have that capacity, to allow ourselves to fall into the downward spiral. It’s exciting, its powerful, but ultimately destructive and leaves nothing but ash and legends.

Guest Post from Author Staci Greason!

2011-02-07T11:15:00.004-06:00

The Last Great American Housewife by Staci Greason

Out on a Limb

One of the things I like the best about writing is digging deep to the roots of a story to uncover the strange, extraordinary and true in the life of the ordinary. To grow a book this way requires patience, diligence and the willingness to go on a journey.

When I started writing The Last Great American Housewife it wasn’t about a housewife on the verge of forty whose mother dies. It was a story about the end of the world, a group of young eco-terrorists, and one lone redwood. The first draft of the book was around four hundred pages. I gave it to my mentor, the wonderful and generous writer, Jim Krusoe. “The only character I like is the housewife,” he said. “That’s the story. Try leaving out the whole end of the world thing, too.” And so Kate, the housewife, claimed her spot as the hero. She stalked elderly women in grocery stores, skated around an affair with a college student and eventually climbed a tree by the mall to save it from destruction. The eco-terrorists were softened into college environmentalists, playing minor roles in Kate's story.

Over the course of the next six years through various day jobs, boyfriends loved and lost, moves to Colorado and back to California, I continued to peck away. At times I cried and closed the laptop only to return (of course) because what else is there to do but continue? I researched trees, drove around the San Fernando Valley and tended to Kate’s story.

When it was over, I felt depleted, happy and satisfied with the work. The next part (I mistakenly thought) was up to my agent. For a year she tried to sell the book. Finally one day she sent an email, “You’ve written the perfect book that no one wants.” She suggested that I publish an electronic version to get a little attention. Suggesting self-publishing to a novelist is like asking a gourmet chef to open a hot dog stand in his front yard. I fired her immediately. Writer friends warned, “Don’t do it,” while artist friends asked, “Why not? Musicians make their own cds. Filmmakers make their own films.”

Over the course of the next few months, I took a good hard look at myself. Was my goal to be published by New York or to share my story? I had to let go of my attachment and ego and need to be validated as a writer. That’s when I realized - Kate’s journey is about bravery.

To create anything of lasting value artists must possess a pioneering spirit. It isn’t about what anyone else says. I wasn’t ready to give up on the book. I had to do the one thing I didn’t want to – climb out on a limb.

Recently my novel The Last Great American Housewife was released as an e-book on Amazon. It’s getting good reviews, but more importantly readers are really enjoying the book. I hope Kate’s inner transformation from grief into real happiness encourages people to tend to the strange, extraordinary and true within their own ordinary lives.

Here are a few links to find out more info on Staci and her book:

http://amzn.com/B004FPZ4QG
http://staciagreason.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/#!/stacigreason
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Staci-Greason-Fan-Page/245554189548

Thanks for joining us today!

Guest Post from Author Melissa De La Cruz!

2011-02-05T18:11:00.002-06:00

Hey guys! Help me welcome Melissa De La Cruz! After reading her guest post, check on my side bar for a link to enter the giveaway for My Bloody Valentine.

Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of becoming such a big name in the YA community?

I am finding this a difficult question to answer, since the most rewarding aspect of becoming a "big name" (and like Sue Sylvester, I accept this with great false modesty J) are the usual rewards of any kind of popularity. Suddenly so many people want to be my friend, they laugh at my jokes, they invite me to parties, they think I'm really, really cool. (Which translates as, I get invited to more book fairs and conferences than ever before, and now I get sent on book tours and have a seat at the fancy publisher dinners I was never privy to in the past.)

Having been unpopular in high school, and noticing how people act around the "popular people" – the lucky few who have something everyone else wants: beauty (shiny hair, perfect teeth), or money (the BMW on the 16th birthday) or an inner self-confidence remarkable for a teenager (which usually comes from having these things), it's very strange to suddenly find myself in the "beauty bubble" since I'm still the same person, the same writer, before all the hoopla and the bestseller lists.

Being a "big name" or having sold a lot of books is rewarding as it brings a lot of validation, it says to the world: TOLD YA! I ROCK! SUCK IT UP! I used to call it "shut up" money. As in, I'm a success, so everyone can shut up now. Heh.

But to say that it is rewarding? I'm not sure. It's nice being in the bubble, certainly. There's champagne there, and god knows I love champagne. But here's a thing about bubbles—they pop. My motto has always been "Don’t Get Used To It." So for me, the most rewarding aspect of being a "big name" in the YA community is the same as when I was a nobody. The most rewarding aspect is the ability to be part of a young person's life. When I was a teen, books were the most important part of my life, I didn't have a boyfriend, but I was in love with Aragorn and Legolas, and my ideas of love were shaped by the relationships of Anne and Gilbert, Jo and the Professor, Lestat and Louis. J I wanted to move to New York because of Bright Lights, Big City and I'll Take Manhattan. Books allow you to dream, and to aspire to a different life than you are living. Books are everything. I didn't have a lot of friends, but I had a lot of books.

So when I hear from my readers, when they send emails and messages through Twitter, and create fan art, and come to my readings and tell me they want to be writers too, or that my books helped them through a hard part of school, or that my books were an escape from a difficult situation they were facing (parents' divorce, dad lost his job), it's incredibly soul-changing, and spirit-fortifying. It's certainly very rewarding to be able to reach a lot more people than I used to, as opposed to when my books would stay on the shelves for a few months and then disappear forever.

During my latest tour, a lot of the kids who came to the events weren't kids anymore. They were college kids who had started reading Blue Bloods in high school, or they were out of college and at their first jobs, some were newlyweds or first-time moms, and it's so corny—but it was so rewarding to see "my" kids grow up. Blue Bloods came out in 2006, and to know that my characters have been part of their lives for so long, that they're still invested in the story, and want to know what happens next, is just so very gratifying. I'm just unrolling a big spool of yarn here, and it just tickles me that I have an audience for all my spinning.

Review: Flip this Zombie (Living with the Dead #2) by Jesse Petersen

2011-02-05T08:30:00.000-06:00

People...If you have yet to check out Jesse Peterson then you need to get a move on. I reviewed Book 1 when it first came out and loved it. I equally LOVED Book 2. Jesse manages to bring some dark humor to the post apocolyptic world. She is a witty writer who certainly entertains her audience. If your looking for some funny zombie snark; check this series out!

About The Book:
(from Goodreads)

The Zombie Apocalypse has been good to Sarah and David. Their marriage is better than ever. They communicate well, share responsibilities, and now, they're starting a business. ZombieBusters-for all your zombie extermination needs.

There are lots of zombies and that means lots of customers...Except one of them doesn't want the zombies dead, he wants them alive and ready for experimentation. Mad scientists make for difficult clients and this time, Sarah and David might have bitten off more than they can chew.

**Review copy provided by me.

Interview and Giveaway: An Unexpected Evening by Roxanne Rhoads

2011-02-04T05:00:00.001-06:00

Joining us today is the awesome Roxanne Rhoads! I had a few questions for her so let's see what she had to say! Stay tuned to the end to find out more info about the giveaway.

1. What made you decide to write in the paranormal genre instead of (let's say) chick-lit?

Paranormal is what I read. These days almost exclusively. I've always loved books that contained paranormal elements or even the possibility of paranormal elements like the old Gothic romances set in spooky old castles and mansions.

So it was natural when I started writing fiction that I began writing in the same genres I love to read.

2. As a paranormal writer what are your feelings on the explosion of the genre and do you think it will be something that is around for a long time.

Vampire fiction has endured throughout the past three centuries starting with Carmilla and Dracula in the 19th century, moving on to Anne Rice and all the other fabulous vampire fiction of the Twentieth century, and now to the explosion of both good and bad vampire fiction of the twenty first century.

I am sure some readers will get sick of fang filled books but diehard vampire fans (like myself) will always be willing to read a new vampire book. Vampires are immortal and enduring, so seems to be our fascination with them.

3. When creating your stories....where is your favorite place to write and why?

My little writing nook is a corner of my bedroom where my computer and desk are set up facing out the window into a wooded back yard where I can stop and enjoy the scenery and watch the wildlife that frequents the area.

I often watch the birds flutter around and laugh at the neighbors cats who sometimes climb the trees trying to chase them, with no luck. If you've never seen a cat try to back down a tree, it's something not to be missed if you enjoy laughing.

Squirrels are another one of my backyard visitors that I love to watch play. Some of my feathered and furred friends have even made it into a some scenes of one of my novels I'm working on.

It's nice to have a writing area where I can have a quiet place to write while still feeling connected to the world. Writing can sometimes be a lonely profession.

4. If you had to pick a book boyfriend,from any book you've ever read or written, who would it be?

I am currently book crushing on Bryn Lyons, a sexy wizard from Kimberly Frost's Southern Witch series and Anyan Barghest from Nicole Peeler's Jane True Series.

Bryn is everything I would want in a guy- sexy, smart, gorgeous with black hair and blue eyes (my kryptonite), he's loving, supportive, and wealthy. He's the perfect guy.

Anyan is the exact opposite of Bryn in some ways. Where Bryn is sleek and putogether Anyan is rough around the edges, and he's quiet so you never know exactly what's going on with him, and he's a big muscular guy (my other kryptonite) plus there is just something so endearing about him. My only fear is that since he's a shapeshifter, he shifts into a hellhound type of dog, I would be allergic to him since I'm allergic to dogs.

Wouldn't that just be my luck? Find the perfect guy and end up allergic to him because once in awhile he turns furry.

So I guess I'll stick with Bryn- who wouldn't be something bad to be stuck to at all.

About The Author:

Story strumpet, tome loving tart, eccentric night owl...these are all words that can describe freelance writer and erotic romance author Roxanne Rhoads.

When not fulfilling one the many roles being a wife and mother of three require, Roxanne's world revolves around words...reading them, writing them, editing them, and talking about them.

About The Book:

Samuel is a centuries-old vampire who prefers to be a recluse. He is always afraid of losing control and becoming the monster he once was. Falling in love with a young witch has pushed his boundaries and pulled him out of his comfort zone.Katerina always encourages Samuel to be more open, to let loose, and to really "live" instead of only existing in the shadows.One night, he finally grants her wish . . . in ways she never imagined.

Giveaway from Roxanne:

Today I would like to offer one lucky reader a free pdf of my newest release An Unexpected Evening and an author swag pack which includes magnets, bookmarks, stickers, postcards, a button and more from me and other authors too.

Open to US Shipping only please.
-Ends Feb 14th
(And I'll add +1 entry if you spread the word in any way)

Interview and Giveaway with Donna Burgess: Darklands

2011-02-03T05:00:00.001-06:00

On her Bewitching Book Tour stop today is Donna Burgess! I had a few questions for her....and certainly agreed with some of her answers!

1.What made you decide to write in the paranormal genre instead of (let's say) chick-lit?

I’ve always been a fan of anything strange. I also love horror, so I suppose it was only nature. I appreciate some chick-lit, but I can’t seem to write with a sense of humor (although I do have a good sense of humor when I’m not on paper or monitor).

2. As a paranormal writer what are your feelings on the explosion of the genre and do you think it will be something that is around for a long time.

I think paranormal writing has always been around. It was just called other things—gothic, horror, fantasy. Think about it—Poe wrote paranormal stories. When I first started writing vampire stories, it was still lumped into the “horror” category. Now it’s either paranormal or urban fantasy, and horror is the hardcore, blood ‘n guts stuff!

3. When creating your stories....where is your favorite place to write and why?

I have a great office in our bonus room, but it has become more of an exercise area. I usually write at the kitchen table, so I can be around my kids. Otherwise, I would be running downstairs every fifteen minutes. For privacy, I plug my earphones into my ears. Then all is good.

4. If you had to to pick a book boyfriend,from any book you've ever read or written, who would it be?

I thought Michael from my book, Darklands, was a nice enough guy, but a bit too normal for my taste. If I could pick a boyfriend from any book I’ve read, I’ll go with Eric Northman!

About Donna:

Donna Burgess is an author of dark fiction and poetry who enjoys surfing, painting and has a deep affection for all things Monty Python and low-budget horror flicks. Over the past fifteen years, her fiction and poetry has appeared in genre publications such as Weird Tales, Dark Wisdom, Sybil’s Garage and others. She has been married for twenty years and has two children. Her newest releases include Darklands: a vampire’s tale (the first book in the Darklands Vampires series) and Breaths in Winter, a short story collection. Both are available in print and e-book. When she is not conjuring, she can be found surfing.

About The Book:

Halloween night, twenty years ago, college student Susan Archer watched as her beloved twin brother was brutally murdered at the hands of a stranger she invited into their home. Still haunted by the guilt of that night, Susan is now a tough but bitter cop in a nowhere town, trying as best she can to lead a normal life. When she is nearly killed during a wild shoot-out, she realizes she is not as strong as she first thought.

Fearing a breakdown, she flees the confines of her safe boyfriend and familiar surroundings to find salvation in the arms of “Deathwalker” Devin McCree—the very man who killed her brother.

But things aren’t always what they seem and she quickly realizes Devin was not the monster she originally thought, but a kind of guardian angel instead.

On the run from a crazed Nazi vampire-hunter named Kasper, she and Devin must find a way to endure the dreary urban landscape of a dying metropolis and escape Kasper’s wrath.“Darklands: a vampire’s tale” is a sexy and violent tale of survival, bloodlust and two people grasping to the edge of immortality while trying to hang on the last shreds of their humanity.

“Darklands: a vampire’s tale” is the first volume in the Darklands Vampire series.

Giveaway:

1 print copy open to US Shipping and 1 ebook copy open international

Please leave a comment with a way to contact you.
+1 to new or olf followers
+1 if you spread the word in anyway
ends 2/20

Early Review: Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton

2011-02-02T08:30:00.000-06:00

Hmmmm....what should I say about this one? I enjoyed it. I liked the characters, the setting, and the storyline. It was all enjoyable. I did have one "issue" with the book though. I'm not a "clean" reader so to speak. I can handle "rough" language and curse words. Heck, I can even curse in french....but I found that for the target age group there may have been more strong language used than necessary.

I think it's fine for the OLDER YA readers and adults like myself who like YA. I also think it fit in with the story because let's face it...this is not a "girly" fix my makeup at a sleepover type book. I'm just pointing it out for those readers that don't like strong language.

Otherwise, I liked it and enjoyed reading about places I know and have been to. I'm interested to see what happens to these characters in the future. Ari is an interesting girl with some interesting issues so I imagine that there may be more twists and turns to this story before it's all over with.

About The Book:

(From Pub Website)

Ari can't help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can't be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is.

Her search for answers uncovers just one message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it's impossible to protect herself when she doesn't know what she's running from or why she is being pursued.

She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very...different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her.

Ari won't stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed.

Simon Pulse, February 2011
Hardcover, 288 pages
ISBN-10: 144240924X
ISBN-13: 9781442409248
Grades: 9 and up

Review Copy: Publisher

Giveaway: Devil's Kiss and Dark Goddess

2011-02-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

Are you all familiar with this series? Well if not check it out because I have an awesome giveaway for you all!

Devil's Kiss
(from Goodreads)

As the youngest and only female member of the Knights Templar, Bilquis SanGreal grew up knowing she wasn't normal. Instead of hanging out at the mall or going on dates, she spends her time training as a soldier in her order's ancient battle against the Unholy. Billi's cloistered life is blasted apart when her childhood friend, Kay, returns from Jerusalem, gorgeous and with a dangerous chip on his shoulder. He's ready to reclaim his place in Billi's life, but she's met someone new: amber-eyed Michael, who seems to understand her like no one else, effortlessly claiming a stake in her heart. But the Templars are called to duty before Billi can enjoy the pleasant new twist to her life. One of the order's ancient enemies has resurfaced, searching for a treasure that the Templars have protected for hundreds of years -- a cursed mirror powerful enough to kill all of London's firstborn. To save her city from catastrophe, Billi will have to put her heart aside and make sacrifices greater than any of the Templars could have imagined.

Dark Goddess
(From Goodreads)

New enemies, new romance, and new horrors, Billi's back, and it seems like the Unholy just can't take a hint. Still reeling from the death of her best friend, Kay, Billi's thrust back into action when the Templars are called to investigate werewolf activity. And these werewolves are like nothing Bilil's seen before. They call themselves the Polenitsy - Man Killers. The ancient warrior women of Eastern Europe, supposedly wiped out centuries ago. But now they're out of hiding and on the hunt for a Spring Child -- an Oracle powerful enough to blow the volcano at Yellowstone -- precipitating a Fimbulwinter that will wipe out humankind for good. The Templars follow the stolen Spring Child to Russia, and the only people there who can help are the Bogatyrs, a group of knights who may have gone to the dark side. To reclaim the Spring Child and save the world, Billi needs to earn the trust of Ivan Romanov, an arrogant young Bogatyr whose suspicious of people in general, and of Billi in particular. Dark Goddess is a page-turning, action-packed sequel that spans continents, from England to the Russian underworld and back. This is an adventure of folklore and myth become darkly real. Of the world running out of time. And of Billi SanGreal, the only one who can save it.

About The Author:

http://www.sarwatchadda.com/

Giveaway!

Thanks to the awesome people at Puffin and Authors On The Web I'm able to offer one lucky person a copy of Book 1 and Book 2!

-open to US addy's only
-ends Feb 14th
-Please leave a comment along with a way to contact you.
- +1 if you are a follower or become a follower (not necessary to enter)
- +1 if you help to spread the word in any way (just leave a link)

Check out this contest!

2011-01-31T20:23:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to let you all know that the fabulous Ednah Walters is holding a giveaway for a signed copy of Awakened at her blog. You can check out my review here.

You can check out her blog here and enter the awesome giveaway!

Review and Giveaway: Bloody Valentine by Melissa De La Cruz

2011-01-31T11:16:00.002-06:00

I've been following the Blue Bloods series for quite sometime now so I was excited for the chance to review this one. Once again Melissa De La Cruz delivers with her familiar characters that we have grown to know and love. (or hate)

I enjoyed the short story format and it was a breeze to read through.

About The Book:
(from Goodreads)

Vampires have powers beyond human comprehension: strength that defies logic, speed that cannot be captured on film, the ability to shapeshift and more. But in matters of the heart, no one, not even the strikingly beautiful and outrageously wealthy Blue Bloods, has total control. In Bloody Valentine, bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz offers readers a new story about the love lives of their favorite vamps - the passion and heartache, the hope and devastation, the lust and longing. Combined with all the glitz, glamour, and mystery fans have come to expect, this is sure to be another huge hit in the Blue Bloods series.

Also, witness the bonding of Jack and Schuyler.

Giveaway:

Thanks to Hyperion and the folks at Authors On The Web I'm able to offer one lucky reader a copy of this book!

-US addy only
-ends Valentine's Day!
-Please leave a comment with a way to contact you.
-+1 entry if your a follower or become a follower
-+1 if you post it somewhere (including Twitter) just leave a link

**Review copy provided by publisher. All opinoins are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

My Thoughts on Shadowfever...

2011-01-29T11:08:00.002-06:00

So I finally finished reading it...I had been taking my time and savoring...phooey! I loved it of course...but I had to say I was expecting a much bigger BANG to the whole thing. I don't know why? Maybe I was expecting to much...but I still loved it! There were lots of shocking moments when secrets started to come out. I almost felt saddened when I found out that some of my favorite characters were not what they seemed. All in all though, it was another great book by Ms. Moning.

Now I'm moving on to her Highlander series. I've read one or two in the series but plan on starting it from the beginning because I LOVE me some Highlanders!

About The Book:
(from Goodreads)

“Evil is a completely different creature, Mac. Evil is bad that believes it’s good.” MacKayla Lane was just a child when she and her sister, Alina, were given up for adoption and banished from Ireland forever.

Twenty years later, Alina is dead and Mac has returned to the country that expelled them to hunt her sister’s murderer. But after discovering that she descends from a bloodline both gifted and cursed, Mac is plunged into a secret history: an ancient conflict between humans and immortals who have lived concealed among us for thousands of years.

What follows is a shocking chain of events with devastating consequences, and now Mac struggles to cope with grief while continuing her mission to acquire and control the Sinsar Dubh—a book of dark, forbidden magic scribed by the mythical Unseelie King, containing the power to create and destroy worlds.

In an epic battle between humans and Fae, the hunter becomes the hunted when the Sinsar Dubh turns on Mac and begins mowing a deadly path through those she loves. Who can she turn to? Who can she trust? Who is the woman haunting her dreams? More important, who is Mac herself and what is the destiny she glimpses in the black and crimson designs of an ancient tarot card?

From the luxury of the Lord Master’s penthouse to the sordid depths of an Unseelie nightclub, from the erotic bed of her lover to the terrifying bed of the Unseelie King, Mac’s journey will force her to face the truth of her exile, and to make a choice that will either save the world . . . or destroy it.

**Review copy: Personal copy

Hey Friends!

2011-01-25T21:04:00.003-06:00

Have you noticed that it's been quite the past few days? I have been SOOO busy since Friday. My MIL had her birthday bash for the big 5-0 and I was the decorator/photographer/head of the clean up crew! LOL! It was fun though!

On Monday I had a million things to catch up on and TODAY is my Birthday so I was shopping! Yes, I did pick up some books LOL!

But do you know what I've been doing in between that? SLOWLY savoring every word of Shadowfever! Yes, peeps...that is why I haven't been online much. I've been spending my spare seconds reading that book.

Now that I've babbled on for a while I'll let you go but we should be back to our regularly scheduled blogging on Thursday where we'll have a special guest and an awesome giveaway!

YA Review: The Seventh Blessing by Melissa Buell

2011-01-22T09:00:00.001-06:00

Loved it! Here's the thing. I totally enjoy indie authors so when I was offered this for review I was excited. It's YA and has Fairies! You can't beat that!

I completely enjoyed this fantasy and the world building that was contained within the pages. I will admit to be slighty confused at first because it's almost like a fast forward to what was going to come. But then once it "slowed" down I was totally drawn in.

I loved the main character Sam, with all her spunk and determination, she made an excellent chick! I think semi-tomboys would probably really enjoy this one.

If you like to support Indie authors then this might be one to check out. Hey...you can buy it on your Kindle for $1.99!

About The Book:
(From Amazon)

When Samantha, Princess of Mittra, discovers the fairy gifts she was blessed with are a lie, she must seek out her true gifts. On the continent of Gymandrol reside both humans and fairies but in separate kingdoms. A young fairy named Dagan discovers his magical ability and the force of that discovery rocks both the human and fairy worlds. Years later, Samantha, Princess of Mittra, discovers on her eighteenth birthday that the fairy gifts she was blessed with at birth are actually a cover up for a blunder made by two feuding fairies, she seeks out the meaning of her true gifts. THE SEVENTH BLESSING follows Sam's discovery as to who she really is while learning to use her "boyish" blessings wisely. Sam uses her true blessings to help a friend in need which leads to her secretly entering the competition circuit of a knight, disguising her princess identity using fairy magic. Her feisty spirit and sharp tongue create problems when she becomes reintroduced to Nolan, Prince of Lagola, her archenemy from childhood, who is also on the tournament circuit. Samantha and Nolan discover the evil fairy, Dagan, still lives and must battle him in an ultimate test of bravery and skill.

Product Details:
Review Copy: Author
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (December 2, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 145631260X
ISBN-13: 978-1456312602

Review: Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

2011-01-21T09:00:00.000-06:00

Well yet again I wanted to beat Patch and hug him all at the same time. At least I didn't want to throw the book at the wall this time. *shrug* I do love Becca's writing and story-telling skills and I of course, loved this book.

The craziness contained in these pages kept me guessing the whole time and shocked me at the end. If you haven't picked up Hush, Hush and Crescendo yet, then I recommend that you get a move on. I personally can't wait to see where this story goes next.

About The Book:
(From Pub Site)

Nora should have know her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home. The farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn't answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine?

Read more:Browse Inside Crescendo

Product Details
Review Copy: Publisher
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, October 2010
Hardcover, 432 pages
ISBN-10: 1416989439
ISBN-13: 9781416989431
Grades: 9 and up

How do you organize your shelves?

2011-01-20T08:30:00.002-06:00

My dear book-loving, fellow reading obsessed friends....how do you organize your books?

Right now I have one bookshelf that is literally crammed to spilling over and piles all over the floor and misc. areas.

I have an empty bookshelf and plan on getting another. The reason for insane piles is because we are doing some rearranging of furniture. Perfect time to reorganize the bookshelves, wouldn't you say?

So...do you organize by genre, author's last name, etc. I'm thinking I might do it library style and go alphabetically but I'm not sure yet. What say you, lovely readers?

Review: And One Last Thing by Molly Harper

2011-01-19T09:00:00.000-06:00

This was such a great book and it was fun to read. Molly Harper created a great character with Lacey, one that I only could have aspired to be like in my past. I loved her strength and tenacity!

The story itself was a light read and I was done with it before I even realized it! I defenitely want to see more of the secondary characters in this one.

About The Book:
(from Publisher website)

Lacey Terwilliger's shock and humiliation over her husband's philandering prompt her to add some bonus material to Mike's company newsletter: stunning Technicolor descriptions of the special brand of "administrative support" his receptionist gives him. The detailed mass e-mail to Mike's family, friends, and clients blows up in her face, and before one can say "instant urban legend," Lacey has become the pariah of her small Kentucky town, a media punch line, and the defendant in Mike's defamation lawsuit.

Her seemingly perfect life up in flames, Lacey retreats to her family's lakeside cabin, only to encounter an aggravating neighbor named Monroe. A hunky crime novelist with a low tolerance for drama, Monroe is not thrilled about a newly divorced woman moving in next door. But with time, beer, and a screen door to the nose, a cautious friendship develops into something infinitely more satisfying.

Lacey has to make a decision about her long-term living arrangements, though. Should she take a job writing caustic divorce newsletters for paying clients, or move on with her own life, pursuing more literary aspirations? Can she find happiness with a man who tells her what he thinks and not what she wants to hear? And will she ever be able to resist saying one . . . last . . . thing?

Review: The Haunting Of Josie by Kay Hooper

2011-01-18T09:00:00.005-06:00

I adored this one! It has just a touch of paranormal but not enough to call it a "paranormal romance." Let's call it "old school" LOL! I also love that it was a "sweet" story. There isn't much in the way of explicit scenes between the two main characters so it was a refreshing story. I thought the characters were great...including the cat! The cover makes it appear to be a scary story but it really isn't. It reminded me of a story like Jennifer Crusie's Maybe This Time.

Now it is an older book that was originally pubbed in 1994 and re-issued in 2008 so you might have to look around a little bit if you want it. I enjoyed it so much that I ordered another of Kay Hooper's books called Haunting Rachel. I think it'll be good!

About The Book:
(From Amazon)

Before writing such New York Times bestselling thrillers as Blood Dreams and Sleeping with Fear, Kay Hooper made her mark with novels uniquely blending romance and suspense. In this new edition of The Haunting of Josie, Hooper brings together the themes that have remained at the heart of all her work—passion, danger, and a touch of the paranormal—in this classic story of a woman haunted by the past and tempted by a man too irresistible to trust.…

Josie Douglas came to the isolated country cottage with her research, a good alibi, and a gun. She hoped that she’d have enough time to unravel the facts behind the tragedy that years before shattered her life. Instead she found herself in a house haunted by its own dark history. A series of strange coincidences, a ghostly visitor, and a mysterious brass key provide Josie with tantalizing clues to a mystery that keeps her guessing at every turn. As does Marc Westbrook—a landlord who embodies the meaning of the term drop-dead gorgeous. Soon she’ll have to trust him with the secret that drove her into seclusion—a secret that has already cost one man she loved his life.

New Blogger Spotlight! Two Chicks On Books!

2011-01-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

Two Chicks On Books is a new blog on the block so wanted to introduce you to them and get the word out about their site. I really enjoy their reviews so I hope you'll check them out!

1. Tell us a little bit about your blog and what genres ya'll like to review.

Jaime- I read anything really but I'm really into YA, Paranormal Romance, and Sci-FI so that's what I've been reviewing the most of lately. That's why we started the blog to show our love of books.

Patricia- We started this blog as a way to show our love of reading.

2. What made you decide to start blogging?

Jaime- I'm on twitter, facebook, and goodreads and I have tons of blogger friends. I was sitting there reading a review from one of them and I just thought hey I could be doing this. So I asked Patricia if she'd be interested and she said she was. The rest is history :)

Patricia -I honestly had never thought of it. Jaime approached me with the idea of it and I decided why not? So here we are and I must say that I am happy with the experience so far. I've never thought that I'd be blogging about anything.

3. Tell us a little bit about youselves.
Jaime-I'm 34 years old I live in Sacramento, CA. I'm a hairdresser but I quit my job to take care of my grandmother who has terminal cancer so I have tons of free time to read. I have been an avid reader since I picked up my first book Interview With A Vampire by Anne Rice when I was a freshman in high school. I enjoy reading, NASCAR, baseball, music, and cooking. I also love going to as many book signings I can. I don't have any kids but I have a brand new beautiful nephew and two step-nephews and one step-niece.

Patricia -I have been happily (most of the time) married for almost 17 years. I have one girl and two boys ages 15, 13 and 7. I get very busy and involved in my kid's goings on such as scouting, their various school activities and church. So I tend to keep busy. In spite of all the chaos I love to read. If I don't read at the very least right before going to bed I can't seem to fall asleep. It is a way for me to de-stress at the end of the day. However, I have been reading much more than at night lately and currently have a goal of reading 75 books this year.

4. What is your current favorite read and a past read that you just can't forget about?

Jaime- Anything by Maria V. Snyder or Jeri Smith-Ready right now. I also love The Black Dagger Brotherhood by JR Ward. From my past The Vampire Diaries and The Secret Circle by LJ Smith and yes I did read them when they first came out in the 90's I also love all of Anne Rice's work.

Patricia -I've read so many good books as of late...that is a difficult question. I think that the Study Series by Maria V. Snyder is at the top right now. Maria does such a wonderful job of telling a passionate story of self realization and confronting our fears. Past read....hmmm...Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling hands down. I started reading this series when book two came out. My little brother who was 11 or 12 at the time kept bugging me to read it. I was in my early twenties and felt a little foolish for liking it so much. But the more I read the more I got out of it. The relationships in this series to me are what drive the story forward. The love and loss that one experiences throughout life is what keeps this story strong.

5. Where can we find your blog? (or other places we can connect? Goodreads, twitter, etc?)

Blog here.
Email us here.
Twitter here and here.
Facebook here and here.
Goodreads here and here.

Follow Friday!

2011-01-14T07:05:00.002-06:00

Normally I don't do a whole lot of meme's but I thought this would be a fun one today! I'm still half asleep so please excuse any typo's...and lack of a compelling post. :)

Thanks a ton for stopping in!

Review: Rot & Ruin by Jonathon Maberry

2011-01-13T09:00:00.002-06:00

I was already a fan of Jonathon Maberry if I'm to be quite honest. From little rants about the state the horror genre is in... to reflection on certain writers...to Rot & Ruin. I always like what he has to say so I think I was partial to liking this one before I even started reading it.

I really enjoyed it and I'm so glad that I read it. I've become very taken with post-apocalyptic zombie novels lately and I'll put this one toward the top of my favorites list along with Dust and Autumn.

I could sit here and tell you about the strong characters, and underlying messages, and a story of hope shining through...but instead I'll just tell you to pick this one up and read it. I liked it and I'm sure if zombies are your thing you'll like this one also!

About The Book:
(from Goodreads)

In the zombie-infested, post-apocalyptic America where Benny Imura lives, every teenager must find a job by the time they turn fifteen or get their rations cut in half. Benny doesn't want to apprentice as a zombie hunter with his boring older brother Tom, but he has no choice. He expects a tedious job whacking zoms for cash, but what he gets is a vocation that will teach him what it means to be human.

**Review copy: Personal copy. Bought by me.

Book Spotlight: Love Of A Stonemason by Christa Polkinhorn

2011-01-12T08:00:00.000-06:00

You have to adore this author of infinite patience....I also have this one waiting for a review and I tell you that Christa has mastered the art of patience. No fear though as the review will be going up soon!

In the meantime I thought it would be nice to spotlight this one and give you a bit of a heads up on it!

About The Book:
(From Amazon)

The young painter, Karla Bocelli, is no stranger to loss. When she was five years old, her mother died in a car crash in the south of Switzerland. Her Peruvian father lives at the other end of the world, and a year ago, her aunt and guardian passed away. Now, at age twenty-four, Karla almost gets hit by a speeding car. As if this wasn't fateful enough, Andreas, the driver, turns out to be a sculptor and carver of tombstones. In spite of his profession, Andreas is anything but morbid. Quick-tempered and intense, he exudes a rough-and-tumble energy. After a tumultuous start of their relationship, Karla comes to see in Andreas the "rock in her life," the perfect antidote to her fears of abandonment and bouts of depression. Andreas, however, wrestles with his own ghosts: an alcoholic father who abused him as a child and his own fits of anger. Together, the two artists must confront the demons that haunt them. Love of a Stonemason is a story about the struggle of two artists with their past, their family, their creativity, and their love for each other. Told from the point of view of Karla, it depicts the world through her painter's sensibility. It takes the reader on a journey full of sights, smells, tastes, and sounds from the south of Switzerland to Italy and the Peruvian Andes.

About The Author:

Christa Polkinhorn, originally from Switzerland, lives and works as writer and translator in Santa Monica, California. She divides her time between the United States and Switzerland and has strong ties to both countries. Her poems have appeared in various poetry magazines. She is the author of Path of Fire, a collection of poems published by Finishing Line Press. Love of a Stonemason is her first novel.

Book Spotlight: Cara Mia and Twilight Of The Gods by Denise Verrico

2011-01-11T08:00:00.001-06:00

I have these two book sitting in my review pile and I'm REALLY close to getting to them...like they are next in line. I thought I'd do a little spotlight on them so that my readers would have a chance to check them out! (Links are to Amazon)

Cara Mia - Book One of the Immortyl Revolution

Vampires Mia and Kurt become involved in a deadly mission to harness the power of immortality. Mia Disantini is a vampire whose greatest desire is to walk in the sun again. She is enslaved by her charismatic master, Ethan, and plunged into an ancient, unenlightened Immortyl culture. As Mia struggles for the freedom to live as she chooses, she is trained as Ethan's Bird of Prey. Soon she becomes the pawn of their powerful, enigmatic elder, Brovik, in his deadly games of deception and intrigue against his rival, Gaius, concerning their forbidden science experiments. When Mia is cast out by Ethan she joins forces with Kurt, and together the lovers steal fire from the gods and deliver it to Genpath Laboratories. The company CEO Lee Brooks deceives and imprisons the pair. While held captive, Mia calls upon the aid of Dr. Joe Ansari. The couple is hunted for their crime and time is running out. Will Mia and Kurt escape with their lives and succeed in their mission before their Immortyl enemies harness the power of immortality for evil purposes?

Twilight of the Gods

Vampire lovers Mia and Kurt are on the run from their Forbidden Science rival Gaius Lupus. After narrowly escaping the implosion of Genpath Laboratories, Immortyls Mia Disantini and Kurt Eisen go into hiding in a place they think is safe. All too soon they are discovered, and Kurt is captured by Gaius. When he's rescued with the aid of feral child and teen vampires known as sewer rats, Mia witnesses first-hand the charismatic spell her lover casts over these would-be revolutionaries, who vow to join Kurt in his mission to bring down the house of Gaius. Meeting obstacles to government funding to support the research that will one day allow them to walk in the sun, Kurt builds his forces. Mia navigates the minefield of rat politics, where she is distressed to be shunted into the background; viewed merely as an overly ambitious concubine who stands between the beloved "Loki" and his followers. One in particular-the oddly timid but beautiful Arturo, who threatens to sever the deep bond between Mia and Kurt. Will Kurt and Mia defeat Gaius's brutal attacks and realize their dream of a cure for their condition? Will the new order they establish survive betrayal from within? And...will their love adapt to the challenge of a third partner?

About The Author:
(from Amazon)

Denise is a New Jersey native who grew up in Western Pennsylvania. She attended Point Park College and majored in Theatre Arts. For seven seasons, she was a member of the Oberon Theatre Ensemble in NYC. Denise has loved vampire stories since she was a little girl and a fan of Dark Shadows. She currently lives in Ohio with her husband and son and her flock of seven parrots.

Visit her website for excerpts of Cara Mia and Book Two, Twilight of the Gods, character profiles and the Immortyl Lexicon at www.deniseverricowriter.webs.com and read her blog at www.ImmortylRevolution.blogspot.com.

**Review copies provided by publisher. All opinions are my own. I was not paid for this post.

Review: Awakened by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

2011-01-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

Oh the frustration!! When will it end!? Seriously...I don't want it to end but gosh I would LOVE to know how this all ends up. I've been reading this series for a LONG time and just when you think you know what's going to happen....Wham!

I'll just say that I love these books and if you haven't read this series yet then I just don't know what to say. Go out and picked up the first book and try it out. I've been hooked since then. Now I have to eagerly wait until NOVEMBER for the next book. Thank goodness it comes out this year!

About The Book:
(From Amazon)

“My love, speak to me. Tell me everything.” Neferet went to Kalona, kneeling before him, stroking the soft, dark wings that unfurled loosely around the immortal.

“What would you have me say?” He didn’t meet her eyes.

“Zoey lives.” Neferet’s voice was flat, cold, lifeless.

“She does.”

“Then you owe me the subservience of your immortal soul.” She started to walk away from him.

“Where are you going? What will happen next?”

“It is quite simple. I will ensure Zoey is drawn back to Oklahoma. There, on my own terms, I will complete the task you failed.”

Exonerated by the Vampyre High Council and returned to her position of High Priestess at Tulsa’s House of Night, Neferet has sworn vengeance on Zoey. Dominion over Kalona is only one of the weapons she plans to use against Z. But Zoey has found sanctuary on the Isle of Skye and is being groomed by Queen Sgiach to take over for her there. Being Queen would be cool, wouldn’t it? Why should she return to Tulsa? After losing her human consort, Heath, she will never be the same – and her relationship with her super-hot-warrior, Stark, may never be the same either…

And what about Stevie Rae and Rephaim? The Raven Mocker refuses to be used against Stevie Rae, but what choice does he have when no one in the entire world, including Zoey, would be okay with their relationship? Does he betray his father or his heart?
In the pulse-pounding 8th book in the bestselling House of Night series, how far will the bonds of friendship stretch and how strong are the ties that bind one girl’s heart?

**Review copy-personal copy bought by me

Early Review: The Book Of Tomorrow by Cecelia Ahern

2011-01-08T09:00:00.000-06:00

I just know that 2011 will be a great book year! I was recently wowed by Across The Universe and now I've been pleasantly surprised with The Book Of Tomorrow.

I loved this book. It's very much about growing up and taking a long hard look at yourself. There were tons of mysterious and intriguing aspects to the story that kept me racing through page after page.

This book left me with a satisfied feeling and the urge to find more of this author's books.

Just to give you an idea...it reminded me of say...a modern YA similar to the style of The Thirteenth Tale? If you like that style of book then you might enjoy this one. (I personally loved That one!)

About The Book:
(From Publisher)

Tamara Goodwin has always got everything she′s ever wanted. Born into a family of wealth, she grew up in a mansion with its own private beach, a wardrobe full of designer clothes, a large four poster bed complete with a luxurious bathroom en-suite. She′s always lived in the here and now, never giving a second thought to tomorrow.

But then suddenly her dad is gone and life for Tamara and her mother changes forever. Left with a mountain of debt, they have no choice but to sell everything they own and move to the country to live with Tamara′s Uncle and Aunt. Nestled next to Kilsaney Castle, their gate house is a world away from Tamara′s childhood. With her mother shut away with grief, and her aunt busy tending to her, Tamara is lonely and bored and longs to return to Dublin.

When a travelling library passes through Kilsaney Demesne, Tamara is intrigued. She needs a distraction. Her eyes rest on a mysterious large leather bound tome locked with a gold clasp and padlock. With some help, Tamara finally manages to open the book. What she discovers within the pages takes her breath away and shakes her world to its core.

Told in Cecelia′s imitable style, THE GIRL OF TOMORROW is a mesmerising and magical story for this autumn

Can you help a blogger out? Me?

2011-01-07T19:50:00.003-06:00

The great folks at TLT publishing are trying to get to 1000 followers on Twitter so they are holding a fun little contest for us bloggers. When they hit 100 they will see which one of us sent the most new followers there way and we'll win some awesome signed books from them!

So here's the part where you can help me....

Follow @TLTPublishing and Tweet @KrisLovesBooks sent me!

Thanks so much for your help!

Review: Bedeviled Eggs by Laura Childs

2011-01-07T09:00:00.000-06:00

I have to tell you that one of the first ARC's I ever got to review was a cozy mystery by Laura Childs....I've been hooked on her and cozies ever since. It was a whole new genre to me and I never knew what I was missing!

The awesome lady that she is; she sent this one over my way. I was so excited when it came in because I love the tales she spins. They are so YUMMY! (In the good book with lots of good food way!)

I was not disappointed at all! Of course she had great characters, a great plot, and always a good mystery. Another thumbs up book for me!

I have to get myself on a roll and read Fiber and Brimstone (A Scrapbooking Mystery) also by Laura Childs. If you're a cozy fan and haven't read any of these yet you should check out one of the series.

About The Book:
(from Amazon)

The ladies at the Cackleberry Club café are busy preparing for Halloween. But someone's jumped the gun on the tricks. As mayoral candidate Chuck Peebler leaves the café, he gets struck with a crossbow arrow and is killed instantly. And when another murder occurs on the historical society's Quilt Trail, the Cackleberry Club needs to sniff out the bad egg-before he strikes again.

**Review copy received from author. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Another fun contest!

2011-01-06T14:28:00.003-06:00

Veronica Roth, the author of Divergent, is also holding a fun contest! You can find all the info here. I'm putting my name in the hat but I figured instead of me being indecisive...I'd post one of my little one being indecisive. Seriously, is that not funny!?

So that's my entry! Don't forget to hop on over there and check out Veronica's blog!

Are you a Blue Bloods fan?

2011-01-06T13:22:00.005-06:00

Melissa De La Cruz, the author of the Blue Bloods series, is hosting a really great contest. I had to put this out here even though it has a VERY goofy Christmas morning picture of me on it. As you can see in the picture I'm holding up Melissa's wonderful books! I'm willing to embarass myself a bit to enter so here you go...

It's a scrapbook page that I made!
Scrapbooking is my second favorite hobby....

Stop by Melissa De La Cruz's site and check out all the info here.

Review: Getting Revenge On Lauren Wood by Eileen Cook

2011-01-06T09:00:00.001-06:00

I've thought a lot about this one since I've read it. I've wondered what I should say about it. I think I'll start by saying that my mature adult self saw a lesson in this one while my junior high self was doing a fist pump and cheering for Helen.

Yes, I may be on the immature side but I was cheering for Helen everytime she got her revenge. (Like I said...I got the lesson but the teenager in me was going "Screw the lesson get that witch back!" )

Anyway, it was a great book and I totally enjoyed it. I read it all in one day just for the pure fact that I couldn't put it down. I wish the ending would have been more climactic and we could have seen more into the "after events." That's my biggest complaint...other than that it was a intriguing YA read.

About The Book:
(from Publisher website)

Popularity is the best revenge.

In the final weeks of eighth grade, Lauren Wood made a choice. She betrayed her best friend, Helen, in a manner so publicly humiliating that Helen had to move to a new town just to save face. Ditching Helen was worth it, though, because Lauren started high school as one of the It Girls--and now, at the start of her senior year, she's the cheerleading captain, the quarterback's girlfriend, and the undisputed queen bee. Lauren has everything she's ever wanted, and she has forgotten all about her ex-best friend.

But Helen could never forget Lauren. After three years of obsessing, she's moving back to her old town. She has a new name and a new look, but she hasn't dropped her old grudges. She has a detailed plan to bring down her former BFF by taking away everything that's ever been important to Lauren—starting with her boyfriend.

Watch out, Lauren Wood. Things are about to get bitchy.

Review: Death Notice by Todd Ritter

2011-01-05T08:40:00.000-06:00

This one was good! I personally think that a different cover would be better but the meat and potatoes of the story made up for it.

Tons of mystery and suspense are contained in Ritter's book and I was pleased with the fast pace. I was actually shocked for once that the killer was no one that I suspected. That's how I like 'em....it's always frustrating when you know who the killer is right away.

The only thing I regret is how long this one was waiting in my TBR pile. I should have read it sooner!

About The Book:
(From Publisher website)

erry Hollow, Pennsylvania, has never had a murder. At least not as long as Kat Campbell has been police chief. And the first is brutal. George Winnick, a farmer in his sixties, is found in a homemade coffin on the side of the highway with his lips sewn shut and his veins and arteries drained of blood and filled with embalming fluid. Chilling as that is, it becomes even more so when Kat finds that the Perry Hollow Gazette obituary writer, Henry Goll, received a death notice for Winnick before he was killed.

Soon after, the task force from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Investigation shows up and everything takes an irreversible turn for the worse. Nick Donnelly, head of the task force, has been chasing the “Betsy Ross Killer,” so named because he’s handy with a needle and thread, for more than a year. Winnick seems to be his fourth victim. Or is he?

Kat has never handled a murder case before, but she’s not about to sit by while someone terrorizes her sleepy little town or her own son. But will her efforts be enough to stop a killer and bring calm to Perry Hollow.

A portrait of a small town in turmoil, where residents fear for their lives, Todd Ritter’s Death Notice is a gripping debut from a terrific new talent in crime fiction.

**Review copy provided by publisher. All opinions are my own. I did not receive monetary compensation for this post.

Guest Post: Vampires - overdone and on the wane by Shawn Lamb

2011-01-05T08:30:00.000-06:00

I must tell you that some of you may have strong opinions on this either way...and I would LOVE to hear your opinions! I was browsing the Book Blogs website when I saw that someone had asked a question about the popularity of vampire books. I saw Shawn's answer which really stuck out with me. I asked for a guest post and I got an awesome one. While I am a Twi-Hard...I'll admit, and I still read vampire books, and I still have many in the TBR pile... I do agree with majority of what's said. Take a minute to read and share you thoughts!

Author of ALLON - a YA fantasy series
& former children's television scriptwriter
http://www.allonbooks.com

Just Google the word "vampire genre" and the two top names that come up are Anne Rice and Stephanie Meyer. One is an accomplished, well-known writer who took the genre to its height decades ago, and the other a woman who never wrote a lick before Twilight. I won't even dare go further into the comparison since I admit I am not lover of the genre or admirer of either author. In fact, I don't read horror, but as a former scriptwriter in Hollywood and a YA fantasy author, I have seen what takes place in both industries and how they affect what is published and available for people to read or watch. On this aspect of the 'vampire' craze I can comment.

Anne Rice led the charge of the vampire and gothic genre for decades. Yet, as with all genres, there is a cycle of life. Whereas it may not totally die, it will lie in wait for a new heir apparent to appear and resurrect its popularity. Meyer was that catalyst. The crazed popularity of the movies based upon her books caused vampires to even invaded the Christian market, which has me scratching my head in befuddlement since most consider vampires dark and evil, the direct opposite of the market.

Both publishing and Hollywood follow the money, thus is it no surprise that Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series became a hit despite her poor quality of writing. When a big name publisher or Hollywood producer grabs unto a property they run with it. Ever wonder why a glut of vampire shows cropped up overnight or where the numerous vampire stories came from?

The visual media of movies and television plays a mighty roll in propelling a single book or entire genre to the forefront. This phenomenon creates an environment ripe for copycats hoping to capitalize on the success generated by a hit. However, of the course of a few years since Twilight began, the glut of vampire fiction and shows is causing what is known as market fatigue.

Being an author, I very often visit kids in schools and what I learned and observed this past year confirms the wane of the vampire genre circulating within the publishing industry. Most kids are looking for a new adventure. Anything that is overdone can wear out its welcome. Publishers and Hollywood knows this and will take cues from trends. They may stick with Meyer - a hot commodity to some - but taking on more vampire authors is unlikely to continue as the market goes tepid.

The ability to self-publish has opened up a door to those crazed fans of the genre that can't get enough and even want to try their hand at writing. Having achieved a sub-genre status, vampires will continue, but don't be surprised when they crawl back into the shadows where mass appeal is concerned.

Early Review: Across The Universe by Beth Revis

2011-01-04T08:30:00.001-06:00

I don't read a whole lot of sci-fi or dystopian fiction because sometimes I just can't get into it. I read Matched and didn't really love it (just liked it) so I was not sure what I would think about this one. I am so GLAD that I read it!!!

It's been a while since I've been completely and totally impressed with a book of this nature. I have to say that this one really did wow me in more ways than one. The story is very intricate and touching. It touches on so many things that affect our current world and really makes you stop and think for a minute.

I was impressed and think that others may be also. It's certainly a great start to the 2011 young adult novels and I hope to see more great work like this.

About The Book:
(from Goodreads)

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone--one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship--tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

About The Author:
(from Goodreads)

Beth Revis wrote her first books as a student in classrooms, when the professors did not hold her interest and she jotted down stories instead of taking notes.

Beth writes science fiction and fantasy novels for teens. Her debut novel, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, will be published by Razorbill/Penguin in Spring 2011.

Beth is represented by Merrilee Heifetz at Writers House. Beth also runs a blog on writing (http://bethrevis.blogspot.com) and is a participant of a group blog by debut dystopian authors (http://leaguewriters.blogspot.com).

Crud! I'm joining another challenge!

2011-01-03T18:53:00.003-06:00

I found this one and well...I LOVE books about fallen angels, angels, and the like so I just HADDDD to sign up. It's being hosted by Books Over Boys and Lady and The Books. Go check it out and sign up!

Oh and here are a few of the rules:

The challenge is to read twelve books that have at least one angel as a main character or have angels as the main focal point of the story. The books could be old releases or new releases! They could also be cross-over reads (angel books that are being read for other challenges) and/or re-reads! Sequels, prequels, etc. all count! Adult books may count - as longs as they one angel as a main charater or have angels as the main focal point of the story! Only books read in 2011 will count towards the challenge! The challenge will run from January 1st to December 31st of 2011! On the 1st of each month, Anaiz will make a post for the challenge with a Mr. Linky for those of you who want to post and share your review. You do not have to have a blog to participate; you can post your reviews on Goodreads, LibraryThing, Amazon, and/or B&N.

Review: Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love

2011-01-03T08:30:00.000-06:00

I'm a sucker for a good animal rescue story and this one really touched my heart. I very much enjoyed following Oogy's story through the book and suggest this one for dog lovers. It was uplifting for me to see a great dog get a second chance at a good life surrounded by people who love and care for him. I give it two thumbs up!

About The Book:
(From Amazon)

In the bestselling tradition of Rescuing Sprite comes the story of a puppy brought back from the brink of death, and the family he adopted.

In 2002, Larry Levin and his twin sons, Dan and Noah, took their terminally ill cat to the Ardmore Animal Hospital outside Philadelphia to have the beloved pet put to sleep. What would begin as a terrible day suddenly got brighter as the ugliest dog they had ever seen--one who was missing an ear and had half his face covered in scar tissue--ran up to them and captured their hearts. The dog had been used as bait for fighting dogs when he was just a few months old. He had been thrown in a cage and left to die until the police rescued him and the staff at Ardmore Animal Hospital saved his life. The Levins, whose sons are themselves adopted, were unable to resist Oogy's charms, and decided to take him home.

Heartwarming and redemptive, OOGY is the story of the people who were determined to rescue this dog against all odds, and of the family who took him home, named him "Oogy" (an affectionate derivative of ugly), and made him one of their own.

*Review copy provided by publisher. All opinions are my own. I received NO monetary compensation for this post.

MG Review: Zan-Gah by Allan Richard Shickman

2011-01-02T09:00:00.000-06:00

Zan-Gah And Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country

This is a series that I think is appropriate for 5th or 6th graders.

It’s about a nomadic tribe in prehistoric times. Even though it takes place a long time ago children can find ways to relate to the main character.

The main character has a lot of struggles to face through both books, but somehow finds a way to make the best of every situation. He has to live through some of life’s hardest lessons, but through it all he maintains his compassion and sincerity.

I think definitely a book geared towards middle school aged boys.

About Book 1:
(From Amazon)

The hero, Zan-Gah seeks his lost twin in a savage prehistoric world, encountering suffering, captivity, conflict, love, and triumph. In three years, Zan-Gah passes from an uncertain boyhood to a tried and proven manhood and a position of leadership among his people.

About Book 2:

(from Amazon)

The prehistoric saga continues in Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country, the sequel to the award winning Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure. In this story, Zan s troubled twin brother, Dael, having suffered greatly during his earlier captivity, receives a ruinous new shock when his wife suddenly dies. Disturbed and traumatized, all of his manic energies explode into acts of hostility and bloodshed. His obsession is the destruction of the wasp men, his first captors, who dwell in the Beautiful Country. When he, Zan-Gah, and a band of adventurers trek to their bountiful home, they find that all of the wasp people have died in war or of disease. The Beautiful Country is empty for the taking, and Zan s people, the Ba-Coro, decide to migrate and resettle there. But the Noi, Dael s cruelest enemies and former tormentors, make the same migration from their desert home, and the possibility develops of contention and war over this rich and lovely new land.

About The Author:

Artist, teacher, author, and historian Allan Richard Shickman was an art history professor at the University of Northern Iowa for three decades. His first novel, Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure won an Eric Hoffer Notable Book Award and was a finalist for the ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Award.

**Review copy provided by publisher. All opinions are my own and I received NO monetary compensation for this post.

Treasures...at a garage sale!

2011-01-01T20:05:00.000-06:00

I decided to skip a regular old mailbox because I was so excited to share this great find! One of the local churches was having a garage sale to raise money. (Apparently not checking book content LOL!) On the second day of the sale my mom convinced me to take a ride with her and much to my surprise they had books. Well...everything was also half price the second day and I picked up ALL of these books and those cute book ends for a whopping total of SIX dollars!

FIFTY TWO books for SIX dollars! Can you tell I'm ecstatic about it! (I actually think that I left some on the bookshelf when I took the pics but you get the idea. *smile*)

I thought I was done with challenges...

2011-01-01T10:31:00.002-06:00

but then I found this one which is being hosted by For The Love Of YA

I do love reading YA so I think this one will be a winner for me.

I'm going to participate in The "Fun Size" YA Reading Challenge – Read 20 Young Adult novels.

I can certainly handle that. :)

2011 Challenges! What did you join?

2010-12-31T13:23:00.006-06:00

So here are some of the challenges that I've signed up for! Have you signed up for any of these? What have you signed up for because I'm worried I'm missing a challenge I may like!? LOL!

Stephen King Challenge hosted here.

Important info:

Rules - There are two levels: Read either SIX (6) or TWELVE (12) Stephen King novels in 2011 (6 is the minimum but you can read more than 12 if you wish!)
You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.

You can join anytime between now and the later part of next year.

At the beginning of Jan 2011, I will add a link so you can add your reviews.

You don't have to have a blog to join in - for those without a blog just FILL IN THIS FORM and I will add you to the list - just join the discussion in the comments section to let us know when you've read a book and what you thought of it! :)

You can also follow each other's progress and chat about the SK books you read on twitter too - just use #SKChallenge :)

Horror and Urban Fantasy hosted by Book Chick City

Some Rules:

Rules: To read TWENTY FOUR (24) horror & urban fantasy novels in 2011 (24 is the minimum but you can read more if you wish!

You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.
You can join anytime between now and the later part of next year.
At the beginning of Jan 2011, you will find a link to add your reviews.

You don't have to have a blog to join in - for those without a blog just FILL IN THIS FORM and I will add you to the list - just join the discussion in the comments section to let us know when you've read a book and what you thought of it! :)

Shifter Challenge hosted by Parajunkee's View here.

Some rules:

Post about this challenge on your blog stating that you are participating. That post is the link that you will include in the Mr. Linky below. The link should be the post link not just your blog link.

Grab the button and display it in the post (use grab code underneath the button) or on your sidebar so others can join in the fun.

Challenge goes from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011

The challenge is to read 20 books that have a SHIFTER as a main character, either protag or antagonist

There will be a post that goes up for January 1 where you add each book as you read them and discuss books read in the comments

Paranormal Romance Challenge

This one is hosted by Bitten by Paranormal Romance. You can check it out and sign up here.

Here are some of the instructions:

This is a challenge to read 20 paranormal romance book between Jan 1st through Dec 31st. Any books read before Jan will not count.

You can pick any *adult paranormal romance book as you go, new release or old release it doest matter. But remember this is only for paranormal romance. NO urban fantasy, YA or paranormal erotica. If you have any questions please email me or leave a comment.

*It doesn't matter if the book is vampire, witch, any shape-shifting, Greek gods, zombies or faeries just as long as it adult paranormal romance. Most book will tell you on the side cover if its paranormal romance, that's what you want to get to read. If you have a book you don't know if it would work or not just email me and ask, its no bother.

Love Bites by Adrienne Barbeau

2010-12-31T09:00:00.000-06:00

<----I love this cover! I also really loved this book! I know some people are growing away from the vampire books and some are staying true. While I continue to drift every now and then to a different genre I ALWAYS come back to the paranormal.

I really enjoyed this one because the story was DIFFERENT! If you want a new twist to your vampires then I highly suggest reading this one. You'd be shocked by the actors who are actually vamps! *wink*

About The Book:
(from Author's On The Web)

Ovsanna Moore is a Hollywood siren, horror film legend, and cut throat producer. She also happens to be a 450-year-old vampyre. In the follow-up to the much acclaimed Vampyres of Hollywood, Adrienne Barbeau paints a wonderfully sly portrait of cinematic vampyres, as well as the nature of celebrity, and the entertainment industry. Her “Scream Queen” credentials make her the only author who could combine such a fastpaced, edgy plot with tongue-in-cheek references to the inner workings and vanity of Hollywood. A whirlwind of action, Love Bites is a clever take on vampyres readers will never forget.

Are you a fan of Faery books?

2010-12-30T09:00:00.000-06:00

I know I am! I read Extraordinary a while back and while I thought it got off to a slow start it really pulled me in after all. I enjoyed it and think that if you're a Faery fan and haven't checked it out yet then you are missing a good story.

And on a side note I'm wondering what some of your favorite Faery books of 2010 were?

About Extraordinary:

(from Author's website)

What does it mean to be extraordinary? Phoebe finds herself drawn to Mallory, the strange and secretive new kid in school. Soon the two girls are as close as sisters . . . until Mallory’s magnetic older brother, Ryland, appears. Ryland has an immediate, exciting hold on Phoebe—but a dangerous hold, for she begins to question her feelings about her best friend and, worse, about herself.
Soon she’ll discover the shocking, fantastical truth about Ryland and Mallory, and about an age-old debt they expect Phoebe to pay. Will she be strong enough to resist? Will she be special enough to save herself?

**review copy provided by publisher. All opinions are my own. I was given no monetary compensation for this post.

Wolf Fever by Terry Spear

2010-12-29T18:26:00.003-06:00

I'll say that I REALLY enjoyed this one! I love a good alpha male and this book had it. There were unexpected twists and turns...hot romance...and a great story. What more can you ask for?!

If you love werewolves then this is one to check out!

About the Book:
(from Amazon)

She may be his destiny, but she's not his first choice...

Hospital nurse and newly turned red werewolf Carol Woods is being pressured by her pack leader to find a mate, but he's the only guy in the pack who remotely attracts her.

Why is he playing so hard to get?

The fate of the pack rests on his shoulders...

Gray pack leader Ryan McKinley doesn't want anything to do with Carol unless she's willing to embrace her wolf nature-no matter how beautiful she is.

But when a virus infects the local lupus garou pack, Ryan realizes just how wrong he's been not to seize the moment with the woman he's come to love. And now, it may be too late...

Review: Thr3e by Ted Dekker

2010-12-29T16:25:00.003-06:00

I adore Ted Dekker's writing and I saw this one at the store the other day. I saw the author's name and the cover and knew it was going into my basket.

I was not disappointed! As usual, the writing was thrilling, creepy, and fast paced. I read through the book in no time as I just could not put it down.

The story itself is about the timeless battle between good and evil and Dekker put his twist on it. If you like a creepy and suspenseful psychological thriller then this is one to read.

Here is the link to it on Amazon if you want to find out more.

Review: Tracking The Tempest by Nicole Peeler

2010-12-27T12:48:00.003-06:00

I've always enjoyed Nicole Peeler's writing and I think she is an awesomely (is that a word?) brash woman. (at least on Twitter LOL!)

I read this one a few weeks ago but never got to sat anything since I've been so busy with the holidays. I have to tell you though...I really loved it! I of course loved the array of characters but I think I've started to favor Anyan in this one.

Check out the series if you haven't yet!

About The Book:
(from Amazon)

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and Ryu - Jane's bloodsucking boyfriend - can't let a major holiday go by without getting all gratuitous. An overwhelming dose of boyfriend interference and a last-minute ticket to Boston later, and Jane's life is thrown off course.

Ryu's well-intentioned plans create mayhem, and Jane winds up embroiled in an investigation involving a spree of gruesome killings. All the evidence points towards another Halfling, much to Jane's surprise...

Review: Cameo the Assassin And Cameo and the Highwayman

2010-12-17T12:34:00.003-06:00

By: Dawn McCullough White

Review:

This series was a little different from what I’m used of reading. I expected it to be just another vampire book, and boy was I wrong.

I can’t say what makes it different because that would ruin the books, but it was a very nice change from the usual. You have to admire the main character because no matter what hand she has been dealt she just keeps moving forward and accepting her fate.

These books are kind of short; I was able to finish both in less than one day. I do find the books were more like short stories than novels. I wish they would have been longer, but I still enjoyed them. I really like the fact that her books are being released so close together, so I don’t have to wait so long to find out what will happen next

About Book 1:

(from Author's website)

The Kingdom of Sieunes is rife with taverns, dirty streets, and clay pipe smoking citizens all toiling to feed their families and keep themselves in something little better than rags. With a foiled revolution just ten years prior still burning in the hearts of many, the royals enlist the aid of assassins to keep things in order.

The townsfolk entertain themselves by dreaming of better times to come and regaling in stories of the undead said to walk the graveyards at night... and of Cameo the killer with corpse-like eyes... Scarred and jaded Cameo is one of the most effective assassins in the employ of the Association, moving from one mission to the next as long as the alcohol keeps flowing.

Her acceptance of the murder-for-hire lifestyle is thrown into doubt when she meets a local highwayman with a penchant for fine clothes and women, and then she begins to think about breaking with the company but no one ever breaks with the Association under good terms.

About Book 2:

The land of Shandow is a place of arctic cold. It was the scene of the bloody revolution, and is the location of the item Cameo's master wants so badly. In the dark of winter a vampire lies in wait......Opal is unable to run from his past... and Cameo must make a choice that will cost her the last shred of humanity she has left.

Review: Dear Sparkle by Sparkle The Cat

2010-12-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I had the fun of Sparkle's guest post and today I want to tell you about the book.

If you are a cat person/know a cat person etc. I would say to pick this one up! Personally, if I imagined cat conversations they would sound JUST like this book. I laughed out loud through most of the book but in all honestly I also found GREAT advice!

You could even get this as a stocking stuffer for the kitty in your life LOL!

I totally loved it! It also has a place of honor of the pet supplies "shelf" because it was signed by Sparkle herself!

About The Book:
(From PUYB)

Face it, kitties, your humans can’t help you untangle your problems — especially when they’re usually the ones driving you crazy! But never fear, the world’s foremost feline authority, Sparkle the Cat, is here to solve all of your kitty conundrums. With 70 Q&As, “Sparkle Says” sidebars, and full-color photos throughout, this guide is definitely NOT your usual human-written cat book.
Whether you’re a confused kitty who doesn’t understand why you’re supposed to stay off the couch, a cat who’s furious because the new puppy ate your catnip stash, or a freaked-out feral who wants to return to the wild, Sparkle has the wise — and often hilarious — answers for your woes. And who knows? Humans who read it (with your permission, of course) may even learn something new about the way we behave.

About Sparkle:

Sparkle is an award-winning author, blogger, advice columnist and supermodel. She is also a cat – a ruddy Somali of champion lineage, in fact, whose father, GC Tajhara’s Miles Davis, was twice on the cover of Cat Fancy. Sparkle’s first book, Dear Sparkle: Advice from One Cat to Another, won the Wild Card category at the 2007 Hollywood Book Festival and honorable mentions in several other contests. She also recently came home with the Pettie Award — the pet blogging equivalent of an Oscar — for Best Cat Blog. Sparkle lives in Los Angeles with two humans, two feline roommates (both rescue cats), and (unfortunately) a dog.

Dear Sparkle: Cat-to-Cat Advice from the World’s Foremost Feline Columnist (Adams Media) is her second book.

You can visit Sparkle’s blog at http://www.sparklecat.com.

Sparkle The Cat...you must read this guest post!

2010-12-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

Yes friends, I am on an animal kick this week...and today's guest is Sparkle! The author of Dear Sparkle...

I LOVED this book and wil be posting the review for you tommorrow but today you must read what this awesome feline has to say!

Seven Tips on How to Live Like a Cat
by Sparkle

You humans are always checking out us cats with envy, believing that we have the ideal life. And while there is more to being a kitty than merely eating and sleeping in the sun, I must say that being a cat is pretty awesome! So to all you humans who say that you want to come back as a cat when you die... you don't have to wait that long! You can start living like a cat right now - I've got seven tips to help. Give them a try - you will be surprised at how much better your life will be.

1. Take time to enjoy some sunbeams. Of course, you humans will have to wear sunscreen, whereas we cats (unless we are hairless or pure white) don't need it.

2. Be finicky. Why eat something unless you are 100% positive you are going to enjoy it?

3. Take lots of naps. We cats sleep for 16 hours a day and we never show our age. Think about it.

4. Don't hold grudges. In multi-cat households, smackdowns happen all the time, but just a little while later, there we are on the bed, curled up together. Why is it so hard for humans to do that?

5. Don't dwell on illness. We cats rarely let on when we are feeling unwell, unless it is something important. That's because we know it's boring to complain endlessly about minor aches and pains.

6. Groom frequently, but do it for the right reasons. When we cats bathe ourselves, we aren't trying to impress anyone. We are doing it for the sheer pleasure of looking good.

7. Stretch! It keeps you supple and limber. You may not need to sleep curled up into a little ball, but wouldn't it be nice to be able to if you ever had the desire?

Sparkle is an award-winning author, blogger, advice columnist and supermodel. She is also a cat – a ruddy Somali of champion lineage, in fact, whose father, GC Tajhara’s Miles Davis, was twice on the cover of Cat Fancy. Sparkle’s first book, Dear Sparkle: Advice from One Cat to Another, won the Wild Card category at the 2007 Hollywood Book Festival and honorable mentions in several other contests. She also recently came home with the Pettie Award — the pet blogging equivalent of an Oscar — for Best Cat Blog. Sparkle lives in Los Angeles with two humans, two feline roommates (both rescue cats), and (unfortunately) a dog.

Dear Sparkle: Cat-to-Cat Advice from the World’s Foremost Feline Columnist (Adams Media) is her second book.

You can visit Sparkle’s blog at http://www.sparklecat.com.

Pretty kitty.....

Cruel Winter by Anthony Izzo

2010-12-07T08:00:00.000-06:00

This was an older book that I found at a library sale and when I saw it was in the horror genre I snatched it up! I'm so glad I did because I really enjoyed it!

It was fast paced and different. I zoomed through it due to his smooth writing and well written story. I enjoyed it and now I have have to go search down his other books!

About The Book:
(from Goodreads)

Jack Harding and his friends feel sorry for the new kid in town. His name is Ronnie Winter, and he's a bit of a weirdo. So when the local bullies try to beat him up, Jack and his friends step in to protect Ronnie - and that's their first mistake. Because Ronnie Winter is not like any other kid they've ever known. He lives at the old Steadman place, in the big creepy mansion that used to be a mental hospital. And his young, beautiful mother has a strange way of making Jack promise to be Ronnie's friend...forever. The closer Jack and his friends get to Ronnie, the colder it gets. The town is plunged into a wave of brutal snow storms - and plagued by a series of gruesome murders. And as the grisly death toll mounts, Jack realizes that Ronnie is surrounded by something far more powerful than a mother's love - he's guarded by a force of unspeakable evil that will torture and destroy everything in its path...

Big Paw Designs! Check out this fun giveaway!

2010-12-06T20:49:00.004-06:00

Not only do I love books...I LOVE animals! When I saw this fun review opp. I knew I had to share it with my fellow animal lovers. I read a lot of animal stories...Oogy for example. (review coming for that one) Sparkle The Cat which I review tommorrow...

So yes I love our cat and dog! Big Paw Designs makes cute and stylish things for those furry loves in your life. They sent me this awesome Fleur De Leis Collar charm. I must say that I LOVE it and it's of excellent quality! Everyone who has seen it has asked me about it because they want one. My fellow Saints fans are jealous! LOL!

I also received this lovely door hanger! (Because I have a cat too!) It's made of heavy duty plastic and it's tough. I love the fact that it warns people about letting the cat out. You know some of us have sneaky kitties!

So now that I've been able to share the awesomeness that is Big Paw Designs, I'm excited to tell you that they are offering one winner either the same charm OR the same door hanger. How awesome is that?

The contest closes on Dec. 14th and it's open to US and Canadian residents!

If you would like to enter tell me the name of your favorite animal book and if you have a cat or dog. Also let me know what you would like if you won...hanger or charm?

**Review product provided by company. All opinions are my own and I was not monetarily compensated for this post.

Guest Post from Author Cinda Williams Chima!

2010-12-06T08:00:00.000-06:00

So how many of you are familiar with this awesome author? If you haven't checked out her work yet then you should get on it pronto. She writes great fantasy! (I'm currently reading and will have reviews coming up shortly so stay tuned.)

Cinda was kind enough to write up a guest post for us so let's check it out!

This was what I wanted to know:

What is the driving force behind being a fantasy writer?

I don’t know which is worse in the eyes of some readers and writers of SERIOUS BOOKS—writing fantasy fiction, or writing for teens. In the tone of voice an adult might use when admiring a two-year-old’s childish drawing, they say, “Keep at it, and maybe one day you’ll get to write a real book.”

I have enough vulnerabilities already, heaven knows—and authors in any genre share vast opportunities for humiliation. I’ve already discussed why I write for teens http://cindachima.livejournal.com/38553.html and mentioned being dissed as a writer of fantasy fiction http://cindachima.livejournal.com/10658.html

So why write fantasy?

1. The easy answer is that fantasy sells, and has been selling for years, especially to young readers. On a recent New York Times bestseller list (October 1, 2010) eight of ten bestselling chapter books and five of ten bestselling series books were fantasy novels of one kind or another. Fantasy these days is such a broad genre that there’s room for a broad range of readers and writers.

That said, I think it’s a mistake to follow trends. Writing a novel is difficult enough. I think readers can tell when you’re just going through the motions. So, keep an eye on the market but write from the heart. I love all kinds of fiction, including fantasy, therefore I write it. That’s not to say I always will.

2. Fantasy presents more options when it comes to plot and conflict. The element of magic is one more weapon in the writer’s arsenal. Not only does Buffy the Vampire Slayer have to navigate the social minefield of high school—but there’s a hell-hole under the cafeteria.

In The Demon King, Han Alister is an orphaned streetgang leader who’s being hunted for murders he didn’t commit. Also, he may be demon-cursed, and he’s carrying a magical amulet that could destroy him. Princess Raisa ana’Marianna stands to inherit a political snakepit of a queendom from her mother the queen—if she can manage to hold off a rebellion of powerful wizards desperate to regain power.

Alternative worlds expand options as well. For example, The Seven Realms series takes place in a quasi-medieval world. In medieval times, sixteen-year-olds were adults, for all intents and purposes. And so, as a writer, I can put my teenage characters into dire and dangerous situations; I can shovel heavy responsibility onto their shoulders and send them out on the road without hearing from Children’s Protective Services.

3. Fantasy provides a forum in which to explore Big Ideas in a safe place. I don’t mean safe for the characters, I mean safe for the reader.
Long ago and/or far away provides a certain distance. It’s clearly a created world, even if you manage to entice the reader into it. In the Queendom of the Fells, I can address environmental and gender issues without the distractions of contemporary politics. I can explore revisionist history without pointing any fingers. I can put the conflict between good and evil into stark relief in an ecumenical way.

Fantasy can free the reader of pre-conceived notions, expectations, and biases and allow them to experience a different sensibility.

4. All fiction provides escape from real life, if only briefly. The reader chooses the escape that suits him or her best. A gritty contemporary novel may not offer escape from a gritty contemporary world. Fantasy does.

In short, fantasy is fun. In a world that seems bent on the destruction of pleasure reading, fantasy satisfies.

Huge thanks for stopping by!

The Weight Of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf

2010-12-03T08:00:00.000-06:00

I REALLY enjoyed this one! I enjoyed Heather's writing style and the way that she pulled this story together.

The book is told from a different point of view in each chapter which kept it interesting. Each character really had their own "voice" and you were able to see the story from each perspective.

The storyline was sad and touching but at the same time showed what people can overcome. It also had some unexpected plot twists which really shocked me. I also found it to be a quick read. I liked it and hope you'll check it out.

About The Book:
(from TLC)

It happens quietly one August morning. As dawn’s shimmering light drenches the humid Iowa air, two families awaken to find their little girls have gone missing in the night.

Seven-year-old Calli Clark is sweet, gentle, a dreamer who suffers from selective mutism brought on by a tragedy that pulled her deep into silence as a toddler. Calli’s mother, Antonia, tried to be the best mother she could within the confines of marriage to a mostly absent, often angry husband. Now, though she denies that her husband could be involved in the possible abductions, she fears her decision to stay in her marriage has cost her more than her daughter’s voice.

Petra Gregory is Calli’s best friend, her soul mate and her voice. But neither Petra nor Calli has been heard from since their disappearance was discovered. Desperate to find his child, Martin Gregory is forced to confront a side of himself he did not know existed beneath his intellectual, professorial demeanor.

Now these families are tied by the question of what happened to their children. And the answer is trapped in the silence of unspoken family secrets.

About The Author:

Heather Gudenkauf was born in Wagner, South Dakota, the youngest of six children. At one month of age, her family returned to the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota where her father was employed as a guidance counselor and her mother as a school nurse. At the age of three, her family moved to Iowa, where she grew up. Having been born with a profound unilateral hearing impairment (there were many evenings when Heather and her father made a trip to the bus barn to look around the school bus for her hearing aids that she often conveniently would forget on the seat beside her), Heather tended to use books as a retreat, would climb into the toy box that her father’s students from Rosebud made for the family with a pillow, blanket, and flashlight, close the lid, and escape the world around her. Heather became a voracious reader and the seed of becoming a writer was planted.

Heather graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in elementary education, has spent the last sixteen years working with students of all ages and is currently an Instructional Coach, an educator who provides curricular and professional development support to teachers. The Weight of Silence is her first novel.

Heather lives in Dubuque, Iowa with her husband, three children, and a very spoiled German Shorthaired Pointer named Maxine. In her free time Heather enjoys spending time with her family, reading, hiking, and running. She is currently working on her second novel.

Visit Heather Gudenkauf’s website HERE.

Review: Serial by Jack Kilborn and Blake Crouch (Amazon Freebie!)

2010-12-02T18:49:00.004-06:00

If you have a Kindle and haven't picked up this freebie...well then run over and get it! If your a "horrorish" fan then you should check it out. It's creepishly funny and kinda sick. For a free short story it's worth the 10 minutes it will take you to read it.

About The Book:
(from Amazon)

Remember the twin golden rules of hitchhiking?

# 1: Don't go hitchhiking, because the driver who picks you up could be certifiably crazy.
# 2: Don't pick up hitchhikers, because the traveler you pick up could be raving nutcase.

So what if, on some dark, isolated road, Crazy #1 offered a ride to Nutcase #2? When two of the most twisted minds in the world of horror fiction face off, the result is SERIAL, a terrifying tale of hitchhiking gone terribly wrong.

Like a deeply twisted version of an "After School Special," SERIAL is the single most persuasive public service announcement on the hazards of free car rides. Beyond a thrilling piece of horrifying suspense, SERIAL is also a groundbreaking experiment in literary collaboration. Kilborn wrote the first part. Crouch wrote the second. And they wrote the third together over email in 100-word exchanges, not aware of each other's opening section. All bets were off, and may the best psycho win.

**review copy: Amazon freebie

I'm in a slump!

2010-12-01T08:32:00.002-06:00

It's just an all around slump LOL! I've been so busy in these months since school has started and I feel like I've been neglecting my beloved blog! (That's not good right!?) I'm seriously hoping things will slow down after Christmas so I have time for everything.

I've still been doing a lot of reading and I have several reviews to get typed up so keep an eye out for that. I also have some guest posts and guest reviews.

Like I mentioned...I've been reading A LOT but, I'm finding some of the books to just be so so. Not good, not bad, but not spectacular. *shrug* I think it might be me. I was reading The Radleys and just couldn't get into it. I think I might try it again later though.

So how has YOUR holiday season been going? I still have to finish Christmas shopping! Blah!