Jess's Ramblings

Contest: ARC of Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble

2009-09-06T15:43:00.001-04:00

CONTEST CLOSED! WINNER ANNOUNCED HERE!

Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (September 1, 2009)

320 pages, paperback

$9.99 (Amazon.com, 09/06/09)

I just reviewed Dreaming Anastasia and I want to giveaway my copy of the ARC! It was a great read and I’m sure anyone would enjoy it as much as I did. So I’m going to share!

How to Enter:

There’s a form embedded into this post. To enter please fill it out completely.

Entries are available for:

Following my blog
Commenting on my review
Linking the contest online
And lastly, please leave a comment on this post letting me know you filled out the form!

RULES:

Entries will be accepted until Midnight, Sept. 13th (one week)
Entries are open to US & Canada only, sorry. NO P.O. Boxes.
The winner will be randomly selected via random.org.
The winner will be announced on Sept. 14th (or soon thereafter)
The winner will have 3 days to email me their shipping info or they will forfeit their winnings and a new winner will be selected.

So if you’re interested in reading Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble fill out the entry form!

Good luck!

Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble

2009-09-06T15:16:00.000-04:00

Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (September 1, 2009)
320 pages, paperback
$9.99 (Amazon.com, 09/06/09)
Plot: 5
Setting: 5
Writing: 5
Originality: 5
Characters: 5
Passion: 3
Overall: 28/30 = 93% = A
Cover/Title Bonus: 5
I picked this up while at BEA in May. I read it a few months ago. I’ll be giving away my copy of the ARC in the next post.
Summary (Amazon.com):

What really happened to Anastasia Romanov?
Anastasia Romanov thought she would never feel more alone than when the gunfire started and her family began to fall around her. Surely the bullets would come for her next. But they didn't. Instead, two gnarled old hands reached for her. When she wakes up she discovers that she is in the ancient hut of the witch Baba Yaga, and that some things are worse than being dead.
In modern-day Chicago, Anne doesn't know much about Russian history. She is more concerned about getting into a good college—until the dreams start. She is somewhere else. She is someone else. And she is sharing a small room with a very old woman. The vivid dreams startle her, but not until a handsome stranger offers to explain them does she realize her life is going to change forever. She is the only one who can save Anastasia. But, Anastasia is having her own dreams…

Plot:
Anne dreams about Anastasia being locked inside a hut with an old, ugly woman with a cat. She meets Ethan, a “wicked hot”, blue eyed guy who is pretty much stalking her. Strange things begin to happen. They are pursued by crazy men who want to kill Anne.

I enjoyed the plot immensely. It was full of mystery. The pace was great. I read this pretty fast because I wanted to see how everything merged together.

Setting:
The majority of the story takes place in Chicago where Anne lives. There are the flashes back to Anastasia that’s being held in the strange land where Baba Yaga’s hut is located.

Writing:
This is another book written from multiple POVs. It switches between Anne, Ethan, Anastasia and Anastasia’s letters to her family. It’s pretty cool and I enjoyed being able to understand what was going on in the other characters thoughts. I thought that was a great choice for the writer to do considering the plot was pretty crazy with everything going on.

Originality:
This was a pretty awesome book. I learned a lot about the Russian Romanov family and it was handled with great creativity that just worked my brain like crazy! The story line of Anastasia being captured for all those years by Baga Yaba and the ones that helped capture her was a true piece of work. The detail that Joy put in to make it all work together was awesome.

Characters:
Anne was a pretty average teenager. She had a cool best friend, Tess. Learning about Anne’s family history was pretty cool. It all came together in the end.
Ethan is a cool guy. I enjoyed him in this book. He’s very strong and handsome. He helps Anne work through everything and in the end he realizes all the truths. It’s refreshing. I know I’m being vague, sorry! :) I don’t want to say too much and give it all away.

Passion:
There’s a real attraction between Anne and Ethan. Although it’s really not the point to the book in the least. The mystery behind the dreams is the main focal point. However, it’s another refreshing thing to see their relationship evolve around the huge issue at hand.

Overall:
This book was very interesting. I loved the history element to it. I loved the action. And I enjoyed the underlying romantic element to the story. I’m a huge fan of historical fantasy and this did a wonderful job of keeping me interested.

Cover/Title Bonus:
The cover is what stopped me while roaming the Sourcebook Jabberwocky booth at BEA. I love the slight insert of Ethan’s profile in on the left hand side. It’s very cool. I also like the title. It’s not my preferred title but it works.
This was Joy Preble’s debut novel. She did excellent! I will be following her and seeing what she has in store for future books.

Connect with Joy:
Website
Blog
Twitter
Class of 2K9

What do you think? Have you read it? Did you enjoy it as much as I did?
Giveaway coming up next! Enter to win my copy of the ARC of Dreaming Anastasia!

In My Mailbox

2009-09-06T12:40:00.000-04:00

I bought:
Catching Fire (2nd Book of the Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins
This was pre-ordered! I finished it last night. Suffice it to say that it was awesome. I’m dying for book 3. Again, if you haven’t read The Hunger Games, hop to it!

I Won:

Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie by Maggie Stiefvater
Flux (October 1, 2009)
360 pages, paperback
$9.95 (Amazon.com, 09/06/09)
This is the follow up book to Lament, which I read and reviewed a couple of weeks ago.
Summary (Amazon.com):

James Morgan has an almost unearthly gift for music. And it has attracted Nuala, a soul-snatching faerie muse who fosters and then feeds on the creative energies of exceptional humans until they die. James has plenty of reasons to fear the faeries, but as he and Nuala collaborate on an achingly beautiful musical composition, James finds his feelings towards Nuala deepening. But the rest of the fairies are not as harmless. As Halloween—the day of the dead—draws near, James will have to battle the Faerie Queen and the horned king of the dead to save Nuala's life and his soul.

I started it last night.

For Review:
White As Bone Red As Blood (The Fox Sorceress) by Cerridwen Fallingstar
Cauldron Publications (July 27, 2009)
378 Pages, paperback
$15.56 (Amazon.com, 09/06/09)
Summary (Amazon.com):

In twelfth century Japan, Seiko Fujiwara, a young woman believed to be a sorceress, is caught in a deadly conflict between the Heike and the Genji, two clans battling for control of the throne. The peaceful Heian period is giving way to the rise of the Samurai; Japan teeters on the edge of a time of darkness. Seiko's mother, priestess of Inari, the deity of abundance and sorcery, predicts that if Lord Kiomori's daughter Tokushi, Seiko's closest friend, becomes Empress and gives birth to the next Emperor, their world will be saved. If he lives... It is Seiko's responsibility to make sure the prophecy comes true. Journey with Seiko as she navigates through a world of assassins, palace intrigue, warfare and enchantments, struggling to honor her giri, her sacred destiny, while longing for the fulfillment of love.

Not my usual picking but I’ll give it a try!
What did you get?

Miss Percy Parker Tour WInner!

2009-09-05T22:27:00.000-04:00

Thanks again to Leanna Renee Heiber for the blog tour stop!

The luck winner of the signed copy of The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker is:

Juju from Tales of Whimsy!

List Randomizer

There were 13 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

Juju from Tales of Whimsy

Morning Glow

Cherie J

Tina

throuthehaze

Paradox

Wanda

bigcabgirl

emjay79

webbgirl

HODGEPODGESPV

donnas

Kimberly B.

Timestamp: 2009-09-06 02:23:47 UTC

Congrats Juju! I have your email address and will be contacting you for your mailing address. Please have that to me by Tuesday, Sept. 8, noon EST. I’ll then forward it to Leanna! :)

Cover Art: Twice As Hot by Gena Showalter

2009-09-05T11:35:00.000-04:00

Oh, shiny!

Twice As Hot by Gena Showalter is follow up novel to Playing with Fire, which I read way back in March 2008. Gena is by far one of my most favorite authors. She does a phenomenal job writing action and romance and it usually incorporates a slight mystery. I will be reading this as soon as it comes out January 26, 2010.

Blurb (Gena’s blog):

Set the world on fire? With Belle Jamison, it’s always a possibility. Literally.

Planning a wedding is tough. Especially when the bride can shoot fireballs from her eyes and accidentally torches her dress, the groom returns from a dangerous mission with selective memory loss and the man responsible now desires Belle for his own.

Any other time, Belle would turn to her ultra sexy fiancé Rome Masters for comfort. But the only thing he can’t remember is her – and now his ex is determined to win him back. With the help of her trusty empath sidekick, an optimistic Belle continues to plan her wedding, fight a new band of supervillans, and tries not to accidentally on purpose start too many fires. . . except when she gets Rome into bed. . .

Haven’t read Playing with Fire?! Well read it! :) It’s also available in Kindle Edition.

Gadget: Bookmark II

2009-09-03T08:42:00.000-04:00

I saw this on OhGizmo!

It’s a pretty cool bookmark. There’s no information on how to obtain it but it’s allegedly produced by Propaganda. Check out Oh Gizmo! for the other pictures.

Notice the line that’s being “marked”. ;)

I think it’s pretty cool. What about you?

I Love Morning Glories!

2009-09-02T09:13:00.000-04:00

Just needed to share this, so I am.

I love morning glories, specifically 'Star of Yelta' morning glories.

I started with them just around my light pole out front. But one year I decided to plant them around the porch railing at the front door. Well, this year and last, they have really taken off! It’s like a forest of morning glories! You can’t really tell how dense they are from the pictures but they are!

I have to keep an eye on them so that they don’t wander off and strangle nearby plants, which they do to the potted petunias you see in the pics. However, I did leave a large cooler out on the porch to dry out but left it there too long and now the vines have consumed it’s handle. I don’t want to break the vines to get it free. It’ll just have to stay there a bit longer. :)

The vines work so well to conceal our fire wood that we didn’t remove after winter but can’t do now because we’ll be needing it again very soon!

Here are some pictures of my 'Star of Yelta' morning glories!

I love, love, love when they take off like in the picture of them headed around the pond and then a branch of them headed across the sidewalk! :)

I glow each morning when I see them. They are smiles in a plant.

Do you plant flowers? What are your favorites and why?

Wow & Cover Art: Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs

2009-09-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

Patricia Briggs has displayed her next Mercy Thompson series cover, Silver Borne, on her web site.

This author has gotten lucky with her covers. Each one keeps getting better and better. Although, they aren’t exactly the same in every aspect but they are true to Mercy’s character.

Silver Borne is slated to release March 30, 2010. Patricia also announced that Ace, the publisher, “has contracted for a total of seven Mercy novels, and it's possible the series could go even longer.”

There’s no summary for this installment yet but I can assume it’ll be just as great as all the previous books in this series.

I can’t wait to get my hands on this one!

My Reviews for this series:

Moon Called (Mercy Thompson, Book 1) by Patricia Briggs

Blood Bound (Mercy Thompson, Book 2) by Patricia Briggs

Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson, Book 3) by Patricia Briggs

Bone Crossed (Mercy Thompson, Book 4) by Patricia Briggs

Madison’s First Day of Kindergarten

2009-09-01T16:13:00.000-04:00

Today was the day!

I watched our baby girl hop onto a big, yellow school bus that took her away….

To her first day of kindergarten!

It was a bittersweet moment for me. I was so happy for her! She was glowing with anticipation. Ready to embark on the first day of 13 years of learning. Although, I doubt she understands that.

I asked her how her day was when I brought her home. She said they colored first. Then they had circle time, which was the reading of a book called “I DON’T WANT TO GO TO BED!.” I hope it was informative for her because getting her into bed at time can be a struggle sometimes!

She had Art Class today. She colored her name with crayons. She didn’t bring it home so I’m assuming they keep them at school or toss them? Not sure.

She said she used the potty in the classroom and it was old. It had a shelf with cleaning supplies and a duster.

She said there were two boys who were bad. They kept talking and got in trouble for it. I asked her if she raised her hand to talk, one of Mrs. High’s rules, and she said she did but Mrs. High didn’t call on her. I asked if she held her hand up high so Mrs. High could “see” it and she said, “No. I only held it up a little." So I showed her how to properly hold up her hand. ;)

So there you have it. First day of kindergarten from a five year old. Here are some pictures from this morning! She’s the little one with the short hair wearing a pink stripped sweater.

View Full Album

We’re taking Friday off to spend the day at Hershey Park with Jennifer and baby Wyatt.

Teaser Tuesday: Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow

2009-09-01T09:35:00.000-04:00

Grab your current read

Open to a random page

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I finished this book a few days ago but wanted to share it with you anyway! Again, not two sentences. Seriously, two sentences is not enough! I guess that’s why it’s called a “teaser” though, huh? Oh well! I’m actually going to give you TWO excerpts instead! These are two of my favorite scenes of the book. Something very cool or important happens immediately before or after each of these excerpts.

Steam drifted in great eddies from the once-placid water. The fountain bubbled and buzzed. I scrabbled for the stone ledge and just made it, hopping up and perching like a frog with trembling legs.

“Holy shit,” someone was saying, someone with a high trembling voice very much like mine. I felt my lips shape the words, numbly. My hair dripped in my face and something warm and sticky was in my eyes. “Holy shit. Jesus Christ.”

page 85, Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow

He looked down at me, fangs sliding beneath his upper lip, his eyes burning. The highlights had bled out of his hair, slicking it back against his head, and his eyes were actually glowing in the bruised, ugly light slanting through the kitchen.

“I’m being patient,” he hissed, the t’s lisping slightly because of the fangs. “I’ll get you and your pet through this alive, but you have to do what I say. Got me?”

page 255, Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow

This book was awesome! Action packed and very cool. There’s a lot of cursing though as seen from above. I’ll be reviewing it sometime soon. :)

Did you do a Teaser Tuesday? Put a link in the comments so I can see!

The Strangely Beautiful Haunted London Blog Tour day 10!

2009-09-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

Contest is closed! Winner announced HERE!

Today I’m hosting the Haunted London Blog Tour Day 10 for the amazing author Leanna Renee Hieber. I read and reviewed her amazing book, The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker, back in July. You can read it HERE.

From the back cover:

What fortune awaited sweet, timid Percy Parker at Athens Academy? Considering how few of Queen Victoria’s Londoners knew of it, the great Romanesque fortress was dreadfully imposing, and little could Percy guess what lay inside. She had never met the powerful and mysterious Professor Alexi Rychman, knew nothing of the growing shadow, the Ripper and other supernatural terrors against which his coterie stood guard. She knew simply that she was different, haunted, with her snow-white hair, pearlescent skin and uncanny gifts. But this arched stone doorway offered a portal to a new life, an education far from the convent—and an invitation to an intimate yet dangerous dance at the threshold of life and death….

The Strangely Beautiful Haunted London Blog Tour Day 10!

Thank you, Jess, for allowing the Haunted Tour to roll into your fine blog, you were one of my earliest reviews, and such a glowing one at that, it's something I'll never forget.

The Ten Bells – 84 Commercial Street, E1 “Jack the Ripper’s Local”

For those of you just joining us, the purpose of this Haunted tour is to celebrate the release of my Gothic Victorian fantasy debut, The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker. This Tour will introduce you to some of the real, documented London haunts who “ghost-star” in my book. When Professor Alexi Rychman and his Guard of spectral police make their rounds, it is to any number of London phantasms. Since these characters are familiar to The Guard, I don’t get to tell their full story in the book, here I can give them their due. Leave a comment and you’ll be entered to win a signed copy of the novel, first in the Strangely Beautiful series!

Today we discuss the haunted Ten Bells, said to be a favourite of Jack the Ripper.

In the early hours of November 9^th 1888 Mary Kelly left The Ten Bells pub. Later, across the street from the pub, in Miller’s Court, off Dorset Street, a body nearly unrecognizable as a human female was found, mutilated beyond all recognition. It was thought perhaps the killer followed her from The Ten Bells and into Miller’s Court.

Numerous live-in staff in the upper stories of the Ten Bells told fearsome tales of being awoken by dread in the middle of the night only to find a spectre of an old man dressed in 19^th Century clothing lying beside them! Many people saw him, no one was quite sure who he was until in the year 2000, an antique metal box was found hidden in a corner of the cellar. Inside were the effects of George Roberts, along with a press cutting that spoke of his being murdered (with an axe) at a Welsh cinema. A man named George Roberts had kept The Ten Bells in the transition between the 19^th and 20^th centuries and it was assumed the ghost was the former pub owner.

While Mary Kelly doesn’t get the time and full homage she deserves in my book, as her death comes right near the climax of the novel, her death is mentioned in The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker as such:

The air was sick. A virulent force was tearing through the streets toward a specific destination, ready for a reckoning. It growled and roiled and cut a path like a whirl of ancient blades. Its casualty would be an unspeakable shame. Neither Alexi nor his cohorts had any inkling that there would be another mutilated corpse in the morning, nor that this would be the worst.

There would be nothing, when all was said and done, to ever suggest that this woman, torn utterly to pieces, had once been a human being. The Ripper had struck again, swiping ferocious, merciless, unthinkable paws down Dorset Street, en route to the evening’s festivities.

I’m indebted to Richard Jones, founder of the fabulous Discovery Walks of London and author of the fantastic compendium “Haunted London” and “Walking Haunted London” published by Barnes & Noble Books, a main resource for my research.

Visit him at www.haunted-london.com.

Come visit me at www.leannareneehieber.com to find out more about The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker and follow along on the rest of the Haunted London Blog tour! While you're at my website, if you have a copy of my book why don't you enter my CONTEST? I hope you’ll love this book as much as I loved writing it!

Be sure to comment to be entered to win a signed copy!

Blessings!

Leanna Renee Hieber

www.leannareneehieber.com

www.twitter.com/leannarenee

Leanna is an awesome author. If you haven’t picked up a copy of this yet then you must! Start out here by commenting to be entered into the signed copy from Leanne Renee Hieber. One entry per person. You have until 9/2 to enter!

Don’t forget to follow along on the tour! There’ll be more chances to win this amazing book!

Here’s the very cool book trailer too!

September 2009 Smashing Mag Desktop Calendars

2009-09-01T00:49:00.000-04:00

I use a new desktop wallpaper calendar every month thanks to the amazingly cool monthly desktop calendars hosted at Smashing Magazine’s web site.

Each month people create desktop wallpaper calendars for anyone to use. It’s awesome. There’s usually at least 10 – 20 to chose from.

This month I’ll be using “Colors of Autumn”. I don’t love the calendar starting with Monday but it’s too cute to not use! Also, I’ve switched them through out the month if there are others that I like too.

Check them out! Will you use one?

Contest Results: New Moon…er…Blue Moon by Alyson Noel

2009-08-31T11:31:00.000-04:00

So we had a few takers for my author signed copy of Blue Moon by Alyson Noel. I’m glad there are others that might enjoy it a bit more than I didn’t.

I used random.org/lists to get the winner. She was also the first person to fill out the form, so congrats on that!

List Randomizer

There were 11 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

Katie

Jill F.

J. Stribling

Raelena

Wendy Cueto

Lynda Smith

Alexa - hipgirl2

Kate

Alexa - lovinfitch

Debbie's World of Books

Cynthia Wang

Timestamp: 2009-08-31 15:25:00 UTC

Katie, I have your email address and will be emailing for your mailing address. You’ll have until Friday morning to send me your shipping information. If I do not receive it by Friday, 12:00 pm (noon) EST I will have to pick a new winner, # 2.

Thanks for taking this off my hands. It’ll give up limited space on my bookshelf for good books such as Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater that I JUST got in the mail today!!!

Contest Results: Intertwined by Gena Showalter

2009-08-31T11:21:00.000-04:00

Thanks to random.org/lists here’s the random list of entries for the ARC of Intertwined by Gena Showalter. #1 is the winner!

List Randomizer

There were 70 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

Jennifer

Tina

Wrighty

Kristen

Kate

gaby317

soundistheword3

throuthehaze

a flight of minds

Tynga

Jessica

smck27

Wendy C.

Kytaira

Jessica

Kate

Marie

throuthehaze

Jessica Secret

a flight of minds

Jill of The O.W.L. Blog

Kristen

Jennifer

Jamie

Christine

Tina

Alexa

Chelsea B.

Kate

Wanda

Debbie's World of Books

Pamk

Jennifer

DeNiSe MaDnEsS

Jill of The O.W.L. Blog

Wrighty

Tynga

shal

DeNiSe MaDnEsS

Debbie's World of Books

DeNiSe MaDnEsS

smck27

shal

Paradox

Jamie

Erica

Book Sp(l)ot

Jessica Secret

soundistheword3

Erica

Wendy C.

Jessica

shal

Christine

Kytaira

gaby317

Paradox

Tynga

Taste Life Twice

smck27

Alexa

Tina

Debbie's World of Books

Book Sp(l)ot

Taste Life Twice

Christine

a flight of minds

Jamie

Pamk

Jessica Secret

Timestamp: 2009-08-31 15:14:36 UTC

Congrats to Jennifer for winning! I have your email address and will be emailing for your mailing address. You’ll have until Friday morning to send me your shipping information. If I do not receive it by Friday, 12:00 pm (noon) EST I will have to pick a new winner, # 2.

Thanks to everyone for entering! There are always contests on my sidebar for you to enter for a chance at some great books.

In My Mailbox

2009-08-29T23:35:00.000-04:00

I bought two books this week!

Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow

Razorbill (May 14, 2009), Young Adult, 304 pages, $9.99 (Amazon.com, 08/29/09), Kindle Ed. $7.99(Amazon.com, 08/29/09))

Summary (Lili St. Crows web site)":

Dru Anderson has been “strange” for as long as she can remember. She travels from town to town with her father, hunting the things that go bump in the night and eat the unwary. It’s a weird life, but a good one–until it all explodes and a zombie busts into her new house.

Alone, terrified, and trapped in an icy town, Dru’s going to need every inch of her wit and training to stay alive. Can she trust the boy who is just a little too adult–and just happens to get bit by a werwulf? Or the strange blue-eyed boy who tells her she’s heir to a long-forgotten power? Can she even trust her own instincts?

Because Dru is not the first in her family to be killed by the darkness of the Real World. The monsters have decided to hunt back–and now Dru has to figure out who to trust, who to fight, and when to run. And not incidentally, she has to figure out how she’s going to get out of this alive.

And she has to do it by sundown, or it’s all over…

I’m reading it now and it’s AWESOME! :)

And:

Hunting Ground (Alpha & Omega, Book 2) by Patricia Briggs

Ace (August 25, 2009), 304 pages, $7.99 (Amazon.com, 08/29/09)

Summary (Amazon.com):

Mated to werewolf Charles Cornick, the son -and enforcer -of the leader of the North American werewolves, Anna Latham now knows how dangerous being a werewolf is, especially when a werewolf opposes Charles and his father is struck down. Charles's reputation makes him the prime suspect, and the penalty for the crime is execution. Now Anna and Charles must combine their talents to hunt down the real killer -or Charles will take the fall.

I received a few books for review:

Karma For Beginners by Jessica Blank

Hyperion Book CH (August 18, 2009), 320 pages, Young Adult, $11.55 (Amazon.com, 08/28/09)

Here’s a summary description from Amazon.com:

Fourteen-year-old Tessa has never had a normal life. Her mother, a frustrated hippie with awful taste in men, has seen to that. But when her mom pulls her out of school to live at an ashram in the Catskills, Tessa goes from being a freak among normal people to being an outcast among freaks. Freaks who worship an orange robe-wearing guru. And while her mom is buzzing with spiritual energy, and finding a little too much favor with the guru, all Tessa feels are weird vibes.

Unless she's with Colin, the gorgeous boy who fixes trucks for the ashram. The connection they share is the most spiritual thing Tessa has ever felt. But he's older-like illegally older-and Tessa's taking dangerous risks to spend time with him. Soon her life is blooming into a psychedelic web of secrets and lies and it's clear that something's about to give way. When it does, will she have anyone to hold on to? Will she even know herself?

A few are ebooks:

Middlewitch by Heather Parker

Drollerie Press (July 24, 2009), Kindle Ed. $3.03 (Amazon.com, 08/29/09)

Summary (Amazon.com):

Being a witch isn't always easy. She's managed to learn love potions with only one real mistake, and that was hardly her fault. She can whip up a mean maths retention spell, but it's not all cake and roses. Take dating, for instance. As Alicia Meldrew puts it, how does one even bring it up? -Hobbies? Yes, I usually practise the black arts on Mondays, Thursdays and every other weekend. You?-

Alicia is a young witch with a mission: to protect the citizens of Middlewitch, a sleepy little hamlet consisting mostly of a church, a senior citizen's home, a pub, and two constables. You'd think such a small town wouldn't have problems with dark forces, but you'd be wrong. With the help of her cats, Domino and Tango, the Women's Institute, and even the Vicar, Alicia faces down demons, vampires, satanists, an American...and even the City.

She finally has a boyfriend, but is she really able to learn to share her life with James? And if she can, is she strong enough to learn to get on with his mother?

I started this and am enjoying it. It’s light and British, which is always fun!

Three Seeds by Gabriel Madison

eTreasures Publishing (August 19, 2009), 290 pages (I have the PDF), $15.00 (Amazon.com, 08/29/09)

Summary (Amazon.com):

An unnatural cold front grows each day, bewildering world leaders and scientists, while leaving people across the world in a state of panic. All of North America is covered in snow, as Earth slowly reverts into a frozen oasis, causing religious groups to scream of the end of days, while others believe it’s the beginning of a new and foretold era. Rosemary Anderson finds herself working as a receptionist, living on an old southern plantation and wishing for excitement. David, the man claiming to have rescued her from a car wreck three years earlier, has maneuvered himself into her life, but only shows up occasionally to ask Rose strange and cryptic questions about a past she no longer remembers. Rose’s desire for adventure comes true, when strange men arrive at her plantation, and suddenly assaults her. Rose narrowly escapes with the help of her mysterious friend, David. David flees to Atlanta as he leads Rose through a hidden and treacherous world filled with death, power, secrets and passion. While trying to protect her from immortals shrouded by shadows, a secret society and ancient beings from a forgotten time determine to either capture, or kill her.

I LOVED this summary! The author has a great site with some excerpts and a promo video. I’ll be reading this one very soon!

I’m excited about all of these! I’m really enjoying Strange Angels and I’ll probably start Karma for Beginners next, then maybe Three Seeds. Depends on when Catching Fire arrives! :)

What did you buy or receive?

Create A Cover

2009-08-29T16:48:00.000-04:00

I saw this first on The Ladybug Reads, her’s is good, but she saw it on The Story Siren….I either missed hers or haven’t gotten to it yet….not sure. Anyway, it was fun!

Create Your Debut YA Cover:

1. Go to “Fake Name Generator” or click http://www.fakenamegenerator.com/

2. Go to “Random Word Generator” or click http://www.websitestyle.com/parser/randomword.shtml

The word listed under “Random Verb” is your title.

3. Go to “FlickrCC” or click http://flickrcc.bluemountains.net/index.php

Type your title into the search box. The first photo that contains a person is your cover.

4. Use Photoshop, Picnik, or similar to put all together. Be sure to crop and/or zoom in.

5. Post it to your site along with this text.

Here’s what I got:

Pretty fun huh?! I don’t like the image much. I could do without the bareback, bra showing but didn’t have much choice when I had to use the first image with a person in it. :)

Did you do one? Link in comments!

Contest Round Up

2009-08-29T15:49:00.000-04:00

Here’s a round up of all the contests I’ve come across recently. Check my sidebar often to see what’s new. I update as I come across them but I don’t always do this round up post. :)

If you do nothing else you MUST check out this awesome interview hosted by Kim at The Book Butterfly. She interviews Jessica Packwood of Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey. She’s also hosting a contest to win a copy of the book and a t-shirt!

This is one of my favorite YA vampire books and Beth is an amazing author. I first saw her guest post at Wondrous Reads. Check that out too. And if you haven’t read Jessica’s GT Dating on the Dark Side, you should! Read my review if you missed it.

So, take a few minutes and enter for some awesome books! Don’t forget to mention I referred you! :)

Two of the above are my own contests: Intertwined and Blue Moon (author signed to me) and end tomorrow at midnight, EST! :)

First Line Friday: Karma For Beginners by Jessica Blank

2009-08-28T13:08:00.000-04:00

Karma For Beginners by Jessica Blank

Hyperion Book CH (August 18, 2009)

320 pages, Young Adult

$11.55 (Amazon.com, 08/28/09)

I had to fight for this hamburger.

Here’s a summary description from Amazon.com:

Fourteen-year-old Tessa has never had a normal life. Her mother, a frustrated hippie with awful taste in men, has seen to that. But when her mom pulls her out of school to live at an ashram in the Catskills, Tessa goes from being a freak among normal people to being an outcast among freaks. Freaks who worship an orange robe-wearing guru. And while her mom is buzzing with spiritual energy, and finding a little too much favor with the guru, all Tessa feels are weird vibes.

Unless she's with Colin, the gorgeous boy who fixes trucks for the ashram. The connection they share is the most spiritual thing Tessa has ever felt. But he's older-like illegally older-and Tessa's taking dangerous risks to spend time with him. Soon her life is blooming into a psychedelic web of secrets and lies and it's clear that something's about to give way. When it does, will she have anyone to hold on to? Will she even know herself?

Interested? Check it out. I just received it today from Disney (Hyperion Book CH) for review. I’ll be starting it soon.

Book Review Blogging 101 with Dear Author’s Jane

2009-08-28T12:05:00.000-04:00

I had to share this.

Jane at Dear Author wrote an amazing post on Book Review Blogging. If you’re a book review blogger you should read this!

She has some awesome tips and a lot of it is common sense. It’s important to remember to be professional and respectful when handling requests and reviews.

Hope you find it as informative as I did.

Blue Moon (Immortals, Book 2) by Alyson Noel

2009-08-26T21:35:00.000-04:00

GIVEAWAY is Closed! Winner Announced HERE!

Blue Moon (Immortals, Book 2) by Alyson Noel

St. Martin’s Griffin (July 7, 2009)

304 pages

$9.99 (Amazon.com, 08/26/09)

I won this signed copy from a contest held by The Book Butterfly. It’s such a nice blog I couldn’t help but enter even though I wasn’t a fan of the first book, Evermore. You can read my review of Evermore HERE. I honestly didn’t think I’d win but I did. I read the book. I wasn’t a fan of Alyson’s first book but since I won the book I was willing to give this series a second chance.

Plot: 1

Setting: 5

Writing: 2

Originality: 4

Characters: 3

Passion: 4

Overall: 19/30 = 63% D

Cover/Title Bonus: 5

Summary (Alyson’s web site):

Just as Ever is learning everything she can about her new abilities as an immortal, initiated into the dark, seductive world by her beloved Damen, something terrible is happening to him. As Ever's powers are increasing, Damen's are fading—stricken by a mysterious illness that threatens his memory, his identity, his life.
Desperate to save him, Ever travels to the mystical dimension of Summerland, uncovering not only the secrets of Damen's past—the brutal, tortured history he hoped to keep hidden—but also an ancient text revealing the workings of time. With the approaching blue moon heralding her only window for travel, Ever is forced to decide between turning back the clock and saving her family from the accident that claimed them—or staying in the present and saving Damen, who grows weaker each day...

Read an excerpt on her web site.

Plot:

So Ever has powers and Damen is teaching her how to use them. They are also trying to “get closer”, if you know what I mean. If you read my review of Evermore you might have remembered that I thought this would be addressed in the follow up novel but I was guessing that it wouldn’t. I was right. They do make plans but they run into the issue of Damen’s “illness”. There’s a new guy character who’s shaking things up. It is all so horribly and terribly predictable. I couldn’t wait to get to the end. I almost DNF this book but I wanted to see how Alyson wrapped it all up. Alyson takes the LONG way around a plot line.

Setting:

Summerland is awesome. That I will give to Alyson. She has created a place that I would love to go to for a few hours a day. Damen’s house is another great place. These are two places that I would recognize instantly if I were suddenly dropped into either.

Writing:

It’s final. I can not read another book by Alyson Noel. I gave this one a try because I won it. I had no intention of buying it to read it. The beginning was great. Then we meet Roman and the story goes to shit. The middle of the book is fluff, procrastination, self blame, denial, second guesses and complete rubbish. The end of the book was just terrible! Why even write this book!? It got us no where but back at the beginning but now with a whole new obstacle to overcome. I have no faith in Ever and Damen’s relationship. It’s too sad and I will not wait around while the author drags me through the chaotic mess she’s made of Ever’s life.

Originality:

The Immortal concept is good. The land of Summerland is amazingly original. The new twist that will be the major issue in the next book is a BIG issue and I can just see how that’ll turn out.

Characters:

Ever and Damen are cuter than ever in the beginning. Then they’re introduced to Roman the new kid at school. Roman seems transfixed on Ever. Ever is instantly repelled from Roman either because she’s jealous or because he’s dangerous…..

Damen suffers from his oh so “mysterious” illness. Ever is a complete moron but it’s not her fault. I blame the author. I know I’m mean and I can’t stand that I’m reacting this way to this book but I can NOT help it. The book infuriated me.

MAN! This is the hardest review I’ve written since Evermore! I couldn’t stand Ever in this book. Is she blind? Why is she so slow at solving this not so mysterious mystery? Yes, I’m writing a review with QUESTIONS! Questions that are abundant in this book!

Ever says it nicely on page 278:

“Get to the point,”

Yes! Please, get to the POINT!

Passion:

Yes, there’s passion very early in this book. Ever and Damen want to get it on but Ever is hung up on the fact that Damen is, like OMG 600 years old! And she’s a measly 16 years old with no experience in “that” department.

I freaking couldn’t stand this! Sure if I were her I’d be like “yikes” but I would look beyond that fact and if I truly loved the guy I’d get over it fast. You know, hormones and everything are RAGING at that age.

After watching True Blood and seeing that the vampire Jessica was a virgin before being turned and she loses it with Hoyt but then her hymen grows back because of her healing abilities. Will Ever suffer from the same thing? We probably will NEVER find out so why am I even thinking that far ahead?! Has Alyson thought of this though? Have you?

Overall:

I hated it. I think the concept was good but the outcome was terrible. Am I ruined because I’m older? (26 years old) Or is Alyson’s vision of the fantasy so twisted that she removed her self and didn’t think about how smart her readers are? I was literally skipping entire paragraphs towards the end of this book. I’d had enough of the fluff and wanted results. I was tired of hearing what Ever didn’t know and was questioning herself about. GET A MOVE ON! I honestly think this book should NOT have been written in the first person. A third person point of view would have been a lot better. Or at least trying to make it UNpredictable. You think?

Cover/Title Bonus:

The title and cover are perfect. Although the reasoning for the Blue Moon are still all wrapped around the poorly handled plot.

Other Reviews:

The Book Reader - New Moon copy cat

Ticket to Anywhere - 5 out of 5 stars

Shooting Star Mag - 5/5

Ravenous Reader - YYY 1/2

The Sweet Bookshelf - 3

Blood Bookaholic - 4.5 hearts

Frenetic Reader - 8.5/10

GreenBeanTeenQueen - 5/5 stars

Sarah's Random Musings - 88/100 or B

The Story Siren - 5 stars = It was amazing

The Ladybug Reads - 1.4 out of 5

Trailer:

Heck, don’t bother reading the book! Just watch this trailer!

I know this review was harsh. I apologize to both fans of Alyson and to Alyson too. She must connect with readers because she is selling books. I applaud her for that but I just don’t get it. I know I’m not alone as I’ve had some people comment on my Goodreads status updates agreeing with me.

Did you read this series? Do you agree with me about it being so predictable? Or do you disagree completely? Did you review Blue Moon? Put your link in your comment. I’m interested in other’s reviews.

WANT MY COPY?

There was an embedded form here, before I closed entries!

WoW: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

2009-08-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

Yeah, I tried my hardest to enter every ARC contest for this book but there just weren’t enough! Alas, the book will be released in less than a week. I’ve already pre-ordered it and am awaiting it’s arrival very patiently.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

September 1, 2009

I never really did a formal review for The Hunger Games. There are a ton of them out there. If you’ve heard that it was good that is only the beginning of what I would praise it with.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

It was raw, emotional, adventurous, mysterious, awesome, and encouraging. It was one of the best books I read this year.

I’ve since then loaned my copy out to my good friend Kevin, my mother-in-law, my husband, who hasn’t opened the book yet but doesn’t know what he’s missing, and a cousin of my husbands. And I actually have two copies of The Hunger Games because I had ordered it just before I won a contest for it! They arrived within days of each other.

Therefore, if you haven’t read this book you really should. It does not disappoint. The fact that Lionsgate has purchased the movie rights shows that it has been recognized. I just hope they stay true to the book, even if that means an R-rated rating. They might get away with a PG-13.

What are you waiting for?

Teaser Tuesday: Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble

2009-08-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I can’t stop with just two sentences! And I’m actually not reading this right now but I’ll be doing the review later today!

And then there’s Anne.

I glance down at the mark still visible on my forearm, now faded to a dim red circle—the mark that links me to this girl, who has for so long been just a ghost, just a vague hope year after year. But now, I’ve found her. She’s real, solid, and more powerful than she understands.

In the past two days, I’ve taken her entire life and managed to turn it inside out.

Page 190, “Dreaming Anastasia”, by Joy Preble

Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble

320 pages

Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (September 1, 2009)

$9.99 (Amazon.com, 08/24/09)

I think I’ll give away my copy of the ARC too, so stay tuned! :)

YALSA’s Teen's’ Top Ten

2009-08-24T12:07:00.000-04:00

Did you vote?

About the Teens' Top Ten

Teens' Top Ten is a "teen choice" list, where teens nominate and choose their favorite books of the previous year! Nominators are members of teen book groups in fifteen school and public libraries around the country. Nominations are posted on Support Teen Literature Day during National Library Week, and teens across the country vote on their favorite titles each year. Readers ages twelve to eighteen can vote right here, online, anytime between Aug. 24 and Sept. 18; the winners will be announced in a webcast featuring WWE Superstars and Divas during Teen Read Week.

Go vote for your top 3 picks. Voting ends Sept. 18th.

Living Your Five

2009-08-24T11:04:00.000-04:00

Heard of this yet? It’s a very cool thing a few of our favorite authors have joined forces to create.

Check out the site and see what it’s all about!

LIVING YOUR FIVE IS HERE!

We know, we know… we’ve been hinting about it for weeks. The super secret project of Kay Cassidy, Tera Lynn Childs, Alyson Noel and Becca Fitzpatrick. The #fivers hashtag. The Founding Fiver badges. The huge top secret contest. So many secrets!

Good news. The secret’s out.

Join us for the worldwide launch of Living Your Five! Living Your Five is an online community dedicated to changing our world one person at a time. You don’t have to cure the world of cancer or banish world hunger in a single day. It’s about working together, each of us taking one more step every day. It’s about knowing what you care about–what you’re passionate about!–and stepping away from the sidelines of your life to make your mark on the world.

To celebrate the launch of the official Living Your Five web site, we’re even hosting a contest with awesome daily prizes and a MEGA grand prize all courtesy of our Founding Fivers! Find out all the details at www.livingyourfive.com.

We’re ready to change the world. Now it’s up to you. Will you watch from the sidelines or join us on the ride? (Come on, we know you want to!)

They are so excited about this new development that they are having a contest to celebrate! Enter by 8/28 by 9:00 pm EST.

The prizes are:

A $100 Barnes & Noble gift card
(because we know you love books!)
A $100 donation in your name to the non-profit of your choice
(because we know you love making a difference!)
And the latest book (or ARC) from each Founding Fiver
(that's four signed books!)

Go forth and learn about the Living Your Five!

I’ll be doing my best to join. It sounds easy enough! :) What about you?

Contest Alert: The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

2009-08-23T19:34:00.000-04:00

I sooo want to read The Dark Divine by Bree Despain! After reading the sneak peek of the first chapter on her website I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it! What an awesome first chapter!

Anyhow, the cover to this upcoming book is gorgeously purple. And now Bree has matching nail polish! To celebrate she’s hosting a contest!

The prizes are:

A pedicure kit complete with my new THE DARK DIVINE nail polish! + An autographed ARC of THE DARK DIVINE + $15 gift card to Barnes & Noble.
Signed copy of MY BIG NOSE AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS by Sydney Salter + Signed copy of LIFE IN THE PIT by Kristen Landon
A $30 gift card to Barnes & Noble

Head on over to her blog and find out all the details!

If you enter from my link please let Bree know that I sent you over! Thanks!

Enter by August 29th!

Contest: ARC of Intertwined by Gena Showalter

2009-08-23T14:18:00.000-04:00

CONTEST CLOSED! Winner announced HERE.

I just reviewed Intertwined by Gena Showalter.

I received an extra copy of the ARC from the publisher and I want to share! To win this brand new ARC follow these contest entry rules.
How to Enter:
IMPORTANT! Each entry MUST be a separate comment! Otherwise you forfeit your additional entries! I will be using a random number generator to pick the winner!

Post a comment! Any comment will do! Include your email to ensure you receive your winnings!
Follow my blog! Already follow? Awesome! Let me know!
Post this contest on the web! Anywhere is acceptable. Leave the link in your comment. One link per comment. If you Twitter it, @ me! @junklekennedy

That’s at least 3 (three) entries to win the ARC of Intertwined by Gena Showalter!

Entries will be accepted until Midnight, August 30th (one week)
Entries are open to US & Canada only, sorry. NO P.O. Boxes.
The winner will be randomly selected via random.org based on the comment number automatically generated when you comment. Random comments WILL be deleted. Sorry. Comment on my review if you just want to comment.
The winner will be announced on August 31st(or soon thereafter)
The winner will have 3 days to email me their shipping info or they will forfeit their winnings and a new winner will be selected. Include your email in your comment and I'll email you if you win.

Enter away! Good luck!

Intertwined By Gena Showalter

2009-08-23T14:04:00.000-04:00

Intertwined by Gena Showalter

HarlequinTeen (September 1, 2009

448 pages

$10.87 Hardcover (Amazon.com, 08/23/09)

$9.99 Kindle (Amazon.com, 08/23/09)

Plot: 4

Setting: 4

Writing: 5

Originality: 5

Characters: 5

Passion: 4

Overall: 27/30 = 90% - A

Cover/Title Bonus: 4

I picked up a signed ARC of Intertwined while at BEA in May. I read it within a few days of returning home and devoured it very quickly.

Summary (Gena’s website)

There’s something about the new guy at Crossroads High…

Most sixteen-year-olds have friends. Aden Stone has four human souls living inside him:

One can time-travel.
One can raise the dead.
One can tell the future.
And one can possess another human.

With no other family and a life spent in and out of institutions, Aden and the souls have become friends. But now, they’re causing him all kinds of trouble.

Like, he’ll blink and suddenly he’s a younger Aden, reliving the past. One wrong move, and he’ll change the future. Or, he’ll walk past a total stranger and know how and when she’s going to die.
He’s so over it. All he wants is peace.

And then he meets a girl who quiets the voices. Well, for as long as he’s with her. Why? Mary Ann Gray is his total opposite. He’s a loner; she has friends. He doesn’t care what anyone thinks; she tries to make everyone happy. And while he attracts the paranormal, she repels it. For her sake, he should stay away. But it’s too late. . .

Somehow, they share an inexplicable bond of friendship. A bond about to be tested by a werewolf shape-shifter who wants Mary Ann for his own and a vampire princess Aden can’t resist. Two romances, both forbidden. . . doomed. Still, the four will enter a dark underworld of intrigue and danger. . . but not everyone will come out alive. . .

Read an excerpt!

Plot:

Aden has 4 spirits in his head. One of them can raise the dead so he must steer clear of graveyards and such. One can time travel. One can tell the future. And one can possess another human. They prove to be cumbersome yet useful. One day he travels just a few steps too close to a graveyard in his new town, raises some dead people all because he was trying to get closer to a girl. That’s where we meet Mary Ann. They feel something when ever they are in close proximity. Their attraction isn’t sexual attraction but rather brother sisterly attraction, which I was a little upset about but got over that quickly.

Aden lives on a ranch for troubled teens and bunks with a few other boys who are not too friendly.

Mary Ann is being followed by a wolf. She quiets the voices in Aden’s head.

Aden glimpses a hot girl in a line of trees near the ranch. He begins dreaming about her.

Much, much, much more happens to make this story twisted between all characters involved. It unfolds very well but it keeps you on your toes.

Setting:

Crossroads, Oklahoma is the town and Aden lives on the D and M Ranch. Most of Aden’s scenes revolve around the ranch and the surrounding woods. Some takes place in their high school. Mary Ann’s home and bedroom are visited frequently. Nothing extraordinary, except the graveyard and a few time travel expeditions, prove to be anything but a normal town.

Writing:

I love reading Gena’s books. She’s what I call a safe read for me. I know that when I open one of her books I’m going to be thoroughly entertained and finish it smiling. Intertwined did that and more. I loved that there was an abundance of characters. Aden and Mary Ann being the main characters but they each find a love interest. The book is written in third person which allows the reader to grasp a ton of information without losing the connection with each character.

The voices in Aden’s head do tend to get overbearing but they proved to be entertaining.

Originality:

I found this book to be very original. With Aden having all those spirits in his head each with their special power proved to show how creative Gena can be. Mix in a wolf shape shifter and some vampires and we’ve got a wonderful concoction of supernatural awesomeness. I love that this was a YA. It was the first YA book of Gena’s that I’ve read and it has proven to me that she’s very capable to writing both adult and YA. I will be reading her other YA books in the future.

Characters:

I’ve already mentioned a ton about Aden. He has spirits in his head that proved him with some pretty wicked super powers. He uses each of them a few times during the story and they were pretty cool. He matures over the course of the book and that’s always fun to see.

Mary Ann was also very cool. I actually liked her story a bit more than Aden’s and can’t wait to read the next book in the story, which Gena is working on now and the title is Unraveled, to see how the ending of this book is handled. Unraveled will release September 2010.

The two love interests are Victoria the Vampire and Riley the shape shifting wolf protector of Victoria. Victoria is a nice vampire who really shouldn’t be falling for a human. Riley is freaking awesome! He’s the dangerous bad boy some of us just drool over. Some of his lines, which are usually short and to the point, are to die for!

Passion:

This is a YA book so the passion isn’t hot and heavy but true to a teen romance. There’s some minor skinny dipping with Aden and Victoria and Mary Ann and Riley have some pretty deep conversations about their attraction to each other. Each relationship is handled very nicely. Each seems to happen naturally, not pushed what so ever. And I’m actually looking forward to seeing Mary Ann and Riley together more than Aden and Victoria.

Overall:

I loved this book. I was just sitting here flipping through the pages and now I want to reread it! I loved this book for the very reasons why other reviews hated it. I loved the chaos of all the characters. I didn’t find it hard to follow but I can understand how others might find it confusing or overbearing. I loved all the supernatural elements. It was a true paranormal fantasy. And lastly, I loved it because it seemed real, even though it was absolutely crazy it flowed like it really happened.

Cover/Title:

I like this cover. The text font is super cool and the coloring is nice. I don’t like that Aden’s head is cut in half. I just had a conversation with another author about this very thing. Why do that? It works on his cover because I can still see the emotion being played out on Aden’s face but I would have loved to see his ENTIRE face. His clothes depict him as a true teenager: fitted yet comfortable. And I must comment on the size of the book. It’s shorter and just slightly wider than a normal book. I find that very cool and it felt very comfortable.

And Intertwined as the title? It’s perfect. The characters are nothing if not Intertwined.

Other reviews:

Steph Su Reads – 2 out of 5

Babbling About Books, and More – DNF

The Book Smugglers – 8 – Excellent

Ravenous Reader – 3 and 3/4 Y’s

SciFiGuy

Connect with Gena:

I’ve seen Intertwined at Borders as of last week so you might be able to get this early. I also heard that Amazon.com is already shipping too. Here’s Intertwined in action at the local Borders in Hagerstown, MD.

I have an extra, brand new ARC of Intertwined. Interested? Look for the next blog post for the contest! :)

Speaking of contests! Are you signing up daily for the Intertwined Sweepstakes!? You must! Entry widget is on my sidebar or visit my blog post about it.

Upcoming Reviews: Showalter, Preble, Fitzpatrick!

2009-08-22T23:17:00.000-04:00

I’m trying to catch up on my reviews!

I did a few today and I want to tackle some more tomorrow. I downloaded a new blogging software to help me get these out faster. I’m now using Windows Live Writer. It’s super easy to use and I love that I don’t have to wait for Firefox to catch up to me, which was quite frankly pissing me off!

Anyhow, I hope to get out the following reviews tomorrow:

Intertwined by Gena Showalter

Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Get ready for three awesome YA reviews!

Contest Alert: The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber

2009-08-22T23:05:00.000-04:00

Remember my review of The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber? No? Well then go remind yourself!

If you DO remember then head on over to The Book Butterfly and enter a contest to win a signed copy! You won’t regret it! Enter by September 10th!

Watch the trailer if you haven’t already!

My Wicked Vampire (Castle of Dark Dreams, # 4) by Nina Bangs

2009-08-22T22:43:00.000-04:00

My Wicked Vampire (The Castle of Dark Dreams, Book 4) by Nina Bangs

Leisure Books (September 29, 2009)

336 pages

$7.99 (Amazon.com, 08/22/09)

Plot: 3

Setting: 4

Writing: 5

Originality: 5

Characters: 4

Passion: 5

Overall: 26/30 = 86% - B

Cover/Title Bonus: 2

Dorchester Pub sent this to me a few weeks ago to be reviewed.

Plot:

Cinn is the newly hired attraction at The Castle of Dark Dreams. She has a talent with plants. She doesn’t know what’s she’s gotten herself into, wants to leave but is forced to stay for at least two weeks per her boss: Sparkle Stardust. She’s thrown into the castle managers who turn out to be wizards, demons, cosmic troublemakers, and vampires. Oh, there are also talking cats and plants! :) And because of the plants there’s an angry Goddess after Cinn!

Setting:

The Castle of Dark Dreams is like a theme parks for adults wishing to live “fantasies” that just so happen to be real supernatural beings living amongst each other. A lot of the story takes place in Cinn’s greenhouse, the dungeon, and various rooms of the Castle. There’s a shopping trip to a well known super store chain that is rather adventurous. One character has a talent to make dream fantasies which are pretty cool.

Writing:

This was my first book by Nina Bangs. She did very well at keeping my attention. The detail used in the plants and the castle were very well done. The tone was light yet realistic.

Originality:

The setting made this book incredibly original. The plants were out of this world! I had not read a book with the main character being a botanist or rather a gifted botanist who creatures plants that mature into having feelings, talking telepathically, and even moving!

Characters:

This was the first book I’ve read that a few of the characters were plants! Vince was a not so normal periwinkle. I actually looked at him as a character and not just a plant. How cool is that?

Cinn was a pretty normal girl, besides having the wicked green thumb.

Sparkle was such an overbearing nonsense character. I felt like smacking her a few times.

Dacian is a vampire that suffers from bouts of rage cast onto him by his maker Stephan, who is trying to create an army of vampires loyal to him. Dacian refuses to join forces, which brings all hell down on the occupants of The Castle of Dark Dreams.

Oh, and how exactly do you say his name: Dacian? I was angry by how I could not pronounce his name in my head! I ended up just calling him D. I did NOT like his name!!!

Ganymede is a cat by choice and Sparkle’s other half. He consumes enormous amounts of junk food and has a ton of the troublemaker power. And breaks out into a gorgeous, ass kicking human form at the end of the book.

There are a few other characters that have minor roles and are very cool.

Passion:

Cinn and Dacian are the major characters of the book. They end up bonding because Dacian has the role of protecting Cinn from the plant Goddess. Their relationship does turn sexual and very romantic actually. Dacian is a true gentleman in his own way.

Overall:

Overall I was pleasantly surprised by how entertaining this book was. I still can’t believe how much fun it was to have plants, cats, vampires, Goddesses, and the troublemakers all thrown together as a big happy family. It was weird yet fascinating at the same time.

Cover/Title:

The title seems to follow the rest of the series with the word wicked being included. The cover image however is being shared with another book that was recently released: The Eternal Kiss.

I like the cover of My Wicked Vampire oh so much better than The Eternal Kiss but it wouldn’t be my first pick for this book. Something with a castle and maybe PLANTS on it would have been entirely more appropriate than a picture of a lady with multiple ear piercings. It shows nothing of what to expect in this book what so ever.

The Fire King (Dirk & Steele, Book 9) by Marjorie M. Liu

2009-08-22T21:25:00.000-04:00

The Fire King (Dirk & Steele, Book 9) by Marjorie M. Liu

Leisure Books (July 28, 2009)

307 pages

$7.99 (Amazon.com, 08/22/09)

Plot: 4

Setting: 5

Writing: 5

Originality: 5

Characters: 5

Passion: 4

Overall: 28/30 = 93%

Cover/Title Bonus: 5

Dorchester Pub sent this wonderful book to me to review a few weeks ago.

Summary (author’s website):

Long ago, shape-shifters were plentiful, soaring through the sky as crows, racing across African veldts as cheetahs, raging furious as dragons atop the Himalayas. Like gods, they reigned supreme. But even gods have laws, and those laws, when broken, destroy.

Zoufalství. Epätoivo. Asa. Three words in three very different languages, and yet Soria understands. Like all members of Dirk & Steele, she has a gift, and hers is communication. When she is chosen to learn the dead language of a shape-shifter resurrected after thousands of years of icy sleep, she discovers a warrior consumed with fury.

Strong as a lion, quick as a serpent—Karr is his name, and in his day he was king. But he is a son of strife, a creature of tragedy. As fire consumed all he loved, so death was to be his atonement. Now, against his will, he has awoken. Zoufalství. Epätoivo. Asa. In English, the word is despair. But Soria knows the words for love.

Read an excerpt on her website as well!

Plot:

Soria, a young woman with a missing arm is forced to return to a day job she’s not fond of doing but she’d rather live so she cooperates. She has a talent for being able to speak any language. No matter what. How cool is that!?

Karr is a mystical shape shifting creature that is awoken from a tomb he was buried alive in many, many years ago. He is captured and imprisoned until someone able to speak his language is found.

Soria is able to speak to Karr and she finds a way to form a bond with the enormous, dangerous creature he houses inside. Together they escape and are on the runs for their lives.

Setting:

Briefly the setting is in the US but it quickly switches to Russia, in Mongolia I remember. There’s a ton of desert walking and flying. A sandstorm scene was pretty intense.

Writing:

Marjorie knows her stuff! Since the main character was a linguist and I did read that Marjorie too studied languages there was a ton of references to those foreign languages. The entire book flowed very well. There was a large portion of this book dedicated to action scenes. The detail shown to the shifters was awesome. And writing the main character as having only one arm? Amazingly done. Finding out the back story to why Soria lost her arm doesn’t happen until a little past half way through the book, which worked well but had me constantly wondering what the hell happened to her arm! It was a major distraction and I wish the reader would have found out about that a bit sooner.

Originality:

This wasn’t my first shape shifter book by a long shot but it was a very awesome one. It was my first book that had a disabled main character but that didn’t stop her from being amazingly strong and actually even more so because she had an extra obstacle to overcome.

The shape shifters in this book were different than others I’ve read though. Karr is a half breed so he’s able to mix and match the shapes that his parents were: dragon and lion, making a pretty intense and beautiful creature.

Characters:

Soria is amazing. I had my doubts in the beginning when I first learned that she was missing an arm. But she doesn’t let it stop her from kicking ass. She’s mentally strong and that is exactly what she needs to get through this difficult time in her life. Her story behind the lose of her arm is horrific. Her ability to speak to Karr was awesome!

Karr is just wow. The fact that no one but Soria can understand his language forces him to ally with her. It was the best decision he makes. They make an awesome team together. Karr is strong, intelligent, and an intense warrior.

Passion:

The attraction between Soria and Karr builds over the course of the book. It is not the reason for the book but rather a subplot and it happens very naturally. I was almost yelling at the author/book because it wasn’t a major topic or rather the characters chose to ignore it just a wee bit too much for my liking. And there’s only one cool scene with them together sexually. It fit for their situation but it could have been so much better. Too sad.

Overall:

I enjoyed this book immensely. Mostly because I saw the attraction between the two main characters and wanted to see them together. Plus, their adventure was very cool. Karr was such a sweet and protective alpha male and Soria was strong but not bitchy or overbearing. They were a perfect couple.

Also, this was my first Dirk & Steele novel. I didn’t feel lost or anything so I’m not sure how the series works. I’m guessing they just cover one Dirk & Steele agent at a time.

Cover/Title:

The cover is AWESOME! The only thing I don’t like is the guy. He’s not strong jawed enough to be Karr. His face is just too round and fleshy. The lion, sand, and the side mountain houses fit perfectly with the subject of the book.

The title? I don’t get it. The FIre King? I don’t remember reading that Karr was a king in his original life. However, after reading the summary on Marjorie’s website he apparently was a king. Interesting.

Connect with Marjorie M. Liu:

Website

Blog

Twitter

Have you read this series before? Are the other books just as good? Better?

Cover Art: Shift (Werecats, Book 5) by Rachel Vincent

2009-08-22T16:24:00.000-04:00

Take a look at this beauty!

Shift is Rachel’s 5th Werecats or Shifters series book. I believe the release date is March 2010.

It follows a very tragic and very emotional Prey. You can read my review of each book in this series.

Stray (Shifters, Book 1): My Review
Rogue (Shifters, Book 2): My Review
Pride (Shifters, Book 3): My Review
Prey (Shifters, Book 4): My Review

I can NOT wait to read this. Prey was superb and so much happened that I can not wait to see how it is all resolved. After Shift there’s one last book, Alpha, which I can assume someone is crowned Alpha.

Intertwined Sweepstakes!

2009-08-22T11:01:00.001-04:00

Enter now! Enter daily!

Add to your blog!

Lament by Maggie Stiefvater

2009-08-22T00:33:00.000-04:00

Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception by Maggie Stiefvater
Flux (Oct. 1, 2008)
325 pages (paperback)
$9.95 (Amazon.com 08/21/09)

Plot: 4
Setting: 5
Writing: 5
Originality: 5
Characters: 5
Passion: 4
Overall: 28/30 = 93%

Cover/Title Bonus: 5

I decided to read this because the publisher sent out an email about the second installment of this series, Ballad. I went ahead and ordered it through Amazon.com and started it a few days later. It took me 2 days to finish it.

Summary (Maggie's Website):

Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan is a painfully shy but prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand—one who can see faeries. When a mysterious boy enters her ordinary suburban life, seemingly out of nowhere, Deirdre finds herself infatuated. Trouble is, the enigmatic and conflicted Luke turns out to be a gallowglass—a soulless faerie assassin—and Deirdre is meant to be his next mark. Deirdre has to decide if Luke's feelings towards her are real, or only a way to lure her deeper into the world of Faerie.

Read an excerpt.

Plot:
Deirdre befriends Luke in quite the experience: puking in the bathroom before a recital. She's then thrust into the land of the faeries. Finding young love, overcoming family and authority issues, and even death are all obstacles that Deidre experiences all within a very short amount of time. A week maybe? Music plays a huge role in the story.

Setting:
A small town in Virginia with a Dave's Ice store, Deirdre's home, school, a Sticky Pig restaurant, and there's even a trip to Richmond. There are some dreams that take the reader away from reality just a bit and of course the glimpses into the Faerie people. My favorite setting is the ring of mushrooms. It was a very important scene too. Any scene with music was enthralling. I would have loved to listen to each song as it was meant to be heard in the story.

Writing:
This is the second book of Maggie's that I've read. This, however, was her debut novel. I previously read Shiver, which differs drastically from Lament on many levels. Lament is written in first person and it's full of detail, passion, and extensive knowledge. There's an abundance of reference to music, harp and flute, but it's not above the readers head or anything, just them playing. And there are several song lyrics. All of which are truly beautiful. I did take a few minutes to YouTube a video of someone playing a Celtic harp because I was having a hard time visualizing one. I thought they were HUGE but they aren't that big. The writing is light, easy to follow and genuine to the personality of the characters.

Originality:
I've read other books containing faeries so this general topic wasn't new to me. I enjoyed Maggie's version very much. Her faeries are perceived as beings that love music, relish the chance to stir up trouble, love picking on humans or faerie seers, and are curious creatures. There were a few that were very menacing and rude but they were also necessary. I wish we would have been introduced to a few more faerie.

Characters:
The main character is obviously Deirdre. She comes from a family of long time faerie seers. Her mother and her both are able to perfect any talent. She plays the harp and sings like an angel. She has terrible stage fright that requires her to puke before performing. She's 16 and by the middle of this book has had it with the old her and is grasping the new her that doesn't want to be confined or trapped by her mother. She meets Luke in the oddest of places and instantly becomes infatuated with him. And he to her as well.

Luke. Poor Luke. His story is a bit more complex. He's dangerous but so easy to be around. He is captivated by Deirdre.

James is Deirdre's best friend. He helps defend Deirdre against the faeries. I believe he's the main character in the follow up book, Ballad.

I liked all the characters in this book. They were all original and stayed true throughout the story.

Passion:
Deirdre's and Luke's relationship is ever blossoming. It's a true teen romance. It was known pretty early in the book that they would both fall head over heels for each other. It was pure and it was cute.

Overall:
A very cool book indeed. I enjoyed every aspect of this book. I liked how it kept me guessing all the way until the end. I'm really looking forward to reading Ballad. I hope there is some sort of wrap up to Lament in Ballad. It ended not very tightly but well enough to be at peace for now.

Title/Cover:
I love both!

Here's the trailer Maggie made for Ballad. Ballad releases October 1, 2009.

What do you think? Have you read Lament? Did you enjoy it? Planning to read Ballad?

Enter! Intertwined by Gena Showalter

2009-08-21T15:15:00.000-04:00

Enter the Harlequin Teen Sweepstakes for Gena Showalter's new release: Intertwined!

I'll be doing my review for this book VERY soon. I promise!

Enter today! Enter everyday!

Contest: Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater

2009-08-17T18:32:00.000-04:00

I ordered Lament by Maggie Stiefvater the other day and I'm expecting to receive a copy of Ballad from Flux to review.

But you can get in on the Ballad action by participating in Maggie's Ballad ARC contest! Go to her site to get the info. Contest closes Friday, 9 p.m. EST.

Here's the trailer Maggie made for Ballad.

I'm alive! I'm a Phlebotomist!

2009-08-16T16:40:00.000-04:00

Hello my followers!

Sorry for the MIA the past few weeks.

I've been on my Phlebotomy externship for the past month and it consumed most of my waking hours. I'm done now though! Woohoo! 3 more weeks of some other classes and I'm all done with school!

The next few weeks I'll be concentrating on finding a job in the health care industry. It helps to just get my foot in the door that way I can be considered for future openings internally before external applicants. So wish me luck!

Look for a ton of reviews coming soon! I've been reading when I can and I have managed to accumulate quite the pile of books that need reviewed. A lot are actually books I wanted to read over books that were sent for review.

Stay tuned!

Celebrate the Contemporary Category Contest

2009-08-04T22:02:00.000-04:00

Enter to win! Save the Contemporary!

Taken directly from http://savethecontemporary.com/:

Celebrate the Category
Posted By admin On August 3, 2009 (8:00 pm) In Uncategorized

It’s time for another Save the Contemporary campaign, with Dear Author, Smart Bitches, and prizes from Harlequin! This time, we’re featuring two books – yes, two. Some of the great contemporary stories are found in category romance, so we’ve picked two books that we both really loved.

Hot Under Pressure by Kathleen O’Reilly (review by SB Sarah)
The Magnate’s Make Believe Mistress by Bronwyn Jameson (review by Jane)

Click Here for Free Books & Other Assorted Goodies

Bronwyn Jameson’s Website | Kathleen O’Reilly’s Website | eHarlequin.com

Dear Author and Smart Bitches really love contemporary books so they started a website to feature the best of the best in 2009. Smooth Talking Stranger is worth a read, in their opinion, and they are encouraging others to share the good word. Save the Contemporary - http://savethecontemporary.com
URL to article: http://savethecontemporary.com/celebrate-the-category/

My New Bookcase!

2009-07-25T20:56:00.000-04:00

CSN Office Furniture sent me a LOVELY bookcase to review! I got to choose which one I wanted (with a budget of course!) and they shipped it to me free of charge so long as I did a honest review of the bookcase.

This is the Winsome 9245 - Espresso Wide 3 Section Storage Shelf, SKU # WN1023 $95.00. FREE SHIPPING!

Overview (CSN Office Furniture.com):

With its classic, sturdy design, this elegant shelving unit fulfills both style and functional requirements. Its three sections hold the Espresso Large Storage Basket or two Small Storage Baskets perfectly. Mix and match with the other Espresso Storage Shelves, both narrow and wide.
Features:
Three sections plus the top display shelf
Smooth, sleek design
Espresso finish
Dimensions: 42" H x 25.25" W x 11.25" D

NOTE: Please be aware that we are unable to ship this product to Puerto Rico.

I chose this bookcase for several reasons. The first would be because of the color. I love dark wood. The second was the number of shelves. I liked that this one has 3 shelves and it's not too tall. I have a 5 shelf bookcase in another room and it's massively tall. And lastly, I would actually pay $95.00 for this bookcase.

This bookcase is 100% all wood. It's not laminated press board or anything like that. It's fairly heavy and sturdy. The finish is very nicely done. There are some minor flaws that are to be expected of real wood ie knots and grooves.

It came shipped in a nice and tight box. Upon opening the box I did notice that the protective sheeting was ripped and I was concerned that the finish would have been scratched as well but no, all was well!

Putting it together took about an hour. I put it together all by myself, bright and early this morning. It came with the required screws and the allen wrench. It was a bit tricky to get the allen wrench to work properly but no real hick ups.

I did end up moving it to the dining room table because to turn the allen wrench you needed space between the shelf and the floor.

I decided to put it in my living room beside the fish tank. I can now see my books from my seat on the love seat. The top row are books that need to be read and reviewed. The middle are books I've won and one or two that I've purchased. The bottom row are books I've completed and already reviewed left side standing or need reviewed left side laying down.

So there you have it! A great little bookcase that's functional, elegant, and not too pricey! When you factor in that the shipping is free you can consider this a bargain!

Thank you CSN Office Furniture for the opportunity to review a wonderful product from your online store!

Answers to comments:

Donna -

Nope, not all my books. These are the most recent additions and I still have a few that didn't make it on here. I hope to swap a few to the "already read" shelf to make room for new books! Most of these have been given to me as contest prizes or review copies. I own a Kindle and I hardly ever purchase physical books anymore. There's only one book on there that I purchased!

Winner: My Soul to Take (Soul Screamers, Book 1) by Rachel Vincent

2009-07-25T10:00:00.000-04:00

My Soul to Take (Soul Screamers, Book 1) by Rachel Vincent
Harlequin Teen (August 1, 2009)
384 pages (ARC is showing only 282)
$9.99 (Amazon.com, 07/11/09)

And the winner is.....

Pamk!

Congrats Pamk! I'll be shooting you a Tweet and maybe a comment on your blog! :) You have until Tuesday to send me your mailing address at: bookreviewsbyjess AT gmail DOT com

Thanks to everyone for participating! I'm working on getting Rachel over here to do another guest post for the release of MSTT. :)

The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber

2009-07-23T20:48:00.000-04:00

The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber
Leisure Books (August 25, 2009)
320 pages (ARC is showing 324)
$6.99 (Amazon.com, 07/23/09)

Plot: 5
Setting: 5
Writing: 5
Originality: 5
Characters: 5
Passion: 5
Overall: 30/30 - 100% - A+!

Cover/Title Bonus: 4

Leanna Renee Hieber contacted me to see if I'd be interested in reviewing her upcoming release The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker, a "Gothic Victorian Fantasy". I said sure after checking out her website.

Excerpt (author's website):

From the eternally dim shadows of the Whisper-world a voice resonated like a deep, angry bell tolling three o’clock: “Where. Is. She?”
“I’ve no idea, dear,” replied a softer, feminine voice. “Was I supposed to do something about her? I thought you’ve been looking all this time. While you’ve only just noticed, it’s been eighteen of their years. She could be anywhere. She’s not my responsibility, you know.”
The deep voice grunted. “Do. Something.”
The woman sighed, her fair skin glowing in the moonlight. Placing her hands to her coiled tresses atop her head, she found something sharp. With a hiss, she brought her thumbs back into view; their pricked pads sprouted thick, dark jewels, garnets that began to overflow and weep.
Lifting up her hands, she watched in fascination as the crimson trail spread from her thumbs onto her palms. She turned her hands one direction, then the other. “Hmm,” she said after a long moment.
“Well?” pressed the voice in the shadows.
“London,” she replied.
“Something wicked, then?” the voice gurgled.
The woman turned and smiled, nonchalant. “By all means, let the dog loose.”
There was a grinding of stone. A ferocious growl erupted from the deep, before a barking, snarling, ugly cloud leaped into the sky. It vanished into the shimmering portal opposite the shadows where the woman’s master stood brooding, a portal where now rose the Tower of London.
The voice tolled again from the shadows. “There will be hell to pay.”

I'm not a fan of this particular excerpt. It shows the darkest part of the book, which kinda scared me when I read it. I was afraid it was going to be too dark for my tastes but it's not nearly as dark as this passage makes it out to be. A lighter excerpt that I've chosen shows the true nature of this book, which is to show that true friends can be just as grand as a tight knit family.

Page 58 - 59 of the ARC:

"Something amusing?" he asked.
At the sound of his low, rich voice, the group looked up and shrieked, delighted. Elijah cried out the first notes of Beethoven's Fifth, unable to help himself. This did nothing for the others' composure. In fact, Michael, head thrown back in a wail of laughter, lost balance and fell from his chair. No on bothered to stand and greet their leader properly.
"You really should have your own personal orchestra, Alexi!" Elijah gasped for breath.
"'To be or not to be...!'" Michael wailed from the floor, waving an arm above him grandly.
"An appropriate theme for you, you must admit!" Elijah continued, offering Alexi a sharp-toothed grin.
Rebecca, flushed, stood with an uneven breath and handed Alexi the sherry bottle with its dusty ribbon tied lopsided around the neck. "Professor, your prize. I acquiesce to your eminence and superiority--sir," she stated with a curtsey. There was a hint of a smile as she did so, however, and Josephine masked a sputtering giggle with a cough.

That scene is one of the best of the book.

Here's the book trailer:

Plot:

Wow. This book's plot was perfect. It had a true beginning, middle and end. It was very well planned out with all elements of a story line being touched on perfectly. The story centers around a young women new to the Athens school who is unlike anyone else. She's ghostly pale and covers her eyes with shades and wraps her head and neck in scarves and wears long gloves. There's a group of six that are charged with keeping spirits at ease. They are on a mission to find their seventh member.

Setting:
The setting is grand! Most of the story takes place in Athens Academy located in 1888 London, England. The school is massive with wings named after the different Greek Gods and Goddesses. It's also set around the time when the Ripper murders were going on.

Writing:
Leanna wrote Miss Percy's Tale beautifully, hence the title of the book! I love that it was written in third person point of view. The reader is able to get a much clearer picture of what's going on and that's important with this book because so much is going on. If this were written solely from Percy's POV a lot of this story would have been lost and completely misunderstood. Everything flowed very well in this story and the writing. I did not have any hick ups at all.

Originality:
This story is completely original. Of course I've read stories of people seeing ghosts, a girl in a new school but not anything like this one was written. Percy's story is truly remarkable. It's about finding one's self, over coming obstacles both physically and mentally and of course over coming fear and accepting love.

Characters:
Percy Parker is the main character. She's truly unique seeing as she sees ghosts, has the fairest skin, hair, and eyes ever imagined yet holds remarkable beauty. She's skilled in many languages but horrible in mathematics, which has her in one on one tutoring sessions with none other than the remarkably handsome Professor Alexi Rychmond.

Alexi is the leader of The Guard (I think that's what it was called!), a group of 6 individuals with special powers to police unruly spirits. Their life mission is to find their seventh member to forever rid the world of the war between heaven and hell? Or at least the "Darkness" and the The Guard. The group include: Alexi, Rebecca (Headmisstress of Athen's Academy), Michael, Josephine, Elijah and Jane.

Percy makes friends with a German student named Marianna. There's also another character in the loop and her name is Lucille Linden.

Passion:
Percy is intoxicated by Professor Alexi Rychmond. Percy suffers from visions, basically daydreams, much more often when she's around him and he of course notices in his class. When the tutoring sessions start Percy is overcome with emotions and gratitude that the Professor is willing to help her, one of such fair skin. She thinks she's ghastly and that no one would willingly subject themselves to her any longer than necessary. However, Alexi is drawn to her but he just doesn't realize it! The passion with this couple is remarkable. It's written so gently that towards the end of the book the scenes are so tangible with the passion it's nearly maddening!

I was pleasantly surprised by the love story within this book. It's one of the best aspects of the book and it was handled with great care and detail. Very well done.

Overall:
I loved this book. I've had a very busy week this week but I didn't want to put this book down! I stayed up late last night trying to finish it but alas my eyes did not cooperate and I had to finish it tonight when I got home from my externship. Towards the middle of the book it's nearly nonstop action packed, which is an element of a book that I really enjoy.

Cover/Title:
Eh, I like the title but it is very lengthy, which isn't a huge deal but it's a mouthful! The title fits because I honestly don't know what else to call it! Maybe "The Guard of Miss Percy Parker" or "The Guard of Percy Parker".

The cover is pretty vague though. You can tell it's London and the glowing blue orb is cool, but it's a little mute. I would have loved to have seen the glowing blue feather with the seal of Athen's Academy. And even a ghostly female face somewhere on it would have helped. But with a title as long as this one, the cover is bound to be all font.

Connect with Leanna Renee Hieber:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
MySpace
Blog
Mailing List

Pre-order this book from Amazon.com.

This book is recommended to anyone who loves fantasy. Historical fantasy especially.

WINNER: Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

2009-07-18T09:32:00.000-04:00

Eyes Like Stars (Theatre Illuminata, Act I) by Lisa Mantchev
Feiwel & Friends (July 7, 2009)
368 pages
$11.55 (Amazon.com, 07/10/09)

The contest for Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev was a success! 93 valid entries! 1 Winner!

The Winner is.......

Paradox!

Paradox, I have your email and will be contacting you for your mailing address!

Read my review of ELS.

Here's a blurb about the book (Amazon.com):

All her world’s a stage.
Bertie Shakespeare Smith is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater.
She’s not an orphan, but she has no parents.
She knows every part, but she has no lines of her own.
That is, until now.
Enter Stage Right
NATE. Dashing pirate. Will do anything to protect Bertie.
COBWEB, MOTH, MUSTARD SEED, and PEASEBLOSSOM. Four tiny and incredibly annoying fairies. BERTIE’S sidekicks.
ARIEL. Seductive air spirit and Bertie’s weakness. The symbol of impending doom.
BERTIE. Our heroine.
Welcome to the Théâtre Illuminata, where the actors of every play ever written can be found behind the curtain. They were born to play their parts, and are bound to the Théâtre by The Book—an ancient and magical tome of scripts. Bertie is not one of them, but they are her family—and she is about to lose them all and the only home she has ever known.
Lisa Mantchev has written a debut novel that is dramatic, romantic, and witty, with an irresistible and irreverent cast of characters who are sure to enchant the audience.
Open Curtain

Read the first chapter on the Théâtre Illuminata.

Connect with Lisa:

Website
Théâtre Illuminata
LiveJournal Blog
Twitter
Facebook
MySpace
Feiwel & Friends

Deltay of Lucid Conspiracy made a very cute trailer for ELS. Check it out:

Thanks for entering my contest! Remember you can still order it from Amazon.com!

Test!

2009-07-16T18:27:00.006-04:00

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Contest: My Soul to Take (Soul Screamers, Book 1) by Rachel Vincent

2009-07-12T10:52:00.000-04:00

CONTEST IS CLOSED!
Thanks for all the entries!

My Soul to Take (Soul Screamers, Book 1) by Rachel Vincent
Harlequin Teen (August 1, 2009)
384 pages (ARC is showing only 282)
$9.99 (Amazon.com, 07/11/09)

Contest!

I have an extra copy of the ARC.

How to Enter:

IMPORTANT! Each entry MUST be a separate comment! Otherwise you forfeit your additional entries! I will be using a random number generator to pick the winner!

Post a comment! Any comment will do! Include your email to ensure you receive your winnings!
Follow my blog! Already follow? Awesome! Let me know!
Post this contest on the web! Anywhere is acceptable. Leave the link in your comment. One link per comment. If you Twitter it, @ me! @junklekennedy

You have at least 3 (three) entries available for you to win the ARC of My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent.

Entries will be accepted until Midnight, July 24th
Entries are open to US only, sorry. NO P.O. Boxes.
The winner will be randomly selected via random.org based on the comment number automatically generated when you comment. Random comments WILL be deleted. Sorry.
The winner will be announced on July 25th (or soon thereafter)
The winner will have 3 days to email me their shipping info or they will forfeit their winners and a new winner will be selected. Include your email in your comment and I'll email you if you win.

You can pre-order it now if you don't want to wait.

Rachel will be featured here in a few weeks to celebrate the release date for My Soul to Take. There will be a contest for a signed copy.

There's an excerpt on Amazon.com but it's really long so click and go read! :)

Rachel released a prequel to her Soul Screamers series called My Soul to Lose. You can download it free at just about any ebook store and even get the Kindle version or you can just read it from her website.

My Soul to Lose for Kindle:

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;b&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;To Rachel:&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/b&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Thanks for writing a great YA book! You have nothing to worry about with this one. It was perfect and I can't wait to read the next one!&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;b&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Connect with 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href="http://urbanfantasy.blogspot.com/"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Blogger&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://rkvincent.livejournal.com/"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;LiveJournal&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://rachelvincent.com/"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Website&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;friendid=179410800"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;MySpace&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a 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&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0373210035?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;tag=jesssramb-20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;linkCode=as2&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;camp=1789&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;creative=390957&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;creativeASIN=0373210035"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;MSTT&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;! I have an extra copy and you know you want it! Or you can &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0373210035?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;tag=jesssramb-20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;linkCode=as2&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;camp=1789&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;creative=390957&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;creativeASIN=0373210035"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;pre-order&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; it now!&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85723/patricksjessica/e8bed16f18830deb74d189a04f0c3048.png" border="0"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

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My Soul to Take (Soul Screamers, Book 1) by Rachel Vincent

2009-07-11T22:01:00.000-04:00

My Soul to Take (Soul Screamers, Book 1) by Rachel Vincent
Harlequin Teen (August 1, 2009)
384 pages (ARC is showing only 282)
$9.99 (Amazon.com, 07/11/09)

Plot: 5
Setting: 5
Writing: 5
Originality: 5
Characters: 5
Passion: 4
Overall: 29/30 - 96% - A

Cover/Title Bonus: 5

I picked up MSTT at BEA in May. It was the first book upon my arrival back home that I read. I even picked up a very cute shirt that matches the cover! And the best part? Meeting Rachel! She was signing these at the Harlequin booth. I just wish I could have had a conversation with her but alas, there was a line and I also had to get into Gena Showalter's line for a copy of Intertwined (review coming VERY soon).

Rachel will be featured here in a few weeks to celebrate the release date for My Soul to Take. There will be a contest for a signed copy as well as for an ARC because I just received another copy from the publisher! Maybe I'll start that contest a bit early that way someone will be lucky and get their hands on it before the release date! Stay tuned! On with my review.

There's an excerpt on Amazon.com but it's really long so click and go read! :)

Or you can read the first chapter on HarlequinTeen.com!

Plot:

The plot was great. It mixed together the paranormal element of Kaylee being able to tell when someone was going to die, the angst of just being a teen, and twisted in the mystery behind the teens that are dying. Everything flowed very well together. I was very interested in figuring out how it would all end.

Setting:

It was set in a pretty typical town. Most of it took place in their high school with side scenes in Kaylee's house and Nash's house. Nothing really paranormal about the setting.

Writing:

This was Rachel's first YA novel. I've read all of her previous adult novels. She did very well I thought. I believe it will be a well enjoyed book by both YA and adult readers. It has all the elements of her adult novels just with out intimate scenes and less blood scenes, which is very typical of her adult novels. I thought it ended too soon though, as in too short. I wanted to keep reading. I'm glad there will be more books in this series!

Originality:

Now, this is were Rachel rocked. Soul screamers!?!? Never read a book about them! I did a little research after reading this because I was just like "What?! Where did they come from?". I've heard of banshees, of course, but I didn't understand them like I do now. So by picking this very original topic Rachel not only made it very interesting to read about but it was a teaching session too. Learning IS fun!

Characters:

Kaylee is the main character. She can "see" when someone is about to die. It's actually very sad. I would HATE to have that ability. Luckily she meets Nash. He's a cute guy from her school who helps her through this odd time in her life. He's really a sweetheart and I couldn't have liked him any more than I do.

Emma is Kaylee's best friend. She was cool too. There's also a character named Tod. I can't say much about him but I really enjoyed him in this story and I'm really hoping to see more of him in the next books!

Kaylee lives with her Aunt and Uncle in his book. Her father does make an appearance and I'm thinking he'll be in the next book too. I'd like that too. He seemed genuinely interested in forming a relationship with Kaylee. And Rachel does an amazing job at writing the characters dad very well.

Passion:

Kaylee and Nash do have a budding relationship in this book. It's not a typical teenage relationship because of what's going on but it does have a lot to relate to. Nash is the sweetest. He and Kaylee make a very good pair. I took off a point in passion because I felt it got pushed to the side a bit because of the big mystery going on. Therefore, it's more of a mystery than a romance, so keep that in mind.

Overall:

It was a very good read. Rachel did not disappoint at all. I'm really looking forward to the next installment My Soul to Save (Soul Screamers, Book 2), which is set to release January 1, 2010 (yikes! That's 6 months away!), and can't be pre-ordered yet (WTF!?).

Cover/Title:

The cover is gorgeous. The title is good. I do get them confused though, when I'm trying to think of the prequel and the second book title I usually switch them up.

My Soul to Lose for Kindle:

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;b&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;To Rachel:&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/b&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Thanks for writing a great YA book! You have nothing to worry about with this one. It was perfect and I can't wait to read the next one!&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;b&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Connect with 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href="http://twitter.com/rachelkvincent"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Twitter&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://urbanfantasy.blogspot.com/"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Blogger&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://rkvincent.livejournal.com/"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;LiveJournal&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://rachelvincent.com/"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Website&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;friendid=179410800"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;MySpace&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1172307623&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ref=profile"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Facebook&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Check back for information on the contest to win an ARC of &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0373210035?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;tag=jesssramb-20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;linkCode=as2&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;camp=1789&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;creative=390957&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;creativeASIN=0373210035"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;MSTT&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;! I have an extra copy and you know you want it! Or you can &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0373210035?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;tag=jesssramb-20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;linkCode=as2&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;camp=1789&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;creative=390957&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;creativeASIN=0373210035"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;pre-order&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; it now!&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85723/patricksjessica/e8bed16f18830deb74d189a04f0c3048.png" border="0"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

To Rachel:

Thanks for writing a great YA book! You have nothing to worry about with this one. It was perfect and I can't wait to read the next one!

Connect with Rachel:

Twitter
Blogger
LiveJournal
Website
MySpace
Facebook

Check back for information on the contest to win an ARC of MSTT! I have an extra copy and you know you want it! Or you can pre-order it now!

Final Insanity Cats - Video

2009-07-10T12:37:00.000-04:00

This is awesome!

Watch it.
Love it.
Share it!

Sent to you by Jessica via Google Reader:

Final Insanity Cats

via CollegeHumor: Recent Videos on 7/8/09

"For optimal insanity results, watch 40 consecutive times by yourself."

Uploaded

likes so far. Be the first!

Final Insanity Cats - Video

2009-07-10T12:36:00.001-04:00

This is amazing. Watch it. Love it. Share it.

Jess

Sent to you by Jessica via Google Reader:

Final Insanity Cats

via CollegeHumor: Recent Videos on 7/8/09

"For optimal insanity results, watch 40 consecutive times by yourself."

Uploaded

likes so far. Be the first!

Things you can do from here:

Subscribe to CollegeHumor: Recent Videos using Google Reader
Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Contest: Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

2009-07-10T10:48:00.000-04:00

Eyes Like Stars (Theatre Illuminata, Act I) by Lisa Mantchev
Feiwel & Friends (July 7, 2009)
368 pages
$11.55 (Amazon.com, 07/10/09)

I know I'm a little late in celebrating the release of Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev but I can't just let it pass without giving it it's well deserved glory spot!

ELS was an amazing read. You can see my review here. It was so unique and the originality was one of the best I've ever read. The cover alone deserves to be mentioned. It's one of the prettiest I've ever seen. Even thought the artist did an amazing job you have to give props to Lisa too. Without her amazing ability to write and describe her characters this amazing cover would not exist.

Here's a blurb about the book (Amazon.com):

All her world’s a stage.
Bertie Shakespeare Smith is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater.
She’s not an orphan, but she has no parents.
She knows every part, but she has no lines of her own.
That is, until now.
Enter Stage Right
NATE. Dashing pirate. Will do anything to protect Bertie.
COBWEB, MOTH, MUSTARD SEED, and PEASEBLOSSOM. Four tiny and incredibly annoying fairies. BERTIE’S sidekicks.
ARIEL. Seductive air spirit and Bertie’s weakness. The symbol of impending doom.
BERTIE. Our heroine.
Welcome to the Théâtre Illuminata, where the actors of every play ever written can be found behind the curtain. They were born to play their parts, and are bound to the Théâtre by The Book—an ancient and magical tome of scripts. Bertie is not one of them, but they are her family—and she is about to lose them all and the only home she has ever known.
Lisa Mantchev has written a debut novel that is dramatic, romantic, and witty, with an irresistible and irreverent cast of characters who are sure to enchant the audience.
Open Curtain

Read the first chapter on the Théâtre Illuminata.

Connect with Lisa:

Website
Théâtre Illuminata
LiveJournal Blog
Twitter
Facebook
MySpace
Feiwel & Friends

Deltay of Lucid Conspiracy made a very cute trailer for ELS. Check it out:

Contest!

I'm going to offer a copy of Eyes Like Stars to one contestant. I'll place the order on Amazon.com and have it shipped directly to the winner.

How to Enter:

IMPORTANT! Each entry MUST be a separate comment! Otherwise you forfeit your additional entries! I will be using a random number generator to pick the winner!

Post a comment! Any comment will do! Include your email to ensure you receive your winnings!
Follow my blog! Already follow? Awesome! Let me know!
Post this contest on the web! Anywhere is acceptable. Leave the link in your comment. One link per comment. If you Twitter it, @ me! @junklekennedy

So that's at least 3 (three) entries available for you to win a copy of ELS by Lisa Mantchev.

Entries will be accepted until Midnight, July 17th (one week)
Entries are open to US & Canada only, sorry. NO P.O. Boxes.
The winner will be randomly selected via random.org based on the comment number automatically generated when you comment. Random comments WILL be deleted. Sorry.
The winner will be announced on July 18th (or soon thereafter)
The winner will have 3 days to email me their shipping info or they will forfeit their winners and a new winner will be selected. Include your email in your comment and I'll email you if you win.

Enter away! Good luck!

Winner: Another Faust by Daniel & Dina Nayeri

2009-07-09T19:23:00.000-04:00

Winner of Another Faust by Daniel & Dina Nayeri!

And the winner is:

BN Book Blog

I have your email address and will be emailing you shortly for your shipping address.

Congrats!

Thanks to everyone who entered!

Here's a blurb on Another Faust from the authors' website:

One night, across four cities, five children disappear. Years later, five enigmatic teenagers appear at an exclusive New York holiday party with their strange but beautiful governess, Madame Vileroy. Rumor and mystery follow the Faust children to the elite Marlowe School, where their presence brings unexplainable misfortune.
Using a series of “gifts” given to them by Madame Vileroy, the children are able to soar to suspicious heights at Marlowe. The gifts seem child-like in their simplicity. The governess teaches them to cheat, steal, hide, and lie; ‘harmless’ she calls them, though they are much more. For the vicious over-achiever, reading an unsuspecting mind is simply to cheat. For the reclusive pariah, the gift of stopping time is just another way to hide. And who but an aspiring writer can weave a convincing lie?
Soon, Madame Vileroy’s gifts become darker and more complex. Living in a gray home designed to cultivate and corrupt them, they are enveloped in the side effects of their own addictions. They live cursed lives, making deals with the devil as they claw their way toward their goals….that is until two of them begin to uncover secrets more shocking than their most unforgivable sins. A modern retelling of an ancient dilemma, Another Faust recreates the story of the Faustian bargain. Set in present-day New York, but spanning the centuries, it is a chilling tale of ambition, consequences, and ultimate redemption.

Another Faust is set to release August 25, 2009. You can pre-order it from Amazon.com.

NEW Winner! Prey (Werecats, Book 4) by Rachel Vincent

2009-07-09T19:12:00.000-04:00

Prey (Werecats, Book 4) by Rachel Vincent
Mira (July 1, 2009)
400 pages (per Amazon.com)
$7.99 (Amazon.com; 06/25/09)

Nicole H. did not redeem her prize and I have ran the randomizer thing again and our new winner is:

donnas

Thanks to everyone for entering.

donnas please send me your shipping info so that I can place your order on Amazon.com for Prey: bookreviewsbyjess AT gmail DOT com You have until July 12th to email me or I'll have to pick a new winner. I have your email so I'm going to go ahead and forward this to you too. Nicole did not leave an email. :(

The series is as follows:

Stray (Shifters, Book 1): My Review
Rogue (Shifters, Book 2): My Review
Pride (Shifters, Book 3): My Review
Prey (Shifters, Book 4): My Review
Shift (Shifters, Book 5) coming March 2010
Alpha (Shifters, Book 6) coming October 2010

Still don't have a copy? Order Prey from Amazon.com!

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/center&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;div align='left'&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;b&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;img border='0' src='http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85723/patricksjessica/e8bed16f18830deb74d189a04f0c3048.png'/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/b&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;b&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/b&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Time for a new Bookcase!

2009-07-09T14:15:00.000-04:00

I've been wanting to get a new bookcase.

Money has been tight and space is another factor.

I wish money wasn't an obstacle and I could have a few things that I really would love to have. You know, the big stuff that costs lots of money and depletes the monthly income by half? Yeah, I'd love a new house. A bigger house. With a wrap around porch and an indoor swimming pool and lots of acres for a cow, goat, chickens, and maybe even a pig. And most definitely a library. A big library with the ladder and rail system. Can you see it? I can.

But the reality is that I'll probably never have those things and that is one of the biggest reasons why I love reading. Books are pretty cheap and most of them have the ability to take you far, far away. Books need homes too. So, we buy bookcases! :)

I was contacted by CSN Office Furniture to pick out a piece of their furniture for review.

I took a peek around their site and boy do they have some cool things. Again, if money were no obstacle I would own that house and furnish it with these:

But taller and all around a huge room with big comfy sofas and love seats.

CSN Office Furniture has tons of stuff from bookcases to office desks and even seating.

I'm going to pick out a cute little bookcase for my review. Check back and see which one I pick and what I thought about it!

For now, take a peek at CSN Office Furniture's site and see if there's anything you can afford to give your books a new home!

Contest: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

2009-07-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

Reviewer X is hosting a contest RIGHT NOW for Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins.

Hurry over and enter!

Cover Art: Dawnbreaker (Dark Days, Book 3) by Jocelynn Drake

2009-07-04T10:16:00.000-04:00

Jocelynn exposed the cover for her upcoming release of Dawnbreaker (Dark Days, Book 3).

Here's the cover blurb:

"The dawn brinks new terror for the creatures of the night...

Those off her race fear Mira for the lethal fire she bends to her will -- a power unique among nightwalkers, both a gift ... and a curse.

The naturi despise Mira for what she is -- as they prepare the final sacrifice that will destroy the barriers between the worlds. And once the naturi are unchained, blood, chaos, and horror will reign supreme on Earth.

Mira can trust only Danaus, the more-than-mortal vampire slayer, though he is sworn to destroy her kind. And now, as the day approaches when titanic forces will duel under cover of darkness, destiny draws them toward an apocalyptic confrontation at Machu Picchu. But all is not lost. for a wild card has been dealt to them: a rogue enemy princess who can change the balance of power and turn the dread tide."

Dawnbreaker is releasing September 29, 2009.

Check out my reviews for the first two books:
Nightwalker (Dark Days, Book 1)
Dayhunter (Dark Days, Book 2)

Didn't read Nightwalker? Check out the excerpt and then order it!

Check out Jocelynn's sites:
Blog
Website
MySpace

Happy Release Day Winner! Prey (Werecats, Book 4) by Rachel Vincent

2009-07-04T09:43:00.000-04:00

Prey (Werecats, Book 4) by Rachel Vincent
Mira (July 1, 2009)
400 pages (per Amazon.com)
$7.99 (Amazon.com; 06/25/09)

And the winner is:

Nicole H.

Congrats Nicole!

Thanks to everyone for entering.

Nicole H. please send me your shipping info so that I can place your order on Amazon.com for Prey: bookreviewsbyjess AT gmail DOT com You have until July 7th to email me or I'll have to pick a new winner.

The series is as follows:

Stray (Shifters, Book 1): My Review
Rogue (Shifters, Book 2): My Review
Pride (Shifters, Book 3): My Review
Prey (Shifters, Book 4): My Review
Shift (Shifters, Book 5) coming March 2010
Alpha (Shifters, Book 6) coming October 2010

Still don't have a copy? Order Prey from Amazon.com!

P.S. - Bitten By Books is hosting a contest! Click the below image for more info!

Contest: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

2009-07-01T16:53:00.000-04:00

ANOTHER CONTEST!

Okay, so I recently read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, review is not done yet, but it was AMAZING. There have been a ton of reviews done so the lack of my review will not hurt the likely huge success of the upcoming sequel Catching Fire. I would LOVE to have that book in my hands right now.

Lauren Barnholdt is hosting a contest to win a signed ARC of Catching Fire. The contest ends July 8!

Series:
The Hunger Games
Catching Fire

So hurry over to Lauren's blog and enter! Don't forget to mention that I sent you! :)

FREE Kindle Book: Darkfever (Fever Series, Book 1) by Karen Marie Moning

2009-07-01T12:59:00.000-04:00

Amazing!

Get the first book of this amazing series for FREE for the Kindle!

Darkfever is book 1 of the Fever series. Book 4 is releasing August 18th, Dreamfever, which was my WoW a few weeks ago. This series is really good! Read my review of the previous 3 books. I think it'll be safe to read this series now that there are nearly 4 books out. I hear there are only 5 books total so that means there's a happy ending in sight!

Darkfever (Book 1)
Bloodfever (Book 2)
Faefever (Book 3)
Dreamfever (Book 4)

Visit Karen's site to get more detailed info on her books! There are excerpts for the books.

WoW My Soul to Lose by Rachel Vincent - eBook available

2009-07-01T12:25:00.000-04:00

The prequel to My Soul to Lose is available via ebook download today.

My Soul to Take releases on August 1, check back here a week before the release for a contribution from Rachel!

To tide you over until then you can order the prequel and get a peek into Kaylee's world with My Soul to Lose.

Download from:

Amazon.com ($2.39)
Harlequin ($2.69)
BooksOnBoard.com ($2.25)
Fictionwise.com ($2.69 reg, or $2.29 Club)

I've ordered it from Amazon.com because I own a Kindle as well as an iPhone. :) If you don't have the Kindle iPhone app, you need to check it out. :)

I'll do my review as soon as I've read it.

Today is Happy Release Day for Rachel twice! Prey releases today. Check out my Contest to win a copy of Prey.

Happy Release Day! CONTEST! Prey (Werecats, Book 4) by Rachel Vincent

2009-07-01T11:28:00.000-04:00

Prey (Werecats, Book 4) by Rachel Vincent
Mira (July 1, 2009)
400 pages (per Amazon.com)
$7.99 (Amazon.com; 06/25/09)

CONTEST!
To celebrate the release day of Prey I'm going to personally purchase a copy from Amazon.com and have it shipped to ONE lucky commenter!

I'll be counting entries by spreadsheet for this contest, so all answers in one comment is fine and preferred. :)

ENTRIES:

Answer this: If you could shape shift, what would you shift into and why? + 3
Follow my blog! + 1
Already follow my blog? Awesome! Let me know! + 2
Post this contest on your blog and post the link back here! + 5
Post on your sidebar. + 2
Follow me on Twitter. + 1
Already follow me on Twitter? Awesome! What's your twitter name? + 2
Follow Rachel on Twitter + 1
Already follow Rachel on Twitter? What's your Twitter name? + 2
Refer someone to this contest, they MUST say you sent them! + 5
Follow Rachel's Blogger or LiveJournal Blog and comment on her most recent post: Double Prizes + 1
Already follow Rachel? Let me know and comment on her most recent post: Double Prizes + 2

So, that's a ton of entries available for you to win a fresh copy of Prey delivered directly to your door via Amazon.com

RULES:

Entries will be accepted until midnight, July 2, Eastern Standard Time.
Entries are open to US only, sorry. No P.O. Boxes.
The winner will be announced July 3
You MUST include your email in your comment so that I can let you know if you're the winner. I will need a response from the winning within 3 days of notification.

Happy Release Day Rachel!

The series is as follows:

Stray (Shifters, Book 1): My Review
Rogue (Shifters, Book 2): My Review
Pride (Shifters, Book 3): My Review
Prey (Shifters, Book 4): My Review
Shift (Shifters, Book 5) coming March 2010
Alpha (Shifters, Book 6) coming October 2010

Connect with Rachel!
Twitter
Blogger
LiveJournal
Website
MySpace
Facebook
The Pride - Proboard Discussion Group

Don't want to enter? Order Prey from Amazon.com now!

P.S. - Bitten By Books is hosting a contest! Click the below image for more info!

Winner! Prey (Werecats, Book 4) by Rachel Vincent

2009-07-01T01:15:00.000-04:00

Prey (Werecats, Book 4) by Rachel Vincent
Mira (July 1, 2009)
400 pages (per Amazon.com)
$7.99 (Amazon.com; 06/25/09)

And the winner is:

Alicia

Thanks to everyone who entered. Thank you Rachel for an amazing book and providing the signed loot!

Alicia please email me your shipping info so that I can forward it to Rachel. bookreviewsbyjess AT gmail DOT com

The series is as follows:

Stray (Shifters, Book 1): My Review
Rogue (Shifters, Book 2): My Review
Pride (Shifters, Book 3): My Review
Prey (Shifters, Book 4): My Review
Shift (Shifters, Book 5) coming March 2010
Alpha (Shifters, Book 6) coming October 2010

Still don't have a copy? Order Prey from Amazon.com!

P.S. - Bitten By Books is hosting a contest! Click the below image for more info!

Don't forget that I'm also giving away a copy of Another Faust by Daniel & Dina Nayeri. Enter until July 3rd!

Trailer: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

2009-06-30T23:45:00.000-04:00

Here's a trailer made by the author herself: Maggie Stiefvater for Shiver, releasing August 1, 2009.

Maggie is holding a contest. Entries are available by posting the embedded trailer all over the internet! How fun huh?
Prizes? Oh, there are prizes!

Two ARCs of SHIVER, mailed out as soon as the contest is finished.
Two finished copies of SHIVER, mailed out as soon as I get my author's copies.
Two CDs of the music I wrote for SHIVER and LAMENT.
15 minute live-chat with the author (that would be me) to talk about my books, your books, your dog, or whatever!

Read more about the contest on Maggie's blog!

I've already read and reviewed Shiver. It was a great book. Read my review!

Don't forget to let her know I sent you! :)

Maggie also made this trailer but this isn't the one she wants to be used in the contest. But I love it. She's very talented.

Go ahead and spread the word! Shiver is worth it.

Prey in Action!

2009-06-30T12:52:00.000-04:00

Just browsing my local Wal-mart and looky!!

Also available to grab is Gena Showalter's new release Seduce the Darkness.

~~Both~~ Prey officially releases tomorrow. Seduce the Darkness is having a Happy Release Day today!

Enjoy the eye candy and don't forget to enter the giveaway for a signed copy of Prey by TODAY!

Winner will be announced tomorrow!

Back to shopping....

Contest Wrap Up: June 29 - July 4

2009-06-29T13:36:00.000-04:00

Contests: June 29 - 30

Contests: July 1 - 4

Don't forget to let them know I sent you!
Current contests are always on my sidebars!

20 Things in 20 Days: Clue #19

2009-06-29T04:00:00.000-04:00

To celebrate the launch of Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler, I'm blogging clue #19 for the 20 Things in 20 Days Scavenger Hunt. Answer clues and challenges to earn points toward the 20 Things grand prize, including 6 signed books from 2009 debut authors! Get a clue... June 11th-30th at 20 Things in 20 Days!

Today's clue:

In Twenty Boy Summer, Anna and Frankie enjoy smoothies from the Smoothie ShackÑthe perfect beach treat! Author Sarah Ockler also loves smoothies in the summer, along with grilled veggie burgers, deviled eggs, iced tea with lemon, and fresh berries. For 20 Things clue #19, leave a comment describing your favorite summertime food and drinks. 2 points.

Wait... today's a bonus clue day!

For a chance to earn more points, check out today's bonus clue at Garden of Books (For Teens).

J.G. Sexton - New Author of mystery....

2009-06-28T20:30:00.000-04:00

Mystery novels that is!

If you're up for a super secret contest head on over to J.G.'s new blog! He's a new author writing the Jason Horde Mysteries. He lives in PA (me too!) with his wife and three children.

He's currently hosting a "new blog" contest. Head on over and welcome him to blogging!

Don't forget to let him know I sent you over! He's giving away extra entries for referrals.

Contest: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

2009-06-28T16:21:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I recently read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, review is not done yet, but it was AMAZING. There have been a ton of reviews done so the lack of my review will not hurt the likely huge success of the upcoming sequel Catching Fire. I would LOVE to have that book in my hands right now.

The Shady Glade is hosting a contest to win a brand new ARC of Catching Fire. BUT hurry! The contest ends tomorrow June 29th!

Series:
The Hunger Games
Catching Fire

So hurry over to The Shady Glade and enter! Don't forget to mention that I sent you! :)

I Want: Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler

2009-06-27T21:56:00.000-04:00

Tempest Rising (Jane True) by Nicole Peeler
Orbit (October 27, 2009)
368 pages
$7.99 (Amazon.com, 06/27/09)

Okay, so this book isn't releasing until October 27 but I received the ARC this week and I just finished Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward (it was amazing) but I'm starting Tempest Rising RIGHT NOW! I haven't read any of it yet but I will once this post is posted.

I first heard about this upcoming release from the Orbit blog. The cover is what sucked me in and then I read the synopsis and then I found the author's site and now I'm hooked and oh so excited to finally have my hands on this beautiful book! Thanks Nicole for sending this to me so quickly and on your road trip at that!

Here's the copy from the back of the ARC:

Living in small town Rocakabill, Maine, Jane True always knew she didn't quite fit in with so-called normal society.

During her nightly, clandestine swim in the freezing winter ocean, a grisly find leads Jane to startling revelations about her heritage: she is only half-human.

Now, Jane must enter a world with supernatural creatures that are terrifying, beautiful, and deadly--all of which perfectly describe her new "friend," Ryu, a gorgeous and powerful vampire.

It is a world where nothing can be taken for granted: a dog can heal with a lick; spirits bag your groceries; and whatever you do, never--ever--rub the genie's lamp.

If you love Sookie Stackhouse, then you'll want to dive into Nicole Peeler's enchanting debut novel.

"A fascinating, fast-paced, sexy storm of a book." --Rachel Caine

Cover design by Laurn Panepinto
Cover illustrations by Sharon Tancredi

I loved the Sookie Stackhouse series, and I'm loving the HBO series which is based on the books, and I'm positive this book will not disappoint. I hope to write up my review soon after finishing it. Sometimes I like to think on it before I write my review but I don't think I'll do that this time.

I did flip through the book when it arrived and I noticed that each chapter has an image of the Celtic Tree of Life, which is awesome! I recently received a modified version of the Tree as a tattoo on my arm.

The book's Tree of Life (but it looks shiney in the book):

My Tattoo:

I'm looking forward to seeing how the Tree of Life gets incorporated in the story.

In the mean time feel free to connect with Nicole and Orbit.

Nicole's blog
Twitter
Orbit Books

So what do you think? Love the cover? Some have had negative thoughts about it looking too anime and that the girl looks too young. Personally, I think it FREAKING ROCKS! I don't care if she looks too young. It's beautiful. And it sold me the book, so there. :P

You can pre-order Tempest Rising from Amazon.com!

Giveaway! Prey (Werecats, Book 4) by Rachel Vincent

2009-06-25T12:56:00.000-04:00

Prey (Werecats, Book 4) by Rachel Vincent
Mira (July 1, 2009)
400 pages (per Amazon.com)
$7.99 (Amazon.com; 06/25/09)

Giveaway!
Rachel has graciously offered a signed copy of Prey!

How to Enter:

IMPORTANT! Each entry MUST be a separate comment! Otherwise you forfeit your additional entries! I will be using a random number generator to pick the winner!

Post a comment! Any comment will do!
Follow my blog! Already follow? Awesome! Let me know!
Post this contest on your blog and post the link back here! Sidebars are fine.

So, that's 3 (three) entries available for you to win a signed copy of Prey by Rachel Vincent.

Entries will be accepted until midnight, June 30, Eastern Standard Time.
Entries are open to Everyone!
The winner will be randomly selected via random.org based on the comment number automatically generated when you comment. Random comments WILL be deleted. Sorry.
The winner will be announced July 1, which is Prey's release date.
The winner will have 3 days to email me their shipping info or they will forfeit their winnings and a new winner will be selected. Include your email in your comment and I'll email you if you win.

Enter away! Good luck!

The series is as follows:

Stray (Shifters, Book 1): My Review
Rogue (Shifters, Book 2): My Review
Pride (Shifters, Book 3): My Review
Prey (Shifters, Book 4): My Review
Shift (Shifters, Book 5) coming March 2010
Alpha (Shifters, Book 6) coming October 2010

Don't want to wait? Pre-order Prey from Amazon.com!

P.S. - Bitten By Books is hosting a contest! Click the below image for more info!

Don't forget that I'm also giving away a copy of Another Faust by Daniel & Dina Nayeri. Enter until July 3rd!

Prey (Werecats, Book 4) by Rachel Vincent

2009-06-25T12:48:00.000-04:00

Prey (Werecats, Book 4) by Rachel Vincent
Mira (July 1, 2009)
400 pages (per Amazon.com)
$7.99 (Amazon.com; 06/25/09)

Plot: 5
Setting: 5
Writing: 5
Originality: 5
Characters: 5
Passion: 5
Overall: 30/30 = 100% = A+

Cover/Title Bonus: 3

Nancy over at A Lush Budget Production Tales of a Ravenous Reader lent me an ARC of Prey a few months ago. I devoured it in a matter of hours. Thank you Nancy for sharing this amazing book with me!

Plot:
Wow. The plot to this installment of Faythe's life was more of emotional roller coaster than Pride and Pride was a pretty bumpy ride if you remember. It's all wrapped around the fact hat Marc has been exiled to the "land of the strays" and he's stolen (!) and the political bullshit that is the Pride council *cough* Malone *cough*. The fact that Greg's Pride is currently housing 2 tabby cats has them all testosterone ODing. They are willing to do whatever it takes to reduce the number of tabbies in that pride. Even kill. Rachel released the follow excerpt of an attack on the pride ranch.

WARNING! Contains spoilers! Read at your own risk!

We burst through the backdoor almost as one. At my first glimpse of Jace—a deep shadow in the pre-dawn darkness—my feet froze on the porch, and my breathing quickened with shock. Owen ran right into me. He would have knocked me down all four steps if my dad hadn’t caught me.

My father paused only long enough to right me, then raced across the backyard with the speed of a much younger man.

Jace was halfway between the tree line and the back door, jogging unsteadily, his arms held awkwardly in front of his chest. When he stepped into the light from the guesthouse porch, I saw that he carried Kaci in both arms. Her head bobbed limply near his right shoulder, her hair brushing his hip with each step. Her legs dangled from his other arm, one foot bare. Blood dripped steadily from either his right arm or her head, staining the dead grass with a trail of fat, red drops.

Setting:
Most of the setting is on the ranch with a good size portion being in the "land of the strays" where Marc has been living, including his little house. There's some major ass kicking done by both parties. Rachel released a few "mini-excerpts". Here's a glimpse of a fight scene in Prey.

WARNING! May contain spoilers! Read at your own risk!

On my left, Ethan dropped to one knee, swinging his hatchet up. The blade caught a stray beneath his jaw, and almost cleaved the cat’s head from his neck. The body hit the ground with a nauseating two-part thud—first the torso, then the nearly-detached skull—and Ethan was in motion again. I would have been impressed, if I’d had time to think about it.

But I didn’t, because Vic screamed on my brother’s other side, near the end of the car. Then he stumbled into view and fell to the gravel on his rump. The cat he’d been fighting pounced, driving his shoulders to the ground.

“Ethan!” I shouted in mid-swing, because my brother was closest. He glanced at me, then followed my gaze to Vic.

“I’m on it.” He lunged to the left, swinging the ax up even as he dove for Vic’s shovel. His blow glanced off the nearest cat, but he came up with a weapon in each hand. Swinging wildly now, Ethan knocked the cat off Vic with the shovel, then threw the ax end over end so fast I could hardly trace it. The blade thunked into the side of another cat, who dropped to the ground, chest heaving and pouring blood.

Great huh? If you were brave enough to read it Ethan kicks some werecat ass.

Writing:
Rachel has done it in this book. She has written Prey so well that to not be effected by reading it would make you heartless. I like Faythe. I like Marc. But I LOVE them together and when they are not together it's naked emotions running for them both. I say this even though it's not necessarily written in the books but I just know that they are both traumatized when they are not together. Faythe puts on a very good facade but she just about loses it in this book with Marc missing.

My heart broke a few times reading Prey. With Marc missing, Kaci practically killing herself, Faythe being Faythe, and another event of which I can't even speak of because it just rips open the wound in my heart, Prey left me weeping, sobbing, bawling. I can't pick the right word for it. Just know that I burst out in tears, put the book down, wept my heart out, caused my hubby to pause his game to comfort me, snotted up a few tissues and then emailed Rachel to yell at her for being such an awesome author but I hated her at the moment for being so good. To have a book effect me in such a way proves that Rachel's writing abilities are phenomenal. Thank you Rachel for being amazing. But please do NOT do that again. Seriously.

Originality:
Wow. The plot of this book was AWESOME! It was probably the best one so far. The thought put into it had to be huge. It had me wondering throughout the entire book what was really going on. Especially since Marc was missing and people were dying and switching sides it was anyone's guess of what was going to happen next.

Characters:
Faythe shows just how strong she really is in this book. If she lives through this book relatively sane she can handle anything. She is the mortar to her pride now. I can't even comprehend how the next book will unfold but I know this: Faythe will hold NOTHING back.

Greg, Faythe's father, holds a special place in my heart. He's such an Alpha male and a great father that I can't help loving him. The BS that is the council pisses me off and I am so hoping he comes out on top in the end. I would be crushed if he dies. Seriously Rachel. Do not do that to me.

Marc is amazing. He's a stray but really, what does that mean? If you can prove that you kick ass you should be allowed to enter a Pride and rule. He has the character and the ability to succeed with Faythe. He's super smart and strong and he shows that in this book. Rachel visited yesterday and explained why she made Marc a stray.

Kaci is such a teenager! Sci Fi Guy had a great excerpt of a conversation between Faythe and Kaci on his review:

"Whoa, Kaci, back up a bit." I shook my head and made myself meet her frank gaze. "You're waaaay too young to be thinking, about sex.
She rolled her eyes, and the gesture was eerily familiar from my own adolescence. Okay, also from what little of my adulthood I'd survived so far.
"I was talking about kissing," Kaci said, in that exasperated tone she usually saved for my mother, during home-schooling. "I just meant, how old were you when you first kissed Marc? But since you brought up sex..." Her eyes glinted with a spark of mischief. "Same question."
Damn it! "Way older than you are." My head was throbbing and pain was shooting through my chest. I was having a panic attack. The little whelp was giving me an aneurism!

She does a real number on Faythe. It proves that one day Faythe will be an excellent mother. She may not realize it now but she will rock.

Ethan and Jace are ever present in this edition of Faythe's life and they both have some amazing scenes, as noted by the above excerpt.

Passion:
Yup, Rachel knows how to throw this in there. It's there and it's craziness but necessary I'm afraid. I'm sure you're wondering WTF I'm talking about but I can't say much more. With everything that happens it's understandable and I'm aching to know what happens in the next book. Clear as mud? Good. :)

Cover/Title:
Eh, the title is okay and the cover is nice. I haven't noticed if her injuires are accurate on previous covers but this one is.

Overall:
This book rocked. It had the mystery element, the passion, the kick assness and it had the emotional pull that sucks me in to Faythe's world. It left me wanting. I want to know what happens next like I wanted to know what happened next at the end of Pride. Exiling Marc? No big deal now. War amongst the Prides? Tell me more!

To Rachel:
Thank you for being such an amazing author. Your writing has grown so much throughout this series. I think you proved to us that your not here to just write, you're here to take our breath away. You've done that for me and I thank you.

Giveaway!
Rachel has graciously offered a signed copy of Prey to a follower! A separate post has been created with the information!

The series is as follows:

Stray (Shifters, Book 1): My Review
Rogue (Shifters, Book 2): My Review
Pride (Shifters, Book 3): My Review
Prey (Shifters, Book 4): My Review
Shift (Shifters, Book 5) coming March 2010
Alpha (Shifters, Book 6) coming October 2010

Connect with Rachel!
Twitter
Blogger
LiveJournal
Website
MySpace
Facebook
The Pride - Proboard Discussion Group

Pre-order Prey from Amazon.com!

P.S. - Bitten By Books is hosting a contest! Click the below image for more info!

So, what do you think? Have you read Prey already? Did you love it? Did it effect you the same as me? Are you pre-ordering Prey now? Let me know!

WoW & Cover Art: Wicked Enchantment by Anya Bast

2009-06-24T19:52:00.000-04:00

Ohh, pretty!

Here's the synopsis from Anya's website:

When you’re a half incubus, your reputation precedes you…
All eyes are on Gabriel Mac Braire the day he makes his first appearance in the Seelie Court, including those of Aislinn Finvarra. Despite deep bitterness over her last failed relationship, Aislinn cannot help but be curious about the half incubus who is known to possess dark magick, both lethal and sexual in nature. Rumors abound of the women who have become enslaved to his irresistible charms.
So when the Summer Queen of the fae orders Aislinn herself to act as his guide in the court, she is understandably on guard. She’s fallen under the spell of far less persuasive men before. In addition, Gabriel might be more than he seems and his true mission is far from innocent.
This time, Aislinn must protect not only her heart, but her very life…

Look for this January 2010!

Author Guest Post: Rachel Vincent

2009-06-24T16:45:00.000-04:00

In coordination of Rachel Vincent's upcoming release of her next Shifter book, Prey, I asked her if she'd be willing to do an Author Guest post. She agreed. I let her know that the floor was open and to discuss what ever she felt compelled to share. She decided on a great topic.

Why make Marc a stray?

I've wondered that myself. And now we'll know:

Yesterday, during a Q&A on another site, someone asked why I’d made Marc a stray. I thought that was one of the best, most insightful questions I’ve ever been asked about my Shifters books, and I enjoyed answering it there. But since I have more space here, I’m going to elaborate.

In case you haven’t read any of the Shifters books, Marc Ramos is the main love interest in Stray, and throughout the series, he and Faythe (the viewpoint character) have a very tumultuous relationship. Their relationship, in fact, is the reason I made Marc a stray. Because sometimes opposites really do attract.

Faythe was born into the largest Pride in the U.S., daughter to the head of the territorial council. She’s a bit spoiled and headstrong when the series opens, because she’s been indulged most of her life—her family’s effort to make up for the sacrifice they will one day ask of her. As one of very few female werecats—tabbycats—Faythe is expected to marry and produce the next generation of her Pride. That’s the only way their species will continue.

Faythe has other ideas for herself. She wants college instead of marriage, and a career instead of kids. She wants a life outside of her Pride.

Marc Ramos is her long-term ex, and in many ways, Faythe’s exact opposite. She was born into the most powerful Pride in the country; Marc was born human, then orphaned and infected by the werecat who killed his mother when he was fourteen. As kids, she was an indulged purebred princess, and he was a traumatized stray taken in by her family. But neither Faythe nor Marc can be accurately described in such simple terms.

Faythe was spoiled, but neither lazy nor precious. She learned to fight alongside her four brothers, and would rather have sparred with any one of them than paint her nails or play with dolls.
Marc had a violent, scarring introduction into the werecat world, but he embraced it fully. He is fanatically loyal to Faythe’s family, the only family he has now, and would gladly die defending his adopted Pride. He has nowhere else to go and no one else to be, and he wouldn’t change either of those facts even if he could.

So when the story begins in Stray, Faythe and Marc are very much at odds with one another. He was thrown into the life she clawed her way out of. He wants to defend the Pride, marry Faythe, and start a family. She wants to leave home, finish college, and start the life she’s chosen for herself. On the surface, their goals could not be more in conflict. But when tragedy forces them both to face what’s really important, they find out they have more in common than either of them thought.

Do they suddenly want all the same things from life and from each other? No.

Is the conflict magically resolved, and tied up with a shiny happy-ever-after bow? Not even close. This may be urban fantasy, but Faythe and crew have real life problems, and nice, neat answers are no easier to come by in fiction than they are in reality. Throughout the series, they face prejudice, sexism, political pressure, and a whole slew of bad guys, some known and some unknown. They fight for their lives, fight to the death, and fight for those under their protection. They make love, make tough choices, and make sacrifices. And in the end, they’ll discover that the things that make life worth living are the things worth dying for.

So though Faythe grows and matures very quickly, her life (both the private and the professional aspects) remains chaotic, passionate, and sometimes heart-breaking. But I think her journey is worth traveling. And I hope you will agree.

If you haven't read any of Rachel's Shifter series, what are you waiting for?!?! No, seriously, this is one of my most favorite series. Why? Because I love kick ass books. Books I like to call "Books with Balls". Rachel's Shifter series has Balls. I'm a huge lover of strong female lead characters. I see a lot of my personality in Faythe. I don't kick anyone's ass on a regular basis but should the situation arise I would not be adverse to attempting to kick some ass. :) Everything is just awesomely written by Rachel. She's created a world that if it were real I would love to live in it.

The series is as follows:

Stray (Shifters, Book 1): My Review
Rogue (Shifters, Book 2): My Review
Pride (Shifters, Book 3): My Review
Prey (Shifters, Book 4): My Review
Shift (Shifters, Book 5) coming March 2010
Alpha (Shifters, Book 6) coming October 2010

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Pre-order Prey from Amazon.com!

P.S. - Bitten By Books is hosting a contest! Click the below image for more info!