Sunday, January 29, 2012

Project Tell Taylor


Project Tell Taylor<3

 
What is all this about you may ask?
Michelle Madow's debut novel Remembrance was inspired by Taylor Swift's "Love Story" music video. She even wrote a letter to Taylor Swift and sent it to her, along with a signed book!

It's been a few months now, and she has yet to hear back from Taylor that she received the letter and book. She really wants to tell Taylor about how inspiring she and her music have been to her, but since Taylor Swift is an international superstar, she’s a little hard to reach. This is where YOUR help comes into play! Michelle is giving away the biggest prize pack she's offered yet, and the ways to enter to win are by telling Taylor Swift about Remembrance.

PLEASE help out and be apart of this amazing event. We all love Taylor and of course we all love books! What can be better than both together??

http://www.stevensplanet.com/MichL/Remembrance/ProjectTellTaylor/bannersmall.jpg)
*Go add this button to your blog and support Michelle and everyone on telling T-Swift about how inspirational her songs are.*

The Goal: Get Taylor Swift to Tweet about Remembrance!
Summary:
"Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet.

Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's high school at the beginning of the year, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she get him out of her mind?

Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, fighting fate isn't going to be easy."


Watch this video of Michelle announcing what will be in the prize pack. AHHH so exciting!!





Here is a picture quality version of all the SWAG you can get. Awesome, am I right?


Want to know what inspires me?
  1. My beautiful son, Tyler. 
  2. Books of course. Books about love, books with action, books that are sci fi, fairy tale books! You name it:) I mean thats kinda sorta why I have this blog.
  3. My Parents and Grandparents. They do so much for me and I love them so much for it.
  4. I am LDS, and I am inspired by the people of my church every day of my life. I want to be a better person.
  5. Music. Especially Taylor:) I have each and every single CD on my Ipod.

***ENTER GIVEAWAY***
Starts Feb.1

SHARE:

Friday, January 27, 2012

Interview and Review of Meeting Destiny

Meeting Destiny by Nancy Straight
Published June 26th 2010
 
What inspired you to write your first book?
I’ve always lived with the idea that when I’m dying, I never want to say, “I wish I would have . . .”  One day I woke up and decided I would write a book.  When I was done I liked it so much that I decided to write a whole series.
How did you come up with the title?
The theme of the series is all about two people being brought together by Destiny.  The title of the first book, Meeting Destiny, just seemed to fit. Destiny’s Revenge and Destiny’s Wrath also seemed to fit the circumstances of the book

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
The main character, Lauren, makes some unconventional choices when faced with tough situations.  She has an exceptional moral compass, and always does the right thing for the right reason.

How much of the book is realistic?
The story is very believable.  The paranormal parts are sprinkled in, not overwhelming.
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
In a very small way, yes.  I met my husband in Virginia in 1991, saw him in Hawaii in 1993, Orange County California in 1994 and San Diego California in 1995.  It wasn’t until 1996 that we went on our first date.  I believe some people are just meant to be together and those people will keep crossing paths until it’s the right time in their life to “meet” the other.  The story and characters are all fictitious, but my belief in destiny is what inspired the story. 

What books have most influenced your life most?
I read for enjoyment, so I can’t think of any books that have influenced me.  Authors are another story: Shelly Crane, Charlotte Abel, Susan Firtik, Nicole Williams, Addison Moore and Charity Parkerson are all authors that I admire.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Shelly Crane.  She has gone out of her way to give me advice and to help my series be successful.  She is a wonderful author and all of her books rock!


What book are you reading now?
I just bought Beg for Mercy by Shannon Dermott 


What are your current projects? I just released the last book in the Destiny Series, Destiny’s Wrath on 1/23/12.  I am starting a new series, but for now most of it is still in my head screaming to get out. 


Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members. My friend, Rebecca.  She has been an endless bucket of encouragement since she first found out I was writing a book. 


Do you see writing as a career? That’s entirely up to the fans.  I think I am a better writer than I am a marketer.  So far book sales are going better than I had expected.  This is due entirely to the people that have read the series and spread the word to others.  If I could make a living at it, yes, I would love to write as a career. 
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I’ve always enjoyed writing.  I read an interview with Stephanie Meyers and she described waking up one morning and deciding to write a book.  I think reading that interview is probably the catalyst that made me want to write.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Finding time and a quiet place is the most difficult.  I have a pretty full life and squeezing in more than eight hours a week is difficult.


Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)? No, that’s the joy of being an Indie.  A computer and a connection to the internet are all that is required.
Who designed the covers? Dreamscape Covers did the design and I love them!  They offer custom and pre-made covers.  All three of mine were custom.


Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I think my writing has improved with each book I’ve written.  I imagine it’s like anything, the more practice, the better you become.  I’m far from an English major but I am fortunate to have an exceptional editor.

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Edit, edit, edit and edit some more.  Get a twitter account and make friends.  Don’t take criticism of your work as an attack on you – someone willing to take the time to point out opportunities for improvement, cares enough about you to help make your work better.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you.  I wrote the Destiny Series because I wanted to write.  I never dreamed others would want to read them.  All the wonderful messages, comments, tweets and reviews have swelled my heart and I am forever grateful to each and every one of you. 
What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing it to life?
Logistics were the most challenging.  I work full time, I have two amazing kids and a husband that I adore.  My writing happens when all other commitments are complete.  I think this is a challenge nearly every writer faces. 
Also – the verb "to lay" was a huge challenge: lie, lay, laid, lain.  I think I was sick that day in fourth grade because at every opportunity I use the wrong tense.  Thank goodness I have a patient editor.  She had to make a cheat sheet for me so I didn’t screw them up!  J 
My Review
"Lauren is visited in her dreams for years by a stranger claiming to be her destiny. Destiny becomes reality when paths cross during a failed robbery attempt. Lauren and the stranger experience chemistry like no other and now her doubt over her long time relationship with her high school sweetheart is not her only secret…someone else knows about her keen intuition and sixth sense.A mysterious clairvoyant seeks Lauren out and tells her not only of her life now but what the future may hold. Soon Lauren is in the middle of a murder investigation and a questionable friendship with the key suspect. Law enforcement, friends and family are concerned for Lauren but unfortunately they are unaware of the true danger…Sinister forces are at work and will stop at nothing to destroy Lauren’s abilities."
       Meeting Destiny was phenomenal. It was full of romance, mystery and spunk. Lauren was definitely the hero type and was a very strong and independent woman. I have said this before and I will say it again, I am so happy that the books out there are starting to have more kick butt women. Instead of the damsel in distress types. Which can get very boring. I am by no means a feminist, but there is something about seeing a girl kick butt and being independent that makes me want to be just like them. Lauren, the main character is just that, a kick butt hero.
      Throughout the book we learn that Lauren is a clairvoyant. She senses when bad things are about to happen and she can also sense "bad" people.
      Lauren is working at a restaurant when a man walks in andgets a bad feeling about him. Sure enough he is there to rob the place. To makes matters worse, he has a gun and in a matter of life and death, Lauren jumps over the counter when a little boys life is in jeopardy. In return, Lauren about ends her own life by getting shot in the leg and losing a bunch of blood. But in the end she becomes the town hero.
       Lauren's life will never the same...
      She then meets Max, the paramedic, and also the man of her dreams. Literally! They have that instant connection and life is good. Or is it? Turns out Lauren has a boyfriend who she has basically been betrothed to since before she was even born. Her boyfriend, Seth, is the son of her mother's best friend. Did you catch all that? Ha Ha Ha. So of course Max doesn't want to get in between the two who have been "together" their whole lives. I mean who can blame the guy? As fate would have it though, Lauren has pretty much never felt anything for Seth and wants Max. Its Max, Max, Max in her head.
     Max is great! Although I really did not like his jealous side. While it was realistic the way he was acting, I still did not like seeing his jealous side when Lauren would talk to guys that he did not approve of her talking to. Aside from that little pet peeve of mine, Max was a great guy. Who was just as in love with Lauren as she was with him. If I had to ever picture the perfect man, Max would be at the top of the list. Plus he is a paramedic! How more amazing could anyone get?
The story ended so AWESOME! It had so many surprises that I will not tell you about, but were so good that it even had me fooled. Meeting Destiny has mystery in it, and everyone can appreciate a well written mystery. I have so many questions now that I finished the book, but I believe it will all be solved in the sequel, Destiny's Revenge.Which is apparently better than the first. And the first was great, so I am very excited to sink my teeth into the second installment.
This is a book for people who believe in love and destinies. I believe in both. I wanted to thank Nancy for taking the time to be interviewed and for being so sweet to give away a free book of Meeting Destiny. Click on the link below to sign up. The giveaway ends tomorrow. If you do not win the book, it is okay, go buy it. I promise you will not regret it.
Twitter: @nancystraight
Website: http://authnancystraight.blogspot.com/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4114202.nancy_straight

Books available at B&N, Smahswords, and Amazon


http://www.jessicaslovelybooks.blogspot.com/2012/01/hey-guys-here-is-start-of-awesome.html#links
SHARE:

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Review of Bonded With Love by @tiffany_heiser

Bonded With Love by Tiffany Heiser
Never in a trillion years did Rena really think vampires existed...or that she had enemies among them.

Beginning of senior year, and Rena Vesten is hoping for something incredible to happen. She never expected that the dark-haired, blue-eyed man of her dreams-literally-to suddenly appear as the new student at school.

The gorgeous mystery guy, Cryder, has more secrets than his inexplicable presence in her dreams. Soon Rena's world takes a turn into the supernatural when she finds out Cryder is a vampire king with a deadly rebellion on his hands, and a destiny irrevocably tied to Rena's...

...'till death do them part



My Review:
             I enjoyed Bonded With Love and was a tad bit sad when the book ended. I grew accustomed to the whole gang, especially Cryder. And that name just sounds exotic and mysterious. I love it. Rena was a different story. I can't really say I liked her too much at the beginning of the story. There were times when she was rude for no apparent reason and I would find myself cringing because of it. But I guess I am being heartless. I can empathize to an extent with her because her parents had passed. I really can, I am not that rude! Do I like her now when I am all finished and done with the book? Well, I will say this, it can only go up from here. I see that she can make a strong Queen for the vamp community.

          I like stories that involve the characters being in high school, don't ask me why, I just do. Rena and her friend, Cecile, are in high school when in walks the beautiful, mysterious guy that haunts her dreams. Cryder is sexy, there I said it. He is. I so want for a beautiful vampy guy to walk into my life and make it interesting! He is next in line to be King and Rena of course is his Queen, the one he has been waiting for his whole life. They had been betrothed when they were younger but they would not be able to meet until Rena became of age. Her own vampire soulmate. Soumates:) I like that idea!!

Every story must have a villian, in this case it is a guy named Bristol. Why couldn't they dispose of him? They had numerous amounts of time to do jus that but never did. Annoyed! I can't wait until he is taken care of. And by taken care of i mean killed! ha ha.

        Tiffany's take on vampires was refreshing and creative. When Rena starts having dizzy spells, the only way she felt better was when she drank a fruity drink that Cryder gave her. Little did she know it had his blood in it. Um yuck or yum? To me it sounded good! And according to Rena, it was!

        Reasons why I think anyone will love Bonded With Love. Because it had a twilighty feel of course. Twilight used to be my favorite book series until the movie came out. Blahhhhh! Now I can honestly say the books have lost that magical touch. So of course here I am looking for the emptiness I feel to losing love for my favorite book. I have found it! Through Bonded With Love, I can be happy, just like I was when I read Twilight. If Tiffany ever gets a movie deal, I hope they don't butcher it. And even if they did butcher it, I would still be there opening night:) Even though I hate the Twilight movies, I still go to every opening. I know it sounds crazy, but deep down I am still a true fan at heart.

If you are a big fan of vampires and paranormal romance in general, then this is your book. Why are you still sitting there reading the review? Go...NOW and buy it!!

Available at Amazon people! Go nowwwwww<3
SHARE:

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Interview with Tiffany Heiser author of Bonded with Love



Is a writer living in Fort Worth, Tx- with her Husband and two crazy dogs. She has been writing most of her life-short stories, and poetry. But she has always enjoyed reading young adult fiction and the amazing places it can take you. It has been her dream to one day be published. Her dream was accomplished with Bonded With Love as her debut novel.


1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I was born on Fort Hood but raised in Granbury, Texas- a small town southwest of Fort Worth. I am an only child, but not a spoiled brat- well in my opinion. I recently got married in October of 2011 and it was the best day of my life. I absolutely love my husband, he is my best friend.

I have two dogs- a spazzy tan corgi and a very chilled black doxiepoo (half dachshund and half mini poodle).

I'm a coffee addict, but it seems that it comes with the territory of being an author :) I also love rainy days- it helps with the inspiration for writing but it also inspires lazy days :D


2. What do you do when you are not writing?
I love to read! So in my off time or when I'm not busy I will be reading. I love spending time with my puppies- taking them for walks or just cuddling with them.

My husband and I have a daily ritual of curling up on the couch and watching our fave TV shows after work and I look forward to that time to spend with him. I enjoy getting to go over to visit our families and having quality time with them. Oh and I'm a huge pro football fan- Cowboys fan actually...I know I know don't remind me how that season ended :(


3. Do you have a day job as well?
I do. I work full-time for a bank as a teller. I have been in the banking business for ten years. I enjoy it, but I Love writing more :)


4. When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?
I have been writing the majority of my life. When I was a young kid, I started writing poems. It helped me free any emotions that I didn't know how to express. I filled up a couple large notebooks of poems throughout the years.

5. When I was in middle school my vivid dreams put ideas in my head about exciting stories that could be written-of course then my writing needed a lot of help, but I knew one day I would write a full novel.

I finished Bonded With Love in April of 2011. That was one of the most exciting days of my life. To know that I had accomplished one of my major goals in life.


6. How did you choose the genre you write in?
I have always been into vampires and the paranormal. I would read R.L. Stine and Stephen King as a kid, but about four years ago I read the Twilight saga (twice) and found myself in love with reading books in a series (The majority of the full novels I write will be a series.). And absolutely adore paranormal romances even more after reading that series. So I tend to stick to that genre when reading and definitely will stay in that genre when I write.


7. Where do you get your ideas?
Dreams. I had a dream about Rena and the gang. I've recently had two more vivid dreams about two new series that I want to start on. My mind is wild with imagination especially while sleeping and most of my dreams I can remember colors and smells and noises so much that I can still remember each dream I've had about my books.


8. Do you ever experience writer’s block?
I haven't as of yet. I have moments when ideas aren't flowing through me, but then I move onto a different writing task and keep my mind focused on something.


9. Do you work with an outline, or just write?
Funny thing. When I first sat down knowing that I was going to write Bonded With Love, I grabbed a notebook and created my outline. Once I finished that I started writing. By the end of the first page my outline was no use anymore. Rena and the gang knew how they wanted their story to be told and it wasn't anywhere near where I thought it would go. ;)


10. Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
Stephenie Meyer brought me back to my reading addiction. I had lost it thanks to high school and then college. But she reminded me how much fun reading is and thus brought back my imagination.


There are other authors who I look up to and they have also influenced me.

Richelle Mead, Melissa Marr, Rachel Caine.


11. Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?
There were a few. Querying was one. I would get responses back about the topic and genre I was writing in. The last one I received was from an agent that said that vampires had been blacklisted and my genre is too full.

With that comment it was as if she was telling me that it would be nearly impossible to get published. And so I decided in that moment that I would self-publish and prove to whoever and to myself that I could do this on my own. There are so many options nowadays that make the process-not easy- but possible. So I looked into self-pub, asked questions, and found my way.


12. Would you change anything?

Not at all. I have learned so much in the couple of years that I have been part of the writing, editing, and publishing world. My eyes have been opened wider and every part of it was bringing my dreams to life. It has been a dream come true.


13. How do you market your work?
I'm always on Twitter, Facebook, and Bookrix.

I love meeting new people and other writers like me! :)

Twitter has been amazing and given me the ability to not only get the word out there about my books but helped me make new friends.


Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published?

No, actually I haven't. Bonded was the first book that I wrote from beginning to end. I'm sure it'll happen eventually though.


14. Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

Right now my mind is on over-drive. I have four separate book ideas going on, but I'm currently working on Book 2 of the With Love series Struggled With Love due out in August/September. I don't really want to say much for those who haven't read the first one...except book 2 will definitely be crossing lines and boundaries -especially as Rena's powers blossom.


15. Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?
The plot is purely imagination. However, the main characters are based on people I know. Friends or family. The friendship between Rena and Cecile reminds me at times, throughout the book, of my own friendship with my best friend.


16. What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
I enjoyed writing the beginning because I loved finding out who my characters were and how they would act. I loved learning their personalities that was exciting and made it easy to write.


But I also enjoyed the ending. Seeing how Rena had grown, how close her and Cryder had gotten, but especially the final scene between Rena and Bristol. The power that brewed in that scene pulled me in and I wrote that whole last chapter in a day because I couldn't put my pen down. It was a big strong part of the book.


17. How did you come up with the title?

I had help from friends. I knew I wanted something that I could continue with each book. So I knew I wanted it to be the With Love series, but I had many options for the first word of the title- one of my best friends came up with Bonded, and I fell in love with it instantly.


18. What project are you working on now?
I have multiple projects that have a small portion written- An angel series, a demigod series, and one new vampire book have been started.

But I am currently putting all of my focus on working on finishing the first draft of Book 2 of the With Love series Struggled With Love.


19. Will you have a new book coming out soon?
I should have 1 or 2 short stories out before summer as part of the With Love series.

And Book 2 will be out in August/September of 2012.
Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?
I'd love to come up with a book about Wicca and witchcraft. It completely fascinates me...but the plot hasn't come to me yet. Maybe one day.


20. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author?
I've been told I wasn't ready, that I should have waited before I published the book. That I still had a lot to learn.

It's true, I have a lot to learn about everything in life-we all do. But to say I wasn't ready...I didn't feel that way at all. I felt very ready. When I received the response to my query about vampires being blacklisted and that paranormal romance was to full for someone new, it brought the need and want to be published to the service.


21. What has been the best compliment?
The best compliment to get is someone who hasn't read in years started reading again and it was thanks to my book.

Or friends of mine who have been trying to get published for years are inspired by the fact that I self-pubbed, and they decided to do the same for themselves.

One of my writer friends, James Hussel, actually just self-published his first novel this past week and I'm so excited for him!


Funny Story:

I received a phone call one day from my grandma that she had stayed in bed all day reading MY book and loved it- this is from a woman that hadn't read in probably over 10 years. And she spent an entire day reading mine and actually loved it-which made my year!

On a side note: She also told me I needed to get the new one out soon or she would have a heart attack. :/


22. Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?
Never give up. You can do absolutely anything you put your mind to. And if someone tells you that you can't, they're lying. Don't lose faith in yourself or your ability.


My fave quote:

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."- Winston Churchill


23. Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?
Thank you for everything! Thank you for taking time out of your day to read my books! I adore you all and appreciate you for simply cracking open something I've written. I can't express how much that means to me and it's something that will never be forgotten.
 Bonded With Love By Tiffany Heiser



Me***
I think it is so cool that Tiffany lives in Texas right around the corner from me! Although I do not care too much for the Cowboys..hehehe. My review of Bonded with Love will be up and ready for tomorrow! Stay tuned:)
Thank You Tiffany for the wonderful interview, I look forward the next book in the Bonded with Love Series.
Twitter:@Tiffany_Heiser
Blog-http://tiffanyheiser.blogspot.com/

Meeting Destiny Giveaway by Nancy Straight & Bewitching by Alex Flinn giveaways going on, on my blog as we speak! Make sure you go signup for them asap!!!
SHARE:
I just found out that I have received a blogger award. This is so exciting as it is my first! The award is The Liebster Award ("Liebster" is the German word for friend or love) originated in Germany.

A huge thank you goes out to Bridget Bowers for this honor. Her blog Rants 'N' Ramblings is a great place to find excellent book reviews. If you just can't decide what to read next, I recommend taking a look at her selections. She's got some great books out there just waiting to find a new reader. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! You are AWESOME!



In accepting the Liebster Blog Award, the recipient agrees to:
*Thank the person who gave them the award and link back to that person’s blog
*Copy and paste the award to their blog
*Reveal the 5 blogs they have chosen to award, commenting on their blog to break the news!
*Hope those people in turn pay it forward by accepting and awarding "The Liebster Blog Award" to bloggers they would like to honor.
People Who I have awarded:
Margot-How I See It
Liliana-Lili Lost in a Book
Karla-Book Addict
Sandee-Books. Books And More Books
Eunice-Book Overdose
SHARE:

Friday, January 20, 2012

Review and Giveaway of Bewitching by Alex Flinn

It is the story of Kendra and her first 300 or so years of life. In Bewitching, Kendra ponders whether to help out a modern day plain-looking stepsister, while also reflecting on her experiences in the 1666 British plague, the court of Louis XV, and on the Titanic."

MY REVIEW!!

** spoiler alert **

Where to start, where to start? Let me just start off by sayig this book was just the type of book I love to read. Of course I am a firm believer in fairy tales and love how Alex Flinn spices it up a bit and modernizes it up too.

Ok some spoilers may come so if you want to know nothing at all from the book I suggest you stop reading now!

The book starts off with Kendra as a young girl living in the 1600s about the time of the plague. Her whole family dies from it, except her little brother whom she saved through magic. And this is how Kendra, the witch is born! Since she miraculously saved her brother from a disease that wasn't curable, they decide to run away..

Which brings us to the gingerbread house.
At this Gingedbread house lives an old witch who cooks children, who eat her house, into gingerbread fence posts. So sad I know! While all this is happening the witch catches Kendra and her brother charlie and holes them captive. Kendra makes a deal with her and the witch teaches her more magic and she becomes more powerful. Charlie and her end up killing the witch by throwing her in the oven to burn. One of the only ways a witch can truly die. Once they kill her all the children that were baked into gingerbreads were all set free. Happily ever after right? Wrong!The children tell their parents what happen and Kendra and Charlie have to run for their life. And poor Kendra never sees her brother again.

Now is the story of Lisette and Emma. This is where the story gets real good. Its a Cinderella story told from the not so pretty step sister. Emma is smart, plain, and not very cool. In comes a step sister she never knew she had from her father. Lisette is around her age and is everything that Emma is not. Beautiful, talented, and everyone loves her. Except me, I despise Lisette to the max! She is a manipulative, coniving little brat and i spent the whole story wishing something bad would soon happen to her. It wasn't fair what she had done to Emma, I get that she was upset that she lost her father and he was stolen from her at a young age. But my God, there are better ways to handle things. She ended up taking away Emma's father, her boyfriends, her bedroom, and her clothes/other materlistic things. It enrages me because if it were me I would not have cared if she told about me busting up the pumpkin. Thats just me though, Lisette's blackmail was lame..and Emma sure acted stupid for falling for that. I hate stories where the beautiful girl is a real jerk. I liked how in the book it touched up on that. How in the movies the bad guy is always ugly but in books the villian is portrayed as beautiful. I think no matter what the villian wil always be ugly whether they are pretty or not. Its just easier to see a physically ugly person as the villian for some reason. The way Emma's story ended was sweet. I loved how she was the "cinderella" of the book. She had a mouse and got Prince Charming in the end. I feel like I am a lot like her. I would probably take a book to a party and just read too. The only thing is, most guys wouldnt find that too attractive. But its her I am and I am glad Emma stuck to who she was and never faltered. I admired her for that.

Some other fairy tales in the book was The Princess and the Pea, which I am not too familiar with. But I am familiar with The Little Mermaid. I loved Alex's take on the little mermaid. It was not a happily ever after and I found myself sad after reading it. I wish it could have ended differently for Doria. Her story was so tragic. She saves the boy she loves from drowing after the Titanic sinks. Also another thing i loved about the book, all the historical notes she put into this. It was well thought out.

I recommend this book to people of all ages, its just that good. If you love fairy tales, you will eat this up!
I am so happy to have recieved and early copy of the book, it has been good!


ARC GIVEAWAY
Okay guess between 1-200 and the person to guess the right answer wins! Leave email so i can email winner:)
SHARE:

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Amaranth by Rachael Wade

Amaranth by Rachael Wade
Published July 27, 2011 by Rabbit Hole Press

Knowledge changes everything…

Hoodoo-influenced Southern Louisiana seems like the perfect place for Camille to escape her abusive past and dysfunctional family. She doesn’t expect to fall in love with the handsome Gavin Devereaux and plummet into the world of Amaranth, a place of exile for reformed vampires.

Wrestling to escape a deadly ex-boyfriend while giving Gavin a chance, Camille is confronted with decisions that threaten not only her life, but the lives of her inhuman friends she has come to love. Entangled in her friends’ quest for freedom, she dives into their realm and faces the threats of Amaranth’s ruler—the mother of all vampires—and her own inner demons.

Now Camille must decide whether she will derail her life and make the ultimate sacrifice for the monsters that interrupted her bumpy path back to sanity—what she still wants so desperately—or escape with Gavin before it’s too late for both of them.



My Review: 5 Stars!
What sucked me in before I even read the book was the cover. My goodness it is mesmerizing! By just looking at it, I just knew there would be a great story inside. How I knew this? I do not know, it was just a feeling. It has taken me a week to write this review because I was speechless and didn't know what to say. Well I finally have my words ready for the world to see.

Once I started the book, I honestly felt like it was speaking directly to me. I too have been in relationships like Camille, and they pretty much messed me up. Which is the exact reason I turned to books. I am still waiting for a beautiful, charming vamp to walk into my life...:) Anywhoooo, I could really feel for Camille and I admired her for being able to get away from the first abuser and go to Paris. Where she meets the gorgeous Gavin!

But...

She actually doesn't become involved with him until 2 years later when she is in yet another abusive relationship  with a guy named Andrew. Geez..girl can't catch a break! In comes Gavin the beautiful.
They meet back up at Camille's job, which by the way is at a bookstore. LUCKY!

So they meet back up and start a relationship. Camille's best friend, Audrey also starts a relationship with Gavin's friend,Gabe. I loved how they instantly clicked. It was love at first sight by far and I am a firm believer in love at first sight. I guess in a way it was love at first sight for Gavin and Camille. They were always destined to be together. He might be a vampire, but that's what makes it even more fantastic.

So  many of us would love for a vamp or a werewolf or something not from this world to fall in love with us. In this case I wish it were Gavin. I could actually feel his love for Camille through the pages and into my heart. Not something many books can do.

The world Wade has created is fantastic and so  wonderful that words can not express what I love so much about it. You just have to read it to see what I am talking about. And just wait until you read the ending! My lips are sealed, but I was so shocked and never saw it coming.

All in all this was a great read and you can obviously see I loved it! If you haven't read, I HIGHLY. HIGHLY suggest you go and buy it right NOW!!!
You can buy it at:
Amazon, B&N,Goodreads, and Smashwords
Twitter: @RachaelWade
Also- http://rachaelwade.com/


So up this weekend:
My review and interview of Bonded with Love by Tiffany Heiser! Don'tmiss it!

Alsoooo do not forget to sign up for the giveaway of Meeting Destiny by Nancy Straight!

Ok night loves, bed time for me:)
SHARE:

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Meeting Destiny Giveaway!

Hey guys here is the start of an awesome giveaway! Just started the book and let me tell you, you do not want to miss this! It has had me since page one. Since I have other books to read,I have to refrain myself from reading. Sooo good! Make sure you spread the word:) The author has graciously offered one free book! It end jan 28 after my review and interview with her.
P.S. Oh and make sure you leave your email address!
P.P.S. Don't foget to follow my blog<3


a Rafflecopter giveaway
SHARE:

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Interview with James Hutchings



The New Death and Others by James Hutchings

Death gets a roommate...

An electronic Pope faces a difficult theological question...

A wicked vizier makes a terrible bargain...

44 stories. 19 poems. No whiny vampires. There's a thin line between genius and insanity, and James Hutchings has just crossed it - but from which direction?
 
My Review: 4 Stars
Wowza is what I think after finishing the book! It is unique and I have never read anything like it before. Normally I do not care much for poems and short stories aren't really my thing. But this was different, James wrote it in such a way that I barely even noticed. Now that is some FABULOUS writing. A lot of hard work and creativity on his part for coming up with fun and quite ironic characters. Some stories were kind of short, and I did not want them ending, they were way too fun.Such as a robot being elected as Pope, I love that idea!! While it was fun, it was also a bit dark. Dark humor is always fun to read and watch. Not that watching has anything to do with this review... Anyway, back to the book.Very funny, and deserves big praise. I suggest to anyone who loves poetry, ironic stories and/or characters, well I suggest you read this.


Interview!
>  · Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I fight crime in the guise of Poetic Justice, but my main income is from acting. You might know me by my stage name 'Brad Pitt'.

>  · What do you do when you are not writing?

My other main hobby is coding online games. I spent several years writing an online game called Age of Fable (www.ageoffable.net). I don't have any plans to do more on it, but it's still online, and you can play it for free. I'm currently working on an online 'card' game, like Yu-Gi-Oh or Pokemon. I've also done a few smaller projects. For example I did an online version of the computer game Oregon Trail.

>  · Do you have a day job as well?

No, I'm currently unemployed. I've applied to go back to university, which if I'm successful will start in February.

>  · When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

'The New Death and others' is the first full-length book I've put up for sale. I started in September 2010 and finished in September 2011.

>  · How did you choose the genre you write in?

I don't think about genre very much. I have ideas for stories and poems, and if they have magic in them then I guess that story will be fantasy, if not it might be general fiction. I'm actually working on a Western poem at the moment.

>  · Where do you get your ideas?

I've written a lot about cats, based on having been a cat owner. But I'm a lot more cynical about them than some cat-lovers. One reviewer said he couldn't work out whether I loved cats or hated them.

Of course other fiction is a big inspiration. In some cases it's obvious. I've done poems directly based on stories by HP Lovecraft and other writers for example. In other cases it's more subtle: for example the city of Teleleli or Telelee is partly based on Fritz Leiber's Lankhmar, partly on Terry Pratchett's Ankh-Morpork, and partly on Port Blacksand in the Fighting Fantasy series. the dialogue in Lord of the Rings had a big influence on how my characters talk.

>  · Do you ever experience writer’s block?

Yes, reasonably often. One thing I do is make a point of writing every day, even when I don't feel like it. This helps get through temporary slumps. I think if you wait for inspiration to strike it never will. Often I start with the attitude that "I'm really tired and I can't think of anything. I'll just write a token amount so I can say I did something today," and actually end up having a good idea and getting a lot done.

I usually have several things that I'm working on at the same time. This helps with running out of ideas, because I can leave what I'm working on and do something else instead. The danger with this is that starting something can be more fun than finishing it, and so you run the risk of having lots of half-written pieces that you never finish.

>  · Do you work with an outline, or just write?

I usually just write. Most of my work is very short, so there isn't the same need to plot everything out that you'd have for a novel.

>  · Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

JRR Tolkien and Jack Vance for the elaborate dialogue. Robert E Howard for the general atmosphere. Terry Pratchett for the humour. and Lord Dunsany for the use of Fame, Time and so on as characters.

>  · Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book
>  published?

Since I self-published it (on Smashwords and Amazon), this was just a matter of getting the document ready and uploading it. The hard part of self-publishing isn't getting published, it's writing it in the first place and then getting anyone to read it. There are thousands of self-published authors out there, and of course they're all trying to get their book noticed.

>  · If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of your
>  novel or getting it published that you would change?

I wouldn't necessarily do anything terribly differently, but I wish I'd started writing earlier.

>  · How do you market your work? What avenues have you found to work best
>  for your genre?

I market my work through contacting bloggers and asking them to review it in return for a free copy. Whether this is the best way or not, I don't really know.


>  · Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get
>  published?

Self-publishing means that no one can stop you from publishing if you want to, which of course can be a good or a bad thing.

>  · Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

I've been encouraged to write a novel set in the fantasy city of Telelee, which is the setting of a few of the stories in 'The New Death and others'. I have a lot of background for this world, because I blog every day (http://www.apolitical.info/teleleli) and most of it is setting detail. I also have a half-finished novel called 'All-American Detectives', which is a combination of a detective story and a story about superheroes, which I'll probably come back to in the future.

>  · Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all
>  imagination?

Some ideas just pop into my head, without me knowing where the idea comes from. Other ideas come from experiences in my life. For example a while ago I found three injured birds in the space of a few weeks. I took all of them to the local vet. As I was carrying one of them, I thought that the woman at reception might wonder where I was finding all these injured birds, and that was the inspiration for my story 'Lost, Feral or Stray'.

>  · What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

Probably 'The God of the Poor'. I generally enjoy writing short pieces best, because you get the satisfaction of finishing sooner.

>  · How did you come up with the title?

I actually looked for artwork for the cover first. The picture I found happened to fit the story 'The New Death'.

>  · What project are you working on now?

The main thing I'm working on right now is a poem set in the old West, called 'Confession of a Bounty Hunter'.
 
>  · Will you have a new book coming out soon?

I expect some time in 2012.

>  · Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a
>  theme or idea you’d love to work with?

I'd like to write more about the fantasy city of Telelee.

>  · What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has
>  been the best compliment?

I've had criticism, but not any really horrible criticism.

The best compliment was probably when someone said that the opening lines to one of my poems had been going through their head all day.

>  · Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Nowadays anyone can self-publish. If you can make a Word document, you can have an ebook on Smashwords or Amazon. However that means that if your work is no good, no one's going to stop you. I'd recommend that people get onto Critique Circle (www.critiquecircle.com) and/or Scribophile (www.scribophile.com), put their work up, and listen to what people tell you. Don't 'defend' your work against people's 'attacks'. They aren't attacks, they're helping you. I've found that the people who defend their work have a strong tendency to have the worst writing, I suppose because they're not making the changes they need to make.

My next point doesn't matter if you're going to self-publish, but it is important if you want to be published by a regular publisher, or if you want to submit stories to magazines. Most places won't publish work that's already been published. And most places count putting a story on the internet as publishing it. In my opinion that's silly, but that's what they do. Scribophile and Critique Circle are exceptions, because google doesn't index them and you can't see any stories without logging on. However there are writing group websites out there where, if you put a story on the site, that counts as the story being published. That seems like a really terrible way to set things up, but they're out there.

I'd also say that getting a book out isn't the final step. It's just the start of the work of self-promotion. This is true even if you're not self-publishing: I'm told that authors are expected to pretty much arrange their own book signings and so on (if you just want to have a book out to show family and friends then this doesn't matter, of course).

There are a lot of sharks out there, who make their money from authors and not from readers. They will make all sorts of promises about how they're going to promote you and help you, but these are lies. Authors do not pay publishers, ever, and if they're asking you to pay then it's a scam. Of course if you're self-publishing you might end up paying someone to design a cover for you, or you might pay for internet advertising, but those are different things. You might also pay a printer to print your books if you want to get physical books rather than ebooks - but in this age of the kindle and print-on-demand I don't know why you'd want to. Preditors and Editors (www.pred-ed.com) is a good website to look at, and you can get good advice at the forums of Critique Circle.

Finally, I'd suggest learning to touch-type if you can't already. You're going to be doing a lot of typing, and every hour you spend getting faster at typing will save you ten in the long run.


>  · Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

Go forth my children, and slay...actually I'll probably save that one for the fan club's newsletter.
SHARE:

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Hey everyone! Sorry for the neglect on my blog. I have been super busy with work and having my family in town from Idaho. Don't be sad though, I have some great stuff happening in the next few weeks! Starting January 27 I will be hosting my very first giveaway!!! It is going to be with none other than Nancy Straight author of Meeting Destiny. Not only will she be giving away one free copy, she will also be interviewed by moi. Are you as excited as me? Make sure you mark down the 27th and help spread the word:) Currently reading: Empty by Charlotte Abel Bonded with Love by Tiffany Heiser The New Death and Others by James Hutchings Meeting Destiny by Nancy Straight Upcoming Interview and review with Tiffany Heiser! Review of Empty!!! If you are a fan of Charlotte Abel's Enchantment, you will love the second book of the installment. Which I love so far. Also next month interview and review with the author of Howl, Annalise Grey Don't miss out of any of the fun!
SHARE:
Hey everyone! Sorry for the neglect on my blog. I have been super busy with work and having my family in town from Idaho. Don't be sad though, I have some great stuff happening in the next few weeks! Starting January 27 I will be hosting my very first giveaway!!! It is going to be with none other than Nancy Straight author of Meeting Destiny. Not only will she be giving away one free copy, she will also be interviewed by moi. Are you as excited as me? Make sure you mark down the 27th and help spread the word:) Currently reading: Empty by Charlotte Abel Bonded with Love by Tiffany Heiser The New Death and Others by James Hutchings Meeting Destiny by Nancy Straight Upcoming Interview and review with Tiffany Heiser! Review of Empty!!! If you are a fan of Charlotte Abel's Enchantment, you will love the second book of the installment. Which I love so far. Also next month interview and review with the author of Howl, Annalise Grey Don't miss out of any of the fun!
SHARE:

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Hollowland by Amanda Hocking

"This is the way the world ends - not with a bang or a whimper, but with zombies breaking down the back door."

Nineteen-year-old Remy King is on a mission to get across the wasteland left of America, and nothing will stand in her way - not violent marauders, a spoiled rock star, or an army of flesh-eating zombies.


   I was very surprised that I liked Hollowland so much. From the first page until the very last I was entertained. At times Remy, the main character, got on my nerves. I am all for a strong willed and independent woman in the literature world. But sometimes the way she acted made me so mad and the way she treated a boy who was head over heels in love with her made me even more mad. We get it, you don't want to feel anything after all the zombies have taken away all the people who have meant something in your life. It is understandable sure but it doesn't give anyone the right to act like a jerk.
         Opening credits, basically we find out very quickly that Remy is searching for her 8 year old brother. Apparently he is sick and is top priority in the quarantine that they are all in. Remy and her friends escape and start their way on the long mission of finding out where her brother is located. Along the way Remy befriends a lion, a rock star, and a guy named Blue, who is studying to be a doctor. Also there are the two girls who had escaped the quarantine with her, Harlow, and the other girl, Summer, who got bite by a zombie the moment they were running from the quarantine. I was very emotionally attached to the characters because they felt real. Lazlo, the rock star, was probably one of my favorites just because he was so unique. He was not street smart at all but that is where the strong, independent woman comes in. Another one of my favorite characters was Harlow. She was cute and had a good personality. She was very naive at times, but that is expected of a little girl.  Now I know you read there about how Remy befriended a lion. That lion kicked butt! Her name was Ripley and its because of her I wish I could have a pet lion. She was a zombie killing machine. One thing about the zombie virus is that it didn't effect the animals. So she was able to be with the group and kill/eat the zombies. Way cool.
There wasn't too much gore which I liked since I hate gory things. There was enough to make me cringe sometimes but it wasn't too bad at all. 

This is not going to be a normal review. I want you all to go get the book and read. I hate giving things away and right now there is so much I want to write but can't due to the people who haven't yet read it.
Go and buy the book!

Review for book two coming soon:)
(which is AMAZING by the way) 
SHARE:

Monday, January 2, 2012

My friend Jori's fun facts of the day

Day 1: January 1st 2012

Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every two weeks or it will digest itself!

Day 2/3: January 2nd and 3rd 2012

2. As we know the Sahara Desert is the largest desert, but it was once very tropical. The Earth, every 20,000 years, wobbles a little bit and changes the position of the Sahara. Thus, making it a tropical paradise every 20,000 years!  

3. Lincoln foresaw his own death. Lincoln had a dream that he was in the White House, surrounded by the sounds of crying, he walked down to the East room where he found a shrouded corpse, guarded by soldiers. He asked who had died, "the President" said a soldier, "he was killed by an assassin." Two weeks later Lincoln went to see Our American Cousin at the Ford Theater.
SHARE:
© The Lovely Books. All rights reserved.
BLOGGER TEMPLATE CREATED BY pipdig