Come on Baby, Light My Fire

Some of you saw my tweets on Thursday night and know about the fire that was close to my house. The fire started on Thursday afternoon and has burned through almost 1400 acres. At the moment, it’s 62% contained.

 

It was so close to our house, we could see the flames from our backyard. We were not ordered to evacuate but we didn’t want to take any chances. We packed up the essentials and loaded up both of our vehicles. We spent Thursday night at our house but stayed with family the next night.

We came back home today and I can’t even tell that the fire is still burning! I can’t see any flames, though the city does smell like there’s a massive BBQ going on. But the good thing is our house is fine and we are home! And now we have lots of unpacking to do O_o

Being lover of books, some of you may be wondering if I packed up any books and the short answer is yes, I did. Did I pack all of them? No. Simply put, there just wasn’t enough room for all of them. Sad, I know. And even sadder – the books were packed last. Priorities people! You should have seen the look on my hubby’s face when I started packing the books. Priceless.

I packed about 90% of my books. Here’s what was left on my shelves (aka: fire fuel):

  

The bookcase on the left housed books I have read. I started grabbing everything I couldn’t part with: my Nicholas Sparks collection, the Sookie Stackhouse series, the BDB series, the Night Huntress series, my hardcover box set of the Twilight Saga, my *signed* copy of Twilight and everything else that was signed (including all the books that I just got signed by Maggie Stiefvater). [Looking at this picture now, I can’t believe I left behind Thirteen Reasons Why! I loved that book.]

Then I went back to my bookcase that holds my TBR stash (the bookcase on the right) and grabbed some more books. It was very hard choosing what to take and what had to stay. My heart ached! If you must, you can click on the pictures of the bookcases to see what was left behind *cringe* - but only if you must.

Now that the fire’s under control we have the pleasure (NOT!) of unpacking. I guess this gives me the opportunity to re-organize my bookcases. I only have my “read” books with me (the rest of my books are in the truck that my hubby’s driving and he’s at work right now) so I started there. And I must say, my bookcase looks much better than before!

Now it’s my turn to put YOU in the hot seat. There’s a huge fire and a mandatory evacuation has just been ordered. You’ve grabbed the essentials (people, pets, papers, photos and prescriptions - Dude! That could totally be a evacuation campaign - “Grab the 5 P’s” – I’m a genius I tell you!) and now you have 5 minutes left to grab books. To give you a bit of perspective, 5 minutes may seem like plenty of time but when you’re racing against the clock with a fire spreading like crazy it goes by in a flash.

What books are you grabbing to save from being turned to ash?

On My Wishlist (36)

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. If you want to know more click here.

Breathing by Cheryl Renée Herbsman
June 10, 2010

Savannah would be happy to spend the summer in her coastal Carolina town working at the library and lying in a hammock reading her beloved romance novels. But then she meets Jackson. Once they lock eyes, she’s convinced he’s the one—her true love, her soul mate, a boy different from all the rest. And at first it looks like Savannah is right. Jackson abides by her mama’s strict rules, and stays by her side during a hospitalization for severe asthma, which Savannah becomes convinced is only improving because Jackson is there. But when he’s called away to help his family—and seems uncertain about returning—Savannah has to learn to breathe on her own, both literally and figuratively.

Cloaked by Alex Flinn
February 8th, 2011

Johnny works after school in a shoe repair shop in a swanky hotel in Miami. He loves shoes and is talented; he even aspires to be the next Manolo Blahnik. But the real reason that he is working so hard is because his dad left when he was a baby and he needs to help his mom pay the bills. At least he has his friend, Meg, who works at the hotel coffee shop, to keep him company.

When beautiful Princess Victoriana comes to stay at the hotel, Johnny is thrilled when Victoriana invites him to her suite. There she tells him that her brother has been turned into a frog, and that she needs his help finding him in the Florida Keys. Johnny thinks she is crazy and does not believe her, until she gives him a magical cloak that immediately transports him to another location. Armed with the cloak and a magical earpiece that can help him talk to other transformed humans Johnny sets out to save the Prince...

Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey
June 7th, 2010

When Keri Daniels’ editor finds out she has previous carnal knowledge of reclusive bestselling author Joe Kowalski, she gives Keri a choice: get an interview or get a new job.

Joe’s never forgotten the first girl to break his heart, so he’s intrigued to hear Keri’s back in town—and looking for him. Despite his intense need for privacy, he’ll grant Keri an interview if it means a chance to finish what they started in high school.

He proposes an outrageous plan—for every day she survives with his family on their annual camping and four-wheeling trip, Keri can ask one question. Keri agrees; she’s worked too hard to walk away from her career. But the chemistry between them is still as potent as the bug spray, Joe’s sister is out to avenge his broken heart and Keri hasn’t ridden an ATV since she was ten. Who knew a little blackmail, a whole lot of family and some sizzling romantic interludes could make Keri reconsider the old dream of Keri & Joe 2gether 4ever.

What’s on your wishlist?

INTERVIEW & GIVEAWAY [CLOSED]: Kate Kaynak

Today, I’m doing an interview with Kate Kaynak, author of Minder. Her debut novel is the first of the Ganzfield series. Be sure to read my review of Minder!. Please welcome Kate Kaynak!

Book Review: Minder by Kate Kaynak

Title: Minder
Series: Ganzfield, #1
Author: Kate Kaynak
Genre: Paranormal Romance, YA
Source: review copy from author
Published: May 2010 by Spencer Hill Press

Sixteen-year-old Maddie Dunn is special, but she needs to figure out how to use her new abilities before somebody else gets hurt. Ganzfield is a secret training facility full of people like her, but it's not exactly a nurturing place.

Every social interaction carries the threat of mind-control.

A stray thought can burn a building to the ground.

And people's nightmares don't always stay in their own heads.

But it's still better than New Jersey. Especially once she meets the man of her dreams...

GIVEAWAY: Greek: Double Date by Marsha Warner [CLOSED]

Two dates—same night!

Major oops. When Casey Cartwright's brother begs her to be nerdy Dale Kettlewell's date to the sure-to-be-boring Honors Engineering Awards, Casey says yes. Even though Dale is totally not her type… and might have a crush on her. Ugh. But it's a nice thing to do, and Casey's always been the "nice" girl.

But now, that night conflicts with the biggest event of the semester, the All-Greek formal. Casey already has a date lined up: hot transfer student Rob Howell. He's her plan to get over her sexy-slacker ex, Cappie. And even nice girls get to be bad sometimes, right?

What to do? With a little help from BFF Ashleigh, unwanted advice from frenemy Rebecca Logan and even a push from Cappie, what Casey does may surprise even herself….

 

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Thanks to Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, I have (2) paperback copies of Greek: Double Date to giveaway to TWO lucky winners! You must fill out the form below in order to enter. Giveaway open to US and Canada residents. Please read my Contest/Giveaway Policy for complete list of rules. Giveaway ends Wednesday, August 11th, 2010. Good luck to all who enter!

Teaser Tuesdays: Beautiful Darkness

“What the hell are you doing here? Get out of here now, and take him with you.”

p. 206, Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

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

AUTHOR INTERVIEW & GIVEAWAY [CLOSED]: Eve Langlais

Today, I’ve got Eve Langlais here for an interview and to talk about her newest release, My Secretary, My Mistress. I’m also giving away an eBook copy of her newest release so be sure to fill out the form at the end of this post and leave Eve Langlais a comment. Please welcome Eve!

 

Could you start off by telling us a little bit about yourself.

My characters are honestly more interesting than me. I am a mid-thirties mom of three who is barely hanging onto her sanity during the summer holidays. I’ve been married almost eleven years to my very own alpha and while I love him dearly, I wish he`d stop leaving his socks on the floor. I decided to start writing in February of 2009 because of a particularly bad romance that ended up crashing into my wall. My husband, the smart ass, told me if I didn’t like what I was reading then I should write stories of my own. So I did, and it turns out other people ended up liking what I had to say.

 

Tell us a bit about your newest release My Secretary, My Mistress.

My Secretary, My Mistress with Cobblestone Press is a naughty tryst about a secretary who decides to teach her boss a lesson after a one night stand. It does have spanking, hot and heavy scenes and other scenarios that delve into the world of BDSM, in other words it is pure erotic fantasy. I wrote it after noticing a lot of stories where men took charge of women and punished them, and yet, I couldn't find one where the woman did the punishing. Personally, I find the idea of being the one in charge much more exciting. In this day and age, why can’t the man be the one on his knees begging with us doling out the punishment? And just so you know this is meant to be the first in a series of tales where this secretary takes her boss to his sexual limits and then pushes him way over them. Just released as well is Alien Mate 2, a novella about a big blue alien who's come to earth to collect his mate, the only problem is the earthling he wants isn't the one his ancestors chose for him. If you like erotic science fiction and then you'll want to check it out. PS You have to see the cover. The blue abs for my alien are to die for.

You write a little something for everyone, everything from sci-fi, paranormal, to contemporary. What is your favorite erotica sub-genre to write? To read?

I love to read and write paranormal the most, especially the type where the heroines are ass kicking, shameless types who know what they want and aren’t scared to go after it. Some of my favorite authors to read in my spare time are Laurell K Hamilton, Patricia Briggs, Krelsey Cole, Kim Harrison... and many, many more. I am a voracious reader.

Which book was your favorite to write?

Damn that's a hard one, because each book draws me differently. But if I were to go with the book that obsessed me and refused to shut up 'til I wrote it in record time, then I'd have to go with Lucifer's Daughter. Once she started talking to me, I couldn't write fast enough. Even when I re-read this story during edits I loved it. Muriel, my heroine, has some great lines and her Dad, Lucifer, is a hoot. I can't wait for this one to be available to readers because it's just such a fun read. The sequel, Snowballs in Hell, will also be coming out in a few months. And according to her voice in my head, there will be a third tale at the very least.

What is the most challenging aspect of writing erotica?

There are two main challenges. The first is making sure each sex scene is different. Nobody wants to read about a couple doing the same thing over and over. The next hard part, especially when dealing with a threesome, is where are all the body parts, and who's controlling what. Like a choreographed dance, you need to make sure everyone is in the right spot and that no one is stretching their body in impossible ways. Hmm, that gives me an idea for a future sci-fi story though. LOL.

What have you learned from writing erotica?

It has to be written when the kids are asleep or out of the house. A background noise of cartoons and shrieking children is not conducive to hot love scenes.
[I concur with shrieking children not being conducive to hot love scenes! LOL]

What is the writing process like for you?

I'm very diligent about writing. Having worked from home over 12 years, I know how to sit down at my desk and pound away 'til I reach my quota. I always aim for 10k words a week, but prefer to hit 15k. I'll admit to being a workaholic, but I could have worse vices. And I always make time for my kids.

Tell us 5 things most people might not know about you

1. I love chips and dip and don't like to share.
2. Cream soda is my favorite pop.
3. I rarely drink alcohol, one shot puts me on my ass giggling.
4. I quit smoking in January. [Kudos to you!!]
5. And I wish I had a maid because I hate housework.

Anything else you would like to add?

I do hope you'll visit me at my home on the web and check out my super hot covers and excerpts for my current work and upcoming releases. I love to hear from readers so don't be shy, drop me a line.

Thanks Eve for stopping by! I’ve just added some of her books to my TBR pile :)

Where to find Eve Langlais online
website | blog | facebook | myspace | goodreads | ning

 

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Thanks to Eve Langlais, I have an eBook copy of My Secretary, My Mistress to give away! This eBook is available in the following formats: LIT (Microsoft Reader), PDF (Adobe Acrobat PDF) or PRC (Mobipocket/Kindle). Giveaway open Internationally. Due to the mature subject matter you must be 18 years old or older to enter. Please read my Contest/Giveaway Policy for complete list of rules. Giveaway ends on Tuesday, August 10th, 2010. Good luck to all who enter!

And don’t forget to leave Eve Langlais a comment!

Movies I want to See

I first saw the trailer for Easy A when I saw Eclipse in the theatre. Every time I watch this trailer I laugh my ass off! It’s hilarious and I can’t wait to see it. Doesn’t she totally rock wearing the ‘A’?! (I think I have a girl crush on the redhead.) Easy A comes out September 17th, 2010.

 

Speaking of Eclipse and the Twilight Saga, I first saw this trailer for Vampires Suck from a link on Twitter (my playground). At first, I thought it was a gag, a joke. But it really is an actual movie! I am so watching this one!

 

Favorite part:
Bella: “Jacob, why did you just take off your shirt?”
Jacob: “My contract says I have to every 10 minutes of screen time.” *spritz spritz spritz* <---LMAO!!!

And the girl at the end, with the shovel, is right.

Vampires Suck comes out August 18th, 2010.

BOOK CLUB: Eat Pray Love – 4th Discussion Post

Finish India, where she prays a lot. Richard is a major character in this part of the book. He really is a true friend and is brutally honest. I think everyone has a Richard, maybe write a post about that person in your life as well as any general discussion about this section.

I am completely late on posting this. Reason being, I have put down the book with no intention of picking it back up. It’s hard for me to read non-fiction; I get bored easily. I think it would be best if I sit this one out and wait for the movie.

Erika from Kiss My Book has graciously agreed to take over for the remainder of the Book Club. Please check out her blog for the links to this discussion question as well as the next.

If it weren’t for Erika, I probably wouldn’t have even picked up the book at all. Her love for the book inspired me, made me want to embrace it but unfortunately that didn’t happen for me. But I did make some new blog friends along the way :)

Top 5 Sundays (1)

   

Top 5 Sundays is a new weekly feature hosted by Larissa's Bookish Life. and runs every Sunday. If you want to know more click here.

Rules:

1. Write a post listing your TOP 5 choices within the theme chosen for the week.
2. Mention Larissa's Bookish Life on the post and link back to it.
3. Feel free to use the Feature's image.
4. After you've finished your post, add your link (of the post, not your blog's main page) to the Mr.Linky at the end of that week's post.

This week’s theme is:
Childhood & Early Teenage Years Books.

This is a hard one for me. I didn’t read much when I was younger. In fact, I didn’t really starting reading until I was 22 years old, when I discovered Harry Potter. But here are the books that I do remember, that stood out for me whether I liked them or not.

5. The Cay by Theodore Taylor – Required reading 8th grade English. I don’t remember anything about this book except I want to say that the boy carved notches in a wooden stick, marking the days as they passed. (Did that happen in the book?)

4. Animal Farm by George Orwell – Required reading for my 9th grade English class. I had no interest in reading this book. I just remember it was about farm animals (of course) and it had to do with politics of some sort.

3. You Are a Millionaire (Choose Your Own Adventure, #98) by Jay Leibold and R.A. Montgomery – I loved these CYOA books! I would always read them through, hoping I selected the right path and if I didn’t, well, then I would find the ending that I wanted and back track from there. Yeah, I cheated.

2. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl – I read this when I wanted to escape my father’s college level math books. I was about 11 or 12 years old.

1. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein – My all time favorite children’s book. It’s short and simple but carries a strong message. I cry every time I read it. And yes, I have a copy of this book.

On My Wishlist (35)

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. If you want to know more click here.

If you add me as a friend on Goodreads, I ask you What book should I add to my TBR list? and let me tell you, I get a lot of recommends! Booknerd saw that I love Nicholas Sparks’ books so she recommended that I check out Richard Paul Evans’ books. And so I did. Here are the books that I have added to my wishlist.

The Last Promise by Richard Paul Evans

From the Publisher From the New York Times bestselling author and one of the world's most beloved storytellers comes a rich and all-too-human novel about the tragedy and triumph of love... Years ago, a sweet girl from Utah was swept off her feet by a handsome Italian. Today, the sweet girl from Utah is a wife and mother living in Italy. And she's about to be swept off her feet all over again...

 

 

The Walk by Richard Paul Evans

The first novel in an inspiring new series about an executive who loses everything and embarks on a walk that takes him across America

GUEST POST & GIVEAWAY: M.J. Rose [CLOSED]

Today I have a guest post from  M.J. Rose, author of The Hypnotist. Here, she will share her own writing rituals and habits with us. I will also be giving away a copy of The Hypnotist so be sure to fill out the form at the end of this post and leave a comment for M.J. Rose.

Please welcome M.J. Rose!

All writers have rites and rituals that we've developed over the years. I always wonder about these habits and idiosyncrasies. But I never have the nerve to ask the venerable pros I meet.

Here are mine.

Before I start any book I need three things. The first is a question I don't know the answer to but find interesting enough to spend at least a year finding out.

The second is a quote that captures the spirit of the theme I want to write about — what I think powers the novel.

And the third is an object that belongs to my main character — that has some meaning to him or her — even if I don't always know quite what that meaning is when I begin.

The question that inspired this book was: Who owns art? Should the cultural heritage of a piece of artwork determine what museum it finally winds up in? Is restitution always in the best interest of the pubic?

For years I've been reading about Greece's efforts to get the Elgin Marbles back to their homeland. I can see both sides of the arguments. I have sympathy for countries whose riches have been taken from them. But at the same time I've spent a lot of my life visiting museums. I've been moved and inspired by work gathered from around the world and can't imagine what these amazing institutions would be like if they were stripped of their treasures.

The quote that mesmerized me and epitomized what I wanted this book to be about was:

Often, in the cosseted quarters of a museum, we forget that every work of ancient art is a survivor, a representative of untold numbers of similar artworks that perished. This triumphant exhibition makes us remember, while demonstrating that every survivor saves much more than just itself: long strands of culture, identity and history waiting to be woven back together.
—Roberta Smith writing in the New York Times about the exhibit Silent Survivors of Afghanistan's 4,000 Tumultuous Years

And the magical object, the talisman that belongs to my main character, is a broken pencil. It was in Lucian Glass's pocket the day he was brutally attacked and killed. He was only 20 at the time, a student at college. Glass has kept the pencil in a drawer that he opens all the time... he's seen it so often that he no longer notices it. Until the day my novel starts... and he's forced into remembering something he never really could forget.

Cheers,
M.J.

M.J. Rose - THE HYPNOTIST - An Indie Next Pick
Author (http://www.mjrose.com)
AuthorBuzz (http://www.authorbuzz.com)
Buzz, Balls & Hype (http://mjroseblog.typepad.com/buzz_balls_hype/)

 

 

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

 

Thanks to M.J. Rose, I have a copy of The Hypnotist to giveaway to one lucky winner! You must fill out the form below in order to enter. Don’t forget to leave a comment for M.J. Rose! Giveaway open to US and Canada residents. Please read my Contest/Giveaway Policy for complete list of rules. Giveaway ends Thursday, August 5th, 2010. Good luck to all who enter!

REVIEW: The Hypnotist by M.J. Rose

Haunted by a twenty-year-old murder of a beautiful young painter, Lucian Glass keeps his demons at bay through his fascinating work as a special agent with the FBI’s Art Crime Team. Currently investigating a crazed art collector who has begun destroying prized masterworks, Glass is thrust into a bizarre hostage negotiation that takes him undercover at the Phoenix Foundation — dedicated to the science of past-life study — where, in order to maintain his cover, he agrees to submit to the treatment of a hypnotist.

Under hypnosis, Glass travels from ancient Greece to nineteenth-century Persia, while the case takes him from New York to Paris and the movie capital of the world. These journeys will change his very understanding of reality, lead him to question his own sanity and land him at the center of perhaps the most audacious art heist in history — the theft of a 1,500-year-old sculpture from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Title: The Hypnotist (The Reincarnationist series, Book 3)
Author: M.J. Rose
Format: hardcover, 405 pages
Genre: mystery, suspense
Source: review copy, TLC Book Tours
Published: May 2010 by Mira Books
Buy the book: The Book Depository |  Kindle

My Thoughts
I had not heard of this book (or the series) until Lisa from TLC Book Tours asked me if I wanted to be on the tour. I’m glad she gave me the opportunity to read The Hypnotist because had it not been for her, I probably wouldn’t have found out about this book otherwise. The Hypnotist is the 3rd book in The Reincarnationist series. I have not read the 1st two books but I had no problem reading this book as a stand alone.

The beginning of the book felt like I was getting pulled from all different directions. It was hard for me to follow the storyline at first; it kept bouncing around from one narrative to another in a way that I found somewhat confusing. But once I had my feet firmly planted in the foundation of the storyline, I was ready for the adventure. This took about 50-60 pages.

Another thing I had trouble with was following the characters. The main reason being that at one point a character would be referred to by their first name, then at another time by their last name. Because of this inconsistency, I found myself backpedalling to remind myself who a character was. I think it would have been a bit easier to follow if the characters were all referred to the same way - either by their first name or their last. There is enough going on in the storyline that needs my attention; I don’t want to have to constantly think ‘who’s this guy again?". I finally decided to keep a list of characters, to keep everyone straight.

All in all, The Hypnotist was a good read. Once I got into the story, it was hard to put the book down. It had an intricate plot with the character’s paths intertwining with one another in ways you would not expect. I am not a firm believer in reincarnation; however, the author presented very convincing theories on the subject matter. The highly climatic ending kept me on the edge of my seat. I got closure for the most part; no cliffhanger ending here. The intense-filled, suspenseful ending had me! It was not what I was expecting. I like getting an ending that I didn’t see coming. Word of insight - this book is one to savor; The Hypnotist is not a light, fluffy read.

 

The Book Vixen’s Rating

Where to find M.J. Rose online
website | blog | twitter | facebook

REVIEW: Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

This is the story of a boy who used to be a wolf and a girl who was becoming one. Just a few months ago, it was Sam who was the mythical creature. His was the disease we couldn't cure. His was the good-bye that meant the most. He had the body that was a mystery, too strange and wonderful and terrifying to comprehend. But now it is spring. With the heat, the remaining wolves will soon be falling out of their wolf pelts and back into their human bodies. Sam stays Sam, and Cole stays Cole, and it's only me who's not firmly in my own skin.

 

Title: Linger (The Wolves of Mercy Fall, #2) 
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Format: ARC, 362 pages
Genre: young adult
Source: review copy
Published: July 13, 2010
Buy the book: The Book Depository |  Kindle

My Thoughts
I’ve been waiting to read Linger ever since I finished reading the last line of Shiver. That was a year ago. This whole time I’ve been wondering what’s going to happen and how is it going to happen. And because it’s been a year since I’ve read Shiver, I really wished I had the time to re-read it before starting Linger. I had forgotten about some of the secondary characters and I was unsure about some details so I did the next best thing - I went on Goodreads and read all the reviews that contained spoilers ;)

Surprisingly, the characters I was most looking forward to read about were not Sam and Grace but Isabel and Cole. Those two characters took center stage for me. I like Isabel a lot better in this book than I did in Shiver. She has definitely grown on me by showing a bit more compassion. She’s ridden with guilt by her brother’s death. But I love that she hasn’t lost that brusque demeanor of hers. I also liked Cole. He’s a new character that was briefly introduced in Shiver. He knows what he wants and knows what he signed up for, though it doesn’t entirely go to plan. Sam and Grace became the focal point for me towards the end.

There are 4 POVs in this book. It may seem overwhelming or intimidating to follow but it wasn’t, for the most part. The only problem I had with the alternating POVs was the frequency in change between them. At times, I found myself turning the page back to see whose POV I was reading, which did leave me a bit confused but was easily rectified.

I’m a big fan of the book covers in this trilogy. The Linger cover compliments the storyline perfectly and it’s a great companion cover to that of Shiver’s. The title ties in perfectly with the essence of the story. I like the simplicity of the title being only one word but don’t let that fool you; it packs great meaning with what’s about to unfold before your very eyes.

It was a bit slow in the beginning but in true Maggie fashion, she did not disappoint. I knew the ending would pack a good punch and Linger did just that. Have patience going in; you’ll be handsomely rewarded. The ending left me wondering how things are going to pan out. Though, I’m not sure how I feel about Sam’s decision…

I cannot wait for the last installment in this series, Forever, to come out!

 

The Book Vixen’s Rating
 

Today is the LAST DAY to enter to win *autographed* copies of SHIVER and LINGER!

Where to find Maggie Stiefvater online
website | blog | twitter | facebook

 

Twitter Party!

 

Join Linger author Maggie Stievfater and Kristi of The Story Siren for a Twitter party Thursday, July 22, between 8:00 and 9:30 p.m. EST!

• Be sure to follow Maggie @mstiefvater and Kristi @thestorysiren before the party!

• Join the fun! No one expects you or your tweets to be perfect; we’re just happy you made it to the party!

• Anyone who tweets during the party using #Linger is entered to win a limited edition Linger tank top!

• Watch for questions from @thestorysiren and win awesome prizes including an iPod Touch, Maggie’s artwork and gift cards!

• To join the party, you can use our official party tweetgrid or just search #Linger on Twitter.

• Ask Maggie questions or chat with other partygoers—just use the tag #Linger in all of your party tweets! (This is added automatically in TweetGrid.)

• Please don’t post any spoilers and don’t forget to pay attention to the time zones, the party starts at 8:30pm EST.

On My Wishlist (34)

 

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. If you want to know more click here.

 

Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison

I was taking a poll on Twitter; I had an Amazon gift card to use and wanted feedback as to what book I should get. Lisa suggested Sing Me to Sleep. I was a bit apprehensive because I thought I had read the blurb before and had decided that this book wasn’t for me. Good thing I re-read the blurb because it was nothing like I thought it was! And thus, it has landed on my wishlist.

THE TRANSFORMATION

Beth has always been “The Beast”—that’s what everyone at school calls her because of her awkward height, facial scars, and thick glasses. Beth’s only friend is geeky, golden-haired Scott. That is, until she’s selected to be her choir’s soprano soloist, and receives the makeover that will change her life forever.

THE LOVE AFFAIR

When Beth’s choir travels to Switzerland, she meets Derek: pale, brooding, totally dreamy. Derek’s untethered passion—for music, and for Beth—leaves her breathless. Because in Derek’s eyes? She’s not The Beast, she’s The Beauty.

THE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE

When Beth comes home, Scott, her best friend in the world, makes a confession that leaves her completely torn. Should she stand by sweet, steady Scott or follow the dangerous, intense new feelings she has for Derek?

THE HEARTBREAK

The closer Beth gets to Derek, the further away he seems. Then Beth discovers that Derek’s been hiding a dark secret from her …one that could shatter everything.

 

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

I’m stepping outside my comfort zone with this one. I don’t do aliens. I don’t do sci-fi. But people are raving about this book, particularly the romance in it. I will give this one a try. If the sci-fi element becomes overbearing, I may have to give it up. But I will at least take a stab at it.

The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed. But Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind. Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves--Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.--From publisher description.

 

What’s on your wishlist?

GIVEAWAY: So You Want to Marry Our Mom [CLOSED]

When erotic romance writer Jackie Duarte’s kids nominate her to be a television bachelorette on Perfect Mate and help to pick her next husband and their new father, her life becomes crazier than it’s already been. Now the whole world will meet her bratty ADHD/ODD twelve-year-old, perhaps learn of the penname she has fought so long to keep under wraps, and see her house on television...and she’s no Martha Stewart.

Worse yet, the ghost of her husband has long been talking off her ear but now he’s also giving her dating advice, telling her how to flirt and whom to marry. She has to be extra careful not to speak to him aloud while the cameras are rolling or risk being put into a straightjacket.

But worst of all, Doug Applebaum, her best friend and the younger man she had wanted to marry but gave up on, finally decides he loves her, after she’s legally committed to wed one of the bachelors on her show. What can Jackie do now? Go back on her commitment to the show, ignore the advice of her children and her deceased husband, or follow her heart straight into Doug’s waiting arms?

Be sure to check out my interview with Elaine Hopper.

Places to find Elaine Hopper online:
Blog | Twitter

 

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Thanks to Elaine Hopper, I have a PDF copy of So You Want to Marry Our Mom to giveaway to one lucky winner! You must fill out the form below in order to enter. Open Internationally. Please read my Contest/Giveaway Policy for complete list of rules. Giveaway ends Saturday, July 31st, 2010. Good luck to all who enter!

REVIEW: The Ivy by Lauren Kunze and Rina Onur

Freshman year at Harvard--glamorous parties, blossoming friendships, steamy romances, and scandalous secrets. Skip the campus tour and get right to the good stuff: classes are for scoping guys (and their Facebook profiles), not taking notes. The library is for study dates (the medieval history stacks get a lot of action), not studying. And success is a 4.0 GPA... plus getting into the most exclusive parties. How will Callie--a California girl with brains, beauty, and big dreams--and her three roommates survive?

Get admitted to The Ivy, the first book in a provocative new series about the world of the Ivy League.

Title: The Ivy
Author: Lauren Kunze and Rina Onur
Format: ARC, 312 pages
Genre: young adult
Source: review copy
Published: September 2010
Buy the book: The Book Depository |  Amazon

My Thoughts
The first thing that caught my attention was the cover. I love how the title dominates the cover; all lowercase, big and bold and the way it sits against the wrought iron design. (At first glance, I had thought the background was roses.) When I first heard of The Ivy, the blurb wasn’t what you see up there; it was short and mysterious:

When Callie arrives for her freshman year at Harvard, she encounters her three vastly different roommates, new friendships, steamy romance, and scandalous secrets.

It had me at steamy romance and scandalous secrets. When I received a copy of The Ivy, the back of the book didn’t reveal too much either:

What is freshman life at Harvard University really like? Best friends and 2008 Harvard graduates Lauren Kunze and Rina Onur launch their series with this hilarious, romantic, sexy, and shocking novel about friendship, growing up, love, and – oh yeah – higher education.

When I first started the book, I wasn’t sure what to make of it. It took me a while to get into the storyline but when I did I was hooked. The Ivy, first in a series, is mainly about Callie Andrews and her journey into the world of socializing, guys and fitting in at Harvard. She is not your typical Harvard student, most of which are rich East Coasters. She’s a pretty mellow girl from California. She was an avid soccer player but is out for the rest of the season, possibly longer, thanks to a busted ACL. Left behind in California are her boyfriend Evan who’s going to UCLA and her BFF Jessica. Callie and Evan have been dating for 2 years and have vowed to call each other every day. That rule is quickly broken with each being busy with their new roles in college life. Not to mention the long distance thing is already taking its toll.

Callie is moving into the Wigglesworth Dormitory (doesn’t that make you think of Harry Potter?) when she drops one of her boxes and her “intimates'” spill all over the floor in front of a guy. This guy, Gregory, is good looking and cocky and happens to be her neighbor from across the hall. He’s roomies with Adam (the quiet, nerd type), Okechuwuku (he goes by OK and says he’s a prince) and Matt (the male equivalent of Callie). Callie shares a room with Marine Aurélie Clémont (goes by Mimi for short) who is from France, Vanessa Von Vorhees from New York (typical Harvard student) and Dana Gray, the Jesus-freak who pretty much stays to herself.

It may seem like there is a lot of characters to follow but it’s not overwhelming. The secondary characters are strong and interesting and play a role in the overall storyline.

As soon as I finished the last page, I rushed to Goodreads, to find out if this book is part of a series. Good thing it is. Otherwise I would have throw this book at the wall for the ending that it left me with. The ending was like watching the season finale of [insert your favorite TV show here] with that ultimate, climatic, cliffhanger moment that leaves you hanging in the balance for months on end wondering what’s going to happen. You saw how things have started to unraveled and now you’re dying to know what will follow. That’s how I felt when I read the last page of The Ivy.

Just as the blurb promises, there are steamy romances (quite a tangled web I might add) and scandalous secrets. The Ivy will have you laughing, gasping out loud and will leave you wanting more. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the series plays out.

The Ivy was co-written by two best friends who were roommates at Harvard. And in case you’re wondering (like I was) how much of The Ivy is based on actual events, the authors aren’t spilling.

Lauren and I were roommates and best friends for all four years at Harvard. We graduated in 2008. We started collaborating on this book when we were juniors. We swore to never tell how much of it is actually true.

-Rina Onur, on Goodreads

The Book Vixen’s Rating

Where to find Lauren Kunze and Rina Onur online
Rina’s blog | Lauren on Twitter | Rina on Twitter

Book Tour: Pack of Lies by Vanessa Vaughn

Today, I’ve got Vanessa Vaughn here for an interview and to talk about her debut release Pack of Lies. Please welcome Vanessa!

CONTEST: 250 Custom Business Cards! [CLOSED]

Robin Ludwig Design Inc. would like to offer one commenter 250 - custom designed FULL COLOR business cards. The business cards are printed on heavy 16 point cardstock and glossy UV coated on both sides. All the winner needs to do is email their content to Robin Ludwig Design Inc. Once the content is received the business cards will be custom designed, proofed, printed and then shipped directly to the winner! Great promotional pieces for bloggers and for author swag.

In addition to business cards, Robin Ludwig Design Inc. also offers postcards, brochures, bookmarks, website services and book cover design.

Robin Ludwig Design Inc. can be found online here:

Website | Blogger | Facebook | Twitter

Please follow Robin Ludwig Design Inc. online for weekly deals, contests and more!

Contest open to US residents only. No PO boxes.
Custom design does not include logo creation.
Business cards must be ordered within 45 days of contest end date.

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Extra Entries:
+2 for following Robin Ludwig Design Inc. on Twitter
+2 for tweeting about this contest (Psst! You can easily tweet about this giveaway by clicking on the SHARE button located on the bottom of this post.)

Contest ends Friday, July 23rd, 2010. Custom Business Cards Contest is open to United States residents only. (Sorry, No PO boxes.) Please read my Contest/Giveaway Policy for complete list of rules. Good luck to all who enter!

BOOK CLUB: Eat Pray Love - 3rd Discussion Post

Having finished Italy discuss what the first phase of the journey has been like. Something fun could be that in Chapter 33 while sitting in an outdoor café in Rome, Gilbert’s friend declares that every city—and every person—has a word. Rome’s is “sex,” the Vatican’s “power”; Gilbert declares New York’s to be “achieve,” but only later stumbles upon her own word, antevasin, Sanskrit for “one who lives at the border.” What is your word? Is it possible to choose a word that retains its truth for a lifetime?

Reading Eat Pray Love has been an okay experience for me thus far. Just okay. I have mixed feelings about this book; I do not find myself looking forward to picking the book up to continue reading but when I do, I find myself getting pulled into the author's journey.

I usually shy away from memoirs because I normally don't feel a connection with the author. I can't say that I'm feeling a connection with this particular author but I will say that I am interested in what she learns. I think we're all on our self-discovery mission in life and I find myself asking some of the same questions this author brings up.

My one word? Man, that's a hard question! Let me think on this...Okay, I've been sitting here for 15 minutes and I cannot come up with a single word to describe myself. I'm a complex person; one word just ain’t going to cut it. Even if I were able to find that one word, it would probably change on a daily basis.

On My Wishlist (33)

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. If you want to know more click here.

 

Ribbon in the Sky by Dorothy Garlock

Spritely, auburn-haired Letty Pringle had been forbidden by her hell-and-brimstone preacher pa to see Mike Dolan, but the young sweethearts had whispered their vow to someday be man and wife. Then a cruel betrayal tore them apart and left Letty on a windswept Midwestern farm to raise their son alone. Struggling to build a future over the years, she learned to harden her heart to desire . . . until big, dark-haired Mike marched into town, looking for his woman and his dream--and ready to fight the world to have her in his arms again.

 

 

Dance Upon the Air by Nora Roberts

When Nell Channing arrives on charming Three Sister Island, she believes that she's finally found a refuge from her abusive husband - and from the terrifying life she fled so desperately eight months ago...

But even in this quiet, peaceful place, Nell never feels entirely at ease. Careful to conceal her true identity, she takes a job as a cook at the local bookstore cafe - and begins to explore her feelings for the island sheriff, Zack Todd. But there is a part of herself she can never reveal to him, for she must continue to guard her secrets if she wants to keep her past at bay. One careless word, one misplaced confidence, and the new life she's so carefully created could shatter completely.

Just as Nell starts to wonder if she'll ever be able to break free of her fear, she realizes that the island suffers under a terrible curse - one that can only be broken by the descendants of the Three Sisters, the witches who settled the island back in 1692. And now, with the help of two other strong, gifted women - and the nightmares of the past haunting her every step - she must find the power to save her home, her love...and herself...

 

What’s on your wishlist?

Interview: Spoonful of Chocolate

I was late in getting my mom a Mother’s Day gift so I knew I had to make it a good one. My mom is a reader and I thought I would get her something a little different this year – a book purse. Mom LOVES her book purse (I got her the green Alice in Wonderland purse, picture below).

What is a book purse? you ask…It’s a purse made out of a book cover. It’s a really cool concept and I had some questions for Michelle, the gal behind Spoonful of Chocolate, so I decided to interview her to share the story and background behind the magic. So please help me welcome Michelle!

When/Where/How did you come up with the idea to create purses out of books? 

About a year and a half ago I was looking for something to sell online so I can help my parents out with money, so they wouldn't have to foreclose the house my dad built with his own hands. I actually had a pattern to make a clutch out of a book, so I just expanded it by finding larger books and adding handles and using fabric instead of plastic.
[What a great cause!] 

How long having you been creating book purses?

Since December 2008, and have loved every minute of it! It really relaxes me, and I love picking out the fabric and books. I get so excited and rush home to make a new one!

How long does it take you to create one? 

It depends, but usually about 3 hours.

What is the most difficult part of the process of creating a book purse? 

Usually the last part of putting the purse together. At first, you feel like you need at least 4 hands to do it but I have it down to a science now.

What is your favorite purse that you have made to date?

That is such a hard question because I have literally made hundreds of them! But here are a few of my favorites:

 

What is the most requested book used to create a purse?

Anything Jane Austen! Especially this one:

[Srsly, if you go through Michelle’s sold items, there are like a hundred sales of this purse! It’s very eye-catching.]

Also anything Alice in Wonderland, especially these 2:

[I got the green Alice in Wonderland bag for my mom :)]

 

What was the more unique request you have received?

I once had a lady who wanted to get a present for her friend that teaches "manners" so I made this little gift set out of a book about manners, and just re-bound the pages:

How can someone request a book purse from you? 

Contact me anytime through my Etsy Store or email me at Michelle80118@gmail.com!

Thank you Michelle for stopping by! And just in case my mom is reading this, *cough* I’d like one of these purses too ;)