Thursday, May 31, 2012

Review - A Rose in the Desert by Chi Emerole

A Rose in the Desert by Chi Emerole
Released: November 3rd 2011
Publisher: CreateSpace
Age Group: Childrens
Pages: 32 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Author
Rating: 5/5
Author Site: Chi Emerole

Filled with beautifully illustrated pages and a message for young and old alike. Rose lives in a war stricken country and longs to be able to see her other aunts, uncles, and cousins but the war makes it so difficult for get togethers. Rose gets a surprise on her birthday that helps alot.

I can't imagine being away from family or having to live the life of Rose in a jungle but the story tells how Rose and her family overcomes and prevails and makes the most of life as they have it. They don't have all the cool things we have like air conditioning or electric stoves and television but yet the pages are filled with laughter and joy. Families actually sit down to eat together, kids actually have chores to do and everybody is your neighbor. Heck 50 - 100 years ago I may have been describing our way of life huh?

Frequent Traveller by Pandora Poikilos Book Blast



From the blue oceans of Antigua to the bustling streets of Vietnam, the racing adrenaline at the Green Hell, the devastating natural disaster in Japan and the stunning architecture in Germany, Cathy Dixon finds herself in a whirlwind of fine dining, plush clothes and sheer extravagance.

But is perfection a mask for untold disaster? What is Cathy's secret and how will her world change when the world knows? Will her secrets ever catch up with her or will Cathy continue to sail alongside perfection in the world she has created for herself as a Frequent Traveller?

In conjunction, with the launch of MoonStar Luxury's new website (http://moonstarluxury.com/), we invite you to step into Cathy Dixon's
world where more goodies, surprises and a little mystery awaits.

Frequent Traveller, the first book in the Cathy Dixon series will be free from
May 31 to June 4 2012
(Amazon link http://www.amazon.com/Frequent-Traveller-Cathy-Dixon-ebook/dp/B0067BKK6K)


Giveaway Details: 11 winners

Grand prize
1 x $50 Amazon.com voucher
10 x $5 Amazon.com vouchers

Terms and conditions
Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com
Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must
be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and
announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity
unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning.
VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Review - Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber

Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber
Released: October 25, 2011
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 192 pages
Format: Hardback
Source: Giveaway
Rating: 4/5
Author Site: Joe Schreiber
It’s prom night—and Perry just wants to stick to his own plan and finally play a much anticipated gig with his band in the Big Apple. But when his mother makes him take Gobija Zaksauskas—their quiet, geeky Lithuanian exchange student—to the prom, he never expects that his ordinary high school guy life will soon turn on its head. Perry finds that Gobi is on a mission.

Holy Macanoli! I think this has got to be one of the fastest books I have read in a very long time! It started out kind of draggy with Perry wanting to do one thing and as usual his parents wanting him to do what they wanted but once prom night got there oh boy oh boy was Perry and I both in for the surprise of our life! Gobi turns out to be so much more than the usual exchange student..in fact she was not an exchanghe student at all but instead a hired assasin hired to right a huge wrong from the past and she plans on taking Perry with her for the ride no matter how unwilling a soul he is!

Perry is petrified as anybody would be when you find yourself immersed into the danger he found but he was in a hard spot because although he was afraid he still felt something undescribable for Gobi especially as things begin to unravel and he learns more of the actual situation. Gobi opens his eyes to alot of things even things happening in his own life and he has some decisions to make because of it.

A whirwind of a ride! Hang onto your seats because once the car leaves the station slowing down is not an option! You will not be able to put this book down because each breath you take into it more action has spilled onto the pages!

Weigh In Wednesday (5)

This meme is strictly a Something vs. Something type of thing. The purpose is for it to be short, interactive, and something fun to do halfway through the week and is being sponsored by Epilogue Review .

This Weeks Topic is Poetry vs. Prose 

I have never really read a story in poetry but have heard heard they are great. Maybe one day I will try it. Just never really been that big a fan of poetry to be honest. I like the short poems that rhyme if that's any indication how little I know about it! I do think Haiku's are fun though. Prose I think is better suited to what I would like to read. I actually have to admit defeat and totally had to look up the difference in the two because I honestly didn't understand what the difference was and according to the page I found HERE, it says that prose is more laid back in structure than poetry therefore making poetry more difficult to write because it is more an art form which thinking of the two in those terms I can see it now and still I conclude that I find prose more appealing to myself.

So what's your preference?

Betrayed by Ednah Walters Book Blast

Betrayed
Lil isn't just an average teenager. She's one of the Nephilim--the descendants of humans and angels--which gives her some serious psi skills and a mission for redemption. Just when Lil thinks she's found a balance between her normal life with human friends and her training to become a Guardian, she's warned that someone close to her will betray her. When the boy she loves starts acting strangely and one of her human friends acquires a supernatural ability, Lil begins to realize that someone is manipulating the people she loves... and won't stop until she's been lured to the dark side.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:

Just like Awakened, Betrayed has risen above all the other books in this genre. She has created such an amazing world for her Guardians & demons where good and evil are not as simple as it seems they should be. ~J. Whitus (Book Junkies) Walking On Bookshelves

I just love a spunky heroine so I was excited to keep reading about Lil, the demon hunter I got to know in Awakened (book one of The Guardian Legacy series). Walters takes the story and world she built so well in Awakened and adds in an intense plot with lots of twists to make for a strong sequel.~ Kelli (I'd So Rather Be Reading)


Lil is one of my favorite female leads, with all of the traits that you want a strong female lead to have. She's smart, strong, loyal and doesn't know how to back down.~ Missy (Missy's Reads & Reviews)

Lil has her work cut out for her in this book and she never failed me once!

There is action in this book as well as a lot of emotional turmoil.~ Cathy Garcia


EDNAH WALTERS BIO:

I grew up reading Nancy Drew and Hardy boys mysteries and fell in love with books

I enjoy good love stories, tingly mysteries and epic adventures. When I finished my college and decided to be a stay-at-home mother, I devoured books like they were going out of production, until reading just wasn't enough. So I started to write.

I've written picture books (unpublished), contemporary and romantic suspense (under the pen name E. B. Walters), and finally YA fantasy (as Ednah Walters).

AWAKENED (2010) is the prequel to the YA series about the Nephilim, The Guardian Legacy series. BETRAYED(book # 1) is now available wherever books are sold, HUNTED (book # 2) will be released in February 2013 andFORGOTTEN (later in 2013).

My adult contemporary with or without suspense is about a west coast Irish-American family series. I've published four Fitzgerald books: SLOW BURN (April 5th 2011), MINE UNTIL DAWN (June 29th 2011), KISS ME CRAZY (Sept 25th 2011) and DANGEROUS LOVE (Jan 29th 2012)

When I'm not writing, I do things with my family, five children and my darling husband of 18 years. I live in a picturesque valley in northern Utah, the setting for my YA series.

LINKS:

WEBSITE
BLOG
FACEBOOK PAGE
YOUTUBE
TWITTER
GOODREADS
GOOGLE+
AMAZON
B&N
BOOK DEPOSITORY

********Giveaway********


Giveaway Details:
$100 Amazon.com Gift Code
Ends 6/5/12


Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, May 28, 2012

What Are You Reading (4)


What Are You Reading is a weekly Monday Meme that is hosted by Sheila from One Persons Journey.

Post the books you read last week, book currently being read and books you plan on finishing this week.

Last Week I Read and Reviewed:
Simply Grilling by Jennifer Chandler
Puzzlebook: 103 Puzzle Quizzes by The Grabarchuk Family
Review/Cover Reveal - Wander Dust by Michelle Warren
Review - AR 15 T-shirt

Book/s Reading Now:
Panty Raid @ Zombie High by Rusty Fischer
Expecting by Lula Belle

Plan to Finish:
Panty Raid @ Zombie High by Rusty Fischer
Expecting by Lula Belle
Daniels Story-Lungs Prefer Air by Donna Crupi



********Other Interesting Blog News********


Interviews/Guest Posts/Features

Character Interview and Giveaway - Phineas

Guest Post/Feature - Dark Waters by Shannon Mayer


Blog Search Words/Phrases (This has become popular on several blogs I follow and I thought it would be a fun thing to do to)

one for the money --Book Review
duck dynasty review --Love this TV Show
"kat zhang" --Wishlist add for Waiting on Wednesday
simply grilling by jennifer chandler --Book Review
"masters of the veil" --Not Sure
bloodborn fey --Review of Blood Born by Jamie Manning

Friday, May 25, 2012

Guest Post/Feature - Dark Waters by Shannon Mayer


Two sisters, one of them kidnapped + Two gorgeous men.
+ A legendary prophecy =
Monsters, magic, deception and sensuality.
Be prepared to dive into Dark Waters!


What the readers have said:

"Right from the beginning this story explodes."
Author of the Vicarage Bench Series, Mimi Barbour

" . . don't expect to be lulled to sleep, this story doesn't stop moving. As fast as it is happening for our protagonist, Quinn, is as fast as Mayer takes us along for the ride."
Kriss Morton, Reader

"The premise is an interesting mix of original and classic . . . the familial bonds and an emerging love triangle are really what drive the story and give it more dimension. Highly recommend!"
Author of The Slave Girl Chronicles, JC Andrijeski

"Whoop, Whoop I loved it! Strong characters, Strong plot, great action. I think I may have found Ms. Mayer's M.O. . . this book is a real page turner."
Amber Spedding (Reader)

Buy Now @ Amazon
Genre - Urban Fantasy
Rating - PG
More details about the author


Connect with Shannon Mayer on Twitter & Facebook
Blog http://shannonmayer.blogspot.com/
Check out where this author will be talking about her latest release!



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


Saying Goodbye to an Agent
By Shannon Mayer



Wow, never thought I'd title a post with that.

I know that some of you are grabbing your head in your hands, screaming at the computer. "Why?" I would have been that person not so long ago.

Here's the long and the short of it.

The Financial reason. Advances in traditional market are low right now. Really, really low. Why would I tie up a novel in a one to two year process for $2500 (on a good day) when I could put it out myself, and in that two year period make that same money. Perhaps even I would see that money and then some, depending on my ability with marketing myself and my books. The traditional route doesn't make as much sense as it once did, nor is it as potentially profitable.

The Respect Reason Would you rather chase after a publishing house or have them come to you? I choose to HOPE that by publishing on my own, they will come to me. And if they don't? I'll survive. I'll just need each of you to buy 10 books. Seriously though, more and more Indie authors are able to command great contracts with the Big Six publishing houses. Simply because those writers have proven their mettle in an industry that is in flux. Amanda Hocking and John Locke are two such writers who now have contracts, after starting out as Indie authors, and there are hundreds more.

The Timeline The traditional world of publishing is 1, maybe 2 books a year. With the way things are now, readers don't have the patience they once did to wait for a year. By then, they’ve forgotten about your book and have moved on to the next series and writer. In this technological age, we should be putting out 3-4 books a year if we want to keep our readers from forgetting about us and moving on to the next authors work.

You'll never get that with a traditional publisher. The fastest they will put books out is 2 a year, and that is if you are a high seller, someone that they can bank on. No midlist author will receive that offer.

Valuing Myself and my Work. Finally, and most importantly, my agent just didn't have time for me, as much as she made a last ditch effort to connect with me. I've been with her for over a year, the last 7 months she's been MIA due to personal issues, but even before that, I was having to dodge her heels to make things happen. That is not my job. My job is to write. I'm grateful she thought well enough of me to take me on, but that isn't enough, not in this market. If you are going to have an agent, you need one who is willing to go to bat for you, one who believes in you and values your work. At least as much as you do.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Review/Cover Reveal - Wander Dust by Michelle Warren

Wander Dust by Michelle Warren
Released: November 3rd 2011
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 241 pages
Format: Kindle
Source: Author
Rating: 4/5
Author Site: Michelle Warren
Ever since her sixteenth birthday, strange things keep happening to Seraphina Parrish.

The Lady in Black burns Sera’s memories.

Unexplainable Premonitions catapult her to other cities.

The Grungy Gang wants to kill her.

And a beautiful, mysterious boy stalks her.
A very addictive book. Didn't want to put it down! The story opens celebrating Seraphina's 16th birthday where the weird things first began happening and continued until her father was convinced he was not giving her the proper care or attention a teen girl needs so he shipped her off to live with her deceased mother's sister where the action really takes off even more!

Sera seems to be a lonely misunderstood teen which really in itself is quite typical of being a teen but once the mysterious things begin happening to her, she finds herself running from people/things she doesn't know of or even know if they are real, her aunt is acting a bit secretive towards her, and this boy keeps following her around like a stalker!

I really loved this book and I am not one who usually cares for time travel but I find it fairly easy for me to keep up here and actually looked forward to the leaps Sera began taking. There really wasn't much romance or anythng like that involved unless you count the sickening mushiness of her dad and his girlfriend at her birthday dinner. (Yucko) It tends to lean more towards Sera unveiling what's happening to her and why however towards the end there are some instances but dont want to get to involved because I dont wanna spoil anything...just know this is a wonderful story full of time travels, mystery, betrayal, and surprises! I am looking forward to book two which.....


ta da I am showing you the just revealed cover for!







Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Weigh In Wednesday (4)

This meme is strictly a Something vs. Something type of thing. The purpose is for it to be short, interactive, and something fun to do halfway through the week and is being sponsored by Epilogue Review .

This Weeks Topic is Anthologies vs. Novellas 

I am not all together sure I like either one. Anthologies would appear to be better on one hand I guess because you would be getting a collection of short stories but the novella is usually more in depth than a short story just shorter than a regular novel. I really don't like either one nor do I read them usually. I would heap rather have a regular length novel.

What do you think?

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating or books already out that we just haven't picked up yet.
This week on Waiting On Wednesday:


What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang
Hardcover, 336 pages
Expected publication:
September 18th 2012 by Harper Collins

Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t…

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable–hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet…for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Review - AR 15 T-shirt


"We're responsible gun owners who cherish our 2nd Amendment rights."
We received the black x-large AR 15 t-shirt and it is 100% preshrunk cotton material and really thick which we loved! My husband wore it and said it felt good, was not itchy, but as with most dark shirts got a little warm.

Other than that we were very satisfied with our t-shirt and love to wear it! For a wide selection of other pro gun tee shirts check them out by clicking the link. They have several others I want to get especially in lighter colors for myself!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Quote used above from ar-15shirts.

Character Interview and Giveaway - Phineas


Oh my gosh Phineas has become one of my all time most favortist characters! He is so snarky and big for his britches but so small he is plum cute! Phineas is a unicorn in Allison Pang's Abby Sinclair Series. If you have not read them you are so totally missing out on a wonderful read! You can check my reviews out for the first two books at(A Brush of Darkness and A Sliver of Shadow). Book three titled "A Trace of Moonlight" is expected out October 2012 so you still have some time to get caught up on this most awesome series! Thank you Phin and Allison for the interview!

Now onto the awesomeness of Phin....


Phineas's Character Interview

1--Describe yourself in Twitter style.

Tiny, ass-biting unicorn. And seeing as I’m actually ON Twitter, why don’t you come see for yourself? *waggles beard* @phintheunicorn

2--What would be your ideal mate?

Uh. Yeah. I’m not really mate material. The only thing I’m looking for are big tatas and a nice ass. And even then, I’m not real picky.

3--Drink and food of choice?

Rum and bacon.

4--Do you have any phobia's?

None that I’m going to admit to. I loathe virgins, though.

5--Who do you like best? (Brystion or Talivar)

It’s not really up to me. Both are pains in my ass for various reasons, although Brystion is definitely the better cook.

6--You're a rarity being a "miniature" unicorn. Do you consider your small size a curse or a gift and why?

Small in stature, but large in size. If you get my meaning. And I think you do.

7--What is your true age because at times I find you honory as an old man while other times you're playful as a young buck?

Old enough to know I don’t want to answer that question. Age is just a number, isn’t that what they say?

Giveaway


And now just because I want to share the world of Phin and Abby Sinclair with you and not let you miss out on a wonderful story I am giving away the first book in the series to get you started! The giveaway is INTERNATIONAL as long as Book Depository will ship to you!

The man of her dreams might be the cause of her nightmares.

Six months ago, Abby Sinclair was struggling to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Now, she has an enchanted iPod, a miniature unicorn living in her underwear drawer, and a magical marketplace to manage.

But despite her growing knowledge of the OtherWorld, Abby isn’t at all prepared for Brystion, the dark, mysterious, and sexy-as-sin incubus searching for his sister, convinced Abby has the key to the succubus’s whereabouts. Abby has enough problems without having this seductive shape-shifter literally invade her dreams to get information. But when her Faery boss and some of her friends vanish, as well, Abby and Brystion must form an uneasy alliance.

As she is sucked deeper and deeper into this perilous world of faeries, angels, and daemons, Abby realizes her life is in as much danger as her heart—and there’s no one she can trust to save her.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, May 21, 2012

Review - Puzzlebook: 103 Puzzle Quizzes by The Grabarchuk Family

Puzzlebook: 103 Puzzle Quizzes by The Grabarchuk Family
Released: April 12, 2012
Publisher: Grabarchuk Puzzles
Age Group: Young Adult/Adult
Pages: 111 pages
Format: Kindle
Source: Author
Rating: 5/5
Author Site: The Grabarchuk Family
This is Volume 4 of the Top Rated Puzzlebook: Puzzle Quizzes series. In this brand-new puzzle collection you will find 103 pictorial, hand-crafted puzzle quizzes in different themes: visual, spatial, counting, geometry, matchstick, coins, searching, and much more.
This was my first experience in playing games/puzzles on my Kindle App and I got lost for over an hour playing. The time just slipped away as I immersed myself into puzzle after puzzle each one getting a bit more difficult as I went along. A nice selection of brain teasers for sure! 103 Puzzle Quizzes will entice the young and old as your brain power is tested to its limits. I was quite embarrased at myself for several of the easier ones that I got wrong! I challenge you to put your thinking caps on and give 103 Puzzle Quizzes a whirl! A wonderful way to spend a lazy afternoon!

What Are You Reading (3)


What Are You Reading is a weekly Monday Meme that is hosted by Sheila from One Persons Journey

Post the books you read last week, book currently being read and books you plan on finishing this week.

Last Week I Read and Reviewed:(My reviews are not posted yet but will be soon!)
Wander Dust by Michelle Warren
Tempest by Julie Cross
Shaman, Healer, Heretic by M. Terry Green

Book/s Reading Now:
Nice Girl's Don't Date Dead Men by Molly Harper
Thoughtless by Jacqueline Gardner
A Kiss In Time by Alex Flinn


Plan to Finish:
Nice Girl's Don't Date Dead Men by Molly Harper
Thoughtless by Jacqueline Gardner
A Kiss In Time by Alex Flinn

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Review - Simply Grilling by Jennifer Chandler

Simply Grilling by Jennifer Chandler
Released: April 17, 2012
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 256pages
Format: Hardback
Source: Publisher
Rating: 5/5
Author Site: Jennifer Chandler

Oh my Gosh do not even get me started on how I feel about this cookbook! This has quickly became one of the most used cookbooks in our home for the simple reason is it's typically geared towards mainly "grilling" menu's and such. We are a family that loves to grill but we were kinda limited to things like steak, hamburgers, hot dogs...you get the picture?

Simply Grilling showed us how simple it was to do vegetables and seafood on the grill and it just opened up our eyes to so many more possiblilities than what we had been doing. We increased our grill usuage threefold and you can do alot of these recipes on your indoor grill as well with minor changes and that is great when it's too hot out or rainy to be doing outdoor grilling.

One other major thing I enjoy about Simply Grilling other than the wide assortment of food is each recipe has it's own page with photo along with cooking tips, suggested sides, and other neat info and not just a wad of pictureless recipes on a page.

I always knew you "could" do lots more with your grill but was always afraid to try it because it seemed to much trouble or time consuming and having this cookbook on my shelf gave me the encouragement I needed to try these new things.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Gimme's Blogger Love Shout Outs - Loretta

I have Loretta on the blog today who answered a few quick interview questions for me. She has a beautiful blog called Between The Pages so hop over and check her out. I can't even remember how exactly I found her blog but I think I was watching somebody else's vlog and hers was one that showed up on the end that you can click on? But anyhow I watched just one of her vlogs and I don't think I have missed one since. She is so funny but at the same time will let you know quickly if she don't like something especially a character in a book! LOL Thank you Loretta!

Between the Pages



1--Will you share a photo of at least one of the following...your bookcase, your desk, your favorite reading spot.



2--In Twitter Style tell us about yourself.
Reading is my thing! I am Zombie Crazy! I love coffee & shoes! Mom of 2. Wife of 1 who dreams of Harlin on a regular!#TeamZombie #ShoeFreak

3--Share one of the biggest blogging myths you have discovered since you started blogging. (For example...its easy, not time consuming, ect...)
It’s not that complicated!!
Well, yes! Yes it is. It is very complicated at times. You really have to end up scheduling your life around blogging. Scheduling is the key for me. I schedule my books to read. Blog posts. Everything dealing with my blog is scheduled. Last min things, really make me nervous. I need time to plan, and post. *Scheduling*


4--One of my favorite books so far this year has been Starters by Lissa Price. If you decided to rent your body out what is the biggest fear you would have of what the renter would use your body for?
Sex, or drugs. I mean.. I wouldn’t want others doing that in my body. Gives me the willies just thinking about it..

5--Do you have a special system for shelfing your books? Please share. (For example..do you shelf them by author, alphabetically, by color, ect..)
I do.
I shelf my books, by Author, in ABC order. Makes for finding books easier.


6--Choose an answer.
Mexican or Chinese? Mexican
Book or Movie? BOOK
Flowers or Candy? Flowers
Car or Pick-up? Car
Pink or Purple? PINK
Fantasy or Horror? HORROR
Hot Weather or Cold? HOT HOT HOT

7--You have been placed in charge of my birthday cake. What kind of cake will I be having? (Feel free to share recipe)
Cake. I am not a fan of cake. So, I would say if I had to choose cake. Red Velvet. I like that one the best. I hope you do too!! =) *Happy Birthday* *Throws Confetti*

8--So it's my birthday and you want to give me a book as a gift. What book would you give me and why?
I would have to pick a book that I have read recently.
Wanderlove by Kristen Hubbard
This book was just SO amazing, I want everyone to read it. I feel this book would make anyone happy. It’s just... Beautiful.


9--Any advice or inspiration for newbie bloggers?
Advice:
Try to be as honest as you can in your reviews, without bashing the author. Keep in mind that your review is seen ALL AROUND the world. Respect the author, and your self.
Stay out of Blogger Drama. Yes, it exists. Which I think is sad. If you see it, remove your self. Let them be the only ones to make themselves look bad.
Enjoy what you do, everyday. Never feel bad if you get to busy in life. We all do. Just enjoy reading & spreading the word of amazing books. It can get complicated, and you may become overwhelmed. That is when you take a break, and come back at it with a clear mind.
Scheduling, it is a life saver at times.





Thursday, May 17, 2012

Guest Post - The Bully In You - Anne Tibbets


If you haven't already, check out Anne's book, Shut Up available now. It was really awesome! You can read my review HERE Thank you Anne for your wonderful post today!










The Bully in You by Anne Tibbets


I think it’s a fair statement to say that everybody at some point in their life has been bullied. This is by no means an argument for accepting that being bullied is a natural part of life, and something we should all expect and endure. I do not see how being cruel to another living creature helps in any way shape or form, and it should not be shoved off as “boys being boys” or “you know how girls are,” that’s bull-puckies.

But I can also admit that after having been bullied myself, and after having watched my own children be bullied, that how we deal with it makes or breaks your character. Are you the type to pass it along? Or, are you the type to fight back? Or, worse still, are you the type to swallow it whole and make it a part of who you are, or who you will become?

There is no benefit to being a victim, and staying as one. Once you are bullied, and have accepted it as a part of you, it opens the door for others to see your weakness, and it invites others to join in – to add their part to your hole. I think it’s one of the saddest parts of human nature, one we must have learned from our animal relatives. The weak don’t survive. The strongest do. The ones who show weakness are then singled out, and broken down, their power stolen and passed around – and the shell of a person left standing will have a lifelong struggle to get not just their power back, but their self respect for having taken it to begin with.

Believe me, I’ve been there. I’ve tried all sorts of means to get back my self respect. I’ve been broken, the victim, I’ve lashed out and passed around my hurt for others to endure – all methods of self preservation I don’t recommend. In my effort to make myself whole again, I’ve stolen self worth from others. Even I, one who understood the hurt from being bullied, have bullied.

So, what does one do then? What’s the solution?

It took me years, and the help of some very good friends, a therapist, an understanding spouse, and a lot of personal struggle before I found that every human, even the weakest, has a strength within them they have not found, or have not used. This strength, this character, is taken from the knowledge that every human being – every one (!) – even the bullies, even the cruelest people you know, are all in the same boat. We’re all scared. We all don’t want to be the victim. We all wish better for ourselves.

We have to protect our core. No one can take your soul. No matter how awful your life has been, you are still here. You are surviving. That’s something to be proud of! And since I fully believe and will preach until my dying day that a victim can never win, you must stop believing the bullies. They are lying! They deceive you in an attempt to steal your power, but they can’t – no matter what they say. It’s the truth. Stop it. Just stop!

Dig in your heels. Stand your ground. Let them talk. Let them say whatever they want, because inside – your core is yours, not theirs. Own it.
Guess what? I’m chubby. Oh well. I’m also pretty good with words.
Guess what? I suck at games. I lose almost every time! Oh well. I’m also well read and can quote movies at random.
Guess what? I’m a horrible athlete. Oh well. I’m also wicked smooth in a crisis and can think on my feet.

I’m also clumsy, I can’t talk when I’m angry, and I can be pretty moody at times.
That’s me.
That’s my core.

You want to make fun of me? Do you want to mock me?

I suppose some of you will. It might make you feel better about yourself.
And I’m not saying whatever you tell me won’t hurt – for a moment.

But I don’t believe you anymore.
And if you are in the position where all you hear is lies, it can be pretty easy to believe it.
But, I’m telling you, it’s not true.

You are worthy.
You are better than that.

Now pick yourself up, and carry on – because I know you can.

With all my love and sincerity,
Anne Tibbets

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday ( )

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating or books already out that we just haven't picked up yet.
This week on Waiting On Wednesday:


Wake by Amanda Hocking
Expected publication:
August 16th 2012 by Tor
Beautiful. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Thea, and Lexi have caught everyone's attention, including the eye of practical Harper. But it's her sister, Gemma, they've chosen to be part of their group. Sixteen-year-old Gemma seems to have it all - carefree, pretty, and falling in love with the boy next door. But her greatest passion has always been the water. She craves late night swims under the stars, where she can be alone yet belong to the sea. Lately she's had company. Penn, Thea, and Lexi spend their nights dancing, singing, and partying on the cove - and one night Gemma joins them. When she wakes up groggy on the beach the next morning, she knows something has changed.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. As she uncovers the truth about her new mythical powers, Gemma is forced to choose between staying with those she loves or entering a dark world brimming with unimaginable secrets.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Day 2 - Bout of Books - Book Confessions


Bout of Books Read-a-Thon


This is for the Day 2 Challenge of Bout of Books Read a thon.

Physical book or eBook?--Physical book
Paperback or Hardcover?--Paperback
Reality or Make-believe?--Make-believe
Adult or Young-Adult?--Young-Adult
Dog ears or Bookmarks?--Bookmarks
Breaking the spine or Barely open the book?--Barely open the book
Tea or Coffee?--Tea
Reading in bed or On the couch?--Reading in bed
Series or Standalone?--Series
Original or TV Adaptation?--Original
Defy motion sickness or Audiobooks?--Audiobooks
Author crushes or Who-was-that-guy-again?--Author crushes
Interview or Guest post?--Interview

Weigh In Wednesday (3)

This meme is strictly a Something vs. Something type of thing. The purpose is for it to be short, interactive, and something fun to do halfway through the week and is being sponsored by Epilogue Review .

This Weeks Topic is Love Triangles vs. Insta-Love  

Both are pretty rotten because in the love triangle although it's pretty cool seeing the characters "fight for the prize" it gets old fast and obviously somebody is gonna be left out soon enough. The insta-love sux as well because you don't get to know the characters much separately before they get head over heels with each other. If I totally had to choose one of the two though it would be the love triangle because I feel there is a heap more action and conflicts going on there.

Leave me a comment below and let me know what you have to say on the subject.

Monday, May 14, 2012

What Are You Reading (2)


What Are You Reading is a weekly Monday Meme that is hosted by Sheila from One Persons Journey

Post the books you read last week, book currently being read and books you plan on finishing this week. It's been a really short week. Been so sick ain't felt like doing anything.

Last Week I Read and Reviewed:
Shut Up by Anne Tibbets

Book/s Reading Now:
Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men by Molly Harper
Wander Dust by Michelle Warren
Tempest by Julie Cross
Shaman, Healer, Heretic by Terry Green
A Kiss In Time by Alex Flinn

Plan to Finish:
Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men by Molly Harper
Wander Dust by Michelle Warren
Tempest by Julie Cross
Shaman, Healer, Heretic by Terry Green
A Kiss In Time by Alex Flinn

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Bout of Books Read a Thon


Bout of Books Read-a-Thon


I have decided to participate in The Bout of Books Read-a-thon for 2012. I will be keeping this thread updated as I go. For more info and to sign up click the link above!


My Goals:
To at least finish first 5 books on list
Goto at least 1 chat on Twitter
Hop around, comment, and make some new friends while visiting some old ones. :)



Books To Read:
Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men by Molly Harper
Wander Dust by Michelle Warren
Tempest by Julie Cross
Shaman, Healer, Heretic by Terry Green
A Kiss In Time by Alex Flinn




Updates:


5/14
Number of books I’ve read today:
Total number of books I’ve read:
Books:
Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men by Molly Harper (read 117 pages -- on page 215)
Wander Dust by Michelle Warren (started - read 138 pages -- on page 138)


5/15
Number of books I’ve read today:
Total number of books I’ve read:
Books:
Shaman, Healer, Heretic by Terry Green (read 113 pages -- on page 123)
Au Revoir Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber (started - 25 pages -- on page 25)
Tempest by Julie Cross (up to disk 4)



5/16
Number of books I’ve read today:1
Total number of books I’ve read:1
Books:
Wander Dust by Michelle Warren (Completed)
Tempest by Julie Cross (disk 4 - 6)
Panty Raid @ Zombie High by Rusty Fisher (started - Chapter 4 )
Au Revoir Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber (read 28 pages -- on page 53)
Shaman, Healer, Heretic by Terry Green (read 40 pages -- on page 163)




5/17
Number of books I’ve read today:1
Total number of books I’ve read:2
Books:
Au Revoir Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber (read 60 pages -- on page 113)
Tempest by Julie Cross (Completed)
Panty Raid @ Zombie High by Rusty Fisher (Chapter 4 - 9 )




5/18
Number of books I’ve read today:
Total number of books I’ve read:
Books:


5/19
Number of books I’ve read today:
Total number of books I’ve read:
Books:


5/20
Number of books I've read today:
Total number of books I've read:
Books:

Gimme's Goodies (3)



Gimme's Goodies is my post to present things I have received in the mail for the week. For how it began and why you may visit my Initial Beginning Post of Gimme's Goodies.

This week I am linking up with the following
Stacking the Shelveshosted by the awesome Tynga
The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba
Showcase Sunday hosted by Vicky

Now on to what Gimme got this week! All books are linked to Goodreads so go check them out and be sure to link below so I can come see what you got this week!



Bought
Wrecked by Anna Davies
The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa


Won
ARC Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah Strohmeyer (Thanks to Goodreads Firsts)
Prom Pack (Thanks to Erica @ The Book Cellar)
Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
Au Revoir Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber
Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
The Fashion Coloring Book by Carol & Lulu

Paperbackswap
Royally Jacked by Niki Burnham
Spin Control Niki Burnham
Do-Over Niki Burnham

Book Feature - Frequent Traveller by Pandora Poikilos

Frequent Traveller by Pandora Poikilos
1st Book of Cathy Dixon Series
File Size: 329 KB
Print Length: 203 pages
Pandora Poikilos

Teaser:
Her lips formed a thin line of determination as she stared him down. He knew it was an argument he could not win but recognized how much he stood to lose if Mr Smith never returned as a guest. Yes, the hotel salary was good but the tips from Mr Smith provided luxury items he could ill-afford otherwise.

Grabbing the master keys off his desk, Cathy stormed off. The desperate man ran after her and grabbed her by the shoulders.

"You have to stop saving the world, you cannot do it."

Synopsis:
Catherine Dixon is everyone's dreamgirl. Girls want to be her. Men want to be with her. From her charming smile to her gentle voice, one always turns to take a second look at Cathy. Wherever she goes there isn't an ill word spoken about her. Her job as Vice President of Communications at MoonStar, one of the world's top hotel chains is to make sure guests are happy to the point of perfection.

From the blue oceans of Antigua to the bustling streets of Vietnam, the racing adrenaline at the Green Hell, the devastating natural disaster in Japan and the stunning architecture in Germany, Cathy finds herself in a whirlwind of fine dining, plush clothes and sheer extravagance. But is perfection only a mask for untold disaster? In a job that deals so much with people, Cathy goes home to an empty bed. There are no pictures on her wall, no doting phone calls from a tongue tied lover and no family holidays to boast about.

What is Cathy's secret and how will her world change when the world knows? What is the significance of the blue pendant round her neck? Who is the mysterious man she is seen with every three months? What are the contents of the brown envelope delivered to her on the fifteenth of every month? Will her secrets ever catch up with her or will Cathy continue to sail alongside perfection in the world she has created for herself as a Frequent Traveller?

Buy Now @ Amazon
Genre - Women's Fiction
Rating - PG13
Connect with Pandora Poikilos on Twitter & Facebook

Website http://pandorapoikilos.com/
Blog http://peacefrompieces.blogspot.com/
Check out where this author will be talking about her latest release!


Friday, May 11, 2012

Follow Friday





Feature and Follow Friday is a blog hop hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.


This Week's Question: This Sunday in the U.S. is Mother's Day. In celebration, what are some of your favorite books with strong mother/child relationships?

This is the only one coming to mind right off.
EVERY GIRL WHO HAS TAKEN THE TEST HAS DIED.

NOW IT'S KATE'S TURN.

It's always been just Kate and her mom--and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear that her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy--until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she suceeds, she'll become Henry's future bride and a goddess.

IF SHE FAILS...

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Gimme's Blogger Love Shout Outs

Well most of you already know I am celebrating my birthday on my blog all month long and instead of receiving gifts I have chosen to give back to my wonderful followers but also I want to give some recognition to some awesome bloggers I have ran across in my short time in the blogging community. They have graciously taken a moment and answered a few interview questions for me and so without further adieu let me introduce


Erica @ The Book Cellar

Erica is one of the brightest, nicest, and help fullest persons I have met while blogging. She is always quick to answer email cries for help and if she can't help you she kindly gets you pointed in the right direction. She raises adorable bunnies and has started a fun fact site for them called A Scoop of Life: Bunny Basics. So be sure to go check her blog and bunny sites out!

Interview Questions:

1--Will you share a photo of at least one of the following...your bookcase, your desk, your favorite reading spot.



2--In Twitter Style tell us about yourself.

A college student pursuing a dual degree in English & English Education who loves to read and is obsessed with anything related to Disney.


3--Share one of the biggest blogging myths you have discovered since you started blogging. (For example...its easy, not time consuming, ect...)

It's not time consuming - That's something I think a lot of people think starting blogging. I spent probably 40+ hours a week between all my reading / time spent writing posts.



4--One of my favorite books so far this year has been Starters by Lissa Price. If you decided to rent your body out what is the biggest fear you would have of what the renter would use your body for?

Swimming in the ocean - I don't want to be eaten by a shark, ha!



5--Do you have a special system for shelfing your books? Please share. (For example..do you shelf them by author, alphabetically, by color, ect..)

I have four shelves and the rest of my books are in bins. I have one spine shelf of random genres organized by spine color in a rainbow. Then I have one shelf of entirely fantasy. Another of contemporary, with my sci-fi, dystopian, and historical fiction on top. My other shelf is half review books and have paranormals. I have one "favorites" shelf for each genres, then the others are just put on the shelves, not really in an order.



6--Choose an answer.

Mexican or Chinese? Mexican
Book or Movie? BOOK (Obviously)
Flowers or Candy? Candy
Car or Pick-up? Car
Pink or Purple? Can I go with a slight magenta?
Fantasy or Horror? FANTASY
Hot Weather or Cold? Hot weather


7--You have been placed in charge of my birthday cake. What kind of cake will I be having? (Feel free to share recipe)

Icecream cake, because it is clearly the best kind.



8--So it's my birthday and you want to give me a book as a gift. What book would you give me and why?

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken - because it rocks.



9--Any advice or inspiration for newbie bloggers?

It's YOUR blog so do what you want. I see so many people who are like I don't know if I should do this or I want to do that, and every time I want to tell them, go for it! :) I started out a bit more reserved, not exactly sure what I could do. My blog was "YA" so I wasn't reviewing a lot of my adult books I like to read. So as of this year, it's taken me over three years, I've finally decided to just go for it and I'm going to review everything I like, mainly YA, but also some adult fantasy, paranormal, and romance.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Gimme's Ramblings - The Bird

*** - The Birdie - ***
So I was traveling Friday with my dear hubby on his work route like we do every week on Fridays. I always tag along on Fridays because once the work is done we double it as a "date" night but that's another topic all together!

Anyhow bless my hubbies soul he is one of "those" drivers who thinks he is the only sane person on the road meaning the only person who knows "how" to drive but OMG if you only knew! (shaking head) I mean he's not viscious or have road rage he just simply gets agitated with other drivers very easily.

Well tonight we were hopping along minding our own beeswax when this small car jets onto the road from one of the off ramps..no turn signal, no indication that he is about to lodge himself in front of us and winds up almost nicking the front of our big ole work van and in the process low and behold he basically cut my hubby off. We literally had to almost slam on brakes to stay off this guys bumper.

Poor hubby just tossed his hands up like in defeat into the dash of our vehicle and simply said out loud WTF fella? Do your signals not work? No way could the guy have heard him mind you but my hubby has to express himself no matter whose ears get hurt. LOL

So on down the road all is forgotten or so I thought until this same man goes to get onto another off ramp and he honked his horn as we went by and shot us the prettiest most magnanimous birdie I ever did see! The man looked old enough to be my grand pappy! Well I'm just a lil southern gal who was raised up with good standards and all like not talking to strangers, minding my manners, sitting up straight, ect... and so I figured it was only polite for me to wave back at this guy using his own strange language. I mean I told the hubby that may be how that gentlemans people said howdy! I have no idea why the hubby got so tickled when I said that? lol

Upon doing a little research on this interesting thing known as the "birdie" I found that in Western culture, the finger (aka bird), also known as the middle finger or flicking someone off, is an obscene hand gesture, often meaning the phrases "up yours" or "screw you". It is performed by showing the back of a closed fist that has only the middle finger extended upwards.

The finger is one of the most ancient insult gestures. The earliest reference to the finger comes from Ancient Greece when it was known as the (katapugon a male or a katapugaina a female) who submits to anal penetration. "The middle finger is the males organ and the curled fingers on either side are the testicles. By doing it, you are offering someone a phallic gesture. It is saying, 'this is a phallus' that you're offering to people, which is a very primeval display." I'm like ewwww just ewwww.

It is rumored that first sightings of the bird was during a battle between the French and English back in 1415 but this is regarded as mythology. I doubt we'll ever know for sure.

OK so thats my "rambling" for this week. The powerful birdie.


Leave me a comment and let me know what you think about the bird or about crazy drivers. Inquiring minds want to know!


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finger_(gesture)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16916263


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


Now the following are books with "pretty" fingers on them and not the shameful birdie. Have you read any of them? If so which did you like best? Or perhaps you have your own birdie adventure you liked to share with me? I'd love to read all about it. Just drop me a comment below!

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson

Who is Jenna Fox? Seventeen-year-old Jenna has been told that is her name. She has just awoken from a coma, they tell her, and she is still recovering from a terrible accident in which she was involved a year ago. But what happened before that? Jenna doesn't remember her life. Or does she? And are the memories really hers?

Revealers by Amanda Marrone

Witchin' ain't easy.

Jules has a rebellious streak, a massive crush on Connor, and the abilities of a Revealer witch. By day, she and her coven friends seem like typical high school seniors. By night, they have the power to make werewolves, vampires, and ghosts reveal themselves, so they can destroy them. It's not exactly cheerleading, but at least the girls know they're doing the world some good.

One by one, Jules's friends turn eighteen and are initiated into the coven's inner circle. And one by one, they are getting completely freaked out. Jules is the youngest, and though her friends are too scared tell her what's going on, something's clearly not right. As her birthday approaches, Jules realizes she's got to find out what's behind the shadows of her coven before it's too late to save her friends...and herself. But what she discovers may be too powerful for even the toughest witches to defeat.

Girl, Stolen by April Henry

Sixteen-year-old Cheyenne Wilder is sleeping in the back of the car while her stepmom fills a prescription for antibiotics. Before Cheyenne realizes what's happening, the car is being stolen.

Griffin hadn't meant to kidnap Cheyenne and once he finds out that not only does she have pneumonia, but that she's blind, he really doesn't know what to do. When his dad finds out that Cheyenne's father is the president of a powerful corporation, everything changes--now there's a reason to keep her.

How will Cheyenne survive this nightmare?

All book covers and synopsis are from Goodreads.

Weigh In Wednesday (2)

This meme is strictly a Something vs. Something type of thing. The purpose is for it to be short, interactive, and something fun to do halfway through the week and is being sponsored by Epilogue Review .

This Weeks Topic is Contemporary Vs. Fantasy 

Ha! Another toughie however I do think I can sway myself over more so on the fantasy side. Although according to Best Fantasy Books.com Urban Fantasy which is my favorite is actually a mixture of Contemporary and Fantasy so here again I'm back to riding the fence again! LOL You can read more about their listings of the different types of fantasies HERE I still would consider myself more of a fantasy lover though because I enjoy more than Urban. Urban is just my favorite.

I have found myself reading more in the contemporary field here lately just to keep my horizons broad but usually if given the choice of a contemporary book or a fantasy it's going to be the fantasy!

So there's my choice! (Fantasy) Which do you prefer?

Waiting On Wednesday - Nightshifted by Cassie Alexander

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating or books already out that we just haven't picked up yet.
This week on Waiting On Wednesday:


I am waiting on Nightshifted (Edie Spence #1)by Cassie Alexander
Expected publication: May 22nd 2012 by St. Martin's Press

From debut author Cassie Alexander comes a spectacular new urban fantasy series where working the nightshift can be a real nightmare.

Nursing school prepared Edie Spence for a lot of things. Burn victims? No problem. Severed limbs? Piece of cake. Vampires? No way in hell. But as the newest nurse on Y4, the secret ward hidden in the bowels of County Hospital, Edie has her hands full with every paranormal patient you can imagine—from vamps and were-things to zombies and beyond…

Edie’s just trying to learn the ropes so she can get through her latest shift unscathed. But when a vampire servant turns to dust under her watch, all hell breaks loose. Now she’s haunted by the man’s dying words—Save Anna—and before she knows it, she’s on a mission to rescue some poor girl from the undead. Which involves crashing a vampire den, falling for a zombie, and fighting for her soul. Grey’s Anatomy was never like this…

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Review - Shut Up by Anne Tibbets

Shut Up by Anne Tibbets
Released: February 28, 2012
Publisher: Premier Digital Publishing
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 118 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Author
Rating: 5/5
Author Site: Anne Tibbets

Mary's older sister, Gwen, has royally screwed up her life. Not only is Gwen pregnant at seventeen, but she's also decided to marry The Creep who knocked her up.

Now Mary is powerless to stop her family from imploding. Her parents are freaking out, and to top it off The Creep has a gross fascination with Mary while Gwen enjoys teasing her to tears for sport.

Shut Up made me sad and angry all at once. Mary is but still a child who still plays with Barbie Dolls for Pete's sakes and her older sister is no more than a bully! I can't understand why the parents bowed down and let Gwen run amok and carry on in their home like she did. It was appaling and sickening.

I know to a certain degree they just wanted to pacify Gwen because the more you'd argue with her the longer and louder she'd get. But the way I look at it is Gwen made her own bed and even once they tried to overlook that she had gotten pregnant and wanted to marry the creep father of the child, and extend an olive branch of help she was the most ungratefullest person in the world! You can only help somebody so much. They have got to do something for themself and let me tell you what...my folks would never have tolerated this behavior from me or my sibs. Pregnant or not had I hollered at them either I'd be picking my teeth up off the ground or sitting in the front yard with my suitcases!

Gwen was just a very negative person and she wanted everybody around her to be just as miserable as she was. I wanted to reach out to Mary and hug her and let her know I was there and that she wasn't alone even though I knew she was just a character in a book she felt so freaking real to me!

The title of the book is Shut Up only it seems weird because Mary never really "said" anything! Bless her heart she just kept taking the abuse, and yes that is what it was, time and time again. The words of truth and pain were right there on the tip of her tongue so many times but she could never confide in anybody and after a while she began to blame herself and wonder why she could never do anything right.

This is the song ( Simon by Lifehouse) that Anne says is the musical inspiration for Shut Up.

Birthday Tweet Giveaway


This is an International Giveaway!!!

It's All About The Tweets

I must confess I am relatively new to Twitter. I have basically only used it for entering contests and giveaways until here lately. I see how much fun folks are having and I wanna have fun to! But unless some of my close buddies are on I feel so invisable even on something as huge as Twitter so either I still ain't "getting it" or I am the dullest person in the whole wide world! (sniffles)

Here is where you come in my wonderful followers! This giveaway is for the most part about Twitter. I realize some folks don't use it and that's fine but you will still be able to do most of the Rafflecopter Items anyhow.


4 Winners will recieve an awesome swag pack filled with the following items. My photo does not do the items justice! Thank you so much to all the contributing authors who made this giveaway possible (Ashland Menshouse, William Joyce, Anna Banks, Tracy Bilen, Wendy Higgins, J Meyers, Jen Nadol, and Tera Lynn Childs)


Intangible tattoo
Sweet Venom Sticker
Mini Weapons 2 Business Card
Sweet Evil Bookmark (Signed)
Sweet Venom Bookmark
The Mark/The Vison Bookmark (Signed)
The Man in the Moon Stickers
What She Left Behind Bookmark (Signed)
Intangible Bookmark (Signed)
Of Poseidon Bookmark (Signed)
The Last Seer Post Card


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, May 7, 2012

What Are You Reading (1)


What Are You Reading is a weekly Monday Meme that is hosted by Sheila from One Persons Journey

Post the books you read last week, book currently being read and books you plan on finishing this week.

Last Week I Read and Reviewed:
Review - Hollyweird by Terri Clark
Review - HYM and HUR by Phillip Frey


Book/s Reading Now:
Shut Up by Anne Tibbets
Shaman, Healer, Heretic by M. Terry Green
Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men by Molly Harper


Plan to Finish:
Shut Up by Anne Tibbets
Shaman, Healer, Heretic by M. Terry Green
Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men by Molly Harper
A Kiss In Time by Alex Flinn
Deadish by Naomi Kramer

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Gimme's Goodies (2)





Gimme's Goodies is my post to present things I have received in the mail for the week. For how it began and why you may visit my Initial Beginning Post of Gimme's Goodies.

This week I am linking up with the following
Stacking the Shelveshosted by the awesome Tynga
The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba

Now on to what Gimme got this week! (Again no sound because my batteries was going dead and just wanted to hurry)








Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Fire by Kristin Cashore
Mediator: Shadowland & Ninth Key by Meg Cabot
Little Vampire Women by L Alcott & Lynn Messina
Second Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones
The Prophet by Amanda Stevens
Sparks Fly by Kate Macalister
Coveted by Shawtelle Madison
Undead and Undermined by Mary Janice Davidson
Bizzy Bee and the Flowers by Jill Warren (not shown)

So that's what I got this week..How about you? Leave me a link so I can come see what you got and expand my already bursting TBR List! LOL Happy Reading All!

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Guest Post/ Feature - The Lesser Evil by Shane W Smith

Young Ross Tillman cannot wait to get out of school and pursue his dream of owning his own ship. Struggling against what seems to be his genetic fate, Ross is determined to avoid following his father into a career in local industry. The manufacture and sale of the narcotic tubinj is the economic cornerstone of Messar, but Ross is determined to escape from its pull.

For Stanley Myres, Chancellor of the galactic Senate, the writing appears to be on the wall. His political position is becoming more tenuous by the day, as rival factions in the Senate seem poised to enact a coup de tat. In an attempt to retain control, he utilises his secret paramilitary forces and hatches a violent scheme that casts Messar into a state of civil war.

Overlord of exiled superpower Padakan House, Elam Padakan wants to create a better galaxy, with himself at its head. When the opportunity to liberate Messar from the Senate presents itself, he sees it as a chance to achieve everything he has ever striven for. There’s just one problem: he hasn’t even told his own brother what his true intentions are.

All three men are drawn into the civil war on Messar, and as their paths begin to intersect and tangle together, they come to realise that the galaxy has very different plans for all of their dreams.

The Lesser Evil is a book that examines what it means to have a dream… and what that dream can end up costing, regardless of whether it comes true.

The Lesser Evil is a black-and-white graphic novel. The designs and artwork are almost entirely derived from 3D models purchased from DAZ3D and Renderosity, and run through an image filter called India Ink.

It has been published by Zeta Comics.




Carrot or stick – what works for writing?


Years ago, in a blog long-confined to the dusty eternity of the endless and empty cattle trails of oblivion, I wrote a poetic little piece that likened me, as a struggling aspiring novelist, to a donkey chasing after a carrot that seemed permanently out of reach.

It was a very evocative and lovely little piece that I remember being quite proud of; unfortunately for you, it is gone forever, and cannot be recreated. So you have to read this instead.

All my life, as far back as memory goes, the only thing I’ve really wanted for my life was to be a writer. Other wonderful things have dropped into my lap along the way, things I wouldn’t give up for the world, such as my wonderful wife and amazing daughter… but if we’re talking lifelong goals, there’s only ever been the one.

With such a single-minded, one-track goal for my life, you would think that encouragement and positive reinforcement would be the most effective factors in success. Interestingly, I discovered that the opposite was, in fact, true.

The carrot: The ambling casual trek towards constant rejection

Growing up, I never really had to struggle for my art. At the time, I thought this was a good thing – who wants to struggle, to suffer, to endure hardship? I just wanted the success, and I thought I could have it. With the moderate (tempered) encouragement of family, and occasional enthusiastic responses from various teachers, I believed I was on the right path.

I wrote highly derivative work of my favourite franchises, and was mildly surprised (at the time) that I couldn’t get myself published. The world outside the comfort of my immediate township was a cold and mean place, and I wasn’t prepared for the blithely rote way my many hours of work was dismissed. Somewhat daunted, but equally determined, I kept on writing whenever I had the motivation.

My days at university studying creative writing felt quite challenging, as I was tasked with developing my portfolio beyond prose, and quite liberating as well. In the end, although I learned a lot, I have come to realise that my time there was neither challenging, nor liberating, and I produced some very safe, tired, self-indulgent treekillers in my time there.

At the tail end of university, I felt the stomach-churning tug as fiscal responsibility and full-time work dropped the noose around my neck and pulled tight.

Which leads to...

The stick: The path to prolificism

You know what they say: if you want something done, give it to a busy person. In a similar vein, if you really want to do something, you should leave almost no time to do it.

I went into a bit of what I can only describe as a depressed frenzy when I began full-time work. Cut off from the path I wanted to be on, punished for my procrastination, I was trapped in a fluoroscent tomb, destined for the mental and physical atrophy that comes from making mundane tasks your day’s work.

So I started working at night. And hard, too. I wanted to escape, and this was the only way I could think of. I’ve never worked faster on my creative projects, nor better. Driven by desperation, beaten down by the drudgery of the day-to-day, I suddenly realised the importance of my writing, more than ever before.

Suddenly, too, I had woes of my own that I could write about. I understood what it meant to have problems that seemed insurmountable from certain angles. My characters’ problems became my problems, and my writing finally became the allegory for life that it had always aspired to.

(Of course, these issues of mine are ‘problems’ that only privileged middle-class young white males with charmed lives can have, and do not actually conform to any legitimate definition of ‘suffering’.)

Looking for innovative solutions to existing problems, I took the drastic measure of changing my noveling ambitions to graphic noveling ambitions, and brought the story with me. Less than two years later, I had a publishing contract in my hand for my graphic novel The Lesser Evil and could see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Conclusion

In the end, the carrot and the stick were both beneficial to me. A nice safe writing environment for me to develop my skills and understanding of story provided a good theoretical background, and the harsh realities of a life I didn’t entirely want gave me the motivation to put it into practice and the raw materials with which to do it.

And of course, there’s a happy ending: I got my carrot.


Friday, May 4, 2012

Review - Hollyweird by Terri Clark

Hollyweird by Terri Clark
Released: May 8, 2012
Publisher: Flux
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 240 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 3/5
Author Site: Terri Clark
When sixteen-year-old Aly King is the grand prizewinner in the "Win a Date with Dakota" contest, it seems like a dream come true. Along with her best friend Desi, and soap star wannabe sister Missy, she flies from Colorado to Hollywood for her celebrity date. Like every other girl in America, Aly knows that Dakota Danvers is a smoking hot movie star. What she doesn't know is that he's also Satan's son.
A cute and simple girly girl story. Really easy to read without having to give much thought to what was going on because it was your everyday teen groupie cliche with some "light" paranormal additives tossed in for flavor.

The characters were okay for the most part with my favorite being Jameson (yum) and my least favorite being Aly. I just felt she was pretty ditzy not believing stuff when it was right in front of her! One of my favorite things was Jameson's phone. How cool it would be to have one like that! (er then again...I'd probably stay in trouble!)

I would totally recommend this to anybody needing a quick, light, fun read.