Gothic Asylum Reviews

Review: Thirteen Days to Midnight by Patrick Carman

2010-03-20T11:38:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Days to Midnight

By: Patrick Carman

304 pages

Will be released April 12, 2010

Jacob Fielding has a superpower. He is indestructible. He received the power when his foster father said those words to him when they were in an automobile accident. His foster father, Mr. Fielding, died in the accident, leaving Jacob to live with the priests who run the small private school that he attends. When he returns to school after the accident, his best friend, Milo Coffin, whose parents own a rare bookstore, introduces Jacob to a new student, Ophelia James. Ophelia or Oh for short is beautiful and the first thing she asks Jacob to do is sign the cast on her broken arm. He is the first person to sign it and for some reason, he is compelled to write "You are indestructible." Somehow this passes the power on to Oh, who later has an awful skateboarding accident that she walks away from without even a scratch. This opens up a whole can of worms in which the trio investigate the limits of the power. Oh becomes addicted, believing that she must help save lives with it. Each time that Jacob releases it, a strange feeling grows, making him wonder if he should be allowing the transfer. Jacob and Milo go in search of answers, believing that Mr. Fielding had many secrets. What they find will turn their worlds upside down and change them forever.

This was a fascinating story that really makes you wonder. Are superpowers really worth all the trouble? Would it be a blessing or a curse to have such a thing? What would you use the power of indestructibility for? These are just a few of the questions that Jacob and his friends have. The answers they reveal are painful and sometimes disturbing. Milo is a very likeable character but Ophelia seems to be trouble most of the time. In the end though, she's not so bad and neither is the future in store for Jacob. Despite all, he's really a pretty lucky guy, all things considered. This was a fast-paced, enjoyable read.

Review: Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

2010-03-20T11:03:00.000-07:00

Ship Breaker

By: Paolo Bacigalupi

336 pages

Pre-order from Amazon

Will be released May 1, 2010

Source: Around the World Tours

Nailer is a teenaged boy of about fourteen or fifteen who is part of a ship breaking crew. He lives somewhere around a fictional New Orleans, where the city has been flooded. He climbs down into small ducts in search of copper wires and other valuable salvage. One day a duct that he's working in collapses, dropping Nailer into a pit of oil. He calls for help, but the young girl, Sloth, who comes in looking for him, realizes that she has the opportunity to take his place and possibly get rich from his find. Oil is like gold to their people. Everybody hopes to be the next Lucky Strike, a fellow worker who now has his own crew and loads of influence in the community ever since he found a valuable salvage that he claimed for himself. Nailer keeps pushing himself and finally finds a way out of the pit by releasing a door, allowing him and the oil to flow out into the ocean. His friends nickname him Lucky Boy and give him gifts. The next day, a huge storm demolishes shacks and kills several crew workers. In the aftermath of the storm, Nailer and his friend and co-worker Pima are out scavenging when they come upon a broken clipper ship. The contents are luxurious and they both excitedly believe that they have found their way out of their miserable lives. Everybody aboard is dead, with the exception of a beautiful young girl named Nita. Nita claims that her family will pay even more than what her ship is worth for her safe return. Nailer must defend Nita against his abusive, alcoholic father who wants to sell Nita to her father's enemies. The pair escape to the city along with a half-dog, half-man creature named Tool in search of those loyal to Nita and her father. They settle into a routine of work and exploration while they stay on the lookout for Nita's people. It's difficult to know who they can and cannot trust and what lies in store for them.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The reference to New Orleans being flooded and rebuilt several times is interesting. You have to wonder if the world will see something like this one day. Our poor children of today, if they ever had to work like Nailer and his crew, then surely they wouldn't survive. Ship Breaker held my interest though it was a little slow to start. It is definitely a unique read and should appeal to both adult and YA readers.

Contest Reminder

2010-03-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

Contests end on March 31, my birthday, at 11:59 p.m. eastern time.

Contest for Demonia Bat Wing Wallet is here.

Contest for Alice in Wonderland Locket Necklace is here.

Contest for Twilight Graphic Novel Volume 1 is here.

Spring is here...

2010-03-20T10:25:00.000-07:00

and I now have 100 followers! Yay!

Have a good one!

2010-03-17T11:18:00.001-07:00

Review: The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen

2010-03-16T12:09:00.000-07:00

The Girl Who Chased the Moon
By: Sarah Addison Allen
288 pages
Buy from Amazon
Source: Pump Up Your Book!

Following the death of her mother, city girl Emily Benedict, moves to the small Southern town of Mullaby, North Carolina, to live with her only remaining relative, one her mother never spoke of. The relative is her mother's dad, called a giant and feared by many residents of Mullaby. She is dumbstruck from the moment she arrives, that night seeing the mysterious Mullaby Lights, and hearing tales of her mother that sound nothing like the way she remembers her. Dulcie Shelby, Emily's mother, founded a girl's school along with many other altruistic efforts that never seemed to satisfy her. She never seemed to feel as if she had done enough. According to townsfolk, Dulcie was a popular, spoiled girl who hurt others with her words and actions. Emily has a hard time believing the things they say. She meets her next door neighbor, Julia Winterson, a woman with a troubled past, who runs J's Barbecue (which was Julia's father's restaurant) when she thinks she wants nothing more than to move back to Baltimore and the "perfect" life awaiting her there. Julia's father died, leaving behind a restaurant in death, so she begrudgingly stays on in Mullaby to nurse the restaurant out of debt and sell it for a profit. On Emily's first walk to town, she has an anxiety attack, inadvertently attracting the attention of a teenaged boy who is her own age. Regardless of the weather, he's always wearing a white linen suit and bow tie. His name is Win Coffey and he claims to have history with Emily. She is inexplicably drawn to him as was her mother to Win's uncle twenty odd years ago. That particular attraction caused such an irreversable tragedy that some wonder if history will repeat itself in Emily and Win.

Sarah Addison Allen is my favorite author in what I like to call the mainstream paranormal fiction genre. What I mean is that, even people who claim not to enjoy books of a paranormal nature will find books of this kind interesting. I've previously read her novel, Garden Spells, which was her debut, and was very impressed. Though I haven't read The Sugar Queen, I haven't been disappointed so far. The magic is in the details, such as the wallpaper of Emily's room that changes with her moods and the Mullaby Lights that seem to have a mind of their own. The story stands alone, but Ms. Allen has a way of seducing you with her words. The way she describes things is a powerful gift that I can't wait to see more of.

Future Releases I Hunger For

2010-03-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris (10th book in the Sookie Stackhouse series)

releases May 4

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead (5th book in the Vampire Academy series)

releases May 18

Kiss of Death by Rachel Caine (8th book in the Morganville Vampires series)

releases April 27

Infinity: Chronicles of Nick by Sherrilyn Kenyon (1st in a new series, Chronicles of Nick)

releases June 8

Insatiable by Meg Cabot (stand alone novel)

releases June 8

Interesting Article

2010-03-11T18:46:00.000-08:00

Premiere.com posted an interesting article recently entitled 10 Movies that Were Better than the Books. Check out the article and be sure to read some of the comments. They'll have you rolling. lol

Review: The Stillburrow Crush by Linda Kage

2010-03-11T17:12:00.000-08:00

The Stillburrow Crush
By: Linda Kage
Young Adult
212 pages
Buy from Amazon
Source: Around the World Tours

Carrie Paxton is an average girl, daughter of a mechanic and a homemaker, from a speedbump town where the kids are put first in the city's list of priorities. She writes for the school newspaper, which is read by everyone in town due to the fact that there isn't a city newspaper. In her eyes, writing is the one thing that makes her special, her claim to fame. Writing is actually how she ends up falling for the "it" boy at school. She meets him after a game and interviews him for the newspaper. His name is Luke Carter; he's the star quarterback, the banker's son and the town's hope for someone to make it famous in the world of professional sports. Prior to this, Carrie had managed to avoid the mass hysteria for him but hates herself when she realizes that she is just like everybody else in her adoration for him. She deliberately riles him up and when the interview is printed, he notices that she called him Lucas, which he despises. A fact which he calls her on when he shows up at her dad's small used-car lot, claiming he's car shopping. He asks her to take a walk with him and they end up at the park. He pushes her in the swing but steps in front of her when some girls from school drive past, in effect, hiding Carrie from their view. She confronts him about it and he denies that he's ashamed of being seen with her. She storms off feeling more confused than ever. That marks the beginning of their relationship and sets the stage for future interactions between the two of them.

Carrie's brother and his own crush play a signicant role in the book too. He's estranged from the family and is involved in a secret that will bring the whole world crashing in on Carrie, hurting her and others in the process.
**********************************************************************************
I'm going to call this the little novel that could. I was blown away by how good it was. I was prepared for a sappy, cute, predictable love story. What I got was a heart-wrenching, roller coaster of emotions that kept me reading until the wee hours of morning. The writing was easy to read and the story was realistic. I absolutely fell in love with the characters. Linda Kage will definitely be on my watch list.

Pick this one up and you will not be disappointed. A great read for adults and one that you won't mind your teen daughters reading.

Gothic Doggie Clothes

2010-03-10T18:56:00.000-08:00

I got an interesting email from Pretty Scary showing the most darling gothic clothes for doggie. I don't even have a dog right now, but I can't resist the adorable goth mini skirt above. Find this and lotsa other things that pets do and do not want at The Ritzy Rover Pet Boutique.

Contest for Demonia Bat Wing Wallet

2010-03-09T06:12:00.000-08:00

In celebration of my bloggiversary, which was January 1 and my birthday, March 31, I'm giving away a few things. Next up, is a Demonia Bat Wing Wallet from Vampire Wear.

To be eligible to win, do one of more of the following.

*Comment on this post by telling me your favorite vampire of all time. +1
*Become a follower. +1
*Already a follower. +2
*Spread the word about the contest. +5

Don't forget to enter for the other contests.

Contest for Alice in Wonderland Locket Necklace

2010-03-09T06:06:00.000-08:00

In celebration of my bloggiversary, which was January 1 and my birthday, March 31, I'm giving away a few things. This contest is for a lovely Alice in Wonderland locket from Hot Topic.

Contest for Twilight, the Graphic Novel, Vol. 1

2010-03-09T05:59:00.000-08:00

In celebration of my bloggiversary, which was January 1 and my birthday, March 31, I'm giving away a few things. First of which is a copy of the first graphic novel in the Twilight series to be released March 16 from Amazon.

To be eligible to win, do one of more of the following.

*Comment on this post by telling me your favorite vampire of all time. +1

*Become a follower. +1

*Already a follower. +2

*Spread the word about the contest. +5

Don't forget to enter for the other contests.

Review: Bride of the Water God, Vol. 1 by Mi-Kyung Yun

2010-03-09T05:10:00.000-08:00

Bride of the Water God, Vol. 1
By: Mi-Kyung Yun
184 pages
Buy from Amazon

This is the first volume in a Korean manga series that follows the life of Soah, a beautiful young girl, who is sacrificed by her village in the hopes of ending drought. She is given to the Water God, Habaek, and must live in his kingdom of Suguk, but she is not prepared to be happy in this life and finds that she meets many wonderful beings in this magical land.

I can't say much more about this without giving too much away. As is custom in manga, there are many surprises in store for Soah. Nothing is ever as it seems. The artwork is rendered beautifully and the story is fresh and intriguing. I am more familiar with Japanese manga, so after reading this, I will definitely be in search of more of the Korean variety. The myth and folklore of Korea is also more unfamiliar to me and thus will provide me with an opportunity to explore more in that area as well. If you pick up only one manga this year, let it be Bride of the Water God.

Last Minute Book Pimpage for Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

2010-03-01T19:36:00.000-08:00

I so totally love the cover and the sound of this book. Congrats Rachel and wishing you lots of sales!

Also, if you're a night owl like me, you may be able to get an entry into her contest here. It ends at 12:00 am. Eeek!

P.S. My friend, Prince Caspian, if you're out there somewhere, please propose to Rachel. I'm already married and I have it on good authority that she's the next best thing. Just kidding! But seriously, Prince, propose already.

Guest Post: Carla Buckley - The Power of Research

2010-02-26T20:08:00.000-08:00

I spent my high school and college years avoiding science classes. I delayed taking biology in high school until my senior year, and ended up at a college with no curriculum requirements. Physics terrifies me, and the closest I’ve ever come to a chemistry lab is hearing my husband talk about the one he’s designing at the university where he works. But here I am, an affirmed non-scientist, writing novels about science. Accordingly, I do a lot of research.

I start by reading everything I can get my hands on. I plunder the library and bookstores, then go online. Google Scholar is an amazing resource. Because my husband’s a scientist, he has access to scientific journals and papers that I wouldn’t otherwise come across. After I’ve picked my topic, he begins bringing me home all sorts of interesting reading material, most of it on the cutting edge of science.

Once I’ve built a basic understanding, I begin looking for experts in the field. This is my favorite part of research: talking to those actually doing the work. Their passion for their field of study transcends the written word. There’s nothing better than talking to a scientist on the verge of making a discovery, or facing down something the rest of us would run from. The casual comments they make, or the insights they provide, are like nuggets of gleaming gold in a bed of gray muck.

For The Things That Keep Us Here, I had to become acquainted with influenza viruses: what they look like, how they behave, how the seasonal variation differs from the one that rages out of control and causes a pandemic. One of the scientists I interviewed spent hours describing the virus, diagramming it, talking about its behavior in the wild. He walked me through his lab, showing me the equipment field researchers use to diagnose virus variants, the precautions they take to stay safe, and how much risk is involved in the work they do.

At the end of our last session, we sat down and talked about influenza, in particular H5N1, the variant scientists all over the world were closely monitoring. Despite his enthusiasm about his work, the topic was a grim one.

“You’re the father of two young children,” I said. “How would you keep them safe?”

He shook his head. “I couldn’t. The virus is airborne. It could get into my home no matter how tightly I closed my windows.”

I persisted. “What about masks? Wouldn’t they protect you?”

“My little girl is two years old. It would terrify her to see me wearing a mask, especially if she were feverish. I couldn’t possibly comfort her like that. I’d have to take it off.”

That was true. When your child is sick, your only thought is consoling them. You don’t think about getting sick yourself. But he was a scientist. He had to know tricks that the rest of us didn’t. “So what could you do?”

“Nothing.” He shrugged. “I’d get sick, my wife would get sick. We’d just have to wait and see which one of us survived.”

I stared at him. The question between us remain unvoiced: what if neither one of you survived? What would happen to his children then?

He folded his arms and looked at me. “You see,” he said, gently. “There is nothing we can do. It’s not a question of if we’re going to have a pandemic. It’s a question of when.”

That statement, delivered so matter-of-factly and with the power of scientific knowledge behind it, haunted me as I began writing The Things That Keep Us Here. It was one of the nuggets of gold I discovered; it helped me shape my character Peter, a research scientist, and lent gravity to my words.

This is why I do a lot of research in my work. It’s not only to compensate for all those science classes I’ve avoided in my life. It also helps fill out characters, pluck plot points from thin air, extend a storyline in a direction I never envisioned. And ultimately, it puts me into the right place, mentally and emotionally, to tell the story I’ve undertaken to write.

Carla Buckley is the debut author of The Things That Keep Us Here (Delacorte Press, 2010.) She lives in Ohio with her scientist husband, children, and two curious dogs. Delacorte will release Buckley’s next novel in 2011. You can visit Carla Buckley’s website at http://www.carlabuckley.com/.

Friday Contest at Fang-tastic Books

2010-02-19T14:14:00.000-08:00

Head on over and enter before Wednesday, February 24. Two copies of Judi Fennell's Catch of a Lifetime are up for grabs.

Gothic Dream Homes

2010-02-18T20:12:00.000-08:00

Probably my favorite, so atmospheric. I could imagine having the best of nightmares in this house. lol

Which one is your favorite?

I know, hard to choose, isn't it?

Spotlight on Author/Artist Victor Pross

2010-02-18T15:49:00.000-08:00

About Victor Pross

Victor Pross is a professional artist born and raised in Toronto now residing in British Columbia. He is known for his “extreme caricaturing.”

He has many high profile commissions to his credit including painting Ron Howard’s caricature portrait as a gift for the famous director as well as painting various agents of the William Morris Agency. He has rendered numerous International celebrities and Canadian media personalities for commercial and private purposes. Victor Pross has been interviewed on television shows such as: Canada AM, Breakfast Television, News at Noon and has been pegged by Canadian Media as “Canada’s foremost caricature artist.”

He has worked on various posters, comic books and CD covers bringing to each work his own unique style. He is currently instructing an art class as well as offering his services as an editorial caricaturist. Victor’s first book, Icons & Idols, will feature a collection of the artist’s paintings and drawings and is now available. You can visit his website at www.victorpross.com.

About Icon & Idols: Pop Goes the Culture

Icons & Idols: Pop Goes the Culture is an eye-popping visual homage and satire of pop culture that is sure to tickle a funny bone. ICONS & IDOLS is comprised of Victor Pross’ “extreme caricatures” of the famous—such as Elvis Presley, Sylvester Stallone, Marilyn Monroe, George Bush, Albert Einstein—and others icons from the world of film, music and literature. Victor Pross’ most important works –over 70 paintings and drawings–is assembled under one volume to entertain and astound.

Here’s what reviewers are saying!

“Pross’ portraits are frequently funny and striking in their grotesque exaggeration, but always powerfully able to reintroduce us to that which we take for granted. Pross’ talent leaps from the frame.”—William O’Higgins, arts writer.

“Victor’s caricatures, aside from being clever in their own right, also convey an intelligence and knowledge of his subjects that is sometimes absent in similar sketches.” –George H. Smith, author of ‘Atheism: The case against God.’

“Victor Pross’ portraits examine in subjective—sometimes hideous, often hilarious—detail the faces of those who’ve shaped our times.”—Edward Keenan, media writer and editor for Toronto’s Eye Newspaper.

“Pross is a caricaturist, but that term does not nearly do justice to the art he creates. These are not line drawings of political figures published in a newspaper to poke fun, and then be forgotten the next day. Pross takes caricaturing to another level making powerful—if entertaining and exaggerated—canvasses of famous people.”—Paul J. Henderson, the Times.

“Victor, like his art, is larger than life. He tackles the big issues and puts them right in your face. I knew that making caricatures was about exaggerating the features a little. Little! Victor manages to exaggerate them a whole lot while keeping the essential personality clear. He does not walk the safe and simple path, but like hisforebears walks the lonely path of seeking truth without flinching.”—Ray Thomas admirer.

Review: The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

2010-02-18T15:35:00.000-08:00

The Lost Symbol

By: Dan Brown

Publisher: Doubleday Books

528 pages

Buy from Amazon

The Lost Symbol is the third and most anticipated installment in Dan Brown's series about Symbologist Robert Langdon. The entire book covers a span of twelve hours beginning with Langdon being called to Washington, D.C. by an assistant of Peter Solomon, a long-time friend, to give a lecture at the US Capitol Building. What he finds is his friend's severed hand and thus kickstarts another action-packed tale filled with interesting and controversial tidbits that Brown is so famous for.

There are so many things going on in this book, that it would be tremendously hard to summarize it without giving something away. I will say that this one did not draw me in as well as Dan Brown's other books have. I'm ashamed to say that I struggled with this book for weeks before finishing it up. Don't get me wrong, the book is well researched and full of things that I would love to learn more about, but it just didn't suck me in. In the long run, I did finish the book and enjoyed the story. It's just not quite up to par with the previous Langdon stories nor Brown's other novels.

You may also be interested in another book that discusses the mysteries of The Lost Symbol and is written by Simon Cox.

Buy at Amazon

Review: House of Reckoning by John Saul

2010-02-18T15:01:00.000-08:00

House of Reckoning

By: John Saul

Publisher: Ballantine Books

304 pages

Buy from Amazon

House of Reckoning centers around the life of young Sarah Crane, a fourteen year-old girl who lost her mother to cancer and loses her father, Ed Crane, to his alcoholic binges while he's caught up in the past and innumerable regrets. One night he goes too far and gets into a fight with a stranger at the local bar and kills the man. Meanwhile, Sarah realizes that her father is off drinking and sets out to look for him. On his way home, he doesn't see her and runs her over. She ends up in the hospital with a serious leg injury that threatens the possibility of amputation. Her father is sent off to prison and she meets a nice caseworker named Kate Williams who must place her with a foster family. She meets the Garveys, a couple with two teenaged children and quickly learns her place in the house as servant and only there because of the check the family receives for taking her in. One of the few bright spots is getting to visit her father, but only if she satisfies the Garveys wants and needs.

In school, she becomes friends with Nick Dunnigan, a boy who is somewhat of an outcast himself and who hears voices. Art classe introduces her to Bettina Phillips, a teacher who is friendly and wants to help Sarah. She starts drawing ghastly images while under the influence of something unknown while at the same time Nick sees and hears what she's drawing. One night all the pieces of the puzzle come together as Sarah, Nick and Bettina realize the connection they have with each other.

I enjoyed reading House of Reckoning. It's been a while since I've read any of John Saul's books. The last one was The Blackstone Chronicles, which I loved and thouroughly recommend. House of Reckoning was sad and depressing to read about poor Sarah's life and the things that she had to go through. One of her punishments by the Garveys was having to sleep outside in the cold with her bad leg. I can only imagine the pain that would have caused her. This book was a nice quick read with several plot twists and a juicy mystery at it's core. Rush out and find yourself a copy or check it out at your local library.

Contests posted at Fang-tastic Books and a New Look

2010-02-18T14:27:00.000-08:00

Check out the contests I posted yesterday over at Fang-tastic Books. While you're there, check out the gorgeous new look to the site. I'm totally jealous!

Last Day to Enter at All Things Urban Fantasy for Oodles of Patricia Briggs Books

2010-01-28T07:02:00.000-08:00

You can win all four of the Mercy Thompson series, plus all three of the Alpha & Omega series books. Seven books in all! Go here to enter.

Contest Posting

2010-01-20T11:43:00.000-08:00

I posted a contest listing over at Fang-tastic Books. Head on over and check it out and enter those contests too of course.

Free Book Friday at Fang-tastic Books

2010-01-15T08:14:00.000-08:00

Head over to Fang-tastic Books for Free Book Friday and a chance to win not one, but two books by Susan Kearney.

Review: Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

2010-01-15T06:13:00.000-08:00

Wench

By: Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Publisher: Amistad

304 pages

Buy from Amazon

Wench is a historical novel about slaves from several plantations who meet up each summer at Tawawa House. Tawawa House is a hotel with cottages in Ohio, which is considered a free state in the 1850s when the story takes place. Lizzie is the main character and the book is broken down to stages of her life. She is a slave owned by Drayle, a master who treats her well for the most part and whom she actually cares for. When his wife is unable to give him children, Lizzie's role becomes all the more important as she becomes the mother of his children, a boy and a girl. As a mother, she wants them to be given their freedom and takes every opportunity to soften Drayle up and ask him to free them. The summers spent at Tawawa House are special to Lizzie because they are able to live there mostly like husband and wife. It's there that she meets another slave, one who has named herself Mawu and whom will change things for Lizzie and make her yearn for possibities previously unthought of. Mawu is a strong woman who has always fought her master when he tries to sleep with her. She is determined to seek freedom if it's the last thing she does. Other slave women, Reenie and Sweet who are friends of Lizzie's go through unbearable things while at Tawawa House and all try to comfort each other as best they can.

That's about all I can say without giving some of the story away. Although, Wench was difficult sometimes to read due to the subject matter, it was a beautiful story. America's past has certainly not been pretty, but Mrs. Perkins-Valdez was able to tell a small piece of it with dignity and grace. I became a part of these women's lives, immersed in the day to day grind and heartbreaks they faced. This book will remind you to be thankful for the freedom that we all have and what people had to go through to get to this point in time.

Lolcats to laugh at

2010-01-14T09:24:00.000-08:00

Too cute! Go here to see more.

Just Found: Psych The Call of the Mild

2010-01-13T11:37:00.000-08:00

I'm super excited to see this because I love the TV show.

Shawn and Gus on a backpacking trip through the wilderness. I can just imagine the laughs in this one.

Go here to find out more.

Where else can I be found?

2010-01-13T11:25:00.000-08:00

You can find me over at Fang-tastic Books talking about paranormal books, movies and happenings around the internet. I'll also be posting some ebook reviews there.
I'd love to have you guys join me there. My inaugural post went up today.

Enter to Win

2010-01-11T05:52:00.000-08:00

Head over to Bianca's blog to enter to win a copy of Half Past Dead.

How I feelz today

2010-01-08T08:58:00.000-08:00

Just found: Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier

2010-01-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

Product Description from Amazon

From the moment she's struck by lightening as a baby, it is clear that Mary Anning is marked for greatness. On the windswept, fossil-strewn beaches of the English coast, she learns that she has "the eye"-and finds what no one else can see. When Mary uncovers an unusual fossilized skeleton in the cliffs near her home, she sets the religious fathers on edge, the townspeople to vicious gossip, and the scientific world alight. In an arena dominated by men, however, Mary is barred from the academic community; as a young woman with unusual interests she is suspected of sinful behavior. Nature is a threat, throwing bitter, cold storms and landslips at her. And when she falls in love, it is with an impossible man.

Luckily, Mary finds an unlikely champion in prickly Elizabeth Philpot, a recent exile from London, who also loves scouring the beaches. Their relationship strikes a delicate balance between fierce loyalty, mutual appreciation, and barely suppressed envy. Ultimately, in the struggle to be recognized in the wider world, Mary and Elizabeth discover that friendship is their greatest ally.

Anybody read this one yet? It looks interesting.

I'm joining the Speculative Fiction Reading Challenge 2010

2010-01-06T09:03:00.000-08:00

I was searching for a reading challenge to join when I found this one, hosted by Book Chick City. It sounds like a good challenge for me as I read lots of paranormal anyway and this includes many subgenres thereof. Several buttons to choose from too, but I chose the skeleton cuz that's just the way I roll. lol

I'm going with the addicted level by reading twelve books. That shouldn't be too hard.

To start my list, I know of two off the top of my head on my TBR shelf that will fit the bill.

1. Soulless by Gail Carriger

2. The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart by Jesse Bullington

A Website that You Need to Check Out

2010-01-06T08:37:00.000-08:00

People of Walmart

I title this one Scary because he looks like he came straight out of a horror movie with crazed mountain people who eat everybody unlucky enough to be in there territory. lol No offense Mr. Saw, please don't come after me!

There are funny captions for every picture on the site. Believe me, it's worth a few minutes of your time. We all need a few laughs every now and then.

Coming Soon: My Review of Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

2010-01-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

About Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Dolen Perkins-Valdez’s fiction and essays The Kenyon Review, African American Review, PMS: PoemMemoirStory, North Carolina Literary Review, Richard Wright Newsletter, and SLI: Studies in Literary Imagination. She is a 2009 finalist for the Robert Olen Butler Fiction Award. A graduate of Harvard and a former University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellow, Dolen splits her time between Seattle and Washington, DC. She is a faculty member of the University of Puget Sound where she teaches Creative Writing. Wench is her first book of fiction. You can visit Dolen Perkins-Valdez’s website at www.dolenperkinsvaldez.com, her blog at www.dolen.blogspot.com or connect with her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/dolen.

About Wench

Situated in the free state of Ohio, Tawawa House offers respite from the summer heat. A beautiful, inviting house surrounded by a dozen private cottages, the resort is favored by wealthy Southern white men who vacation there, accompanied by their enslaved mistresses.

Regular visitors Lizzie, Reenie, and Sweet have forged an enduring friendship. They look forward to their annual reunion and the opportunity it affords them to talk over the changes in their lives and their respective plantations. The subject of freedom is never spoken aloud until the red-maned, spirited Mawu arrives and voices her determination to escape. To run is to leave behind the friends and families trapped at home. For some, it also means tearing the strong emotional and psychological ties that bind them to their masters.

When a fire on the resort sets off a string of tragedies, Lizzie, Reenie, and Sweet soon learn tragic lessons, that triumph and dehumanization are inseparable and that love exists even in the cruelest circumstances as they bear witness to the end of an era.

Wench Tour Schedule through Pump Up Your Book!

Monday, January 4
Interviewed at Blogcritics

Tuesday, January 5
Guest blogging at The Book Connection

Wednesday, January 6
Interviewed at Examiner

Thursday, January 7
Spotlighted at The Hot Author Report
Interviewed at American Chronicle

Friday, January 8
Book spotlighted at Jen’s Bookshelves
Interviewed at The Hot Author Report

Monday, January 11
Interviewed at Personovelty

Tuesday, January 12
Interviewed at Working Writers

Wednesday, January 13
Book reviewed at Must Read Faster

Thursday, January 14
Guest blogging at Paperback Writer

Friday, January 15
Book reviewed at Gothic Asylum Reviews

Monday, January 18
Book reviewed at Paranormal Book Lovers

Tuesday, January 19
Interviewed at Beyond the Books
Book reviewed at Rundpinne

Wednesday, January 20
Book reviewed at A Few More Pages

Thursday, January 21
Interviewed and book giveaway at The Writer’s Life

Friday, January 22
Book reviewed at The Bibliophile Book Blog

Monday, January 25
Interview l Chat l Book Giveaway at Pump Up Your Book
Book reviewed at Jen’s Bookshelves

Tuesday, January 26
Book reviewed or guest blogging at Thoughts in Progress

Wednesday, January 27
Book reviewed or guest blogging at Thoughts in Progress

Thursday, January 28
Book reviewed at Down Under Views

Friday, January 29
Book reviewed at Pump Up Your Book
Interviewed on Kim Smith’s Introducing Writers! Radio Show on Blog Talk Radio

My first Reading Challenge Completed

2010-01-06T08:14:00.000-08:00

Okay, so it was my first and only reading challenge of 2009 and it was only two books, but I'm still excited.

1. Better Naughty Than Nice Anthology by: Thompson, Shalvis & Nelson

2. Cowboy Christmas Anthology by: Finch, Lane & Crooks

Yay me!

Review: Cowboy Christmas by Carol Finch, Elizabeth Lane & Pam Crooks

2010-01-02T09:31:00.000-08:00

Cowboy Christmas
By: Carol Finch, Elizabeth Lane & Pam Crooks
Publisher: Harlequin
288 pages
Buy from Amazon

Three heartwarming tales of love in the old west.

A Husband for Christmas by Carol Finch
Bakery proprietess, Victoria Thurston has a predicament. She's written her family that she has a husband in Lone Ridge, Texas, Marshal Logan Daniels. The thing is, she's only ever briefly spoken to him, hence the predicament when her family expects her to visit at home for the holidays with her husband in tow. She decides to proposition him to be her husband for the visit with pay of course. Her only other option is to tell her family that he was killed in the line of duty. He agrees of course, realizing quite quickly that there is definitely an attraction there. They make a date to get to know each other and end up practicing kissing as all married couples would certainly be accustomed to that and find out that it's difficult to resist each other. This is one partnership that could mean forever.

The Homecoming by Elizabeth Lane
Clay McAllister has been in prison for three years when he is released a week before Christmas. He was serving the time for defending his kid brother in a bar and brothel when a man is accidently killed by his hand. He makes his way home to his wife Elise and their five year old son Toby not knowing what to expect when he gets there. He was under the impression that his brother, Buck came home with the money from the cattle they sold to sustain the farm. All these years, he never received word from Elise, all his letters marked return to sender.
He arrives home to realize that the money never made it there and Elise hasn't heard from Buck. She harbors pain and resentment towards Clay, believing that he was in the brothel for his own wants and needs and can't seem to forgive him.
There are a lot of wrongs that need to be righted and forgiveness given for the McAllister's to be a family once again.

The Cattleman's Christmas Bride by Pam Crooks
Allethaire Gibson is a socialite from Minneapolis who flees to Montana where her father lives in search of help when her life falls down around her once again. Three years ago, she was kidnapped and held for ransom. Her life would never be the same. Rumors abound that she must have become a fallen woman while living with outlaws for that time so she works extra hard to do good for her community, primarily in the Ladies Literary Aid Society in fundraising for a new library. When those funds go missing, supposedly withdrawn by her, she leaves the city heartbroken. While on the trainride to Montana, the train is boarded by outlaws, some of which are the same responsible for her kidnapping, the outlaws take money from her luggage, more of the library funds that she didn't put in there. Mick Vasco, who happened to be one of those original outlaws who kidnapped her actually rescues her from the situation and agrees to take her to her father so that all can be explained. Can she trust him to do as he says, but most of all can she trust him with her heart?

These were engaging holiday stories, all three. I think I most enjoyed A Husband for Christmas, simply because it was the most fun to read and had several comic moments.
The Homecoming was difficult to read, due to the raw emotion of the story. I truly ached for the character's pain as if it were my own.
The Cattleman's Christmas Bride was an excellent example of something wonderful coming from something negative and painful in one's life.
An overall wonderful anthology truly worthy of your time. You are bound to get something from it.

Review: Better Naughty Than Nice by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jill Shalvis & Rhonda Nelson

2010-01-02T08:17:00.000-08:00

Better Naughty Than Nice

By: Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jill Shalvis & Rhonda Nelson

Publisher: Harlequin

224 pages

Buy from Barnes & Noble

Three naughty tales from three naughty authors. All three stories have a Claus brother in the mix, to matchmake in his own sort of way. Mr. Damon Claus is Santa's naughty, younger, much fitter brother and he sure can stir things up.

No Mistle Required by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Riley Kinnard and Hayden Manchester are childhood friends, neighbors and teenage lovers who split up many years ago due to a misunderstanding that they both continue to pay for. When they find themselves home for Christmas with a little friendly or unfriendly rivalry in the pursuit of the best Christmas light display, things get blazing. Throw in a little help from Damon Claus, holiday decorator extraordinare and some old neighbors, David and Marlena Faulkner, who are dying to get the couple back together and you have a very fun, very naughty little Christmas story.

Her Secret Santa by Jill Shalvis

Arson investigator, Ally Dauer can't forget the brief time spent with firefighter, Eddie Weston before things just seemed to fizzle out. During the course of collecting toys for needy boys and girls, she gets a few "toys" of her own, thrown in by none other than Damon Claus, novelty store owner. Eddie joins her in an investigation where fire continues to build between them and they realize that resistance is futile and they belong together.

Snug in His Bed by Rhonda Nelson

Viv Foster works hard for her money, which she's hoping will pay for a dream vacation to London over the Christmas holidays. She despises Christmas due to her father leaving at that time as a kid and regrets not getting to know a half-brother. She's working double duty when a chance encounter with a mall Santa, you guessed it, Damon Claus, who she smacks for copping a feel. Somehow, it goes to court where a judge, bearing an uncanny resemblance to that same mall Santa, sentences her to community service at a Christmas tree farm. She remembers going to that farm as a child to get trees and that there was a young fellow there who always caught her eye. Hank Bailey, owner of the farm feels the attraction but can't help feeling a bit guilty at what brought her to him, also ruining her chance at the London holiday. He asks her to design the farm a website, which is her day job, substituing that lost income. Sparks fly and Viv realizes that Christmas truly is magical.

These really were nice and naughty stories that I truly enjoyed and hated to see them end. The women were strong and independent and the men were virile and exciting. What more could you ask for the holidays?

*This book was received via my library swap program.

Winner of The Magic Warble by Victoria Simcox & a $10 Amazon Gift Certificate

2010-01-02T07:44:00.000-08:00

Marie!

marielay@

Please visit my profile to email your information. Congrats!

Christmas Ninja lolcat

2009-12-22T07:05:00.000-08:00

Don't know about you, but I could so totally see this happening at my house. lol

Curl Up with a Book...and a Nook Contest

2009-12-21T07:51:00.000-08:00

Click here to enter Curl Up with a Book…and a Nook Contest

Guest Post By Victoria Simcox: Memories of an Austrian Christmas & Giveaway

2009-12-17T09:33:00.000-08:00

When I was six years old, I was fortunate enough to be able to spend a Christmas with my relatives in Austria—my Oma and Opa (grandmother and grandfather) on my mother's side of the family and my uncle Christian, my mother's younger brother. Unlike the American's, whose main celebration of Christmas is on the twenty fifth of December, the Austrian's is on the twenty fourth, on Christmas Eve. There is a long tradition they hold to that says that the Christkindl (The Christ Child) comes to Earth on the twenty fourth of December and that is the reason they celebrate on that eve. Saint Nicholas, or as they call him in Austria, Niklaus, actually comes before Christmas, either on the fifth, or the sixth of December with his opponent the devil, known as Krampus. Together they come to the villager's doors and ask the children whether they have been good or bad during the year. If the child says they were good, Niklaus may reward them with a small token, such as an apple, orange, cookie or some nuts. If the child says that they were bad, Krampus will try to catch and spank him or her. This may sound politically incorrect, but to the Austrians, its all in good fun and Niklaus will send the child running before Krampus has a chance to get them. Unfortunately, I missed this part of the holiday event because I didn't arrive in Austria until the week before Christmas. Even so, my mother has filled me in on how fun this tradition was for her as a child.

Waking up Christmas Eve morn, I can still faintly remember the sounds and the smells in the air. Oma and my mother were clanking around in the small kitchen down stairs, preparing the food for the day, and the smell of marzipan mingled together with ginger, allspice, and cinnamon filled my senses. Full of joyful wonder, I got up and headed down the narrow, old, squeaky staircase of my grandparent's small Vienna flat— half way down, I could see the living room, and with great bewilderment, I looked for the Christmas tree, but it was nowhere to be found—even a few days earlier, I had wondered why there wasn't one up, but with all the excitement of being somewhere different for the holidays, I had forgotten to bring it up. I went into the kitchen and asked my mother why there was no Christmas tree. My mother conversed with my Oma in German, and then in English, said to me, "Go now and get dressed. We could use your help in here." I decided not to pursue asking about the tree, seeing how busy they were, making marzipan, ginger cookies, and a very strong, brandy soaked, ladyfinger and whip cream cake. Later on that day, I was glad that I didn't, because after coming home in the evening from doing some last minute shopping with my uncle Christian, my sister and I were pleasantly surprised to see, standing in the small dark living room, a beautiful Christmas tree set aglow with real candles on its branches and under it toys for my sister and I. I never questioned my mother about why the tree was put up so late in the holiday until I was an adult and that is when I found out that it is tradition for the Austrians to put the tree up without the children knowing, as late as possible on Christmas Eve. The children are sent out to play, or do errands, and then when they return in the evening, they are surprised with a tree and unwrapped presents under it.

Today, my Oma and Opa are no longer with us, but I will never forget the special, cozy Christmas I was able to spend with them—as a matter of fact, I still have a gift, a cute, cuddly, stuffed, little, yellow lion with a red and white ribbon (the Austrian flag colors) tied in a bow around its neck, a present that my Oma had hand made and gave to me that Christmas Eve more then thirty something years ago.

By Victoria Simcox

Bio

Victoria, known as Vicki, was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother, and a Dutch immigrant father. She has one older sister. When she was 7, Vicki moved with her family to British Columbia. Then in her early twenties to Western Washington, where she now resides in Marysville WA. She has been married for almost 20 years, and has 3 children. For the past 10 years, she has home schooled her children, and she also teaches elementary school art. Her other family members are, a Chihuahua, named Pipsy, 2 cats, named Frodo and Fritz, and 1 parakeet, named Pauly. She did have a pet rat named Raymond; when she started writing The Magic Warble, but sad to say, he has since passed away of old age. Vicki enjoys writing, reading, painting watercolors, good movies and just hanging out with friends and family. Her favorite author is C.S. Lewis, and one of her fondest memories is when she was 12. She would sit at the kitchen table, and read the Chronicles of Narnia to her mother while she cooked dinner. These magical stories were very dear to Vicki, and she remembers wishing, If only I could go to Narnia like Lucy and Susan. Vicki hopes that maybe she can touch someone with her story in a similar way.

Website: www.themagicwarble.com

Blog: victoriasimcox.blogspot.com

Facebook: Victoria Simcox

youtube book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cax8Pbpa7E

If you'd like to win a copy of The Magic Warble, leave a comment about one of your own Christmas memories and include your email address so that I can contact you.
Spread the word about the contest for a chance at a $10 Amazon gift certificate.
Ends December 31, 2009 at 11:59 p.m.

Review: The Magic Warble by Victoria Simcox

2009-12-16T14:28:00.000-08:00

Whew, I'm the last stop on Victoria Simcox's Virtual Book Tour for The Magic Warble Sponsored by Pump Up Your Book Promotion. Many apologies to Ms. Simcox and Pump Up Your Book for the delay in posting this review. Thank you all so much for sending me a copy of the book for review.

First, a bit about Victoria Simcox:

Victoria, known as Vicki, was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother, and a Dutch immigrant father. She has one older sister. When she was 7, Vicki moved with her family to British Columbia—then in her early twenties to Western Washington, where she now resides in Marysville WA. She has been married for almost 20 years and has 3 children. For the past 10 years, she has home schooled her children, and she also teaches elementary school art. Her other family members are, a Chihuahua, named Pipsy, 2 cats, named Frodo and Fritz, and 1 parakeet, named Pauly. She did have a pet rat named Raymond; when she started writing The Magic Warble, but sad to say, he has since passed away of old age. Vicki enjoys writing, reading, painting watercolors, good movies and just hanging out with friends and family. Her favorite author is C.S. Lewis, and one of her fondest memories is when she was 12. She would sit at the kitchen table, and read the Chronicles of Narnia to her mother while she cooked dinner. These magical stories were very dear to Vicki, and she remembers wishing, If only I could go to Narnia like Lucy and Susan. Vicki hopes that maybe she can touch someone with her story in a similar way. You can visit her website at http://www.themagicwarble.com/.

The Magic Warble

By: Victoria Simcox

Publisher: Two Harbors Press

Ages: 9-12

276 pages

Buy from Amazon

Twelve year old Kristina is a very less than extraordinary girl who has something quite extraordinary happen to her. On the last day of school before Christmas break, she is gifted with a mysterious colored ball from her teacher. Soon after, she finds herself along with her pet rat, babysitter and two other children who bully her, in a strange land called Bernovem, where all sorts of fantastical creatures live and even common animals are able to talk. Kristina learns that she is the chosen one to return this magical ball, called the magic warble, to its resting place. Along her journey, which is a perilous one indeed, she meets many people and creatures, some who help her and some who are only there to lead her astray. One such person is the former prince of Bernovem, a boy named Werrien. He becomes her friend and fellow traveler to restore peace to Bernovem by getting rid of the evil Queen Sentiz. However, Sentiz and her zelbocks, who are nasty, vicious creatures are there to foil their plans in every way.

The Magic Warble was a very enjoyable read. I truly got caught up in all the drama of the journey, having my hopes dashed whenever Kristina's were and feeling joy when things went well. I can relate to how Kristina must have felt having practically no friends, the loneliness of a pre-teen existence and how important it would have made her feel to serve such a useful purpose. I also found myself tearing up at the end when she had to make difficult decisions as well. The Magic Warble was an action-packed, emotional book with a satisfying ending. Well done, Ms. Simcox!

Thanksgiving Winner

2009-12-02T06:52:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Anna ♥, who won a $25 Amazon e-certificate

and for everyone, a snowy picture of a lonely bird.

Awwwww!

Who went shopping on Black Friday?

2009-11-28T22:28:00.000-08:00

Come on, fess up.

I actually managed not to, not even online and I'm quite proud of myself.

It really feels good, even if I did miss all the sales.

*sniffle*

Don't eat too much!

2009-11-25T11:51:00.001-08:00

Giveaway at All Things Urban Fantasy

2009-11-19T08:52:00.000-08:00

Abigail of All Things Urban Fantasy is celebrating 100 followers with a nice contest. Your choice of two books for three winners. Some nice choices too.

Dead Over Heels by MaryJanice Davidson

Dead and Loving It by MaryJanice Davidson

Blue Diablo by Ann Aguirre

Once Bitten by Kalayna Price

Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr

Strange Brew Edited by P. N. Elrod

Ends November 29, so head on over to All Things Urban Fantasy to enter.

Congrats on the followers, Abigail!

Christmas Romance Anthology Reading Challenge

2009-11-18T11:37:00.000-08:00

I figure now is the time for my first reading challenge.

So, in honor of all the wonderful old and new romance anthologies for the Christmas holidays, I have decided to go with this one.

The rules are simple: I know December is a busy month, so I'm starting the challenge at 2 books. I'm hoping to read more than that myself as I have quite a few of these in my tbr pile.

2nd rule - none of your chosen books can have the same authors in them, that way we broaden our horizons a little more.

Sounds fun, huh? If you'd like to sign up, please add your information to Mr. Linky below.

Monday Morning Musings

2009-11-16T08:13:00.000-08:00

It's Monday again.

I realize that you probably already know that. I say it mostly for myself, mainly just to remind me that tomorrow is Tuesday and not Monday, most dreaded of all days. lol

First of all, I wanted to thank everybody who has stopped by so far to enter the Thankful Contest. I've gotten the warm fuzzies from reading all of your comments. We really do have so much to be thankful for and we definitely take too much for granted. Our situation could always be worse. Loved the comments on gratitude for all the wonderful books and authors. I couldn't agree more.

What am I reading? Well, I'm having a tough time getting through The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. Not because it's bad. It's just been so hectic lately that I've had practically zilch time to read, which depresses me most heinously.

Anybody else read it? What are your thoughts on The Lost Symbol or any other Dan Brown novel for that matter? I've read them all. I didn't think that the movie did justice to the book for The Da Vinci Code and though I love Tom Hanks acting, I just don't think he was the man for the job.

I'm starting a new blog for children and young adult book reviews here.
If you have any ideas about how to decorate it let me know.

Have a great week!

What Are You Thankful for Contest

2009-11-10T09:06:00.000-08:00

Want to win a $25 gift certificate to Amazon in time for the holidays?

Sure you do. I know there are lots of great books on my holiday wishlist.

Just tell me what you're thankful for in the comments below to be entered.

+5 for spreading the word about the contest

Ends November 30th 11:59 eastern.

Wieners ahem I mean Winners to announce

2009-11-10T08:55:00.000-08:00

Zapped goes to MarionG

Confessions of a Shopaholic goes to stacy stew

Montana Creeds: Dylan goes to Cecile

Marion & Stacy, I need your mailing addresses

I still have yours Cecile

Congrats ladies!

The Great Kindle Giveaway

2009-11-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

Lots of ways to gain entries.

Enter over at Bibliofreak

Hot Kindle Giveaway

2009-11-09T17:06:00.000-08:00

Enter at Lisa and Laura Write

Check Out the Contest at Shiloh's Blog

2009-11-09T15:51:00.000-08:00

Review: Tirissa and the Necklace of Nulidor by Willow

2009-11-05T15:41:00.000-08:00

Buy at Amazon

Outskirts Press

Published: August 27, 2009

338 pages

Tirissa is a twelve year old girl from Oakenwood who is faced with a tremendous responsibility when she realizes that everyone she knows has become deadened as she calls it or without emotion and easily controlled. She is apprentice to an herbwoman, Mistress Farleaf and when she shows up for work, there is a stranger present who makes her uncomfortable. He learns that the deadening has not affected Tirissa and when she runs from him, he turns into a strange creature like nothing she's ever seen. She decides that she must head to Kellayne, a nearby city in search of a witch who might be able to help. While evading the creature, she meets the first of the friends that will be helping on her journey, Oglo the troll. He seeks to protect her because he wasn't able to protect others from the creatures in his past. He will make many sacrifices to help Tirissa who becomes his best friend.

The two journey across the Three Kingdoms in search of the deadening stones as well as a book of spells used by a wizard whose plans are much more nefarious than just to control the people. They gain and lose friends as they go, evading many villains and imprisonment along the way. An ex-guard, Storge, joins their group. They disguise themselves many times and never give up, showing extreme courage and strength through impossible circumstances. Tirissa learns who she is and what she is capable of doing and uses these talents during the trip to Far Montayne in the west. Many surprises and setbacks ensue. So, does she succeed in saving the people of the Three Kingdoms? I guess you'll have to read the book to find out.

I was delighted and fascinated with Ms. Willow's fantasy world. Her creatures and characters were vivid and unpredictable. I rooted for Tirissa and her friends and found myself discouraged when things didn't go as planned. There were also several sad moments. Tirissa is one of the most resourceful pre-teens that I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. The language is simple enough for youngsters but will not fail to keep adults interested as well. I am looking forward to more fantastical stories by Ms. Willow in the near future, I hope.

Join Tirissa's Facebook fan page for a chance to win a free copy of the book

Find Willow at MySpace

This is a Pump Up Your Book Virtual Tour for Tirissa and the Necklace of Nulidor by Willow

**I received this book courtesy of the author and Pump Up Your Book Promotions for the purpose of review**

Happy Halloween and New Moon Winner

2009-10-31T23:29:00.000-07:00

Congratulations go out to Amy J!

djsfoxylady@

I'm sending you an email.

Thanks so much to all who entered and stay tuned for new contests.

Win a New Moon Prize Package!

2009-10-30T23:59:00.000-07:00

How would you like to win these goodies? Yeah, I thought so. lol

I'm giving away a prize package featuring the New Moon Soundtrack, Love Triangle Keychain and This May Hurt Just a Little rubber bracelets. All of these are available at Hot Topic by the way.

How do you win?

1st - Leave a comment on this post telling me why you want to win. Be sure to leave your email addy. +1

2nd - Spread the word. +1 for each place and comment here with the link.

3rd - Become a follower. +1 Already a follower +2

4th - Subscribe to my feeds +1

Contest will end October 30th at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time and winner announced and emailed on Halloween.

Skin Game by Ava Gray / Ann Aguirre

2009-10-26T19:04:00.000-07:00

SKIN GAME

Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Berkley Sensation (November 3, 2009)

ISBN-10: 0425231534

ISBN-13: 978-0425231531

Pre-order Now

— Amazon

— Barnes and Noble

— Book Depository

— Books-a-Million

— Borders

— Indiebound

— Mysterious Galaxy

— Powell’s Books

Blurb

A beautiful fugitive—wanted dead or alive.

Kyra is a con woman and a particular kind of thief. She steals with a touch, but she only takes one thing: her target’s strongest skill. Which means she can be a fighter, an athlete, a musician, an artist—anything she wants… for a limited time. Heartbroken, she turns her gift toward avenging her father’s murder; with deadly patience, Kyra works her way into casino owner Gerard Serrano’s inner circle. After pulling off the ultimate con, she flees with his money and his pride.

A hit man who never misses the mark.

Reyes has nothing but his work. Pity for Kyra, he’s the best and mercy never sways him once he takes a job. He’s been hired to find out where Kyra hid the cash—and bring her back to face Serrano’s “justice.” Dead will do, if he can’t locate the loot. He’s never failed to complete a contract, but Kyra tempts him with her fierce heat and her outlaw heart. So Reyes has a hell of a choice: forsake his word or kill the woman he might love.

Doesn't this sound amazing? Everybody rush to pre-order or buy Skin Game as soon as it is out.

Coming soon: Blog Tour for Tirissa and the Necklace of Nulidor by Willow

2009-10-23T19:18:00.000-07:00

One day twelve-year-old Tirissa discovers that everyone in her village is under a spell. Everyone but her!

Then she sees a mysterious stranger change into a huge bird, a bird with a beak like a sword. Did he cast the spell?

Desperate to find someone who can break it, she flees, leaving her village behind. An old herbwoman tells her to seek help from a wizard who lives far away, and her journey takes her across the Three Kingdoms.

Along the way she’s joined by a kindly troll and a short, fat palace guard. They are pursued by the twin princes of Kellayne, the best hunters in the Blue River Kingdom, as well as by the huge, dangerous bird.

Meanwhile, an evil wizard watches Tirissa and her friends in his magic mirror and plans a second spell that will kill everyone in the Three Kingdoms.

Chapter One

Tirissa climbed Oakenwood Hill at dawn, following the path between the big, gnarled oak trees she loved so well. The misty light filtered down through the autumn leaves and the Full Moon hung low in the West, white against the pale sky. She climbed the hill every morning at first light, but today seemed different because the birds weren’t singing. Even when she scattered the breadcrumbs she’d brought, none of her little friends flew down from the trees or bushes. She looked around for anything that might have scared them away, but no hawks were gliding above and no cats were prowling below. Something was wrong, though—she could feel it.

Her skin prickled.

Just then a huge shadow passed overhead. It went by so quickly that when she looked up, whatever had flown over was gone and the sky was empty. A moment later nearby branches creaked as though about to break. Something had landed in a tree. Something big. She turned and raced for home, back down the hill, across the meadow, and past the plum orchard. Smoke rose from the chimney of her family’s stone cottage and she ran to it and threw open the door.

Her sister Mori, her father, and her brother Gart were seated at the table and they looked up from their bowls of oatmeal. Her mother turned from the fireplace where she was tending a pot, her round face reddened from the heat. She said, “Tirissa, sit down and have your oatmeal while it’s still warm. I put in some ripe plums and honey, just the way you like it.”

“I have to tell you what happened,” she said, trying to catch her breath.

“Tell us while you eat,” her mother said.

Tirissa sat down. “When I was up on the hill, a big shadow passed over and then something heavy landed in a tree.”

“A giant bird?” Mori’s eyes widened.

Gart shouted, “Let’s go look!”

“Settle down, son.” Tirissa’s father spoke calmly. “So you didn’t actually see what it was, Tirissa?”

“No, but it had to be a bird bigger than me!”

Gart jumped up.

“Sit down.” His father gave him a pointed look. “None of you are going up there.”

“And don’t you either,” Tirissa’s mother said to her husband.

“I’d best see what’s going on.” He ate the last of his oatmeal and stood up. “Son, go on to the fields and start stacking the hay we cut yesterday. Soon as I check up on the hill, I’ll join you.”

“But Father, a giant bird!” Gart said.

Tirissa and Mori rolled their eyes at each other—Gart was crazy to want to go looking for some big, scary thing.

“Father, please let me come!” Gart begged.

“Absolutely not.” His father put on his jacket. “Off to the fields now.”

“Good thing you knew enough to hurry home, Tirissa,” her mother said to her.

Just then something shifted, as though the air had shivered or the Earth had trembled. Tirissa said, “What was that?”

“What was what?” Mori glanced up but kept eating her oatmeal.

“I don’t know, but I felt something.” Tirissa stared at Mori. The gleam had gone out of her sister’s eyes, now no livelier than the oatmeal congealing in her bowl.

Her father stood at the door. “Let’s go, Gart.” His voice was flat. “That hay won’t stack itself.”

Tirissa was puzzled. “Aren’t you going up on the hill?”

“About that fool story you told?” He looked at her as though he didn’t know her and didn’t want to. “Bunch of nonsense. You’re imagining things.”

Mori said, “So you saw a shadow—so what?”

Tirissa felt frozen out of the family. “What’s the matter with everyone?”

“Don’t know what you mean.” From the blank look her father gave her, it seemed like he really didn’t know. “Come on, Gart.”

Gart stood up without his usual protests and made no mention of the huge bird. He put on his jacket and headed out the door with his father.

Their mother said nothing to them as they left and then she turned to Tirissa with cold eyes. “I wish you’d be on time in the morning. I don’t see why you have to go up on the hill anyway.”

“I thought you understood,” Tirissa said, downcast. She loved walking among the trees. It felt as though just beyond them was a magical place, if only she could get there.

She looked at the door where her father had gone out and she realized he hadn’t hugged her mother when he left. She’d never seen them take leave of each other without a quick kiss. Had everyone in the family stopped caring about one another all of a sudden? She felt sick to her stomach.

Her mother stood up and said, “Wash those dishes, Mori,” as she did every morning when she went to her loom. Most days Mori, dawdling and complaining, waited to be told again, but today she jumped to her feet and gathered up the dirty bowls and spoons. Usually quick to chatter, she didn’t say a word to Tirissa or even look her way.

Tirissa went out to the pens to feed the pigs, goats, and chick¬ens. Until today, she’d always felt as much a part of the family as the rest of them, but now she thought of something she didn’t often remember, that she hadn’t been born into this family. Instead, she’d been adopted. One day a woman had come to the village and given birth to Tirissa. The woman died the same day and a kind family had taken her in—now they were her family. Surely that didn’t have anything to do with how they’d pulled away from her today—no, because they’d pulled away from each other. What could be going on? She took comfort from the animals that gathered around her and the baby that goat nuzzled her and tried to eat one of the buttons on her dress. When she went back into the cottage, Mori was still washing dishes, her long blond braid hanging down her back.

“Mori, what’s wrong?”

Mori turned around, and for a moment she looked puzzled, as though wondering the same thing, but then her eyes went dead again. She turned back and continued washing the dishes. Tirissa felt a chill down to her bones. From one moment to the next, they had become strangers. She didn’t ask any more questions.

About Willow

Willow lives in Northern California with her husband, her elderly dog, and the two invisible dragons that guard their house.
You can visit Willow’s website at http://www.tirissa.com/

November 4th - Review of Tirissa and the Necklace of Nulidor

November 10th - Willow's Guest Post

November 19th - Interview with Willow

The how do you want to win contest

2009-10-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

So I have a contest for you and I want to know how you want to win. I have three books to give away. In the comments vote for whether it should be one prize or three different prizes, so more folks can win. If you vote for three prizes, choose which book you would like to win. The one with the most votes is the way I'll give away the prize or prizes.

Was that clear? lol

Any-hoo, here are the prizes:

Contest ends November 1st at 11:59 p.m. eastern time.

Winner announced and emailed the following day.

The Covenant

2009-10-21T21:03:00.000-07:00

I was reminded of this movie when I commented over at Cecile's place. This is one of my favorite movies. I could watch it over and over for the eye candy alone, but I also love the story. Male witches = delicious in my book.

Enjoy this video that dreamchugh0915 put together. Great job on this.

Plug for a great site where you can win some smokin' hot ebooks.

2009-10-21T19:18:00.000-07:00

Resplendence Publishing has their own blog where they list new books and reviews where you can win. I've won several over there and they need new folks to enter, you know, to make the competion a little stiffer and what-not. lol

Be sure to read the sidebar for details on how to win and scroll down for other contests still open.

Here's the newest book up on their blog that you can comment to win.

Now, dontcha want that?

2009 Halloween Specials on TV

2009-10-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

Check out all the Halloween specials on TV here. *sigh* I just love this time of year!

Happy watching!

Congratulations Cecile!

2009-10-21T05:43:00.000-07:00

She won a copy of Stephanie Laurens' Edge of Desire.

Lucky duck!

Keep getting your entries in for the New Moon contest guys and check back for a new contest starting tomorrow.

Win a copy of Stephanie Laurens "Edge of Desire"

2009-10-09T06:33:00.000-07:00

I know this is not a Halloween book, but somebody would still love a copy of it, right?

This cover is so eye-catching and what a gorgeous dress!

So, my question to you is where would you where this dress and with whom?

Contest ends October 18 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time. Winner announced and emailed Monday morning.

Those Glorious Men of Supernatural

2009-10-08T06:20:00.000-07:00

What's your favorite episode?

Dibs on the one from last October where Dean was a scaredy-cat. lol

Plus five entries into the New Moon contest for your comment.

Got Ghosts?

2009-10-07T16:28:00.000-07:00

Anybody watching tonight?

Leave a ghost story on this post for five additional entries in the New Moon contest.

Bad Blogger Award

2009-10-01T05:42:00.000-07:00

If there is one, I would definitely be a recipient. I apologize and would like to make it up to everybody. Fall is my favorite season and October my favorite month and Halloween my favorite holiday....well, you get the gist. So, in honor of my favorite time of year, I'll be posting lots of dark delights and giveways, so stay tuned.

Stolen Heat by Elisabeth Naughton

2009-09-05T22:37:00.000-07:00

Trailer for Megan Hart's New Book Pleasure and Purpose

2009-09-04T21:07:00.000-07:00

Click To Play

Seduced by a Stranger by Eve Silver Release Contest

2009-08-31T05:49:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody! Long time, no talk. lol

Just slipping this in at the last second

SEDUCED BY A STRANGER Countdown to Release Contest!
There are three ways to enter, and you can enter multiple times, using any combination of these ways:1. Mention this contest in your blog and link to the contest page, email me (eve at evesilver dot net) with SEDUCED BY A STRANGER CONTEST in the header and a link to your post in the body of the email, and that's an entry.2. Leave a comment somewhere...on a blog or a message board, LibraryThing, Goodreads...anywhere appropriate, about SEDUCED BY A STRANGER and/or this contest. Please only leave a comment in appropriate places...don't leap into a discussion about petunias to chat up SEDUCED BY A STRANGER, and please don't violate any blog/board rules. Then email me (eve at evesilver dot net) with SEDUCED BY A STRANGER CONTEST in the header and a link to your post in the body of the email, and that's an entry. 3. Post a new review somewhere (your blog, amazon, barnes and noble, etc.) about any of my previous Eve Silver historicals, and email me (eve at evesilver dot net) with SEDUCED BY A STRANGER CONTEST in the header and a link to your post in the body of the email. Review must be posted during contest period. Reviews posted prior to the contest period are not eligible. (Previous Eve Silver historicals include: Dark Desires, His Dark Kiss, Dark Prince, His Wicked Sins, and the novella Kiss of the Vampire in the trade paperback anthology Nature of the Beast).The prizes:
GRAND PRIZE: $50 gift certificate to the online bookstore of your choice (barnes&noble, amazon, chapters, borders, etc.) PLUS a trade paperback edition of the anthology NATURE OF THE BEAST (by Hannah Howell, Adrienne Basso, and Eve Silver), signed by me.
1st runner-up: $25 gift certificate to the online bookstore of your choice (barnes&noble, amazon, chapters, borders, etc.) PLUS a trade paperback edition of the anthology NATURE OF THE BEAST (by Hannah Howell, Adrienne Basso, and Eve Silver), signed by me.
2nd runner-up: Trade paperback edition of the anthology NATURE OF THE BEAST (by Hannah Howell, Adrienne Basso, and Eve Silver), signed by me.Contest officially starts Saturday, July 25, 2009 and ends Monday, August 31, 2009 at midnight. Thanks to everyone for helping me get the word out!

Author Joey Hill Talks About the Romantic Times Conference

2009-04-01T05:53:00.000-07:00

Ready, Set….Time for the RT Conference!
Joey W. Hill

If you’re wired into the world of romance, you know many authors are deeply immersed in Romantic Times Conference preparations, integrating that with our usual deadline, email and promotional requirements. Oh, and family responsibilities – really, why DO pets and husbands require more than five minutes of attention a week? Eye rolling.

If you’re a reader, this post might give you some behind the scenes insight into the oh-so-relaxed looking author you meet there (which wouldn’t be me, btw – with my Type A personality, I always look like I’m jacked up on amphetamines). If you’re an author who hasn’t had the pleasure of RT, drop down to the last paragraph BEFORE you read the rest, so it doesn’t scare the bejesus out of you (laughter). And if you’re an RT veteran, you’ll likely be snorting in agreement – or jumping in to share your perspective, wholly unique from mine.

This is the biggest romance conference in the industry, and it’s all about the READER, which is what makes it such a blast. Readers get direct, informal exposure to their favorite and new authors, enjoy the constant pleasure of cover models wandering about, attend great workshops with games and fun, pick up bunches of free books (seriously, pretty much everywhere you turn around) and bags of promotional goodies to help them add to their TBR pile.

Authors, publishing professionals, the RT staff, etc. all put a lot of energy into this, because of course the reader is the key to their success. It’s a win-win. It’s astonishing, all that’s involved in getting ready for it. Yes, as an author, you could just throw something in a suitcase and go, hang out and recharge in the creative atmosphere, but midlist authors write multiple books a year, juggling that with a heavy load of marketing, and our budgets are often as limited as our time. The expense and preparation that goes into the Romantic Times conference, plus the week you take off to be there, means that this conference needs to grow your career. You’re making contacts, first impressions etc with other authors, agents, publishers, and that most important group of all – readers. You want to get your name and work in front of every one of them.

First thing to remember – it’s a lot like a wedding. SOMETHING is going to go wrong. Plan all you want, but a snafu will occur. Reconcile yourself to that and don’t let it make you crazy. That said, you also need to make sure you don’t screw up SO much that you leave the impression of “what a ditz!”

So enter preparation phase. Most of us, even on a limited promotional budget, begin preparing for RT months in advance if we want our participation to be effective and a worthwhile experience for the readers who meet us there. I know authors who start pretty much after the last one finishes. I’m not that good, but I start working on it about four months ahead. What are you preparing? Here are some highlights -

Packing – Lists are critical. I have an ongoing RT checklist on my Microsoft Notes as I draw together what I know needs to be in my car when I go. It’s important to know deadlines for having items shipped to the conference the RT staff or your publisher needs ahead of time (registration bag promo items, etc). Then there are costumes, additional promo materials, paperwork. I look at the schedule and determine what clothes might be required for each day and work that out. This includes workout clothes, because the fitness area is important for stress management. I doublecheck the panels I’m on and what props/paperwork/hardcopies I might need. All the promotional materials I haven’t shipped ahead are boxed, as well as display props for my signing table. Finally there are favorite small food/snack items and bottled water, because you never eat or drink enough at the conference during the day and can quickly dehydrate or let your blood sugar drop. That’s far more important than you realize until you’ve gone through one. Oh, and some cash would be good. Attend every meal or meeting with the idea you might need to pay for something, and be prepared with cash as well as credit. We had to pitch in for a tip at one meal, and believe me, it’s a bit embarrassing to hand about half a pound of change scraped from the bottom of your purse to one of your publishers (laughter). Fortunately, she has a dry sense of humor.

Scheduling – map out where you’re supposed to be when. This was the BIG mistake I made the first year. I was late to EVERYTHING. The most embarrassing moment? I arrived late at my publisher’s breakfast, and was so flustered by the 150+ heads that turned in my direction I plopped myself down at the first available table – which happened to be the speaker’s chair, at the executive management table. Ahem. Fortunately, I figured it out and slunk to the back when she was done speaking at the podium, hoping everyone would think I’d meant to sit there temporarily to minimize the interruption (of course now that I’ve told everyone…).

So now, lesson learned, a couple weeks ahead of time, I lay out my RT schedule. All my commitments, combined with the things I’d like to do there if I get a chance, such as panels I’m personally interested in attending. I’ll even pencil in get-togethers with author friends so I don’t miss the chance to do that – really, it’s amazing how quickly your time fills up at this event. I have this schedule not only on the computer screen but in hard copy to carry with me. It’s also not a bad thing to schedule a bit of quiet time for yourself each day so you don’t lose your mind.

Promotional materials – if you can, pay the extra amount to include your item in the registration bag that every conference attendee receives, between 1000-1200 people. You also want 300-500 items available for promotion lane, for random pick up. On top of that, if you can donate free books to the goody room and/or one of the evening events, that’s a plus as well. Then of course you offer a few promo items at the book signing, and carry some in a tote with you that you can give out. Obviously, you don’t want these items to be the same as what’s in your registration bag. Everyone’s going to have one of those, so you want to have something different to offer in the other places.

There are a lot of debates about these items. Determining what’s effective marketing is a shifting target, and what seems to work best in most cases (short of just dumb luck), is frequency and variety of promotional strategies. But one thing I AM sure about –choose what will inspire someone to read one of your books. Otherwise, what’s the point? My first year, I had these darling little pompom creatures with a ribbon tag of my website and little pill boxes. Cute as they could be, practically flew off the table. If I got even one extra hit on my website from them, I didn’t know about it, because nothing about that said “come read my book”. The general theory is that readers get tired of just bookmarks, so the next conference I laid out the money to make high quality free excerpt booklets and put them in a plastic sleeve with a piece of dark chocolate. The chocolate and the excellent cover (kudos to Berkley art department) helped them leave the table in a steady flow. At the book signing, I had a significant number of readers mention they’d read the excerpt booklet and would be seeking the book. I also received more hits and reader email after the conference that year. Mission accomplished. So the excerpt booklets may not have flown off the table like the cutesy items, but they accomplished my goal – more people reading my books. As much as I like giving out fun items, if your budget is limited, you want to make your promo items count toward increasing your reader base.

Panels – if you’re serving on a workshop panel, you need to prepare your materials, both oral and hardcopy, coordinate with your workshop captain, etc, so that those who attend the workshop come away with a worthwhile experience, and the sense that you’re an author with her stuff together. If you get invited to serve on a panel, or propose one that’s accepted (another thing you do way early in the year), it’s very worthwhile. Not just for your exposure to the other authors, but to be seen as an industry professional whose expertise is of value to the attendees. Now, if you have a problem with public speaking, like I do, you might worsen that impression (laughter), but workshop panels are nice. You’re sharing the light with other authors, not standing under a spotlight alone. If you can relax enough to get into the discussion, you can pretend you’re just hanging out with a bunch of fellow writers and readers, debating the craft you love.

Costumes/Wardrobe – I’m on the Faery Court this year, which throws the RT Faery Ball, so I’ve been pulling together an outfit for that, but even if I’m not on the official welcoming committee, it’s good to be reasonably prepared for the different balls and social events at night. There are jungle themed parties, street parties, pajama parties, 50’s parties, etc. Now, that said, the nighttime dance parties aren’t quite as important for authors to make a good showing – like a typical nightclub, they’re really loud events that are more about unwinding after the day’s schedule. You can cut loose a little bit more there, hang out in the lobbies and chat with other authors and readers, enjoy a mojito, etc.

Obviously, a hundred small details are involved with the things above. That’s why the lists are so important (yes, I’m OCD, but in this case, it comes in handy). I could go on for awhile, but as usual, my blog is too long, so I’ll wrap it up with a couple points.

If you have time, it’s a great idea to pitch in to help the conference staffs at RT. First, you learn a lot, working behind the scenes like that, and appreciate the enormous effort that goes into this conference. These folks honestly qualify for sainthood, because they handle so many last minute crises. My second RT conference, I didn’t realize I had to send my materials for a special giveaway bag in advance. I thought I was going to bring them and assemble them there, as I’d done before. So when I found out, I panicked. Jo Carol, the head saint, told me I could come in Tuesday when I arrived and put them in the bags. My mother and I arrived and quickly began to do that – 1200 of them, which takes a lot longer than you expect. There was a troop of RT staff/volunteers who’d spent a lot of the day assembling the bags, obviously exhausted. We of course did not expect them to help, but within 20 minutes, they were all pitching in, helping us. One of the RT staff told me he just “couldn’t stand by and watch us do it all alone.” I am of course NOT encouraging you to be clueless like I was that year – it surely goes more smoothly for you and them if you’re on top of things, but this is what I mean about appreciating what goes into this.

Volunteering for your publisher’s events is also a good thing if they need help, for many of the same reasons. And if you’re kind of shy, not the assertive marketing-yourself type, this gives you a way to interact with others in a functional way and make contacts.

So to wrap up, when I attend RT, I have three writing goals:

1) Interest new readers in my work
2) Meet existing readers and convey my great appreciation of their support
3) Improve my network of contacts–authors, publishers, editors, industry professionals

But there is one more extremely critical reason for attending RT. RT is just pure fun. Writing is solitary. I like that about it; I wouldn’t do it otherwise. But even the most hermit-like of us occasionally needs a connection with those who share our experiences and passions, and RT is the ultimate shot in the arm for that. A week with people who love romance means there’s lots of laughter and camaraderie to share. When you can combine that kind of pleasurable experience with your “job”, it’s worth all the planning, time and expense that goes into it. It’s an investment in your career not just on the professional level, but the inspiration level as well. I go home ready to write twenty more novels, my heart overflowing with love for everyone who adores this genre the way I do.

Short bio: Joey W. Hill is the author of nearly twenty works of paranormal and contemporary erotic romance for Berkley Heat, Berkley Sensation and Ellora’s Cave. Her newest release, A Vampire’s Claim, is the latest in the award winning, national bestselling Vampire Queen series. Free excerpts and more information about her work can be found at her website, www.storywitch.com. She loves to hear from readers!

Devyn Quinn & Free Ebooks

2009-03-31T13:21:00.000-07:00

Ebook Readers: Which is best?

Before we get to today's blog topic, I'd like to thank Deidre at Gothic Asylum Reviews for allowing me the chance to join her today. As some of you might know, All Romance eBooks is sponsoring a Go Green/Read an eBook campaign. As one of their ambassadors, I am here to spread the word about eBooks and how fabulous they are.

As an author who has been in on the eBook revolution since it began in the early nineties, I found myself fascinated by the idea of books in a portable, paperless format. I'm all for eBooks, and anything that gets people back to reading for entertainment.

There's only one problem I've found and, for me, it's been a big one. What is the best way to read an eBook? I have to admit that the idea of using my work computer is unattractive. After all, I sit behind the computer all day working on my own projects. When it comes time for pleasure reading, the last thing I want to do is look at the monitor some more! I could print the book—except that some eBooks disable the print function. Printing the book also defeats the purpose of eBooks. It wastes expensive ink and paper, something I'm not inclined to do in the first place. I purchased the book because of its portable format. It's supposed to be easy and convenient to read. But it's not! My problem is that I have yet to find the perfect eBook reader.

Therefore I am asking readers this question: What eBook reader do you use, and why?

Give us the specs and tell us how the device you've chosen is the perfect one for reading eBooks. In other words, convince me this is the reader for me!

And since this is an eBook campaign, I'll be giving away free PDF copies of my gothic novel, The Keeper of Eternity, to any reader who emails me, saying they saw this article at Gothic Asylum Reviews! Send your request to: admin@devynquinn.com.

__________

Devyn Quinn is a romance author and avid eBook reader, blogging this month for All Romance eBooks' Go Green/Read e Campaign. Find out more about the Go Green/Read e Campaign at www.gogreenreade.com. To learn more about Devyn, visit her website at www.devyquinn.com. You can find Devyn's eBooks and thousands of other eBooks on-line at www.allromanceebooks.com.**

I'm visiting another blog

2009-03-25T08:45:00.000-07:00

Come talk to me over at www.armchairheroines.blogspot.com

I'm offering a prize!

Guest Author - Jade Lee & Contest

2009-03-20T06:30:00.000-07:00

First of all, I must apologize profusely to Ms. Lee. This post was supposed to go up yesterday, but I got sidelined due to the two jobs I'm working this week. Please, please, please accept my sincerest apologies.

I hope everyone will stop by and comment, she has so graciously offered one lucky commenter a free book, so here she is........

I SCOFF! I SNEER! .... Was I wrong?
By Jade Lee

You know how everyone talks about a book of the heart? Write the book of your heart. Who cares if it’s alien frogs in the regency, it’s your heart! You can make it work!

Up until now, I have scoffed–nay, sneered at such advice. I’m sorry, but my heart is odd. Let me give you an example. I had this great story idea about alien frogs in the regency era. I also wanted to do a book set in the Forbidden City with a concubine and a eunuch. No fooling. You don’t need a male organ to be a great lover, right? It’s edgy, it’s challenging, it’s honest. Let me tell you flat out that market-wise, they were both STUPID IDEAS!!!! Fortunately, I had people in my life who said: DUMB DUMB DUMB!!!

But lately, I have been looking at my track record. My first Jade Lee book was Devil’s Bargain. I wanted to write a dark, sensuous story set in the ugly underbelly of London. A man trains young brides to be sensuous women, then marries them to older, wealthy men for a commission. I even created an early form of a pre-nuptial agreement to make it easier for the old guys. But then the hero falls in love with his last protegee. The book is 95% sexual tension and exploration. It’s dark, it’s steamy, it’s full out seduction from page 1 to the end. It is still one of my best sellers. And oh...up until that point, I had been writing light, funny regencies under the name Kathy Greyle.

My next what-the-hell idea was White Tigress. A Victorian woman caught up in a Chinese cult of Tantrics who use sexual stimulation as a means to attain Heaven. She was actually kidnapped and sold into the cult. (At that time, most Chinese believed the propaganda that whites were actually large monkeys...not human at all). This book–even set in China–started what became a 6 book series.

But in the middle of all those Chinese Tantrics, I got really bored. For a complete change of pace, I wrote a fantasy romance about a woman who incubated a dragon egg and the dragon slayer who must kill the dragon and its owner. The dragonslayer uses our heroine to find the egg, then falls in love with her, and then discovers she’s got the egg. Oops. Now he has to kill her. Kinda a problem for the love story. Dragonborn was fun adventure with some good sex thrown it. It was dragons and maids and lords and ladies! Gawd,I had so much fun writing that book. And wham...it’s been a best seller for me.

So what have I concluded from all this reflection? That maybe I was wrong. GASP! Really? NO! Not about alien frogs in the regency or eunuch heroes. I still think those ideas were clunkers. But maybe that passion is what’s important in our books. Not passion between hero and heroine. Well, yes, that too, but mostly passion from the author for the story. What a concept!!! Passion for what I write. Hmmmm...

So, now the exciting wind up. Oops. I don’t really have one. Over 10 years, I’ve published 28 books. Is it possible that the stories that I adored, that I was most fascinated by, were my best? That the audience can tell when I’m writing to a market and when I’m just writing because the idea is so cool? OMG, have I learned something here?

Well... you tell me. If the above is true, then you’ll love Dragonborn which was published last year, and you’ll adore it’s sequel Dragonbound. I wasn’t going to write a sequel, btw, but Sabina’s story entranced me. Seriously. I couldn’t stop thinking about her path as she hates and adores her dragon-now-turned-man. Her history and her future are interwoven in a complex...in a ...damn, I can’t explain it. It’s just an awesome book and it’s coming out...probably now. (It’s an April book, but Dorchester always releases things early)

Somebody, please comment! Please tell me that you think I’m nuts. That ALL my books are equally fabulous whether I wrote them because the publisher demanded a sequel or because I just couldn’t get the idea out of my head. Or maybe that I’m right, and I should forget marketing all together. That I need to just write what is out and out inspiring to me. In which case...you could be getting those frogs, you know. One lucky commenter will get a free copy of Dragonborn or, if you prefer, a copy of my latest regency era historical The Dragon Earl which is totally unusual in its own way. (A white guy raised in a Chinese fighting monastery shows up in England to marry his betrothed. He’s bald and wearing a saffron robe. Would you marry him?)

Jade Lee
http://www.jadeleeauthor.com/

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

Dragonbound April 09
The Concubine (Blaze historical) Feb 09
Winter Heat (anthology) Jan 09
The Dragon Earl Sept 08

Contest will end Sunday, March 29 at 11:59 p.m. eastern time.

Calling all Nora Roberts Fans

2009-03-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

Saw this in my inbox and decided to share with you guys!

Don’t miss Lifetime’s Nora Roberts Movie Collection featuring 4 world premiere movies starting March 21st at 9pm/8c, and continuing for three additional weekends!

Watch a full month of Nora Roberts' movies, including the premieres of "Northern Lights" starring Leann Rimes and Eddie Cibrian premiering March 21st at 9 pm et/pt, "Midnight Bayou" starring Jerry O'Connell, Lauren Stamile and Faye Dunaway premiering March 28th at 9 pm et/pt, "High Noon" starring Emilie DeRavin, Ivan Sergei and Cybill Shepard premiering April 4th at 9 pm et/pt and "Tribute" starring Brittany Murphy and Jason Lewis premiering April 11th at 9 pm et/pt.

Guest Author - Amanda Ashby

2009-03-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

I'm so pleased to have author Amanda Ashby with me here today on my blog. So without further adieu, here she is.......

Sophomore book

For those of you who don’t know it, ZOMBIE QUEEN OF NEWBURY HIGH is actually the second book that I’ve had published. My first one, YOU HAD ME AT HALO came out in 2007 and was the story about a dead girl who got kicked out of heaven and forced to sort out her earthly issues. Unfortunately, due to a small error, she ends up in a guy’s body - while the guy was still in it. Yeah, and you thought my zombie idea was crazy!

Anyway, today I thought it would be fun to talk about how different it’s been this time around compared to when Halo came out. Of course the major difference was that I wrote Halo just after my father died so there was a lot of crazy emotions all tied up in it, and when the book finally came out, it sort of reminded me of that time all over again. Not necessarily in a sad way, but all the same it was quite overwhelming.

With Zombie, thankfully no one had to die (though in one of the earlier versions things didn’t end up too well for the biology teacher. But then again if you teach biology I guess that’s just one of the hazards of the job!).

Another major difference between the two books was that I was completely paralysed with fear when Halo first came out. And I wish I was kidding or exaggerating about this but I’m afraid I’m not. You see I had been so determined to get a book published that I really hadn’t thought it through properly – in that if you have a book published, in general complete strangers will read the book. Which doesn’t sound so bad in theory but when you realize that they’re going to read your book with words that you’ve written, it gets a bit scarier. Anyway, these nerves really didn’t go away until my reviews came in (which were, on the whole, really quite lovely).

This time around the fear wasn’t there – okay, so it was a bit, but it was more manageable and by this time I had learnt enough to know that even if some people don’t like your book, there will be others that do. Oh and chocolate helps as well!! Anyway, by losing my fear of what other people would say, I’ve ended up having so much more fun this time around. Especially in deciding to hold a blog party to celebrate the release!

I never would’ve done that for Halo but I’m so happy I did it for Zombie because not only did I get to find out just how amazing my writing friends were in agreeing to come and play with me, but I also managed to make so many new friends and without them the experience just wouldn’t have been the same!! Of course if I’d known how annoying and bad mannered the zombies were going to be at my party I might’ve thought twice about inviting them, but apart from the fact they tried to eat everyone in sight, I guess it wasn’t too bad!

There have been other differences as well. I don’t check my Amazon ranking every two seconds anymore nor do I practice mind control techniques to try and get complete strangers to buy my book (only because the techniques didn’t work, but if you happen to know some good ones, then I would probably be up for giving it another go. Just saying). I’ve even managed to do a bit of normal writing as well, which is something that didn’t happen for months after my first book came out! All in all it’s been a lot more fun this time around. And who knows, for book three I might even manage to do a books signing or two? After all, stranger things have happened!

Amanda Ashby's Zombie Blog Party

2009-02-24T13:42:00.000-08:00

http://amandaashby.blogspot.com/

This is the place to go for a way cool zombie party with lots of prizes and hilarious moments. I'm telling you, you don't want to miss out!

Angels' Blood

2009-02-18T09:35:00.001-08:00

Supernatural Creature?

2009-02-18T06:37:00.000-08:00

I was searching for supernatural creatures when I found the Auk, a bird extinct since approximately the 1840s,

They were hunted for their meat, but because of their large size and the sounds they make, they were believed to be witches.

There's an interesting little story about them at

http://www.shanmonster.com/witch/familiar/greatauk.html

Gothicool Site of the Day

2009-02-18T05:24:00.000-08:00

Black Hemlock Poison Ring
Mircalla Bracelet

Aracnathea Lace Choker

So, this site is based in New Zealand and it would probably cost a mint to get them to ship to the United States, but look what I found! I think I'm in love.

You can see them at:

http://www.thornapple.co.nz/

Thornapple Bootique, what a wicked cool name!

How about a stay at Nora Roberts' B & B

2009-02-16T10:26:00.000-08:00

I just saw on Susanna Carr's blog that Nora Roberts has opened a bed and breakfast inn in Boonsboro, Maryland. Could this be another reason to hate her? Just kidding......she's just so darn successful that it hurts. LOL

Check out the article here:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/news/2009-02-11-nora-roberts_N.htm

Lots of Winners

2009-02-16T07:02:00.000-08:00

Winner of Valentine's Contest #3

is commenter #8

tigger9

Winner of Valentine's Contest #4

is commenter #6

Gail

Winner of Valentine's Contest #5

is commenter #1

CrystalGB

Winner of Valentine's Contest #6

is commenter #11

Debby

Congratulations to all of you!

Please contact me at deidre_durance@hotmail.com with your mailing addresses by next Monday, February 23rd.

Blue Diablo

2009-02-12T12:27:00.001-08:00

Check out the prizes on Ann's blog!!!

http://www.annaguirre.com/archives/2009/02/10/blue-diablo-blowout/

The Book Binge is giving away 5 copies of Karen Rose's Kill For Me!!!

2009-02-12T07:14:00.000-08:00

Hurry over to The Book Binge to try your luck at one of five copies of Kill For Me by Karen Rose!

No really, hurry! Contest ends Friday, February 13th.

http://thebookbinge.com/search?updated-max=2009-02-09T14%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=4

Winner of Valentine's Contest #2

2009-02-11T05:01:00.000-08:00

and the winner is

.............

JeanP

Congratulations!

Please email me at deidre_durance@hotmail.com with your mailing address.

Valentine's Contest #6

2009-02-10T10:35:00.001-08:00

Want to win the movie Wild at Heart, a candle covered in hearts, Time for Two Romantic Classics CD & some Ferrero chocolates?

Tell me the most romantic movie you've ever seen to be entered.

Contest ends February 15th at 11:59 p.m. eastern time.

Valentine's Contest #5

2009-02-10T10:33:00.001-08:00

I have an Avon cosmetic bag covered in hearts, a rose photo album, a Flowers mini calendar and some Russell Stover chocolates with a sweet little bear to giveaway.

To be entered, tell me your favorite romantic song.

Contest ends February 15th at 11:59 p.m. eastern time.

Valentine's Contest #4

2009-02-10T10:28:00.001-08:00

Want to win a lovely heart photo frame, flower clip bookmarks and some Ghirardelli mixed chocolates?

Tell me what your favorite candy is for Valentine's Day or otherwise to be entered.

Contest ends February 15th at 11:59 p.m. eastern time.

Valentine's Contest #3

2009-02-10T10:19:00.001-08:00

Want to win a romantic Islands calendar, Avon Sensual Moments Bubble Bath, a cute sequined heart that you can poke into a plant or decorate with and of course, some chocolate in the form of Dove Rich Dark Chocolates.

Tell me your most favorite romantic place, whether it be a vacation spot, local hang-out or whatever in order to be entered.

Contest ends February 15th at 11:59 p.m. eastern time.

Winner of Valentine's Day Contest #1

2009-02-09T05:29:00.000-08:00

The winner is...............

purplg8r

Congratulations, you won a copy of Faery Special Romances by Jacquie Rogers!

Check your email.

Free Lora Leigh Short Story: Nighthawk

2009-02-06T09:09:00.000-08:00

http://us.macmillan.com/AuthorExtras.aspx?AuthorKey=3081622&m_type=4&m_contentid=10229#cmscontent

Valentine's Day Contest #2

2009-02-06T05:27:00.000-08:00

I have a bath gift set to giveaway. I should have taken a picture, but I'm so lazy about picture-taking. Anyhoo, if you'd like to win, tell me the worst Valentine's present that you ever got.

Ends February 10th 11:59 p.m. eastern time.

Look!!! I added a picture. LOL

Anti-Valentines Day Contest at Breezing Through

2009-02-05T09:44:00.000-08:00

http://breezingthroughbooks.blogspot.com/

Check out this contest where you could win three way-cool books!

What have you got to lose?

Movie Review: The Secret Life of Bees

2009-02-05T07:32:00.000-08:00

The Secret Life of Bees (2008)
Starring: Queen Latifah, Sophie Okonedo, Dakota Fanning
Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Rating: PG-13
http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Life-Bees-Queen-Latifah/dp/B001NLJ3NU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1233847974&sr=1-1

I had read the book for this previously and the movie follows it pretty closely.

Set in South Carolina during the 60s
Dakota Fanning plays Lily, a fourteen year-old girl who must live with the fact that she killed her mother at the age of four. Her relationship with her father, T. Ray, played by Paul Bettany is never a great one. Her only true friend is a black woman who works for her father, Rosaleen, played by Jennifer Hudson. When Rosaleen goes to town one day to register to vote, she is beaten by local white men. She is carried to a hospital where Lily sneaks her out. With nowhere else to go, Lily has a few mementos to help her find out about her mother's life and one of them is a label from Black Madonna Honey. She and Rosaleen travel to meet the makers of the honey, three black women with months for names. Queen Latifah plays August, the main honey maker, Alicia Keys is June, and Sophie Okonedo is May, a not-quite right and emotional young woman who must visit a "Wailing Wall" in her back yard when she gets too upset to do anything else.
Lily makes up a story about them traveling to her aunt and needing a place to stay and a job to get the traveling money. August takes them in and Lily becomes her apprentice beekeeper while Rosaleen helps May in the kitchen. They soon become accustomed to their new lives. Lily makes friends with Zach, a young black male who also works for August. Eventually, their new happy lives are disrupted by a tragedy, which is followed by the loss of one of the sisters. Afterwards, Lily feels she must hone up to her true reason for searching out the owners of Black Madonna Honey and she learns more about her mother. Meanwhile, her father has been searching for her and finally figures out where she is. He confronts her at the house and demands that she come home with him. The remaining sisters ask him to allow her to stay and he ends up storming out, leaving her in their care, at the only place she has ever felt at home.

This is an endearing story that is heartwarming and at the same time makes you take a second look at the past and how far we've come as a nation.

I highly recommend this movie as well as the book to anyone wanting a good true-to-life drama about family, friends and the power of hope.

Book Review: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Other Tales of the Jazz Age

2009-02-05T07:02:00.000-08:00

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Coyote Canyon Press Classics) (Paperback)

by F. Scott Fitzgerald

108 pages

http://www.amazon.com/Curious-Benjamin-Button-Coyote-Classics/dp/0979660777/ref=pd_bbs_sr_10?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233846117&sr=8-10

This actually contains several four of Fitzgerald's short stories and takes practically no time to read. It's refreshing to read about a by-gone era sometimes and the language is understandable which isn't always the case with classics.

The first story is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which of course was made into a motion picture and starring Brad Pitt.

The story starts out telling us about Benjamin's father, who is a prominent citizen and is waiting for the birth of his first child. When Benjamin is born, he is an old man and the hospital is more than ready to get rid of him. Things get quite comical as his father is forced to buy him a going home outfit, but can't shop in the newborn section. The story progresses with Benjamin's father insisting on treating him like a child which makes for several hilarious moments. One is of Benjamin getting along rather nicely with his grandfather while smoking cigars. Benjamin later serves in the military and goes to college. As time goes by, Benjamin begins to get younger and eventually marries a lovely and popular woman, but he tires of her rather quickly when she ages and he only gets younger. They end up parting ways and Benjamin returns to his "childhood" home. When he is very young looking, he finally gets to go to grade school. The story begins to fade as he becomes very babyish and doesn't remember things. I'll leave the actual ending for you to read as this was a very enjoyable story. I was reading this in the car while waiting to pick up my son from school and was actually laughing out loud. I read some of the funny parts to my six year old daughter who just had to giggle too.

Bernice Bobs Her Hair

Bernice is a pretty though un-popular and boring girl who is staying with her popular cousin. She goes to social events with her cousin, where young men begrudgingly dance with her. After a while, she becomes concerned and asks her cousin for help. She helps her with her clothing and advises her on appropriate conversation. Bernice begins to tease others with the thought that she just may bob her hair and would anyone like to be present at the barber shop when she does so. This goes along for a while and Bernice's cousin begins to get a bit jealous of the attention that Bernice is getting. While talking with others, the cousin says that Bernice actually has no intention of getting her hair bobbed. This pushes Bernice to either do just that or admit to not being serious about the deed. Everyone follows Bernice to the barber shop to see her get her hair bobbed. Unfortunately, the new do is unflattering, but Bernice is now committed to it. She feels it is time to go home and while her cousin apologizes for pushing her to get the bob, Bernice is not satisfied, so after packing her things, she does one last thing before leaving her cousin's house. I'll let you read the story to find out.

The Jelly-Bean

This is the story of a ne-er do well who has a lot to learn about the world.

Dalyrimple Goes Wrong

The story of a military hero who returns home to celebrations but soon realizes that the glory fades. He must find a job and make a living. He is un-satisfied with the job and turns to a life of crime for excitement. The ending is kind of a surprise as Dalyrimple's aspirations become political.

In conclusion, this was a nice short read that I recommend to pretty much anyone and there are several belly laughs to be had, which is always nice.

New Winner for Shiloh Walker's Hunting the Hunter

2009-02-04T09:28:00.001-08:00

..............is lastnerve!

Congratulations!

Please contact me at deidre_durance @ hotmail.com

Brenda Williamson Research Links

2009-02-04T08:11:00.000-08:00

I was entering the Samhellion Swag Hunt when I stumbled upon this list of research links at Brenda Williamson's site. Looks like some interesting ones. Head over and check them out at

http://www.brendawilliamson.com/research.htm

Oh, and if you want the link to the Swag Hunt, here it is...

http://www.thesamhellion.com/swag.htm

Valentine's Day Contest #1

2009-02-04T05:46:00.000-08:00

Would you like to win an autographed copy of Faery Special Romances by Jacquie Rogers? Well, of course you would. How, you ask? Simply comment on this post telling me what you hope to get for Valentine's Day. Good luck! This contest will end February 8th at 11:59 p.m. eastern time.

Gothic Asylum Reviews

Review: Thirteen Days to Midnight by Patrick Carman

Review: Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

Contest Reminder

Spring is here...

Have a good one!

Review: The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen

Future Releases I Hunger For

Interesting Article

Review: The Stillburrow Crush by Linda Kage

Gothic Doggie Clothes

Contest for Demonia Bat Wing Wallet

Contest for Alice in Wonderland Locket Necklace

Contest for Twilight, the Graphic Novel, Vol. 1

Review: Bride of the Water God, Vol. 1 by Mi-Kyung Yun

Last Minute Book Pimpage for Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Guest Post: Carla Buckley - The Power of Research

Friday Contest at Fang-tastic Books

Gothic Dream Homes

Spotlight on Author/Artist Victor Pross

Review: The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

Review: House of Reckoning by John Saul

Contests posted at Fang-tastic Books and a New Look

Last Day to Enter at All Things Urban Fantasy for Oodles of Patricia Briggs Books

Contest Posting

Free Book Friday at Fang-tastic Books

Review: Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Lolcats to laugh at

Just Found: Psych The Call of the Mild

Where else can I be found?

Enter to Win

How I feelz today

Just found: Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier

I'm joining the Speculative Fiction Reading Challenge 2010

A Website that You Need to Check Out

Coming Soon: My Review of Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

My first Reading Challenge Completed

Review: Cowboy Christmas by Carol Finch, Elizabeth Lane & Pam Crooks

Review: Better Naughty Than Nice by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jill Shalvis & Rhonda Nelson

Winner of The Magic Warble by Victoria Simcox & a $10 Amazon Gift Certificate

Christmas Ninja lolcat

Curl Up with a Book...and a Nook Contest

Guest Post By Victoria Simcox: Memories of an Austrian Christmas & Giveaway

Review: The Magic Warble by Victoria Simcox

Thanksgiving Winner

Who went shopping on Black Friday?

Don't eat too much!

Giveaway at All Things Urban Fantasy

Christmas Romance Anthology Reading Challenge

Monday Morning Musings

What Are You Thankful for Contest

Wieners ahem I mean Winners to announce

The Great Kindle Giveaway

Hot Kindle Giveaway

Check Out the Contest at Shiloh's Blog

Review: Tirissa and the Necklace of Nulidor by Willow

Happy Halloween and New Moon Winner

Win a New Moon Prize Package!

Skin Game by Ava Gray / Ann Aguirre

Coming soon: Blog Tour for Tirissa and the Necklace of Nulidor by Willow

The how do you want to win contest

The Covenant

Plug for a great site where you can win some smokin' hot ebooks.

2009 Halloween Specials on TV

Congratulations Cecile!

Win a copy of Stephanie Laurens "Edge of Desire"

Those Glorious Men of Supernatural

Got Ghosts?

Bad Blogger Award

Stolen Heat by Elisabeth Naughton

Trailer for Megan Hart's New Book Pleasure and Purpose

Seduced by a Stranger by Eve Silver Release Contest

Author Joey Hill Talks About the Romantic Times Conference

Devyn Quinn & Free Ebooks

I'm visiting another blog

Guest Author - Jade Lee & Contest

Calling all Nora Roberts Fans

Guest Author - Amanda Ashby

More Hot Topic to Love! St. Patty's Edition

Amanda Ashby's Zombie Blog Party