Interview and Giveaway: Jaye Wells

I am very excited to be joined today by the very funny and talented Jaye Wells.  Jaye's second novel, The Mage In Black, comes out April 1, 2010. 

1. For any new readers, please tell us about The Sabina Kane series.
JW: Sabina Kane is a half-mage, half-vampire assassin. Her mixed blood keeps her on the periphery of vampire life, and she's been raised to consider mages her enemies. The series focuses on what happens when a brewing war between the races forces Sabina to question her assumptions about who she is and she has choose a side. Helping her navigate this treacherous world is a hairless cat demon, a hot mage, and various friends and enemies from the fae, demon, mage, vampire and other races.

The series began with RED-HEADED STEPCHILD and continues with THE MAGE IN BLACK (out April 2010). The third book, GREEN-EYED DEMON is slated for release spring of 2011.

2. What sorts of adventures are readers in store for in the second book, The Mage In Black?
JW: Let's just say Sabina has more enemies than she bargained for and finds friends in unlikely places. Speaking of friends, Giguhl--her demon minion--gets himself involved in a Demon Fight Club in New York's Black Light District. There's also some romantic developments that might surprise some readers.

3. Sabina is a strong kick-butt heroine. What came first, the characters or the story?
JW: Sabina came to me first. I was driving down the road and all the sudden the line, "Digging graves is hell on a manicure" popped into my head. From that line I wrote a quick scene that eventually became the first chapter of the book. Sabina's sardonic, matter of fact attitude toward violence was very clear to me from the beginning. The rest came as I began to dig deeper and figure out who she was. She's a fun and frustrating character to write because she is very stubborn and broken in ways that make her decision-making questionable at times.

4. For you, what is the hardest part of the writing process? The easiest?
JW: The hardest part is getting out of my own way and letting the story happen. The easiest is dialogue. Especially when Giguhl is talking.

5. I know you enjoy reading and writing all things paranormal, but do you believe in all things paranormal? Not so much vampires, but ghosts and witches?
JW: This is a tough one for me to answer.Witches obviously really exist, although they're not the fictionalized hags or all powerful creatures of lore. Ghosts? Well, I think the bottom line is I'm skeptical but with enough superstition to not want to anger anything that might be out there. Mostly I worry that acknowledging they exist might invite some unwanted attention. That said, I have had some minor creepy crawlies that I couldn't explain.

6. OK Jaye, no more coffee or Diet Coke. Now what?
JW: Good lord, what's next? Thumb screws?!? Okay, if you're stealing my caffeine I'll be forced to subsist on wine. Do you really want the responsibility of turning me into a wino on your conscience?

7. Lastly, what is your favorite way to unwind after a hard day of writing? Any guilty pleasures?
JW: Currently, my obsessions are RuPaul's Drag Race and watching series DVDs of Deadwood and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I don't watch TV every night, but TiVo is my best friend so I indulge in a good binge every now and then.

Jaye, thanks for the great interview.  Congratulations on your books.  I can't wait to continue the adventures with Sabina. 

For more information about Jaye Wells and her books, visit her at her website.  Her books can be ordered from booksellers such as Amazon or Barnes and Noble. 

Contest Time...I have one signed copy of Red-Headed Stepchild for a lucky commenter.  To enter, please complete the form.  You can gain an extra entry by spreading the word (tweet, blog post, sidebar, ect).  Please be sure and leave some love for Jaye in the comments section (this is required for entry)!  The deadline to enter is April 9th and since the book is already in my hands, this will be open to those with US/Canadian mailing addys.  Good Luck!

OMGosh! Check This OUT!!

The INSIDE OUT website is LIVE!  There are tons of interactive features.  For example, there is a quiz.  My new occupation...A LAUNDRY SCRUB-go figure.  Plus you can also read the first three chapters of the book.  Visit the site and let me know what your new job will be!

Here is the incredible trailer for Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder.  Enjoy!

Maria V. Snyder's latest hit will be on book shelves TOMORROW.  But follow this link to order your copy from Amazon today. 

Also, you can visit Maria's author website for more infomation about the books and some maps of the Inside.  You can follow this link to read my interview with Maria!

YA review: Anxious Hearts by Tucker Shaw

Anxious Hearts by, Tucker Shaw
May 1,  2010

Eva and Gabe explore the golden forest of their seaside Maine town, unknowingly tracing the footsteps of two teens, Evangeline and Gabriel, who once lived in the idyllic wooded village of Acadia more than one hundred years ago. On the day that Evangeline and Gabriel were be wed, their village was attacked and the two were separated. And now in the present, Gabe has mysteriously disappeared from Eva.

A dreamlike, loose retelling of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous love poem “Evangeline,” Anxious Hearts tells an epic tale of unrequited love and the hope that true love can be reunited. (summary from Barnes & Noble)

My thoughts...As mentioned in the book summary, this is a retelling of the famous love poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.  It is a beautiful poem.  Tucker Shaw did a great job capturing the emotion from the poem and translating it into story form.  I could taste the fear of the villagers seeing the ships in their harbor.  I could feel the profound loss as families were separated by the invading soldiers.  The scenes were written with such amazing detail, I felt like I was there.  I also enjoyed Eva's character.  Her determination and ability to follow her heart had me rooting for her throughout the whole story. 

The cons...While there were things about this story I enjoyed, overall it just didn't do it for me.  I found it difficult to stay involved in the story.  The story shifted perspectives, told from the two main characters, Gabe and Eva.  The story also shifted time periods.  Part of Gabe's story was told as Gabe, a teen aged boy living in modern times and part was told as Gabriel, a man living in a much earlier time period.  He relives a story written in a notebook and searches for his lost love Evangeline (which is Eve?). I found the plot a bit confusing. 

For more information about Tucker Shaw and his book, visit him at his goodreads page. 
You can preorder your copy of Anxious Hearts from booksellers such as Amazon. 

This book was also reviewed by Harlequin Twilight's Book Blog.  She gave it 5 stars, so check out her review.

**I received this book from Around The World Tours.

Winner and contest discoveries...

The winners of the Harlequin Teen TShirt giveaway were selected by Random.org.  That lucky pair is...

Kat Duncombe and Jeff Young

Congrats.  Be sure to check your inbox.  If I don't hear from the winners, I will select new ones. 

Great contests...

*The Undercover Book Lover is holding a PICK YOUR PUBLISHER CONTEST and the winner gets to select their favorite group of books.  This contest is international and ends April 22nd.  Good luck!

*Author Linda Gerber(author of Death By Denim) is giving away a prize pack that includes 4 books.  You get to choose from a list of great titles.  She is looking for recommendations for her next read. 

*Jucilicious Reviews is holding a box giveaway.  2 winners will each receive a box filled with 8-9 YA titles.  This one ends April 21st, but don't wait, enter now!

Got INK? (17)

I am fascinated with the number of books lately that feature INKED covers.

Some are very artistic, others are well...over the top.

Can you think of any?  Seen any inked covers?

This is the UK version of Carpe Corpus

Book 6 in the Morganville Vampire series

In the small college town of Morganville, vampires and humans lived in (relative) peace-until all the rules got rewritten when the evil vampire Bishop arrived, looking for the lost book of vampire secrets. He's kept a death grip on the town ever since. Now an underground resistance is brewing, and in order to contain it, Bishop must go to even greater lengths. He vows to obliterate the town and all its inhabitants-the living and the undead. Claire Danvers and her friends are the only ones who stand in his way. But even if they defeat Bishop, will the vampires ever be content to go back to the old rules, after having such a taste of power?

For more infomation, visit Rachel Caine at her website. 

New Blog and a contest or two...

There's a new blog in town called Three's a Crowd. They are trying to reach 50 followers. Check her out and while you are there, enter to win a copy of Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs.

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*100 followers contest @A Romantic Heart.  You could win a New Moon DVD.  Visit her blog to find out how to enter!  She may even add some other prizes! 

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Interview: Judith Graves and launch party info!

Today we are joined by the very funny and talented Judith Graves.  This Canadian author is celebrating the release of her YA novel. 

1. Could you start by telling us about book 1, Under My Skin, from your Skinned series.
JG: Sure. Under My Skin (UMS) is all about the tough choices we have to make in life. Eryn, the main character, is forced to follow orders of an organization her father rejected. The same organization that disapproved of her father (a human hunter) marrying a wolven (a paranorm with the ability to shift from human to wolf form), a species the Council trained Eryn’s father to track and kill. Now they’re promising Eryn some answers about her missing (possibly dead) parents. All she has to do is lay low in the Redgrave. But following orders isn’t easy. Especially after Eryn gets involved with a group of teen hunters battling a paranorm invasion. Eryn is torn: Is knowing her parents’ fate worth standing idly by while paranorms destroy the town of Redgrave (and the humans in it)?

2. A strong heroine makes a great story. Please describe your heroine Eryn.
JG: Eryn is gutsy. She brazens things out and doesn’t like to admit she needs help. She’s also super conflicted on so many levels. Is she human? Is she wolven? Does she fall for the noble hunter, Alec Delacroix? Or does she get swept away by Wade Gervais (hey, that rhymes!) and all his darkness? And then there’s the whole she-might-kill-people thing. You can’t get much meatier than our Eryn. ;)

3. I leaned that you have an alter-ego who enjoys singing and writing songs. Does this talent influence your writing?
JG: Oh…you do your research. Nice. Yes, I’ve been know to folk-rock out with indie bands, host a few open mics, busk on street corners. Music/lyrics/poetry have always been my version of therapy. My father taught me and my brother to play guitar when we were little. I’m forever grateful. Without the music, the words wouldn’t have followed.

I listen to tunes while I write and can spend way too much time searching iTunes for just the right song to evoke a specific emotion I’m trying to tap into (I can also surf through $50 bucks in no time).

I have a hearty dislike of country music. I wrote a bluegrassy spoof, Told Ya So, to celebrate my hatred. Here’s a verse for your amusement (or mine):

Our love was a hick song from the start
’Cause you blew into town and blew up my heart
You made me yours by that big Elm tree
Braved Daddy’s gun and ya married me.

I’ve posted a few songs I recorded with various bands on my website if you’re feeling brave: http://www.judithgraves.com/

4. Is it true what they say about librarians?
JG: OMG! What do they say? Is it sexy? LOL…. Here’s what I know about librarians:

1. I’m technically not one. I’m a Library Technician (2 years of college vs. 4 years of university and a Masters in Library Science). But library techs ROCK!

2. We do wear hair buns. But they’re those messy buns and they’re sexy, and you wear them too! (I’ve also been known to hold my hair up with a pencil.)

3. We’re not quiet or meek or mild. I used to carpool to work with another library tech….on her motorcycle. I got my first tattoo (along with two other library tech friends) on a dare. And don’t you dare try to “shush” us—only we can do that. ;)

4. How many books are you anticipating in your Skinned series? Are you currently working on any other projects you would like to share with us?
JG: Skinned is made up of Under My Skin, Second Skin, and Skin of My Teeth. I have a fairly dramatic ending planned and feel the story will be complete. But never say never, right? I’m working on another paranormal series with my writing buddy and fellow Leap Books author, Kitty Keswick, which has an amazing cast of characters—all of them cross over between books. It’s a nightmare to plot, but we’re having fun. Kitty’s first novel, Freaksville, is a must read. It was released in January—an awesome werewolf tale. On a different note (that’s a musical pun, get it?) I also have an edgy contemporary to finish, Losing It. This is a story about a girl who is obsessed with losing her virginity—she’s on a mission and has a list of potential devirginizers to evaluate. Unfortunately she falls for a guy who’s not on the list and is just out of rehab. The kicker? He’s taken a sixth month vow of celibacy.

5. I read that you love all things paranormal. But, do you believe in all things paranormal?
JG: I do love the unexplained, the gothic, the paranormal. I far prefer to speculate on the existence of vampires, werewolves, witches, windigos, demons, etc.—creatures of our folklore, our imaginations, than to face the very real, horrific, HUMAN monsters who live among us.

6. Lastly, how do you like to unwind after a long night of writing? Any guilty pleasures?
JG: I love buying TV shows on DVD and watching two episodes at a time. That’s how I discovered Supernatural, True Blood, Buffy, Angel, etc. And don’t take me to a karaoke bar unless you plan to stay a while.

JG: Thanks for having me, Elie!

Judith, thank you for the interview and congratulations on your book!

For more information about the funny Judith Graves, visit her at her website or at LEAP books.

Under My Skin hits shelves March 27!  Follow this link to order your copy.  **The official launch party will take place on March 27 on The Wolfy Chicks Blog.  See you there!

In the meantime, enjoy the trailer...

Bottoms Up Feature: Tori from Book Faery

I am hosting my first reading challenge this year. The Bottoms Up 2010 Reading Challenge requires you to read off the bottom of your TBR pile. You can still sign up, follow the link for more information.

I wanted to take the chance to feature the people who have signed up for the challenge. Each week, watch for a new mini-interview from a different participant. Be sure to stop by their blog and cheer them on!1. Please tell us a bit about yourself.

This week's feature is about Tori from Book Faery.  Stop by and check out some of her paranormal reviews.  She recently got to meet Maggie Stiefvater.  I am so jealous!

Please tell us a little about yourself.
T:  I'm a college student who commutes to Manhattan every other day for classes. I go to a business school even though I'm an English major (because I thought the school I transferred to looked nicer than the liberal arts school I should have gone to LOL). I'm 21, and I think I've spent way too much money buying books that I haven't even read yet.

I have a puppy that's less than a year old, and we call him crotch biter (for obvious reasons heh). He's a total brat and I think I spoiled him way too much when he was a baby.

My dream is to become a published author someday. The only real challenge I have as of right now is actually...you know... getting myself to sit down and write a book. It'll happen eventually, I hope.

2. Please tell us about your blog
T:  I started [Book Faery] literally one month ago. It's primarily a book review blog. I also will start doing author interviews (my first one should actually be posted within the next couple of days!) and featured blogger interviews once BF's a little more established. There's a couple of meme's I do weekly, and I post when an author's stopping by around my area so that if there are other NY readers they won't miss out. Aside from that, the only other thing I do is host giveaways. The first one I'm doing is just about to end, and I'm giving away the Georgina Kincaid series right before Richelle Mead's 5th book comes out on March 30th.

3. What kind of books to you like to read?
T:  Anything that has paranormal aspects to it! I absolutely love werewolves and vampires and that whole "undead" crowd hehe.

4. OK, time to come clean. How many books are in your TBR pile?
T: I just came back from counting and had about 20 fall on me in the process... 47. And I just ordered like 10 more the other day LOL

5. What is your reading goal for the Bottoms Up challenge?
T: There's plenty of books that I want to re-read, along with the books that just came out that I want to read. So one or two books from the bottom of my TBR pile is perfect for me. That's already a lot of reading considering all the books I have to read for my English classes too haha.

Great plan.  It is nice to mix some of your won picks with your English homework.  Happy Reading!

*YA review: Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater

Nuala is part muse, part psychic vampire. While the freedom to sing or write or create is denied her, her mark across history is unmistakable: a trail of brilliant poets, musicians, and artists who have died tragically young. She has no sympathy for their abbreviated life spans; every thirteen Halloweens she burns in a bonfire and rises from her ashes with no memories of what has come before other than the knowledge of how her end will come.
James is the best bagpiper in the state of Virginia—maybe in the country—plus he's young and good-looking: just Nuala's thing. But James, supremely confident in his own abilities and in love with another girl, becomes the first to ever reject Nuala's offer. He's preoccupied with bigger things than Nuala: an enigmatic horned figure who appears at dusk and the downward spiral of Dee, his girlfriend-who-isn't.

It becomes obvious to James that Nuala's presence, the horned king of the dead, and Dee's slow self-destruction are all related, and that Dee is the center of a deadly faerie game. While James struggles to unwind the tangled threads of the story, Nuala shadows him, seeing her conflicted, dual nature reflected back at her in him. She finds herself lending him inspiration for nothing. Not quite for nothing—for the hope of requited affection. But even as James begins to realize his feelings for both Dee and Nuala have changed, the thirteenth Halloween descends, with its bonfires and rituals for the dead, one deadly to Nuala and the other to Dee. James can only save one.  (summary from author's site)

My thoughts...Ballad is the second book in this series and let me start by saying...read Lament first.  The plot, the characters, the history of the story will make more sense if you do.  I jumped right into this after finishing Lament and I was once again blow away by the incredible writing of Maggie Stiefvater.  She incorporates the perfect amounts of poetry, conversation, mood, and emotion into the story to draw readers into her magical world. 

This book picks up several weeks after Lament ends.  James and Dee are attending music school, living on the same campus, but separate lives.  This story will please anyone who was a fan of James in the first book.  This is his story.   Readers hear very little from Dee, except from the occasional text message.  We do meet a new character, a lower-level faerie named Nuala.  It took me a while to warm up to her, but once I did, she became one of my favorites.  We also meet several other new characters such as a quirky English teacher, and Paul, who ends up rooming with James. 

Like the first book, Ballad moves along at a perfect pace.  This was one of those books that traveled around my house, because I did not want to put it down.  James drew some attention, both good and bad, from the faeries for his musical ability.  I don't want to give anything away, but readers should expect to experience heartbreak, fear, love, and friendship.  I am hoping the story of these characters will continue for a long time.  Stiefvater leaves us in a magical place that is full of possibilities.  The ending of the story was satisfying, but left several unanswered questions.  I look forward to the next installment in the Books of the Faerie series. 

For more information about Maggie Stiefvater and her books, visit her at her website or livejournal. 
If you have not experienced this magical world you must!  Follow these links to order from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.  Remember, this is book 2, start with book 1, Lament. 

**This book was provided by the author for my review.

WoW: Dead In The Family by Charlaine Harris

2010 is going to be an incredible year for book lovers.

I am a HUGE fan of this series.  Like MEGA FAN, so it feels like it has been 100 years since the last release.  I CAN'T WAIT ANY LONGER!

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill from Breaking the Spine.

Dead In The Family

by Charlaine Harris

May, 2010

After enduring torture and the loss of loved ones during the brief but deadly Faery War, Sookie Stackhouse is hurt and she's angry. Just about the only bright spot in her life is the love she thinks she feels for vampire Eric Northman. But he's under scrutiny by the new Vampire King because of their relationship. And as the political implications of the Shifters coming out are beginning to be felt, Sookie's connection to the Shreveport pack draws her into the debate. Worst of all, though the door to Faery has been closed, there are still some Fae on the human side-and one of them is angry at Sookie. Very, very angry...

Click here to read chapter one of Dead In The Family.

For more information, visit Charlaine Harris's blog.

Follow this link to preorder from Amazon.

Another Remake Contest

Cindy at Princess Bookie is hosting another Cover Remake Contest.  I love playing around with the photoshop programs so I thought I would try to redo Sea by Heidi R. Kling.  I adore the original cover...

 

Here is my take...

(the image is from deviantart.com)

So what do you think?

Interview: Carolyn Crane

I am so excited to be able to introduce you to debut author Carolyn Crane.  Her novel, MIND GAMES, hits shelves today!  That's right.  Today is her RELEASE DAY and she is here with us!  I loved this book, be sure to read my review and follow the links after the interview to order your own copy!

1. Please tell us about your debut novel Mind Games.
CC: First, Elie, thanks so much for having me! Especially on my release day—it means a lot. Okay, MIND GAMES is the first book of an urban fantasy trilogy—it’s one of those Urban Fantasy tales with a strong romance at the center. The action takes place in a fantastical Midwestern city that is a mix of Chicago and Milwaukee, but not like either of them. The storyline follows the adventures of Justine Jones, a hypochondriac heroine who joins a psychological hit squad and enters a world of mystery, moral dilemma, and forbidden love.

2. I love a strong heroine, how would you describe Justine Jones?
CC: As a crime fighter, Justine is a lot more like Monk than Anita Blake. She fights with her mind, and relies mostly on her wits, her emotions and her sense of right and wrong. So, she’s sort of strong in a different way. She has a lot to overcome, too. I think people with the odds stacked against them are some of the strongest people, even if they only just manage to get through the day.

3. Book 2 (Double Cross) comes out in September of 2010. What are your plans for the Disillusionist series beyond that? Are you working on any other projects?
CC: I’m working on book #3 right now and that’s the end. Sometimes I think about spinning books off from it - maybe one about this character Simon. (My critique partner’s idea!) but I have other projects, too. I have a paranormal romance started, and an idea for a cozy mystery series.

4, How do you keep track of world building?
CC: I have this little notebook for each book where I write stuff like that down. It’s like the brain of each book, and I am paranoid about taking it anywhere. My world building isn’t that complex. Though one interesting thing is that, in a lot of reviews, people got this one small detail wrong about how the powers work, but I realized I never really specified it, and I liked everybody else’s idea better, so I changed it. It becomes important later. You know something amusing I heard the other day is that Jim Butcher sometimes looks on fan wiki’s to remind himself of details.

5. Your character Justine in a hypochondriac. Did you have to do much research on that subject?
CC: Not at all, because I used to be a terrible hypochondriac, so I sort of know all about it, though I had a different set of fears from Justine, and I would never go to the doctor the way she did—I’d just sit around and worry a lot. An old friend of mine was the kind who would go to the ER. One really convenient thing about hypochondria is that it tends to be about fear and imagination, so you don’t have to do too much research to simulate how a character like that would think.

6. Given the choice, which type of paranormal being would you want to be?
CC: Oh, good question. Definitely a shifter bird. I think a shifter seagull might be nice. Or a hawk. Though, I wouldn’t be too excited about eating mice.

7. A man in a long trench coat approaches you on the street. He whips open his jacket and you see...VIALS! He is selling magic potions for health, love, beauty, wealth, anything you desire. Which kind of potion do you purchase?
CC: LOL! This is like one of those trick genie questions, Elie!! And then you pick wealth and find out you are trapped in a space capsule. Okay, can I have happiness? Doesn’t that sort of trump the others? I’ll take happiness! Also might like a clean home, too.

8. Lastly, what is your favorite thing to do in your spare time? Any hobbies?
CC: I really like to read - does that count as a hobby? I used to make jewelry and barrettes, but I don’t have time for that anymore, though I have an idea for a necklace to make out of HELP keys off trashed keyboards of mine that I’ve been collecting. I also like jogging.

Great interview Carolyn, congratulations on your new release, it is awesome.  I can't wait to read Double Cross in September.  Thank you for taking the time out to interview with me. 

For more information about Carolyn Crane, visit her at her website or her blog, The Thrillionth Page. 
**Mind Games is on sale TODAY!!  Follow these links to order a copy from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Melting Pot Monday

Arson
by Estevan Vega
May, 2010

Arson Gable feels like a freak. He can create fire. He never asked for it. He never wanted it. But he can’t shut it off. Before now, three things were true: he both loved and despised his grandmother; his life was going nowhere; and he was alone. But when a strange girl—who feels more normal behind a mask than inside her own skin—moves in next door, Arson hopes to find something he’s never had: purpose. Using what he fears most about himself, Arson must face his consuming past and confront the nightmare that is his present as he walks the fine line between boy and monster. Dark, moody, and breathtakingly relevant, Arson, the chilling chronicle of an isolated boy with unimaginable ability, is sure to ignite the hearts and minds of a new generation.

For more information, visit Estevan Vega at his website. 
Although this title does not officially release until May, I found it for purchase at Tate Publishing. 
You can read a review of Arson at Reading Rocks. 

**This cover is super creepy.  From the review I read, it seems like this is a really frightening story.  I know several of you like to be scared.

YA review: Lament by Maggie Stiefvater

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

Read an excerpt from Lament.
 
My thoughts...I have been drawn in, twisted around, and wrapped up in the magic of Maggie Stiefvater's writing.  I do not have much experience with books of the Fae, but this one could be described as wonderful.  The plot of the story held a typical situation: girl crushes on the wrong guy.  The magic here is in the writing.  It is eloquent, romantic, poetic, and holds a magic that captured me.  One thing I noticed were the use of all of the senses, it used full imagery.  The story took me through a range of emotions that I was not expecting.  Parts of the story were scary and made me glance around my room into the dark corners.  The book was much more than a typical tale about faeries.
 
I enjoyed the characters in Lament.  I found the heroine Deirdre very likable and easy to relate to.  She made some reckless decisions, which I think would be typical of someone in her situation.  And of course, she fell for the bad boy, don't we all have a soft spot for that type of character.  Speaking of which, Luke was full of mystery and secrets.  I had a hard time trusting him and constantly wondered about his ulterier motives.  My favorite characters were the faeries.  While they were described as beautiful, graceful, and mesmerizing, their evil lurked just beyond the surface.  For me, Faeries are the creepiest type of paranormal creatures.  The ones in this story were no exception. 
 
Overall, I really enjoyed this book.  It would be a great read for YA fans of all ages.  I am jumping right into Ballad, the second book in the Books of Faerie series. 
 
For more information about Maggie and her books, visit her on her website or on livejournal.  Don't have a copy?  You can purchase one from booksellers such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble. 

Blog Hop and Contest Discovery

Have you participated in the Book Blog Hop yet.  It is hosted by Crazy-For-Books.  This is a great way to find some great new blogs and even introduce your blog to other book enthusiasts. 

See you there!

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In case you haven't hear, I HEART MONSTER is having an incredible month long MONSTER BIRTHDAY PARTY.  The party favors are incredible.  Here are some of my favorites...

The First in The Series Six Pack Giveaway... including The Faerie Path, The Summoning, Beautiful Americans and more.

You could win a piece of jewerly from LuShae jewerly.  They have tons of pieces to choose from.

A Michelle Zink pack including Prophecy of the Sisters and Guardian of the Gate.

This is only a few of the giveaways.  There has been one for each day in March, plus there's more to come.  Please mention that I sent you.  Good Luck!

Bottoms Up Feature: Natasha

I am hosting my first reading challenge this year. The Bottoms Up 2010 Reading Challenge requires you to read off the bottom of your TBR pile. You can still sign up, follow the link for more information.

I wanted to take the chance to feature the people who have signed up for the challenge. Each week, watch for a new mini-interview from a different participant. Be sure to stop by their blog and cheer them on!

This week will feature Natasha from My Disorganized Ramblings.  This is a VERY NEW BLOG, please drop in a check out her site.  She is reviewing some great books!

1. Please tell us a bit about yourself.
N: I am wondering if I should make something up, because really? I am very boring! I am married (almost 5 years!! Where did the time go??) and mommy to two fur babies (Dot my girl and Dash my boy). I work full time in a college library as a library clerk, and I occasionally do part time courses, so that I can earn my Library Technicians Diploma. I have grandiose plans of becoming a Librarian, but that involves getting my Bachelors and then a Masters *sigh*

2. Please tell us about your blog. (if you are a blogger, if not, please tell us about your favorite place to read)
N: My blog... Again, I am wondering if I should make something up?? It is fairly new (I just amalgamated 3 of my blogs into one the other day). I take about anything from what is going on in my day-to-day life, my meal plans for the week, amazing recipes I have tried, and I am just starting to post about books that I have read!  Visit My Disorganized Ramblings

And my favourite place to read? Well, lets just say that the bathroom is REALLY quiet :D

3. What kind of books to you like to read?
N: I would love to say EVERYTHING, but that would be a lie. I stick mainly to romance, although I have started devouring some YA. Some of my favourite authors are: Laurell K. Hamilton, J.D. Robb, Jeaniene Frost, Kim Harrison, Julie James, J.K. Rowling.....and the list could fill your blog!

4. OK, time to come clean. How many books are in your TBR pile?
N: Nope, can't do it! I actually refuse to count! If I had to guess? I would say about 40 books sitting in a basket beside the couch and *scratches chin* about 100 ebooks sitting on my computer.

5. What is your reading goal for the Bottoms Up challenge?
N: I would ideally like to read 5 from the bottom books a month. BUT to be realistic, I am going to make it 3 a month. I will also stipulate that for me a Bottoms Up book, must be published 6 months prior to the date I finally read it. Most of my books are new, and I could see running out of older ones!

Those E-Books are dangerous because you can't actually see them.  They tend to lurk in the shadows.  Thanks for joining the challenge, Natasha.  Happy Reading.

Cover LOVE?

Here is another tenner cover.  This one comes from Guadalupe Garcia McCall for her Fall 2010 release of Under The Mesquite.  Look closely at the poetry written in the background.  This is the TENTATIVE cover. 

Under The Mesquite

Lee and Low Books Fall 2010

When Lupita sees Mami crying over a pesky mesquite growing in her rose garden, she knows something is wrong. Through the kitchen window, she overhears that Mami has cancer. After an operation, things seem to return to normal for Lupita and her family, and they go on with their lives, going back and forth between attending school, working, and living in the United States and visiting family and friends in Mexico. However, when Mami's cancer returns, Papi doesn't know whether he should accompany Mami during her long convalescence at an out of town cancer clinic or stay home to care for Lupita and her seven brothers and sisters. Suddenly, being a high school student, dealing with difficult friends, starring in the school play, even writing, become less important to Luptia than doing whatever it takes to save Mami's life.

For more information, visit the author on her livejournal. 

What do you think?  Are you in Cover LOVE?

Book Bloggers and Publishers Online Conference

A while back, I heard about the Book Bloggers & Publishers Online Conference hosted by Romance In The Back Seat.  This 3 day event will have panels that will discuss information to help you improve your blog.  Here is a quick video to give you more information...

Not only will members of the blogging community and authors be there, but also publishers such as Penguin, Simon &Schuster, The Eternal Press, The Wild Rose Press, and more!  The panels will be recorded, so if you are busy this weekend,  you can go back and listen to them next week. 

Here are a few panels I think sound interesting...

*Review Information - What Publishers Want
Hear what publishers look for when they search your site. What questions do they want answered in a review policy? Find out from them.

*What Bloggers/Reviewers Want
Let's face it, blogging is a time consuming labor of love. What can the Publishers do to make our lives easier? Here is your chance to let them know what YOU think needs improvement.

*The Legal Side of Blogging
See what a lawyer has to say about the new FTC regulations and what they mean to bloggers/reviewers. What are we required to list on our blogs and what is just good practice.

For more information, to view all the panels or to register, visit the official conference website. 

The events start tomorrow, so register today!

YA review: Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris-- the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.
Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts fiercely alongside her. Now Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves and finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax-- but loving him means betraying her sister and has the potential to destroy all they've worked for. (simmary from Amazon)

My thoughts...I have gotten in the habit lately of NOT reading the book summary for fear of spoilers.  So I went into this knowing the cover is brilliant and the author is bubbling with personality, a bit risky I know.  The prologue, which quickly reveals this is a sort of Little Red Riding Hood tale, instantly sets me on the edge of my seat, chewing on my lip.  It is scary, edgy and intense-and that's just the prologue. 

The actual story starts years later, when the March sisters, Scarlett and Rosie live in a small cottage where they live as hunters.  They search for and destroy the creatures that destroyed their former lives and their innocence.  We also meet Silas, the young woodsman who lives up the road.  His fate has let him on a similar path, although it is clear early on he does not embrace his fate like Scarlett March does.  I felt that all of the characters were brilliantly written.  I could sympathize with each of the March sisters and their unique situations. 

I have to admit once I discovered this was a fairy tale remake, I was a bit concerned.  Fortunately, there was no reason for concern.  Sisters Red takes some of the themes from Little Red and uses them to create a very exciting paranormal tale.  The story is full of suspense, the kind where you want to warn the characters to "turn around" or "don't talk to them".  Aside from the action, this blooms into a love story, a bittersweet one.  I found myself torn between heart and head, wanting peace for all the characters involved.  I did find the twist a bit predictable, but this just allowed me to enjoy the details of the story more.  It actually built my anticipation, waiting to see how things would unfold. 

Overall, this is a wonderful book for fans of YA of any age.  I did not notice an abundance of foul language or sexual situations (just some mild kissing).  The book is rated ages 15 and up, I imagine due to the violence.  Some of the scenes are pretty grizzly.  For my first fairy tale retelling, this one set the bar pretty high!

Cover LOVE?  Just now, I realize the wolf's face in the picture.  All I noticed before was the two sisters.  Brilliant.  This is one of my favorite covers. 

For more information about Jackson Pearce and her books, visit her on her website. 
Sisters Red will not be available until June 7, 2010, but you can preoreder your copy from Amazon. 

*I received this arc through Around The World Tours.

WoW: Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder

2010 is going to be an incredible year for book lovers.

This sounds like a great story, I am so excited to read it!

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill from Breaking the Spine.

INSIDE OUT

Pub date: April 2010, Harlequin Teen  

Keep Your Head Down. Don't Get Noticed. Or Else.

I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. One of thousands who work in the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. The Trava family who rules our world from their spacious Upper levels wants us to be docile and obedient, like sheep. To insure we behave, they send the Pop Cops to police us.

So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? Not like it's all that dangerous--the only neck at risk is my own.

Until a lower level prophet claims a Gateway to Outside exists. And guess who he wants to steal into the Upper levels to get the proof? You’re right. Me. I alone know every single duct, pipe, corridor, shortcut, hole and ladder of Inside. It’s suicide plain and simple. But guess who can’t let a challenge like that go unanswered? Right again. Me.

I should have just said no...

Read an Excerpt from INSIDE OUT.

Follow this link to read my interview with Maria.  The official website goes LIVE on March 30.

The Trapped in a Restaurant meme game

1. In MIND GAMES, hypochondriac heroine Justine Jones can’t figure out why tortured mastermind Sterling Packard never sets foot outside the Mongolian Delites restaurant. What if you were somehow trapped in a restaurant, what sort of restaurant would you prefer? 

I have to say a Mongolian place like Sterling.  I love Kabobs! (mmm)

2. What if you won the fancy $100 dinner to a restaurant of your choice, and you could dine with any character from any book, movie, or history. Who would you choose?

Albus Dumbledore

3. Choose three characters to dine with for a lively dinner party (you can define lively however you want).

Sandra Bullock

Damon from The Vampire Diaries

Jim Morrison

(why?  they were the first ones that came to mind)

Visit the blog of Carolyn Crane to create your own Trapped post. 
Follow this link to read my review of MIND GAMES.

YA Interview: Kimberly Derting

Please help me welcome debut author Kimberly Derting,  Today is the official lauch day!  Congrats Kimberly!

1. Please tell us about your debut novel, The Body Finder.
KD: I recently saw this description on a review, and really liked it:

Violet Ambrose is like any other sixteen-year-old girl. She's not a morning person, she sometimes feels uncomfortable in her own skin, and she has a crush on a boy. But she also has an unusual and morbid gift--she senses the auras of murder victims, animal or human. At the beginning of her junior year, her small Washington town is plagued by a serial killer who is targeting young girls. About this time, Violet discovers new, uncomfortable romantic feelings for her long-time best friend, Jay. As Violet finds herself consumed in the mystery of the killings, her relationship with Jay becomes more important than ever. Can Violet win Jay's heart? Will the missing girls be found? And will the killer target Violet next?

Pretty good, huh?

2. How would you best describe your heroine Violet?
KD: With the exception of the whole body-finding thing, I think Violet could be described as a pretty normal teenager. I hope readers will see her as a vulnerable and relatable character. What she IS NOT is a kick-butt (in-your-face) type of girl.

Oh, yeah, and neither am I!

3. The trailer for The Body Finder looks very intense. Would you describe your novel as scary?
KD: Ha! I love the words INTENSE and SCARY when hearing someone describe The Body Finder and the trailer! When my oldest daughter first read it, she didn’t want to go downstairs to get a glass of water…so yeah, it’s a little scary. But there’s a sweet romance too!

4. Once upon a time, you were a biology major. Did you use any of this knowledge in writing your book? Did you have to do much research?
KD: I didn’t use anything from my biology classes, but I did call on some great friends of mine who are experts on all things police, fire, and rescue. They were SO helpful, and extremely patient with my silly questions. I would tell them thank you here but I’m not sure either of them knows what a blog is. J

5. Are you currently working on any other projects? A sequel perhaps?
KD: The sequel to The Body Finder is called Desires of the Dead and comes out in 2011! I also have a few other things I’m working on but I’m crazy-superstitious (heavy on the crazy) so I can’t talk about them yet. You wouldn’t be trying to jinx me, would you??? J

6. DING, DING...You just won dinner with any fictional character from literature or film, past or present. Who will you be dining with?
KD: Yay, I never win anything! Let’s see, I love to laugh so I will have to go with Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf because how could dinner with him NOT be a riot??? Plus he really likes sugar, so we already have a lot in common!

7. Lastly, what is your favorite way to relax after a hard day of writing?
KD: Actually, writing is my favorite way to relax after a hard day…does that say something sick about me, that I like to work to unwind???

Thank you for taking the time to interview with us.  Congrats on your book, we will be watching for Desires of the Dead. 

For more information about Kimberly and her books, visit her at her website. 
Don't have a copy of The Body Finder yet, you can order it from popular booksellers such as Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Cover LOVE?

In case you haven't seen this cover...

Torment, September 2010

Looks like this is going to be a beautiful set to keep on the bookshelf. 

The cover is beautiful. 

For more information about Lauren Kate, visit her website or on her Fiercebook page.  Torment is already available for preorder.  Follow this link to preorder it from Amazon!

Which cover do you like better?

Melting PAN Monday-Special Giveaway!!

This is an unusual Melting-Pot-Monday post because I have an EXTRA SPECIAL GIVEAWAY for you. 

So the other day I was perched on my bar stool, searching on the web for a good recipe for dinner. I stumbled onto this yummy Rachel Ray lasagna recipe.  Here is the recipe for Rachel Ray's Mile-High Lasagna...

INGREDIENTS
•2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
•1 large onion, grated
•1 pound ground sirloin
•2 to 3 cloves garlic, grated
•2 cups beef stock
•1 can San Marzano tomatoes (28 ounces)
•1 can crushed tomatoes (15 ounces)
•3 to 4 basil leaves, torn
•Salt and freshly ground black pepper
•4 tablespoons butter
•4 tablespoons flour
•1 quart milk
•A few grates fresh nutmeg
•2 boxes oven-ready lasagna noodles (use 1 box per loaf pan)
•2 cups grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, divided
•1/2 cup provolone cheese, grated
•Parsley, chopped, for garnish

PreparationPreheat oven to 375ºF.

Place a large skillet over medium-low heat with 2 turns of the pan of EVOO, about 2 tablespoons. Cook the onion and the garlic, stirring frequently, until tender, about 10 minutes.

Turn the heat under the skillet up to medium-high and add the beef to the pan. Cook it through, stirring frequently and breaking the meat up with a wooden spoon or potato masher. Add the beef stock, tomatoes and basil to the pot and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mash the tomatoes up with the potato masher or wooden spoon, bring the sauce up to a bubble, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.

While the red sauce is simmering, place a medium-size pot over medium heat and melt the butter. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and cook the mixture for about 1 minute. Whisk the milk slowly into the butter-flour mixture and cook until thickened. Season the white sauce with salt, freshly ground pepper and the nutmeg.

Cover two loaf pans with a layer of foil for easy removal from the pan. Ladle about 1 cup of the red sauce into the bottom of the first lined loaf pan. Put down a layer of lasagna noodles, then top them with about a cup of white sauce and a handful of Parmigiano Reggiano (about 1/4 cup). Continue building the lasagna, alternating layers of noodle, red sauce, noodle, white sauce and cheese, until all the noodles are covered. End the lasagna on a layer of red sauce and top it off with the grated provolone and some Parmigiano-Reggiano. Repeat this process with the other loaf pan and the remaining sauce.

Cover the pans with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Remove the pans from the oven and let cool for 15-20 minutes to let the lasagna set. Pull the lasagna out of the pans by the edges of the foil, pull the foil down from around the lasagna and cut with a serrated knife. Garnish each slice with fresh parsley.
(from the website of Rachel Ray)

So now to the giveaway part...

Thanks to CSN stores, one of you will have to chance to win a special Rachel Ray Lasagna Pan to try out this yummy recipe. 

Before I get to the entry details, let me tell you a bit about CSN. They are an online retailer based in Boston that started out in 2002 as two employees and one online shop. They have now become one of the top 3 online US reatilers of home and office goods with over 400 employees and 200 online stores. They sell cookware, toys, furniture, pet supplies, the list goes on and on.

 
TO ENTER: If you would like to win the Rachel Ray Bubble and Brown Lasagna Pan, visit CSN and leave a comment on this post telling me an item that caught your eye.  Don't cook, I know you can think of someone who does...think Mother's Day, birthday present for your favorite cook.  This would make a perfect gift for you or someone you know!  Good Luck!  The giveaway will close on March 31! Open to readers with US or Canadian mailing addresses. 

YA review: Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

Rules of Attraction:
The sequel to Perfect Chemistry!
April 13, 2010

When Carlos Fuentes returns to America after living in Mexico for a year, he doesn’t want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him at a high school in Colorado . Carlos likes living his life on the edge and wants to carve his own path—just like Alex did. Then he meets Kiara Westford. She doesn’t talk much and is completely intimidated by Carlos’ wild ways. As they get to know one another, Carlos assumes Kiara thinks she’s too good for him, and refuses to admit that she might be getting to him. But he soon realizes that being himself is exactly what Kiara needs right now.

My thoughts...Let me start by saying I did not read the first book in the series, Perfect Chemistry.  I am sure it would have given me better expectations of the second book, but it was not necessary.   These novels can stand alone.  Simone Elkeles knows how to write the ultimate bad boy.  Carlos finds himself struggling to get out of gang life and out of his bad boy ways.  While he is tough and packed full of attitude, readers periodically catch glimpses of his softer side, which makes him so likable.  The other character we get perspectives from is Kiara, who is the total opposite of Carlos.  While she is not your average girly girl, she is definitely a good daughter.  The two of them have one of those against all odds relationships. 

The plot of Rules of Attraction moved at a quick, enjoyable pace.  This book offers something for everyone, even male readers.  The chapters alternate point-of-view between Carlos and Kiara.  The story takes us into a journey into the life of someone who is trying to avoid gang life.  At times, I felt truly afraid for Carlos due to the danger he and his loved ones were facing.  Aside from the dangerous side, this is also a love story, a sort of modern Romeo and Juliet tale.  Rules of Attraction is a beautifully written tale sure to enjoyed be a variety of readers. 

Lastly, I feel like I should mention that the book is for older YA readers.  These characters experience some extreme situations.  As a result, there is quite a bit of adult language, drug abuse, and some violence. Readers will also read several sexual situations. They are not very graphic, but I would not recommend it for younger readers. 

For more information about Simone Elkeles or her novels, visit her website or the official Perfect Chemistry page. 

Laws of Attraction can be preordered from popular booksellers such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble. 

*I received this arc for review through Around The World tours. 

Go Vote in ROUND 2!

YIPPEE! YIPPEE! My Forget-Her-Nots cover made it to round two!  Visit Princess Bookie to cast your vote in round two. 

Only the first 75 votes will count.

Also did you hear about this great contest?

Eleni from La Femme Readers joined up with one of her affiliates to hold a huge giveaway.  Eleni says "Me and my affiliate Kari from A Good Addiction have teamed up to thank our fantastic followers with a contest we've all yearned for, begged for and dreamed about".  The prizes are great, stop by one of their blogs to enter. 

In My Mailbox (20)

So last week my mailbox was nearly empty.  I made up for it this week with some purchases, review books and prizes.  I have a new mail carrier who smiles sweetly at me now, I give it a few weeks and I bet I will be met with a scowl.  It's inevitable.

Bought...

Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison

My Soul To Save by Rachel Vincent

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

For review from Around the World Tours...

The Karma Club by Jessica Brody (my review)

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearse

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles (not pictured)

Won... (Thank You!!)

Cry Wolf and Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs from All Things Urban Fantasy

Battle of The Network Zombies and Road Trip of the Living Dead

 by Mark Henry from Un:Bound

Crazy School by Cornelia Read from

*IMM is hosted by The Story Siren who was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.

Have you read any of these wonderful books?

YA review: The Karma Club by Jessica Brody

Madison Kasparkova always thought she understood how Karma works. Do good things and you'll be rewarded, do something bad and Karma will make sure you get what you deserve. But when Maddy’s boyfriend cheats on her, nothing bad comes his way. That’s why Maddy starts the Karma Club, to clean up the messes that the universe has left behind. Sometimes, though, it isn’t wise to meddle with the universe. It turns out Karma often has plans of its own.


Click here to read an excerpt from The Karma Club.

My thoughts...Mostly of us, with the exception of a very fortunate few,  have been through a bad breakup.  Frequently, the break-up is due to someone not being faithful, honest, or having respect for their significant other.  So it is very easy to sympathize with the girls in the book, particularly Maddy, when they go after the source of their grief.  The plot of this story was cute, predictable, but enjoyable.  There is a hint of a blossoming romance, plenty of stuck-up girls, and heartbreak to satisfy fans of YA novels.  For me, the best part of this story was the moral.  I know, I know, "the moral", but it really sent a good message to readers.

I would recommend this book to younger YA readers.  The recommendation on the book states ages 12 and up.  The book is very age appropriate, so parents of young readers don't have to worry about bad language, sex scenes, or drug abuse (just a bit of smooching).  It was a very quick read, I read it in less than 24 hours.  This was however, not one of my favorite YA reads.  The actions of the characters, while understandable, seemed a bit harsh.  However, I did notice quite a bit a character growth by the end of the story. 

There was a line from the story that stayed with me...
"I think most people want to do the right thing, they're just not presented with enough opportunities to do so."

For more information about Jessica Brody and her books,
visit her website. 
The Karma Club does not come out until April 27, 2010, but you can preorder your copy from popular booksellers such as Amazon. 

Here is the book trailer, enjoy!

*This book was provided by Around The World Tours. 

Got INK? (16) SPECIAL EDITION

So I was visiting some new blogs recently when I stumbled on a unique post on a blog called 25 Hour Books.  The weekly post is called Tattoo Tuesday and she features literary tattoos.  Readers can submit pictures of their tats and she showcases them. 

Tara gave me permission to share a few of the pictures.  Follow the links to read the full story behind their inspirations.
 Here are a few of my favorites...

Inspired by Where The Wild Things Are

Inspired after reading Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

This is just a sampling of the literary tattoos that are featured.  Visit 25 Hour Books and click the Tattoo Tuesday link to see all the posts. 

Special thanks to Tara for allowing me to share and to KMont of Lurv a La Mode for creating the Got INK? button.