one book: May 2011

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Interview & Guest Post - Jamie Magee

Some of us book pages have come together to celebrate the release of Embody, the sequel of Insight, by the one, the only, Jamie Magee. Part of the celebration Jamie has been kind enough to take time out to do an interview with all of us. And on with the show!

Hi Jamie! Welcome to the mad house of book pages! Thank you for taking time out of you busy life to answer some (or a lot) of our questions.

Hi everyone! This is absolutely amazing. I cannot wait to answer each of these questions. I’ve always loved how FB brings together not only friends and family, but leads us to new found friends that we would have never known otherwise!

Best Books: How did you get the idea for Insight?

I honestly feel like Insight found me. I had a craving for a unique love story that held paranormal elements that I have always found fascinating. In the beginning I only saw Willow ~ she in turn told me her story.

Peace, Love, Teen Fiction: How much research did you do for your book? Was it hard or did you enjoy it?

I completely enjoyed the research I did. The string theory is something that is truly studied – the element of alternate dimensions is just one of the many aspects the theory suggests. The ideas behind this theory are extremely fascinating and can cause anyone’s imagination to run wild. Looking into the Zodiac was almost like a personal awaking. I admit that I have barely begun to grasp the oldest science in the world, but I can’t help but find it odd how certain personality aspects are often reflected in our birth charts.

All Things Books: While writing do you require silence and to be left to your own devices or do you prefer it to be on the louder side with people around?

Silence is not really a word in my vocabulary J Even if I write in the dead of night while my family is sleeping I have my headphones in and music blaring!

Taking it One Book at a Time: Which character gave you the most trouble when writing? (i.e. changed appearances, personalities, turned into an asshole, lol)

I have to say Drake. Every good book has a villain - the one that everyone is meant to hate, but I couldn’t hate him. As Drake developed throughout the series it easy to see why I had the emotion from the very beginning. This character is very charismatic, gorgeous, and powerful – but he also has a different side that he will slowly reveal. I will tell you this – I’m glad I do not have to make the decisions that Willow Haywood does!

My Home Away From Home: Describe your book in 5 words or less.

This is such a hard question because I’m so bashful – umm lets go with this:

An addicting, compelling love-story.( at least I can say this is my goal description!)

Love Fantasy Novels: If you could be one character from your books who would you be?

I love them all, but I want to say Willow simply because the private moments between her, Landen, and Drake are the ones that seem to drive the story forward. If I were any other character I would deeply miss the emotions and insight the three of these characters bring.

Book Lover 1989: If you could write a novel with another author who would you choose and why?

J.K Rowling – I simply love her in-depth imagination.

Bookies: Was it difficult to come up with a title for your book?

In a way it was. I had called it ‘Gifted’ from the moment I began to write it, but after walking through the aisles of my local book store I discovered that title had been taken. I toyed with the idea of “Eight beyond the Sun and Moon” and countless others. I knew I wanted a one word title ( I don’t know why. I guess I was looking for simplicity) I went back and forth with my friends and family for weeks toward the publication day. One night I came home and handed my husband a list of possible titles. The expression on his face led me to believe he was not found of any of them. At that very moment the IPOD changed songs and now playing was “It ends to Tonight” by the All American Rejects. The last time I had heard that song was the night I’d written the ‘fight’ between Willow and Landen in Insight. As the course began to play my children began to sing along “Just a little Insight will make this right” my husband and I looked at each other and both said ‘Insight” at the same time. I’ve always found eerie that when you truly seek and answer you are always – even if by chance - led to the answer.

Bookaholics: How easy was it to write Embody after your experience with Insight?

I have often referred to Insight as my ‘first child’ in the realm of writing. Every part of it was a learning experience. As I wrote Insight I had to discover who each of the characters were – the world they lived in. Understanding who they were made it easier to express their emotions and reactions as the story of Embody came to life. Embody and the stories beyond the first two were far easier to master.

YA Books: If you become leader of the world, what would be the first thing that you'd do with your power?

Enforce the saying ‘pay it forward’ – is one of many steps I would take!

Book Reader Addicts: I know you have said before that with each book you are going to go more indepth with different characters. Do you have an order and how did you choose that order?

I have no order in mind lol. The main story through book four ( I’m at the mercy of the rest of the stories) focuses around three main characters Willow, Landen, and Drake. Their circumstances do bring other characters into focus and allow the reader to discover them.

Just before I begin writing any story and sometimes along the way I will write down random ideas I have – it could be anything from a phrase or a description. At the end I always look back – and invariable discover that the path the story took was not what I had in mind in the beginning. It is hard to say who will come forth in the future but I look forward to discovering them with each of you.

Best books: How do you feel when you’re writing?

Alive! It is the one thing I could do all day everyday and not expect anything in return. I love the rush of emotions – I’m sure it is quiet comical to watch me write – you will see everything from laughter to sadness– shocked expressions and anger. I’ve even been caught clapping.

Peace, Love, Teen Fiction: What is it like being a published author?

To this day I have not been able to fathom the idea. In my mind I’m simply sharing my words with a large group of friends!

All Things Books: Who is your dream cast should Insight ever be made into a movie?

I’ve been asked this before and I have yet to come up with an answer. I would hope that if this day came that the cast would be full of people who just needed one chance – that it would be their perfect ‘break’ and we would all indulge in the new found talent.

Taking it One Book at a Time: Who's the one author that can completely & utterly make you forget the outside world?

J.K Rowling – I love love love her imagination.

My Home Away From Home: What is one question that you have always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?

Ummm….what’s my favorite color???? – Purple J

Love Fantasy Novels: If you could have dinner with one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

I could go really deep here and reach back and say Nostrdamus – my purpose in this dinner would be to understand what he was ‘seeing’ when he made his prophecies – to apply them to modern life and debate the path of humanity.

Or- I could just be real and say Ben Burnley – I love this musician. His lyrics have inspired scene after scene in my series – I would want to know what inspired him to write them in the first place, and of course – thank him!

Book Lover 1989: What are you top 5 favorite books/series of books?

Hard List to come up with….

Redeeming love – Francine Rivers

Charlotte’s Web – EB White (we all have to start somewhere!)

The Notebook/ Wedding - Nicholas Sparks

Harry Potter Series – J.K Rowling

Romeo & Juliet – William Shakespeare

Bookaholics: Do you write to a soundtrack and if so,what music was your inspiration whilst writing Embody?

Oh how I love music! Sometimes songs inspire writing and others simply remind me of the story. The Embody playlist I have now is:

My Never – Blue October

The Diary of Jane – Breaking Benjamin

Dear Agony – Breaking Benjamin

Point #1 - Chevelle

Bring Me to Life –Evanescence

Cold – Evans Blue

Eclipsed – Evans Blue

A Cross and a Girl Named Blessed – Evans Blue

Fair Fight – The Fray

Everything Will Be Alright – The Killers

Possibility – Lykke Li

Breathe Into Me - Red

All around Me - Fly Leaf

YA Books: If you were a superhero, what would be your superpower, what would your name be, and would you be a goodie or the baddie?

Scorpion – power: emotions – I would be good (Wait – I feel like I know someone like this?!) Sorry… I tried to be unique – but as my daughter would say ‘I got nothin’ lol

Book Reader Addicts: Since I have already read Embody I have to know….when is the third book coming out? (No, rush or anything. LOL)

I was so excited about the first reviews of Embody that I sent ‘Image’ to the editor the first week of May – I do not have a date set – but I can tell you it will be THIS year

Jamie, again thank you so much. I can not wait to read more from you. Before when end this is there anything else you would like to tell you readers?

I want to thank each and every one of you for taking the time to share this daydream with me – it means more than I could ever express in words!

If you haven’t read Insight yet I have one question for you. What are you waiting for? Go get in now. If you have read it then go pick up Embody. You can get these great books at Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and smashwords.com.

One last thing! Jamie has a surprise for you! Tell them Jamie!

I know we all love release dates and SWAG – so for Embody’s release each page will have a swag bag – complete with an ebook version of Embody! Good luck everyone and happy reading!

To enter to win Jamie's amazing SWAG bag just leave a meaningful comment, your name & email address!

Make sure to check out all the other wonderful sites who took part in this amazing interview & giveaway:

Friday, May 27, 2011

Fresh Face Friday 5-27-11

Who: S.J. Wright

What: The Vampire's Warden

It was a flash in the moonlight, a blur of motion like I’d never witnessed before. No human had the capacity to move like that. When I found myself face-to-face with him there in the meadow, I knew without a doubt that the journal was authentic. I knew that my grandfather hadn’t been crazy at all.

Because a foot away from me stood a vampire.

Sarah Wood reads her grandfather's journal in stunned disbelief. What was once her grandfather's responsibility has passed to her father and now to her. She has become the Warden. Her life will never be the same.

Buzz: "The Vampire's Warden is a really good story, I gobbled up in one sitting." - 1,000+ Books to Read

Cover: Love the monotone blue-grey. Give it a very eerie feeling that makes me want to know what's in the field that Sarah is standing in :)

My Thoughts: After hearing about this book I instantly had to ask around about it. My great friend who reviews said it was captivating, but that there was a hell of a cliff hanger at the end. So of COURSE I have to read it now, I am all about cliff hangers & jonesing for the next book in a series!

Stalking Grounds: Facebook, Twitter, Website

Thursday, May 26, 2011

2011 Young Adult Giveaway @ Brittany's Fantasy

Make sure you check out Brittany's Fantasy and enter to win your choice of some

amazing YA books that have come out this year!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Editorially Unmotivated

First, I'm not even sure if Editorially is even a word, but it fits my mood.

As of late, and when I say late that obviously means the whole month of May, I feel like my brain has been utterly & completely unwilling to write. Lately I have found myself sinking into my world of reading so much that I have been dragging myself up for air, food and the occasional shower. Not even the promise of Man Candy can break me out of this writing rut.....and you know when Candy can't help, something is seriously off.

(seriously if this won't get your mind going then what would?)

So where does that leave me? This month I have read more books then I have in the past 5, I find myself complete submerged into the worlds I'm reading about, yet with all this excitement rushing around in my mind I can't find it in myself to push those thoughts down my arms, into my fingers & onto the screen.

I feel like a sexually frustrated 18 year old boy at strip club, you have all the stimulation you need, but not the outlet....it blows. (and so not in a good way)

So, now I must find a way for these words to flow from my mind. Perhaps I should invest in a tape recorder and as I'm reading the book, just scream out every random, book oriented, thought at the top of my lungs?

Or maybe I should start keeping notes while reading? But knowing me those notes will either get turned into my 4 year olds paper airplane OR I will use them as a doodle pad just like every other scrap of paper on my desk.

In the end though, I will strive to get thru this dry spell. It's almost as though I need some sort of inspiration thrown in my face. Like a double rainbow after a storm, or a streak of sunlight shooting threw beautiful white clouds......or a swift kick in the ass.

Regardless of what it is, I am bound a determined to get myself OUT of this editorial funk and back to my spastic, loud, filter-lacking self!

Monday, May 23, 2011

True Blood Season 4: New Trailer!

Yet ANOTHER reason to LOVE Mondays!

1 month & 3 days people!!

Monday Morning, I love you!

You know, for some odd reason I'm really starting to like Monday mornings!

Who needs a pilot?

Or a bodyguard?

I saw this and LOVED IT!

So I found this fan art (which is awesome!) Let me see if I can name them correctly!

Starting on top: Phury, Wrath, Darius

Bottom: Vischous, Zsadist, JM, Rhage

Hope this made you LOVE Mondays too!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Fresh Face Friday 5-20-11

Who: Tamara Rose Blodgett

What: Death Whispers

Caleb has the most rare of the paranormal powers, Cadaver-Manipulation (aka corpse-raiser). In this world of the future, with Brain Impulse "pulse" Technology's wide-spread use and influence keenly realized, routine school inoculation has expanded to include a pharmaceutical cocktail, which once administered, unlocks the genetic potential for paranormal abilities. Using this small window of puberty, teens who have the genetic propensity find themselves manifesting extraordinary gifts; some of which garner the full attention of our government. Caleb must camouflage his new "talent" during the mandatory eighth grade Aptitude Test so that he remains undiscovered while establishing choice for his future.

However, events beyond his control systematically reveal Caleb and his friends, which force them to fight for their freedom. In the midst of this struggle, his girlfriend's father battles to reassert his abusive dominance in her life while a couple of "peer enemies" thwart his efforts of secrecy at every turn. In the explosive climax, Caleb must protect his friends, and Jade, the one he loves...at all costs.
Buzz: "Overall, this novel was great, and I highly suggest adolescents and adults read it alike. You will not be disappointed! Four stars!" - Books: The Cheapest Vacation You Can Buy

"The issues surrounding the paranormal gifts these kids have is so fresh. I don't think I've ever heard of an idea like this before. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who wants a great read." - AwesomeSauce Book Club

Cover: Very mysterious with a creepy kind of edge, but not too creepy lol.

My thoughts: Very excited to read this, and I think what I most excited for is that the leads a male. They're aren't many books out there that have male leads who can carry the whole book. So I'm anxious to see how he does.

Excerpt: Chapters 1 & 2 here

Stalking Grounds: Facebook, Twitter, Website

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Ascension (A Dark Bread Novel - Book #1) - By Sable Grace

Release Date: 4/26/11

Website: Sable Grace

Publisher: Avon Books

Purchase Info: Amazon, Barnes & Noble

The gates of hell have opened, and one woman will stand in the crossfire as the Dark Breed -- vampyre, demons, shape shifters -- and mankind fight their last battle for survival.

Kyana is half Vampyre, half Lychen... And the last of her kind. Determined, dangerous, and damned, she has no love for the mortals who have imprisoned and misused her. But when the Order of Ancients entrusts her with a mission -- to find the key that will send the Dark Breed back into Hell for eternity -- Kyana has no choice but to accept.

She is furious to learn her assignment comes with an escort... Ryker, a demigod and fierce warrior who long ago found a way under her skin and stayed there. In a shaky alliance, they discover an ancient cult with dangerous motive and a god who seeks to destroy all others. And as Kyana begins to feel the heat that threatens to bind her to Ryker, she knows she has to resist. For it could only mean the undoing of them both...

Vampires, Lychens, and Gods oh my!

Kyana is a tracer, and not just any tracer, she's the best that Below has. Due to her one of a kind blood, she holds not only the powers of a Lychen, but the powers of a vampire too. With the gates to Hell ripped wide open, Kyana has now been given the task of retrieving a key she has never seen and could be anywhere! Sounds like an awesome mission huh? Now add in the one person who drivers her crazy and knows how to push her buttons. She thought this mission was hard before, but now she's got to just stop herself from leaving Ryker in the dust and taking this task on alone.

It's obvious from day one that Ryker & Kyana seriously want to jump each others bones! They're playing that game of, "I'm macho and don't need you", the one that only leads to pushing the other away & heart ache. But working together is the only way they can even begin to solve the mystery they're facing. Now they have to travel to places they've never been before, they suddenly uncover things that no one, and I mean no one, was ever meant to see. Kyana is now forced to draw out the blood lust of her Vampire side to slip into the mind of a creature that she would rather just set on fire. With secrets no one ever could have imagined start becoming real Ryker & Kyana are now battling against one of the most powerful forces that the Gods have ever seen. (Now pair this discovery with a suppressed lust that neither of them can hold off for long and you've got some wicked plots!)

I was hooked by the end of the first paragraph! There's that dark edge to Kyana that lets you know if you smile at her wrong, you won't ever smile again. She's raw and hardcore. Perfect combination for the ideal heroine. The longer her mission goes on, the harder it is hiding her feelings for Ryker, but hey, he's in the exact same boat. At first I wasn't 100% in love with Ryker, simply because he's got that whole surfer dude thing going on, and that's just not my niche. But the thing that truly sold me on him was the true feelings that he has for Kyana & how in the end he'll do whatever it takes to protect her.
I can tell that this series is going to be around for a long time, with a heroine like Kyana, a heartthrob like Ryker & a whole world full of fantastical creatures this for sure will become a fan favorite!

4.5/5

(imagine half a heart here)

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Captivated (An Afflication Novel - #1) - By D. Apodaca

Release Date: 6/10/11

Website: D. Apodaca

Publisher: Eminent Books

Purchase Info: Amazon, Author Website

Mindy Keenan couldn't shake the feeling that somehow...in a matter of moments...the boy she once knew was not the one standing before her.

After Mindy's childhood best friend, Dean Aiken, shuts her and everyone else out of his life, she learns to move on. Years pass and she gets used to the fact that he's no longer a part of her life, but things begin to change…

Mindy's new best friend, Markus Medina, witnesses Dean kill two people behind a club. Mindy has a hard time believing him, especially when he mentions that the bodies disappear. Poof! Into thin air. Markus decides he has to follow Dean around in order to get evidence that he's been killing people, so he doesn't sound like a nut to the police.

Despite Marcus’ crazy theories about the possibility of Dean not being human. And not to mention the fact that he's dangerous. Mindy can't help that she may be falling in love with him. Even after hiding their feelings for each other from the world. Dean and Mindy being together stirs up dangers that neither of them could ever imagine. When she finds out about what Dean really is and the world he tried to keep her away from...it's already too late.

I want me a DEAN!!

I can whole heartily say that I absolutely, 100%, fell in love with this book, the characters and their world!

This will be a series that will grab a hold of you and won't let go until you've reached the end & are trying to sell your first born to get a copy of the next book!

A new school year has started for Mindy and she has come to terms with the fact that, her once best friend, Dean is no longer apart of her life. But when a new, extremely gorgeous, student by the name of Shane starts at her high school, she seems to be noticing Dean a lot more. There's something about Shane that she can't put her finger on. Yes he's gorgeous, but he sets off an alarm in her. Maybe it's the hypnotic was he looks at her or possibly how his voice seems to make everyone swoon, but whatever it is she can tell that Dean doesn't like......at ALL.

Mindy's best friend Markus knows that something is totally off about Shane too, but it's Dean's bad boy side that has him on high alert. So he decides that they need to take matters into their own hands and find out what's really going on with him. With a little common sense, and the help of way too many crime show re-runs, they venture out to see if they can prove any of the theories that Markus has are real.

While staking out the alley behind a popular night club via rooftop, Mindy swears that nothing is going to happen. Suddenly Markus is in a tizzy about seeing Dean kill someone and that they disappeared. Poof!

Sounds unlikely I know, but this just eggs-on the slight obsession that Mindy's got brewing for Dean.

Trying to shake what Markus has been saying about Dean, Mindy knows where her heart lies. After all these years, she knows that regardless of his hard outward appearance, and bad boy image, that Dean is the one for her. As she's slowly trying to break down his walls it abruptly comes to an end. Heart broken, Mindy isn't ready to just let him go, and she knows, deep down, that Dean isn't ready to let her go either.

OK, it's SOOOOOOOO hard for me to sum up this book without giving away a TON of spoilers! The author was so brilliant with the layout of this book and conveying her characters in such a strong manner. Though I will admit the first couple chapters are slightly rough, the rest of the book more then makes up for it! I found myself falling in love with Dean (his badboy-ness, his looks, his muscles, I could go on & on), hating Shane, and crying/screaming at the end for Mindy & Dean. Speaking of endings, this book has a cliff hanger like you wouldn't believe!! It reminds me of the one that Karen Marie Moning had in Dreamfever. It will leave you sitting in your bed yelling, 'What the F***!', then harassing & bribing the author to hurry the sequel along.

Needless to say, I am currently sending chocolates to D. Apodaca twice a week in hopes that it will

encourage the writing process.

5/5

Monday, May 16, 2011

Monday, Monday, Monday!

How was everyones weekend? Good I hope!

Me, well I spent part of it out until 4:30 in the morning...that's what happens when you're the DD & you gotta drive around a bunch of drunk football players...hard job I know, lol.

Since it's almost lunch time, here's some yummy stuff!

He looks upset, I think he needs a hug!

Have to love a man with a smile like that!

mmmmm....

Who's had their daily fill?

HAPPY MONDAY!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Kick off the weekend right!

What a week it's been huh?

With all the controversy that's been going on with the Book of Face (and apparently twitter now), it seems we could all use a good dose of candy!

Lord, I love a man in a kilt!

MMMMM

I'm starting to notice a trend....

Ok now something different

:-)

Yes, it's Mr. Reynolds...because he's a sexy beast!

Well I hope that lifted everyone's spirits! Have an UH-MAZE-ING weekend!!

Fresh Face Friday 5-13-11

Who: Thea Harrison

What: Dragon Bound

A Fiery Temper is Not Easily Extinguished

Half-human and half-wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their Dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful–and passionate—of the Elder Races.

As the most feared and respected of the wyrkind, Dragos Cuelebre cannot believe someone had the audacity to steal from him, much less succeed. And when he catches the thief, Dragos spares her life, claiming her as his own to further explore the desire they’ve ignited in one another.

Buzz: "I loved this book so much, I didn't want it to end. Smoldering sensuality, fascinating characters, and an intriguing world - Dragon Bound kept me glued to the pages long after midnight. Thea Harrison has a new fan in me!" —NYT bestselling author Nalini Singh

"BDB readers will love this! DRAGON BOUND has it all: a smart heroine, a sexy alpha hero and a dark, compelling world. I'm hooked!" —J.R. Ward, #1 NYT bestselling author

Cover: Yummy!! I love the fact that it's not overly sexy or paranormal, but the perfect mixture of both!

My thoughts: CAN NOT WAIT TO READ IT! I am beyond intrigued to enter this world and see what it has to offer. With such high praise I highly doubt I'll be disappointed!

Excerpt: Thea is giving you 3 excerpts here

Stalking Grounds: Facebook, Twitter, Website

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

True Blood Season 4: Screen Tests

Hooray for more True Blood vids!

This time it's just all the characters slowly looking towards the camera...but since most of them are hot, that's fine with me!

Author Interview: Casey Sheridan

It's hump day! And how fitting is it that I have erotica author, Casey Sheridan, here to talk to us?!

With her new novel, Ruby Red Metallic, just released last month, so Casey is hopping all over the Internet to spread the word about this hot & steamy story!

I was actually able to corner her in a dark alley and force her to answer some questions so that you guys could get to know her better! Ok, ok, so maybe I didn't threaten her, but she did take time out of her busy schedule to stop by and enlighten us.

What inspired you to write Ruby Red Metallic?

C - A close friend of mine suggested I write something with a car. I thought he was nuts for the suggestion since I don't know anything at all about cars, except how to drive one. It took me a long time to come up with the story because I had to figure out how to incorporate a car into the story and make it sound natural.

Are you and your main character Alaina anything alike? Or is she a polar opposite?

C - Well, we're both gorgeous. LOL! Seriously though, I think it's a bit of both. I may be confident in some areas, whereas she's ultra-confident in all areas. Both Alaina and I will go after what we really want, although, what I want is usually on a much smaller scale than what Alaina wants. She's outgoing and shrewd, and I'm quiet and shy.

Do you have a routine when you write?

C - I try to write everyday, or almost everyday, even if it's only for an hour or two. I absolutely have to have a bit of background noise, usually the television is on very softly. Before I do any writing, I play one round of solitaire to clear my head. That's my form of meditation or mind yoga.

How long have you been seriously writing erotica?

C - I've been writing erotica for about four or five years. And I always have fun with it.

Your main man Scott sounds like a hottie, do you have a visual that inspired you? (perhaps one I can share with my readers?)
C - Well, the only visual I have is in my head, but I did find this pic that comes pretty close to what he would be like.

(wipes drool off chin) He's...uh, nice...

What's your dream car(s)?

C - Well, I'm going to have to say the Porsche 911 GT2. After doing so much research on it for Ruby Red Metallic, I've really learned to appreciate everything about it. It's a gorgeous car.

Tell me about some of your favorite authors, sexy & non-sexy.

C - I like Jane Austen; Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book.
I'm about the 4th or 5th book in of Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld series. I really like her heroes. They're so alpha, but yet have a softer side and they can be a bit dorky. Sort of like real men can be.
Shelli Stevens is another favorite. Her book Dangerous Grounds really inspired me to keep writing and to do it seriously. She's also one of the nicest authors I've met. She's very approachable.
Saskia Walker is another favorite, along with Nicole North.
Gosh, there's so many more that I love, I don't want to miss anyone, so I'm going to stop here.

Ok this one might be hard....Captain Jack Sparrow(Johnny Depp), Thor(Chris Hemsworth) and The Green Lantern(Ryan Reynolds), you have to Love one, leave one, Marry one....go!

C - Love Captain Jack, marry The Green Lantern, and as much as I regret it, leave Thor. Can't I just keep Thor around to nibble on once in awhile?

Quickies:

Roller Coasters or Merry-go-round? Merry-go-round...I like to ride the warrior horse and pretend I'm a warrior. I know, weird, huh?

Morning or Night? Morning

Snakes or Spiders? Ewww, neither. But if I must choose...snakes.

Hunky Jock or Bad Boy? BOTH!

Leather or Lace?
Again...BOTH!

Fast Car or Motorcycle? Fast car

Tea, Coffee or Red Bull?
Coffee!

Well Casey, thank you so much for taking to the time to stop by & answer all my questions! Next time I won't be so forceful!

Now that your interest is sparked go out and hunt Casey down, I mean stalk her like there's no tomorrow!

Blog

Website

Purchasing

Friday, May 6, 2011

Fresh Face Friday 5-6-11

Who: Katherine Pine

What: After Eden -

Devi knows she shouldn’t trust the new employee at her favorite used bookstore. Sure, he’s funny, smart and hands down the sexiest guy she’s ever met, but something dark lurks behind his unassuming smile and sinful green eyes.

Still, a girl can’t always afford to be picky. When an angel abducts your twin brother it should come as no surprise that the one person who can help you get him back is a demon–and only if you’re willing to pay his price.

Buzz: "Hilarious, sweet, and incredibly hard to put down, After Eden is a book I’d recommend to all paranormal romance lovers.”-Bree from The Awesome Magic Attic, 5/5 stars

Cover: Angelic & sweet are the first 2 words that come to mind. Love the clouds, they make it that much more magical.

My thoughts: Since I have found myself on a slight YA kick lately, After Eden seems to be a perfect fit for me. This book is actually next on my TBR list, and the thought of angel and demons fights has me very excited to start it!

Excerpt: Read the 1st chapter here

Stalking Grounds: Facebook, Blog, Website

Extra: Katherine has been kind enough to offer my followers (you guys) a free, yes FREE copy of After Eden on Smashwords!! Just click here and when checking out enter this code: AQ89E.

This coupon will expire on SATURDAY May 14th, 2011, so make sure you take advantage of it NOW!

That way we can compare notes when my review is posted!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

A Hyperbole and a Half book?! Say What?!?

Ok, right now you're either TOTALLY stoked like I am,

oooooooooooorrr

you have no idea what Hyperbole and Half is....

If you fall into the latter category, or possible you might have heard about it somewhere, then let me educate you!

Does this look familiar?

This adorable guy would be ALOT, you know when people generally group together the words "a" and "lot", thinking for whatever reason it's actually one single word? Well this is the true alot :)

So, you still don't know what I'm talking about? Try this guy on for size:

This is Dog....you know, THEE DOG, the one that has shown it's mental capacity doesn't go past it's eyeballs?? Still nothing?

Well then you're going to have to experience the awesomeness for your self at Hyperbole and a Half

Now back to my topic at hand....SHE'S WRITING A BOOK!!!

Though it won't be out until 2012, I am super excited to see what new material she'll be putting in it! It'll be 50% old, 50% new...that's about enough to fill her book!

Let the count down begin! HOORAY!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Talkative Tuesday - Under Construction

So currently I am trying to figure out a new and exciting way to do Talkative Tuesday each week....while right now I am running on very few brain cells, it's taking a while.

With work picking up like you wouldn't believe, kids, the gym, trying to read, review, entertain....it's all becoming slightly overwhelming at times. It's also starting to become apparent that I need to add a little bit of spice to my Talkative Tuesday bit....so I'm off to the brain-storming section of my mind to come up with amazing, fun ideas!

When I return from this foreign place you will know, because I'm coming back with a BANG!

Monday, May 2, 2011

Monday, you know what that means!

You really thought I had forgot about the Monday pick-me-up?

NOOOOOOOOO

Regardless of what happened last week and how I felt, I will ALWAYS continue to have some Man Candy around ;)

So may I introduce the lovelies

Is it just me, or could you get LOST in those eyes?

Who doesn't love a country boy?

Oh Billy, Billy, Billy.....

Well I hope you ALL enjoyed that little dose of candy! Happy Monday!

Giveaway Winner: The Gathering - By Kelley Armstrong

First, sorry that I didn't post the winner sooner, I just got caught up over the weekend!

Second, thank you to EVERYONE who entered to win! You guys are awesome :)

Random.org picked comment #8:

Alice

I have email the winner and they have 48 hours to respond of I'll have to pull another winner.

Wrap It Up - April

Another month down and some AMAZING books read!

Rosemary and Rue (October Daye Series - Book #1) - By Seanan McGuire

(review here)

The Restorer (Graveyard Queen Series - Book #1) - By Amanda Stevens

(review here)

Immortalis Carpe Noctem (Immortalis Series - Book #1) - By Katie Salidas

(review here)

The Goddess Test - By Aimee Carter

(review here)

Ascension (Dark Breed Novel - Book #1) - By Sable Grace

(review to come)

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Library Loot 1.5.2011

I did pretty well with the previous library loot I posted about. Only one book went back to the library unread, so, here's hoping that this one is going to be another good loot! Four out of six of the books are in fact novels I have had my eye on for quite some time and decided on finally borrowing, two (the two first ones from left in the picture above) were surprise finds. I'm pretty excited about all these books and cannot wait to get reading them. If only there were more hours in a day...

Mercy at Midnight by Lois Hoadley Dick
This is a historical novel about Mathilda Wrede (1864-1928). She was a Finnish noblewoman, who become a prison visitor and dedicated her life to helping prisoners and improving the conditions in prisons. It is always interesting to read a novel about Finland or about someone Finnish by a non-Finnish author. Yes, we Finns are always curious about what others think about us! :)

Ravel by Jean Echenoz
This small book by the reknown French author tells the story of the ten last years (1927-1937) in the life of composer Maurice Ravel. I already read this one and it's wonderful! This was the first book by Echenoz I've read and I simply loved his style.

The Night of the Mi'raj by Zoë Ferraris
I have read so much good things about this book and also about her next one City of Veils that it's high time I borrowed this one. I actually had City of Veils at home earlier this year, but decided that I want to read The Night of the Mi'raj (Published as Finding Nouf in the US) first. Both Ferraris' books are murder mysteries set in Saudi Arabia.

Electricity by Victoria Glendinning
This is a novel set in Victorian England. Electricity is still something new. Charlotte Mortimer marries a young engineer who is commissioned to wire the country estate of a gentleman. This novel is said to bring to light "the Victorian era as a time of scientific discovery, spiritualism, and shifting relations between the sexes." Sounds interesting!

Stamping Butterflies by Jon Courtenay Grimwood
If there is somewhat of a theme when it comes to all other books in my loot (women's place, women's rights or if not that then historical fiction) Stamping Butterflies is something completely else. Grimwood is one of my favorite SF writers. I've especially enjoyed his Pashazade-Effendi-Felaheen -trilogy. I guess I'm a sucker for a well crafted alternate history story anyday and his worlds are brilliantly crafted. Stamping Butterflies starts with someone attempting to assassinate the US president. The assassin is caught, but who is he? Is the answer perhaps to be found somewhere else in time altogether? This novel is said to weave together cultures thousands of years apart and to paint a portrait of a ruler and an assassin, both locked inside each other's dreams. Very intriguing!

Half of the Human Race by Anthony Quinn
Connie Callaway is torn between whether to stay with the law-abiding suffragists or join the militant suffragettes when during a family holiday she is introduced to cricketeer Will Maitland. This is said to be a "deeply affecting story of love, sacrifice, suffrage and country cricket" set in the second decade of the 20th century. The time period and the fact that Connie is working for women's suffrage got me interested in this novel. I almost bought myself a copy, but then noticed that our library has one, so borrowed it instead. I have very high expectations for this novel, so we'll see whether it lives up to them or not.

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire of The Captive Reader and Marg of The Adventures of an Intrepid Reader. If you want to join Library Loot, Mr. Linky is at Claire's blog this week, just click here to get right there.

The very rare, yet amazing, Sunday post

As most of you know weekend posts for me are slim (very) to none. Well today I thought I'd shake things off a bit and throw you all off! So here is my amazing message for all of you....

-Hippo's milk is pink

Amazing right?? Now I know you all are pondering whether or not it taste like strawberries. And if you weren't you ARE now!

HAPPY SUNDAY!!!!