Saturday, October 31, 2009

Winners...Winners!

Winners of the Bad Boy Bonanza Contest...

Each Winner won 3 prizes from our Prize Bucket: All winners will be emailed, please send me your addresses within 48 hrs so I can send your info to the Prize Bucket Contributors so they can send you your prizes.
  1. JennLove is Hell Anthology, Stealing Death by Janet Lee Carey, $20 Dollar Amazon
  2. TyngaEternal Kiss Anthology, Invisible Touch by Kelly Parra, Monster by Walter Dean Myers
  3. The Book PixieAs You Wish by Jackson Pearce, Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Darkside by Beth Fantaskey, Tin Grin by Catherine Robinson
  4. Sarah - City of Glass by Cassandra Clare, Project 17 by Laurie Stolarz, Blue Moon by Alyson Noel
  5. Nikkayme - $10 Gift Card online book store, The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan, Twilight Poster
  6. Jenny N. - Candor by Pam Bachortz, Swoon by Nina Malkin,
    Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte (October one with Bella & Edward’s favorite book)
  7. BookMac - The Dark Divine(ARC) by Bree Despain, The Sound of Munich (S.A.S.S.) by Suzanne Nelson, Blood Promise by Richelle Mead
  8. Donna Gamale - Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr,
    Prom Dates from Hell (Anthology), Hush, Hush (ARC) by Becca Fitzpatrick


Winner of a signed copy of BALLAD by Maggie Stiefvater is...

Rebecca N. @ Easy Goin' Day

Please email me your address within 48hrs

Thanks to everyone for participating!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Random Musing...

Hey Peeps! I guess you've noticed that I'm not featuring a book for Monday Madness this week. Yeah, I know - it SUCKS! Unfortunately, I had a hard time finding books I wanted to feature this week especially for the month of November. But, no worries - I have some guest posts coming up next week from bloggers and authors discussing YA topics. I'm really excited about that and hope you come back to share your thoughts.

Hopefully, I'll get a couple of reviews up this week. I guess you could say this week actually allows me to catch up on some me time. My DVR is almost filled with recordings. It's at 92% now and I still have these show left to record for this week: I guess I need to get on the ball.

Tuesday: 90210
Wednesday: America's Next Top Model, So You Think You Can Dance
Thurday: Vampire Diaries, Flash Forward, Supernatural
Friday: Smallville

Huh? Where do I find the time to watch all of these shows? Honestly, I dunno - Sometimes I split my time between reading and watching TV. Not much to do on a weekday.

So what plans do you have for Halloween? Me, I plan on lounging around the house watching the NBA season kick off. Speaking of Halloween, I was featured over @ Eli - The Tainted Poet during her Ghost Week where I shared a few ghost experiences (Blood Mary being one of them). Check it out here.

Ok, enough about me, I'll leave you with this. I'm reading Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines. Before I started reading the book, I was notified about the book trailer. So, I'm thinking it's just like any other book trailer. WRONG! If you don't believe take a look. I'm not going to share how many times I've watched this book trailer, but I'll let you in on a little secret, I know the whole song and the chorus just stuck with me. "Girl in the Arena stuns and impresses, Girl in the Arena I can't wait."

*WARNING*
Please get rid of whatever you have in your mouth before watching this trailer. I will not be liable for you choking!

Feast your eyes on this! LOL Hilarious!


Sunday, October 25, 2009

In My Mailbox (25)


I can't wait to read this one, I've been hearing great reviews.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Pub. Date: October 2009
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
384pp
Age Range: Young Adult

Synopsis
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.

Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.


I have all of Richelle Mead's books now - She's one of my favorite authors.

Georgina Kincaid Series by Richelle Mead

Succubus Blues - March 07

Succubus On Top - Janunary 08

Succubs Dreams - October 08

Succubus Heat - June 09


Tnanks to Kim @ The Book Butterfly for letting me borrow this one.

Time of My Life by Allison Winn Scotch
Pub. Date: October 2008
Publisher: Crown Publishing Group
304pp

Synopsis
Jillian Westfield has the perfect suburban life straight out of the upscale women's magazines that she obsessively reads. She’s got the modern-print rugs of Metropolitan Home, the elegant meals from Gourmet, the clutter-free closets out of Real Simple, and the elaborate Easter egg hunts seen in Parents. With her successful investment banker husband behind the wheel and her cherubic eighteen-month-old in the backseat, hers could be the family in the magazines’ glossy Range Rover ads.

Yet somehow all of the how-to magazine stories in the world can’t seem to fix her faltering marriage, banish the tedium of days spent changing diapers, or stop her from asking, “What if?”

Then one morning Jillian wakes up seven years in the past. Before her daughter was born. Before she married Henry. Suddenly she’s back in her post–grad school Ikea-furnished Manhattan apartment. She’s back in her fast-paced job with the advertising agency. And she’s still with Jackson, the ex-boyfriend and star of her what-if fantasies.

Armed with twenty-twenty hindsight, she’s free to choose all over again. She can use the zippy ad campaigns from her future to wow the clients and bosses in her present. She can reconnect with the mother who abandoned her so many years before. She can fix the fights at every juncture that doomed her relationship with Jackson. Or can she?

With each new choice setting off a trajectory of unforeseen consequences, Jillian soon realizes that getting to happily ever after is more complicated than changing the lines in her part of the script. Happiness, it turns out, isn’tan either-or proposition. As she closes in on all the things she thought she wanted, Jillian must confront the greatest what-if of all: What if the problem was never Henry or Jackson, but her?


In My Mailbox was created by Kristi @ The Story Siren and inspired by Alea @ Pop Culture Junkie

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Winner of Blue Blood Series!


The Lucky Winner is...


Signed copies of the Blue Blood Series!

Chelsea

Please email me your address within 48hrs

Thanks to everyone for participating!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Interview + Contest: Mike Wilks

Today, I 'm thrilled to welcome Mike Wilks - Artist, illustrator and author of nine books including the global bestseller The Ultimate Alphabet. Mirroscape was released in the U.S October 13, 2009.

What was your inspiration behind Mirrorscape?
What must have set the whole thing off was when, as a child, I came face to face with great paintings in the National Gallery in London. In particular the Flemish renaissance pictures were so finely painted and lifelike that it was easy to believe that I could step inside them and experience the worlds depicted by the artists. That experience eventually led me to study art, become an artist and, more recently, to write the Mirrorscape books.

How may books can we expect in this series?
I have written three books in this series so far. The first, Mirrorscape, tells the story of how Melkin Womper comes to the city of Vlam as an apprentice to the great master Ambrosius Blenk. Later, he discovers the secret of how to enter the world depicted in his master’s paintings – the Mirrorscape, a world full of wonders and terrors. He finds that the Mirrorscape is another universe created by many great artists before his master and he can travel from one painting to another.

Back in Vlam, the Fifth Mystery, the rich and all-powerful guild that governs the sense of sight, is trying to quell a rebellion stirred up by escaped prisoners from the Mystery’s pigment mines on the island of Kig. They are known as the Rainbow Rebels on account of their skin stained bright colours by their toil in the mines. When the Fifth Mystery kidnaps Ambrosius Blenk Mel, together with his friends Ludo and Wren, must ally themselves to the rebels and brave the dangers of the Mirrorscape to rescue him. Along the way they meet a walking, talking house, a many-faced butler and a couple of angels who enjoy nothing more than a spot of devilry.

In the following books, Mirrorstorm and Mirrorshade, Mel, Ludo and Wren become even more entangled in the strange world of the Mirrorscape where they meet wonderful new friends and make deadly new enemies.

If readers enjoy the first three Mirrorscape books there could be more in the future.

What’s the hardest part about writing your books?
Being a visual artist I have mental images in the most precise detail of everything in the Seven Kingdoms and the Mirrorscape. Perhaps the most difficult aspect of conveying these worlds in words rather than pictures is that I constantly have to pare down my descriptions to be able to fit within the confines of a book. I am always striving to express my vision while driving the story onwards.

Which author(s) have influenced your writing?
There are many writers that I admire and I dream of being able to write as well as Philip Pullman or Robert Louis Stevenson. Perhaps the writer that I admire most is Mervyn Peake. He was a superb artist who went on to write the Gormenghast trilogy (Titus Groan, Gormenghast, Titus Alone), one of the greatest works of fantasy literature ever.

But it is also artists that have inspired me. The character of Mel’s master, Ambrosius Blenk, was inspired by the great Flemish artist Hieronymus Bosch. If I have learnt anything from these writers and artists and their unique voices it is that I should never attempt to imitate anyone else.

What is the best compliment a reader has said about your books?
Some readers have told me that they have become as lost in the world of the Mirrorscape as I was when I wrote it. The greatest compliment must be that they are able to see with their mind’s eye exactly what I saw with mine when I wrote it.

What’s next for you? Are you working on any other projects?
As I have only recently finished the three Mirrorscape books I am back working on my drawings and paintings for a spell but I have a wealth of other stories that I intend to write.

Is there any additional info you would like to share with the readers?
I really hope that they enjoy Mirrorscape and its sequels. But more than that, I hope that it inspires them to seek out great works of art and to experience a little of the thrill that I feel when I look at them.

And please let me know what you think of Mirrorscape.

http://www.mike-wilks.com/

http://www.mirrorscape.co.uk/



Thanks Mike!

For more information about Mike Wilks and his books, please visit his website above.



********************Contest Closed********************


I have a copy of Mirrorscape (ARC) for a giveaway.

Rules: 1 Winner

Comment on Interview +1
Comment on Review here + 1
Link to blog: +1
Follow me on Twitter +1
Follower : +2
Total = 6 entries

Contest ends @ midnight (CST) November 5, 2009. U.S. and Canada Residents Only (Sorry!)

Winner of ICE by Sarah Beth Durst!

The Winner is...

ICE by Sarah Beth Durst

Nickles @ Who, What, When, Where, Why

Please email me your address within 48hrs

Thanks to everyone for participating!

Review: Mirrorscape by Mike Wilks

Mirrorscape by Mike Wilks
Pub. Date: October 2009
Publisher: EgmontUSA
352pp
Age Range: Young Adult

Prepare to enter the Mirrorscape–a world where the bizarre is commonplace and logic makes no sense.

Melkin Womper is thrilled to escape his dull future as a village weaver and develop his artistic talent when he’s apprenticed to Ambrosius Blenk, one of Vlam’s most famous masters. Mel is especially excited by the colors that he’ll be able to use, since color is a very expensive Pleasure, strictly controlled by the sinister Fifth Mystery.

Mel can’t wait to enjoy the wonders of the grand city and begin his important work for Blenk. Instead, his dreams are quickly crushed by the reality of days filled with unimportant tasks and bullying by the other apprentices whose wealthy families have purchased their positions. Still, the promise of working under the great Blenk and studying his legendary paintings makes the misery bearable.

But when Mel and his new friends, Ludo and Wren, inadvertently stumble into a battle between the Fifth Mystery and the Rainbow Rebellion, an underground band fighting to make Pleasures affordable for all, the trio must step through Blenk’s paintings into the Mirrorscape. In this alternative world, the friends encounter monsters, mazes, talking houses, angels, and more.

Hugely original and deeply compelling, Mirrorscape is a thrilling adventure filled with the beautiful and the bizarre, the fantastical and the frightening, and entry into an incredibly visual, secret world, where the ultimate weapons are pigment, a paintbrush, and the power of imagination. 

First off, the premise of Mirrorscape is quite fascinating when you think about being able to travel to a new world through paintings. It's original concept is what grabbed my attention to read this book. The book introduces readers to Mel, a talented painter who lives in a small town where color is only available through the purchase of Pleasures (sight, taste, smell, touch and sound) which cost a hefty penny. Mel soon finds himself with a chance to fulfill his dreams of being an apprentice for the Master painter but he’s quickly tossed into danger between his apprenticeship and the corrupt Fifth Mystery who control the Pleasures. With the help of his new friends Ludo and Wren, they step into a magical world of paintings to uncover the mysteries behind these paintings.

This book quickly drew me in and I wanted to uncover the mysteries surrounding the paintings just as much as the characters. Wilks created a great cast of characters. Mel was constantly stumbling into situations. It seems there was something new and exciting to uncover at every turn. The secondary characters were entertaining especially the corrupt members of the Mystery which only added more excitement and danger to the story.

Wilks has crafted an enchanting world where anything is possible in the eye of the beholder. The imagery is Mirrorcsape is beautifully crafted and brought the book to life even more for me. Wilks did a fantastic job with the world that he’s created and I can’t wait to see what he has in store next for Mel and crew. Mirroscape is a great start to a series that will have you glued to the story down to the very last page.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Author Interview + Contest: Glenn Dakin

I'm thrilled to welcome Glenn Dakin, author of Candle Man, Book One: The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance to my blog today. Glenn Dakin has written for many comics and children’s TV shows, including the BBC’s Shaun the Sheep, Temptation; and the semi-autobiographical strip Abe. He lives in Cambridge, England.

Why and how did you begin writing?
I started writing stories as a kid, and very quickly turned to drawing comics as well. Fantasy and science fiction were in short supply back in England in the 1960s, so if you liked far-out adventure stories, you had to try and write them yourself.

What inspired you to write Candle Man?
London graveyards! I had the idea back in the 1990s. I was working for Marvel Comics UK, writing in my flat all day. For a quick break to clear my head I would stroll in nearby Brompton Cemetery. Wandering around there, surrounded by the stone angels and overgrown monuments, I started to get some of the creepy notions that grew into Candle Man.

The idea of a hero who glowed in the presence of danger was inspired by a line in the Hobbit, about Gandalf having a sword that glowed when goblins were around. I started to imagine a hero who glowed in the presence of danger. That struck me as rather a quaint, old-fashioned notion, so I began to link my glowing hero idea with England’s Victorian past. The idea snowballed from there.

How did you come up with the title?
The series title ‘Candle Man’ is the name of a Victorian crime fighter, whose life casts a long shadow over the fate of the book’s modern-day hero, Theo.

The first book is called ‘The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance’. This refers to a bizarre ancient society that have been keeping a watchful eye over Theo – from a distance.

What books have influenced your writing?
I was reading lots of Sherlock Holmes just before I started Candle Man, and Conan Doyle’s wonderful mixture of mystery and clarity struck me. I also think the spy stories of John Le Carré are a big influence. Reading him gave me the idea of making this an unfolding mystery as well as a fantasy adventure. Tolkien, especially The Hobbit is bound to have influenced me. I like the fact that in the Hobbit, everybody, including all the bad guys is allowed to have their own point of view - and are entertaining.

How do you go about researching your novels?
Candle Man really sprang out of my imagination. In some ways I have taken my vivid childhood impressions of London and adapted them. Towards the end of book one, I wanted to check one or two things. I visited some churches in the centre of old London, until I alighted on Southwark cathedral to be my entrance into the network. Recently I went down into the Paris sewers to get the feeling of what it’s like creeping around in tunnels under a big city.

What can we expect from your books in the future?
Theo is heading into some terrifying adventures. He will find that there is more to being a Candle Man than stepping into the shoes of a Victorian crime fighter. He is part of a mythology that is more ancient – and if anything, more scary than he at first realized.

Is there anything you would like to say to your readers?
The first book is quite gothic and creepy, but the later books may well open up a bit, and introduce the readers to a more varied fantasmagoria of ideas. I hope the readers will stay along for a nice horrible ride!


Thanks Glenn!

For more information about Glenn Dakin and his books, please visit his website here.


********************Contest Closed********************

I have a copy of Candle Man (ARC) for a giveaway.

Rules: 1 Winner

Comment on Interview +1
Comment on Review here + 1
Link to blog: +1
Follow me on Twitter +1
Follower : +2
Total = 6 entries

Contest ends @ midnight (CST) November 4, 2009. U.S. and Canada Residents Only (Sorry!)

Review: Candle Man, Book One: The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance by Glenn Dakin

Candle Man, Book One: The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance by Glenn Dakin
Pub. Date: September 2009
Publisher: EgmontUSA
320pp
Age Range: 10 to 12

Theo spends his time in his room at Empire Hall locked away from the outside world due to his mysterious illness. His treatments in the Mercy Tube are painful and he takes solace in the time that he spends alone to reflect on these things. But on his birthday, Theo receives a mysterious package which leads to a series of unfortunate events that involves a robbery that leads to dire consequences which finally explains why he has to always wear his black glove. Everything Theo thought he knew about his life is about to be changed forever.

It’s unfortunate for Theo to have been kept in the dark about his illness or should I say ability only to find out on top of that all is not what it seems with his dear guardian, Dr. Saint whose head of the Society of Good Works. Theo finally gets a taste of the real world, albeit a dangerous one when he’s rescued by The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance, a network that’s been keeping tabs on their foes while preserving the past’s legend of the Candle Man. He now has to learn how to cope and live in the real world now that he knows about his ability and possible link to the legendary hero, Candle Man. It’s not easy for Theo to adjust since he’s been locked away his whole life without any outside influences.

Dakin’s well written blend of twists and turns in Candle Man kept me turning the pages to uncover the mysteries surrounding Theo’s ability and his importance to The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance. This book is a great start to a series with a great cast of characters and a thrilling plot. This book also has some interesting creatures - smoglodytes (foul creatures that can only survive in the smog) and garghouls (gargoyles) not to mention some great Villains that build even more excitement throughout the book. It will be very interesting to see what the next adventure for Theo and The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance embark on in the next installment.

Here's a cool interactive site for Candle Man: http://www.powerofthecandleman.com/

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Author Interview + Contest: Janet Lee Carey

I am thrilled to welcome Janet Lee Carey to my blog today where she talks about her writing and recently released novel, Stealing Death.

Janet Lee Carey is well known for her rich and engaging fantasy novels, including Dragon’s Keep, which received a starred review from School Library Journal that stated, “Nonstop action may keep readers glued to this page-turner, but strong writing and character development are what will make it linger in their memories.”

What was the inspiration behind Stealing Death?
The idea was seeded by some fairytales and folktales I read in Grimm and in the American Jack tales. I knew I’d write a novel someday concerning a boy who challenged death, yet I waited twelve years to write it. I needed the right character to emerge and the right location for the tale. I found them when I met Kipp and entered Zolya with him. It was then the tale began to unfold.

How is Stealing Death different from your other novels?
What a great question. First I’d have to say the difference has to do with setting. I grew up in northern California in the redwoods and usually set my fantasies in green places or along the seashore. The arid landscape of Zolya was very foreign at first, but the dry windblown country full of wild animals had a distinct culture I found fascinating. People also had a way of speaking I could “hear”. This is a little hard to explain other than to say I “hear” my novels like a kind of music -- the story voice begins and I listen and write it down. I’m now working on the sequel to Stealing Death and I’m still discovering new things about Zolya and the Zolyan culture. I know now that I couldn’t have set Stealing Death.

How do you go about researching your novels?
I always have teetering stacks of books by my desk as I write a novel. I also go in for “experiential research” and try out things my characters are doing when possible. Kipp’s on horseback a lot in this novel, so I signed up for a trail ride and rode a feisty horse named Missy. After a few illuminating hours in the saddle, I scrambled back to the book to add more details while I was still walking as wide kneed as a cowboy and dusty from the ride.

My writing friends and I have some pretty wild stories about our experiential research. Author Justina Chen Headley’s travels in China made her characters’ journey in North of Beautiful vivid and authentic. Peggy King Anderson picks up slugs to “get a closer look.” Katherine Grace Bond climbed onto her roof with a five-pound bag of flour trying to experience what it would be like to climb down a fire escape with a baby in your arms. The trouble was there is no fire escape at her place. Compared to my daring friends, horseback riding is small potatoes. I should get my hands on a bow and do some archery next given the fact that my character Zalika is such a pro.

What has been your greatest influence to write?
Whenever I read a challenging and beautifully written book with dynamic characters and well-imagined world, I want to run straight to my desk and start tapping the keys.

Tell us something that we might be surprised to learn about you.
  • If there were a surgery to add gills so I could breathe underwater, I’d line up for it. (Blame E. Nesbit’s novel Wet Magic I read at age nine).
  • I ice-skated on the Baltic Sea when I was four years old.
  • I usually do some kind of outreach with each book launch. This time I’m raising money for a PlayPump to provide clean drinking water to a village in sub-Saharan Africa. There’s lots of info about this terrific organization at PlayPumps International. Please do come visit my pump on the Stealing Death: Water For Life challenge page.
What’s next for you/Are you working on any other projects?
At my writing desk I’m continuing the world building – returning to Zolya for a second book with Kipp, returning to Wilde Island for the second medieval fantasy following Dragon’s Keep entitled Bound By Three, Dial Books 2010. And I’m revising Wind Taken sequel to The Beast of Noor, which will be out with Egmont USA in 2010.

Is there anything you would like to say to your readers?
Without you a book is a box with an artistic cover and pages covered with little black squiggles. Reader + book = story. You are the reason I write.


Thanks Janet!

For more information about Janet Lee Carey and her books, please visit her website here.


**Contest Closed**

I have a copy of Stealing Death (ARC) for a giveaway.

Rules: 1 Winner

Comment on Interview +1
Link to blog: +1
Follow me on Twitter +1
Follower : +2
Total = 5 entries

Contest ends @ midnight (CST) November 3, 2009. U.S. and Canada Residents Only (Sorry!)

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Author Interview + Contest: Lauren Strasnick

Today, I'm thrilled to be featuring Lauren Strasnick as she shares with readers about her writing. Lauren Strasnick grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut, now lives in Los Angeles, and is a graduate of Emerson College and the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) MFA Writing Program. NOTHING LIKE YOU is her first book.

What inspires you to sit down and write?
So much. Great books, great movies, stellar friends, killer heartbreak, fear, recklessness, cute pets, good music, starry nights.

Are there any parts in Nothing Like You that were hard to write?
Oh, absolutely. All writing is hard! :D But, to be specific: there was one scene toward the end of the book that came out quite easy but left me feeling really sad and depleted. Other scenes didn’t necessarily trigger emotional responses but took quite some time to get right.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
If I could, I’d fiddle with a book forever. Thankfully, this book’s been printed and now I’m unable to tweak sentence structure and move commas around needlessly. :D

You’re allowed a collection of books from one author only for the rest of your life and no access to any others. Which author would you choose?
Oh god, impossible question! I’m more of a favorite book kind of girl – I don’t think I could be faithful to just one author! Some very special books: The Secret History (Donna Tartt), The Mysteries of Pittsburgh, Wonder Boys (both by Michael Chabon), My Life in Heavy Metal (Steve Almond), Looking for Alaska (John Green), How I Live Now (Meg Rosoff), The Hanged Man (Francesca Lia Block), Franny and Zooey (Salinger), Teach Me (R.A. Nelson), Ghost World (Daniel Clowes), The Virgin Suicides (Jeffrey Eugenides).
I’ve answered this question all wrong, haven’t I?


What dreams have been realized as a result of your writing?
Oh wow, another tough one. Well, I’m publishing a book. That alone is pretty dreamy.

Where do you hope to take your writing in the future?
Somewhere fearless and deep and moving and funny. Also, I’d love to write a mystery. :D

Can you tell us your latest news/what plans you have for your upcoming novels?
I’m in the midst of writing my second book for Simon Pulse: Thwarted love! Twins! Rural Connecticut!

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Feel free to visit me at laurenstrasnick.com! Also, download a free excerpt of Nothing Like You here: http://tiny.cc/vJQv5

Thanks Lauren!
For more information about Lauren Strasnick and her books, please visit her website here.

**Contest Closed**

Lauren has graciously offered a signed copy of Nothing Like You for a giveaway.

Rules: 1 Winner

Comment on Interview +1
Link to blog: +1
Follow me on Twitter +1
Follower : +2
Total = 5 entries

Contest ends @ midnight (CST) November 2, 2009. U.S. and Canada Residents Only (Sorry!)

Monday, October 19, 2009

Monday Madness (19) Nothing Like You by Lauren Strasnick


What is Monday Madness?

It’s the phenomenon affecting all book lovers as we count down the hours in hopes of getting our hands on highly anticipated books on release day. So, come join me throughout the week where I will be featuring Author Interviews, Reviews and Contests for great books.


Nothing Like You by Lauren Strasnick
Pub. Date: October 2009
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
224pp
Age Range: Young Adult

Synopsis
When Holly loses her virginity to Paul, a guy she barely knows, she assumes their encounter is a one-night stand. After all, Paul is too popular to even be speaking to Holly...and he happens to have a long-term girlfriend, Saskia. But ever since Holly's mom died six months ago, Holly has been numb to the world, and she's getting desperate to feel something, anything—so when Paul keeps pursuing her, Holly relents. Paul's kisses are a welcome diversion...and it's nice to feel like the kind of girl that a guy like Paul would choose.

But things aren't so simple with Saskia around. Paul's real girlfriend is willowy and perfect... and nothing like Holly. To make matters worse, she and Holly are becoming friends. Suddenly the consequences of Holly's choices are all too real, and Holly stands to lose more than she ever realized she had.



Want More? Head over to The Book Butterfly on Tantalizing Tuesday for a special treat!

Sunday, October 18, 2009

In My Mailbox (24)


These are my books from the last 2 weeks.

Fire by Kristin Cashore
Pub. Date: October 2009
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Format: Hardcover, 480pp
Age Range: 12 and up

Synopsis
She is the last of her kind...

It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. In King City, the young King Nash is clinging to the throne, while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. War is coming. And the mountains and forest are filled with spies and thieves. This is where Fire lives, a girl whose beauty is impossibly irresistible and who can control the minds of everyone around her.

Exquisitely romantic, this companion to the highly praised Graceling has an entirely new cast of characters, save for one person who plays a pivotal role in both books. You don't need to have read Graceling to love Fire. But if you haven't, you'll be dying to read it next.



The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa De La Cruz
  • Check out my review here
Hush, Hush (signed) by Becca Fitzpatrick
  • Check out my review here
Dawnbreaker by Jocelyn Drake
Pub. Date: September 2009
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 384pp

Synopsis
The dawn brings new terror for the creatures of the night . . .
Those of her race fear Mira for the lethal fire she bends to her will—a power unique among nightwalkers, both a gift . . . and a curse.

The naturi despise Mira for what she is—as they prepare the final sacrifice that will destroy the barriers between the worlds. And once the naturi are unchained, blood, chaos, and horror will reign supreme on Earth.

Mira can trust only Danaus, the more-than-mortal vampire slayer, though he is sworn to destroy her kind. And now, as the day approaches when titanic forces will duel under cover of darkness, destiny draws them toward an apocalyptic confrontation at Machu Picchu. But all is not lost, for a wild card has been dealt to them: a rogue enemy princess who can change the balance of power and turn the dread tide.


In My Mailbox was created by Kristi @ The Story Siren and inspired by Alea @ Pop Culture Junkie

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Review + Contest: Molly Fyde and the Parsona Rescue

Molly Fyde and the Parsona Rescueby Hugh HoweyPublisher: NorLightsPress
Pub. Date: August 31, 2009
292 pages

The year is 2413. In a galaxy full of life outside of Earth, Molly Fyde is a 16 yr old living in a man’s world where all she wants to do is follow in her father’s footsteps. Graduating from the Academy is one step that could get her closer to that goal but when sabotage rears its ugly head, Molly has another thing coming. Finally things start to look up for Molly, her father’s ship, The Parsona is found on an alien planet called Palan where there seems to be no legal or social system intact. Molly along with the help of one charming Navy graduate is on a mission to rescue The Parsona from pirates. They soon find themselves on a journey traveling to new planets and meeting interesting people along the way. What starts out as a simple journey to retrieve her father’s missing ship quickly turns in to an adventure that Molly will never forget...

So I’m a big sci-fi fan, well at least with shows such as "Firefly", "Star Trek", "Stargate SG-1", "Stargate Atlantis" and "Battlestar Galactica." So I figured what the heck, I’m probably going to love Molly Fyde. And boy was I right! This book starts off with a bang and albeit a clever one too. I was engrossed with this book from the beginning by Hugh’s tactical missions which were created in a dog eat dog world where Molly has to constantly be on the top of her game and prove that she can hang with the “boys.” I couldn’t wait to finish this book, I wanted to know what adventure Molly and crew would embark upon next.

Hugh created a great cast of unforgettable characters. I love strong heroines in my books and Molly in no exception. She’s smart and brave and she’s one helluva pilot in my opinion and she’s trying to accomplish the impossible that could lead her to becoming the pilot of her own ship. Then there’s the notable Cole Mendonca, Molly’s crush who seems to love conspiracy theories and would do anything to protect Molly. He’s quite the heart-throb and I can see why Molly is smitten. Cole also provides a lot of humor on their adventure in the face of danger that makes me like him even more. The secondary characters are also some of my favorites especially Walter. That’s all I’m going to say!

Hugh crafted a great world where anything is possible. With the way this book ended, I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series. You know what else? This book kept reminding me of Sci-Fi’s “Firefly.”

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars



**Contest Closed**
Win a signed copy of Molly Fyde and the Parsona Rescue

Rules: 2 Winners

Comment on Review +1
Comment on Interview here: +1
Link to blog: +1
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Follower : +2
Total = 6 entries

Contest ends @ midnight (CST) October 31, 2009. U.S. and Canada Residents Only (Sorry!)

Winner of Soulless!

The Winner is...
Soulless (signed) by Gail Carriger


Please email me your address within 48hrs.

Thanks to everyone for participating!

Author Interview: Hugh Howey

Hugh Howey's startling debut novel, Molly Fyde and the Parsona Rescue has burst onto the writing scene, capturing the attention of top writers and reviewers to generate considerable buzz months before its release. Drawing from his career as a yacht captain and book critic, Hugh's ability to pen vivid characters and tight drama makes him a young writing star worth keeping an eye on. Hugh has taken time out to answer some questions about his writing.

What inspires you to sit down and write?
With my novels, it’s the last sentence I wrote that inspires me. When I stop writing for the day, which requires an uncommon force of will, I immediately start dreaming of the next scene. My characters will continue talking, keeping me up at night and causing me to stir at ungodly hours to jot down nonsensical codes to my morning self. I’ll get up early the next day and rush right back to the computer, trying to capture it all. My first two books were written like this: manic phases of continuous inspiration. Blog entries and short stories, however, are different. They require that I begin writing and then find my inspiration.

What author(s) have influenced your writing?
Every book I read influences my style of writing somewhat, but I think my pace and content are just as influenced by great movie directors and comicbook writers. Even good TV teaches me something about controlling the ebb and flow of emotions in order to craft an engaging story. I admire Douglas Preston’s ability to write tense, believable action, Charlie Huston for his dialog, Brad Meltzer for his focus on emotions and relationships, and Judith Harris for ladling deep thoughts in tasty sips. I grew up on John D. Fitzgerald’s GREAT BRAIN series, Mark Twain’s satire, and Orson Scott Card’s imagination.

What makes your book so different from other books in its genre?
It’s “future” fiction rather than “science” fiction. I prefer to focus on the relationships between my characters and tense action rather than the hard, speculative science. Contemporary fiction doesn’t delve into the technical wizardry of the everyday, and neither, in my opinion, should science fiction. An author will simply state that Kate called Henry, not that, “she flipped open her wireless interpersonal communicator and pressed virtual keys on her multi-touch LDD display, sending modulated radio waves to a nearby tower, which relayed it in digital form to a satellite in geosynchronous orbit...” Nobody wants to read that stuff. At least... I don’t. Of course, when an unfamiliar tool is used, it’s nice to know what it’s for, but maybe not how to build one from scratch. I think what sets my book apart from others in the genre is that non-sf readers come back and tell me they loved this book. Old and young alike, male and female, find it equally appealing.

What impressed you most during your research for your book?
How much astronomers know! One of the benefits of science fiction is the ability to take liberties with the gaps in our understanding. This is the wiggle-room in which I can write with impunity. Nobody can tell me I’m wrong, because nobody truly knows. Each year, however, this gap shrinks as new discoveries are laid down. It creates a challenge: crafting exciting fiction without upsetting those in the know. There’s a fine line there, and I tend to stagger back and forth across it (apologies to those of you that live to either side!)

Are there any parts in your book that were hard to write?
Absolutely. When readers check out the book, they’ll know which ones. I made life extremely tough for my young protagonist at times. Two scenes in particular were hard on me; one of them I had to re-write and the other was jettisoned completely. Being responsible for the death of a character was a challenge I thought I was prepared for; I was wrong.

Also, I was in lower Manhattan during 9/11, right at the base of the WTC. I just realized this past year that I was more severely affected by that day than I had previously thought. It took a long time to recognize the defense mechanisms preventing me from dealing with the trauma of watching so many die right before my very eyes. I worked through some of those demons in this book. I’m not sure how transparent the metaphor will be to the reader, but I had to stop writing a few times to sort myself out. There are still sections that I can’t read without becoming emotional.

Have you ever read a book that really changed the way you look at things? What was the book?
Several. THE BLANK SLATE by Stephen Pinker, COLUMBINE by Dave Cullen, THE RED QUEEN by Matt Ridley, and THE NURTURE ASSUMPTION by Judith Harris. Non-fiction tends to shake my worldview while fiction usually just entertains me. I try my best to combine both sensations in my novels: the thrill of a good story and the challenge of considering new perspectives on deep issues.

What other projects are you currently working on?
My focus is on completing the first three books in the Molly Fyde saga. I’m also adapting the first book into a screenplay and outlining my fourth book, which will be my first non-sf story. The goal is to release the Molly Fyde books as quickly as we can while retaining their quality. My publisher suspects readers are going to be rioting for the sequel when they reach the end of the first book.

Is there anything else you want people to know about yourself or the book?
I’m awfully fond of the book’s cover. It started as a rough guide to show the publisher what I was thinking their artist should attempt, but I kept dabbling with it, learning new techniques and tools, until I had something fit for print. I never set out to create my own cover, nor was I blessed with the skills needed to do an appropriate job, which makes the final product all the more mind-blowing to me. I’m not sure if it’s a cover that people will gravitate toward as they browse, but anyone that reads the book should form a unique bond with that image by the end of the story. In that way, it allowed me, as the author, to impact the reader on another level and hopefully augment their enjoyment of the book.

Readers might also be interested in hearing how I plan on keeping them engaged between books. Along with my author website, www.hughhowey.com, I have a fictionalized blog, http://mollyfyde.blogspot.com, that continues the story between books. Media has changed. With iPods, listeners have active control over their music, rather than the passive radio. DVR’s do the same for TV. The consumer is in control and I want to cater to that by providing year-round content, rather than the once-per-year cycle that books are clinging to.


Thanks Hugh!

For more information about Hugh Howey and his books, please visit his website here.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Win BALLAD by Maggie Stiefvater!

**Contest Closed**
This is your chance to win...

Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie (signed) by Maggie Stiefvater


Rules: 1 Winner!

Comment on Guest Post here: +1
Comment on My Review here: +1
Link to blog: +1
Follow me on Twitter +1
Follower : +2

Total = 6 entries

Contest ends @ midnight (CST) October 30, 2009. U.S. and Canada Residents Only (Sorry!)

Guest Post: Maggie Stiefvater

I would like to thank Maggie Stiefvater for being a guest on my blog today. Faeries are popular supernatural beings in YA today and I don't know about you but some of them are totally swoon worthy. But to put things into perspective, Maggie will be sharing a little advice with readers about why we shouldn't date these mysterious beings. Please pray tell Maggie what we are getting ourselves into!

Don't Date Faeries

I really, really don’t recommend you date a faerie.

Some things you would think were obvious, but still, they need to be said. It might seem like a good idea, dating a beautiful eternal being with a knack for music and magic, but historically, it never turns out well for the human.

First of all, you’re not really going to see eye to eye. Your faerie significant other will be at least several decades older than you, if not centuries, and they’re not going to be into the same things as you.

That means a ton of Mondays watching House all by yourself and you can forget about them getting your Red Hot Chili Peppers addiction.

Second of all, faeries tend to be pretty contemptuous of human emotions. The things they value tend to be abstract like valor, and truth, and industriousness. Sounds good in theory, right? But in practice, it means they aren’t going to like it when you loaf around in your pajama bottoms all day and they definitely won’t get it when you cry over not getting into the college of your dreams.

So you’re going to have to find another shoulder to cry on.

And third of all, they have a great sense of humor, but generally their brand runs towards the mischievous or malevolent variety. So while you two can laugh together over the physical comedy in The Three Stooges, it won’t be so funny when they try it out on you.

Humans are sort of more breakable than faeries.

And lastly, they have commitment problems. You can try your hardest to keep them, even going so far as to stealing their skin and hiding it in your attic, but eventually they will take off and leave you. Sometimes by your lonesome. Sometimes with a brood of half-faerie babies that, for all their magical bloodlines, still make a helluva lot of baby poo.

Anyway, so it’s with all these considerations in mind that I try to keep my relationships in my faerie books human on human rather than human on faerie. And if I do write a human-faerie relationship, you better believe I’m looking for ways to close that gap the best I can. In Ballad, when James steps over the line into dangerous faerie-lover territory, I did my best as a writer to help him out. I mean, you can’t give the boy everything. But you can at least give the object of his crush some semblance of a soul. The LEAST I can do. I mean, I did have the faeries split his head open in the last book. I’m feeling a little guilty.

But for the rest of you, steer clear of faerie lovers. I’m just telling you, it’s not a good idea.


Thanks Maggie for stopping by! You can visit her online at http://www.maggiestiefvater.com/.

Winner of Betraying Season by Marissa Doyle!

The Winner is...


Betraying Season (signed) by Marissa Doyle

Book Butterfly Angel @ Butterfly Forest

Please email me your address within 48hrs.

Thanks to everyone for participating!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Character Interview: Hush, Hush's Patch Cipriano


We’ve been hearing all about this mysterious and sexy bad boy all around the bloggersphere. Well, I’ve been honored to have him as a guest on my blog where I try to get more insight on what goes on inside his head. Please welcome Hush, Hush’s Patch Cipriano everyone!


What is your best trait? What is your worst?
Best – math. I'm a stone-cold logic kind of guy. Nora would tell you the worst thing about me is my lifestyle. It doesn't lend itself to relationships.

What is the one thing you wish other people knew about you?
As I see it, the less people know about me, the better.

What are you most afraid of?
Albino bunnies. Those red eyes kill me every time. Then there's hell, which always seems to be breathing down my neck.

What do you want more than anything?
A human body.

So, Insiders want to know, what's going on with you and Nora?
You'll have to ask her – she's the one in charge of our relationship. I just do what I'm told.

What do you like most about Nora? Does anything about her annoy you?
Physically? Her legs. On a deeper level? She's not as different from me as people might think. She's not comfortable with who she really is, so she's pretending to be someone else. I see right through that. I love her for the things she's hiding from everyone else.

So, for the perfect date or if you were trying to woo a girl, how would you go about it? Depends on the girl. I don't think I've ever used the same approach twice. With Nora, I had to chisel down a wall first, and that took time and patience. Then I had to convince her I wasn't up to no good, which of course I was.

I've noticed a lot of your fans are totally swooning and I think it has something to do with your bad boy persona, what is it about yourself that is alluring to your fans?
Hearing you call me bad makes me laugh. I'm not bad – I've just got a flexible code of ethics. I'm not afraid to cross a moral line to do what has to be done. The allure is probably the mystery. People hate what they don't understand, but they're also drawn to it. Hang around with me long enough, and I bet I could turn that allure into something a lot closer to shock or terror.

Favorite Color? Dream Car?
Black. I like the Jeep, but I wouldn't mind another 1973 Camero. My last one blew up. Car bomb.

What's next for you?
If I told you, I'd have to kill you.

Well, there you have it ladies and gentlemen, Hush, Hush's Patch Cipriano. He's just as mysterious as ever. You know what? I’m still swooning! If you want to know more about him, please visit Becca Fitzpatrick’s website here or you can always head to your local bookstore and read all about him.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Unorthodox Review: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Pub. Date: October 2009
400pp
Age Range: Young Adult

So after reading Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick something unexpected happened. This is my story:

Leaving my house around 6:25pm, I headed out the door and I thought, just my luck on one of the most important days of my life, it’s raining cats and dogs.

I hopped into my car and raced to my appointment in hopes of not being late. I finally arrived at the building with 3 minutes to spare. I jumped out my car without grabbing an umbrella and jogged to the entrance. As I’m walking down the hall, I see my reflection in the mirror. “God I look horrid! “ You know that look – like you’ve been dumped over the head with a bucket of water. “Oh, well there’s nothing I can do about that now.”

Finally this is it. I’m standing at the entrance of the door that could be my possible salvation. I take a deep breath and try to control my nerves as much as possible. “Here goes nothing,” I knock on the door.

Dr. Chen opens the door. “Hi Tina, it’s so nice to see you again. Come in, what can I do for you today?”

I make my way over to the couch across from Dr. Chen’s desk and take a seat. At this point everything imaginable is going through my head.

“Uh-hum,” Dr. Chen clears his throat rescuing me from my jumbled thoughts.

“I’m so sorry to disturb you at such a late hour, but I needed someone to talk to.”

“No worries, my door is always open for you, now what seems to be the matter?”

I shake my head. “I don’t know where to start.”

“Now, now my dear, It will be alright." He coos. "Just start from the beginning.”

His voice is soothing. “It all started with this book I read.”

Dr. Chen arches a brow. “A book you say?”

“Yes, it’s called Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick.”

Dr. Chen nods. “Ok, go on.”

I couldn’t take this, so I blurted. “I think I’m obsessed Dr. Chen!” There. It’s out. I’ve said it.

Dr. Chen looks confused. “What makes you think that dear?”

“There’s this character in the book named Patch and he’s all I ever think about. I don’t know what’s wrong with me!”

He squints and eyes me curiously. “What do you mean he’s all you think about?”

Oh My God. I bet he thinks I’m crazy! And as if he could read my mind, he says.

“Tina, whatever you tell me stays between us, Patient – Doctor Confidentiality.” This is reassuring, so I go on.

“Dr. Chen, I seem to be obsessed with a fictional character! Is that normal?”

“Hmm,” he nods. “I see, well let me just grab my journal and see if we can put your mind at ease.”

He walks over to his bookshelf and grabs a journal and flips to a page.

“Yes, Yes here it is.” He slides the journal over to me and points at a photo on the page. I’m taken back by the photo staring up at me. It’s a photo of Edward Cullen, but that’s not what catches my attention, it’s the photo next to it of a dark haired, dark eyed Angel that seem to see right into your soul. Patch Cipriano.

I look up at Dr. Chen accusingly. “What is this? Why do you have pictures of fictional characters? Is this some kind of joke?”

He shakes his head. “I’m afraid not Tina. What you see here is a typical case of Hush, Hush fanaticism.”

“What? What exactly does that mean?”

“It’s rather simple really, Tina what you are experiencing is quite normal.”

“Normal? How is this obsession normal?”

“Let me put your mind at ease dear, you are not the only one who’s experienced this.”

“I’m not!” I can’t believe it. I breathe a sigh of relief, then point to the picture of Patch. “How do I fix th-th-this? Whatever this is?”

Dr. Chen smirks. “Quite easily actually, all you have to do is reread the book until he’s out of your system.”

“Huh? Is that possible?”

“Of Course!” He points to the photo of Patch. “Now, why don’t you tell me how you came to be obsessed with this character Patch?”

“Do you think it will help?”

“I most certainly do!”

I take a deep breath and tell him my story.

If I didn’t know anything about this book, I don’t think I would ever have thought that Hush, Hush was Fitzpatrick’s debut novel. The writing is brilliant! Becca took me on a journey and I was thoroughly entertained. I was caught up in the world wind of Nora & Patch at the first page, this book is addictive and I could not put it down for one minute. I broke all my review rules to read this book and that’s saying a lot!

Fitzpatrick did a fantastic job with the characters in Hush, Hush. I laughed throughout this book at Nora and Vee’s conversations and strange dealings. These characters are so relatable paranormal aside. This is one of the reasons I love this book, these characters are downright fun and entertaining.

What can I say about Patch? Tall, Dark & Dangerously Sexy! I don’t know why he’s so alluring, maybe it’s because he’s a Bad Boy. Whatever it is, Becca did an incredible job portraying him and I can finally confess that Patch is my new fictional crush! I found myself smiling throughout this whole book.

I love when a book can keep me guessing. This book kept me turning the pages for so many reasons. I had to know what would happen next, whether it was for sizzling scenes with Patch & Nora or downright hilarious moments with Nora & Vee or even the strange things happening around Nora. I absolutely, positively devoured every page! Well as you can see, I’m Hush, Hush’s #1 fan!

I love everything about this book. I will definitely follow the doctor’s order and reread this book until I can get Patch out of my system, which may be never. So Help Me God!

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars



Check out the book trailer!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Author Interview: Becca Fitzpatrick

I'm beyond thrilled to be featuring Becca Fitzpatrick and her debut novel this week. Becca has taken time out to answer some questions about her writing. Becca grew up reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden with a flashlight under the covers. She graduated college with a degree in health, which she promptly abandoned for storytelling. When not writing, she's most likely prowling sale racks for reject shoes, running, or watching crime dramas on TV. HUSH, HUSH is her first novel and it's in stores today!

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I was actually very young, about eight years old, and I'd just finished watching the movie Romancing the Stone with Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. Kathleen Turner's character plays a romance novelist who flies to Colombia to rescue her sister from Really Bad Guys, and ends up finding romance and danger that surpasses anything she's ever written. As soon as I saw the movie, there was no turning back. I knew I wanted to be an author. Of course, I thought all writers hunted for treasure in Colombia with a sexy, mysterious guy who wears crocodile boots!

How did Hush, Hush originate?
It took me five years to write Hush, Hush (I know! I'm slow!) but the very first inspiration for the story came from an experience in my own tenth-grade biology class. We must have been studying human reproduction, because my teacher asked me, in front of the whole class, to name characteristics I would be attracted to in a mate (again, I know!!) I sat next to a really cute boy, and the thought of naming characteristics I might look for in a mate was a humiliation I was not about to subject myself to. But the experience always stuck with me, and when I sat down to write Hush, Hush, that little piece of my history evolved into an early scene in the book.

How did you come up with the title?
I don't know! I honestly can't remember. I've been asked this question a few times now, and as hard as I search my memory, I can't pinpoint where the inspiration came from. But I'm certain it had something to do with all the secrets in the book. One character in particular, Patch, is very good at keeping secrets, and I think right from the first page, one of the driving forces that will keep readers glued to the pages will be trying to figure out if Patch is the good guy...or the bad guy. I dare you to figure it out!

How do you go about researching your novels?
Most of the research I did for Hush, Hush circled around Judeo-Christian mythology of fallen angels. All I can say is, there are lots of varying opinions out there in regards to fallen angels! Which, of course, is the nice thing about fiction – I was able to give them my own unique spin.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in writing your book?
That I could finish. I could write a beginning, a middle and an end. And not just any old beginning, middle and end, but a beginning, middle and end that actually told a story – a compelling story. It was a pretty powerful revelation. I still have rough days where everything I write feels like perfect trash, but now that I've overcome that biggest obstacle, I have a lot more confidence. It's a great feeling!

Can you share a teaser with us/what can we expect from Hush, Hush?
Absolutely. How's this?

Patch's eyes were black orbs. Taking in everything and giving away nothing. Not that I wanted to know more about Patch. Since I hadn't liked what I'd seen on the surface, I doubted I'd like what was lurking deep inside.

Only, this wasn't exactly true. I'd liked a lot of what I'd seen. Long, lean muscles down his arms, broad but relaxed shoulders, and a smile that was part playful, part seductive. I was at an uneasy alliance with myself, trying to ignore what had started to feel irresistible.

Are there any other projects you’re working on?
Right now I'm working on Crescendo, the tentative title of the sequel to Hush, Hush. It has been such a fun experience, and I'm absolutely dying to see what readers think. Of course, I'm going to be in agony for a while, since its release date is still over a year away. That's one of the funny things about being an author – we're always working so far ahead. A project I'm finishing up right now might not hit shelves for another two years. If nothing else, this business will teach you patience!

Is there any additional information that you would like to share?
Only to say thanks so much for having me here on your blog!


Thanks Becca!

For more information about Becca Fitzpatrick and her books, please visit her website here.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Monday Madness (18): Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick


What is Monday Madness?

It’s the phenomenon affecting all book lovers as we count down the hours in hopes of getting our hands on highly anticipated books on release day. So, come join me throughout the week where I will be featuring Author Interviews, Reviews and Contests for great books.




Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Pub. Date: October 2009
400pp
Age Range: Young Adult


Synopsis

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.


With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.


But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.



For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Hush, Hush Book Trailer





Want More? Head over to The Book Butterfly on Tantalizing Tuesday for a special treat!

Friday, October 9, 2009

Win signed copies of The Blue Blood Series!

***CONTEST CLOSED***

This is your chance to win...




Signed Copies of Blue Bloods Series by Melissa De La Cruz

Rules: 1 Winner!

Comment on Author Interview here: +1
Comment on My Review here: +1
Link to blog: +1
Follow me on Twitter +1
Follower : +2
Total = 6 entries

Contest ends @ midnight (CST) October 23, 2009. U.S. and Canada Residents Only (Sorry!)

Review: The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa De La Cruz

The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa De La Cruz
Pub. Date: October 06, 2009
384pp
Age Range: Young Adult

With the stunning revelation surrounding Bliss's true identity comes the growing threat of the sinister Silver Bloods. Once left to live the glamorous life in New York City, the Blue Bloods now find themselves in an epic battle for survival. Not to worry, love is still in the air for the young vampires of the Upper East Side. Or is it? Jack and Schuyler are over. Oliver's brokenhearted. And only the cunning Mimi seems to be happily engaged.

The Van Alen Legacy takes place a year after Revelations where Schuyler Van Allen and Oliver Hazard-Perry are on the run from the Conclave. A lot of things have changed within the year like Schuyler’s and Ollie’s relationship. Their friendship has grown into something more and I love how Ollie’s been there for Schuyler through the thick of it and he’s sacrificed so much for her and with that, he’s growing on me. It’s not all glamour for Mimi Force either, she’s joined the likes of Kingsley Martin (the Silver Blood who once tried to bring about her demise in Revelations) to uncover the truth behind the murders of the North America Conclave and the events surrounding the disappearance of Watcher, Jordan Llewellyn. We all got a shocker from Revelations that involved the one and only Miss Bliss Llewellyn and I enjoyed reading more about how deep the rabbit hole is with her and her Visitor.

Things take on interesting twists and turns in The Van Alen Legacy and I was so thrilled with the outcomes. I enjoyed reading from Schuyler’s, Mimi’s and Bliss’s viewpoints. But, I would have loved to read from Jack’s or Ollie’s viewpoint, but I guess that would have taken the mystery out of things. Melissa did a great job keeping me in suspense. I love reading about Schuyler’s growth and her abilities in this book and how she’s so much different now from the timid and unconfident girl that we were introduced to in Blue Bloods. Her powers are growing and she'll need all the help she can get if what the Legacy says holds true.

The Van Alen Legacy did not disappoint and I will be highly anticipating the next installment in this series. With the way this book ended, I see a lot of great things happening in the next installment. How can I not mention the uniqueness of this series? These vampires are so different from what I’m used to reading and I love the concept behind their origins. I can’t wait to see what De La Cruz has in store for us next.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
 

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