1000 Followers/Blog Makeover Contest!

**CONTEST CLOSED**

Today, I'm celebrating reaching 1000 followers and my new blog makeover! I want to thank my lovely followers and the talented Janice from twoscoopz{design} (she did an AWESOME job!)

SUPERNATURAL PRIZE PACKS

Prize Pack 1 - Vampires & Werewolves

Jealousy (Strange Angels, #3) (Paperback) by Lili St. Crow

Linger (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, #2) (ARC) by Maggie Stiefvater

Prize Pack 2 - Faeries & Angels

The Iron Daughter (Iron Fey, #2) (Paperback) by Julie Kagawa
Early to Death, Early to Rise (Madison Avery, #2) (ARC) by Kim Harrison

Prize Pack 3 - Zombies & Shapeshifters

Other (Other, #1) (Paperback) by Karen Kincy

Undead Much (Paperback) by Stacey Jay

Prize Pack 4 - Retellings

 
         

Anxious Hearts (ARC) by Tucker Shaw

Jekel Loves Hyde (ARC) by Beth Fantaskey

Rules: There will be 4 winners!

Comment : What's your favorite supernatural creature? +1

Extra entries:

Follower +2

Follower on twitter +1

Link to blog +1

Total entries + 5

Contest ends @ 11:59 pm August 28, 2010. Open to everyone!

Winner of Shadow Hills!

TheWinner is... SHADOW HILLS (ARC) by Anastasia Hopcus

Swag: Bookmarks and buttons

loves2read

Please send me your address within 48hrs
Thanks to everyone for Participating!

Live Chat with Cassandra Clare + Special Announcement!

Next Wednesday, August 4 at 5 pm ET, author Cassandra Clare will be making a major announcement about The Mortal Instruments series and taking questions during a video chat on www.Ustream.tv/SimonandSchuster.

There’s also a sweepstakes to win a limited edition Clockwork Angel pendant.

Will you be there? I know I will. This is one of my favorite YA Series and I'm dying to find out what the big news is.

Win Forget You by Jennifer Echols!

**CONTEST CLOSED**

This is your chance to Win... FORGET YOU (ARC) by Jennifer Echols

Rules: 1 Winner!

1. Comment on Interview here: +1

2. Comment on Review here: +1

3. Link to blog: +1

4. Follow me on Twitter +1
5. Follower : +2

Total = 6 entries

Contest ends @ 11:59pm (CST) August 12, 2010. U.S. & Canada Residents Only (Sorry!)

**If you are an international resident and have someone in the states that I could mail the prize to, then you can enter the contest**

Review: Forget You by Jennifer Echols

FORGET YOU by Jennifer Echols
Pub. Date: July 2010
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group
Format: Paperback, 292pp

WHY CAN’T YOU CHOOSE WHAT YOU FORGET . . . AND WHAT YOU REMEMBER? There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four- year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. Feeling like her life is about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon. But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people— suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug.

Echols’s GOING TOO FAR was one of my favorite reads last year and I knew instantly that she would be an author on my instant buy list. All I can say is that after reading FORGET YOU, she's also become one of my favorite authors in this genre. Her writing is impeccable and she knows how to draw readers into her character's world. We get to see these characters evolve on so many levels - they're real. What a thrill ride it was to read this novel!

I don't think Zoey could have imagined the direction her life would take after her parents' divorce, especially when it led to entangling her more into the life of the enigmatic Doug Fox (H-A-W-T). After all, these two can't stand each other. I ate the pages up as I delved into these character's lives as Zoey tried to piece her memories back together after her car accident. I was crazy about John from GOING TOO FAR, but Doug takes the cake. Echols has a way with developing complex characters that pull at your heartstrings. Zoey and Doug plucked at mine as I followed along to see where their journey would lead them.

Echols knocked it out the park in this unforgettable story about having the strength to overcome a tumultuous past and finding acceptance within you. Thank you Jennifer, for giving your readers another great novel to immerse ourselves into. I can't wait to read more books by this talented author. For the fans of GOING TOO FAR, you will not be disappointed! In fact, I believe you'll love Zoey’s and Doug's story just as equally if not more. These books have earned a special place on my bookshelf!

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Sensational 7 Q & A with Jennifer Echols!

Have you ever wanted to know what it would be like to hang out with your favorite author(s)? In an attempt to get a better understanding of authors, my Sensational Seven Q & A takes a closer or more personal look at these authors to give you a glimpse of the personalities behind the writing of your favorite books.

“Talent alone cannot make a writer. There must be a man behind the book; a personality which, by birth and quality, is pledged to the doctrines there set forth, and which exists to see and state things so, and not otherwise.” By Ralph Waldo Emerson

Jennifer Echols is the author of several Romantic Comedies, as well as many other young adult novels. She currently lives in Birmingham. Visit her on the web at http://www.jenniferechols.com/

FORGET YOU is in a store near you!

If you were given a chance to travel back in time, what year or place would you go / Why?
I would not travel back in time. I am sorry to sound uncreative about this but I am very partial to electricity and running water. (Perhaps you can tell I went camping recently.)

Describe your novel in seven words or less?
Does Zoey love Doug? She can’t remember

Please share with us about your favorite book and fictional crush to date?
I have a longstanding crush on Jennifer Crusie, who writes romantic comedies for adults. My favorite of her books is Tell Me Lies, but I’ve only read perhaps eight of them. I’m thrilled that I have lots left to go!

If you could be any character in fiction, whom would you be / Why?
Wouldn’t any woman love to be Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice? Oh, to spend my days wondering whether Mr. Darcy was crushing on me. Ahhh….

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you/ Why?
Janeane Garofalo—not because she looks anything like me, which she doesn’t, but because my life is mostly about writing, working, running, playing with my son, and going to the grocery store, and I’ll bet she could make even that seem funny. I’m sure we would all be entertained.

If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be – please explain?
Running to Stand Still. This is the title of a U2 song, and it was my editor’s idea for the title of my novel Going Too Far. It applies to my life because I feel like I’m expending an enormous amount of effort just to stay in the same place right now, and I’m not getting anywhere. I hope that if you ask me this in another three months, I will title my biography Little Did I Know I Was About to Become Very Successful.

How would you describe yourself/life in seven words?
Wrote a lot and finally got published!

Bonus:

**Is there any additional info you would like to share with your readers about what’s next for you and your books?**
I'm finishing novel number seven right now and turning it in on August 9, so cross your fingers for me! I can't share details right now, but it's another romantic drama, it will be published by MTV Books in July 2011, and I'll post the title and the description on my web site when I can.

Thanks for stopping by Jennifer!

For more information about Jennifer Echols and her books, please visit her website here.

Monday Madness (53): Forget You by Jennifer Echols

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.

FORGET YOU by Jennifer Echols
Pub. Date: July 2010
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group
Format: Paperback, 292pp

Synopsis
WHY CAN’T YOU CHOOSE WHAT YOU FORGET . . . AND WHAT YOU REMEMBER? There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four- year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. Feeling like her life is about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon. But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people— suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug.

Want More?

Order FORGET YOU @ Amazon, Barnes and Noble, BooksAMillion & Borders

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

In My Mailbox (57)

FOR REVIEW

Radiance (Radiance, #1) by Alyson Noel

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, #1) by Cassandra Clare

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

Winner of Dark Goddess!

The Winner is... DARK GODDESS (ARC) by Sarwat Chadda

Kailia Sage

Please email me your address within 48hrs

Thanks to everyone for participating!

The Winner of Other by Karen Kincy!

The Winner is... OTHER (signed) by Karen Kincy

Erika Lynn

Please email me your address within 48hrs

Thanks to everyone for participating!

Win Sleepless by Cyn Balog!

**CONTEST CLOSED**
This is your chance to Win... SLEEPLESS (Signed) by Cyn Balog

Rules: 1 Winner!

1. Comment on Interview here: +1

2. Comment on Review here: +1

3. Link to blog: +1

4. Follow me on Twitter +1
5. Follower : +2

Total = 6 entries

Contest ends @ 11:59pm (CST) August 5, 2010. U.S. & Canada Residents Only (Sorry!)

**If you are an international resident and have someone in the states that I could mail the prize to, then you can enter the contest**

Review: Sleepless by Cyn Balog

SLEEPLESS by Cyn Balog
Pub. Date: July 2010
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Format: Hardcover, 224pp
Age Range: Young Adult

Eron DeMarchelle isn't supposed to feel this connection. He is a Sandman, a supernatural being whose purpose is to seduce his human charges to sleep. Though he can communicate with his charges in their dreams, he isn't encouraged to do so. After all, becoming too involved in one human's life could prevent him from helping others get their needed rest.

But he can't deny that he feels something for Julia, a lonely girl with fiery red hair and sad dreams. Just weeks ago, her boyfriend died in a car accident, and Eron can tell that she feels more alone than ever. Eron was human once too, many years ago, and he remembers how it felt to lose the one he loved. In the past, Eron has broken rules to protect Julia, but now, when she seems to need him more than ever, he can't reach her. Eron's time as a Sandman is coming to a close, and his replacement doesn't seem to care about his charges. Worse, Julia is facing dangers she doesn't recognize, and Eron, as he transitions back to being human, may be the only one who can save her. . . .

Even once they've become human again, Sandmen are forbidden to communicate with their charges. But Eron knows he won't be able to forget Julia. Will he risk everything for a chance to be with the girl he loves?

Cyn Balog's follow-up to Fairy Tale has more wit, more supernatural delights, and more star-crossed romance! Teen girls will love this story of a Sandman who falls in love with his human charge.

SLEEPLESS starts off on that fateful night, unknowingly to Julia, that her life as she knew it would be changed forever. This book drew me in immediately. Right off the bat, I got a peek at the characters’ personalities. So knowing that tragedy awaited Julia, I couldn’t help but feel sympathy for how she found out about her boyfriend’s death. What made me delve more into the book was finding out how she would cope with his loss. Not to mention, how unique the premise of this book is. I enjoyed reading about what Sandmen/women do for humans.

SLEEPLESS is told in alternating view points by Julia and Eron. I loved how the beginning of each chapter represented a flower for Julia and a moon for Eron. I don’t think their story could have been told in a better way. I was able to get inside these characters head and see what made them tick as they tried to fit in and piece their lives back together. Julia’s past comes with a stigma. It was so mysterious the way it was written, so I couldn’t help but wonder what happened in her past that made her the way she is. Same with Eron, I was curious to see how things would play out with his new replacement as the clock wound down to his return to humanity. What a surprise his replacement was! I can imagine Eron and I had the same expression on our faces with that whopper! Eron was so old school which was a nice surprise, but I couldn’t help but wonder how he didn’t pick up more on the changing fashions/slang over the century as he followed his charges.

In my opinion, the ending leaves it up to the readers to imagine what happens next. So I created my own little ending with these two. Cyn drew me into the depths of these character’s lives as Julia and Eron fought their way against so many road blocks in order to escape their predicaments. They say “dreams are the windows of the soul.” SLEEPLESS manages to show the wonder of healing powers that dreams can have on one’s soul. Readers looking for a unique story where dreams come alive in the most unimaginable places should definitely pick this novel up.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Sensational 7 Q & A with Cyn Balog!

Have you ever wanted to know what it would be like to hang out with your favorite author(s)? In an attempt to get a better understanding of authors, my Sensational Seven Q & A takes a closer or more personal look at these authors to give you a glimpse of the personalities behind the writing of your favorite books.

“Talent alone cannot make a writer. There must be a man behind the book; a personality which, by birth and quality, is pledged to the doctrines there set forth, and which exists to see and state things so, and not otherwise.” By Ralph Waldo Emerson

Cyn Balog is the author of the young adult paranormal novels FAIRY TALE and SLEEPLESS. She lives outside Allentown, Pennsylvania with her husband and daughters. Visit her online at http://www.cynbalog.com/.

SLEEPLESS is in a store near you!

If you were given a chance to travel back in time, what year or place would you go / Why?
I've given this question serious thought, and decided that I would need to go back to an era with indoor plumbing, so that narrows it down quite a bit. I thought about going to the Titanic because I totally loved all of Kate Winslet's dresses, but the whole drowning in ice-cold water thing turns me off. Since I am secretly fascinated by the JFK assassination and LOVE Jackie O's style I think I would like to go to that era, in a little bubblegum pink pillbox hat. Maybe to the fifth floor of the book depository to see what Lee Harvey was up to and whether he really could make that shot.

Describe your novel in seven words or less?
Sandman loves girl. Much hysteria ensues.

Please share with us about your favorite book and fictional crush to date?
I have too many favorite books! The one I will mention for this interview will be FEED by MT Anderson. Unfortunately I do not maintain fictional crushes because my husband is insanely jealous. Actually, um, he is really just insane.

If you could be any character in fiction, whom would you be / Why?
I would be the Wizard of Oz because I could give people things like a dollar-store heart-shaped clock on a chain and people would think I was giving them the world.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you/ Why?
I am one of those people who, growing up, was told I look like numerous famous people, among them, Julie Delpy, Lisa Kudrow, Laura Dern in Jurassic Park, and Meryl Streep. I think Meryl Streep would probably do a really good job as me, but unfortunately I am not that old. Though with make-up and special effects... But seriously, why am I even contemplating this? Why the hell would she ever want to play ME?

If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be – please explain?
I've been asked this question a few times, and every time I come up with a different answer. So I would have to say, IS THAT YOUR FINAL ANSWER? Because I always change my mind. No actually, it should be called BORING or maybe have a warning that people shouldn't waste their time on it, like OPEN THIS BOOK AND DIE. Or maybe THE INSOMNIA SOLUTION.

How would you describe yourself/life in seven words?
Stuck inside for months; need sunshine. Help?


Bonus:

**Is there any additional info you would like to share with your readers about what’s next for you and your books?**
Yes! I have two more YA paranormals coming out in 2011 and 2012 from Delacorte! One is about a guy who controls the power of the sun and the other is about a guy who remembers his future. Titles to be determined. After that I was thinking about writing a book entitled, OPEN THIS BOOK AND DIE, which will obviously be a bestseller.


Thanks for stopping by Cyn!

For more information about Cyn Balog and her books, please visit her website here.

Monday Madness (52) Sleepless by Cyn Balog

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.

SLEEPLESS by Cyn Balog
Pub. Date: July 2010
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Format: Hardcover, 224pp
Age Range: Young Adult

Synopsis
Eron DeMarchelle isn't supposed to feel this connection. He is a Sandman, a supernatural being whose purpose is to seduce his human charges to sleep. Though he can communicate with his charges in their dreams, he isn't encouraged to do so. After all, becoming too involved in one human's life could prevent him from helping others get their needed rest.

But he can't deny that he feels something for Julia, a lonely girl with fiery red hair and sad dreams. Just weeks ago, her boyfriend died in a car accident, and Eron can tell that she feels more alone than ever. Eron was human once too, many years ago, and he remembers how it felt to lose the one he loved. In the past, Eron has broken rules to protect Julia, but now, when she seems to need him more than ever, he can't reach her. Eron's time as a Sandman is coming to a close, and his replacement doesn't seem to care about his charges. Worse, Julia is facing dangers she doesn't recognize, and Eron, as he transitions back to being human, may be the only one who can save her. . . .

Even once they've become human again, Sandmen are forbidden to communicate with their charges. But Eron knows he won't be able to forget Julia. Will he risk everything for a chance to be with the girl he loves?

Cyn Balog's follow-up to Fairy Tale has more wit, more supernatural delights, and more star-crossed romance! Teen girls will love this story of a Sandman who falls in love with his human charge.

Want More?

Order SLEEPLESS @ Amazon, Barnes and Noble & Borders

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

Free Download: The Choir Boats by Daniel Rabuzzi

Author Daniel Rabuzzi's debut YA fantasy novel The Choir Boats (ChiZine Publications, Toronto, 2009) is featured as WOWIO's July Book of the Month. During July 2010 only, the e-book version is FREE here: http://news.wowio.com/2010/07/book-of-the-month-choir-boats/

The Choir Boats was selected by January Magazine as a Top Ten YA Novel for 2009. Reviewers describe it as “Gulliver’s Travels crossed with The Golden Compass and a dollop of Pride and Prejudice,” and as "a muscular, Napoleonic-era fantasy that, like Philip Pullman's Dark Materials series, will appeal to both adult and young adult readers."

This special edition of the novel includes bonus illustrations by Deborah A. Mills. It's also DRM-free, so it can be read on any platform compatible with PDFs, and shared with friends just like a regular book.

Author's bio, publication data and reviews are available at http://www.danielarabuzzi.com/.

blog: http://lobsterandcanary.blogspot.com/

The Choir Boats explores issues of race, gender, sin, and salvation, and includes a mysterious letter, knuckledogs, carkodrillos, smilax root, goat stew, and one very fierce golden cat.

Summary (Amazon)

What would you give to make good on the sins of your past? For merchant Barnabas McDoon, the answer is: everything. When emissaries from a world called Yount offer Barnabas a chance to redeem himself, he accepts their price-to voyage to Yount with the key that only he can use to unlock the door to their prison. But bleak forces seek to stop him: Yount's jailer, a once-human wizard who craves his own salvation, kidnaps Barnabas's nephew. A fallen angel-a monstrous owl with eyes of fire-will unleash Hell if Yount is freed. And, meanwhile, Barnabas' niece, Sally, and a mysterious pauper named Maggie seek with dream-songs to wake the sleeping goddess who may be the only hope for Yount and Earth alike.

**If you don't have an e-reader - Mobipocket Reader Desktop 6.2 is great to read ebooks off of. You can download it here.

Winner of Wayfarer by R.J. Anderson!

The Winner is... WAYFARER (signed) by R.J. Anderson

Fredamans

Please email me your address within 48hrs

Thanks to everyone for participating!

Spotlight: Bring On The Night (WVMP Radio, #3) by Jeri Smith Ready

Bring On the Night (WVMP Radio Series #3) by Jeri Smith-Ready
Pub. Date: July 27, 2010
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 416pp

Summary
WHAT'S BLOOD GOT TO DO WITH IT?

Recovering con artist Ciara Griffin seems to finally have it all. A steady job at WVMP, the Lifeblood of Rock 'n' Roll. A loving relationship with the idiosyncratic but eternally hot DJ Shane McAllister. A vampire dog who never needs shots or a pooper-scooper. And after nine years, it looks as if she might actually finish her bachelor's degree!

But fate has other plans for Ciara. First she must fulfill her Faustian bargain with the Control, the paranormal paramilitary agency that does its best to keep vampires in line. Turns out the Control wants her for something other than her (nonexistent) ability to kick undead ass. Her anti-holy blood, perhaps? Ciara's suspicions are confirmed when she's assigned to a special-ops division known as the Immanence Corps, run by the Control's oldest vampire and filled with humans who claim to have special powers. To a confirmed skeptic like Ciara, it sounds like a freak fest. But when a mysterious fatal virus spreads through Sherwood—and corpses begin to rise from their graves—Ciara will not only get a crash course in zombie-killing, but will be forced to put her faith, and her life itself, in the hands of magic

Check out the bonus trailer of Jeri Smith-Ready as she discusses her previous occupations before becoming a writer.

You can purchase Bring on the Night @ Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Borders.

More about Jeri Smith-Ready
Jeri Smith-Ready has been writing fiction since the night she had her first double espresso. A constant stream of caffeine has resulted in six published novels, including Wicked Game and Eyes of Crow, which have each won multiple awards in the fields of fantasy and romance.

Jeri will have her teen fiction debut in May 2010 with the Simon Pulse release of Shade, a paranormal love story featuring a world of spirits only the young can see. The sequel, Shift, will follow in 2011.The next two years will also see the continuation of Jeri's fun and sexy WVMP RADIO urban fantasy series from Pocket Books.

Jeri holds a master's in environmental policy and currently lives in
Maryland with her husband, cat, and the world's goofiest greyhound. When not writing, she can usually be found--well, thinking about writing.

Find her at www.jerismithready.com or at ttp://twitter.com/jsmithready.

Win Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus!

**CONTEST CLOSED**

This is your chance to Win... SHADOW HILLS (ARC) by Anastasia Hopcus

Swag: Bookmarks and buttons

Rules: 1 Winner!

1. Comment on Interview here: +1

2. Comment on Review here: +1

3. Link to blog: +1

4. Follow me on Twitter +1
5. Follower : +2

Total = 6 entries

Contest ends @ 11:59pm (CST) July 29, 2010. U.S. & Canada Residents Only (Sorry!)

**If you are an international resident and have someone in the states that I could mail the prize to, then you can enter the contest**

Review: Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus

SHADOW HILLS by Anastasia Hopcus
Pub. Date: July 13, 2010
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Format: Hardcover, 400pp
Age Range: Young Adult

After her sister Athena's tragic death, it's obvious that grief-stricken Persephone "Phe" Archer no longer belongs in Los Angeles. Hoping to make sense of her sister's sudden demise and the cryptic dreams following it, Phe abandons her bubbly LA life to attend an uptight East Coast preparatory school in Shadow Hills, MA — a school which her sister mysteriously mentioned in her last diary entry before she died.

Once there, Phe quickly realizes that something is deeply amiss in her new town. Not only does Shadow Hills' history boast an unexplained epidemic that decimated hundreds of its citizens in the 1700s, but its modern townies also seem eerily psychic, with the bizarre ability to bend metal. Even Zach — the gorgeous stranger Phe meets and immediately begins to lust after — seems as if he is hiding something serious. Phe is determined to get to the bottom of it. The longer she stays there, the more she suspects that her sister's untimely death and her own destiny are intricately linked to those who reside in Shadow Hills.

SHADOW HILLS entices readers with its haunting mysteries and forbidden secrets.

Persephone enrolled into Devenish Preparatory after her sister passed away, in hopes of finding out why her sister was drawn to the place. Right off the bat, Hopcus lured me into SHADOW HILLS with Phe’s eerie dreams. Anytime there’s a creepy cemetery involved, combined with mysterious deaths, I can’t help but WANT to know what happened.

As soon as Phe arrived in Shadow Hills, I was full of anticipation in wanting to know more about the town and the mystery guy in her dreams. Which begs the question, what’s Phe’s link to Shadow Hills? Especially, when this town’s inhabitants are strange and weird things continue to happen all around them.

I adored Phe, the girl’s got sass! She’s strong willed and won’t back down from a challenge; even if it could ultimately have dire consequences. You know what they say: “Curiosity killed the cat.” But, Phe’s determined to get answers and she’s not about to let some weird incidents prevent her from finding out what’s really going on in Shadow Hills. Speaking of the mystery guy, Zach is alluring in his own right. As soon as Phe locked eyes with him, I could see the sparks flying. Talk about Magnetism! Hopcus's writing style and well paced plot kept me in suspense as I tried to fit the puzzle pieces together.

SHADOW HILLS takes haunting dreams and mysterious undertakings to a whole new level. I’m just glad we get to see more of Phe’s and Zach’s story in the next installment. I can imagine this series going in so many directions. I’ll be picking up the next book and immersing myself into it intensely. Now all I NEED to know is WHEN?

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Sensational 7 Q & A with Anastasia Hopcus!

Have you ever wanted to know what it would be like to hang out with your favorite author(s)? In an attempt to get a better understanding of authors, my Sensational Seven Q & A takes a closer or more personal look at these authors to give you a glimpse of the personalities behind the writing of your favorite books.

“Talent alone cannot make a writer. There must be a man behind the book; a personality which, by birth and quality, is pledged to the doctrines there set forth, and which exists to see and state things so, and not otherwise.” By Ralph Waldo Emerson

Anastasia Hopcus wrote her first book in the 2nd grade. It was entitled Frederick the Friendly French Ferret and was seven pages long. During high school she wrote numerous short stories and started (but never finished) three screenplays, all as an alternative to doing actual school work. At the very wise age of twelve her career ambition was to drive a Mack truck, but when that didn't pan out, she tried acting, bartending, and being a receptionist in a dojo before finally returning to writing. Anastasia loves horror movies, Joss Whedon, obsessing over music, and British accents. She lives in Austin, Texas and SHADOW HILLS is her debut novel and it's in stores today!

If you were given a chance to travel back in time, what year or place would you go / Why?

If it was just a week long visit, I'd have to say Lake Geneva in the summer of 1816 so I could hang out with Mary Shelley, her husband and friends when she came up with Frankenstein. If I had to stay there for an extended period of time, I'd have to choose sometime in the twentieth century. I'm a big fan of indoor plumbing.

Describe your novel in seven words or less?
There are many secrets in Shadow Hills.

Please share with us about your favorite book and fictional crush to date?
I adored the novel Beautiful Creatures, and though I'm trying to resist because I have revisions to do, I can't keep away from my ARC of Beautiful Darkness. And I have to say that my ultimate literary crush would be Linc from said series.

If you could be any character in fiction, whom would you be / Why?
Isabelle Lightwood from the Mortal Instruments. She's kick-ass, funny, and loves clothes.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you/ Why?
I'd probably go with Rachel Bilson though our coloring is different and she's a teensy bit older than me. I really like her open, fun kind of personality, and she has a really cute fashion sense.

If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be – please explain?
Out of Step because I always seem to zig when others zag.

How would you describe yourself/life in seven words?
Give me sadness, joy, but not boredom.

Bonus:

**Is there any additional info you would like to share with your readers about what’s next for you and your books?**
I'm working on the follow-up to Phe and Zach's story. I see a lot of potential for further developing the world of Shadow Hills. I also have a few more projects in the works. One of them is a historical paranormal, which will be a new challenge for me, and I'm really excited about that.

Thanks for stopping by Anastasia!

For more information about Anastasia Hopcus and her books, please visit her website here.

Monday Madness (51) Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus

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.

SHADOW HILLS by Anastasia Hopcus
Pub. Date: July 13, 2010
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Format: Hardcover, 400pp
Age Range: Young Adult

Synopsis
After her sister Athena's tragic death, it's obvious that grief-stricken Persephone "Phe" Archer no longer belongs in Los Angeles. Hoping to make sense of her sister's sudden demise and the cryptic dreams following it, Phe abandons her bubbly LA life to attend an uptight East Coast preparatory school in Shadow Hills, MA — a school which her sister mysteriously mentioned in her last diary entry before she died.

Once there, Phe quickly realizes that something is deeply amiss in her new town. Not only does Shadow Hills' history boast an unexplained epidemic that decimated hundreds of its citizens in the 1700s, but its modern townies also seem eerily psychic, with the bizarre ability to bend metal. Even Zach — the gorgeous stranger Phe meets and immediately begins to lust after — seems as if he is hiding something serious. Phe is determined to get to the bottom of it. The longer she stays there, the more she suspects that her sister's untimely death and her own destiny are intricately linked to those who reside in Shadow Hills.

Want More?

Order SHADOW HILLS @ Amazon, Barnes and Noble & Borders

Check out the Book Trailer!

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

In My Mailbox (56)

For Review

Sleepless by Cyn Balog

Bought (all e-books for my Kindle)

Twice Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires, #3) by Chloe Neill - I love this series!

Fever Series - Darkfever, the first book in this series has a free download on Amazon. I have all the Hardcovers for this series. This series is my obsession and I've read it 4 times already. I had to buy the e-books so that I could go back and highlight all my favorite quotes. Plus, I don't have to worry about the hassle of carrying around my hardbacks. The big bonus for the Kindle is I don't have to worry about buying 2 of the same books (1 for me and 1 for mom). We love the same books! Now we can share via our kindles. Yippee!!

Bloodfever (Fever, #2) by Karen Marie Moning

Faefever (Fever, #3) by Karen Marie Moning

Dreamfever (Fever, #4) by Karen Marie Moning - I'm dying to know how the 5th and final installment, Shadowfever will end (January 18, 2011).

Shade (Shade, #1) by Jeri Smith-Ready - Thank you Jeri! She sent me a signed copy of her book. You can check out my review here.

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

Win Dark Goddess by Sarwat Chadda!

**CONTEST CLOSED**

This is your chance to Win... DARK GODDESS (ARC) by Sarwat Chadda

Rules: 1 Winner!

1. Comment on Guest Post here: +1

2. Comment on Review here: +1

3. Link to blog: +1

4. Follow me on Twitter +1
5. Follower : +2

Total = 6 entries

Contest ends @ 11:59pm (CST) July 24, 2010. U.S. & Canada Residents Only (Sorry!)

**If you are an international resident and have someone in the states that I could mail the prize to, then you can enter the contest**

Review: Dark Goddess by Sarwat Chadda

DARK GODDESS by Sarwat Chadda
Pub. Date: January 25, 2011
Publisher: Disney Press
Format: Hardcover, 384pp
Source: Disney Hyperion

BEWARE: SPOILERS (If you have not read DEVIL’S KISS)

New enemies, new romance, and new horrors, Billi's back, and it seems like the Unholy just can't take a hint.

Still reeling from the death of her best friend, Kay, Billi's thrust back into action when the Templars are called to investigate werewolf activity. And these werewolves are like nothing Bilil's seen before.

They call themselves the Polenitsy - Man Killers. The ancient warrior women of Eastern Europe, supposedly wiped out centuries ago. But now they're out of hiding and on the hunt for a Spring Child -- an Oracle powerful enough to blow the volcano at Yellowstone -- precipitating a Fimbulwinter that will wipe out humankind for good.
The Templars follow the stolen Spring Child to Russia, and the only people there who can help are the Bogatyrs, a group of knights who may have gone to the dark side. To reclaim the Spring Child and save the world, Billi needs to earn the trust of Ivan
Romanov, an arrogant young Bogatyr whose suspicious of people in general, and of Billi in particular.

Dark Goddess is a page-turning, action-packed sequel that spans continents, from England to the Russian underworld and back. This is an adventure of folklore and myth become darkly real. Of the world running out of time. And of Billi SanGreal, the only one who can save it.

BEWARE: SPOILERS (If you have not read DEVIL’S KISS)

DARK GODDESS wastes no time throwing readers into the thick of the action as Billi faces a foe even deadlier than the last. Billi continues to kick ass against these Unholy (all the supernatural evil that preys on mankind). These creatures are formidable and strike with deadly efficiency. It was nerve-racking to see if Billi and fellow Templars would survive the night. This action packed and drama filled installment had me holding my breath in anticipation of the dangers to come. Sarwat continues to enthrall me with his world building, great cast of characters, and the ever so dangerous life of a Templar.

Billi is still grieving over the death of her best friend Kay. In order to cope, she’s put her duties as a Templar above all else. Soon, Billi finds out that things aren’t as simple as living in the past with the dead. Now, she has to live and look to the future, even if that future involves an Oracle powerful enough to end the world. She will do everything to keep this from happening. Her journey soon leads her to Ivan Romanov, the new love interest in this installment and he’s as delicious as they come. Billi is epic as far as strong heroines go. She’s been through so much at the young age of fifteen. And just when it seems like she’s out for the count, she continues to surprise me with her strength. She’s the kind of protagonist that I love reading about.

In DARK GODDESS, no one and I mean no one is exempt in this kill or be killed world of Unholy. Get ready for a fast paced world, full of creatures that go bump in the night, as Billi and fellow Templars try to save the world. I’m ready for more adrenaline packed and rip-roaring adventures from Billi and crew. Bring ‘em on! I would love to see this series on the big screen.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Winner of 13 to Life!

The Winner is... 13 TO LIFE (Paperback) by Shannon Delany

Swag: bookmarks, a signed mini poster, and a signed bookplate

Jennie Smith

Please email me your address within 48hrs.

Thanks to everyone for participating!

Blog Tour: Dark Goddess by Sarwat Chadda

I'm today's blog stop for Sarwat Chadda's DARK GODDESS, the sequel to DEVIL'S KISS (9/1/2009).

Sarwat Chadda (www.sarwatchadda.com) was brought up on the adventures of the great medieval heroes like Saladin and Richard the Lionheart. His passion for storytelling grew from his love for the history, culture and myths of Europe and the Middle East.

Sarwat used to be an engineer, working on projects like the Channel Tunnel and Hong Kong airport, but now he writes full time. He has travelled widely, from China to India, from Nicaragua to the Yemen, but there’s no place like home, and home is London.Devil's Kiss was his first novel.

DARK GODDESS was released July 1, 2010 in the UK and will be released January 2011 in the US.

STRONG HEROINES

I’m not quite sure what I had in mind when I wrote DEVIL’S KISS. Was it a boys’ own adventure for girls? Was it a tragic romance for boys? Was it my attempt to portray Conan the Barbarian as a 21st Century feminist icon?

That’s who I’ve based my heroine, Billi SanGreal, on. Conan. Grim, brooding, with a gallows sense of humour.

Kind of a lot like teen girls I used to know.

Billi’s descended from a long and ancient line of female heroes. She’s not got the Jane Austen gene, that I admit, but her pedigree is firmly established in other female icons of literature and history. These are my top five and Billi wouldn’t exist without them.

1. Buffy. Well, obviously. You write a kick-ass heroine and you cannot avoid the Buffy comparisons. Buff is awesome. I love her whole world and the Scoobie Gang and I think Joss Whedon is a god. ‘Once More with Feeling’ is perhaps the greatest 45 minutes of TV history ever. If Billi’s part of the descendents of Buffy, I can live with that because everything about Buffy was quality.

2. Athene. The ultimate Daddy’s girl. Leapt from the head of Zeus, fully clad in armour and ready to bag and tag. She’s no second fiddle to any man. She guided Achilles. She helped Odysseus find his way home. She kicked Ares’s arse in the Trojan War. The god of war himself is scared of her.

3. Kali. Another goddess with impeccable warrior credentials. Ten arms, black-skinned, necklaces of skulls and a long, red blood-lapping tongue. What’s not to love? Out of Hindu mythology she is the gods’ last line of defence. When they’ve all run off in fear, she’s the last one standing. Billi’s heritage has Indian roots. There’s a drop of Kali’s blood in her, that’s for sure.
4. Boudicca, the Iceni queen who tore the heart out of Roman Britain. And she travelled in style too, in a chariot with huge blades sticking out of the side. As every fashionista knows, it’s all about the accessories.

5. Baba Yaga. The Dark Goddess. I love Baba Yaga. That’s why I’ve written a book about her. You’ve probably come across her in her fairy tale version, old witch that lives in the forest in a house that walks on huge chicken legs and flies around in a pestle and mortar. Eats naughty children. Chews them up with her big iron teeth.

DARK GODDESS takes Baba Yaga to her roots. Back when she was worshipped by prehistoric man. She was the guiding mentor in the spiritual awakening of women, the one who initiated girls into women. Taught them the matters of life and death. She’s the Old Crone, the mid-wife who delivers you and then the one who wraps you in your burial shroud. She is the holder of dark and dangerous knowledge and true heroines cannot grow unless they face her. My first book was about Billi discovering what sort of Templar she wanted to be. DARK GODDESS is deciding what sort of woman she’ll become.

It might seem strange for a middle-aged man to be writing about the coming of age of a teen girl, but that’s not all I write about. I write about tragic romance, supernatural horror and sword-fights. A lot of sword fights.

There’s plenty of heroines pondering their romances and whether the gorgeous new guy in their school is the one for them and why no-one understands them like he does and so on and so forth. You don’t need me writing another one of those books.

But if you want a world where the stakes are high, where passion is measured not in lingering looks but blood, sweat and tears and love comes at a highest price imaginable, I might have something for you. A heroine of the old school.

Thanks Sarwat for stopping by!

For more information about Sarwat Chadda and his books, please visit his website here or check out his blog here. You can also order DARK GODDESS here (UK) or pre-order it here (US).