Vamps, Weres and Cassay

Review: Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick + Giveaway

2012-01-15T13:07:00.000-07:00

The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever. Excerpt from Becca’s website

I loved Hush, Hush and Crescendo but Silence was a bit of a letdown for me. I was a hoping for a different version of the continuation of the series. I wasn't expecting to relearn everything that seemed to have happened in the previous 2 books. For this reason I was a bit disappointed in Silence. Nora and Patch's characters felt off to me like they weren't the same from the previous books. I did like the Hank Miller storyline it was really the only thing that kept my interest in the story. I have recently learned that there is going to be a 4th book in the series and I'm not 100% sure where the series is going to go from here besides the obvious. I hope the 4th book is better than the 3rd and lives up to books 1 & 2.

Special thanks to Michelle from S&S Canada for sending me a finished copy.

The Rating:

3 out of 5

The Details:

Format: Hardcover
Dimensions: 448 Pages, 5.5 x 8.25 x 0.98 in
Published: October 4, 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN - 10:1442426640
ISBN - 13:9781442426641

Giveaway Time!

I was going through my bookshelf and I noticed I have 2 copies of Silence so I will be giving away 1 copy as well as a signed bookplate!

Rules:

- Easy Peasy just name and email no bonus points this time around

- End Jan 31 at midnight MST

- Winner will be picked via random.org

- Must be 13 yrs or older

- Open International

****USE THIS FORM TO ENTER****

Good Luck!

Dec RAK wrap up and Jan RAK

2012-01-03T21:57:00.001-07:00

Did everyone get all the books they wanted for Christmas? My bf got me Beautiful Chaos, so I was pretty happy.

This month I didn’t receive any RAK but I sent out 3 books…

Sister's Red by Jackson Pearce to Darlene

Sirenz by Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman to Patricia

and

The Hollow by Jessica Verday to Lethea (@luvdaylilies on twitter)

Ladies I hope you enjoy your books!

I also participated in Broke & Bookish Secret Santa and I received Dreamland by Alyson Noel and Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler from Snowdrop Dreams of Books

Heres the RAK Rules:

Good-bye 2011 and HELLOOOOO 2012!

It's a new year but we're no less excited to continue the gift of giving with RAK:)

Please remember that R.A.K. is not about receiving FREE books! It's about giving as well as receiving. It's about passing on the joy of reading and books with others. If during any given month, you find that you may not be able to give at all, please reconsider signing up for that month. We've found that there have been quite a few people who have received but not given and that may seem unfair to some.
COMPLETE RULES RE-CAP:
Please read carefully & follow all rules! Thank you!

Please sign-up each month that you can participate (and by participate, we mean give as well as receive).
Show off your participation by grabbing our RAK button (code is in the right sidebar).
Create a wish list (on Amazon, Goodreads, or your blog, etc) and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.
If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wish list and contact that blogger directly for their information.
Once you receive a RAK, send us an our new email to [rakbybooksoulmates @ gmail . com] so that we can update the Google Doc. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU SEND EMAILS TO THIS ADDRESS!
E-book participation is limited to files being gifted directly to a person from the e-book store. Amazon's Kindle Store is set up to allow this, as well as the Kobo store and we believe Barnes & Noble with Nook as well.
At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K by making a "RAK Wrap-Up" post. This post should include who you SENT gifts to as well who you RECEIVED gifts from :)

OPEN TO EVERYONE including all our International brethren!

Remember, there's always the Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!

Easy peezy!!

January Wish List:

The Demon Trappers Daughter by Jana Pliver

Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent

Witches of East End by Melissa de la Cruz

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Crossed by Ally Condie

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

The Kane Chronicles, Book Two: Throne Of Fire by Rick Riordan

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Wither (The Chemical Garden Trilogy) by Lauren DeStefano

A Game Of Thrones / A Clash Of Kings / A Storm Of Swords / A Feast Frow Crows / A Dance With Dragons by George R. R. Martin

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Sweet Venom by Tara Lynn Childs

So Silver Bright by Lisa Mantchev (hardcover to match the others)

Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

Hope you all get a butt load of books!

2011 Wrap up and a look at 2012

2012-01-03T21:34:00.001-07:00

Well I can’t believe 2011 is over but am I ever glad! It was not the best year for me and I am hoping that 2012 will be better.

It will be busier than normal that’s for sure. I am currently enrolled in my first PACE lvl (national lvl) course for my degree and its tough and my motivation for school is like –1,000,000 (but no one likes school right?) So I have been *trying* to focus on that. April is fast approaching and we will be doing the 2nd Annual Break Cassay’s out of Tax Jail. So if you want to have a guest post in the month of April let me know. Come this summer and fall I am looking at doing my field placement with has several papers that need to be written . And then in March 2013 the most exciting thing ever is going to happen! My condo will be built and I will get to move in! This is the only thing that is going to help me get through this year besides books. Every few weeks I do what I call a “drive by” and it looks like they have finished the underground parking and having started digging up the ground where the building will be going. So that my personal life in a nutshell.

I have sooo many indie novels to review and sooo many personal books to reads and I feel bad that its taking me anywhere between 3-5+ months to read and review the novels that have been provided. But I thank the authors so much for being supportive and not demanding reviews NOW and giving me time to read/enjoy their novel and write down my thoughts. Due to the overwhelming review requests I have started to be a little bit more picky on which novels I am accepting to review but those that I don’t accept I am adding to a “go buy for ereader” list.

So to slowly eliminate my stressful TBR piles I have decided that for each review book I read I will read a personal book and I will mix in some BORING text book reading.

This year I met some wonderful indie authors with fantastic stories but I think my favorite story I have read this year would be…..

Her Dark Destiny by Dave Ferraro (you can find my review here)

How was your year? What was your favorite read this year?

Here’s to 2012!

Cover Reveal: Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truitt

2011-12-22T21:31:00.001-07:00

What if you were mankind’s last chance at survival?

Sixteen-year-old Tess lives in a compound in what was once the Western United States, now decimated after a devastating fourth World War. But long before that, life as we knew it had been irrevocably changed, as women mysteriously lost the ability to bring forth life. Faced with the extinction of the human race, the government began the Council of Creators, meant to search out alternative methods of creating life. The resulting artificial human beings, or Chosen Ones, were extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.

Life is bleak, but uncomplicated for Tess as she follows the rigid rules of her dystopian society, until the day she begins work at Templeton, the training facility for newly created Chosen Ones. There, she meets James, a Chosen One whose odd love of music and reading rivals only her own. The attraction between the two is immediate in its intensity—and overwhelming in its danger.

But there is more to the goings-on at Templeton than Tess ever knew, and as the veil is lifted from her eyes, she uncovers a dark underground movement bent not on taking down the Chosen Ones, but the Council itself. Will Tess be able to stand up to those who would oppress her, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?

Sounds interesting right???

Chosen Ones comes out this April from Entangled Publishing

Review: Oriana’s Eyes by Celeste Simone

2011-12-15T19:51:00.001-07:00

As a pure-blood Winglet, Oriana isn't supposed to look at a half-blood much less speak to one. Half-bloods are the lowest of all races at Odon's University, because they are half Winglet and half Finlet. But when a half-blood, Dorian, locks eyes with her in the hallway, Oriana can't help but be intrigued by his daring nature. After sneaking out to the garden in the middle of the night to talk to him, Oriana knows she can't let her feelings go. She fears not following Odon's rules, but the more she sees Dorian the more she wants to break them all.

When Oriana's idea of perfection crumbles she seeks a way out of the imprisoning University that threatens not only her happiness, but her very life. Dorian promises he has a plan to take her far away, but Oriana doubts they can escape Odon's all-seeing eye. Oriana isn't sure what she fears more, being stuck in the University or finding out what lies beyond its walls. Excerpt from Celeste’s Website.

I thought the mythology behind Oriana’s Eyes was quite interesting and I enjoyed reading this novel. Oriana’s Eyes focuses on many difference issues that this world deals with such as racism. The story mainly focuses on two difference races the Winglets and Finlets. At first the man differences between them are there looks (light vs dark). I was absolutely shocked to find out the MAJOR difference between the two of them was more than looks. I really didn’t see that twist coming. I liked the characters that we were introduced midway through the novel. They were relatable, realistic and loveable. Some parts of the story had me on the edge of my seat patiently waiting to find out what was going to happen next. There were also parts that made me cry and laugh.

If you like reading about different mythologies I suggest you pick up Oriana’s Eyes.

I would like to specially thank Celeste for sending me a copy to review. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas Celeste!

The Rating:

4 out of 5

Where to buy:

Autographed paperback $15.00

Kindle

Kobo

Nook

Review: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

2011-12-06T19:47:00.001-07:00

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.
With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them.
Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, but her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will—the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?
As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart. Excerpt from Cassie’s website.

Well Cassie has done it again and wrote another novel that I could not put down. Clockwork Prince may just be my favorite novel of hers. I loved how we learned more about Will’s past during CP and it has made the battle between Team Jem and Team Will so much harder to decide. I still can’t pick who I like better - I like them both. There was more politics than action in CP than CA but I still loved it and it wasn’t a bad thing as it sets up the story nicely for CP2. Finding out the history of all the characters was fabulous and I wouldn’t have wanted it to go any other way. I love Magnus. He made me laugh with tears and being a Team Church fan(because I can’t decided which Team I am on and Simon or Luke aren’t in the ID series) we didn’t get a lot of Church but when we did it was humorous. I like how Cassie has made some of the parallels between the characters of both series match each other, it is like a game trying to figure out the traits that each character shares. I am a bit torn by the ending. I was happy about the one situation but upset over the other. I have no idea if I was crying because I was sad or crying because I was happy.

I can’t wait to see what will happen in the Clockwork Princess. If the world decides to end in 2012 I have decided that Cassie’s books are coming with me because everyone needs to read her novels.

I would like to specially thank Michelle at S&S Canada for surprising me with a ARC. I thank you so much and hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

The Rating:

5 out of 5

The Details:

Format: Hardcover

Dimensions: 528 Pages, 6 x 9 x 0.98 in

Published: December 6, 2011

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

ISBN - 10:1416975888

ISBN - 13:9781416975885

Holiday #Readathon Mini-Challenge

2011-12-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

So I am once again taking part in the Holiday readathon and I swear every time I plan on doing a readathon everyone wants me to do something with them or I forgot that I planned something . So this time seeing that each readathon I have done I have gone BIG and went home. I have failed each and every one. So this time I’m keeping it small. My goal is to read Remembrance by Michelle Madow.

My mini-challenge has do do with Reindeers. I love the original Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer movie. I have so many reindeer ornaments I have lost count. When I was younger I made Rudolph a medal of honor for saving Christmas and under the tree I found a crazy carpet (those thin plastic sheets that you ride down a snow hill on) that said from Rudolph! It was so cool.

So for my mini challenge:

I want to know who is your favorite reindeer and why?

Leave a comment with your answer and email.

Contest is open to those participating in the readathon.

International as long as Book Depository ships to your country

You will get +1 bonus point for be a blog follower

Prize is a $15.00 shopping spree at Book Depository!

Contest runs from Dec 2 – 4, 2011 and end at Midnight

Winner will be chosen by Random.org

Good luck!

Across the Universe Winner!

2011-12-01T22:13:00.001-07:00

And the winner of the *signed* copy of Across the Universe by Beth Revis is….

Sara from Just Another Story!

Congrats Sara! I have emailed you so check your spam!

Let the Final RAK of the Year BEGIN!

2011-12-01T21:47:00.001-07:00

Okay so maybe I have lost it a little bit and think I am going out to war but I blame spending the last 2 weeks reading Inheritance which was unfreakingbelieveable and I have been watching Spartacus: Gods of the Arena…..yeah that explains it. I’m not going to crazy

This month I received:

Dreamland by Alyson Noel from the wonderful Danielle @ Romance Book Junkies. I really enjoy her blog so you should go check it out.

and The Pledge from Angel @ Book Flame

This Month I sent:

Angel signed and personalized copy of Bloodlines and Blood Promise by Richelle Mead!

I hope you Enjoy Angel and I thank both you lovely ladies for the books

Here's a recap of the rules:

In the spirit of being thankful, we sometimes need a tinsy reminder that R.A.K. is not about receiving FREE books! It's about giving as well as receiving. It's about passing on the joy of reading and books with others. If during any given month, you find that you may not be able to give at all, please reconsider signing up for that month. We've found that there have been quite a few people who have received but not given and that may seem unfair to some.

COMPLETE RULES RE-CAP:
Please read carefully & follow all rules! Thank you!

Please sign-up each month that you can participate (and by participate, we mean give as well as receive).
Show off your participation by grabbing our RAK button (code is in the right sidebar).
Create a wish list (on Amazon, Goodreads, or your blog etc) and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.
If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wish list and contact that blogger directly for their information.
Once you receive a RAK, send us an our new email to [rakbybooksoulmates @ gmail . com] so that we can update the Google Doc. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU SEND EMAILS TO THIS ADDRESS!
E-book participation is limited to files being gifted directly to a person from the e-book store. Amazon's Kindle Store is set up to allow this, as well as the Kobo store and we believe Barnes & Noble with Nook as well.
At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K by making a "RAK Wrap-Up" post. This post should include who you SENT gifts to as well who you RECEIVED gifts from :)

OPEN TO EVERYONE including all our International brethren!

Remember, there's always the Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!

Easy peezy!!

Tips:

1. When talking about RAK on Twitter, please use the hastag (#RAK). It makes it much easier to keep track of the conversations, answer questions and/or tweet back! =)

2. When submitting your wish list, please make sure that it is set to PUBLIC viewing. Some people have run into trouble with wish lists that were set to private. We want to be sure that no one is left out of getting great RAKs.

3. Some of you seem to have gotten frustrated because you can't get your links to appear active. This is a very easy fix :) Just make sure that when you enter your link, do NOT hit the Enter key. Instead, hit the TAB key which will send you to the next field on the form. Additional spaces entered after the link will leave the link inactive. However, if this does happen to you...no worries, we'll fix it for you :)

December’s Wish List:

The Demon Trappers Daughter by Jana Pliver

Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent

Witches of East End by Melissa de la Cruz

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Crossed by Ally Condie

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

The Kane Chronicles, Book Two: Throne Of Fire by Rick Riordan

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare (hardcover please )

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Review: Fangs for Nothing by Adrianne Ambrose

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Grab some garlic and start sharpening your mother's wooden spoons because there are vampires living in the most unlikely of places.
I’ve always wanted to meet a vampire. Not to stake some poor bloodsucker as he sleeps in his coffin or have some sexy vampiress bite me on the neck, but just to see a creature so rare and infamous. What can I say? Some people want to sail to Easter Island, others want to fling themselves out of an airplane, I want to shake hands with a vampire. Well, maybe I should prioritize getting a girlfriend first, but a vampire sighting is pretty high up on the list. Trust me, a lot of kids my age dream about it. Like my two best friends, Rini and Xander. We spent half the summer searching the most notorious cities in the United States for the undead, but so far, no luck.
That’s why it came as a total shock to discover a living, breathing vampire in our hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. (Okay, so he’s more undead and not breathing, but you get the picture.) At first we were kind of excited, but then pretty freaked because it turns out our new fanged friend has a hold on the city's teenage population and a specific thirst for their blood. Which, in a word—bites. Excerpt from Amazon.com

Fangs for Nothing is probably the funniest vampire novel that I have ever read. There were so many times that I laughed out loud and may have had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard (thankfully no one was in the lunch room with me). Fangs for Nothing starts with Sherbie, Xander and Rini in search for vampires but they come up empty handed and head back home from San Francisco. Sherbie and Xander’s friendship made me die of laughter they are always making fun of each other. Xander decides he needs to be “cool” around the ladies and with Sherbie in so much denial that I girl may actually like him instead of just friends. This creates tons of humor because being a girl I could read all the signs Maureen and Lana were sending Sherbie but he was too blind to see it which left me laughing at him. Rini’s character was the typically girl who has a crush on the hot best friend and thinks he doesn’t like her like that and falls into the world of vampires with Maureen.

Fangs for Nothing is a great read for vampire fans looking for a good laugh.

The Rating:

4.5 out of 5

Where to buy:

Amazon.com

Feel free to visit Adrianne on her blog or twitter.

Handmade Jewelry

2011-11-22T18:18:00.001-07:00

So my sister has started to make necklaces and earrings and she asked if I would post on blog my her pictures are see if any of my followers would be interested in purchasing them. I told her I would but only because she was an awesome sister and came and held my books for me when we went to the Smart Chicks Kick It Tour.

Here are some pictures of what she has made so far. If you would like a custom order let me know. Necklaces are $20.00 – $25.00 CDN and earrings are $15.00 CDN. We will ship International and will get an estimated shipping costs for you if you decide to order. If you are interested in any of the jewelry please email me at vampsweresandcassay(at)yahoo(dot)ca and I will work out the details with you.

If your interest in purchasing any please email me at vampsweresandcassay(at)yahoo(dot)ca

Review: Happy Birthday to Me Again by Brian Rowe

2011-11-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Cameron Martin has a huge problem: he's aging a whole year of his life with each passing day... again. And this time... he's going backward!

When Cameron proposes to his beloved witch of a girlfriend Liesel, he thinks life can't get any better. But when he reluctantly breaks off the engagement just days before the wedding, Liesel angrily unleashes another curse on the unlucky guy, this time making him age backward, from eighteen, all the way to zero.

Making matters worse, Liesel mysteriously disappears, leaving Cameron with no options, except watching himself rapidly shrink into a helpless child. Will Liesel be able to save his life again? Or will Cameron be stuck in diapers for the rest of eternity? Excerpt from Brian’s website.

I liked Happy Birthday To Me Again better than I like Happy Birthday To Me. It was not nearly as predictable and I found myself being shocked by the turn of events. I love Cameron and Liesel’s relationship it is soo sweet that even though they have been dating for a short period of time they know they are meant for each other and I guess going through serious things as aging backward and forwards could help that cause. I hated Hannah the moment she was introduced. I have an issue with hot girls being introduced mid series interfering with the happy couple they just rub me the wrong way.

Happy Birthday To Me Again is a quick and easy read and I can’t wait to see where the story goes in Happy Birthday to You because Brian ended in it such a cliff hanger that I need to know what happens next!

Special thank to Brian for providing me a review copy!

The Rating

4 out of 5

Where to buy:

Amazon $2.99

B&N $2.99

I passed and you get the present!

2011-11-15T19:19:00.001-07:00

I just got my marks back for my auditing case and I PASSED!!! I am soo freaking happy right now that I have decided now is the best time to giveaway the signed copy of Across the Universe by Beth Revis that I picked up for you all at the Smart Chicks Kick It tour.

Here is how to enter:

+1 for your name/alias
+1 for your email (so I can email you if you win)

Bonus entries:

+1 for following the blog
+1 for following me on twitter (@CassayC)
+1 for following the facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vamps-Weres-and-Cassay-OH-My/143297525685407?ref=ts)
+2 for tweeting about the giveaway
+ 3 for posting my button on your blog (see right sidebar for link just under my twitter feed and before archives)
+5 for making a blog post about the giveaway

So you have a minimum of 2 entries and a maximum of 15 entries AND if I reach 400 followers (only 18 away) I will add a pre-order of Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare (to be shipped from Book Depository).

Open to international. I am feeling generous and will cover the shipping costs

Must be 13 years or older

1 Winner will chosen by Random.org

Contest ends November 30, 2011 at midnight MST

*****USE THIS FORM TO ENTER*****

Good luck to everyone

Fall Gift Exchange!

2011-11-07T20:38:00.001-07:00

So as we speak I am submitting my Auditing Case and I am crossing my fingers that I passed this time…I need at least a 70% of its considered a fail .

Now I have some free time until Dec 5 when I start my new class…this one is a biggie that comes with a 4 hour national exam that can only be taken twice and you need 65 – 70 % to pass (I forget which I’m hoping for the 65%) and because of this class starting on the 5th I am missing Christopher Paolini who is coming to Alberta!!! We never get anyone awesome here so I am super bummed out about that. I was pouting around the house yesterday when I put 2 and 2 together after trying to figure out how I could make it to work on time and get a wristband.

Anyways to the real reason I am posting today….

I participated in a Fall Gift Exchange hosted by the wonderful Ruby at Ruby Reads.

I sent Lindsey at Babes’s, Books and Signs

The Murderer's Daughters and The Thirteenth Chime

and Patricia from Patricia's Particularity sent me

Silence and Original Sin and some sweet Halloween socks, stickers, pencils, tissues and creepy little spiders that totally made me scream when I opened the box because I HATE spiders! lol

Thank you to Ruby for hosting and Patricia for the wonderful goodies and to Lindsey I hope you enjoy your novels.

There will be a Spring Gift Exchange if anyone is interested keep your eyes open!

Oct Wrap up / Nov RAK

2011-11-02T19:44:00.001-06:00

Well it was a crazy busy October for me and I can’t believe it is almost Christmas!! I am usually done my shopping by now and it may even be wrapped….and this year I haven’t even start! EEP!

This month I sent:

I sent Ashley Original Sin by Lisa D

I didn’t receive any books this month but that is okay I like the feeling of doing something nice for someone.

COMPLETE RULES RE-CAP:
Please read carefully & follow all rules! Thank you!

Please sign-up each month that you can participate (and by participate, we mean give as well as receive).
Show off your participation by grabbing our RAK button (code is in the right sidebar).
Create a wish list (on Amazon, Goodreads, or your blog etc) and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.
If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wish list and contact that blogger directly for their information.
Once you receive a RAK, send us an our new email to [rakbybooksoulmates @ gmail . com] so that we can update the Google Doc. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU SEND EMAILS TO THIS ADDRESS!
E-book participation is limited to files being gifted directly to a person from the e-book store. Amazon's Kindle Store is set up to allow this, as well as the Kobo store and we believe Barnes & Noble with Nook as well.
At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K by making a "RAK Wrap-Up" post. This post should include who you SENT gifts to as well who you RECEIVED gifts from :)

OPEN TO EVERYONE including all our International brethren!

Remember, there's always the Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!

Easy peezy!!

Tips:

1. When talking about RAK on Twitter, please use the hastag (#RAK). It makes it much easier to keep track of the conversations, answer questions and/or tweet back! =)

November Wish List:

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini (CDN/US Hardcover) **

Destined by PC Cast and Kristin Cast (hardcover)

Dreamland by Alyson Noel (hardcopy)

The Demon Trappers Daughter by Jana Pliver

Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent

Witches of East End by Melissa de la Cruz

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Crossed by Ally Condie

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

The Kane Chronicles, Book Two: Throne Of Fire by Rick Riordan (doesn’t matter)

The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan (doesn’t matter)

A Game Of Thrones / A Clash Of Kings / A Storm Of Swords / A Feast Frow Crows / A Dance With Dragons by George R. R. Martin (doesn’t matter)

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin (doesn’t matter)

Sweet Venom by Tara Lynn Childs (doesn’t matter)

So Silver Bright by Lisa Mantchev (hardcover to match the others)

Beautiful Chaos (hardcover to match others)

Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

Hope everyone has fun and early Happy Thanksgiving to my American followers.

Savor Winners!

2011-11-02T19:20:00.001-06:00

Signed paperback winner – Donna

E-book Winner - Carina

Bookmark Winner – Dawn

Congrats winners I have sent you an email, make sure to check your SPAM. If I don’t hear from you be Sunday I will pick a new winner

For the next week I will be a bit MIA….I’m trying to finish up my auditing case and then I am school free until Dec 5 where it will all start again .

I swear to you all that on November 7 I will post a giveaway for the Signed copy of Across the Universe that I picked up for you at the Smart Chicks Kick It Tour. I promise if I don’t I will throw in another prize.

Blog Tour: The Apocalypse Gene by Suki Michelle & Carlyle Clark

2011-10-28T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today I have the honor of being part of The Apocalypse Gene Tour. I have an excerpt, review and giveaways for you lucky ducks!

With Pandemic ravaging the globe, Olivya's psychic Sight compels her to see auras riddled with the colors of despair, and now her mother is infected.
Olivya’s only hope is the mysterious Mikah, a powerful Empath who claims the Pandemic is linked to his clan, the Kindred, and their brooding, monstrous, Immortal Lord. But can she trust this boy who can manipulate her very emotions?
With Mikah's aid, Olivya races to unearth Kindred secrets, desperate to find a cure, only to discover the Pandemic is far, far more than a mere disease . . .

Excerpt:

Except – Chapter Three – That Familiar Malevolence: This a scene from Olivya and Mikah’s first meeting face to face. They have escaped a Shivpack, a gang of vicious street thugs, by sliding into a rushing stream that runs through the abandoned Lincoln Park Zoo . . .

They barely heard the last as the stream swept them away. After what seemed like a long time, they reached a sturdy bush on a muddy bank. They grabbed it and pulled themselves up, soaked and shivering. The grassy sides of the moat, though wet, were less steep here. Olivya scrambled to the top, Mikah close behind. Her thigh burned where the fence had caught her jeans. She peeled back the torn denim. A deep scratch, puffed and red, but the bleeding had stopped.

Mikah swiped at the splotches of mud and grass from his clothes. Olivya checked him out beneath half-lowered lids. The moonlight illuminated him, as if his strange aura attracted and magnified its glow. She'd never seen anyone so beautiful, almost pretty, but rugged and rough. His skin was the color of sweet tea, a pale creamy brown, incredibly smooth. Latino? Indian? No. Arab. Maybe Native American? No way to tell. He was all races, yet no race. Strong jaw, full lower lip, shining black hair, broad shoulders. He removed his light cotton jacket to wring it out. He wore a form-fitting black T-shirt, now wet and plastered to his smooth, wide chest. His torso V'ed down to narrow hips and long-muscled legs. She glanced back up to his face to find those periwinkle blue-violet eyes staring straight into hers.

She looked away, busily rubbed mud and grass off herself. Just great. She was supposed to be angry with him and he had just caught her, well, ogling. And she was furious at him again, doubly so, for making her feel embarrassed. He was the one who should be humiliated. After all, hadn't she just caught him in a lie? Didn't he scare her half to death with that insane light show? He didn't even care that her leg was cut, and it hurt like hell, and, and− “You little liar!” She shoved her face into Mikah's. “How do you move that way - blurry and super-quick? What the hell did you do to Ripper? And why did Mako run away like a frightened dog when you barely touched him?”

Mikah shrugged and sighed. “Olivya, it's complicated.”

“Use small words.”

“I'm not entirely human.”

Olivya ground her teeth. More lies. She watched his aura, waiting for it to turn lemon-green with deceit . . . and waited. It gleamed steady, a truthful apricot-orange. She took a step back. “O-o-okay?”

“I sensed you were special the first time our holo-sims chatted,” he said, “but I didn't realize how talented you are, how intense your Sight. I wonder if you even know.”

Review:

The Apocalypse Gene was a mix of sci fi and dystopian. There was something familiar to the story that I can’t quite put my finger on, the best I have come up with was the CSI:NY episode where they had to create an avatar to go into this online game to find a killer. I had a hard time getting through The Apocalypse Gene there was so much detail on the characters and mythology that once I thought I finally figured out what mythology was used it would switch to a completely different one. I found the characters to be pretty average there was anything spectacular about them that made them stand out. There is a lot of information to digest throughout the story and I found taking breaks between readings made it harder to pick up again.

Overall, I wasn’t a huge fan of The Apocalypse Gene but if you are a huge fan of sci fi I think you may like this one. I am still up in the air on if I like sci fi or not.

The Rating:

3 out of 5

Giveaway!

Suki and Carlyle have been kind enough to offer up a e-book copy of The Apocalypse Gene!

Rules:

- Must 13 years or older

- Addition +3 entries for liking the Facebook page for the novel which can be found here http://www.facebook.com/TheApocalypseGene

- Ends Nov 21 at midnight MST, winner chosen by random.org

FILL OUT THIS FORM

GOOD LUCK!

Also, the authors are having a Giant giveaway which includes a Kindle. You can find that giveaway here.

To learn more about the story you can visit:

Goodreads

Website

Trailer

Facebook

Next stop on the tour can be found here: http://jacaburintexas.blogspot.com/

Savor Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway

2011-10-21T01:00:00.000-06:00

When Claire Miller turned eighteen all she wanted to do was celebrate her birthday, but after a night on the town with her best friend she awakes to a visitor she never expected. The rulers of her region, a vampire royal family, have chosen her to be turned as their new heir and vampire princess. In a world fueled by the power of blood, Claire quickly discovers the vampire royal family is not what they seem and that she has secrets in her past, she never knew existed.

I loved Savor it was a perfect mix of dystopia and paranormal. I liked the mythology Megan used for her vampires in her series and I like learning about the royal family and everyone’s role. Savor ended in such a cliff hanger that I can’t wait for the next one it may just kill me to have to wait. I found Claire’s character to be relatable and complex. I like how she deals with her problems of bullies and transitioning between her human life to her vampire life. I love Robin’s character she the perfect best friend. I hope we get to see more of her in the next novel.

Megan has become one of my favorite indie authors both Released and Savor have put spells on me that I must finish as soon as possible. I highly suggest picking up her novels.

The Rating:

5 out of 5

Where to Buy:

Amazon eBook (kindle)
Paperback
B&N eBook (Nook)
Amazon UK
Smashwords

GIVEAWAY TIME!!

There will be 3 winners. Open International. You have until October 31 at Midnight (MST). To enter leave a comment, your email address and if you want to be entered in the eBook giveaway. Winners will be chosen via random.org.

Here is what you can win!

1st Place = A signed paperback copy of Savor

2nd Place = A Kindle eBook copy of Savor (If you need a different format it may be available)

3rd Place = A Savor and Released Bookmark

Good Luck!

Review: A Day Over Eighteen by Alshia M.

2011-10-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

When seventeen year-old Lana's parents died, she dealt weed to support herself and her younger brother. After being expelled from school and transferring to another, she realizes the students there are vampires. The school principal offers his protection if she'll supply him with blood. Along the way she falls in love with Kody,a vampire from another school who protects her and her new business selling blood to vampires. Excerpt from Goodreads.

A Day Over Eighteen reminded me of a teenage mafia movie. It was a quick short read. Lana’s character was interesting. The poor human girl is just trying to go to school and she ends up running an empire of artificial blood poor girl. She makes very interesting decisions in life which gives the story its edge. I think A Day Over Eighteen would make a good TV Show why? Because producers like to add in their own story lines and A Day Over Eighteen has the flexibility to create more conflict and have secondary storylines.

If you are looking for a quick vampire read check out A Day Over Eighteen…rumor has it its only $0.99 at the moment.

Special thanks to Alshia for sending me a review copy and staying up late to get me a compatible copy for my Kobo !

Visit Alshia blog to learn about her other projects!

The Rating:

3 out of 5

Review: The Space Between by Alexandra Sokoloff

2011-10-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

A dark, supernaturally-tinged YA thriller based on the Thriller Award-winning short story.

Sixteen-year old Anna Sullivan is having terrible dreams of a massacre at her high school. Anna's father is a mentally unstable veteran, her mother disappeared when Anna was five, and Anna might have been able to chalk the dreams up to a reflection of her crazy waking life — except that Tyler Marsh, the most popular guy at the school and Anna's secret crush, is having the exact same dreams.
Despite the gulf between them in social status, Anna and Tyler connect, first in the dream and then in reality. As the dreams reveal more, with clues from the school social structure, quantum physics, probability, and Anna's own past, Anna becomes convinced that they are being shown the future so they can prevent the shooting...

If they can survive the shooter — and the dream

I enjoyed The Space Between, it had an interesting mix of math and scientific elements. The characters were perfect in the story they were all written so well that I was pissed off at the jocks and popular people for making fun of Anna and the characters Anna felt were maybe a little of the crazy side I felt the same way towards them. I liked how Alexandra explained how Anna got her gift. I am still interested in where the other probabilities are. Can Anna go to those other parallel universes like on Fringe? I hope Alexandra writes more stories in The Space Between world because I need to know more about the probabilities and parallels universes.

Special thanks to Alexandra who provided me with a copy to review.

Visit Alexandra’s website to learn more about her other novels.

The Rating:

4 out of 5

Where you buy your own copy?:

Barnes & Nobel $2.99

Amazon $2.99

Smashwords $0.99 THAT’S A STEAL!

Sept Wrap Up / Oct RAK

2011-10-03T21:09:00.001-06:00

I can’t believe its October! It so crazy but I love October because of Halloween it is my favorite holiday!

This month I sent:

Anna and the French Kiss to Hayley

and GLOW to Cait

I received Bargains & Betrayals from Cait!

The Rules:

COMPLETE RULES RE-CAP:
Please read carefully & follow all rules!

Please sign-up each month that you can participate (and by participate, we mean give as well as receive).
Show off your participation by grabbing our RAK button (code is in the sidebar).
Create a wish list (on Amazon, Goodreads, or your blog etc) and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.
If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wish list and contact that blogger directly for their information.
Once you receive a RAK, send us an our new email to [rakbybooksoulmates @ gmail . com] so that we can update the Google Doc. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU SEND EMAILS TO THIS ADDRESS!
E-book participation is limited to files being gifted directly to a person from the e-book store. Amazon's Kindle Store is set up to allow this, as well as the Kobo store and we believe Barnes & Noble as well.
At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K by making a "RAK Wrap-Up" post. This post should include who you SENT gifts to as well who you RECEIVED gifts from :)

OPEN TO EVERYONE including all our International brethren!

Remember, there's always the Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!

Easy peezy!!

Octobers Wish List:

The Kane Chronicles, Book Two: Throne Of Fire by Rick Riordan (doesn’t matter)

Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves (doesn’t matter)

Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves (doesn’t matter)

Wither (The Chemical Garden Trilogy) by Lauren DeStefano (doesn’t matter)

Season of Eden by Jennifer Laurens (doesn’t matter)

Overprotected by Jennifer Laurens (doesn’t matter)

Original Sin by Lisa Desrochers (paperback to match my other)

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead (eBook)

The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan (doesn’t matter)

A Game Of Thrones / A Clash Of Kings / A Storm Of Swords / A Feast Frow Crows / A Dance With Dragons by George R. R. Martin (doesn’t matter)

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin (doesn’t matter)

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins (hardcover to match the 1st one)

Sweet Venom by Tara Lynn Childs (doesn’t matter)

So Silver Bright by Lisa Mantchev (hardcover to match the others)

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick (hardcover to match others)

Beautiful Chaos (hardcover to match others)

Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

Come join in on the fun!

Smart Chicks Kick It–Vancouver stop!

2011-10-03T09:02:00.001-06:00

So as you all know I went to the Smart Chicks Kick It tour in Vancouver and it was a blast!

We started the journey down to Vancouver by leaving at 4:30am. Yep we were early birds on Friday. It took us 12 hours of driving time and I think a total of 14 hrs in the car and the most exciting things we saw on the way there and back home were:

- 3 elks

- 3 deer
- 1 wolf – This was a first and it was totally awesome! After all the years of driving in the mountains I have never seen a wolf or a bear and totally fitting seeing Kelley and Jen write about wolves……
- 1 Fox
- a shovel on the side of the road….this was by a hick looking small town
- On the way into Vancouver there was a bit of a traffic jam and we passed the van who had a female driver then not a minute later when the van passed us again it was a male drive……???? weird I know this is going down as the most interesting thing we saw lol

So now that we are in Vancouver we headed down to the mall and waited in line for 3 hrs (there was no way I drove 12 hrs not to be able to sit during the Q&A so we totally loiter in Chapters lol and my sister found Tyra Banks novel Modelland and hasn’t been able to put it down since)

Then at 2pm the Smart Chicks came out and all my excitement just jumped to 500% lol.

During the Q&A Kelley had the audience vote of who would make the best Muppet. So the audience voted that Sara Zarr and Jennifer Lynn Barnes would be the best ones. Kelley gave away some top secret information that we are not allowed to talk about or else she will get into trouble. (Sorry for the tease )

Margaret and Sara had the funniest answers ever during the lightening round. Zombie Boyfriend was a popular answer for Melissa. HAHA.

Apparently, Kelley likes to bug Jennifer about hot monkeys because Jennifer said on an island filled with a thousand monkeys there has to be at least a couple of good looking ones.

Then it was onto the signing and everyone was extremely nice!

I had a blast and I would totally go to a book signing again. I think I’m an addict now LOL. But next time I will fly!

Here are the pictures of me with the authors.

Me and Margaret

Me and Beth

Me and Jennifer

Me and Sara

Me and Melissa

Me and Kelley

My boyfriend made fun of me when I showed him the pictures he said I looked the exact same in each picture… I can kind of see it lol

Oh yeah I also brought you guys back a signed book I got Beth to sign a copy of Across the Universe! I’m just working out the details on how I want the giveaway to work but I will have the giveaway up soon.

S&S and Silence

2011-09-29T19:51:00.001-06:00

Can you believe that it is the 2nd last day of September??? I can’t! I can’t believe that I head out to Vancouver in 8 hours!!! Must go to bed early!!

Anyways I wanted to tell you about some things S&S has for the release of Silence.

Here's an awesome contest for 1 lucky GTA resident and 1 lucky Canadian who doesn’t live in the GTA. Click the link below to enter!

http://www.simonandschuster.ca/sweepstakes/silence-sweepstakes

There is also a Patch & You Facebook app……I had no idea you can find it HERE.

HAPPY END OF SEPTEMBER!!!!

Ardeur Blog Tour: Review, Excerpt, Guest Post & Giveaway!

2011-09-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today I am proud to be part of the Ardeur Blog Tour! In this post you will fine my review of Ardeur and Danielle’s guest post. The post directly below this one has an excerpt from the novel as well as more information on Danielle. I hope you all enjoy! Also there may be a giveaway at the end

Born a necromancer…

Sold by parents who wanted a normal child, Ardeur Lisle now hosts a demon and was trained to be a killer for hire. As an adult possessed, dreaming of escape and of a kind face from her childhood helps keep her sane.

If she breaks free from her captors, what will this new world full of paranormal beings hold for her? Ridding herself of her demon parasite will be her first priority.

A promise kept...

Brody Callaghan never forgot the angelic blonde from his childhood. After years of military service, he swears to track down the face still haunting him from his youth.

But Brody has a furry secret of his own; one unveiled with each full moon. Will the two hold onto love with danger, deception, and an obsessed angel driving them apart?

I was surprised to find that I really liked Ardeur. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with it but it reminded me of the Supernatural episodes containing the demons. I liked Ardeur’s character even though she was put through hell she still came out strong. I liked that it was a supernatural buffet of different creatures and wasn’t just about the angels. I love Brody and Ardeur together they are so cute and I just loved every scene that had them. I liked the different angels and how they were all different from each other I found it gave more to the story. I wasn’t able to foresee where the story was going which I really enjoyed because when something new came up it was always a shocker.

There is a lot of sex in the last half of the book so it isn’t suitable for younger readers.

The Rating:

4 out of 5

Hey everyone! Thanks for having me on the blog today. For a change of pace, I thought I’d talk about my favorite paranormal character. His name is Kalen and, unless you followed the Everything Erotic blog at the beginning, not many of you will know him.

Kalen is the Prince of Fae, a character created by my friend, and fellow author – Heather Hughes. He’s got attitude for miles and an ego just as big. I love him. *grin*

At six feet, four inches tall with light brown hair and silver blue eyes, Kal is always dashing in his favorite designer suits. If the boy isn’t in sharply creased dress pants and a silk vest, he’s naked and wearing nothing but a smile. Either way, he’s totally sexy and he knows it.

I was first introduced to Kalen on a role playing board Heather and I were members of. Cocky, arrogant and self-absorbed, Kal was a jerk of royal proportions back then. Imagine our surprise when the womanizing Fae fell for the sweet, innocent Angel I threw his way. Poor boy never saw it coming.

Kalen’s mellowed a bit over time. He’s still a big, badass Fae but the suits are occasionally replaced by sweats or jeans and he’s no longer a self-absorbed ass. Thank the gods. The sarcastic, witty sense of humour has not faded a smidge over time and that is what’s endeared him to me the most. Need a snappy comeback? Kal’s your man for that, hands down.

For me, Kalen is what I would want in an Alpha male. He’ll fight to the death for what he believes in, protect those he cares for and he loves fiercely.

Who’s your favorite paranormal character? Leave a comment and tell us why.

Giveaway Time!

Danielle has been kind enough to giveaway a ebook copy of one of her novels. Winner’s choice between Ardeur, Cursed, Tarnished Tiaras or UnWrapped.

How to enter?

Leave a comment with your answer to Danielle’s question.

Leave your name and email address

Ends October 2 at midnight MST Winner will be chosen by random.org on Oct 3.

Good Luck!

Special Thanks you Roxanne at Bewitching Book Tours for hosting the tour and to Danielle so taking the time to stop by the blog and for donating a ebook to my wonderful followers.

Ardeur Excerpt!

2011-09-24T05:59:00.000-06:00

Ardeur

By Danielle Gavan

Book 1 Abbey of Angels

Born a necromancer…

Sold by parents who wanted a normal child, Ardeur Lisle now hosts a demon and was trained to be a killer for hire. As an adult possessed, dreaming of escape and of a kind face from her childhood helps keep her sane.

If she breaks free from her captors, what will this new world full of paranormal beings hold for her? Ridding herself of her demon parasite will be her first priority.

A promise kept...

Brody Callaghan never forgot the angelic blonde from his childhood. After years of military service, he swears to track down the face still haunting him from his youth.

But Brody has a furry secret of his own; one unveiled with each full moon. Will the two hold onto love with danger, deception, and an obsessed angel driving them apart?

Get it at Smashwords and Amazon

Chapter Twelve

Excerpt

I woke up to the sound of birds chirping on my windowsill and moved to slide out of bed to shut the window. The sharp pain in my temple and the thick feeling of my tongue when I pried it from the roof of my mouth were the first indications that something had gone down while I was sleeping. You got out again, didn't you? How are you doing this?

Shadekar's snide laugh slid like oil through my head and made me wince. “Nice jammies you've got there, Sister Mary Floozy Pants.”

“Jammies? What?” My eyes turned to look downward, and I jumped at the sight of the yards and yards of pristine white cotton that covered me from the buttoned collar at my throat to the frilly trim that dangled over my toes. “How in the hell did I get into this? I know you sure as hell didn't put me in it.” I fisted my hands in the soft fabric and looked around for clues as I pulled the nightgown off and threw it in the garbage bin. “What the hell?”

My bottom was covered in the most modest pair of underpants I had ever seen. They covered me from the top of my thighs to above the dip of my belly button with even more of the virginal white cotton. The crowning insult of the entire outfit was the matronly brassiere that had my chest in a strangle hold, the likes of which none of the bras I'd ever been forced to wear could compare with.

“Ooh, baby. Now that is some sexy shit there, Blondie.”

Shade, shut up. This is your fault. Who the hell did this to me?

A pair of dark blue eyes under a fringe of unruly black hair played behind my eyes and I groaned. Shade let me see Azrael carrying my sleeping form back to my room, wave his hand over me to change the outfit I'd had on to the one I'd woken up in before he put me in bed and left quietly.

“Damn it.”

It took me all of five minutes to get dressed, brush my teeth and run down the hall. I knew that Rae would be in his office by now. I threw the solid oak door open without knocking in my hurry to find out just what he'd seen while Shade had been in control. “Rae, what the hell hap…?”

My sentence stopped abruptly as I skidded to a halt behind a tall man with cropped brown hair and the widest shoulders I'd ever seen. “Oh, sorry. You have company - I'll come back later.”

Rae leaned over to peer around his guest and smiled when he saw me. “Afternoon Ardy, nice to see you're wearing more than what I last saw you in.” He waved at one of the chairs in front of his desk. “You might want to stick around. I think you know my guest - Brody?”

The big guy turned and I looked up into a pair of eyes I'd thought never to see again. There they were, the eyes I'd seen in my dreams every night and the dimples - oh, God. He still had the dimples and the roguish smile that had charmed me even at the tender age of six.

My right hand trembled and it rose to dart out and touch the solid chest that was level with my face. “Oh, shit. You're real.”

Brody's laugh at my comment was rich, husky and warm like the whisky that I had the night before. His own hand, so much bigger and more tanned than my own pale one, came up and caught mine before I could snatch it back. “I'm real and damn happy to have finally found you, again.”

“Again, what?” I looked up at him, confusion clouding the blue of my eyes. “You found me before?”

Azrael rose from his chair and rounded the hand carved oak desk. “I'll leave you two to catch up. There are a few things I need to, um, yeah. I'm just going to go.”

If either of us heard Rae leave, we showed no sign of it. We stared at each other, mesmerized by the fact that we were finally together again.

“I brought your bag.” Brody held up the tattered and patched up satchel that had carried everything I owned for the last seven years.

It took a moment of confused blinking before I realized what he was talking about and was able to form a coherent thought. “I, um. How did you get it?”

He deposited the bag on the chair next to me and then reached to take my other hand inside of his large one. I couldn't help but look down at our hands and notice the differences between us, the obvious ones and the not so obvious, before I pulled my hands free and stepped back out of touching range. It wasn't because I didn't want him touching me; I just never allowed anyone to touch me, ever.

Brody was dark where I was light, callused where I was soft, and relaxed when I was freaked out despite being thrilled to see him. I opened myself up a bit to taste his energy and what I found had me stumbling back to look up at him, eyes gone wide with wonder. Whatever he was hiding behind the broad shouldered all-American boy looks had eyes that glowed gold when it had looked back at me.

“What are you?”

His eyes flashed gold at my question and then I knew. I felt warm fur brush across my skin and the scents of the forest blew over my senses. “Werewolf?”

“Yep. Just like the rest of my family.” He sat down in the empty chair and smiled up at me before reaching out to take my left hand in his. “Sit with me, please? I'll explain what I meant about finding you again.”

My denim-covered ass parked itself in the chair my bag was in and I pulled my hand from his. I reached back to jockey the bag around so I'd have more room to keep my trembling hands out of Brody's. I took advantage of the distraction to settle my emotions and smooth my frayed nerves before turning around to face him once more. “Okay, explain.”

He leaned forward, elbows on knees and let his hands hang loosely between us. I knew he was giving me the option to take them or not and he was going to be disappointed because I wouldn't, couldn't touch him back. I wanted to, so much, but the fear of rejection ran deep. Shade had been successful in that endeavor. I would never be comfortable with anyone touching me.

“Do you recall much about what happened just before your accident? Maybe someone was calling out for you to stop?”

I nodded, the events before the BMW slammed into me replayed in my mind.

“That was me. The voice that tried to stop you from running out in front of that car was mine. I'm the one who called the ambulance and took care of you before it arrived. I stood outside the hospital every damned day while you were there, praying to a God that I don't believe in that you'd be okay.” He turned his face up toward mine and caught my eyes with his own golden ones. “If I hadn't had that bag of yours, I'd have never known to go see Dr. Martals or how to find you after you disappeared from the hospital.”

The mention of my doctor's name snapped my attention into focus. I pulled my bag around to my lap and ripped it open in search of the notebook that held the details of my life. It was the only place he could have found information about Celine and - oh, shit. “How much of this did you read?”

He at least had the decency to blush before responding that he'd read most of it and had seen that I'd remembered him throughout the years. “Even my birthdays. Why?”

“You were the only person who was ever nice to me; the only person in twenty five years to show me something other than contempt, disgust or fear.” Brody reached out to take my hand in his and I scooted back in my chair, the wooden legs scraping against the hardwood floor. I stood and hedged toward the door. “I'm sorry, Brody. I've been looking forward to seeing you again since that last time in school but, I can't. I'm too afraid that you'll reject me too once you know what I am.”

The doorknob was in my hand before I knew it and I was out the door, running down the hall without hearing the words that he spoke next.

“I know what you are and I'm okay with it.”

About the Author:

Danielle Gavan lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband of eight years and their two sons. Danielle has been writing since she was in middle school.

She loves a good book and is usually found with her nose in one. She has an extensive list of them on her book pile. When she's not writing or reading, Danielle keeps herself busy designing book covers and editing.

Her guilty pleasures are her favorite television shows Bones, House and Hawaii Five-0.

Danielle welcomes email and you may contact her at daniellegavan@rhpublishing1.com.

You can also find her hanging out on the forum she shares with Jennifer Feuerstein. The Crowded Minds is a great place to relax and have a little fun.

Find Danielle on the web:

http://www.daniellegavan.net

http://dgavan.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/#!/DanielleGavan

http://www.facebook.com/danielle.gavan

http://everythingerotic.blogspot.com/

http://thedigitaldigest.blogspot.com/

Mini Review: The Emerald Talisman and The Sapphire Talisman by Brenda Pandos

2011-09-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

To be normal, sixteen year old Julia Parker would shed her empathic gift in a second. Life has been difficult since her mother’s mysterious disappearance ten years earlier—an event she witnessed, but can’t remember. Julia’s situation becomes more complicated after a near death experience from a blood thirsty stalker. As high school students go missing it is clear there is a connection to her own experience—past and present. Someone has to stop the madness and a chance encounter with a creepy psychic foretells that only Julia is the key to stopping the madness, but it may require the life of the one she loves.

With the local vampire coven decimated, Julia and Nicholas try to begin a somewhat normal life together. Bound by secrecy from a shape shifter determined to see Julia’s world-saving prediction come to fruition, Julia isn’t allowed to tell Nicholas the leader survived, ransacking her happiness with guilt. When Alora returns, bent on revenge, the reunion forces Nicholas and Julia to choose what they are willing to live and die for.

I love the Talisman series. Brenda brings a fresh new look to vampire mythology. I liked how Julia was relatable. I think everyone could find something inside themselves that they would also find in Julia. The suspense during the novels just kept me wanting to read and it almost hurt to put the books down. I like Nicholas character he was sweet and protective, something that I like in guy characters.

The action is both novels were awesome! The fights scenes were easy to visualize and I found myself yelling NO or HECK YES! Throughout the book (yes my family thinks I am a bit crazy). I was so glad that I after I finished The Emerald Talisman that I was able to pick up The Sapphire Talisman right away, I think it may have killed me to wait for The Onyx Talisman.

I loved the twists in The Sapphire Talisman. There were several chapters that I was like well I didn’t see that coming or WTF???. It was great and amazing I love twists that aren’t expected. The way Brenda ended The Sapphire Talisman is killing me and I can’t wait to read The Onyx Talisman….November can’t come soon enough.

The Rating:

5 out of 5

The Details:

The Emerald Talisman
Format: Paperback
Dimensions: 288 Pages, 5.5 x 8.5 x 0.6 in
Published: August 1, 2010
Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing
ISBN - 10: 0982903308
ISBN - 13: 978-0982903308

The Sapphire Talisman
Format: Paperback
Dimensions: 318 pages, 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 in
Published: December 15, 2010
Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing
ISBN10: 0982903332
ISBN13: 978-0982903339

Review: Possession by Elana Johnson

2011-09-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

Possession has become one of my favorite reads. It’s full of action, conspiracy and complicated romantic relationship. I like how this dystopian had more scientific basis than some of the other dystopian novels I have read. Elana’s writing kept me wanting more. I ended up stay way past my bedtime trying to finish the novel. I liked the characters, the villains and the twists. Oh the killer twists. I like that Vi is a rule breaker and is doing what is best for her. Vi is complex and I really enjoyed her. I also like Jag he is one cool dude. I like how those from the Badlands are like everyday people; I think that it was neat that those that weren’t influenced by technology were “normal”. Possession is one of my favorite dystopian and if you are a fan of them then you must pick up your copy.

The Rating:

5 out of 5

The Details:

Format: Hardcover
Dimensions: 416 Pages, 5.5 x 8.25 x 0.98 in
Published: June 7, 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
ISBN - 10:1442421258
ISBN - 13:9781442421257

Smart Chicks Kick It Tour!

2011-09-16T22:49:00.001-06:00

So I’m super excited for something….can you guess what it is??

The Smart Chicks Kick It Tour is coming to Vancouver!!! (Yes – I am not in Vancouver I am one province over BUT I am making the exception and driving the 12-13hrs to go)

And I think I should be an awesome friend to you all and bring you back a signed book! What do you all think?

BUT I am having troubles picking a book to giveaway. So I have decided to let you all vote on which book you like signed to be given away. The book with the most votes will win and I will give it away in October for Halloween. So here are your choices:

The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

Graveminder by Melissa Marr

Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl (Margaret will be at the signing)

Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr

You have 6 books to pick from and I know it won’t be an easy choice! I’m ~~dragging~~ making my sister come with to hold my books lol.

Please leave a comment with you vote Voting ends September 28.

Review: Ember by Carol Oates - Blog Tour + Giveaway

2011-09-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

When Candra Ember wakes up in hospital after a dangerous encounter with a red-haired woman, she is shocked to discover that seeing a winged boy wasn’t her imagination. Candra is exposed to a world of rivalry and sacrifice she never knew existed, and the aftermath of a war to save humanity thousands of years ago. Soon she finds herself relentlessly stalked by Sebastian, a beautiful and arrogant Watcher Angel and romantically pursued by his darkly seductive rival, Draven. Ultimately, dubious about her own goodness, Candra’s very existence compromises a tentative peace in the city of Acheron.

Ember was another Angel/Fallen Angel novel that I enjoyed. I like how the angels were part of different groups and each wanted something different from Candra. I also liked that you didn’t really know which group had the motives that were for the greater good I think Carol wrote both groups wonderfully that it kept me guessing who was bad/good and where the story was going to lead. I liked Candra’s and Sebastian’s relationship. It was one of those relationships where you could see where it was heading before the characters did and you just wanted to give them each a nudge in the right direction. I liked how Candra’s character was complex and she was constantly running into road blocks that would either push her toward one group of angels and make sure completely want to ignore them. I felt Candra’s pain when she had to deal with something that broke her down completely (I’m not going to give what exactly that is - it will ruin it for you and I can’t do that).The story was well written that I didn’t get bored and wanted more to read. I can’t wait to see where the story is going to go.

The Rating:

4 out of 5

The Details:

Format: EPUB
Published: July 19, 2011
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-936305-84-1

I would like to thank Carol, Omnific and YA Bound for hosting the blog tour and providing an ecopy to be reviewed.

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

Six random blogs on the tour will be giving away an ebook copy of EMBER. Make sure you comment with your email to be entered into the giveaway.

To enter into the GRAND PRIZE and RUNNER UP PRIZE giveaways, you must comment on ALL blog posts with your email during the tour

RUNNER UP PRIZE: An EMBER canvas tote and print copy of EMBER.

GRAND PRIZE: A silver butterfly necklace, an EMBER canvas tote, and an ebook of EMBER.

Make sure you get your comments in before 5 PM EDT on September 21st, as the contests will be closed

I just love that necklace and the tote bag!!! Make sure you all go enter and keep an eye out on which blogs are randomly giving away a ebook! You can find the blog schedule HERE.

Aug RAK Wrap Up / Sept RAK!

2011-09-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

I can’t believe summer is over!!! How sad. Good news I’m on vacation next week yay! We are going to a dinosaur museum and a picnic.

Here's the rules again:

• Sign up each month you'd like to participate in.
• Show off your participation! Grab one of the buttons available :)

• Create a wish list and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.
{Post on your blog, Amazon, where ever as long as there's a link to it.}
• If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wish list and contact that blogger for their address.

• At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K!

{Make a post saying 'Thank You' to whoever granted one of your wishes :)
OPEN TO EVERYONE!
Let's keep our International bloggers in mind and in our hearts.
Remember, there's always the Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!
Thank you Uniflame for pointing that out!! :P
FYI: One RAK will be chosen and showcased! Yayyy!

That's it!

Easy peasy huh??

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Vanessa at

Twerd413 [at] gmail DOT com

This month I gave Touch of Frost to Shannon

I pre-order Lola and the Boy Next Door for Maricar

and Maricar sent me 5 eBooks!!! she sent me the following:

Thank you sooo much Maricar!!!!!

I have put in brackets my preference on eBooks or paper copy.

****There new rules on ebooks – make sure to read Book Soulmates post. I have a Kobo so you can gift me ebooks for Kobo’s website ****

September’s Wish list:

The Kane Chronicles, Book Two: Throne Of Fire by Rick Riordan (doesn’t matter)

Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves (doesn’t matter)

Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves (doesn’t matter)

Wither (The Chemical Garden Trilogy) by Lauren DeStefano (doesn’t matter)

Season of Eden by Jennifer Laurens (doesn’t matter)

Overprotected by Jennifer Laurens (doesn’t matter)

Original Sin by Lisa Desrochers (paperback to match my other)

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead (eBook)

The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan (doesn’t matter)

A Game Of Thrones / A Clash Of Kings / A Storm Of Swords / A Feast Frow Crows / A Dance With Dragons by George R. R. Martin (doesn’t matter)

~~Bargains and Betrayals by Shannon Delany (doesn’t matter)~~

Vanish by Sophie Jordan (hardcover to match the 1st one)

If I Die by Rachel Vincent (paperback to match my others)

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin (doesn’t matter)

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins (hardcover to match the 1st one)

Sweet Venom by Tara Lynn Childs (doesn’t matter)

WHY OH WHY Are there sooooo many good September releases?!?!?!?!?!?

Hope you join in on the RAK!

***Edit: Sept 3/11 – mentioned new rules about ebook gifting.

Review: Elemental: The First by Alexandra May

2011-08-30T06:00:00.000-06:00

When Rose’s parents go away on business overseas, she is left in the care of her grandmother. Ley lines, Stonehenge, and myth surround the isolated town. As Rose rekindles childhood friendships, she is drawn into a strange world where her secret gift finally gets discovered. A warrior woman from the past haunts her dreams, but the truth lies in her ancient bloodline. Excerpt from Smashwords.

I liked Elemental: The First it was filled with suspense and I was constantly trying to figure out what was going to happen next. Elemental: The First gives a lot of background information of the characters and the town. Normally, I find too much detailed information and not enough action to bore me but Alexandra had a perfect balance between the two. The ending did bug me because I was hoping that we would find out a bit more of what exactly Rose does and more about Aiden and Morgan but it ended right where the suspense was the greatest! Such a cliff hanger! I was in shock that it ended like that. It was like a TV Show finale that is split into 2 weeks and ends with your going NO I NEED MORE WHY THE HECK WOULD YOU END IT THERE ARRRG!!!

The Rating:

4 out of 5

Details:

Format: EPUB
Published: July 22, 2011
Publisher: Pauma Publishing
ISBN-10: 1463708343
ISBN-13: 978-1463708344

Review: Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon

2011-08-28T06:00:00.000-06:00

on the day of her first betrothal meeting--and rejection--ai ling discovers a power welling deep within her. she can reach into other people’s spirits, hear their thoughts, see their dreams…and that’s just the beginning.

ai ling has been marked by the immortals; her destiny lies in the emperor’s palace, where a terrible evil has lived, stealing souls, for centuries. she must conquer this enemy and rescue her captive father, while mythical demons track her every step. and then she meets chen yong, a young man with a quest of his own, whose fate is intertwined with hers. here is a heart-stopping, breathtaking tale for fans of action, fantasy, and romance--of anything with the making of legend. Excerpt from Cindy’s website.

I really enjoyed Silver Phoenix. It was full of culture, action and romance. I liked how the romance part of the novel was minor addition to the story and didn’t overwhelm it. The action kept my attention and I constantly wanted to know what was going to happen next. I loved learning about the culture and myths in the story it help expand how each character thought as well as bringing depth to the story. Silver Phoenix reminded me of Mulan I was almost expecting the characters to break out in song while they were on their journey. Cindy did an amazing job at describing the landscapes and monsters that Ai Ling and Chen Yong had to defeat.

I really enjoyed Ai Ling’s character she wasn’t just some push over she took it over her own life when she needed to the most. Chen Yong’s character is what I would like to call everyone’s knight in shining armor. I would get myself into trouble just for him to come rescue me. I can’t wait to see what Ai Ling has planned for herself in Fury of the Phoenix.

The Rating:

4 out of 5

The Details:

Format: Trade Paperback
Dimensions: 368 Pages, 5.38 x 8.13 x 0.84 in
Published: January 24, 2011
ISBN - 10:0061730246
ISBN - 13:9780061730245

Review: The Bleeders by Michaela Haze

2011-08-26T06:00:00.000-06:00

For Sophia Taylor, life has gotten surreal…

Sophia, Soho barmaid, woke up on her sofa with her love interest Henry Blaire by her side. He was smoking all of her cigarettes and she was BLEEDING from her head.

…Which was weird because Henry hated cheap cigarettes.

1) Sophia Taylor was only bleeding from the head because SOMEONE has pushed her down the stairs

2) That “someone” being Henry Blaire, the person smoking all of her death sticks and coincidently the man that Sophia had hired to kill the two murderers of her sister Melanie Taylor.

3) Henry was smoking all of her cigarettes BECAUSE she was bleeding.

4) The bleeding wouldn’t have been so bad if Henry wasn’t an incubus with an addiction to life-force and killing the scum of the earth to get it.

No one must ever know of the existence of daemons, it is their law. Sophia must run for her life. Excerpt from the back of the book.

Wow this is one of the darkest, sexiest, romantic novels ever. It is definitely not suitable for younger readers. The Bleeders deals with death and addictions but is dealt in a practical matter than helps the story move forward. It wasn’t just added just because; there was a perfectly good reason for it. I loved Sophia’s character. She was so complex and even if she is addicted to Henry, I didn’t find her annoying like I do with some characters. I like how the story went from present day Sophia then to Sophia telling us about her past it was a nice change of pace through the novel. The way Michaela ended the story made me go “What!! I NEED more” I can’t wait to see what is in store for The Human Herders.

If you are a fan of darker novels you will for sure enjoy The Bleeders.

The Rating:

4 out of 5

The Details:

Format: Paperback
Dimensions: 310 Pages
Publisher: Dirty Jeans Publishing
ISBN: 9781453711254

Review: Devil. May. Care by Jolene Ballard Gutierrez

2011-08-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

When Ana takes off flying across the high school stage, her life is forever changed.

Searching for answers, Ana meets Gabrielle, her mentor. Gabrielle teaches Ana that she's an angel and is here on Earth to help prepare for a war between good and evil.

The only problem? Ana can't always tell who's good and who's evil.

While she's learning, Ana meets the man of her dreams, Dylan. He's gorgeous, sexy, and really seems to care about Ana. Even though he's a demon, Ana's heart tells her to trust him.

Then Ana's world is shattered and she finds herself alone and afraid. As the boundaries between good and evil blur, Ana realizes she no longer knows who she can trust and who might be out to kill her. Excerpt from Goodreads.

I love the angel mythology that Jolene created in her series. Out of all the angel books I have read I felt this one expanded on the background stories of angels and the fallen angels the most interestingly. I like that Ana came right out and explained everything to her best friend Cheyenne, which normally doesn’t happen. It’s nice to see the best friend not get shafted and actually be part of the main characters supernatural life.

I found that Jolene’s writing kept my attention and ended up reading this one pretty darn fast. I was impressed with myself. I liked the characters in Devil. May. Care they were relatable and I found some characters shocked me with their actions which didn’t seem quite divine or evil enough for their respected side.

If you are a fan of Angels/Fallen Angels stories you must add Devil. May. Care to your collection.

The Rating:

4.8 out of 5

The Details:

Format: Paperback
Dimensions: 274 pages
Published: April 28, 2011
Publisher: Indie
ISBN: 9781461062455

Buy your print copy at Creatspace or B&N, or ecopies and print copies through Amazon

Review: Dark Matter Heart by Nathan Wrann

2011-08-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

A new town. A new school. A new beginning. Seventeen year-old Cordell Griffin and his mother move from Los Angeles to the Pacific Northwest to deal with his "allergies," and start a healthier new life. Cor has one goal: To blend in and be invisible. Unfortunately for him, no matter how far he goes, he can't run away from his secrets. Secrets about who he is. Secrets about why he's sick. And secrets about why so many people he meets end up dead, drained of blood.

In "Dark Matter Heart", the origin novel in the "Cor Griffin Bloodsuckers" Young Adult Paranormal Thriller series from filmmaker Nathan Wrann, Cor must uncover the mysteries of his past and conquer the secrets of the present in order to protect the girl of his future, and save himself. Excerpt from Goodreads.

Dark Matter Heart reminded me of one my favorite series The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod. I totally enjoyed Dark Matter Heart it was a light easy read that was suspenseful and kept my attention. I like Cor’s and Taylor’s character. This was another refreshing novel that had the best friend accepting that their best friend may be a supernatural creature. I like how Nathan made it seem like you were guessing between if Cor was a vampire or just had a weird allergy to the sun. I really liked Taylor and his geekyness for science and criminology…I really have a soft spot for geeks. The suspense of the murders around town reminded me of the many murder mystery TV shows and I liked that I personally didn’t see who the murderer was and the shocking twist at the end of the story. I’m hoping that Nathan will continue Cor’s story as I really enjoyed it.

The Rating:

4 out of 5

The Details:

Format: PDF
Dimensions: 149
Published: May 11, 2011
Publisher: Dalton Gang Press (Indie)

Review: So Silver Bright by Lisa Mantchev

2011-08-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

Things are never easy for Beatrice Shakespeare Smith. Something's happened to the Théâtre Illuminata, putting the only home she's ever known in limbo. Her mother's sanity is fraying under the strain, her father has vanished and an angry goddess is out for revenge. Bertie is caught between her duties and her dreams, just as her heart is torn between Ariel and Nate. But hope glimmers in a Distant Castle, and if Bertie can put on the performance of her life, maybe she can win the magical boon that may save them all. Excerpt from Lisa’s website.

So Silver Bright is the conclusion of the Théâtre Illuminata series and did Lisa ever end it perfectly. Bertie gets an in depth look at her past which helps her along her journey backs to the Théâtre. As always the fairies make the story – I love them soooo much.

The triangle between Nate and Ariel continues the two men egg each other on which creates lots of humorous. I could feel the jealously radiantly off of them Lisa wrote it so well. I felt bad for Bertie in some parts of the book because the boys did make her feel horrible. Stupid boys always having to make think complicated for us girls. I don’t want to give too much away but if you have liked the previous 2 books you will love book 3 and I think its the best ending ever for any series I have ever read. I wasn’t mad for once over decisions made I was actually happy about them all. I may have done a happy dance.

The Rating:

5 out of 5

The Details:

Format: Hardcover (I had an ARC)
Dimensions: 368 Pages, 5.5 x 8.25 x 0.98 in
Published: September 13, 2011
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
ISBN - 10:0312380984
ISBN - 13:9780312380984

Review: Her Dark Destiny (Hunters of the Dark) by Dave Ferraro

2011-08-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

Teenager Shanna Hunt has been hunting demons since her parents were murdered by them. She's used to doing things alone, her own way, but one fateful night throws her into the company of a team of hunters, each specializing in a particular kind of monster: vampires, werewolves, witches, shape-shifters... This newly-formed team should be an unstoppable force for whatever is out there picking off individual hunters across the globe, but their first battle together against the monsters of the night could be their last. Excerpt from Goodreads.

I loved loved loved Her Dark Destiny. It was filled with action from the first chapter all the way through to the end. Which kept my attention and I really didn’t want to go to work in the morning or go back to work after lunch. Her Dark Destiny reminded me of my favorite TV show Supernatural. Shanna starts hunting demons after they murdered her parents I totally think her and Sam would get along very well (Sorry Shanna Dean is mine). I liked how the story wasn’t focused on just one supernatural creature but it was a supernatural buffet.

I liked all the characters. There was a character that everyone could relate it, which I liked. I would love to see Her Dark Destiny as a movie; Hollywood would be able to make this awesome book and even more fantastic movie. Besides The Hunger Games keeping me on the edge of my seat and Cassandra Clare’s writing that puts a spell on me, I think I have found a new favorite series that seriously makes me want to stay up all night reading.

Special thanks to Dave for providing me a copy to review. Receiving this copy did not affect my review in any way.

The Rating:

5 out of 5

The Details:

Format: PDF

Dimensions: 360 pages

Published: April 9, 2011

Publisher: Indie

Get yourself a copy at Amazon or Barnes & Noble for just $0.99!

Review: Dangerous Hunts: A Zombie Father's Day Tale by Raymond Masters

2011-08-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

The brochure reads: "Dangerous Hunts: If it moves, you can kill it." But the Carters will soon discover that not everything that moves can be killed.

At his wife's urging, Matthew Carter takes his new step-son on a Father's Day hunt he will not soon forget.

It's open season on the undead, and there's no limit on the amount you can bag.

Dangerous Hunts was a cool short story novel about Zombies. I liked that it was a quick read but I would have liked a little bit more Zombie killing action. The action that was there was pretty good but I am all for killing zombies so the more the merrier. Raymond ended the story on the interesting side. I find myself wondering what has happened to the resort. Makes me wonder if he will continue the story... It was written well and I look forward to reading more of Raymond’s work. If you like zombies and want a quick read I suggest reading Dangerous Hunts.

Special thanks to Raymond for sending me a copy to review.

The Rating:

3.8 out of 5

The Details:

Format: PDF
Dimensions: 22 Pages
Published: June 14, 2011
Publisher: Indie
ISBN - 10:0803735529
ISBN - 13:9780803735521

Get yourself a copy for only $0.99 on Smashwords!

It’s Official

2011-08-10T22:50:00.001-06:00

So I have updated my Review policies but I figured I would do an official post that says….

I will now accept EPUB or PDF versions of novels or short stories for review!

YAY! For having a Kobo….I have a feeling that my TBR pile is going to increase…as I can now buy my favorite indie authors books as ecopies and save so much money on shipping

If you would like me to review your novel feel free to email me at vampsweresandcassay [at] yahoo [dot] ca

BLOGOVERSARY WINNERS!!!

2011-08-08T19:36:00.001-06:00

YAY! Its time to announce the winners and for once I’m not being tardy and announcing on time yay me. SO some of you lucky ducks have won more than one giveaway! Also, if you won a book but have decided that you don’t want to pay 50% of the shipping costs just let me know and I will draw a new winner. I won’t be mad at you. I’m estimating that most shipping for the books will be between $5-$10 but I will let you know the cost before I send it incase you want to opt out. Winners have until Thursday at midnight to provide their mailing addresses or else I will pick a new winner. I will be emailing you all shortly. Between all the giveaways there were over 200 entries which meant a lot of random.org for me but I am more than happy.

Now onto the Winners!!!

~~Copy of Spyglass goes to Rebs @ Book Rants~~

~~Copy of The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treaded goes to Ashley Suzanne~~

True Blood Journal and keychain goes to Susan Moffatt

~~New Moon prize pack goes to Autum Frailey~~

~~The Body Finder *Signed* Swag goes to Ashley (email starts with (asherz)~~

~~Ecopy of Becoming Edward goes to Katie @ Call me Crazy~~

*Signed* copy of the Chosen Historian goes to Jennifer K Jovus

~~Copy of Revelations goes to Monica~~

~~Ecopy of Beautifully Broken goes to Ashley @ Book Labyrinth~~

Harry Potter Key chains:

~~Christina Bean wins Hermonie~~

~~Krystal @ Stellar Book Blog wins Ron~~

~~Alexandra C. wins Harry~~

~~Jennifer K Jovus wins Dumbledore~~

~~Annmarie Ager wins Hagrid~~

~~Patricia @ Two Chicks on Books wins Dobby~~

Laney Giveaway:

*Signed* Copy of Laney goes to Cynthia Garcia

and the 10 bookmarks go to:

~~Giselle~~

~~Clarissa P (Clary)~~

~~Teresa~~

~~Savanna~~

~~Kristy~~

~~Lana~~

~~Nat Cleary~~

~~Ashley Kay~~

~~Monica~~

~~Mikk-Man~~

Hush, Hush & Awakened Giveaway:

*Signed* copy of Awakened goes to Michele Luker

3 swags packs go to:

~~Tasha Shahirak~~

~~Rebs @ Book Rant~~

~~Clarissa P (Clary)~~

3 Random Swag packs go to:

~~Lisa @ Fic Talk~~

~~Rebs @ Book Rant~~

~~KimvA~~

Hunger Games giveaway:

~~Grand Prize: Alice Priday~~

~~1st Prize: Autum Frailey~~

~~2nd Prize: Tamara~~

Congrats winners! Remember you have until Thursday at midnight to send me your mailing addresses!

*EDIT* – Winners who have claimed there prizes have there name crossed out.

Review: Across the Universe by Beth Revis

2011-08-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awake on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into a brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone—one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship—tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn’t do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now, Amy must race to unlock Godspeed’s hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there’s only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming. Excerpt from Beth’s website.

Mystery in space…I really quite enjoyed it. I’m not normally into sci-fi stories (mind you I have only read 1 other sci-fi book and I disliked it so I’m a bit iffy about the genre) but Beth may have just changed my opinion of the sci-fi genre. Everyone was raving about Across the Universe so I decided I would give it a chance and I am very glad I did because I quite enjoyed it. The characters, government, and story were quite involved and I like that Beth wrote it so well that nothing was confusing and it was easy to read and follow. I like how each of the chapters switch between the two main characters Elder and Amy, it helped me get the atmosphere of Godspeed by being able to see it through the eyes of an outsider and someone who has lived on the ship there entire life. I loved the twists in the story. I really didn’t see what I think is the major twist coming which I was in total shock over. I did guess who the murderer was on the ship but the motives were interesting for that character and other characters. I found that I didn’t want to put the book down as I had to find out what the heck was happening on Godspeed. I can’t wait to see what will happen in the sequel A Million Suns.

I can’t wait to meet Beth at the Smart Chicks Kick It Tour in Vancouver!

The Rating:

4.5 out of 5

The Details:

Format: Hardcover
Dimensions: 400 Pages, 6.4 x 9.25 x 1.45 in
Published: January 11, 2011
Publisher: Penguin Young Reader Group
ISBN - 10:1595143971
ISBN - 13:9781595143976

July RAK Wrap up and August RAK

2011-08-03T20:24:00.001-06:00

RAK is soo much fun! I have a blast and last month I tamed down my RAK it was getting a little bit out of control.

Here's the rules and details:

• Sign up each month you'd like to participate in.
• Show off your participation! Grab one of the buttons available :)

• At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K!

{Make a post saying 'Thank You' to whoever granted one of your wishes :)
OPEN TO EVERYONE!
Lets's keep our International bloggers in mind and in our hearts.
Remember, there's always the Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!
Thank you Uniflame for pointing that out!! :P
FYI: One RAK will be chosen and showcased! Yayyy!

That's it!

Easy peasy huh??

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Vanessa at

Twerd413 [at] gmail DOT com

Sara pre-ordered me a copy of Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Thanks sooo much Sara!

This month I gave Sara my copy of Swoon by Nina Malkin

I also ordered Spider Bites and Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep for Tynga

I finally received my Kobo in July so I can now accept e-books in either PDF or EPUB. I know www.kobo.com has the option to gift books.

I have put in brackets my preference between paperback or eBook or doesn’t matter

August’s Wish list:

The Kane Chronicles, Book Two: Throne Of Fire by Rick Riordan (doesn’t matter)
Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves (doesn’t matter)
Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves (doesn’t matter)
Wither (The Chemical Garden Trilogy) by Lauren DeStefano (doesn’t matter)
Invincible: The Chronicles of Nick by Sherrilyn Kenyon(doesn’t matter)
Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready (doesn’t matter)
The Candidates by Inara Scott (doesn’t matter)
Season of Eden by Jennifer Laurens (doesn’t matter)
Overprotected by Jennifer Laurens (doesn’t matter)
~~Virtue by Amanda Hocking (doesn’t matter)~~
Original Sin by Lisa Desrochers (paperback to match the 1st one)
~~The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter (doesn’t matter)~~
Bloodline by Richelle Mead (e-book)

I hope you joy the fun!

Gear up for Fall S&S Canada Giveaway!

2011-08-03T19:21:00.001-06:00

I just wanted to tell you all about the awesome Gear Up For Fall giveaway that S&S Canada is currently hosting. You have a chance to win 10 copies of the book of your choice and a cheese basket. Click the picture to enter or click the sidebar picture >

Blogoversary Wrap–Up!

2011-08-03T18:38:00.001-06:00

So July is officially over which means there is only 1 month left of summer . And here in Alberta we have had nothing but rain!!! It was finally nice this past weekend and we went to a Heritage Days festival where we could try different types of food from other countries. It was pretty cool, I tried a deep fried banana. It was interesting…I think I liked it and I got super burned! My shoulders are killing me. How has your summer been going?

Did you all have fun with the events and giveaways? I sure hope you did. I decided to make the giveaways end August 7! So you still have 4 days to enter if you haven't yet. P.S. You are all very welcome for the giveaways. I want to thank you for being AWESOME friends/followers.

As promised I said I would answer some questions that you had for me. I was suppose to post this on the 31st but one question stumped me for a bit…. and this was it:

Ashley asked: If you had to pick two favorite characters (one male, one female), who would they be?

Only 2 really….this is why I have been stumped I had to take a whole month to think this one through.

Fav Female Character: I’m going to have to go with Raine Benares from Lisa Shearin’s Raine Benares series. Why: Because Raine is soo freaking awesome! She is funny and if I were to need someone on my team to kick some major ass I would want her.

Fav Male Character: This one is sooo hard….grrrr….I still haven’t decided but I think I will go with Jay from The Body Finder Series by Kimberly Derting. Why: Who wouldn’t want Jay as a best friend/boyfriend he is soo supportive and would do anything for Vi and I am totally jealous of Vi’s and Jay’s relationship.

Alice asked: Why did you start reading and blogging?

Well you see I used to be a book hater! I absolutely hated reading while in school. I didn’t like any of the books we were forced to read (I would have totally rather watched a movie or something). Then I started working full time at an accounting firm and during my half hour lunch I would play Sudoku but I was getting bored with it because I couldn’t finish the extra hard puzzles in 30 min LOL. Then one day the boyfriend was like wanna come to Chapters with me…I’m thinking about getting a book to read on my lunch. I said sure and thought maybe I should grab a book. So I grab Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone and Eragon. I came home with my books and my mom stole Eragon so I was left with Harry Potter (which is so not a bad thing). I finished it that week so I went back and bought the rest of the series and finished it all in a month. Harry Potter kind of started a snow ball effect. I started reading books I had seen movies of and then once I finished the Twilight series I decided to open myself up to books that weren’t movies and Cassandra Clare kick started that snowball and the rest is history. I’ve been reading a book a week ever since .

Why I started blogging: I would post on my personal facebook page about books I just finished reading and a quick sentence about it and I was starting to get family/friends asking me to recommend them books so I would. Then I found a bunch of book bloggers that’s talked about books and I started reading a bunch and I thought to myself hey this looks fun maybe I should try it. I knew it would take some hard work and some elbow grease and I always told myself that I would post when I wanted to post. I also decided to start blogging as a way for me to track my thought on books on what I like and what I didn’t.

I know my reviews are the best ever reviews but I try and put effort into them and it helps my creative thinking because I really don’t have a creative bone in my body lol. I am also very proud of all my 369 followers. I send you all tons and tons of hugs for being awesome. I am also still shocked when an author asks me to review their novel. It makes me want to do a happy dance. I thank you all so much for giving me the opportunity to speak my mind and have you all listening. /HUGS!!!!

Don’t forget to enter the giveaways!!!

Blogoversary Event: The Great William and Christian Debate

2011-07-30T06:00:00.000-06:00

**** NOTE THIS POST MAY CONTAIN SPOLERS OF SEERS OF LIGHT AND WHISPER OF LIGHT****

****NOTE THIS POST IS DEFINATELY RATED R****

READ AT YOUR OWN RISK

So I decided I would do a post on the 2 leading men in The Lights Series by Jennifer Delucy. William Maddox and Christian Wright. Two very sexy and appealing men but who is the best? Honestly, I can’t choose it is soo hard. Lets Team Edward or Team Jacob – that one is easy for me Team Edward. Team Peeta or Team Gale? Easy Team Peeta. Team Mychael or Team Tam? Easy! Team Mychael. But Team William or Team Christian. I’m having difficulties choosing just one! AH!

Second Warning: There will be spoilers so read at your own risk!

So I decided we shall ask five questions and I shall answer them to find out the winner.

Who has the better accent?

Christian hands done! Who doesn’t love a British mans accent. I know I sure don’t.

Who is better in bed and has better bed talk?

Yep, can’t believe I’m going to answer this one but after talking to both Lily and Nick about their horizontal mumbo’s (we are great friends so we can talk about stuff like that). I’m going to have to say William wins hands down. He apparently has sexy vampire skills that make it....well you get the point. And he is so sweet when he talks. I’m personally not for Christian’s talk but Nick seems to love it.

Who is more attractive?

My pick is Christian there is just something about his blonde locks and buffness that I just love. I’m not for the lankiness of William.

Who is more protective of their lady?

This a hard one and its going to both men. Christian stands up to Nicks dad and William stands up for his relationship with Lily. What more can you ask from two wonderful men?

Who is smarter?

I’m going to give this one the William. He is pretty wise. He was smart enough to keep Christian out of the loop for a bit while Lily and him were dating.

Oh Noes! We are tied!!!! Well that didn’t help the debate. Maybe let’s try Pros and Cons?

William:

Pros:

Has amazing in skills in the bed
Is a vampire with a soul
He is quite the gentleman
Chooses to ignore Christian when he is being ass

Cons:

He chose Lily instead of me
Goes on dangerous tasks that could end with him dying
Being a vampire he is very unliked

Christian:

Pros:

Hot British accent
Very handsome
Kicks some major evil vampire ass

Cons:

Has an anger problem
Chose Nick over me
I dislike his bed side talk

Well it looks as though Christian is tied for Pros/Cons and William has an extra Pro. So that means William right?

Well I decided I would would take Jennifer’s Seer’s Soulmate quiz. You either get Christian, William or Paul. I got William. So I guess it is final.

I am Team William. But I still love you Christian. Please don’t hate me.

I hope you enjoyed The Great William and Christian Debate and make sure to leave me your thoughts on these wonderful men. What team are you?

Review: Whisper of Light by Jennifer Delucy

2011-07-29T06:00:00.000-06:00

The saying goes that all men are created equal... but Nicole Abbot knows better. Lacking the supernatural gifts of the Sentients she has known all her life, Nicole has lived with her nose pressed to the glass, withering beneath the guilt of her own inadequacies and the disapproving glare of her father. It's easy to believe that the universe has forgotten all about her, but things are not always as they seem. With the arrival of Christian Wright, a handsome but complex Combatant with a troubled history, Nicole is forced to question everything she has ever believed about herself, proving that sometimes, our most flawed perceptions are those reflected in a mirror. Excerpt from Jennifer’s website.

*May contain spoilers from Seers of Light*

Whisper of Light was just a good as Seers of Light. We learn more about Nicole who was mentioned briefly in Seers of Light. I really like her character she was completely different from Lily. Nicole has so much that she must overcome. I think I did her crying for her. Well Lily picked William which means I got Christian but Christian is more interested in Nicole. I’m a little heartbroken that he’s not into me but that is okay Nicole needs someone to cheer her up more than I do.

This book really played with my emotions I felt happiness and sadness when Nicole felt it. I was also mad at soo many characters including my Christian. I am so happy that everything worked out for the best for the characters in this novel and I can’t wait to see what Jennifer has in store her readers with her next books.

Thanks again to Jennifer for hosting a “new” follower contest and choosing me to win

The Rating:

5 out of 5

The Details:

Format: Paperback
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Published: October 25, 2010
Pages: 261 pages
ISBN-10: 1936305410

You can order yourself a copy of Jennifer’s books at:

Omnific Publishing

Barnes & Noble(NookBook)

Review: Seers of Light by Jennifer Delucy

2011-07-28T06:00:00.000-06:00

Lillian Hunt has never truly lived. Always sensing there was more to the world than is easily perceived, she feared that her instincts were stubborn flights of fancy, or worse, mental instability. But some things – disappearing strangers, tangible dreams and visits from malevolent creatures – cannot be ignored.

Is Lillian alone in her surreal little world or are there others like her? Will she reject a fated love or embrace the truth of what she is, unraveling the mystery of her life... Excerpt from Jennifer’s website.

I thoroughly enjoyed Seers of Light. This was another book that I did not want to put down mostly because of the characters. Jennifer made Lily, William and Christian so loveable even though I didn’t fully trust William. I thought there was something fishy about him but I still loved him. The series reminded me of the TV series Supernatural and if you guys know me I LOVE Supernatural so Jennifer got brownie points for that.

The book is fast pace and has lots of action and romance. I wouldn’t suggest this novel to the younger reader as the sex scene in the book is so freakin’ hot (yes I am a bit embarrassed to be saying this and I’m sure if my bf read my blog he wouldn’t make fun of me for the rest of my life but it was.) It’s seriously an 18+ scene.

I was jumping the different “team trains” as the book went on one moment I would be on Team William and the next I would be on Team Christian. I really couldn’t decide which one of the lovely guys I liked more. So I determined I would take whomever Lily left behind but I’m not telling you who :P She could have left me both of em! MWAHAHA you will have to read the book to find out.

I’d like to specially thank Jennifer for sending me *signed* copies of her novel. I won the “new” follower contest that she hosted this past fall. Thanks so much Jennifer! I can’t wait to read your other novels.

The Rating:

5 out of 5

The Details:

Format: Paperback
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Published: February 16, 2010
ISBN: 1-936305-03-8
Format: Paperback or eBook
Pages: 372

You can order yourself a copy of Jennifer’s books at:

Omnific Publishing

Barnes & Noble(NookBook)

Blogoversary Event: TLT Publishing

2011-07-27T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today I wanted to talk to you about TLT Publishing and indie publishing company based in Chicago. TLT Publishing currently has an awesome Twitter giveaway going on. When TLT gets to 1000 Twitter followers they will giveaway 20 books that they are publishing from now until 2012 and the bloggers with the most referrals has a chance to win 20 books to giveaway on their blog. How cool is that? (you should go follow and say I sent you and you can help me help you win books! WIN WIN right?)

Seeing today is Wednesday…I think we should do a WOW post about TLT’s upcoming novels.

“Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that I am eagerly anticipating.

For more information on the following books and many more visit TLT’s website.

Release date: October 1, 2011.

Release date: October 10, 2011

Release date: October 22, 2011

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

1 Winner will received a *signed* copy of founder Randi Ertz’s novel The Chosen Historian

Rules:

- Must be 13 years or older

- International – If you live outside of Canada you must be willing to pay 50% of the shipping costs via PayPal

- Name/Email Address to enter

- ~~Giveaway end July 31, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners will be announced Aug 1 or 2~~

- Extended to Aug 7, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners announced Aug 8 or 9

- Winners chosen by Random.org and will have 48 hrs to respond to the email I send.

Special Thanks to TLT Publishing for shipping to Canada for me I appreciate it.

*** USE THIS FORM TO ENTER. COMMENTS WILL NOT COUNT AS ENTRIES ***

Blogoversary Event: Spy Glass by Maria V. Snyder Giveaway

2011-07-26T06:00:00.001-06:00

So we have about 5 days left of the blogoversary event ….are we still having fun??? I hope so cause I am!

Todays giveaway:

1 Winner will win my copy of Spy Glass by Maria V. Snyder

Rules:

- Must be 13 years or older

- International – If you live outside of Canada you must be willing to pay for 50% of the shipping costs via PayPal.

- Name/Email Address to enter

- ~~Giveaway end July 31, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners will be announced Aug 1 or 2~~

- Extended to Aug 7, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners announced Aug 8 or 9

- Winners chosen by Random.org and will have 48 hrs to respond to the email I send.

*** USE THIS FORM TO ENTER. COMMENTS WILL NOT COUNT AS ENTRIES ***

Blogoversay Event: Lets Talk Narnia + Giveaway

2011-07-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

So I have a movie tie in edition of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader…I don’t know why I have it but I do and I decided to give it away because I have the collection already.

So I decided to do a little post on my thoughts of the Narnia book and movie series.

I actually stop reading YotDT I know I know Why did I do that? Well I got bored…I actually left like 20 pages, I thought I had more to read at the time but the BF told me he wouldn’t take me to the movie until I finished the book so I counted to see where I finished and how many pages I left and it was 20…I’m so lame. LOL Anyways while I was watching the movie (I went without the BF) I was like so I ended here. RIGHT before all the good parts lol figures. But I personally like the movies better. Please don’t hate me. I just find the books boring but I think its because I didn’t read them in publishing order and I haven’t gone past YotDT. But I really like the movies.

Do you like the books or movies better? Should I continue the series?

GIVEAWAY TIME

1 Copy of the movie tie-in version of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Rules:

- Must be 13 years or older

- International – If you live outside of Canada you must be willing to pay for 50% of the shipping costs via PayPal

- Name/Email Address to enter

- ~~Giveaway end July 31, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners will be announced Aug 1 or 2~~

- Extended to Aug 7, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners announced Aug 8 or 9

- Winners chosen by Random.org and will have 48 hrs to respond to the email I send.

*** USE THIS FORM TO ENTER. COMMENTS WILL NOT COUNT AS ENTRIES ***

Blogoversary Event: Lets talk True Blood + Giveaway

2011-07-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

True Blood is one of my favourite shows on TV. I actually watched the TV Show before I read the book. I believe it was last year I picked up Dead Until Dark and I wasn’t really impressed with the novel. I preferred the TV Show. So I didn't continue the series. This April (tax season ) I had a really really bad True Blood itch. I didn’t have time to re-watch season 1 or 2 but I had 30 min of lunch to read so I decided I would pick the series up again. I got up to All Together Dead (I decided to take a break and read some books I got for review). I have to say I freakin’ LOVE Alcide. I bought myself an I <3 Alcide shirt and I FREAKIN’ hate Bill….Bill you royally piss me off. I still love me some Sam and Eric though.

Overall, I do prefer the TV Series to the book but this season (4) is really throwing me off. I can normally separate books from movies and vise versa but this season really bugging me so far. Why is Bill king? Sophie Ann plays a huge role (I find anyways) in books 6 & 7…. Umm how are you going to explain that? Or does HBO not think its going to 7 seasons? And why did the fairies turn into trolls??? I know I’m not that far into the series but I didn’t think the fairies were bad?!?!?!? Am I missing something that is the last few books?!?!?!?!?

I will say that I’m not a fan of the Sookie/Quinn story line. Why can’t Sookie and Alicde just do it already….they are totally for each other. I’m sure some people disagree with me but whatever I <3 Alcide! And I will tell the world lol.

Anyways I am giving away a season 2 True Blood journal as well as a Merlotte’s keychain

Rules:

- Must be 13 years or older

- International – If you live outside of Canada you must be willing to pay 50% of the shipping costs via PayPal

- Name/Email Address to enter

- ~~Giveaway end July 31, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners will be announced Aug 1 or 2~~

- Extended to Aug 7, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners announced Aug 8 or 9

- Winners chosen by Random.org and will have 48 hrs to respond to the email I send.

*** USE THIS FORM TO ENTER. COMMENTS WILL NOT COUNT AS ENTRIES ***

Review: The Crescent by Jordan Deen + Giveaway

2011-07-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

Becoming a werewolf is not an option for seventeen-year-old Lacey Quinn, but death can be a strong motivator.

Lacey is so focused on her future, that everyday life has past her by. Counting down the days to her eighteenth birthday, she's almost home free. But when she falls for the mysterious Alex Morris, she lands in the middle of an ancient war between two enemy wolf packs. Tempting dreams, tantalizing lies and a dangerous love triangle ensues, leaving Lacey heartbroken and confused.

Lacey’s fate rests in the hands of Alex and Brandon, but both are pulling her strings for their own agendas. Even as she slips further into the dark world of werewolves, Lacey struggles to find the truth and save the only family she’s ever known. Excerpt from Jordan’s website.

I would first like to thanks Jeremy West at Novel Thoughts for sending me a bookmark for The Crescent which spiked my interest in finding out more about the novel.

The Crescent is a quick and easy read. At only 190 pages, I breezed right through it and when it was over I wanted more! Jordan created a very interesting werewolf series. I like the different take on how the packs are made up and how a werewolf’s mate is chosen and breaks the union between mates. The sexual tension between characters was almost unbearable. I was sitting there thinking okay just do it already!

Jordan’s characters are easy to relate to and loveable. I love the love triangle that Jordan created. I unfortunately would have chosen differently. That means I can have one of the hotties instead of her. I’m looking forward to Half Moon. I have no idea where Jordan is going to take the series.

The Crescent is a good novel for any werewolf who is looking for a quick read.

The Rating:

3.8 out of 5

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

So I accidently bought myself 2 copies of Revelations by Melissa De La Cruz and I kept forgetting to return it to Chapters but now I have a book for you all

Rules:

- Must be 13 years or older

- International – If you live outside of Canada you must be willing to pay 50% of the shipping costs

- Name/Email Address to enter

- ~~Giveaway end July 31, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners will be announced Aug 1 or 2~~

- Extended to Aug 7, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners announced Aug 8 or 9

- Winners chosen by Random.org and will have 48 hrs to respond to the email I send.

*** USE THIS FORM TO ENTER. COMMENTS WILL NOT COUNT AS ENTRIES ***

Review: Secrets and Shadows by Shannon Delany + Giveaway

2011-07-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

A tale of teenage love, loss and—oh, yeah—werewolves.

The supernatural stakes are higher than ever now that more than just werewolves prowl the town of Junction--friendships will be formed, choices will be made and allies may become enemies...

Nothing's simple when you run with werewolves. Jess Gillmansen thinks she's seen it all but her eyes are about to be opened to even more danger and a reality far more paranormal than she's suspected. Excerpt from Shannon’s website.

Secrets and Shadows was just as awesome as I expected it to be. Jess and Pietr’s relationship is put through some serious obstacles. People we thought we trusted turned out to be a bunch of jerks. I have a new found love for Max. For being a horn dog he really truly does care for his family and friends.

I liked learning more about the werewolves’ history and seeing the similarities and differences Shannon’s werewolves have with other werewolves. We also learn about a new supernatural creature in this one and I for one didn’t see it coming (who it is will SHOCK you - well it shocked me).

Shannon is the QUEEN of cliff hangers. I should have waited till August to read this one because I can not wait for Bargains and Betrayals to come out.

The Rating:

5 out of 5

The Details:

Format: Trade Paperback
Dimensions: 320 Pages, 5.5 x 8.26 x 0.86 in
Published: February 15, 2011
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
ISBN - 10:0312609159
ISBN - 13:9780312609153

GIVEWAY TIME!!!!

So its time to giveaway some werewolf stuff….while sort of…famous werewolf stuff…

1 winner will win:

1 copy of New Moon: Movie Companion, 1 Edward book bracelet and 1 Victoria temp tattoo

Like I said sort of Werewolf HAHA

Rules:

- Must be 13 years or older

- International – If you live outside of Canada you must be willing for pay 50% of shipping costs

- Name/Email Address to enter

- ~~Giveaway end July 31, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners will be announced Aug 1 or 2~~

- Extended to Aug 7, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners announced Aug 8 or 9

- Winners chosen by Random.org and will have 48 hrs to respond to the email I send.

*** USE THIS FORM TO ENTER. COMMENTS WILL NOT COUNT AS ENTRIES. ***

Blogoversary Event: Laney Giveway

2011-07-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

Todays giveaway:

1 Winner will win:

1 *signed* copy of Laney by Joann I. Martin Sowles + Bookmark

10 Winners will win:

1 Bookmark

Wanna know about Laney check out my review.

Rules:

- Must be 13 years or older

- International – with fine print

Swag – I will cover the shipping costs

Book – If you outside of Canada you will have to pay 50% of shipping costs via PayPal

- Name/Email Address to enter

- ~~Giveaway end July 31, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners will be announced Aug 1 or 2~~

- Extended to Aug 7, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners announced Aug 8 or 9

- Winners chosen by Random.org and will have 48 hrs to respond to the email I send.

*** USE THIS FORM TO ENTER. COMMENTS WILL NOT COUNT AS ENTRIES ***

Review: Desires of the Dead + Giveaway

2011-07-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life.

As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger. Excerpt from Kimberly’s website.

Desires of the Dead was just as awesome as The Body Finder. I love that Vi and Jay’s relationship is still strong. They are just to perfect for each other it really makes me super jealous!

Once again I had no idea who the bad guy was which I love because it really makes me think about the clues even harder. I do suck and fail at the game CLUE. But it’s all good fun when your wrong and you get surprised (I think it is anyways).

I like that Vi is able to talk more freely about her skills to certain people, it shows her character development. I can’t wait for The Last Echo and see how Vi’s character will develop further as well as her relationship with Jay.

The Rating:

5 out of 5

The Details:

Format: Hardcover
Dimensions: 368 Pages, 6 x 8.75 x 1.14 in
Published: February 7, 2011
Publisher: Harpercollins Publishers
ISBN - 10:0061779849
ISBN - 13:9780061779848

GIVEAWAY TIME

1 winner will win

Rules:

- Must be 13 years or older

- International – I will cover the shipping costs

- Name/Email Address to enter

- ~~Giveaway end July 31, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners will be announced Aug 1 or 2~~

- Extended to Aug 7, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners announced Aug 8 or 9

- Winners chosen by Random.org and will have 48 hrs to respond to the email I send.

*** USE THIS FORM TO ENTER. COMMENTS WILL NOT COUNT AS ENTRIES ***

Blogoversary Event: Hush, Hush Swag + Awakened by Ednah Walters Giveaway!

2011-07-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

So we are a week into the blogoversary events…are you guys and gals enjoying everything? You all have fun?? I sure hope you are.

Today I am giving away:

1 Winner will win:

1 *signed* copy of Awakened by Ednah Walters

Here’s what Kat from Page Flipperz – Kat With Many Tales thought about Awakened.

3 other winners will win:

1 *signed* bookmark and 1 *signed* bookplate by Becca Fitzpatrick

Special thanks to Ednah for being so kind and allowing me to order signed copies from her, to Becca for signing some bookplates for me to giveaway and to Kat for allowing me to post a link to her review. Thanks a bunch you wonderful ladies!!

Rules:

- Must be 13 years or older

- International – With fine print.

Swag – I will cover the costs

Book – I ask that if you are outside of Canada that you help cover 50% of the costs via PayPal. Only enter for the book if you are willing to cover the costs.

- Name/Email Address to enter

- ~~Giveaway end July 31, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners will be announced Aug 1 or 2~~

- Extended to Aug 7, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners announced Aug 8 or 9

- Winners chosen by Random.org and will have 48 hrs to respond to the email I send.

*** USE THIS FORM TO ENTER. COMMENTS WILL NOT COUNT AS ENTRIES ***

Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins + Giveaway

2011-07-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding. Excerpt from Suzanne’s website.

I honestly don’t know what to say about this book without giving anything away...I think my mind is still trying to wrap itself around the series being complete.

I thought the story was going to go a different way. Characters that I thought were going to die didn’t and characters that I thought were going to be safe weren’t. I did cry over that but I didn’t cry nearly as much as I thought I was going to. I was kinda let down by that fact.

Certain characters pissed me off with their actions – like really pissed me off. I almost jumped off the Team Peeta train and wasn’t going to hop on any other train! I really liked the last chapter of the book – it gave me an overall closure to the series.

I did find some parts of the novel I had to re-read because I was like what? What just happened? It was like something was missing and I was a bit confused until I re-read.

I thought Mockingjay could have been better. It doesn’t live up to Catching Fire or The Hunger Games in my opinion but it was still pretty good.

The Rating:

4.5 out of 5

The Details:

Format: Hardcover
Dimensions: 400 Pages, 5.87 x 8.53 x 1.25 in
Published: August 24, 2010
Publisher: SCHOLASTIC INC
ISBN - 10:0439023513
ISBN - 13:9780439023511

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!

So Chapters had a HUGE clearance sale on Hunger Games items so I bought a bunch for you all. There will be 3 winners!

Grand Prize:

3 Hunger Games bookmarks, 1 keychain, 1 set of magnets and 1 size Medium District 12 t-shirt

First Prize:

1 Set of magnets, 2 Hunger Games bookmarks and 1 keychain

Second Prize:

1 bookmark and 2 key chains

Wow look at all that! Here's the rules:

- Must be 13 years or older

- International – I will cover the shipping costs

- Name/Email Address to enter

- ~~Giveaway end July 31, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners will be announced Aug 1 or 2~~

- Extended to Aug 7, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners announced Aug 8 or 9

- Winners chosen by Random.org and will have 48 hrs to respond to the email I send.

*** USE THIS FORM TO ENTER. COMMENTS WILL NOT COUNT AS AN ENTRY ***

Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

2011-07-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying. Excerpt from Suzanne’s website.

Suzanne does it again. I swear this series keeps me up at night. I read Catching Fire all day Sunday right after I finished The Hunger Games. I totally didn’t expect certain events to happen – I was in total shock and I did yell at the book....The boyfriend and step-dad had a good laugh at me.

Catching Fire was just as good as The Hunger Games. It kept your attention we learned more about the Capitol and characters. I’m still Team Peeta I <3 him! One good thing about this book was that it wasn’t as intense as The Hunger Games....I could actually breathe while reading this one. This is good because I don’t know if I would have made it if I was holding my breath.

As I said in my Hunger Games review you should really really pick this book up you won’t regret it.

I have a few ideas on what is going to happening during Mockingjay but I don’t know if I am right or not. I think there is going to be ALOT of tears though.

The Results:

5 out of 5

The Details:

Format: Hardcover
Dimensions: 400 Pages, 5.78 x 8.52 x 1.3 in
Published: September 1, 2009
Publisher: SCHOLASTIC INC
ISBN - 10:0439023491
ISBN - 13:9780439023498

Stay tuned tomorrow there will be a BIG Hunger Games giveaway.

Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2011-07-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When her sister is chosen by lottery, Katniss steps up to go in her place. Excerpt from Suzanne’s website.

OH. MY. GOD.

Those three words sum up this book perfectly. I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE The Hunger Games. It is seriously my favourite book. I don’t know why I didn’t read it before you all voted me to read but am I ever glad that you guys did!

The Hunger Games is broken into 3 parts and when each part ended that was like my 30 second bathroom and breather break. I’m pretty sure I was holding my breath while reading part 2 because I was gasping for air when it ended. My boyfriend was making fun of me for it telling me “It’s just a book...You’ll be okay.” Little did he know that The Hunger Games is so intense that you have to keep reading. I started reading at 4pm Saturday afternoon and I didn’t stop reading until 3a.m. minus the bathroom and supper breaks. I just couldn’t put it down.

I’m so glad The Hunger Games is going to be a movie because while I was reading it I was gasping and saying if this book was a movie I would be at the edge of my seat.

I love the chemistry between Katniss and Peeta. I’m totally a Team Peeta person – I can’t help it I just know so much more about him than Gabe that I have to go with him.

If you haven’t read The Hunger Games yet WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM! Lol Go out and BUY it now! You won’t be disappointed.

Also, maybe go buy some oxygen as well so that you won’t be gasping for air like I was.

The Rating:

7 out of 5 – Yep you are reading that right – that is how much I love this book!

The Details:

Format: Hardcover
Dimensions: 384 Pages, 6 x 8.5 x 1 in
Published: October 1, 2008
Publisher: SCHOLASTIC INC
ISBN - 10:0439023483
ISBN - 13:9780439023481

Stay Tuned there is a BIG Hunger Games giveaway coming up

Special Blogoversary Event!–Indie Author Faye Meredith

2011-07-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today I have indie author Faye Meredith answering a few questions of her debut novel Becoming Edward.

Here is a little bit about Becoming Edward.

Rachel’s hooked on Twilight and is in love with Edward Cullen. Clive is obsessed with Rachel but he’s no Edward. Lewis is in love with himself until he meets Rachel.
Both boys fail to win her until one of them has the bright idea of becoming Edward.
Becoming Edward is a light-hearted teenage novel for young adults who love paranormal romance, especially Twilight and Breaking Dawn, or are simply big fans of Robert Pattinson. There are no vampires in it, but there is someone who thinks he's Edward Cullen.
The author is a huge Twilight fan and explores what it’s like to be a Twi-hard while other people just ‘don’t get it’. Excerpt from Smashwords.

Now for the interview:

What's Becoming Edward about?

It's about what happens when obsession gets out of hand. Rachel is waiting for her Edward and rejects everyone who tries to go out with her. One guy is so mad about her he decides to transform himself into Edward Cullen to win her, but he gets it completely wrong.

Will Twilight fans relate to the characters?

Yes, especially Rachel. But the guys are all a little bit flawed and don't fully understand why women find Edward so allurring. Which is pretty much like real life. They think its about looks when really it's about being decent and honourable.

How did you come up with the idea?

I was in Borders and saw all these girls huddled around the Twilight section reading Breaking Dawn like their lives depended on it. This weird thought popped into my head - what would they do if someone who looked like Edward walked in. Then, I thought, I wonder if someone would ever transform himself into Edward Cullen to attract a girl.

What made you write it?

It seemed such an obvious idea but when I searched the internet I couldn't find anything like it. So I began to write. I'm a copywriter by trade so I thought I'd give it a go, but I'd never written a book before. I didn't want it to be a Twilight clone or a spoof. I wanted the characters to be real people and have their own story. None of them are perfect and one of the really makes a mess of things, hopefully with hilarious consequences.

I can’t wait to read Becoming Edward. Faye has been kind enough to offer up one ecopy of Becoming Edward to one lucky follower!

And if you don’t win and want to read Becoming Edward for yourself you can get it at the following retailers:

Amazon at: http://amzn.to/jPlfwq

All formats on Smashwords at: http://bit.ly/kjxTd8

Here’s the rules:

- Must be 13 years or older

- International: I will cover the costs

- ~~Giveaway end July 31, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners will be announced Aug 1 or 2~~

- Extended to Aug 7, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners announced Aug 8 or 9

- Name/Email to enter

- Winners will be chosen by Random.org and will have 48 hrs to respond to the email I send

*** USE THIS FORM TO ENTER. COMMENTS WILL NOT COUNT AS ENTRIES ***

Review: My Soul To Take by Rachel Vincent + Giveaway

2011-07-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH KAYLEE CAVANAUGH
She doesn't see dead people, but...
She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.
Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about the need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next...
Excerpt from Rachel’s website.

MY SOUL TO TAKE is the first novel in the Soul Screamers series and is it ever nice to read about a different type of paranormal creature. I wonder where Rachel came up with the idea of creating a story base on a bean sidhes or banshees as more commonly known.

I was super excited to be introduced to these novels(Special Thanks to Crissi @ Book Club). I used to have a thing for banshees and Irish ghost stories and the likes when I was younger. So I was excited to start reading this book.

It was great! It was a fast and easy read. Nash and Tod are both pretty dreamy – I can’t pick between them! It’s too hard...don’t make me pick! I couldn’t guess what was going to happen which I really enjoy in a novel. I don’t like guessing where the story is going to go at the beginning and end up being right. I can see that Kaylee’s character is slowing going to grow and that she will have a significant role to play – I know that she is the main character but I think her role will grow into something more than just being a main character.

Overall, it was a great beginning to what I’m know is going to be a fabulous series.

The Rating:

4.5 out of 5

The Details:

Format: Trade Paperback
Dimensions :288 Pages, 5.48 x 8.06 x 0.77 in
Published: August 1, 2009
Publisher: Harlequin
ISBN - 10:0373210035
ISBN - 13:9780373210039

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

I have 3 swag packs up for grabs…..Some bookmarks are SIGNED!

Here’s the rules:

- Must be 13 years or older

- International: I will cover the costs

- ~~Giveaway end July 31, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners will be announced Aug 1 or 2~~

- Extended to Aug 7, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners announced Aug 8 or 9

- Name/Email to enter

- Winners will be chosen by Random.org and will have 48 hrs to respond to the email I send

*** USE THIS FORM TO ENTER. COMMENTS WILL NOT COUNT AS ENTRIES ***

Special Blogoversary Event!–Indie Author Sherry Soule

2011-07-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

So today I have a very special event for you. Indie Author Sherry Soule has created a quiz for you to see which of her characters best suits you. How fun is that?

Take this super fun pop-quiz to see which character BEST suits YOU and score a digital copy of Beautifully Broken!

Are you a Shiloh or an Ariana?

Are you a quirky, romantic witch with supernatural powers? Or a snarky and outgoing blond with lots of vitality?

Well, they both love to read, have their own sense of style, and have big dreams for the future—but while they share those things, Shiloh’s tall, and Ariana’s not. Ariana’s got major curves and Shiloh’s super skinny. Ariana hearts Christina Aguilera and Shiloh’s all about the Foo Fighters.

Take this quiz and leave a comment to win a free copy of Beautifully Broken.

1. You have $50 to spend. Where do you go?

a.      Steve Madden. A girl can never have too many shoes!
b.      Everyday Magick. Stock up on snake blood and eye-of-newt.
c.      Duh! Abercrombie & Fitch
d.      Hot Topic, of course!

2. It is dinnertime. What are you in the mood for?

a.      Chinese takeout.
b.      Salad and iced tea—please
c.      Brains.
d.      BBQ Chicken Pizza. Yum!

3. The fog in Whispering Pines is extra thick. What keeps you warm?

a.      Bolero jacket with Lucky jeans and Uggs.
b.      Denim jacket with my skinny jeans and Doc Martens
c.      The fires of hell—so toasty!
d.      Denim jacket with my black pants and converse

4. What is your dream destination?

a.      Hawaii. Warm and tropical. Plus hot guys.
b.      New York. Architecture and culture
c.      Underworld. One way ticket—please!
d.      Paris. The city of romance!

5. What’s your favorite footwear?

a.      Flip-flops.
b.      Doc Martens
c.      Hoofs
d.      Converse.

6. Favorite supernatural hunk?

a.     Dean Winchester—heavy sigh!
b.     Stefan Salvatore—so romantic!
c.     Shadow People
d.     Edward Cullen—bite me!

7. What’s your favorite TV show?

a.      Pretty Little Liars
b.      The Secret Circle
c.      SUPERNATURAL
d.      The Vampire Dairies

8. Favorite book?

a.      Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus
b.      Revealers by Amanda Marrone
c.      Crowley’s Demon Index by A. Evans
d.      Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

9. What’s your dream job?

a.      Hairstylist
b.      Architectect
c.      Ghost Hunter
d.      Personal Shopper

10. What pet would you like to own?

a.      Hamster
b.      Siamese cat
c.      Hell Hound
d.      None

11. Favorite movie?

a.      Gone With the Wind—I like to channel my inner Scarlett.
b.      The Craft—awesome witch movie!
c.      Insidious—haunted houses are uber scary!
d.      Ginger Snaps—werewolves are cool.

12. What is the best season?

a.      Spring. warmer weather and flowers.
b.      Fall. Halloween!
c.      Winter. It gets dark early…
d.      Summer. Yay! No school

13. What is your favorite color?

a.      Metallic blue. Duh
b.      Pink. I can be a feminist girly-girl and like pink!
c.      Red, the color of blood.
d.      Silver, it’s sparkly and magical.

If you answered...

Mostly a's: You and Ariana need to hang at the mall!

Mostly b's: Shiloh has a haunted house to cleanse—you free tonight?

Mostly c's: Creatures of the underworld are watching you

Mostly d's: Ariana and Shiloh are your new BFFs!

Beautifully Broken Synopsis:

They say every town has its secrets, but that doesn’t even begin to describe Whispering Pines. The townsfolk are a superstitious lot and the mystical disappearance of a local teen has everyone murmuring about a centuries old witch’s curse.

Sixteen-year-old Shiloh Ravenwolf is a heritage witch from the Broussard family, a family both destined and cursed. When she takes a summer job at Ravenhurst Manor, she discovers a ghost with an agenda. That’s where she meets the new town hottie, Trent Donovan, and immediately becomes spellbound by his charms.

Finally, Shiloh's met someone who is supercute and totally into her, but Trent may be the next victim on the supernatural hit list. And Shiloh is the only person with the power to save him. Complicated much?

It sucks to have a destiny, especially since Shiloh would rather spend her summer being a normal girl who worries about clothes and boys, not the supernatural. But she’s never been normal, and the stranger things become the more her own magical senses awaken.

With cryptic messages from a pesky wraith, she will begin to understand the mysterious significance of the strange mark branded on her wrist and decide how much she's willing to sacrifice to protect the other teenagers in town.

Unfortunately, for Shiloh, not all ghosts want help crossing over. Some want vengeance.

About the Author:

Sherry Soule has won numerous awards for her short stories and now writes fulltime. She lives in San Francisco Bay Area with her family and her black cat, Charm. Sherry is hard at work on the next book in the Spellbound Series, “Beautifully Haunted.”

Where you can find Sherry Soule:

Official website: http://sherrysoule.com/

Blog: http://www.sherrysoule.blogspot.com/

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uqVXKygvUs&feature=youtu.be

goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11634793-beautifully-broken

Specially thanks to Sherry for donating a copy of Beautifully Broken. So what did you all get? I had the same amount of C’s and D’s….So Ariana and Shiloh are my new BFF’s and supernatural creatures are watching me Does this mean Dean Winchester will come rescue me

Haha!

Rules:

- Must be 13 years or older

- It’s a digital copy so International

- Leave a comment with your results and a way to contact you

- ~~Giveaway end July 31, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners will be announced Aug 1 or 2~~

- Extended to Aug 7, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners announced Aug 8 or 9

- Winner picked by Random.org

Blogoversary Event: Lets Talk Harry Potter

2011-07-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

So in 3 days the FINAL Harry Potter movie hits theatres. I unfortunately didn’t know that tickets went on sale so I’m missing the midnight release AGAIN. I was seriously on the verge of crying when I didn’t get tickets so I will be avoiding Twitter on the 14th and 15th.

I know that I will be crying in the movie. I cried like a huge freaking baby over Dobby’s death, this one I’m defiantly going to be crying my 2nd favourite character dies . I had a friend actually by me some Kleenex for my birthday just for the movie LOL.

Are you going to the movie? I can’t wait but I’m sad that its ending.

I had a Harry Potter day calendar and I kept each day’s picture and decided to make character collages. So I am giving away the collages I have made and well as HARRY POTTER LEGO KEYCHAINS!!!! So far I only have Ron and Hermione collage done.

Here are pictures of what you can win. 1 Winner for each character.

Rules:

- Must be 13 years or older

- International – I will cover the shipping costs

- Name/Email Address to enter

- ~~Giveaway end July 31, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners will be announced Aug 1 or 2~~

- Extended to Aug 7, 2011 at midnight MST, Winners announced Aug 8 or 9

- Winners chosen by Random.org and will have 48 hrs to respond to the email I send.

- First Winner has first pick then it shall go down the line

*** USE THIS FORM TO ENTER. COMMENTS WILL NOT COUNT AS ENTRIES. ***

Review: The Taker

2011-07-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

True love can last an eternity . . . but immortality comes at a price. . . .

On the midnight shift at a hospital in rural Maine, Dr. Luke Findley is expecting another quiet evening of frostbite and the occasional domestic dispute. But the minute Lanore McIlvrae—Lanny—walks into his ER, she changes his life forever. A mysterious woman with a past and plenty of dark secrets, Lanny is unlike anyone Luke has ever met. He is inexplicably drawn to her . . . despite the fact that she is a murder suspect with a police escort. And as she begins to tell her story, a story of enduring love and consummate betrayal that transcends time and mortality, Luke finds himself utterly captivated.
Her impassioned account begins at the turn of the nineteenth century in the same small town of St. Andrew, Maine, back when it was a Puritan settlement. Consumed as a child by her love for the son of the town's founder, Lanny will do anything to be with him forever. But the price she pays is steep—an immortal bond that chains her to a terrible fate for all eternity. And now, two centuries later, the key to her healing and her salvation lies with Dr. Luke Findley.
Part historical novel, part supernatural page-turner, The Taker is an unforgettable tale about the power of unrequited love not only to elevate and sustain, but also to blind and ultimately destroy, and how each of us is responsible for finding our own path to redemption. Excerpt from S&S Canada’s website.

I found The Taker to be quite interesting. I normally don’t read historical novels but the synopsis of the book caught my attention so I figured I should give historical novels a chance.

I liked how we are first introduced to Luke who is a doctor in the modern day world in St. Andrews. We then meet Lanny and get sucked into her past. We get to experience Lanny’s life from a teen to an adult and the challenges she has to overcome. Lanny doesn’t come off a bit of a love sick puppy dog but I think it fits with the story well and she can still hold her own.

Another part of the story I enjoyed was when Lanny gets sucks into the past of a Lord Adair who we meet in Boston. I found his history to be quite interesting and I like how Alma connected everyone's past together.

As much as I hated Lanny’s “love sick puppy dogness”, she is still one of my favourite characters in the book. I think its mostly because Alma wrote her so well that you felt Lanny’s pain or joy. Jonathan bugs me! He is soo freaking blind I want to smack him across the head. If only he would have manned up a bit Lanny would have been off.

There are several sex scenes in the story, they don’t go into a lot of detail but not all scenes are consensual. I don’t suggest it to younger readers, definitely an adult book.

Special thank to Anneliese from S&S Canada for sending me a review copy.

The Rating:

4 out of 5

The Details:

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 448 pages
Published: September 2011
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Canada
ISBN-10: 1439197059
ISBN-13: 9781439197059

Blogoversary Events!!!

2011-07-09T15:32:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone! Long time no talk….I have good news and I have bad news. I’ll give you the bad new first because the good news is SUPER AWESOME!!

Bad News: My laptop is still screwed up. I gotta get my step dad to call tech support and explain the issue to get it fixed. I went to go update my desktop computer and I bet you can guess what happened….Yep it crashed as well….and my computer at work has been giving me issues. Yep, I’m a computer killer. BUT I swear its not my fault.

Good News: I’m stealing my stepdads computer so I can plan a WHOLE month worth of posts (He’s at the football game otherwise I wouldn’t be able to use it cause he would be playing WoW) I’m crossing my fingers that it won’t crash on me.

The Extremely good news: Tuesday is my 1 year BLOGOVERSARY!!!! I can’t believe I have had my little blog for a year. It has flown by and its all because of my 350 wonderful followers. You make blogging extra fun!!! And you show you my thanks I have not 1 not 2 not 3 but 35 prizes to give away!!! Yep that’s right 35!!!

I’ve been hoarding a bunch of swag and books for you all and I need to get them out of my house! They are just taking up way too much space.

Also, no is your chance to ask me your questions. I a, going to do a post near the end of the events based on your questions. Want to know my fav series? movie? What made me start reading? Well all you have to do is leave a comment with your question and I’ll answer it. No perverted questions! I will delete your comment and frown upon you! So ask away!!

Here is going to be the basic rules:

- Must be 13 years or older

- Who can enter?

Smaller Swag Prizes: International I will cover the shipping costs

Bigger Swag Prizes (you will see just you wait): International, if you live outside of Canada and are willing to pay 50% of shipping charges via PayPal

Books: International, if you live outside of Canada and are willing to pay 50% of shipping charges via PayPal

E-Book: International – You will be able to chose your own format.

If your not okay with playing the 50% in shipping costs just enter the swag contests they are pretty good prizes

All other rules will be posted with the giveaways.

June Rak Wrap Up / July RAK

2011-07-04T10:59:00.002-06:00

I had a blast last month and I may have went a little over board with my RAK but that's okay it was my birthday and I was in a giving mood!

Jessica sent me Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready. I’m still waiting for it to come in the mail because stupid Canada Post was on strike!

I sent:

Jessica – Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Silvia - Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead

Sniffly Kitty – Spy Glass by Maria V Snyder

Aislynn – Poison Study by Maria V Snyder

July RAK:

Heres the rules and details:

• Sign up each month you'd like to participate in.
• Show off your participation! Grab one of the buttons available :)

• Create a wishlist and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.
{Post on your blog, Amazon, where ever as long as there's a link to it.}
• If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wishlist and contact that blogger for their address.

• At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K!

That's it!

Easy peasy huh??

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Vanessa at

Twerd413 [at] gmail DOT com

My July Wish List:

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

The Candidates by Inara Scott

Season of Eden by Jennifer Laurens

Orginal Sin by Lisa Desrochers

Passion by Lauren Kate

Supernaturally by Kiersten White

Wither (The Chemical Garden Trilogy) by Lauren DeStefano

Here is to another awesome month!!

Cassay

Winners!!!

2011-07-04T09:52:00.002-06:00

Sorry I'm posting the winners for the Canada Day blog hop late. I had some computer issues again BUT I think we have figured out what the issue is now I have to call stupid Dell and ask them why they never transfered over my warranty I think its going to be a fun morning. Then I'm making the bf spend time with me mwahaha! Anyways, there is also a new winner for the birthday giveaway as the orginal winner now got back to me :(

Canada Day Blog Hop Winner:

Katie!!! Congrats Katie I have emailed you so check your SPAM!

Birthday Giveaway Winner:

Emily!! Congrats Emily I have emailed you so check your SPAM!!

Thanks everyone for your support! There will be tons of giveaways in the weeks so stay tuned!

Cassay

P.S I'm totally using a different computer that doesn't like blogger much :(

Canada Day Hop–I AM CANADIAN!

2011-06-30T09:15:00.001-06:00

I’m participating in the awesome Canada Day Hop to show off my Canuckness!

I have decided that I would do a “did you know theme”. I will introduce you to some authors, musicians and actors that are Canadian that maybe you never knew before. I may show you my Alberta love we have produce some famous people There will be a giveaway at the end of the post to win a popular Canadian authors book and a local indie author novel.

Authors:

Kelley Armstrong – One of my favorite Canadian authors. Writes The Darkest Powers Series, The Gathering and The Women of the Otherworld series plus many more.

Lesley Livingston – Author of the Wondrous Strange series

Michelle Rowen – Author of the Demon Princess series

Musicians:

Nickleback – Good Ole Alberta boys. The BF actually bagged Chad’s groceries in his home town once.

Mother Mother – Vancouver based band who sing really really catchy songs

Metric – As of right now Metric is my favorite band! and who knew they were Canadian!

Actors:

Sara Canning – Yep Aunt Jenna is Canadian. She was born in Newfoundland but grew up about an hour away from me! And believe it or not she is only 1 year older than me. I know I couldn’t believe it.

Michael Cera – Oh how I love Scott Pilgrim.

Anna Paquin – Was born in Winnipeg but move to New Zealand when she was 4.

Evangeline Lilly – Another Albertan actress who grew up not far from me.

So were there any names that shocked you? We Albertans and Canadians are just as talented as the rest of the world.

Now the giveaway!

You have a chance to win:

Darkest Powers Trilogy Omnibus by Kelley Armstrong. This is a edition was a limited Canadian/Christmas only edition when it first came out. I’m still seeing them around the book store so I’m not 100% surte The Darkest Powers series. You get The Summoning, The Awakening and The Reckoning all in one fancy limited edition book.

and by a local indie author Wrush by The Karakul. This is a signed book. I was lucky enough to meet the author at a craft sale and picked up a copy for my wonder follower. Here is a bit of info about Wrush:

What is Wrush? And how do you get there?
One girl is about to find out...

Tabetha Bright may be the cleverest girl ever to scoot around in a wheelchair. Her days in the hospital are spent daydreaming and writing magical tales, but when she receives a mysterious gift, a pen with magic of its own, her stories become dangerously real. Suddenly Tabetha is thrown into a perilous adventure in the strange and wondrous world of Wrush...

With the help of a Mungling, a captain, and a tattooed boy-wizard, Tabetha must stop a dark sorcerer from finding the Pyramid Map and destroying the protective wall between worlds. But how much can one girl, unable to walk, help against Wrush’s most powerful foe?

More than anyone ever imagined!

It sounded like Percy Jackson to me that is why I picked it up but I haven’t had the chance to read it which makes me sad. But I hope you will all enjoy it.

The Rules:

- 1 entry per person
- Open International, I’ll be shipping the books personally and as long as the shipping is reasonable I will cover the cost. If shipping is not reasonable I shall work out a deal with the winner.
- Easy Peasy one this time name and email to enter
- End July 2 at midnight MST
- Once announced the winner has until July 5 at midnight MST to claim their prize

***YOU THIS FORM TO ENTER THE CONTEST*** Comments will not count as an entry.

So I can’t figure out how to get the Mr. Linky thing to work so go visit the lovely ladies who are hosting the event:

Aislynn of Knit Purl Stitch Read &Cook & Chrystal of Snowdrop Dreams of Books

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!

Birthday Giveaway Winner!!

2011-06-30T08:37:00.001-06:00

I’m a little late with announcing the winner but my computer crashed AGAIN. So we had to whip it clean and start all over again .

But without further ado there were 59 entries! and the winner is…

#28 Mary-Ann T

Congrats Mary-Ann! I have emailed you and you have 48 hrs to respond with your mailing address. Make sure to check your SPAM!

Thanks to everyone who entered!

An Update!

2011-06-24T21:15:00.001-06:00

Yay! I finally have a computer again! Woot Woot! It was a sad week without it and I ran out of data on my phone

I still can’t comment….It has seriously been 2 mths since I have been able to comment. I can comment from my phone but not any laptop! Its very frustrating. I just wanted to let you all know that I am reading all your comments and I usually type out a respond just to find out that I can’t post It makes me sooo sad. But I am no ignoring you.

Canada Post is on strike so I have no mail coming in or going out. Who knows when this will be resolved but good thing my birthday giveaway I am ordering from Book Depository so you won’t have to wait

Speaking of giveaways you have 4 days left to enter my birthday giveaway! 4 more days till I turn 23 GO ENTER GO GO GO. LOL

And here is a BIG update in my personal life that I am going to share with you all you ready because it is big! This week I bought myself a brand spanking new condo!!! I move in March 2013 and get to sit down with a designer to pick colors, cabinets and floors. I am so excited to be moving out and to have my very own home!

Anyways that is what it up in my life. What is new in yours?

New Series from Brenda Pandos!!!

2011-06-18T11:10:00.001-06:00

So I have some very exciting new to share with you! And it is very ironic news. You see on Wednesday we went to Chapters (Cdn book retailer) and my sister asks me “Is there any mermaid books where the girl doesn’t know she's a mermaid and has to go on an epic journey?" Oh and a book about Fairies that isn’t this new age crap?” I say nothing about the last comment but it does cut me deep and the only series I can think of is Tera Lynn Childs Forgive My Fins series. But now I can tell here there is another one!!!! How cool is that? So I proudly introduce…

Everblue, Book #1 of Mer Tales

Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing
Tentative Release Date: 7/31/2011
Follow Brenda on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brenda-Pandos-Author/147707291958883
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11700785-everblue
Twitter: @brendapandos
Blog: brendapandos.blogspot.com

Best friends share everything with each other. Or do they? Seventeen-year-old Ashlyn Frances Lanski is tired of her boring, single life. Spending time with her best friend Tatiana, dreaming about kissing Tatiana's twin brother Fin, and swimming competitively are her only sanctuary. The girls plan to leave their drab lakeside town far behind for college. But when Tatchi fails to return home after a family emergency, and no one knows where the family has gone, Ash chooses to do something drastic to find them.

Ashlyn is about to discover what she’d thought to be true her whole life, wasn’t, and the truth, too fantastical to imagine. Secrets lurk beneath the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe, secrets that will change Ashlyn's life forever.

Want to know more?

Check out Brenda’s blog at: http://brendapandos.blogspot.com

I think it sounds FABULOUS! and I can’t wait to read it. What do you all think?

So with all this mermaid talk what is your favourite Mermaid book (YA or Adult)? (Yep, I’m totally fishing for book suggestions haha get it fishing /I’m lame)

WOW: Clockwork Prince

2011-06-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that I am eagerly anticipating.

This weeks WOW is Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare! I personally can’t wait for this one because Cassie is a freaking WRITING GODDESS! And she totally puts me under a spell when I read her books I just can’t stop!

Seriously – I can’t wait!!!

Clockwork Prince is on sale Dec 6, 2011 – Just in time for Christmas!

Review: The Thirteenth Chime by Emma Michaels

2011-06-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

No one knew of its existence until it was removed from the attic upstairs.

In a beautiful house that overlooks the sea, an antique clock has the power to change the course of their lives.

The power the clock resonates will not only force Destiny and ex-boyfriend David on a journey into the depths of one man's mind long dead, but into the mind of a man filled with hatred and bent on revenge.

With the only clues to the nature of the clock having disappeared into the sea, Destiny and David must retrace the steps the man had taken into the darkness, before they fall prey to the trap he had set in motion over half a century ago.

Hatred never dies

I read The Thirteenth Chime in one sitting, mostly because I knew that if I went to bed midway through the books that I would probably have creepy/nightmarish dreams about the book. The story itself was pretty creepy - the old lady and little girl totally creeped me out. The Thirteenth Chime would be a perfect episode for Supernatural. I did enjoy the book it kept my attention and I was totally thrown off on where the story was going which I enjoy. I don’t like being able to guess where a story is going, I like to be fooled and I was totally.

But I do think I know what is up with David. I liked the characters that Emma created but I do have to say what is up with Destiny totally turning down David like come on! But that is okay I guess because she left him for the rest of us J I had some beefs with Destiny but it’s mostly because I wanted to take her aside and slap her across the head to tell her that she was missing out on so much, but at last she’s a fictional character and I can’t slap her haha.

I can’t wait for book 2 in the series to come out August 2011.

The Rating:

4 out of 5

The Details:

Format: Paperback
Publisher: Bokheim Publishing (Indie)
Published: August 2010
Pages: 238
ISBN-10: 1453715061
ISBN-13: 9781453715062

Review: Released by Megan Duncan

2011-06-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

After a demon apocalypse kills their parents and everyone they know, 17-year old Abby Phillips, her brother, Carter, and friend, Max flee their home to travel through what has become the wastelands of America. When radio transmissions of a resistance offering shelter and safety cease, Abby is tempted to give up. Struggling to overcome life-threatening obstacles in their dangerous journey, Abby and her companions quickly discover there are much worse things lurking in the dark than they could have ever imagined. Excerpt from Megan’s website.

Thank you Megan sending me a copy of your novel for review. I loved Released! I finished the book within 5-6 hours, the quickest I have ever a novel. Released kept me at the edge of my seat for the entire book. Released was also a quick read at only 260 pages of awesomeness.

The way that Megan described the scenery and the events the group had to get over while travelling reminded me of Zombieland which made it super easy for me to visualize post-apocalypse America. I loved the characters they were easy to relate to and funny. Taya is my favourite character in the series. She is funny and witty. There were many times were I was on the edge of my seat and Taya would say something and I would burst out laughing. She totally took the edge off some scenes. I also knew if I didn’t finish the book before I went to bed that I would totally be having nightmares of demon hounds and birds attacking me.

I can’t wait to read the Chaos the next book in the series and I sooo want more of this story.

The Rating:

5 out of 5

The Details:

Format: Paperback
Publisher: Indie
Published: March 2011
Pages: 260
ISBN-10: 1461017726
ISBN-13: 978-1461017721

Cassay Turns 23! Birthday Giveaway

2011-06-02T19:28:00.001-06:00

So seeing its my birthday I have decided that I will share the birthday presents onto my freaking amazing followers! I <3 you all so much!

So because my birthday is in June I have decided to giveaway some June Release books that I can’t wait to read. Here is what is up for grabs:

Fin are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs

Possession by Elana Johnson

Passion by Lauren Kate

Yep that’s right 3 awesome books and I’m going to make it easy for you to enter! Name and E-Mail! THATS ITS! Easy Peasy right?

Well here are the official rules:

- Must be at least 13 years old
- Open International – As long and Book Depository ships to your country
- Ends June 28 at Midnight MST (My birthday)
- Winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email/post
- One entry per person, duplicates will be deleted
- Winner chosen by Random.org

****Please use the form to enter. As much as I love comments and seeing blogger won’t let me reply . Your comment will not count as an entry****

June RAK

2011-06-02T18:12:00.001-06:00

So because I had soo much fun in May. I’m doing RAK again this month!

Heres the rules and details:

• Sign up each month you'd like to participate in.
• Show off your participation! Grab one of the buttons available :)

• Create a wishlist and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.
{Post on your blog, Amazon, where ever as long as there's a link to it.}
• If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wishlist and contact that blogger for their address.

• At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K!

That's it!

Easy peasy huh??

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Vanessa at

Twerd413 [at] gmail DOT com

My birthday is at the end of the month so I’m going to spread my birthday love to some fellow bloggers. I thinking I’m going to use the numbers of my birthday. So the date, last 2 digits of the year and my age (23 – I’m only 2 years away from having a quarter life crisis)

My June Wish List:

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready

The Candidates by Inara Scott

Season of Eden by Jennifer Laurens

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Orginal Sin by Lisa Desrochers

Passion by Lauren Kate

Fins are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs

Supernaturally by Kiersten White

Here's to another fun filled RAK!