December 16, 2011

In my Mailbox!

I had to wait until 8 pm yesterday but then they were finally delivered!

If there is a Bath & Body Works around where you live, please stop in a purchase a "Fresh Balsam" candle. They are to die for! Hubby and I had bought some at the store, but loved them so much we purchased more candles, oils and room spray.. yeah #addicted!

Also, I got my Barnes & Noble package. *does the happy dance and makes happy, but weird, noises* I got the following titles:


"Anna Dressed in Blood" by Kendare Blake


"Shatter Me" by Tahereh Mafi


"Silence" by Becca Fitzpatrick


"The unbecoming of Mara Dyer" by Michelle Hodkin


"Beautiful Chaos" by Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia


"The Replacement" by Brenna Yovanoff




"The Silver Blade" by Sally Gardner




"Wondrous Strange" by Lesley Livingston










I still have a whole bunch of books that I have bought these past two weeks and haven't read:


"Bleeding Violet" by Dia Reeves

"Before I fall" by Lauren Oliver


"Destined" by Jessie Harrell

"Claire de Lune" Christine Johnson

"Hourglass" by Claudia Grey

"Destined" by PC Cast and Kristin Cast


So I think I have enough to last me for a bit, right? NOT! Having books is an addiction and I am a self proclaimed "book hoarder." Pretty soon I will need another bookcase :)

What are some of the titles you will be reading over the holidays? Anything exciting? Please comment so I can have an excuse to buy more.

XOXO

December 15, 2011

Can someone plug me back on??

I have been doing plenty reviews lately so I thought I'd come on and just chat a bit. I have sent my Death By Chocolate story to be reviewed, critiqued and possibly torn to shreads. *Begins to hyperventilate* So it has become the game of waiting. Checking your email every hour to see if anything has arrived.

Once I was done with that I decided to give "Feathermore" another try. I began by merging it with a newer WIP but did not get far. Everything has been so hectic that the need I usually feel for writing has been suppressed for quite a bit now. I am hoping it will pass soon as I am very eager to finish the first draft. "Feathermore" is something I haven't read before and think you could all love it. *crosses her fingers and prays to the writing Gods to give her her mojo back*

How do YOU deal with something like this?

XOXO

December 14, 2011

"Carrier of the Mark" by Leigh Fallon

           I had been eyeing this book for quite some time. I know I say it all the time, but it is so true! The cover just grabbed my attention, the swirling blues made something inside of me flutter. Too pretty!
           I began reading "Carrier of the Mark" one chapter at a time. I had really enjoyed the first one and wanted to attempt to delay the inevitable. I read chapter one and put it down. I read chapter two and reluctanly put it down. I read chapter three and didn't stop until chapter eleven. Then it was all downhill from there.. I took the kids to the park, and even with the strong gusts of wind that kept wipping my pages around I finished it off.
           I was devastated.
           I had tried so hard! But it was too much.. I had to know what happened next, and next, and next.

          Anyway, here is the wonderful cover I was speaking off and the blurb to get you started:


"Their love was meant to be.
             When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRÍs.
            But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction."

          Ok, chapter 1-3 had some similarities with Twilight. Some being, Megan being told not to waste her time with the darkly handsome Adam and/or his family; Megan waiting outside the school to confront Adam; What she comes to find out about him and his true self. But then again, many books that I read at some point have something similar to another.
           The story follows Megan, a teenager that lives with her father, Caleb, and has gotten used to him switching jobs every time the anniversary of his wife's death comes around. She would never get the chance to create roots in one place as she knew it would not last long, but when they move to Kinsale, Ireland. She immediately connects with a girl, Caitlin, and soon after with her whole gang.
            If you finally found the one that makes everything make sense, could you give it up?
            That is what Megan is presented with. Her relationship with the handsome Adam begins rather abruptly but I have grown used to it by now in YA.
            I have recently read quite some bit on mythology YA's ("The Willows: Haven", "Knight Trilogy") and really enjoyed the theme of "Carrier of the Mark." It was very interesting to read about the elements. I also loved that we got to experience a different setting. I have been, for a long time, wanting to go to Ireland, and in some ways I feel like I know it a little bit better now.


             I was stunned beyond comprehension when I found out this was her DEBUT novel. Her writing was impecable, easy to follow and easy to get along with. Some books the writing doesn't appeal as much, but if I hadn't read otherwise, I would have thought she had been doing this for a lifetime.
            I cannot express how much I am waiting for the second book in the Trilogy, but Leigh told me today it won't be until late 2012, early 2013... Can she really make us wait that long? I guess so!

           So, if you haven;t read it yet, go to your local bookstore (or purchase online) and get it. I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I did.

XOXO


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I started out life in South Africa. A year later my parents moved home to Dublin, Ireland. When I was older and realized my parents had moved me from exotic Durban, to sedate Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, I was rightly ticked off. I fantasized about the amazing life I could have had in South Africa, and that fantastic accent that could have been all mine.

Instead, I got myself a fine Irish brogue growing up in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains where I went to a convent school and had to contend with uniforms, gabardines, and nuns.

During college I met a dashing sailor who swept me off my feet, all the way to Cork in the south of Ireland. I worked in corporate treasury and traveled Europe doing all sorts of fun finance stuff.
When I had my children I decided to take a career break, and soon discovered a love of writing. That career break became a career change when I wrote my debut novel, Carrier of the Mark.

I posted Carrier of the Mark on a HarperCollins website called inkpop. Within weeks it was voted into the top five books of thousands on the site, and was reviewed by a HarperTeen editor. Two months later that same editor offered me my first publishing contract.

My husband swept me off my feet again, this time in a westerly direction, we landed in Massachusetts, USA, where we now live with our four children and one double pawed cat.

December 12, 2011

Janet Evanovich Giveaway

Hi Guys,

Okay so Random House has sent me FOUR Audio books of JANET EVANOVICH'S "Explosive Eighteen" (priced on Amazon at $21.12) It's six hours of explosive fun!

To enter this giveaway simply fill out the form below.

Giveaway ends December 16th at midnight EST.

Good luck!

***********************************************************************************

UPDATED!!!!

I noticed a lot of people that visited but were not 'able' to enter the giveaway so I removed Rafflecopter and added the form below. Please Enter before midnight on the 16th!

XOXO

ps, So sorry for all the confusion!

December 11, 2011

Book Review - "Immortalis Carpe Noctem" by Katie Salidas

**Please note that this story contains some explicit material and it is better intended for audiences 18+**




"Becoming a Vampire is easy.
Living with the condition, that is the hard part."

"Walking back home through the badly-lit campus of UNLV, twenty-five year old Alyssa is brutally attacked by two savage men. By the time a handsome stranger intervenes, Alyssa has almost bled to death, and doesn't even struggle as her new protector sinks his sharp teeth into her neck.

Alyssa wakes to a harsh new reality, and to a raging thirst she's never felt before. Lysander, the sexy yet aloof man who turned her, must now teach her the way of the immortals - and with such a desirable teacher Alyssa starts to realize that her fate is not as dark as she first feared.

But, just as sparks begin to fly between the pair, Lysander is alerted that his enemies are on the move and determined to destroy them both.

Led by the cunning and ruthless, Santino Vitale, the fanatical Acta Santorum have vowed to hunt down and destroy every last immortal in God's name, and they have the vampires of Las Vegas in their sights.

Meanwhile, after seeing that Lysander has taken a new mate, the beautiful and pitiless Kallisto, is out for revenge. Alyssa soon finds out that hell hath no fury like a vampire scorned.

Together the pair must face two separate enemies determined to destroy them. It's time to, Carpe Noctem, or submit to final death."      


I have read multiple Vampire books over the years and as a huge "Twilight" fan (no, I do not approve of the retarded shimmery vampire shit Meyers wrote about) I completely adore anything Vampiresque. There are a million reasons and ways for them to be created, as well as a million ways for them to live.

I had read, quite some time ago, an excerpt that Katie Salidas had posted on her blog and had loved it. Not only her writing is exquisite, but the mystery that surrounded the story itself.
I have to admit that, "Immortalis Carpe Noctem" is THE best Vampire story I have read thus far. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the way she explained how Vampires came to be. She stuck to the myths and made it work so perfectly.

This story is packed with action, passion, romance and a lot of stubborness. Katie will have any reader on the edge of their seat. I actually found myself holding my breath multiple times as I read on waiting to see what would happen next
.
It is an extremely entertaining story that will keep you begging for more. You will not be able to put it down, let me assure you!

Here is a Sample Chapter:

    "Darkness surrounded me. A voice spoke softly in my head. Do not die, young one. Be strong. Do not die.
I became painfully aware of liquid pouring down on me, each drop like an icy hammer hitting my sore skin. Movement echoed in my ears, telling me that I wasn’t alone. Slowly, I opened my eyes. Harsh light blinded me. My mind was fuzzy. I struggled to recall any small detail that might clue me in to what had happened and where I was.
I reached up to wipe the splattering water from my face. I chanced opening my eyes again. As I looked up, I spotted the source of the water, a showerhead on the opposite wall. Confused by this odd location, I struggled to penetrate the blackness of my memory and figure out how I had ended up in a bathtub.
Where the hell am I?
I tried to focus on the bright, unfamiliar surroundings.
My vision, it seemed, had become remarkably sharp while I was unconscious. I couldn’t remember ever noting so many details in such simple surroundings as these before.
Cream-colored tiles covered the walls, each rippled with tiny imperfections. Each held an individual pattern, making them unique and special. Yellowing, porous grout, framing the tiles, appeared to be littered with dots from small air bubbles that had come to the surface, creating different patterns and shapes.
Even the plain white curtain that separated me from the rest of the room seemed unusually detailed and perfectly woven. I saw each tiny strand that had been tightly bound together to form this heavy, durable cloth.
Small specks of mold building up in the corners of the porcelain basin weren’t able to escape my new sight either.
The amazing level of detail I experienced didn’t hold my attention for long. Freezing water still poured down on me. I needed to reach the handle and end the cold assault, but it seemed so far out of my reach. I eased myself up to a sitting position, my muscles aching with each small movement. Looking down, I saw my beaten body. The water had washed away some of the grime, but what was left of my shredded clothes was stained and clinging to my skin.
“Uggh!” I moaned.
“Oh, good, you’re alive,” said a male voice from behind the white curtain.
The voice seemed strange and yet somehow familiar. I searched my fuzzy memories to place the voice with a face. A wave of fear came over me as I remembered the attack.
Had I been kidnapped? Was I a hostage of some kind? I struggled to recall the events of the evening.
“You’ve been out for a few hours. I was worried I might have lost you,” continued the voice.
“What?” I called, still not sure who I was talking to.
“It doesn’t always work. Some people can’t be turned,” the voice said matter-of-factly.
“Turned?” What the hell is that supposed to mean?
I again tried to run through my memories of what had happened. I remembered blood, and the feeling of my body burning from the inside.
“I’ll explain it when you’re done in there. I’ve left some clothes on the toilet. I hope they fit.” The voice trailed out of the bathroom.
I tried to stand. My muscles ached. Gripping the edge of the tub, I moaned as I pushed myself up. My legs didn’t want to cooperate; they shook as they tried to support my weight. It was as if I was learning to stand for the first time.
I felt weak and a little dizzy. I leaned against the wall, using it as a crutch to help me to balance while I removed what remained of my shredded and blood-stained clothes. I shuddered, seeing more of the wounds that covered my body.
I remembered the two men. Flashes of memory showed me images of the struggle: the man on my stomach laughing, the knife waving in front of my face, teeth biting me, a stranger drinking my blood.
Each bruise I saw invoked a terrible memory. I turned the shower handle to hot and let the water run down my back. The warmth soothed my sore skin. I rested my head against the wall and tried to rationalize what had happened. I blamed myself for walking alone. I knew better. I should have asked someone to walk with me or drive me. I cursed myself for relying on a stupid keychain of pepper spray as my protection.
Some of the events that flashed in my memory were so bizarre I could hardly believe they had happened. I saw myself lying on the ground, drinking blood from a strange man’s arm. 
What was his name? Was I really drinking blood? Why was I even alive? Did that man save me?
The thought of blood caused an ache in the pit of my stomach.
      I pinched myself a few times.
Maybe this was all just a really bad dream and I just needed to wake up.
None of it made sense
Maybe someone had slipped something into my coffee at the café. I hadn’t really been drinking blood, had I?
My mind wouldn’t stop focusing on the blood I had drunk. A sweet, sticky taste crept up from the back of my throat. I gulped at the water pouring down from the showerhead, trying to smother the flavor. My stomach retched as I swallowed, causing me to sputter and spit the water to the ground. I tried to ignore the nagging ache in the pit of my stomach. I needed answers first. I needed to know why I was here and where here was. I needed to know what the hell had happened to me.
I finished rinsing, turned off the water, and slid open the shower curtain. The light seemed brighter in the rest of this room. I squinted, letting my eyes adjust a little. The rest of the bathroom was small and narrow. Nothing more than a simple toilet, shower, mirror, and vanity sink. The only real color in the room came from the red towels hanging on the towel bar and the bath mat on the floor.
I grabbed one towel and wrapped it around myself and then noticed the clothes left on the toilet seat. They appeared to be new and for a brief moment, I wondered where he had gotten them.
“I guess this will have to do,” I mumbled as I pulled on a simple green spaghetti-strap tank top. I slid my legs into a pair of blue jeans and pulled them up. Fastening the button, I felt a small pinch in my back. I reached around, touched a hard scab, and winced, remembering the pain of the knife that had been stabbed into my back.
How was I even alive? I certainly shouldn’t have been after the ordeal I’d been through.
I checked myself out in the mirror. Most of my wounds were already healing. Bruises that weren’t covered by clothing had started turning yellow. The cuts on my back and face had scabbed over too. I noticed something on my neck. Brushing away the wet strands of my red hair, I saw a half-ring of small bruises and two very deep-looking holes.
Lysander, I thought, suddenly remembering the stranger’s name.
My memory flashed again. I remembered the pinch as his teeth sunk into my neck. I shuddered again as a chill danced down my spine.
      What…who was this Lysander? He couldn’t be a…No. That’s silly; they aren’t real.
I gave the rest of my body a quick once-over in the mirror and suddenly I stopped in shock.
     “My eyes,” I gasped. “Oh, my God!”
I couldn’t believe it.
How is this possible? Those are not my eyes.
All the color had disappeared. Large gray eyes stared back at me from the mirror. They were pale and cloudy with hints of blue, no longer the emerald green they used to be. These were the same eyes I looked into when I got my first glimpse of Lysander.
     Wondering what else had changed, I surveyed the rest of my face: ears, hair, lips, all seemed the same. Thinking of the bite on my neck, I opened my mouth. Gone was the five-thousand dollar, perfectly straight, smile —that had taken me four years to pay off. My eyeteeth appeared to have grown larger, crowding the surrounding ones. The new, slightly larger, canine-like teeth poked down below the others, reminding me of fangs— the kind vampires from Hollywood movies were famous for. I playfully licked at them, noting how much sharper they felt as they scraped across the surface of my tongue.
     "This can’t be possible.”

It was time to find this Lysander guy and get some answers."


The Immortalis Series goes as follows:

Book 1- Immortalis Carpe Noctem
Book 2 - Hunters and Prey
Book 3 - Pandoras Box

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I am Super Mom!
Endowed with special powers and abilities, beyond those of mortal women, I can get the munchkin off to gymnastics, cheerleading, Girl Scouts, and swim lessons. I can put hot food on the table for dinner while assisting with homework, baths, and bedtime… And, I still find time to keep the hubby happy (nudge nudge wink wink). I can do all of this and still have time to write my novels.

Sorry… I can’t even write that with a straight face.

Lies all lies.

Here’s the reality. I’m a sleep-deprived, overworked, mom who just doesn’t know the meaning of the word balance. I try so hard to do it all, (be super mom, wife, & author) and at the end of the day I fall face forward into the couch.

Yes, you read that right, I tend to sleep on the couch. It’s a point of frustration for my hubby and a thing of comedy for my daughter. Imagine waking up to your little child yelling, “Mom slept on the couch again!!!”
Because being supermom (or trying to) means a lot of time devoted to family, writing is often done when said family is peacefully snoozing away. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve fallen asleep with my laptop, on the couch. It just happens. Then, bright and early at 7am either my hubby (on his way to work) or my daughter (getting ready for school) wakes me up.

Writing is my passion. It’s a part of me. More than just a hobby, it’s a compulsion. I have to do it. If I don’t do at least one writing related thing each day I get cranky.

Hopefully, my passion can be your entertainment!

Visit Katie's own Publishing Rising Sign Books


December 8, 2011

Book Review and Giveaway- "Bound" by Kira Saito


"Sixteen year old Arelia LaRue lives in New Orleans where the music is loud, voodoo queens inhabit every street corner, and the ghosts are alive and well. Despite her surroundings, all she wants is to help her Grand-mere Bea pay the rent and save up for college.

When her best friend Sabrina convinces her to take a well-paying summer job at the infamous Darkwood plantation, owned by the wealthy LaPlante family, Arelia agrees.

However, at Darkwood strange things start to happen, and gorgeous Lucus LaPlante insists that he needs her help. Soon, the powers that Arelia has been denying all her life, come out to play and she discovers mysteries about herself that she could have never imagined."




When I saw the cover of Bound I was completely intrigued by it. It consists of everything I love in a cover. It is dark, eerie and you can see certain sadness exude from the woman. Then, I proceeded to read the blurb and I was in. I wanted to know what it was all about.
Mind you, I have absolutely no idea of anything voodoo and was a little scared of being put off by any of it. After all, voodoo to me was making weird looking dolls and stabbing them with needles. But what I came to learn was far more magical than I had expected.
It took me a little bit to get into it, and mostly I think it was because of Arelia's obnoxious best friend, Sabrina. But that is not necessarily a bad thing, some of my favorite books it took me a few tries until I really got into them. Eg: "The Unquiet" by John Connolly and "Marked" (book #1 from House of Night) and was so hooked  once i got into it I read the first six books in a span of a week. True Story.
Sabrina, you will come to see is a rich princess and what I get most from her is that she honestly feels she is entitled to things and people. She just struck a nerve with me.


Anyway, the story follows Arelia, a sixteen year old that lives with her grand-mere Bea and struggles to get by, money wise. During summer, Sabrina tells her about tan invitation she has gotten for a job at the Darkwood Plantation. Although Sabrina is rich, she finds this could be the perfect place to meet a rich LePlante man and eventually marry. Sort of like a stepford wife. For Arelia the pay is great, more than she could have ever hoped for and so, against her Grand-mere Bea's pleads, she sets off to her new job.
Here she meets some obnoxcious guests and a handsome boy named Lucus. He is mysterious and a total gentleman. Not the type of boy she has grown accustomed to.
Spirits have always talked to Arelia but she never paid them any attention, but now, here at the Darkwood Plantation she is faced with the truth about her past and her destiny. But will she stick around to see it fullfill or will she ran away, like her parents did?


Ah! See that is the question.. And you will need to read Bound to find out. I have laughed, I have cried and most than anything, have wanted to punch Sabrina square in the face multiple times. Kira has done an amazing job with this story, not only is it greatly entertaining but also, very educational! I have learnt a lot about voodoo and voodoo queens and I cannot wait to read more. It is all so interesting!


Now come on Kira, get going with book #2 of the Arelia LaRue Stories! I am dying to know what happens next!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Kira is a Canadian who currently resides in Brazil, with her Husband. She is also a magic junkie and loves writing YA paranormal romances. Some of her heroes include: Jack the Pumpkin King, Willy Wonka, Larry David, Princess Jasmine, the vampire Lestat, Andy and her Maltese Costanza. Hopes one day her books will be made into movies.


** That is my dream too Kira! For yours and mines to be made into movies!**






December 7, 2011

Guest Post by Keren (aka Twin)


So, my Twin Lucy asked me if I wanted to do a guest spot on her gorgeous blog. I, of course, agreed. I could talk for England, so why not to Lucy's followers?!

We aren't real twins of course. We met on Twitter a few months ago and bonded over our mutual love of book cover art. I adopted her as my twin there and then.

**LUCY: If anyone has read the House of Night series by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast, you may remember Erin Bates and Shaunee Cole calling each other Twins constantly. I had found it slightly annoying the first time I read it. Now Keren and I call each other that non-stop. #oopsie. Anyway, back to Keren..**

I have to admit, I am a self confessed magpie when it comes to book cover art. I collect shiny, pretty books. And that is the topic I decided to talk about today.


My question to you all is this: Do you fawn over a gorgeous book cover? Are you turned off by a mediocre cover, or will you pick it up and read the blurb regardless? Okay, so technically that's two questions, but no-one said I had a limit and y'all can't answer me back as I am typing so...! :)

 My own answer to that question....

 Well as I previously said, I am a magpie. It's the shiny, pretty covers that catch my eye. I know the old saying is to never judge a book by it's cover, but seriously, whoever said that is a lot deeper than me. I am as deep as a puddle when it comes to covers.

The honest truth is, I love the whole YA genre. From romance to paranormal, from fantasy to dystopian. I love it all. BUT, when I go into my local Waterstones, I head straight to the section and look for all the pretty ones, then take a look at the blurb. If something doesn't catch my eye instantly, I pass it over. Shallow? Yes. Stupid? Probably.

But it's the cover that hooks me and the blurb that reels me in. So if it doesn't have a good blurb, I will pass it up, no matter how stunning the cover.

Same thing when I am on Amazon looking for books for my Kindle. But in actual fact, I have been known to pick up books on Amazon where the cover isn't all that great. There's been books recommended to me that are not eye-catching but have a good blurb. It doesn't seem to matter so much on the Kindle because they aren't physically sat on my bookshelf in my living room.

 So am I just shallow and pathetic? Quite probably. Does it really matter what other people think of me? Probably not. I am the way I am and it makes me happy.

I know that there are books out there with a mediocre cover that actually hide a wonderful story. Maybe as I get older I'll get less judgemental. Or maybe I'll get worse. Who knows?!

 So I will leave it to you if you comment, all I ask is that you don't make rude comments about me. Remember, I am as entitled to my opinion as you and everyone else.

Constructive criticism is fine, but please, don't make snap judgements about me as a person!

Thank you for reading this post regardless. And thank you Lucy, my Twin, for having your ever-judgemental opinionated Twin on your gorgeous blog xoxo

Lucy: No, Thank you Twin for coming over and talking about this. As it kind of is what brought us together :)


ABOUT KEREN:

I used to be a huge Stephen King fan when I was younger. So much so I would never read anything else. Then I had my Calum and Barry bought me the 7 Harry Potter books. That got me into reading something different and it just went from there. The first thing I really read after Harry Potter was Twilight. I have to say I am not a big fan (though I used to be) Now I like to read a mix of things and my favourite authors include Charlaine Harris, Laurell K Hamilton, Carrie Jones, Becca Fitzpatrick, Lauren Kate, and Rachel Caine. I have an addiction to indie authors at the moment and my favourites include: Caroline Hanson, Kira Saito, Alycia Linwood, Lucy Swing, Penelope Fletcher, Katie M John, Christy Trujillo, Christopher Buecheler, Devyn Dawson, Amanda Hocking, Suzy Turner, Heather Killough-Walden, Susan Bischoff and Jessie Harrell. Don't see your name on that list? Send me a book to review and we'll see if we can set that right! Find me on Twitter @Gothic_Angel28

Visit her blog here: Gothic Angel Book Reviews


Interview at Bang out the Prose!

Hi Guys,

I am honored to share with you an interview I did with fellow Death By Chocolate author Suz Korb. If you would like to check it out, please click HERE. You will also get to see a new, never before seen, excerpt from Feathermore.

Thanks for your endless support!

December 5, 2011

Book Reviews

I am well aware just how behind I am on my book reviews. I apologize for those of you who have been patiently waiting. I have been working overtime on "My Bloody Valentine," my Death by Chocolate anthology story so I can finish it up before the Holidays and I have nothing stressing me out.
In order to write and get my reading on I count on the time I have available when the kids are at school, and for some reason they have been having plenty days off and then getting sick. So my usual schedule has been thrown up in the air and I am juggling with it all. It doesn't help much that the hubby is practically gone 4-5 days a week :(

Anyway, I have finished MBV (My Bloody Valentine) and ready to indulge in some reading, so be on the lookout for the reviews. I also went to the bookstore and got a few books to give away!

How is everyone's Holiday preparations going? I have yet to start on my shopping.. hopefully I can pull it off!

Xoxo

ps, Love you all!

December 1, 2011

Jill Hathaway Giveaway

Hey Guys,

Just a quick heads up! Author Jill Hathaway is giving away 2 ARC'S: "Hallowed" by Cynthia Hand and her own" Slide" (by Jill!)
Click here to enter!

http://jillscribbles.blogspot.com/2011/12/hallowed-giveaway-or-my-early-christmas.html

Good luck,

XOXO

Can someone make the voices in my head go away?

This topic right here comes up often in conversations, especially when talking to my friend and fellow author of Death by Chocolate, Kira Saito.

I finally finished 'My Bloody Valentines' ' first revision and the moment of excitement lasted but a moment as my head began to question every decision I have ever made throughout the story.
That nagging and annoying little voice taunts me, telling me how stupid my story is and making me want to highlight it all and press the Delete button and start over.

 Ugh! It is so frustrating...

I am now sitting by the computer, biting my nails as I wait for my Twin, Keren from Gothic Angel Book Reviews, to read and review it. I am so nervous that she may hate it. I am even more nervous of not being good enough, of failing at something I enjoy so much doing. Although enjoying it should suffice, it doesn't.

I downloaded a book onto Kindle a few days ago and as I waited for my children to get out of school today, I began to read it. I will not name the book nor the author (as I do not even know her) but the writting was poorly executed. I mean, it was pretty bad and repetitive! (which i hate) And so I am terrified that there will be someone like me thinking the same of my story/books and it freaks me out.

I guess it might get easier after you first publish something, but as for now, I get panic attacks when I send my work out for others to read (which I barely do.. Keren is the one that gets all of my stuff- poor Keren!)

This is exactly how I feel sometimes...


So my question to you is, how do you quiet the voices down? And are you ever happy with your story or do you try to edit it constantly like I do?

XOXO

November 30, 2011

Wait.. What?!

I don't know why but I am a huge History fanatic. Yeah, I may not be a great scholar, but anything to do with History of: Wars, Egypt and freaking Nazi's I love! Note: I do NOT like Hitler, just German hist.

Anyways, I came across something that I know have in my hands that I am crazy about. It totally made my day, and if I could, I would wear it.. A NAZI LUFTSCHUTZ HELMET! If you are not quite aware of what that is, here is a little History Lesson:

Okay, so it is not in great shape, but hey! It's from WWII-


"The Air Protection Warning Service (Luftschutzwarndienst-LSW) was a civilian organization whose purpose it was to alert the population of impending air raid attacks. In fulfilling this role, members were required to interpret various communication reports regarding bomber formations flying over Germany, operate search lights, observe bomber formations, help keep order among civilians affected by bombing raids, and to utilize air raid sirens before and after attacks.

Members of the Luftschutzwarndienst (Luftschutz) were typically volunteers assembled into area units within cities and towns that held the highest risk of being bombed. Many population centers were divided into area “blocks” with unit leaders assigned to each individual section of a city. Volunteer teams were expected to rotate shifts and sleep in large concrete bunkers that held all the provisions and amenities of a regular fortification. These also included the immense “flak towers” built around German cities upon which anti-aircraft batteries were stationed.

On 2 April 1943 Hermann Göring mandated compulsory service in the Luftschutz for all German civilians. For the first time this order included women. Members of the Luftschutz were expected to supply their own helmets as part of the contribution to the German war effort. A variety of helmets were available for 5 Reich Marks each, but many volunteers chose to scavenge captured helmets of Czech, Polish, Dutch, French, and Russian origin."



Well, it may not have belonged to an actual soldier, but it is still so freaking cool! (to me, at least)
Anyway, this was definitely not one of my usual posts, but I am just so excited. I cannot wait to find a special place to mount it and admire for eternity :)

Xoxo


November 29, 2011

Impromptu Vacations

Happy National Chocolates day!!!!

Even I, a huge chocolate addict, wasn't aware of such day. But as always, I will take any excuse to delve into some delicious chocolaty treats.

I haven't been blogging much lately, and for that I apologize- unless you don't actually enjoy my posts, then i would say.. "You're welcome..?" But it being a chocolate day I found it imperative I do, especially when "Death by Chocolate" is almost here! Well, we are still a few months away, but February 14th 2012 will be here before we know it!



If you haven't heard, DBC is an anthology that will consist of six delicious Para/Romance stories sprinkled with some chocolaty twists here and there. My story is called "My Bloody Valentine" and no, it's not as gory as the title may suggest but very fun to write none the less!
If you haven't done it yet, come check out our blog for "Death by Chocolate." Follow us, Comment, Share it and enjoy the ride we have all embarqued on! 

Lately life has been hectic and being away for the holidays with no writing time was a bummer. Sunday it was our day to relax and enjoy some family time, so we pulled out the boat and headed out! It was a gorgeous, although slightly windy, day. We anchored at a remote little island and did nothing but relax and enjoy the view. (See below)



Which reminds me... On Thursday Evening we were at my Mother in Law's for some Thanksgiving feast and as usual, my three year old made us put one of his favorite movies: "Fool's Gold." So we were watching it for like the twelfth time that week when we found ourselves booking a hotel in the keys.. yes! That's what watching "Fool's Gold" will do to you. The sights you get to see in the movie and the clear blue waters were soooooo enticing that we did it. We booked it and in less than a month we are spending a handful of days enjoying fruity drinks and beautiful sights. Note: We didn't think it through that we would be going in December.. hopefully it is not super cold!
Now that i think about it, It wasn't our first! We had a small get together at our house a few years ago and we finished the night by booking flights and hotel to Vegas for a week! So much fun!!!


Have YOU ever done an impromptu decision like these? 

November 26, 2011

And the "Here" Giveaway winner is...


Hope Collier!!!

Congratulations Hope!! You are the winner of Denise Grover Swank's autographed copy of "Here".

Thank you all so much for entering the giveaway and stay tuned, there will be plenty more to come.

November 24, 2011

Happy Turkey Day!




We usually tend to overlook the things we are most thankful for. Sometimes it's something really small, like the person who held the door open for you when your hands where full and most importantly, those who spend this amazing life with us. Our family and our friends. Tomorrows are not a given, so take the time to Thank those that matter in your life; forgive those that do you wrong and forget what needs to be forgotten.

I am very greateful for all the new amazing friends here that support me in this crazy adventure I am on. I am grateful for my family.. I do not know what I would do without them!



Now, let me help you make your thanksgiving feast a little bit yummier! Here is my recipe for my annual "Maple and Walnut Pumpkin Pie." Everyone goes ga-ga for it :)



Ingredients:

1 (15oz) can of Pumpkin
1 (14 oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon maple flavoring
1/2 teaspoon ground cinammon
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of ginger
1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg

1 (9'') pie crust

Walnut Topping Ingredients:

1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/3 cup of all -purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinammon
3 tablespoons of butter
1/2 cup of chopped walnuts


DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat over to 425 F.
2. In a large mixing bowl combine pumpkin, condensed milk, eggs, cinammon, maple flavoring, ginger, nutmeg and salt. Mix well. Pour into the pie.
3. Bake at 425 F for 15 minutes. Reduce oven to 350F and continue baking for another 30 minutes.
4. In a medium mixing bowl combine the brown sugar, flour and cinnamon; cut in the butter until crumbly. Stir in nuts.
5. Remove the pie from the oven and top it evenly with the crumb mixture. Return to the oven for 10 minutes. Cool. Garnish as desired.
Store it covered in the refrigerator.

November 23, 2011

My Bloody Valentine - Excerpt


My Bloody Valentine

“It was the beginning of senior year when word got around there was a new student in Hollow High. As it has always been, it was rather habitual to treat any new student as if they had some kind of incurable disease. Girls would carefully move around Jude when walking past, as if the mere touch of him would make them turn into ashes. The boys would make comments that made me cringe, wondering how people could be so cruel towards someone they never held a conversation with.

 Jealousy, I had told myself. Jude was drop dead gorgeous. “Out of a Vogue magazine” I had told Maggie the first time we walked past him on the hallway. His shaggy black hair fell over his deep green eyes, almost as if they needed hiding, sure that looking into them would only cause a surge of emotions through me that would be unstoppable. His tall and well-built body would have been perfect for playing sports, but that would have never been allowed by the team.

I walked past him in the hallway every day and he never noticed me, his gaze always glued to the floor. I should know, I stared at him incessantly. A couple weeks after school had begun our eyes finally met. As I had dreamt for so many days and nights, there had been an undeniable spark, some sort of recognition that had crossed his eyes sending shivers through my body. I had been right; looking into those eyes had been a life changing experience. The person I had been was immediately eradicated and in its place a new being was born. I couldn’t explain how but my whole world had changed. Something in me had awoken and the fire in my soul begun to soar. I needed to be close to him.” ©Lucy Swing, “My Bloody Valentine” Death By Chocolate 2011.

All comments and criticism are more than welcome :)

November 22, 2011

Taking over

Hi guys!!

I am taking over my Twin's blog! Come check it out and you will also get a first glimpse at "My Bloody Valentine"! A short excerpt has been shared :)

Hope you all enjoy it,

http://bit.ly/rKPadO

November 21, 2011

"Storm Born (Dark Swan)" comic by Richelle Mead

Usually I do my reviews on Sunday's, but this one is a short one and unual at that! I was asked by Patrick from Sea Lion Books if I would be interested in reviewing Richelle Mead's Dark Swan "Storm Born". I was totally in!




"Eugenie Markham never asked for any of this. Until now, she's been content with her job as a freelance shaman, battling and banishing Otherwordly creatures. When a prophecy suddenly maked her the Otherworld's most popular bachelorette, Eugenie finds herself fighting off unwanted supernatural suitors, as well as the evils that begin emerging from her past..."

I was surprised when I received the attachments though... as it was a comic!! Mind you, this might have been the first time I actually read one. I was a little skeptical before I began, wondering if I should just back out, but oh man.. I read the first page and was hooked! I kept scrolling down like a maniac, mouth agape and eyes bulging out of their sockets!
I sooo want to be Eugenie Markham. She is not only totally hot but can kick serious ass as well. Who doesn't like that combination? I will say that this comic is more for an older audience as there is some X-Rated content.

I got to review Issue 1-4 and loved each on of them and wished I had some more. Comics are a really fun way to see your favorite books come to life. Apart from the crazy job she endures day and day out, Eugenie is a simple girl that tends to keep to herself. Her father left when she was little and her mother tries to avoid the topic at all cost. Her stepdad, who took her in and raised her as his own is also a shaman, although now retired. In Issue #1 she is presented with the dilemma of crossing to the Otherworld to retrieve a 14 year old girl that has been taken to be raped and mistreated. Eugenie is eager to go, but she knows crossing over is too dangerous and she has no idea what she may find. Her guts, as well as her stepdad, tell her not to take her job but can she live with herself knowing she did nothing to save an innocent child?

"Storm Born (Dark Swan)" will be equally interesting for men and women, so do not pass up the chance to read them. They are incredible!

Below are the first 3 pages of "Storm Born (Dark Swan)"




November 20, 2011

"Here" Review and Giveaway!

Hello there and happy Sunday Funday to everyone.

This past week I began reading a new book from my good Twitter friend @deniseMSwank called "Here." When she sent me the blurb a few weeks ago I instantly told her I just had to read it! I was so hooked by only the blurb it was no surprise when I couldn't put the book down.

BLURB:

Here – YA Science Fiction On the Otherside series Book One



"Sixteen year old Julia Phillips buries herself in guilt after killing her best friend Monica in a car accident. Julia awoke in the hospital with a broken leg, a new talent for drawing and false memories of the accident, in which she dies and Monica lives. The doctors attribute this to her head injury, but no one can explain how a bracelet engraved with her name ended up at the scene of the accident. A bracelet no one has ever seen before.
Classmate Evan Whittaker paid Julia no attention before the accident, let alone after. Now suddenly he’s volunteering to tutor her and offering to drive her home. She can’t ignore that his new obsession started after his two-day disappearance last week and that he wears a pendant she’s been drawing for months. When the police show up one night looking for Evan, he begs Julia to run with him, convincing her that Monica is still alive. Julia agrees to go, never guessing where he’s really from."


Now tell me you're not completely hooked! She's good at that.. I know your secret Miss Swank!

It should however, be conisdered a Mystery as well, as until close to the end you are still biting your nails wondering what the heck is going on (in a good way.) It truly had me on edge the whole time I read, thinking I knew what was going on and then BAM! You didn't see that one coming!

The Sci-fy side of the story (my reviews give nothing away and i barely write about the story per se, so you will have to read it to see what's up) is great and makes you wonder how much truth could there really be behind it all.

The Romance... oh God, do not get me started! I still do not know who I am rooting for. I fell in love with both male characters and they are both equaly amazing and HOT! At least that is what I see in my head *blushes* She had me longing for both boys, wanting to throw my arms around who ever was feeling left aside. However, something deep in me cried for Reece. I don't know what it was, maybe because she was somewhat expected to be with Evan..? Anywho, she can keep Evan and you can mail me Reece.. I make the same comment all the time, dont I? haha, i just love these guys! I am making my own little army of YA hunks ;)

"Here" had me laughing, crying my butt off to the point I had to put it down and on the edge of my seat wanting to finish it right then and there.

Denise Grover Swank has really done it with this one! It is an excellent read and will not disappoint.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Denise is a single mom who lives in Lee’s Summit, Missouri raising five of her six kids. (The oldest has gone off to live on his own.) She loves to embarrass her children whether it be spontaneous dance parties in the kitchen or making her teens’ friends think she’s funny/cool. *gasp* (Even if its in her own mind.) On rare occasions, she is known to post stories about her crazy life on her family blog There’s Always Room for One More.
She keeps her sanity by creating worlds to escape to and characters to hang out with.
 


To Purchase "Here" or any of her other sure to be amazing books go here.








November 15, 2011

And the Knight Trilogy giveaway winners are...

Hi guys!

Well the Giveaway for the "Knight Trilogy" has officially closed.

I wanted to thank all of you for coming by and entering the giveaway, it is always very much appreciated!

As you all know, there were two 2-book packs of the first two books in the trilogy and 1 gorgeous bookmark up for grabs.


The winners for the e-book packs are:


@catell_jo

@kellym2372













And the bookmark will belong to:

@a_cattie




Thank you for your endless support on my blog and the author!


ps, stay tuned for more amazing giveaways.

XOXO

Lucy

Hardcovers coming soon!

 You read that right! Hardcover copies will be available for all four books soon!  However, I am starting with the latest release - A DARK L...