Thursday, May 31, 2012

What's Next?



What's Next by Iceybooks
What Hafsah has to say:

If you're anything like me, you'll know its very hard to choose your next read - particularly when you have a review/reading pile as big as your bed... or head.
With that thought in mind, What's Next was born. What's Next will be a weekly feature here on IceyBooks, and you can participate!
Here's how it works (for those of you who want to participate):
-Every Thursday, starting tomorrow, select three-five books (not too many, not too little!) that you want to read but can't decide which one to read first.
-Post the cover, and if you want, the synopsis, the first line, or even a random line from the book, for each of your selections.
-At the end of your post, ask readers to vote on which one you should read next!
Even if you don't end up reading your readers' top choice, you'll know what the majority is excited for.
Crazy  Crazy by Reed
He’s falling in love—and she’s falling over the edge of sanity. From the author of Beautiful and Clean, a heartwrenching exploration of a romance marred by mental illness.
Connor knows that Izzy will never fall in love with him the way he’s fallen for her. But somehow he’s been let into her crazy, exhilarating world and become her closest confidante. But the closer they get, the more Connor realizes that Izzy’s highs are too high and her lows are too low. And the frenetic energy that makes her shine is starting to push her into a much darker place.
As Izzy’s behavior gets increasingly erratic and self-destructive, Connor gets increasingly desperate to stop her from plummeting. He knows he can’t save her from her pain...but what if no one else can?

All These Lives  All These Lives by Wylie
Sixteen-year-old Dani is convinced she has nine lives. As a child she twice walked away from situations where she should have died. But Dani’s twin, Jena, isn’t so lucky. She has cancer and might not even be able to keep her one life. Dani’s father is in denial. Her mother is trying to hold it together and prove everything’s normal. And Jena is wasting away. To cope, Dani sets out to rid herself of all her extra lives. Maybe they’ll be released into the universe and someone who wants to live more than she does will get one. Someone like Jena. But just when Dani finds herself at the breaking point, she’s faced with a startling realization. Maybe she doesn’t have nine lives after all. Maybe she really only ever had one.

Transcendence  Transcendence by Omololu
When a visit to the Tower of London triggers an overwhelmingly real vision of a beheading that occurred centuries before, Cole Ryan fears she is losing her mind. A mysterious boy, Griffon Hall, comes to her aid, but the intensity of their immediate connection seems to open the floodgate of memories even wider.
As their feelings grow, Griffon reveals their common bond as members of the Akhet—an elite group of people who can remember past lives and use their collected wisdom for the good of the world. But not all Akhet are altruistic, and a rogue is after Cole to avenge their shared past. Now in extreme danger, Cole must piece together clues from many lifetimes. What she finds could ruin her chance at a future with Griffon, but risking his love may be the only way to save them both.
Full of danger, romance, and intrigue, Transcendence breathes new life into a perpetually fascinating question: What would you do with another life to live?
The Glimpse The Glimpse by Merle
Once you've seen into the future, can you change your destiny?
In a near future, society is segregated according to whether people are genetically disposed to mental illness. 17-year-old Ana has been living the privileged life of a Pure due to an error in her DNA test. When the authorities find out, she faces banishment from her safe Community, a fate only thwarted by the fact that she has already been promised to Pure-boy Jasper Taurell.
Jasper is from a rich and influential family and despite Ana’s condition, wants to be with her. The authorities grant Ana a tentative reprieve. If she is joined to Jasper before her 18th birthday, she may stay in the Community until her illness manifests. But if Jasper changes his mind, she will be cast out among the Crazies. As Ana’s joining ceremony and her birthday loom closer, she dares to hope she will be saved from the horror of the City and live a ‘normal’ life. But then Jasper disappears.
Led to believe Jasper has been taken by a strange sect the authorities will not intefere with, Ana sneaks out of her well-guarded Community to find him herself. Her search takes her through the underbelly of society and into the pits of the human soul. And as she delves deeper into the mystery of Jasper's abduction she uncovers some devastating truths that destroy everything she has grown up to believe, but she also learns to love as she has never loved before.

Which book?


  
pollcode.com free polls 

50 and 5 Amazon gift cards from Pandora Poikilos author of Frequent Traveler


From the blue oceans of Antigua to the bustling streets of Vietnam, the racing adrenaline at the Green Hell, the devastating natural disaster in Japan and the stunning architecture in Germany, Cathy Dixon finds herself in a whirlwind of fine dining, plush clothes and sheer extravagance.
But is perfection a mask for untold disaster? What is Cathy's secret and how will her world change when the world knows? Will her secrets ever catch up with her or will Cathy continue to sail alongside perfection in the world she has created for herself as a Frequent Traveller?

In conjunction, with the launch of MoonStar Luxury's new website (http://moonstarluxury.com/), we invite you to step into Cathy Dixon's world where more goodies, surprises and a little mystery awaits.

Frequent Traveller, the first book in the Cathy Dixon series will be free from 31 May to 4 June 2012. (Amazon link http://www.amazon.com/Frequent-Traveller-Cathy-Dixon-ebook/dp/B0067BKK6K)



Giveaway Details - 11 winners

Grand prize 1 x $50 Amazon.com voucher

10 x $5 Amazon.com vouchers
Terms and conditions

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Quotes that Pandora likes, copied from her site
1.A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
2.A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel so good.
*3.A dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God's truth is attacked and yet would remain silent.-J. Calvin
*4.Adults are always asking little kids what they want to be when they grow up because they're looking for ideas.-Paula Poundstone
*5.Adversity enhances this tale we call life.-Ever Garrison

6.A friend cannot be known in prosperity and an enemy cannot be hid in adversity.-Ecclesiasticus 22:25
7.A friend is one who has the same enemies as you have.-Abraham Lincoln
*8.A grownup is a child with layers on.-Woody Harrelson
9.A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.-Winston Churchill
10.A 'No' uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a 'Yes' merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble.-Mahatma Gandhi

Pandora Poikilos

Pandora Poikilos

International best-selling author, Pandora Poikilos has been writing for more than 10 years for various media which include newspapers, radio, television and various websites.
A social media enthusiast who is passionate about blogging and finding her way around the virtual world, she wills away time in the real world by reading, writing and people watching.
Pin It

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Review: Temptation by Karen Ann Hopkins

Temptation
Temptation by Karen Ann Hopkins
Your heart misleads you. That's what my friends and family say. But I love Noah. And he loves me. We met and fell in love in the sleepy farming community of Meadowview, while we rode our horses together through the grassy fields and in those moments in each other's arms. It should be ROSE & NOAH forever, easy. But it won't be. Because he's Amish. And I'm not.
Publishes in US: June 26th
1st in series, can't find any info about the 2nd
Source: Netgalley

My Review:

Temptation was a great story about forbidden love and the lengths that those in love will go to be with the one they love.
I think that she did great job with research because everything with the Amish seemed authentic, and it felt like I was being immersed into another culture.
The dual perspective felt really well done, and I appreciated being able to see both sides of the story. The girl, the outsider, and the boy, the Amish who fell for the wild outsider.
There were moments where I wanted to slap their foreheads and make them see the light, but I guess you wouldn't be a teenager or someone in love without it being the forefront of your mind, and that you would do anything in order to be with that person. I totally understand where they were coming from, and it seems authentic that when you are that caught up in love, that you would abandon all else.
I connected with both characters, even when they were being idiots. Some of Noah's thoughts about Rose, on one hand not wanting her to change from the girl he fell in love with, strong and wild, but then the next he wants her to be tame and fit into the Amish box of what is expected of the women. But that made him genuine in that aspect, because you couldn't help but want those things with his upbringing.
At times, Rose didn't seem to live up to her stubborn and strong, how she fell apart and how she just tried to mold into what he wanted. But other times, standing up for herself and trying out things her own way, she did.
I was a little annoyed with how unbalanced it was at times, but I also understand where Noah was coming from not wanting to become English (non-Amish) because he wouldn't have any means of supporting himself much less Rose. But, still, asking the other person to give up their family and heritage without being willing to yourself is manipulative and controlling to a level that I wasn't very comfortable with.
I wasn't satisfied with the ending, I wanted more, I wanted to know more about what happens with their love story, but alas, this is a first book in a series and I will have to wait to know more. I think that it ended the only way it could, leaving so much more to explore in the next books. 
Pin It

Waiting On Wednesday 5/30


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating

This week, I'm featuring:
What's Left of Me (The Hybrid Chronicles, #1)


What's Left of Me (The Hybrid Chronicles #1) by Kat Zhang
Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t…
For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable–hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet…for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.

Expected publication: September 18th 2012 by Harper

What are you waiting on?

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

$100 Amazon gift card from Ednah Walters author of Betrayed

Betrayed by Ednah Walters
Lil isn't just an average teenager. She's one of the Nephilim--the descendants of humans and angels--which gives her some serious psi skills and a mission for redemption. Just when Lil thinks she's found a balance between her normal life with human friends and her training to become a Guardian, she's warned that someone close to her will betray her. When the boy she loves starts acting strangely and one of her human friends acquires a supernatural ability, Lil begins to realize that someone is manipulating the people she loves... and won't stop until she's been lured to the dark side.

LINKS:

WEBSITE:
http://www.ednahwalters.com/

BLOG:

http://ednahwalters.blogspot.com/

FACEBOOK PAGE:

https://www.facebook.com/ednahyaauthor#!/GuardianLegacyBooks


YOUTUBE:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtkmEprzYaY


TWITTER:

https://twitter.com/#!/yaednah_walters

GOODREADS:
http://www.goodreads.com/Authorednah


GOOGLE+

https://plus.google.com/u/0/113199492695974871853#113199492695974871853/posts


AMAZON:

http://www.amazon.com/Betrayed-A-Guardian-Legacy-Book/dp/1937053180/

B&N
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/betrayed-ednah-walters/1111124607?ean=9781937053185


BOOK DEPOSITORY:

http://www.bookdepository.com/Betrayed-Ednah-Walters/9781937053185


PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:
Just like Awakened, Betrayed has risen above all the other books in this genre. She has created such an amazing world for her Guardians & demons where good and evil are not as simple as it seems they should be. ~J. Whitus (Book Junkies) Walking On Bookshelves

I just love a spunky heroine so I was excited to keep reading about Lil, the demon hunter I got to know in Awakened (book one of The Guardian Legacy series). Walters takes the story and world she built so well in Awakened and adds in an intense plot with lots of twists to make for a strong sequel.~ Kelli (I'd So Rather Be Reading)


Lil is one of my favorite female leads, with all of the traits that you want a strong female lead to have. She's smart, strong, loyal and doesn't know how to back down.~ Missy (Missy's Reads & Reviews)

Lil has her work cut out for her in this book and she never failed me once!

There is action in this book as well as a lot of emotional turmoil.~ Cathy Garcia http://thewritingsonthe.blogspot.com/...



EDNAH WALTERS BIO:

I grew up reading Nancy Drew and Hardy boys mysteries and fell in love with books

I enjoy good love stories, tingly mysteries and epic adventures. When I finished my college and decided to be a stay-at-home mother, I devoured books like they were going out of production, until reading just wasn't enough. So I started to write.

I've written picture books (unpublished), contemporary and romantic suspense (under the pen name E. B. Walters), and finally YA fantasy (as Ednah Walters).

AWAKENED (2010) is the prequel to the YA series about the Nephilim, The Guardian Legacy series. BETRAYED(book # 1) is now available wherever books are sold, HUNTED (book # 2) will be released in February 2013 andFORGOTTEN (later in 2013).

My adult contemporary with or without suspense is about a west coast Irish-American family series. I've published four Fitzgerald books: SLOW BURN (April 5th 2011), MINE UNTIL DAWN (June 29th 2011), KISS ME CRAZY (Sept 25th 2011) and DANGEROUS LOVE (Jan 29th 2012)

When I'm not writing, I do things with my family, five children and my darling husband of 18 years. I live in a picturesque valley in northern Utah, the setting for my YA series.
Copied from Ednah's site:

A teaser from Betrayed in Bran's POV

From now until Betrayed is released on June 5th, I'll post teasers from Betrayed written in Bran's POV, deleted scenes.  Let me know what you think.


“Your ex-girlfriend has a group?” Lil asked.
She somehow managed to convey annoyance and hurt in the question, her expressive eyes showing just how much the knowledge bothered her. I wanted to take her in my arms and tell there was no one comparable to her. Not now. Not ever.
“She wasn’t my girlfriend. Just someone I hooked up with for a short period. Most demons tend to separate into groups based on loyalty to a Lord or a cause. Coronis had a way of dealing with that.”
“Hooked up with?”
I cupped her cheeks, pressed my forehead against hers and exhaled. “Lil, Coronis made us do all sorts of crazy things as part of our initiation I had no choice in what happened between Solange and me on that island.”
“I’m happy we vanquished Coronis,” she said. “And promise not to stop me from taking out Solange next time we meet.”
I laughed. Vulnerable one minute, a warrior the next, she fascinated me like no woman ever did. Then she smiled, the corners of her lips tilting upwards ever so slightly, her smoky-green eyes sparkling. If I had my sketch pad and pen, I would have captured her breathtaking smile on paper. Instead, I tucked it away for later, leaned in and stole a kiss. Just a brush, but the effect on me was instantaneous. The need for more slammed into me. Her grandfather’s warning flashed through my head, but some things were worth all the trouble in the world. I moved closer for a deeper contact.
She evaded my lips, her eyes no longer teasing. Promise me.
I’d promise her the moon if it meant having her back in my arms. “I promise.”
Now, you can kiss me, she telepathed.
I chuckled, cupped her head, and brushed my thumbs back and forth on her smooth, soft cheeks. Her breath hitched as I leaned in and claim her lips. She was mine, no matter how many little games she played, Lil Falcon was mine.


Giveaway Details:
$100 Amazon.com Gift Code
Ends 6/5/12

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pin It

Monday, May 28, 2012

Book Giveaway and Author Interview: Casey Barnes Eponymous by E.A. Rigg

Casey Barnes Eponymous

Casey Barnes Eponymous by E.A. Rigg
It's three weeks into the school year when music junkie Casey Barnes gets a second chance with her mysterious, heartbreaking ex-boyfriend. She comes up with a plan to win him back, but it soon spins out of control as rivalries, revelations about him, and music itself all start to collide. For Casey the newfound attention means learning the difference between wanting center stage and actually being on it. 
Our Interview:

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.

Three weeks into the school year music junkie Casey Barnes gets a second chance with the mysterious ex-boyfriend whose name she has not even been able to say. In hopes of saving studentkind from the hell that is high school, Casey has been slipping song playlists to fellow students while working in the library. When she gets another chance with her ex, she schemes to win him back by giving him one of the lists. Her plan works, but not quite in the way she hopes, and she realizes that truly winning him back will be a lot harder than choosing some killer songs. Namely, she will need to get the attention of the whole school in a way no one has ever done before.

--How did you get the idea for the story?

I am a high school teacher and deal with a lot of insolent kids whom I’m always disciplining. I thought it would be fun to create a book from the POV of one of those kids. And, as a music fanatic and former musician, I thought it would be really fun to write a book about a fifteen-year-old girl who thinks she is Mick Jagger.

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?

Most: Casey and Ben. Least: Maxine French.

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?

I couldn’t not read! I just finished all the Hunger Games books. I don’t usually read that genre but they were amazing. Other favorite books in the past year were Girls in White Dresses, The Silver Linings Playbook, and Before I Go To Sleep.

--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?

I’m working on my second novel. No release date yet!

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?

The Great Gatsby. I want to go to one of Gatsby’s parties.

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?

I need coffee and peace of mind. I keep a hula hoop nearby. A few minutes of that can usually induce peace of mind when all else fails. Music is a huge part of my book so, yes, absolutely every song on every play list in the book inspired me.

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

Fly. Or be able to make a perfect three-course dinner every night without having to clean up afterwards.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?

I read, do yoga, travel, try to keep up with my husband on a surfboard (and fail), make fun of his accent, imitate his accent, cook, and watch Downton Abbey and Boardwalk Empire.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

Send me your playlists! You’ll know what I mean once you’ve read the book.



Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate? Chocolate

Edward or Jacob? Jacob?

Hockey or soccer? Soccer

Ebook or paper? Ebook

Salty or sweet? Both

Beach or mountains? Beach

Phone call or email? Email

Early bird or night owl? Early bird

Dog or cat? Dog

Messy or neat? Neat

Ninjas or pirates? Pirates

Giveaway: ebook, US only
Ends 6/25
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pin It

Sunday, May 27, 2012

IMMB 5/27

 IMMB was started by Kristi at The Story Siren. I use it to showcase books I receive and as a social aspect for the blog. To sign up and find out more here

What I got:

Temptation
Source: netgalley


I won YA Release Giveaway On Bengal Reads
25 Authors Published Under 25 Giveaway on Books and Sensibility
and a thirty-one tote-ally awesome tote from Bendiful
tote-ally awesome tote thirty-one
Pin It

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Review: The Deepest Cut by J.A. Templeton

The Deepest Cut (MacKinnon Curse, #1)
The Deepest Cut (MacKinnon Curse #1) by J.A. Templeton
Sixteen-year-old Riley Williams has been able to see ghosts since the car crash that took her mother’s life and shattered her family. Guilt-ridden over the belief that she’s somehow responsible for her mom’s death, Riley is desperate to see her mother’s elusive spirit to gain her forgiveness.
When her father moves the family to Scotland so they can all start over, Riley believes her life couldn’t get worse––that is until the ghost of nineteen-year-old Ian MacKinnon catches her purposely cutting herself. An uneasy truce quickly turns into friendship, and soon Riley’s falling hard for Ian.
Riley believes her gift could help Ian end the curse that has kept him tied to the land for centuries, but that would mean letting him go forever and she’s not sure she is strong enough to do that. As if her life wasn’t complicated enough, the spirit of the woman who killed Ian returns and she’ll stop at nothing to keep Riley from helping Ian find eternal peace.
Published Oct 2011
1st in MacKinnon Curse series, 2nd The Haunted published Jan 2012, 3rd The Departed published Apr 2012

My Review:

   I was honored when Julia Templeton asked me to review The Deepest Cut, it combines the factors of contemp that I love, the tough issues (Riley's mom dying and her guilt at being in the car with her, and the cutting) right with the paranormal aspects that I love. The paranormal, the ghosts one woven into a love story and the other downright evil and creepy are very well written.
   I flew through this book. The characters grabbed and held my interest, the plot is fast moving always having me wonder what would happen next while still processing what just happened, and the emotions are so well written.
   Riley is easy to relate to, and her pain jumps off the page. I also really admire her love for her dad and her brother. Her brother Shane is balanced between a good friend and awesome brother with just enough annoying to make it believable.
   Ian really is swoon worthy and I love how dogged he was at first with her to get and keep her attention. He got mine too. The backstory with Laria is good, and I was always wondering what it was just below the surface and what it would finally take to deal with her.
   And I totally wasn't expecting the ending, I can't wait to get my hands on the next one to find out how this all ties together and what happens with Riley.
Pin It

Interview with Calvin Locke author of Dream Fighter Chronicles

The Dream Fighter Chronicles Book One: Discovery
Dream Fighter Chronicles Book One: Discovery by Calvin Locke

Five cousins fall asleep in their grandparents' basement and share a dream. In it, they have special powers. Haley can leap across the room, Braden can move objects with his mind, Jack moves at super speed, and Jillian can make anything she wants appear before her eyes. What they don't know is they come from a long line of legendary warriors, Dream Fighters, and it is now their turn to join the fight.
Led by their uncle, they learn of a centuries old order of people with special abilities just like their own. In order to protect the real world, they must stop an invasion by the evil Sarlak and his army of Gorgons. With only their uncle, himself trapped in Jillian's doll, as a guide, they must master their newfound powers and stop this attack before it starts.
Along the way, they will discover their specific powers and understand how to use them, as well as control their fear and learn to work together, even when they really don't want to. Only hours before they were just normal kids playing video games in the basement. Now they wield the same powers they used in those games, only there are no save points or restarts. This time, everything counts and there are no second chances.
From sinister traps and magical trickery, they will fight off Sarlak's plan and somehow find a way to save the day. Whose power will lead them to victory? Which one of them will fall under Sarlak's spell? This first book in the Dream Fighter Chronicles tells the story of how it all began for these future heroes.
Giveaway:
Open Internationally. Ebook for international and choice of hardback or ebook for US.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Our Interview:

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.
5 kids share a dream and find special powers. They stop invasion to save the world. Heroes rise, enemies fall. Baby-Wets-A-Lot goes wee-wee.

--How did you get the idea for the story? My mother had read my detective novels while recuperating from heart surgery. She said she loved them but, 'Your nieces and nephews can't read them.' She was right about that. So I wrote a short story which turned into a series. I'm on book six now.
--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with? I'd love to have dinner with Danny. He's a character based on my nephew who passed not long after birth. He just seems to have this feistiness to him that's contagious. If this were a wish, I'd wish my sister and brother-in-law could have that dinner with him.

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read? I read a little less than I used to. I always loved Clive Cussler's books for the adventure. I'm a fan of Ernest Hemingway (it's the English professor in me) and Count of Monte Cristo is an absolute classic. Other than that, as a mystery writer (my alter ego) I always find time for a good mystery.
--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates? Book three of The Dream Fighter Chronicles should be out very soon. It's called United They Stand. The fourth book, The Nowhere Kids is in final edit. The series takes a drastic turn in that book, which is more than double the length of the previous three. I am also working on a spinoff young adult book, tentatively titled The Shadows of the Knight. My alter ego is writing his fourth mystery in the John Keegan NYPD series, called We All Fall Down.

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why? One of the aforementioned Clive Cussler books. I'd love to spend a day in the life of the main character, Dirk Pitt. He's an adventurer who really enjoys life. One day in his shoes is like a year in mine.

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote? I like to write to music.  Usually, it is instrumental, but classical music isn't my thing. So I listen to video game soundtracks. It really works. Except for the time I used a soundtrack from a game that was tense, scary actually. That writing session didn't go well. Tough to write with the jitters.

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose? Everyone chooses flight because, well, it's so cool. Besides that, I'd like the ability to freeze time. It would give me a chance to live in the moment more.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time? I like sports. I play baseball and hockey and ride my bicycle whenever I can. You can also find me wherever good food is served.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers? The Dream Fighter Chronicles came from very important people in my life. Sure, they are ficitonalized, but the essence came from them. Even though I wrote the books with children in mind, adults appear to enjoy it just as much. Consider the story to be an adventure of endless possibilities, hard decisions, and the importance of trust, with a dose of humor thrown in. Oh, and without anything that would be anywhere near inappropriate for children.

Lightning round: this or that?
Vanilla or chocolate? Vanilla
Edward or Jacob? Jacob
Hockey or soccer? Hockey
Ebook or paper? Ebook. (Man, my past self hates me for that)
Salty or sweet? Salty.
Beach or mountains? Beach
Phone call or email? Depends. Phone call from a loved one. Email from everyone else.
Early bird or night owl? Night owl.
Dog or cat? Dog
Messy or neat? Messy
Ninjas or pirates? Pirates. The eye patch!
Check out the other giveaways:
Pin It

$100 Amazon Giveaway and Interview with Daniel Cohen author of Masters of The Veil

Life can't get much better for Sam Lock. Popular, good-looking, and with a future as a professional football player. every guy at Stanton High School wishes he were Sam. That is, until his championship football game, when Sam accidentally links with an ancient source of energy known as the Veil and reveals his potential to become a powerful sorcerer. Sam is whisked off to Atlas Crown, a community of sorcerers who utilize the Veil as a part of everyday life. Once there, he trains beside a mute boy who speaks through music, an eternal sage who's the eyes and ears of the Veil, and a beautiful girl who's pretty sure Sam's an idiot. As it becomes clear Sam's meant for power magic-the most feared and misunderstood form of sorcery-people beyond Atlas Crown learn of his dangerous potential. An exiled group of power sorcerers are eager to recruit Sam, believing that he is destined to help them achieve their long-held goal. If they succeed, they could bring about the downfall of not only Atlas Crown. but all humankind.
Our Unique Interview:

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.
MASTERS OF THE VEIL is a unique take on magical training... with a high school jock who never knew he was a sorcerer until a "hiccup" at the big game.

--How did you get the idea for the story?
The idea for MOTV first came to me when I sensed a trend in fantasy novels. I kept seeing the 'outcast' type being sucked into a fantasy realm and thriving there. I wondered what would happen if a popular, sociable person found him self in a similar situation. Since I couldn't find the story anywhere, I wrote it :)

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?
My favorite character (besides Sam of course) is named Glissandro Thicket. He's mute, but has found a way to magically speak through music. I'd love to hear him play/speak. 

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?
Ok, so Harry Potter? Greatest series ever. 
But since it's over, I tell everyone to read my new fantasy obsession. "The Name of the Wind," by Patrick Rothfuss. The series isn't over yet so I still have the final installment to look forward to. The first two books in the series are INCREDIBLE. So unique, well thought out, and thrilling. Buy them!
--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?
I do! I'm currently working on finishing up the sequel to MOTV called CHILDREN OF THE VEIL. In my opinion it's even better than the first, and there's a sneak peak at the back of MOTV. To the dismay of my wonderful editor, there's no release date yet. 

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?
I want to spend that 24 hours in the Harry Potter realm. Because sometimes I think that Hogwarts taught me more than real school. 

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?
Coffee. I never drank the stuff before I started writing. Six years later and I get headaches without it. Ugh. 

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

To have the power to finally understand women. Oh boy would I like that. 

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?

I play rock saxophone. I actually moved to Austin, TX (live music capitol of the world!) to pursue the musicians' dream. 


--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

To my readers. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. 

Lightning round: this or that?
Vanilla or chocolate?

Swirl. I'm indecisive.

Edward or Jacob?

As a twenty-something male, I am required not to answer that. 

Hockey or soccer?

Soccer. 

Ebook or paper?

Even though us authors make more money with e-books, I say paper all the way. 

Salty or sweet?

Salty.


Beach or mountains?

Mountains. I actually wrote the reenactment scene in MOTV while on a mountain. 

Phone call or email?

Email. Cuz you can't attach .pdfs or pictures to a phone call. 

Early bird or night owl?

Night owl. Unfortunately, people don't like listening to rock saxophone when they wake up. 

Dog or cat?
Dogs. Definitely. 

Messy or neat?
I'm super neat. Never clutter anywhere. Hi Mom!
Is she gone? Ok, yeah, I'm a huge mess. 

Ninjas or pirates?

Ninjas. I think I don't see one right now!

Giveaway Details
Author Daniel Cohen is offering one lucky person a $100 Amazon.com Gift Card.
Last day to enter is May 31st

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 
See more about Daniel and Masters below
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Author Daniel A. Cohen
Daniel A. Cohen was just your average business student. Microeconomics, finance, marketing… you name it, he had to do a PowerPoint presentation on it. One dark and stormy night, he was bitten by the radioactive realization that memorizing business jargon could possibly be the most boring activity known to man. 

After gaining eagle-eye vision, abs that could grate cheese, and a talent for imagining things (including his cheese-grating abs), he wrote his first novel and began his epic battle against the formidable business jargon. He continues to fight the good fight by playing saxophone and writing YA fantasy, forever hoping his Veil trilogy will help inspire others to join his cause.
LINKS:


BOOK TRAILER

BLOG

GOODREADS

FACEBOOK

AMAZON LINK

BN LINK

TWITTER 

PRAISE:


"This Book was brilliant, creative, and completely magical. If you want an amazing book to read in 2012, I would suggest you go to the bookstore and pick up a copy of Masters of the Veil."

~Julia @Inkbitten


"I loved this book. I could list all the reasons, but there is one piece of praise I think sums up the book best. My son grabbed it as soon as I was finished reading it and hasn't put it down since. Dan Cohen has a winner with this series."
~Author Michelle Pickett


"A funny, imaginative, and delightful read!"
~Author Kate Kaynak
Pin It

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

WoW 5/23


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating

This week, I'm featuring:
My Life Next Door
My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

A gorgeous debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another
“One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”
The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?
A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.
Pin It

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

$50 Amazon card from Meradeth Houston author of Colors Like Memories





Colors Like Memories by Meradeth Houston

Julia has a secret: she killed the guy she loved. It was an accident—sort of.
Julia is a Sary, the soul of a child who died before taking her first breath. Without this 'breath of life' she and others like her must help those on the verge of suicide. It's a job Julia enjoyed, until the accident that claimed her boyfriend’s life—an accident she knows was her fault. If living with the guilt weren't enough, she's now assigned to help a girl dealing with the loss of her mother, something Julia is not exactly the best role model for. If she can't figure out a way to help her, Julia will lose her position in the Sary, something she swore to her boyfriend would never happen.

Links:
Website: http://www.meradethhouston.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/MeradethHouston
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ColorsLikeMemories
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/merbear95695/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13030422-colors-like-memories
Meradeth on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5321667.Meradeth_HoustonBlog: http://meradethhouston.blogspot.com/






Author Meradeth Houston

I've never been a big fan of talking about myself, but if you really want to know, here are some random tidbits about me:


I'm a California girl. This generally means I talk too fast and use "like" a lot.
I have my doctorate in molecular anthropology. Translation: I sequence dead people's DNA and spend a whole lot of time in a lab, which I love.
I've been writing since I was 11 years old. It's my hobby, my passion, and I'm so happy to get to share my work!
My other passion is teaching. There's nothing more fun than getting a classroom of college kids fired up about anthropology!
If I could have a super-power, it would totally be flying. Which is a little strange, because I'm terrified of heights.

Giveaway Details:
$50 Amazon.com Gift Code
Last day to enter is May 29th

Open to anyone who can legally enter and can receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


A neat article copied from Meradeth's site on the Author Moment:


The Author Moment



Small confession here: I don't tell a lot of people at home that I'm a writer. Aside from a few friends and coworkers, I don't think many people know about it. I try to avoid talking about it. I get kind of embarrassed when I try to explain what my book's about. Why this is, I don't know, but I'd guess it has something to do with being a rather private person, and hoping to avoid people looking at me like I'm a little more nuts than they already do.






To get even more personal, I had a really fun afternoon this past summer getting together with some girls I went to high school with. My old girl scout troop. Yeah, I was nerdy enough to be a scout all the way through school :) I had some wonderful friends in the troop and it was a great experience. Anyhow, we had a little reunion, and when it was my turn to say what I'd been up to for the past 10 years, I gave my little spiel and casually threw in that my book was coming out this May. Everyone stared at me, and finally one of the more vocal girls in the group went something along the lines of "Well, way to make us all feel great!" Yeah, I felt like a real dork. So I have kind of kept my mouth shut in my close circles.




Anyhow, the point of this post, is to note that I really think I've been ridiculously stupid. Hello! I've worked my a$ off to become a published author. I've had my share of tears, frustration, and deleting every last writing file off my hard-drive (oh yeah, I've done it!). And maybe because I've spent the last month in a new country, meeting new people, I've been proud to tell them that I'm an AUTHOR. My book is going to be published. I am stoked about this beyond all belief.




And it's felt pretty damn good :)




So, has anyone else experienced the Author Moment? The moment when you tell someone else that "hell yeah, I write books!" and really felt that awesome sense of pride in what you've accomplished? Because, really, I'm feeling it, and it's pretty dang nice.






Pin It

Sunday, May 20, 2012

IMMB 5/20

 IMMB was started by Kristi at The Story Siren. I use it to showcase books I receive and as a social aspect for the blog. To sign up and find out more here

What I got:

The Deepest Cut (MacKinnon Curse, #1)
source: author
currently reading (~50% done)

Premium Roast with Ruth
Source: bought for bible study
currently reading


Possession (Possession, #1)
didn't finish
source: library


First Comes Love
Review HERE
Source: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 
Unbreak My Heart
Review HERE
Source: netgalley
Shield the Heart (Heart, #2)
Review HERE
Source: author
Pin It