My Holiday Card!

Christmas Letter Christmas Card

Make a statement with custom Christmas cards at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

With that promo code I received from Shutterfly, I created a card for my family and friends. I tried to be a little crafty and have some fun. My mom about died when I showed her what I did. I don't know if she has stopped laughing yet. ;) Thought you might be curious as to where my strange brain had taken me... :D

Unforgivable by Laura Griffin

From Goodreads:

TRACING KILLERS IS MIA VOSS’S BUSINESS. AND HER WORK JUST GOT PERSONAL.

At first, Mia Voss thinks it’s just bad luck when her already lousy day ends with a carjacking, but what seems like a random incident is followed by another sinister episode. A DNA expert, Mia has made it her mission to put away vicious criminals. Suddenly, she’s become the target of one. And the only way to protect the people she loves most is to deliberately destroy her reputation and risk letting a killer walk free.

Once, Mia trusted Detective Ric Santos, but that was before Ric let his turbulent past ruin his chances with Mia, the sexiest, most intriguing woman he’s ever met. But he can tell when she’s lying—and when she’s scared. The key to catching a sadistic madman lies within a long-buried cold case that has haunted Mia for years. Only she can uncover the truth, but first, Ric will have to get her to entrust him with her secrets . . . and her life.

If you are a fan of Laura Griffin's Tracer series then you will love this book. If not, don't worry, this book reads great as a stand alone. In fact I have not read her other two tracer books, Untraceable and Unspeakable and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The two main characters have obviously met once before but didn't quite connect. In Unforgivable, they are the main characters.

After saying the above you would think I'm setting you up for a total romance book. Well, if that is what you are looking for you might be disappointed. Oh, yes, there is tension in terms of sexual and romantic you would expect, but the main story is a mystery that needs to be solved so Mia and her family can continue to live without fear of a madman gunning them down. The twists and turn in this book make it interesting and while you are trying to figure out who the killer is, you are also enjoying the relationship between Ric and Mia (even though I wanted to kick Ric in the butt a couple of times). I also really liked the character of Mia. She sort of reminded me of Abby in NCIS. Not her quirky side, but her professional side. One who works until things are solved with a keen intelligence.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed Mia as a heroine. I recommend this book to those that like a fast paced murder mystery with a bit of romance thrown in.

I received this book from the publisher and no compensation for my review was given.

Read an excerpt from the book at Laura Griffin's site.

Oogy by Larry Levin

From Goodreads:

There was something about Oogy that made him special. Perhaps it was the missing ear, or the asymmetrical face, or the hapless look of a rescued pup who not long before had been used as bait for pit bull warriors. Whatever the qualities, it convinced Larry Levin and his twin sons to adopt this hapless, ugly pooch and make him part of their household. A heart-tugging saga for anyone who can't resist the plaintive, upturned eyes.

This isn't only a story about Oogy who was adopted by a loving family, but also about the story of their adoptive twins as well. Larry Levin weaves a tale that pulls together the stories of how his sons and eventually Oogy came into his life. In fact this book seems to me to be more of a love letter to his family and Oogy even more than a story.

Now, I do have one major criticism. One, I think is clear to Larry Levin, himself, and seems evident in the book. Oogy has had very little training. It seems as though when some sort of training was implemented, Mr. Levin would make the excuse that it was upsetting Oogy in some way and with his past, didn't need more pain in his life. I find this contrary to his insistance on keeping an invisible fence to keep Oogy on the property. It has upset Oogy to the point that he has had some behavioral resistance to the collar and the boundary area. And as I do understand not wanting to impose too much on a dog that has gone through literal hell, I do not agree that positive training would do that to a dog. In fact, it is often the opposite effect. A dog who has well defined boundaries is a more confident dog. It's not unlike children. When they have those boundaries, they know there is safety there. They know that what is good and bad behavior. What is helpful to the family and detrimental.

Now that this is off my chest, I can say that I am glad that Mr. Levin has written this book. It shows another side of dogos and pit bulls (both fighting breeds) that the public at large does not often get to see. And if you have spent any time here at the blog, you know I'm against BSL (breed specific laws). This is one reason why. Within BSL, this family would have had to give up Oogy for no reason other than he was a fighting breed. He had no bite record and even his vet would attest that this dog would not bite a human. Even so, through BSL, it wouldn't matter. Only thing that would matter is that he was a fighting breed of dog.

I give this book 3 stars. It's more of an example of a great dog than a story. However, it is an example worth reading. I also liked it because there was a lot there that reminded me of the 1/2 pit bull that came into my life when I was a kid. He was also a sweetheart who's biggest problem is that there wasn't enough puppies and kittens around him at all times.

I was given this book by Hachette and no compensation for my review was given.


Read up to date statuses about Oogy at his Facebook page.

More positive information on Pit Bulls and BSL:
Bad Rap Blog
Pinups for Pitbulls

One Night in Scotland by Karen Hawkins Blog Tour

From Goodreads:

New York Times bestselling author Karen Hawkins begins a sparkling new series with this thrilling tale of a desperate beauty on an urgent quest, a dark earl scarred by his beastly past—and the ancient treasure that binds their fates.

A mysterious abductor . . . Someone is holding her brother prisoner in exchange for a gold-and-onyx box covered in mysterious runes, so Mary Hurst boldly sets out from the family vicarage to find the priceless artifact. But the man who possesses it, Angus Hay, the Earl of Erroll, is less than sympathetic to her plight.

A forbidding stranger . . . Himself a prisoner of his dark past, Angus refuses to yield the box—or allow Mary to leave! Suspicious of the alluring lass’s mission, he vows to wrest a confession from her, but unearths a fiery temper and a will as strong as his own.

An unbreakable curse . . . Passion flares between them, but now there is more at stake: an unknown enemy is hunting down the precious box, and will stop at nothing. Risking all for love, Angus must solve the mystery behind the runes . . . and trust the only woman who can awaken his forgotten heart.

This book is part of the Hurst Amulet series. Even though the above suggests that it is the first book, I believe that the first book in the series is Much Ado About Marriage. It does introduce the Hurst Amulet first. I haven't read that one, so this series may be an offshoot of that book. I may have to pick it up to find out. ;)

Hmm, so I read the synopsis... scarred, dark Earl, foreboding personality hiding his past. A huge castle with an educated woman who will not bend to his will. To me this sounded a bit like Jane Eyre, so I HAD to read it. However, that is really where the similarities end. It really does not resemble that story at all. It's not necessarily a bad thing as this was a story in it's own right. In fact, the majority of the book was about Angus and Mary trying to outdo each other. This might have been frustrating as it seemed that the box itself held onto a mystery that begged to be solved. However, I actually got caught up in the relationship the two were trying to build together. It really was their story and the box will just have to wait for the next in the series. 

My biggest complaint about this book was the sexy time. I can suspend belief to say... eh... okay, that COULD be comfortable... but not this time. There is NO way you can convince me that it would have been that romantic. Can't tell you more or I'll spoil a big part of the book. The fact that I told you they got together isn't really a spoiler since I believe it was obvious that they would have gotten together eventually even from the book's blurb. ;)

I give this book 3 1/2 stars. It was a fun read when you want something light. I loved that the fact the hero of the story was scarred and not perfect. I always love a story like that. I also liked that the heroine learned to be more of herself in the end. I recommend it to those that enjoy highland romances. 

Shutterfly!

Okay, I admit it. I'm not as crafty during this season as I had been in my previous life. I used to actually craft all my cards by hand. Well, by rubberstamping most and using a photo of either my pets or a painting I did that past year. Lately, I just either haven't had the time or the energy to want to even consider this anymore. Plus, with my large extended family, I really just don't want to think about it. However, I am going to go tech this year. I think I've also found the perfect card to do this year.

And, while yes, I do have blonde cousins (I have them in all hair colors actually... I'm a mutt... hee hee) there is no way I would have children that blonde. So, this comes directly from Shutterfly. Plus, I don't have kids so getting this EXACT card from me would really make the family gossip go flying! lol So, I was thinking on taking this card and put my pets on the front (hey, they are my babies after all). Plus, there is a little area where I can make up a funny blurb under the photo. Now all I have to do is take a few dozen pics and chose what would work best with some sort of strange blurb. *puts thinking cap on*

Well, now I'm actually a bit excited about doing this. Got some of my creative juices flowing without making me cringe on how many of these I would have had to do by hand. *cringe* <-see! Plus, I can expand this idea from the Christmas cards to address labels (if I really want to look snazzy) or even calenders so I can make them stare at my babies all year round! *evil laugh* Seriously, though, I have considered putting my doberman on a mug because you wouldn't believe how hard it is to find doberman stuff. *exasperated huff* Guess I'll have to see how photogenic he is when I take those pictures. Start brushing that fur kids!

Btw, how would you, my bloggy friends, like to get free 50 cards from Shutterfly? Well, go to the Shutterfly blog and sign up. After you sign up they will e-mail you back and let you know what to do next. Just have some fun and let someone else do the work this season. ;)

Haunted by Your Touch by Jeaniene Frost, Sharie Kohler, Shayla Black

From Goodreads:

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Jeaniene Frost seduces readers into a forbidden new world as she teams up with romance stars Shayla Black and Sharie Kohler for a sizzling collection of original novellas featuring fallen angels, anarchistic demons, warrior wizards, and irresistibly dangerous creatures of the night. 

Enter the dark realm of Nocturna in Jeaniene Frost’s redhot tale, where blisteringly sexy Raphael dominates the demons of a lawless dimension and tries to help a beautiful young woman avenge her cousin’s disappearance. In the shadowy world of Shayla Black’s Doomsday Brethren, magical warrior Raiden vows to protect his woman and their unborn youngling from evil—and deliver her safely to another man. But once he’s saved her, can he let her go? Lycans rule the night in Sharie Kohler’s suspenseful story, as a fiery woman stalks mysterious Luc, the undeniably hypnotic being she believes can save her from turning . . . if she kills him. Danger beckons in these captivating paranormal tales that will tempt readers to the edge and leave them begging for more.

 Oh what can I say. I LOVED the short story from Jeaniene Frost. If she develops it into another series I will be there drooling for Raphael. In a way he does remind me a little bit of Bones. He's a bit arrogant with reason, he's strong, smart and sexy as hell. Plus he is in love with one woman only. He's a bit more willing to allow Mara to do her own thing and is less chauvinistic than Bones can be around Cat. AND with Jeaniene Frost you know you are going to get some sexy time in the book. Oh yes you do! Even the carriage ride sexy time was pretty good. ;) Yes, this short story is one I believe everyone who loves the stories by Ms. Frost will enjoy.

The second story comes from Shayla Black. I enjoyed this one less mostly because I was frustrated with Raiden throughout the story. However, I believe that is how you are supposed to feel since the rest of the characters in the book were right there with you pulling out their hair in frustration. The only other thing I didn't care for in this story is that it didn't feel complete within itself. The ending left too many things open and even though it wasn't a complete cliffhanger, it was a cliffhanger nonetheless. You are left wondering.

The third story is by Sharie Kohler (aka Sophie Jordan). This one was much more involved with the characters feelings. You really got to know Luc and a bit about his intended, Lily. Although I really got into this one I wasn't completely satisfied with Lily's decisions. I think I'd like to have a few more twists or options involved. If there were to be no other options, then perhaps more information as to what Lily's decision would really cost the couple. What was the decision? Not telling. You'll have to read it to find out.

I've given this book 4 stars. It is an adult book with lots of sexy time in all three stories. I won this signed book from Jeaniene Frost at the Supernatural Underground. No compensation was given for my review.

On My Wishlist...

Intrinsical by Lani Woodland
From Goodreads:

Sixteen-year-old Yara Silva has always known that ghosts walk alongside the living. Her grandma, like the other females in her family, is a Waker, someone who can see and communicate with ghosts. Yara grew up watching her grandmother taunted and scorned for this unusual ability and doesn't want that to be her future. She has been dreading the day when she too would see ghosts, and is relieved that the usually dominant Waker gene seems to have skipped her, letting her live a normal teenage life. However, all that changes for Yara on her first day at her elite boarding school when she discovers the gene was only lying dormant. She witnesses a dark mist attack Brent, a handsome fellow student, and rushes to his rescue. Her act of heroism draws the mist's attention, and the dark spirit begins stalking her. Yara finds herself entrenched in a sixty-year-old curse that haunts the school, threatening not only her life, but the lives of her closest friends as well. Yara soon realizes that the past she was trying to put behind her isn't going to go quietly.

 The Iron Duke by Melijean Brook
From Goodreads:

First in an all-new series where seductive danger and steampunk adventure abound in the gritty world of the Iron Seas.

After the Iron Duke freed England from Horde control, he instantly became a national hero. Now Rhys Trahaearn has built a merchant empire on the power-and fear-of his name. And when a dead body is dropped from an airship onto his doorstep, bringing Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth into his dangerous world, he intends to make her his next possession.

But when Mina uncovers the victim's identity, she stumbles upon a conspiracy that threatens the lives of everyone in England. To save them, Mina and Rhys must race across zombie-infested wastelands and treacherous oceans-and Mina discovers the danger is not only to her countrymen, as she finds herself tempted to give up everything to the Iron Duke.

Okay, I'm probably one of the few who hasn't read The Iron Duke and I want to be one of you! ;) Seriously, it just sounds good. Enough of my wants... what is yours this week?

Tyger Tyger Trailer!

Just came out. Thought you might like to see! :)

Thieves Like Us by Starr Ambrose

From Simon and Schuster (Pocket):

The last thing Janet Westfield needs in her life is an ex-con.  But when she's accused of trying to pass stolen jewelry, the only one who can help her is the extremely charming ex-jewel thief she's been avoiding, Rocky Hernandez.  Unable to deny her attraction, she falls for him, hard.  Unfortunately, his past is putting her in even greater danger, and the best way for Rocky to save her might be to leave her.

This is actually a spin-off book from another Starr Ambrose book called, Lie to Me. I haven't read that book, but it isn't necessary to enjoy this book. However, it is obvious when reading that this was part of a series, but the background is supplied in a sufficient way so I did not feel like I was missing too much.

In this book Janet is an ex-wife of a drug-running, thieving, attempted killer. In fact he had tried to kill her in the past. She was strong enough to not wait for the white knight to save her and stood up to her would be killers. This interested an charming ex-jewel thief, Rocky Hernandez. Tall dark and handsome, Rocky thinks he has finally met his match but knows that her heart has been put through the ringer. So, he decides to wait and play it cool until she is ready to love again. As Janet tries to get rid of the old life to make room for the new, she finds herself in the middle of a jewel thieves nightmare and tries to pawn a very valuable and very old piece of jewelry. She becomes the focus of several outlaws trying to get at the jewels at any cost. This enrages Rocky and he wants to protect her. As the two put the pieces of her ex's shenanigans together the question becomes if this adventure will draw them together or pull them apart.

I give this book 3 stars. It's entertaining and fun. If you love animals, you will also love this book as 2 cats and a dog also enter this story. It does pretty much follow the formula but it is entertaining to find out which way the story will go. Janet is a capable woman and Rocky is very sexy. And with that combination, you know that there will be some sexy fun time in the book as well.

This book was given to me by the publisher and no compensation was received for my review. This book will be published Nov. 30, 2010.

Songs of Love and Death Blog Tour

From Goodreads:

In this star-studded cross-genre anthology, seventeen of the greatest modern authors of fantasy, science fiction, and romance explore the borderlands of their genres with brand-new tales of ill-fated love. From zombie-infested woods in a postapocalyptic America to faery-haunted rural fields in eighteenth- century England, from the kingdoms of high fantasy to the alien world of a galaxy-spanning empire, these are stories of lovers who must struggle against the forces of magic and fate.

Award-winning, bestselling author Neil Gaiman demonstrates why he’s one of the hottest stars in literature today with “The Thing About Cassandra,” a subtle but chilling story of a man who meets an old girlfriend he had never expected to see.

International blockbuster bestselling author Diana Gabaldon sends a World War II RAF pilot through a stone circle to the time of her Outlander series in “A Leaf on the Winds of All Hallows.” Torn from all he knows, Jerry MacKenzie determinedly survives hardship and danger, intent on his goal of returning home to his wife and baby—no matter the cost.

New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher presents “Love Hurts,” in which Harry Dresden takes on one of his deadliest adversaries and in the process is forced to confront the secret desires of his own heart.

Just the smallest sampling promises unearthly delights, but look also for stories by New York Times bestselling romance authors Jo Beverley and Mary Jo Putney, and by such legends of the fantasy genre as Peter S. Beagle and Tanith Lee, as well as many other popular and beloved writers, including Marjorie M. Liu, Jacqueline Carey, Carrie Vaughn, and Robin Hobb. This exquisite anthology, crafted by the peerless editing team of George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois, is sure to leave you under its spell.

Discover the many realms of the heart with this extraordinary cast of acclaimed authors:

Peter S. Beagle

Jo Beverley

Jim Butcher

Jacqueine Carey

Diana Gabaldon

Neil Gaiman

Yasmine Galenorn

M.L.N. Hanover

Robin Hobb

Cecelia Holland

Tanith Lee

Marjorie M. Liu

Mary Jo Putney

Linnea Sinclair 

Melinda Snodgrass

Lisa Tuttle 

Carrie Vaughn

These are a collection of stories by some very famous authors. Most of these stories are new. Some of these stories, like the one Jim Butcher gives us we read about familiar characters we have met before. All of them revolve around love and/or death. And although you would suspect a collection of lovely PNR stories, you actually get a bit of that and a lot of sci-fi with a bit of historical romance/death thrown in for good measure. Not all end on a happy note, nor on an expected one either, but all leave you thinking or at least considering what transpired within the short story. Some might even leave you scratching your head. However, it is written in such a way that I did not mind.

I will not go into each story separately, but will say that as a whole, this book gets 4 stars. I really enjoyed the stories. Some I absolutely loved. Some I liked less, but I disliked none. I think if you like anthologies, sci-fi, and endings that leave you wondering,  you will enjoy this book.

Winners!

The winner of the signed Tyger Tyger book is....

Linda H! (confirmed)

The winner of the pendant is...

Jen!(confirmed)

Both have been contacted and now have 72 hours to get back to me or I will choose another winner. 

Everyone else, don't forget to pick up your own copy of Tyger Tyger (or cross your fingers that Linda doesn't get back to me... lol)! Oh and if you still want a chance to win the book AND pendant, check out my giveaways page. I list those as I find them!

When is it good enough? By Scott Nicholson Author Guest Post

Writers are insane. 

We all accept this, based on the evidence of history, from Hemingway’s head (or lack thereof) to Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s opium dreams, Sylvia Plath’s suicidal prose, Emily Dickinson’s cloistered yearnings, and Jonathan Franzen’s dissing of Oprah. The surprise is that writers who have a right to be crazy, such as Stephen King and J.K. Rowling, often seem the most grounded.

I think it’s because writers never really finish a work, and never turn out something that’s good enough. It always falls short of perfection, or even their flawed vision of what it should have been. Even for dummies like me, who never know the ending until we write it (and sometimes even after we write it), there’s a sense that we could have done better. The worst writers are those who think they are good writers.

Some revise until they grind the feeling out of the story. A couple of novels I wrote to be “liked” and “popular” turned out to be kind of liked. Nice books. They sort of sell okay and people generally read them and are okay with them. And those are books that I revised too heavily. I polished and polished until every cranky, sharp facet had been removed. They don’t have any grown-up cuss words. And they never make people angry. I took the “Scott” out.

But a book that royally pisses people off is worth its weight in gold. And it’s actually pretty decent publicity. I’m out of the business of reading my reviews for the most part, but I am always drawn to the “one-star” reviews that so many writers dread. I love them. That doesn’t mean I want to be one-starred to oblivion, but often I can see where a story touched a nerve.

My favorite books, both mine and those of others, tend to be either ones or fives. I have read some cookie-cutter bestsellers where the author was clearly punching the clock and putting the series hero through the paces for another quarter million bucks. Yawn. Empty calories, like potato chips. But these days such books don’t get five minutes of my time, because I know where I’ll end up—six hours of my life gone and nothing added.

Dean Koontz, both highly polished and highly predictable, has been one of my favorite authors, and he’s known for revising one page over and over, dozens of times, before heading to the next, using no outline. Now, he’s clearly OCD in all ways, and he’s “fortunate,” I suppose, that his obsession is writing and his compulsion is rewriting. It’s earned him millions of fans. But I would like him a lot better if he slipped up once in a while, if he dangled a participle or let the damned dog die for a change. He’s too perfect, his heroes too good for the world in which I live, his libertarian views too resolute. Maybe in his old age he’ll crack a little and put out something that will change the world.

Some writers are the opposite. King could easily be edited 40 percent. If you read the uncut version of “The Stand,” you get little additional impact for the extra hours of your life. But he’s so gifted that even his waste material is entertaining. He could have cut out the waste and had an extra novel or two.

My biggest danger is editing to make something more “commercial,” under some misguided notion of a marketplace. This is the market of dreams. It doesn’t even know what it wants until it shows up.

Part of that danger is my fault for reading too much writing- and publishing-industry advice, until I’m as insane as all the other writers out there. You learn, “Be the same, but different.” My most successful novels, and the ones that arouse people the most, were written in a vacuum—The Red Church, from back when I didn’t know what I was doing and thus had no expectations of what  a novel should be; Disintegration, written as self-inflicted punishment and healing, and never intended for publication; and As I Die Lying, which I did revise many times but each time kept making it less typical.

Maybe writers are better off writing great novels and putting them in a trunk for discovery after death. Then they don’t have to worry about either editing or selling. But what do I know? I’m insane.

-------------

This week’s Scott special is Disintegration, 99 cents for a limited time.

Scott Nicholson is author of 12 novels, including the thrillers Speed Dating with the Dead, As I Die Lying, Drummer Boy, Forever Never Ends, The Skull Ring,  Burial to Follow, and They Hunger. His revised novels for the U.K. Kindle are Creative Spirit, Troubled, and Solom. He’s also written four comic series, six screenplays, and more than 60 short stories. His story collections include Ashes, The First, Murdermouth: Zombie Bits, and Flowers. 

To be eligible for the Kindle DX or Kindle 3, simply post a comment below with contact info. Feel free to debate and discuss the topic, but you will only be entered once per blog. Visit all the blogs on the tour and increase your odds. I’m also giving away a Kindle 3 through the tour newsletter and a Pandora’s Box of free e-books to a follower of “hauntedcomputer” on Twitter. Thanks for playing. Complete details at http://www.hauntedcomputer.com/blogtour.htm

Virals by Kathy Reichs

From Goodreads:


Tory Brennan, niece of acclaimed forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan (of the Bones novels and hit TV show), is the leader of a ragtag band of teenage "sci-philes" who live on a secluded island off the coast of South Carolina. When the group rescues a dog caged for medical testing on a nearby island, they are exposed to an experimental strain of canine parvovirus that changes their lives forever. 

As the friends discover their heightened senses and animal-quick reflexes, they must combine their scientific curiosity with their newfound physical gifts to solve a cold-case murder that has suddenly become very hot if they can stay alive long enough to catch the killer's scent. 

Fortunately, they are now more than friends they're a pack. They are Virals.

 I have to admit something. I rarely watch the show Bones. For some reason I don't often catch it. I do get occasional updates because my mom is a huge fan and often likes to talk about it. So, I do know a bit of something about the show. Okay, now that the confession is over, I can get on to the review.

The book seems to start out as a sci-fi or perhaps paranormal novel, but quickly resolves into a full blown cold case murder mystery complete with a designer virus. It's also a novel that shows the incredible friendship of a buch of "nerds". Kids stuck on a small island together that all have intense inquisitiveness and brains at their disposal. Tory is the only female in the group, but also a bit of a leader as well. Even though all have input, she seems to have most of the influence over the group. It's her insistence and scientific curiosity that keeps the group moving to the truth.

The story gives you several twists and some of the answers are a bit unexpected. Plus, things that are all seemingly disconnected right up to the end all come together and really fits. Parts may be far-fetched, but that is where the sci-fi part comes into play. Plus, there is just enough medical and scientific explanation to make it plausible. I don't want to say too much. It is a mystery after all. It's much better to get swept away with the story and the characters and it is easy to do in this story. I think Kathy Reichs does a great job in this YA novel and I can't wait for the next due Summer 2011. Can't wait to see what there next adventure brings. I give this book 4 stars.

I was given this ARC by Razorbill and no compensation was given for my review.

You can also have a bit of fun at the website for the book HERE.

Award!

Here is what is what they've asked after receiving this Award:

1.Thank and link back to the person that gave this award.
2.Answer the following 10 survey questions mentioned below.
3.Pass it on to another 15 Blogs that are fairly new and interesting to you.
4.Contact the bloggers so they know they've been chosen.

This is a great refreshing idea that will be useful and fun for blogs mentioned and blogs just beginning. The questions are a neat way to find out more about fellow blogs as well discover other likes and dislikes. So without further adieu... let's continue with this ongoing extravaganza! 


I received this award from Meghan from Midnight Fume. It's a great new blog. Go visit and sign up. 

1. If you blog anonymously are you happy doing it that way; if you are not anonymous do you wish you had started out anonymously so you could be anonymous now? 

Anona-who? I'm partially anonymous. First name, but don't have my last name in my posts. I might have chosen a specific blogger type anonoymous name, but I'd never recognize it. :P

2. Describe one incident that shows your inner stubborn side:

No! I refuse to answer this on the grounds... oh wait. Hey! There you go! ;)

3. What do you see when you really look at yourself in the mirror? 

Um... me? I mean this isn't that mirror in The Neverending Story, is it? O.o

4. What is your favorite summer cold drink? 

Probably fresh lemonade. Yum. *smacks lips*

5.When you take time for yourself, what do you do? 

Depends. Listen to music, sleep, play with the dogs, do something spa-like at home. Stuff like that.

6. Is there something you still want to accomplish in your life? What is it? 

World Peace.

7. When you attended school, were you the class clown, the class overachiever , the shy person, or always ditching? 

Depends on who you ask. Seriously. lol Probably most would say shy overachiever.

8. If you close your eyes and want to visualize a very poignant moment of your life what would you see? 

The back of my eyelids. ;) Okay, fine... a smile on my face. :) Although if you consider it... why would I be able to see myself unless I was staring into that Neverending Story mirror? :-/

9. Is it easy for you to share your true self in your blog or are you more comfortable writing posts about other people or events?

It's not obvious? I'm a snarky shy overachiever! :P

Passing the buck to:

Avery from Avery's Book and Other Fun Stuff Nook
Alexia from Alexia's Books and Such
Julie from Musings from the Slush Pile
Mad Scientist from Steampunkery & Book Reviews
Mary from Tribute Books Mama
Missie from The Unreadreader
Nina from J'Adore Happy Endings
Bella from Beguile Thy Sorrow
Jackie from Housewife Blues and Chihuahua Stories
Jessica from the Spinecracker
Mel from Mel's Random Reviews
The Slowest Bookworm

Home and Garden Book Reviews

No, I'm not Martha Stewart. Nor will anyone accuse me of it, well, ever. But that doesn't mean that I don't like to scan the H&G section of the book store. These two from NetGalley caught my eye.

 From Goodreads:

An Outside-the-Box Guide to Outdoor Living. Lets face it: most of us have the confidence to improve the inside of our homes with a fresh coat of paint, new rugs, furniture, and fixtures. But when it comes to the outside of our most prized possession, we dont know where to start. Thats where Julie Moir Messervys The Landscape of Home comes in. The acclaimed landscape designer walks the reader through the process of turning any property into the home outside youve always dreamed of. Focusing on key concepts like Finding Your Comfort Zone and Placing the Pieces, Messervy presents breathtaking plans for remarkable front and back lawns, entertainment areas, and contemplative retreats, as well as innovative ways to create a better flow between the inside and outside of a house. 

This is one of those books I love at this time of year. Everything is dying and some days you just need to look at a little green. Plus, if you actually want to do some landscaping at your home, now is the perfect time for planning your space. You can go huge and even find some professional help. There is a section in the book on doing this. Or you can even go much smaller. You have some money to spend, but not much. There is a sections (my favorite part) that deals with a shoestring budget. Even if you are stuck to apartment living with no outside to garden at all, just drool at all the beautiful pictures.

For example:

or even:

Ah... I can almost feel the peace coming. Of course to have a space like this you have to maintain it and the book also gives you clues on that. However, for the time being I'll stick to the less stressful type of gardening by being a page turner. ;)

The other book I've had in mind is something food-wise. Yes, if you know me at all and have heard me complain, you know I do not like to cook. I do, however, like to decorate. And even though this might be a bit late in the season, I present:

From Goodreads:

The cupcake craze is still going full blast, and the invasion of cupcake shops spreads across the planet. But if there’s one thing that sticks in the throat, it’s that those cupcakes are so damn cutesy. Zombie Cupcakes will rise up through the ranks of sugary-sweet cupcake books by featuring a ghoulish army of delicious little creations that are anything but sugar-coated. Recipes range from Zombie Flesh, to Zombie Brain, Gravestones, Maggots, Night of the Living Cupcake, 28 Cupcakes Later, and more! The recipes feature complete cooking and icing techniques, along with full-color photos and even illustrations of some of the more difficult techniques, making the book perfect for beginners and more accomplished pastry chefs alike. Each recipe also features a difficulty rating, prep time, and cooking time, and sidebars of zombie trivia will be sprinkled throughout the book. 

I know you are thinking what am I doing with a book like this AFTER Halloween? Well, I look at it this way. Perhaps someone has a birthday with a zombie or gory theme? How about scaring Aunt Mildred on Thanksgiving. I mean, hey, she did criticize your turkey to everyone in town last year. Might as well give her something to really talk about! If nothing else, this book is fun. You have several sections on making many horrorific cupcakes you want to devour.

Just check out this one:

or this:

if nothing else, you can consider it brain food and so by that logic it is good for you. 

I hope you enjoyed a little look into these books. I know I have. I received these books from NetGalley and received no compensation for my review.

On My Wishlist...

Vixen by Jillian Larkin (published Dec. 14, 2010)
From Goodreads:

Jazz . . . Booze . . . Boys . . . It’s a dangerous combination.

 Every girl wants what she can’t have. Seventeen-year-old Gloria Carmody wants the flapper lifestyle—and the bobbed hair, cigarettes, and music-filled nights that go with it. Now that she’s engaged to Sebastian Grey, scion of one of Chicago’s most powerful families, Gloria’s party days are over before they’ve even begun . . . or are they?

 Clara Knowles, Gloria’s goody-two-shoes cousin, has arrived to make sure the high-society wedding comes off without a hitch—but Clara isn’t as lily-white as she appears. Seems she has some dirty little secrets of her own that she’ll do anything to keep hidden. . . . 

 Lorraine Dyer, Gloria’s social-climbing best friend, is tired of living in Gloria’s shadow. When Lorraine’s envy spills over into desperate spite, no one is safe. And someone’s going to be very sorry. . . . 

 From debut author Jillian Larkin, VIXEN is the first novel in the sexy, dangerous, and ridiculously romantic new series set in the Roaring Twenties . . . when anything goes. 

Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen (published Oct. 1, 2010)
From Goodreads:

The year is 1929. New York is ruled by the Bright Young Things: flappers and socialites seeking thrills and chasing dreams in the anything-goes era of the Roaring Twenties.

Letty Larkspur and Cordelia Grey escaped their small Midwestern town for New York's glittering metropolis. All Letty wants is to see her name in lights, but she quickly discovers Manhattan is filled with pretty girls who will do anything to be a star…

Cordelia is searching for the father she's never known, a man as infamous for his wild parties as he is for his shadowy schemes. Overnight, she enters a world more thrilling and glamorous than she ever could have imagined—and more dangerous. It's a life anyone would kill for . . . and someone will.

The only person Cordelia can trust is Astrid Donal, a flapper who seems to have it all: money, looks, and the love of Cordelia's brother, Charlie. But Astrid's perfect veneer hides a score of family secrets.

Across the vast lawns of Long Island, in the illicit speakeasies of Manhattan, and on the blindingly lit stages of Broadway, the three girls' fortunes will rise and fall—together and apart. From the New York Timesbestselling author of The Luxe comes an epic new series set in the dizzying last summer of the Jazz Age.

Okay, so do the Charleston and tell me what is on your wishlist this week!

Follow Friday!

Hope your week has been going well. If you haven't yet, sign up for the book/necklace giveaway! Just click on the book cover to the left of this post. That link will take you directly to the post with the details and the form. Nope... you don't need to be a follower to enter.

Good luck!

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride

From Goodreads:

Sam leads a pretty normal life. He may not have the most exciting job in the world, but he’s doing all right—until a fast food prank brings him to the attention of Douglas, a creepy guy with an intense violent streak.

Turns out Douglas is a necromancer who raises the dead for cash and sees potential in Sam. Then Sam discovers he’s a necromancer too, but with strangely latent powers. And his worst nightmare wants to join forces . . . or else.  

With only a week to figure things out, Sam needs all the help he can get. Luckily he lives in Seattle, which has nearly as many paranormal types as it does coffee places. But even with newfound friends, will Sam be able to save his skin?

 Sam is pretty much your average guy. Unfortunately, he feels lost and doesn't know why. He dropped out of college hoping that something will come along and show him the way to enlightenment (be careful what you wish for). He works at a typical hamburger joint with his best friends Ramon, Brooke and Frank. Everything seemed like a typical boring work day until Douglas, the most powerful necromancer in his area stops by and zeros in on Sam. No necromancer should have gone undetected and so Douglas takes quite an interest in Sam. The friends find out quickly that Douglas is not trying to help him out of the goodness of his heart. In fact he quickly becomes a threat and Sam only has a short time to find the missing parts of himself that he didn't even know was missing.

This is a fun story. There is snark, but mostly with the females in the story (you know I love snark). I would also place this book more in the older YA category. The characters are around the age of 19 and there is violence and sex within the book. It isn't too graphic and I think it is more relatable to the older teen. It also ends in such a way that there suggestion of another story. No, not a cliffhanger, but one that begs a second Sam book. Hopefully the females will have a bigger presence and there will be even more snark! I give this book 4 stars and recommend it for those who want a fun YA paranormal.

The book trailer is taken directly from the book:


I was given this ARC by Henry Holt/Macmillan publishing. No compensation was given for my review.