Spring Blog Carnival!

Sponsored by:Candace's Book Blog, Reading Angel, Pure Imagination and The Book Swarm

International readers... 

Step right up!

For you, an author, Dawn McCullogh-White, 

graciously and wonderously will provide...

to one lucky winner only...

a pdf copy (or amazon gift) of...

Cameo the Assassin

Book 1 in the Cameo Series

Yes! This ebook can be yours by filling out the appropriate box in the form below.

But Wait...

US Readers... 

I call your perfect attention to this bunch of books that can be yours if you get picked by random.org

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
(This is an ARC)

Across the Universe by Beth Revis
(This is an ARC)

Giveaway is now over!
Thanks for playing!

Yes, lady luck as well as her partner random.org can be fickle, but you'll never know unless you try your hand at winning. 

Good Luck!
Don't forget to visit everyone else's blog too! Great prizes to be had! Step up to the list HERE and be amazed!

On My Wishlist...

One Salt Sea by Seanan McGuire

TBP: Sept. 6, 2011

From Goodreads:

October “Toby” Daye is settling into her new role as Countess of Goldengreen. She's actually dating again, and she's taken on Quentin as her squire. So, of course, it's time for things to take a turn for the worse.  

Someone has kidnapped the sons of the regent of the Undersea Duchy of Saltmist. To prevent a war between land and sea, Toby must find the missing boys and prove the Queen of the Mists was not behind their abduction. Toby's search will take her from the streets of San Francisco to the lands beneath the waves, and her deadline is firm: she must find the boys in three days' time, or all of the Mists will pay the price. But someone is determined to stop her — and whoever it is isn't playing by Oberon's Laws...

*looks innocent* Yes... I need to get the first 4 books in the series starting with Rosemary and Rue (October Daye, Book 1). It's not like I do it necessarily on purpose, *nervous laugh* but just look at the cover! It's a mermaid! I love mermaid stories and this one looks like it is combined with the darker world of UF. Oh I needs it... even if it is the middle of the series. *shy smile*

Uh... so what are your ~I shouldn't want it yet before I read the rest of the series~ wishlist books this week? ;D

Twisted Tales #1 and #2 by Maureen McGowan

I have a confession to make first. *hangs head* I am not a fan of the "chose your own story" type of... well, story. I just never usually find what I would do in their situation and really don't like to go back and read it in another scenario. So, I will admit that the following reviews are slightly prejudiced but will try to be very fair. *straightens up* 

Here we go..

Cinderella: Ninja Warrior

From Goodreads:

In this fast-paced story full of adventure and romance, Cinderella is more than just a servant girl waiting for her prince—she's a tough, fearless girl who is capable of taking charge of a dangerous situation. Seeking to escape the clutches of her evil stepmother, Cinderella perfects her ninja skills and magic talents in secret, waiting for the day when she can break free and live happily ever after. In a special twist, readers have the opportunity to make key decisions for Cinderella and decide where she goes next—but no matter the choice; the result is a story unlike any fairy tale you've ever read!

I admit I jumped to get this one. First, it was described as a twisted fairy tale (heh... twisted!). Next, Cinderella was a ninja warrior! I was sold and didn't even read the blurb. Anyhoo... I do admit I did enjoy this book. The choices laid out for you to make seemed like easy choices and no brainers to me. So, the story I read I really enjoyed. Cinderella was a girl that, despite the torturous, and even more physically abusive Stepmother than we are used to seeing, we find learns to stand up for herself. She is one that is concerned about others and is unfailingly kind. Plus, in this book, magic runs throughout the kingdom and Cinderella inherited a considerable amount of natural magical ability from her mother. In this book, there is no fairy godmother, but a cat who helps her become more of a wizard and also a ninja warrior. The story I read was written well and I was interested in this book from the beginning to the end.

There are at least 6 possibilites. All have the first chapter and the last chapter in common. So, you control the journey, but not the outcome. I give this book 4 stars. I cannot comment on the other journeys as I just read the one story and went to the next book. Others who enjoy this sort of thing will enjoy reading Cinderella on a different journey, but coming to the same conclusion.


Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer
From Goodreads:

In this thrilling story full of adventure and romance, Sleeping Beauty is more than just a lonely princess waiting for her prince—she's a brave, tenacious girl who never backs down from a challenge. With vampire-slaying talents that she practices in secret, Sleeping Beauty puts her courage to the test in the dark of night, fighting evil as she searches for a way to break the spell that has cut her off from her family. In a special twist, readers have the opportunity to make key decisions for Sleeping Beauty and decide where she goes next—but no matter the choice; the result is a story unlike any fairy tale you've ever read!Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer is an entirely new type of fairy tale–one that will keep today's kids guessing and offer them hours of magical fun.

I admit I was more interested in reading Sleeping Beauty after reading the first book in this series. In this story, a vampire was the one who felt slighted by the princess's mother. She curses Beauty that when she is 16 she will prick her finger and she will be awake at night while the kingdom sleeps, but during the day while the kingdom is awake, she will sleep. If she finds her true love and then proves her love, the curse will break. But how is she to find true love being the only one awake?

Beauty was a strong character. Despite her father's coddling, and with her mother's help, she becomes a slayer to keep herself safe. She didn't want to rely on anyone since, obviously, she couldn't if they were all sleeping. The choices in this book were not as straightforward and I first thought they would be, but I was still satisfied with my choices. As with the first book, the first chapter and the last are the same no matter what you chose. So, again, the outcome is the same, but not the journey.

I give this book 3 stars. I did not enjoy this book as much as the first. In some ways I liked this princess much more, but some of the scenarios just seemed to contrived and the ending seemed rushed. However, I still recommend it to people who enjoy these type of chose your path books.

I was given these ebooks from the publisher and NetGalley and no compensation for my review was given.

Hush by Cherry Adair

From Goodreads:

National bestselling author Cherry Adair introduces an edgy, sexy new suspense series with this exhilarating international tale of hide and seek. 

A reckless adventure in a deadly paradise.Thrill seekers Zakary and Gideon Stark travel the globe in search of extreme adventure, but a trip to Venezuela to jump off the world’s highest falls catapults them into a perilous game of life or death—where they don’t know the rules. 

A one-night stand that will change his life forever.Kidnapped with a woman Zak knows nothing about, the brothers are held prisoner deep in the jungle. A risky, deathdefying escape separates them and nearly claims Zak’s life . . . until his recovery reveals a baffling new sixth sense. 

An unexpected diversion with lethal consequences.Now, to find his missing brother, Zak and the mysterious Acadia Gray will have to out-smart, out-gun, and out-maneuver not just the brutal kidnappers but also a new player who joins the adrenaline game: a ruthless opponent who wants the Stark brothers dead—at any cost.

Hm... let's see... hot brothers, hot smex, lots of adventure, plenty of bad guys and a mystery all in one book? Yep, that is Hush. However, I won't Hush and tell you I enjoyed this adventure. I will also tell you that for 1/2 the book I really hated the hero (anti-hero?) of this book, Zak. He was arrogant, mean, and well... a complete a~, uh, jerk. I just didn't think I would end up liking Zak and I thought Acadia was insane for being as nice to him as she was in this book. Okay, I did get that he was probably her best way out of the lush jungle and away from the gorilla kidnappers, but I was still hoping that she would literally kick his ass at least once or twice. 

Oh, and I should say a word or two about Acadia Gray. While at the beginning we might question her good sense, no one should by the end of the book. She never saw herself as adventurous, only boring. Small town girl working in a safe job. However, when impossible odds come her way, she proves not only that she is capable, but strong and a true heroine. She bravely withstood that which would have sunk other people quite easily. So, of course, I liked Acadia, and didn't want her to end up with Zak. 

Okay, this is a romance, so Zak slowly and painfully starts to wake up to his true life. He realizes the true pain he caused in his own life and FINALLY stops taking it out on Acadia. Yep, I started to like the boy. And with all good romances, the boy grows up to be a man in the end. 

This story is book 1 in the Lodestone trilogy (yes, I've been reading book 1 again.. I didn't pull a Melissa. *stares at Stephanie*). This book lays the groundwork for the other 2 books so I'm glad I finally liked Zak. ;) It was just published so go out and get a copy. That way you'll be prepared for the next book. :)

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

Oh, and here is the book told in pictures... 

Winners!

The Winner of the Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway is...

Meghan!

(confirmed)

Oh, and I didn't forget...

the winner of..

is...

Roxy!

She has been contacted and the earrings are on their way!

The next giveaways are...

and

On May 4th!

My Book Boyfriend

Today's book boyfriend comes from my latest review book... Tangled Threads by Jennifer Estep. For those who are fans of the series, can you already guess who this is going to be? Are you getting upset that I am now adding Owen to my man harem and will no longer be available to you? 

Too bad. ;D

But who, WHO could I pick to be Owen? Who could be his doppelganger? Hm... well, Gin describes Owen as a confident, attentive and a skilled man. He has a broad chest and blue-black hair, rough chiseled features, and a hard body. *le swoon* He is also someone who is perfect to heal Gin's wounded heart. 

Ah, but the question is still unanswered. Who? The only one who has come even a bit close to Owen is in my head is Jason Momoa.

His features and chest *fans self* makes me think more of Owen than any others I've seen around the blogosphere. There is a hard edge to Owen and Jason seems to come close. Okay, but does he look good in a suit?

Yes he does. :) This was closest to a suit I could find. Seems that people like to see him shirtless more often than not. Can't really blame them. *giggles*

Ah... such a nice addition to the man harem. :)

And your addition is...?

That Is Priceless by Steve Melcher

From Goodreads:

Thirty-two million Americans consider themselves artists, and nearly 100 million consider themselves art lovers. They--along with anyone else who enjoys a good laugh--will appreciate the edgy blend of art, comedy, and pop culture inside comedian Steve Melcher's popular blog-turned-book,That Is Priceless: Art's Greatest Masterpieces . . . Made Slightly Funnier. 

It all started when Melcher stumbled upon a postcard in a museum gift shop for Peter Paul Rubens's The Finding of Erichthonius. Inspiration struck, and Melcher scrambled for a Post-it note and scribbled down what he thought was a more appropriate title: Worst Secret Santa Gift Ever. And with that, That Is Priceless was born. More than 150 images are gathered inside the book's full-color pages--from Courbet's The Desperate Man reimagined as Johnny Depp Realizing He Left the Oven On to Degas's Portrait of the Artist James Tissot retitled as Portrait of the Artist in Mom Jeans. 

Part art history, part parody, and entirely laugh-out-loud funny, That Is Priceless gives musty old paintings a 21st-century pop culture face-lift, enlivening the artist's canvas with playful comic irreverence.

Art? Humor? Okay, I HAD to check out this book. This book is a collection of art by art masters with alternate titles. Some of them were okay. Some of them were funny. All made me look at the art a little closer. So, for that reason I consider this book a fun success. It may introduce people who have never spent time in a museum or art showing to actually look at all the art that surrounds them. However, why describe it when I can show you some of the pieces in this book:

My favorites:

Gustave Courbet, French

Johnny Depp Realizing He Left the Oven On, 1844

Oil on Canvas

Carlos Schwabe, Swiss-German

Lady Gaga's High School Yearbook Photo, 1907

Oil on Canvas

Some I liked, but thought of different titles:

Unknown Flemish Artist

Informercial for the BreadBlaster 3000, 1648

Oil on Canvas

My alternate title:

Burger King's Oldest Commercial: Where's the Beef?

Nicolae Grigorescu, Romanian

Vlad and Lucky Mailing Their Wedding Announcement, 1850

Oil on Canvas

My alternate title:

AFLACK!

Agnolo Bronzino, Italian

Sir Percival, Rethingking the Nipple Spikes, 1545

Tempera on Canvas

My alternate title:

Madonna, Eat Your Heart Out!

The book is separated into different categories, but not for the art, for the title of the work. So, since I had fun with this book, can you think of alternate titles to go with the artwork? If you can, comment! I'd love to see what others come up with! :)

Oh, and if you really enjoy this type of fun-making, the author has a blog. In fact the blog turned into this book. Just go HERE to see more artwork with different titles.

I was given this ebook by the publisher and net galley and no compensation for my review was given.

Tangled Threads by Jennifer Estep

From Goodreads:

I’d rather face a dozen lethal assassins any night than deal with something as tricky, convoluted, and fragile as my feelings. 

But here I am. Gin Blanco, the semi-retired assassin known as the Spider. Hovering outside sexy businessman Owen Grayson’s front door like a nervous teenage girl. One thing I like about Owen: he doesn’t shy away from my past—or my present. And right now I have a bull’s-eye on my forehead. Cold-blooded Fire elemental Mab Monroe has hired one of the smartest assassins in the business to trap me. Elektra LaFleur is skilled and efficient, with deadly electrical elemental magic as potent as my own Ice and Stone powers. Which means there’s a fifty-fifty chance one of us won’t survive this battle. I intend to kill LaFleur—or die trying—because Mab wants the assassin to take out my baby sister, Detective Bria Coolidge, too. The only problem is, Bria has no idea I’m her long-lost sibling . . . or that I’m the murderer she’s been chasing through Ashland for weeks. And what Bria doesn’t know just might get us both dead. . . .

*Squee!* Oh yes! Another installment of this great series! And since I know not everyone is caught up to this point or are just starting the series... I will TRY to spoil nothing. Oh, that is going to be so hard, but despite the sage words of Yoda (do or do not, there is no try) I will still try. *checks for miniature green aliens* At least I won't spoil anything that isn't in the blurb above... so at least be warned that far. ;)

In this book like the others, there is a seemingly impossible task set upon Gin. There is also another villan who enters the picture in the form of a cold-sadistic assassin. There is plenty of action and heart stopping moments as we come to expect from this series but in this one there is also an extra layer of heart rendering moments as well. Oh and that is what made this book extra special. The relationship of Owen really helps us see how much Donovan Caine hurt Gin. Oh, that made me hate Donovan even more. That isn't the only relationship that Gin explores in this book. She also explores her relationship with Bria, her baby sis. Of course, I loved seeing Gin's family expand in very unusual ways especially for an assassin. You'll just have to read about it to find out what I mean by that.

My only complaint is minor. It has repetitive areas that drew me out of the book at times. However, I do understand. There are people who pick up books in the middle of the series and so I believe it was for a new-comer's benefit (I, of course have NO idea about those type of people *cough*). For the rest of us who have followed Gin from book 1, we just wanted to get to the good stuff as quickly as possible because we root for the heroine so much. 

I give this book 4 1/2 Owens... uh I mean stars. You will enjoy this book especially if you have read the others. It is a perfect addition to the series. This book will be published tomorrow! So what are you doing here? Go get it! :) I was given this ARC by the author and no compensation for my review was given.

Books in the series...

1. Spider's Bite (Elemental Assassin, Book 1)
2. Web of Lies (Elemental Assassin, Book 2)
3. Venom (Elemental Assassin, Book 3)
4. Tangled Threads (Elemental Assassin, Book 4)

Btw, stop by May 4th for a blog post by Jennifer Estep and a giveaway!

Hoppy Easter!

For those that celebrate...

Happy Easter!

For those that don't...

Happy Sunday!

For a certain someone... who hates cute fluffy bunnies...

(you know who you are... MISSIE!)

I thought a cute little song would be just what you need to get through today...

Oh but the bunnies want one more word...

"Just for that... show the next clip, Mel..."

BUNNEH!

On My Wishlist...

Seizure by Kathy Reichs
TBP: 10/18/2011
From Goodreads:

The second novel in the Virals trilogy from #1 bestselling author and inspiration for the TV series Bones-Kathy Reichs! 

Ever since Tory Brennan and her friends rescued Cooper, a kidnapped wolf pup with a rare strain of canine parvovirus, they've turned from regular kids into a crime-solving pack! But now the very place that brought them together-the Loggerhead Island Research Institute--is out of funding and will have to shut down. That is, unless the Virals can figure out a way to save it!

So when Tory learns of an old Charleston legend about a famous she-pirate, Anne Bonney, whose fortune was never found, she can't believe her luck--buried treasure is exactly what she needs to save the Institute on Loggerhead! Trouble is, she and her friends aren't the only ones looking for it. And this time, the Virals' special powers may not be enough to dig them out of trouble . . .

I loved that first book and I really want to read this one too!

Legacy by Molly Cochran
TBP: 12/20/2011
From Goodreads:

When her widowed father dumps 16-year-old Katy Jessevar in a boarding school in Whitfield, Massachusetts, she has no idea that fate has just opened the door to both her future and her past. Nearly everyone in Whitfield is a witch, as is Katy herself, although she has struggled all her life to hide her unusual talents. Stuck at a boarding school where her fellow students seem to despise her, Katy soon discovers that Whitfield is the place where her mother commited suicide under mysterious circumstances when Katy was just a small child. With dark forces converging on Whitfield, it’s up to Katy to unravel her family’s many secrets to save the boy she loves and the town itself from destruction. 

So... what are your YA paranormal mystery wishes this week?

Support Teen Reading with Great Prizes!

With thanks to:

I was lead to the website of Randy Russell author of 

Dead Rules by Randy Russell

TBP: June 21, 2011

Jana Webster and Michael Haynes were in love. They were destined to be together forever.

But Jana's destiny was fatally flawed. And now she's in Dead School, where Mars Dreamcote lurks in the back of the classroom, with his beguiling eyes, mysterious smile, and irresistibly warm touch.

Michael and Jana were incomplete with out each other. There was no room for Mars in Jana's life or death story. Jana was sure Michael would soon rush to her side.
But things aren't going according to Jana's plan. So she decides to do whatever it takes to make her dreams come true, no matter what rules she has to break.

Love wasn't all red paper valentines and candy hearts. Sometimes love was despair. And sometimes love was wrong. Jana loved Michael enough to kill him for it. Jana loved Michael to death.

So why is this so epic?

Because he is giving away some epic prizes!

$2,500 in Dead Rules Giveaways to support Teen Reading, Schools & Libraries, and Indie Bookstores.

Includes $2,000 in new books from your local independent bookseller.

Participate in the categories below to be eligible for giveaways awarded July 31, 2011.

• Teens & Readers: 2 iPod Nanos, $500 in books of your choice, $200 in iTune credits
• Teachers & Librarians: $1,500 in books of your choice

It is so important now since so many libraries have had their budget cuts. I am lucky I live in an area where the library is supported, but will still be one of the cuts if things get worse. 

My favorite memory is the book-mobile. I loved that bus. Couldn't wait for it to come after school on certain days. I would love to see that program in particular make a major comeback. 

SWEET!

So hop on over HERE to get more info!

Kat Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis

From Goodreads:

Twelve-year-old Kat Stephenson may be the despair of her social-climbing Step-Mama, but she was born to be a magical Guardian and protector of Society--if she can ever find true acceptance in the secret Order that expelled her own mother. She’s ready to turn the hidebound Order of the Guardians inside-out, whether the older members like it or not. And in a society where magic is the greatest scandal of all, Kat is determined to use all her powers to help her three older siblings--saintly Elissa, practicing-witch Angeline, and hopelessly foolish Charles--find their own true loves, even if she has to turn highwayman, battle wild magic, and confront real ghosts along the way!

Any Jane Austen fans out there? Looking to the next generation and wanting them to be interested in those wonderful books but still feel they are a bit too old for them? Oh, do I have the perfect solution. Let me introduce you to Kat Stephenson a girl who will never be on the best behaved list. Kat is the main character and the one who is the most adventurous of the 3 girls. Charles, their older brother has kept the family in financial ruins which prompts the oldest sister, and the most dramatic of them all, Elissa to marry into money. Stepmama found the perfect catch. However the catch is, is that he lost his last wife to some very unusual and suspicious circumstances. Trying to do what is right and also trying to find out what magics Angeline, the middle sister, has been preforming, Kat stumbles onto a magic mirror who claims her as her own.

Hm... as to what happens next. I cannot say. Angeline put a lip lock (finger lock?) spell on me to prevent it. I will say, however, that if you love fun adventure, strong willed smart women, and a MG/YA tribute to Jane Austen then you will enjoy this book. The story does start out a bit slow but quickens the pace as soon as the first adventure of magic appears (which happens quickly). I give this book 4 1/2 stars. Oh and this is book 1 in the series. You UK people should be happy that you'll be getting those stories before us Yanks in the colonies. ;)

Books in the Series:

1. Most Improper Magick (UK);  Kat Incorrigible (US)
2. A Tangle of Magicks (UK) (TBP: Aug. 2011);  Kat Incorrigible: Renegade Magic (US) (TBP: April 2012)
3. Reckless Magick (working title) (UK);  untitled (US)

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

Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop

Looking for something you like?

Perhaps it's some reading material?

If so...

you are in luck!

I'm hopping to giveaway these books to one fluffy winner!*

*disclaimer... do not need to be fluffy to enter

So... what is the prize to be given to one winner?

Well, I thought and what I always remembered about Easter was the kids having fun. So, my giveaway books are 2, suitable for the MG crowd.

Radiance by Alyson Noël

Perfect for those wanting to start this series!

This is an ARC

Girl, Stolen by April Henry

This is also an ARC

So, what to do?

Hop on down to the form and fill it out!

Sorry, it's US only.

Giveaway is Closed. Thanks for playing!

Looking for the rest of the giveaways? Just go HERE! Have fun and don't eat too many chocolate bunn... uh... eggs! ;)