iLive, iLaugh, iLove Books: Giveaway: 400 Followers of Awesome!: "Well, daaaaang. After only three months of blogging, I've reached 400 followers!! I could never have reached this level of awesomeness witho..."
Friday, April 29, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Paranormal Romance: 100 Follower Giveaway! Enter to WIN
Paranormal Romance: 100 Follower Giveaway! Enter to WIN: "WOW ! I can’t believe I reached 100 followers . When I started this blog I didn’t expect to get 10 followers let alone 100. So as a thanks ..."
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The Journey and Musings of a Single Country Gal: Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop!!! April ...
The Journey and Musings of a Single Country Gal: Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop!!! April ...: "Welcome to the Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop hosted by Kathy at I'm a Reader Not a Writer and Yara at Once Upon A Twilight . Thi..."
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Review of HOME IS WHERE THE BARK IS
HOME IS WHERE THE BARK IS
Kandy Shepherd
The Berkley Publishing Group, July 2010
ISBN: 978-0-425-23429-7
Serena Oakley, a former model, who is tired of being infamous, dresses down and opens Paws-A-While, an upscale dog daycare and spa in San Francisco. Serena hopes to put her modeling career behind her and use her love for dogs to carve out a new career. Unfortunately, someone is stealing identities and the trail left by the thief leads PI, Nick Whalen, right to Serena's door.
Because I have been feeling a little down, HOME IS WHERE THE BARK IS just hit the spot for me. It is a heart-warming, contemporary romance, with likable characters, adorable animals, and a hot hero. There were many humorous moments in this book, and I enjoyed the chemistry between the Nick and Serena. I only have one small quibble with a few of the Serena's choices, which seemed a little irrational to me. Other than this sometimes annoying tendency of the heroine, I greatly enjoyed HOME IS WHERE THE BARK IS and recommend it.
NOTE: I reviewed this book for the PNR group. I gave an impartial review. http://paranormalromance.org/reviews/
Kandy Shepherd
The Berkley Publishing Group, July 2010
ISBN: 978-0-425-23429-7
Serena Oakley, a former model, who is tired of being infamous, dresses down and opens Paws-A-While, an upscale dog daycare and spa in San Francisco. Serena hopes to put her modeling career behind her and use her love for dogs to carve out a new career. Unfortunately, someone is stealing identities and the trail left by the thief leads PI, Nick Whalen, right to Serena's door.
Because I have been feeling a little down, HOME IS WHERE THE BARK IS just hit the spot for me. It is a heart-warming, contemporary romance, with likable characters, adorable animals, and a hot hero. There were many humorous moments in this book, and I enjoyed the chemistry between the Nick and Serena. I only have one small quibble with a few of the Serena's choices, which seemed a little irrational to me. Other than this sometimes annoying tendency of the heroine, I greatly enjoyed HOME IS WHERE THE BARK IS and recommend it.
NOTE: I reviewed this book for the PNR group. I gave an impartial review. http://paranormalromance.org/reviews/
A Myriad of Books: Half-a-Blogoversary Mega Giveaway!
A Myriad of Books: Half-a-Blogoversary Mega Giveaway!: "It's my Blogoversary, guys!!! *squeals* Okay, so it will be my blogoversary in exactly six months. It's my Half-a-Blogoversary, anyway, a..."
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The Bookish Type: A Cornucopia of Dystopia: Giveaway of Enclave by A...
The Bookish Type: A Cornucopia of Dystopia: Giveaway of Enclave by A...: "Thanks to Ksenia at Feiwel and Friends, I'm able to give away a copy of the exciting new release Enclave by Ann Aguirre! New York C..."
Friday, April 15, 2011
Winners
The winner of my blogiversary is
Tara
The winner of Shadow Cat is
Madam Marsee
The winners have been notified and responded.
My family is celebrating my birthday this weekend and my cousin is making a Pride and Prejudice and Zombies cake for me. If it turns out well I'll try and post pics. Thanks to everyone for all the good wishes.
Tara
The winner of Shadow Cat is
Madam Marsee
The winners have been notified and responded.
My family is celebrating my birthday this weekend and my cousin is making a Pride and Prejudice and Zombies cake for me. If it turns out well I'll try and post pics. Thanks to everyone for all the good wishes.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Read Me Bookmark Me Love Me: Vacation + Giveaway
Read Me Bookmark Me Love Me: Vacation + Giveaway: "Dear lovely readers, I'll be going to Italy on the 21st! It's a two week trip and I'll be checking out the sites at several places such as R..."
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Interview and Giveaway with Reena Jacobs
Please welcome Reena Jacobs. She has kindly volunteered to be my first interview. So without further ado:
BLP: Please tell us a little about yourself.
Awesome question. How about I tell you with a true story?
As I sat on the couch one afternoon in my slob suit-pajama bottoms and an old t-shirt complete with holes-I asked my husband to describe my personality. Before we get to his answer a bit of setup. Straight out of bed, my natural hair (kinky spirals) was doing that Pointy-haired boss thing from Dilbert. I hadn't left the house for days, choosing to spend the entire week lounging during spring break. Who am I kidding? Spring break had nothing to do with my appearance. That was my normal stay-at-home mom routine. My hard-working husband, on the other hand, had put in a marathon cleaning session in order to correct my substandard housekeeping. So, his response to my question? Meticulous.
As Inigo Montoya said in The Princess Bride,"I do not think that word means what you think it means."
I even read the definition for him, and he stuck by it. :) So a little about myself--I'm a meticulous sloth.
BLP: Describe your writing process.
Usually, I start a story by writing a beginning scene or two. I typically have no idea where the story is heading at that time. Once I've jotted down the start, I plot the story and plug my outline into my favorite writing program(Storybox developed by Mark Fassett). From there, I just type until the story is finished. Since I have an outline, I often skip around.
BLP: As a self-published author, what has your experience been like? Pros and cons?
Tough. :) The greatest benefit I've had so far with self-publishing is being free of the query process. It's time consuming, to say the least. Though it may seem like a petty issue, for me it isn't.
During the nine months I spent querying, I did very little writing--other than modifying query letters, that is. I can not express to you my relief when I realized I'd never have to write or send another query letter again.
Once I relieved myself of that burden, my creativity, motivation, and writing levels bumped exponentially. Since September, I've released a short story called Control Freaks: Brandon's Story, Shadow Cat, and completed the first draft of three other works. Now I need to muster a bit of motivation for some second draft editing.
The cons? Trying to get noticed amongst the masses without major backing. :) Seems everyone's pushing a book these days. It's like being in a crowd of thousands with everyone raising their hands shouting, "Pick me!" I'm a loner and prefer to fade into the background, so stepping up my social game is a challenge.
Traditional? Indie? It's really about tolerance levels and tradeoffs. For me, not having to query outweighs any cons associated with self-publishing.
BLP: What was your inspiration for Shadow Cat?
I get this question often, and it always leaves me floundering for an answer. I honestly don't remember when or how the idea sprung upon me, but research propelled much of Shadow Cat's creation. I spent a lot of time exploring Malaysian folklore for the supernatural aspects of the story. Then there was the many, many showers-- nothing like a hot shower to get those creative juices flowing.
BLP: I understand that you have two sequels in the works. Can you tell us anything about them?
Oh goodie! I'm so glad you asked. Teehee. I've written each book of the Striped Ones so it progresses the story of the penanggalan (a type of bodiless demon) dilemma. Other than a few scene gaps, Chasing Shadows (book two) and The Shadow Within (book three) are written and ready for a round of editing.
Chasing Shadows picks up where Shadow Cat leaves off and follows Mujur, the shifty wehr-tiger we meet toward the middle of book one. We learn about his background which is as questionable as him. For those familiar with wehr-tigers, you'll recall that the species tend to be quite tall in stature. Mujur's heroine, Kecil, is a mite of a thing. Don't let her size fool you; she can maul a human as well as any wehr-tigress.
The Shadow Within sends us to New York City and follows Bryan, Eric's assistant. I doubt Bryan realizes this, but I'm totally crushing on him. And if I weren't married to a wonderful man, I'd be completely envious of his heroine. Jacky. One of the things I love about The Shadow Within is it introduces characters who star in a few other works in progress. So even though The Shadow Within concludes the Striped Ones storyline, we don't have to say goodbye to our beloved characters.
BLP: If Shadow Cats were made into a film, who would you pick to play the main roles?
That's a tough one. I'm still leaning toward Sean Faris for the role of Eric. The rest, I'm not familiar enough with Malaysian actresses to even give a shot at Berani. Perhaps your readers have suggestions. :)
Now for some fun, frivolous questions.
Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi
Star Trek or Star Wars? Star Trek
favorite older tv series? Sliders
favorite recent tv series? House
favorite movie? The Joy Luck Club
favorite book? The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
Forgive my lack of originality. :)
BLP: Who are some authors on your must buy list?
Right now, I only have one author on my instant buy list. Strike that, she's on my preorder list. :) That place of honor goes to Kresley Cole. I have quite a few authors I'm extremely fond of and are high on my buy list, but none of them have earned my trust like Ms. Cole. The woman has never let me down.
Thanks for the wonderful interview and everything, Marlene.
BLP: Thanks for taking the time to be my first interviewee. I'm looking forward to the Shadow Cat sequels!
Shadow Cat is available at Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and Smashwords.
Giveaway:
Reena has kindly donated two kindle copies of Shadow Cat. See my review here. All you have to do to enter is leave Reena a question or comment. The giveaway will close midnight on April 14. I will notify the winners and they will have 48 hrs. to respond. So everyone enter, you don't want to miss out on a really good read.
BLP: Please tell us a little about yourself.
Awesome question. How about I tell you with a true story?
As I sat on the couch one afternoon in my slob suit-pajama bottoms and an old t-shirt complete with holes-I asked my husband to describe my personality. Before we get to his answer a bit of setup. Straight out of bed, my natural hair (kinky spirals) was doing that Pointy-haired boss thing from Dilbert. I hadn't left the house for days, choosing to spend the entire week lounging during spring break. Who am I kidding? Spring break had nothing to do with my appearance. That was my normal stay-at-home mom routine. My hard-working husband, on the other hand, had put in a marathon cleaning session in order to correct my substandard housekeeping. So, his response to my question? Meticulous.
As Inigo Montoya said in The Princess Bride,"I do not think that word means what you think it means."
I even read the definition for him, and he stuck by it. :) So a little about myself--I'm a meticulous sloth.
BLP: Describe your writing process.
Usually, I start a story by writing a beginning scene or two. I typically have no idea where the story is heading at that time. Once I've jotted down the start, I plot the story and plug my outline into my favorite writing program(Storybox developed by Mark Fassett). From there, I just type until the story is finished. Since I have an outline, I often skip around.
BLP: As a self-published author, what has your experience been like? Pros and cons?
Tough. :) The greatest benefit I've had so far with self-publishing is being free of the query process. It's time consuming, to say the least. Though it may seem like a petty issue, for me it isn't.
During the nine months I spent querying, I did very little writing--other than modifying query letters, that is. I can not express to you my relief when I realized I'd never have to write or send another query letter again.
Once I relieved myself of that burden, my creativity, motivation, and writing levels bumped exponentially. Since September, I've released a short story called Control Freaks: Brandon's Story, Shadow Cat, and completed the first draft of three other works. Now I need to muster a bit of motivation for some second draft editing.
The cons? Trying to get noticed amongst the masses without major backing. :) Seems everyone's pushing a book these days. It's like being in a crowd of thousands with everyone raising their hands shouting, "Pick me!" I'm a loner and prefer to fade into the background, so stepping up my social game is a challenge.
Traditional? Indie? It's really about tolerance levels and tradeoffs. For me, not having to query outweighs any cons associated with self-publishing.
BLP: What was your inspiration for Shadow Cat?
I get this question often, and it always leaves me floundering for an answer. I honestly don't remember when or how the idea sprung upon me, but research propelled much of Shadow Cat's creation. I spent a lot of time exploring Malaysian folklore for the supernatural aspects of the story. Then there was the many, many showers-- nothing like a hot shower to get those creative juices flowing.
BLP: I understand that you have two sequels in the works. Can you tell us anything about them?
Oh goodie! I'm so glad you asked. Teehee. I've written each book of the Striped Ones so it progresses the story of the penanggalan (a type of bodiless demon) dilemma. Other than a few scene gaps, Chasing Shadows (book two) and The Shadow Within (book three) are written and ready for a round of editing.
Chasing Shadows picks up where Shadow Cat leaves off and follows Mujur, the shifty wehr-tiger we meet toward the middle of book one. We learn about his background which is as questionable as him. For those familiar with wehr-tigers, you'll recall that the species tend to be quite tall in stature. Mujur's heroine, Kecil, is a mite of a thing. Don't let her size fool you; she can maul a human as well as any wehr-tigress.
The Shadow Within sends us to New York City and follows Bryan, Eric's assistant. I doubt Bryan realizes this, but I'm totally crushing on him. And if I weren't married to a wonderful man, I'd be completely envious of his heroine. Jacky. One of the things I love about The Shadow Within is it introduces characters who star in a few other works in progress. So even though The Shadow Within concludes the Striped Ones storyline, we don't have to say goodbye to our beloved characters.
BLP: If Shadow Cats were made into a film, who would you pick to play the main roles?
That's a tough one. I'm still leaning toward Sean Faris for the role of Eric. The rest, I'm not familiar enough with Malaysian actresses to even give a shot at Berani. Perhaps your readers have suggestions. :)
Now for some fun, frivolous questions.
Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi
Star Trek or Star Wars? Star Trek
favorite older tv series? Sliders
favorite recent tv series? House
favorite movie? The Joy Luck Club
favorite book? The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
Forgive my lack of originality. :)
BLP: Who are some authors on your must buy list?
Right now, I only have one author on my instant buy list. Strike that, she's on my preorder list. :) That place of honor goes to Kresley Cole. I have quite a few authors I'm extremely fond of and are high on my buy list, but none of them have earned my trust like Ms. Cole. The woman has never let me down.
Thanks for the wonderful interview and everything, Marlene.
BLP: Thanks for taking the time to be my first interviewee. I'm looking forward to the Shadow Cat sequels!
Shadow Cat is available at Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and Smashwords.
Giveaway:
Reena has kindly donated two kindle copies of Shadow Cat. See my review here. All you have to do to enter is leave Reena a question or comment. The giveaway will close midnight on April 14. I will notify the winners and they will have 48 hrs. to respond. So everyone enter, you don't want to miss out on a really good read.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
My Blogiversary and Birthday
Rules:
You must be a follower.
+5 old follower
+1 new follower
Leave me a comment with your total and e-mail.
Giveaway goes until April 12 at midnight. I will e-mail the winner, and they will have 48 hrs. to get back with me. Once they pick their books, I will order them from the Book Depository and have them shipped to them.
Thanks to everyone for a great first year!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Planet Print: Almost 100 followers/7 month blogoversary giveaway...
Planet Print: Almost 100 followers/7 month blogoversary giveaway...: "So, lately I feel like I've been a bit of a rubbish blogger: I have a ton of reviews to get out, my posting hasn't been regular and I just h..."
Monday, March 28, 2011
Review of WHEN BEAUTY TAMED THE BEAST
WHEN BEAUTY TAMED THE BEAST
Eloisa James
Avon, February 2011
ISBN: 978-1-61129-188-9
Miss Lynnette Berry is seeped in scandal after a flirtation with a prince goes awry, and it is bandied about that she is expecting. Desperate to see her settled, Lynnette's father and aunt decide to contact the Duke of Windebanke, who is equally as desperate to see his son settled. Because Piers Yelverton, the Earl of Marchant and the Duke of Windebanke's son, is a crippled, bad-tempered, doctor, who lives in a castle in Wales, he is known as the beast by London society. Lynnette, who is a beauty and used to entrancing men with her looks, may be in for a surprise, when she meets the beast.
WHEN BEAUTY TAMED THE BEAST is a wonderful historical romance with great characters and amusing dialogue. Piers is a truly great hero, warts and all. I loved his bad temper and snarky comments. Piers is a brilliant doctor, who doesn't suffer fools lightly. When confronted with Lynnette, Piers sees past her beauty to discover the determined, intelligent woman underneath. I love the fact, that Piers sees past Lynnette's stratagems and isn't bowled over by her famous male-enticing smile. Lynette, on the other hand, isn't just a beauty, for she is well-read and able to hold her own with Piers. These two, flawed, but endearing characters are perfect for each other, and their romance is very satisfying.
NOTE: I own this book and gave an impartial review.
Eloisa James
Avon, February 2011
ISBN: 978-1-61129-188-9
Miss Lynnette Berry is seeped in scandal after a flirtation with a prince goes awry, and it is bandied about that she is expecting. Desperate to see her settled, Lynnette's father and aunt decide to contact the Duke of Windebanke, who is equally as desperate to see his son settled. Because Piers Yelverton, the Earl of Marchant and the Duke of Windebanke's son, is a crippled, bad-tempered, doctor, who lives in a castle in Wales, he is known as the beast by London society. Lynnette, who is a beauty and used to entrancing men with her looks, may be in for a surprise, when she meets the beast.
WHEN BEAUTY TAMED THE BEAST is a wonderful historical romance with great characters and amusing dialogue. Piers is a truly great hero, warts and all. I loved his bad temper and snarky comments. Piers is a brilliant doctor, who doesn't suffer fools lightly. When confronted with Lynnette, Piers sees past her beauty to discover the determined, intelligent woman underneath. I love the fact, that Piers sees past Lynnette's stratagems and isn't bowled over by her famous male-enticing smile. Lynette, on the other hand, isn't just a beauty, for she is well-read and able to hold her own with Piers. These two, flawed, but endearing characters are perfect for each other, and their romance is very satisfying.
NOTE: I own this book and gave an impartial review.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
The Qwillery: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dreadfully Ever After: Book Trailer and Giveaway - March 24, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
The Mod Podge Bookshelf: Blooming Books Giveaway
The Mod Podge Bookshelf: Blooming Books Giveaway: "Welcome to the Blooming Books Giveaway! A multi-blog giveaway hosted by Enna Isilee of Squeaky Books and me! March 20th marked the firs..."
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Review of SHADOW CAT: A STRIPED ONES NOVEL
SHADOW CAT: A STRIPED ONES NOVEL
Reena Jacobs
Ericson Randall, the CEO of Nora Tech Pharmaceuticals, needs for the scientific expedition to the rainforest of Malayasia to go without a hitch, because his position in the company may depend on it. Unfortunately, the researchers are thrown out of the country after destroying a section of rainforest. When his assisstant, Bryan Hayes, suggests that Eric journey with him to Malaysia, Eric sees a way out of a sticky situation at home and a way to straighten out his Malaysian problems.
Berani, a tiger shifter, dislikes the intruders in her forest, but when she spies Eric, Berani is fascinated. Eric is, also, drawn to Berani. When Eric gets too close, Berani reacts by scratching him. Leading to a tumultuous courtship. Meanwhile, some evil beings pose a danger to Berani's people and the researchers.
Wow! I loved this book. Ms. Jacobs creates an imaginative, complex world filled with interesting, multi-faceted characters. The imagery is vivid and this reader soon became engrossed in the story. Ericson, who only lives for his business, soon, realizes there is more to life after meeting Berani. Berani, who tries to help her people, learns she doesn't have to do everything by herself. Interwoven throughout the book is the message of conservation, which really struck a chord with me. There are, also, some vicious creatures, which threaten everything, that Berani and Ericson hold dear. The ending is wonderfully exciting, and action-packed, and I have my fingers crossed, that Ms. Jacobs writes another book set in this spectacular world.
NOTE: I received this copy in return for an impartial review.
Reena Jacobs
Ericson Randall, the CEO of Nora Tech Pharmaceuticals, needs for the scientific expedition to the rainforest of Malayasia to go without a hitch, because his position in the company may depend on it. Unfortunately, the researchers are thrown out of the country after destroying a section of rainforest. When his assisstant, Bryan Hayes, suggests that Eric journey with him to Malaysia, Eric sees a way out of a sticky situation at home and a way to straighten out his Malaysian problems.
Berani, a tiger shifter, dislikes the intruders in her forest, but when she spies Eric, Berani is fascinated. Eric is, also, drawn to Berani. When Eric gets too close, Berani reacts by scratching him. Leading to a tumultuous courtship. Meanwhile, some evil beings pose a danger to Berani's people and the researchers.
Wow! I loved this book. Ms. Jacobs creates an imaginative, complex world filled with interesting, multi-faceted characters. The imagery is vivid and this reader soon became engrossed in the story. Ericson, who only lives for his business, soon, realizes there is more to life after meeting Berani. Berani, who tries to help her people, learns she doesn't have to do everything by herself. Interwoven throughout the book is the message of conservation, which really struck a chord with me. There are, also, some vicious creatures, which threaten everything, that Berani and Ericson hold dear. The ending is wonderfully exciting, and action-packed, and I have my fingers crossed, that Ms. Jacobs writes another book set in this spectacular world.
NOTE: I received this copy in return for an impartial review.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
A Great Book Is The Cheapest Vacation: Interview & GIVEAWAY with Jessica Andersen
A Great Book Is The Cheapest Vacation: Interview & GIVEAWAY with Jessica Andersen: "Interview & Giveaway with Jessica Andersen Welcome Jessica! Thanks for stopping by! Thanks so much for having me! So it's a new ye..."
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