More Free Templates

Hey guys, I have a few more blog templates.  I've put together a few quick ones. Also since the requests keep coming in, I've put together another blog site, that has them featured.  Check them out and tell me what you think. I still have to put the code up for download, but if you really want to use a template, just email me and I will send it over.

Check out my other blog... CLICK HERE.

The Damask Template

The Japan Template

The Paisley Template

The Book Maxima

Hello werewolves.....

I just had to pass this on.  Yahoo Movies released this new poster....along with a few others. My pedophile status has been confirmed.  If this movie doesn't blow my socks off, I will be seriously disappointed.  The cast is awesome.  I mean Dakota Fanning as Jane...and the creepy kid from that Nicole Kidman movie (Cameron Bright) as Alec...hello scary.

Great Contest at Library Lounge Lizard

Click title to go to her site.

Great SIGNED books by talented author Nancy Holder.  Here is the lineup:

The Wicked Series

Witch & Curse: Wicked Series Books 1 & 2

Legacy & Spellbound: Wicked Series Books 3 & 4

Resurrection: Wicked Series Book 5

Along with some Wicked Mints...mmm yummy


Pretty Little Devils 

Possessions

Okay, isn't this a SUPER, GREAT, AWESOME prize pack??!!

Remember every single one of these books is SIGNED!

Visit Nancy's Website to find out about all her great books www.NancyHolder.com 


Click here to go the LLL to sign up! - Don't forget to tell her that I referred you!!!!!

Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz

Melissa De la Cruz introduces us to the world of the Blue Bloods, over-privileged, Manhattan, teens, who attend a very private school and basically do whatever they want without any repercussions. Schuyler (pronounced like Skyler) Van Alen attends Duchesne, yet she believes she is nothing like her peers. She and her best friend Oliver have isolated themselves from the rest of the students and are treated like outsiders. The ruling clique of the school is lorded over by the Force twins, Mimi and Jack, and Schuyler soon finds out that she has a little more in common with the in-crowd than she thought - vampirism. Yet, just as she begins exploring her new life, something begins killing young Blue Bloods and Schuyler, Oliver, and their new friends are forced to delve into the secrets of their new way of life and uncover long buried cover-ups and an enemy that goes back to the beginning...

My first thoughts were that this book was pretty unique. But as the story progressed, while the idea behind vampirism was different, it had similarities between Mead's Vampire Academy and the House of Night series. Like those two series, it also has some sexually references - and is not as squeaky clean as I would like. So I would keep it away from your tweens.
The character of Schuyler Van Alen was a bit of an enigma. I couldn't quite place her personality, she shows some signs of being very confident, yet very shy and insecure. Like the usual "outsider" she believes herself better than the in-crowd, above their immature and vapid behavior, yet is sucked in so easily that you wonder about her loyalties. Her opinions of her classmates, grandmother and classmates parents seem very negative a lot - whereas she also seems to have a lot of affection for them. Its a bit confusing and it led me to really not like her that much. I really didn't like any of the characters in this book, but the story was interesting so I read on.

A huge annoyance that I had with novel was also the constant reciting of labels and designer names. It was frustrating and shallow. I really didn't care what dress MiMi and Bliss wore to a funeral - I couldn't tell you who the designer she named was anyway, considering I'm not a fashionista. I really hope the second book doesn't focus so much on labels and meaningless textures and fabrics.
Otherwise the book was well written and interesting, keeping me going and locked into the story. I do want to read the second in the series, yet I don't know if I'm going to move on right now.
The second cover is the French cover.  I actually like this one better.  

Free Blogger Template

Hey guys, I've been working on so many blogger templates, that I had this one mocked up but didn't use it.  Figured I would offer it to book bloggers as a free template to use.  I'm just asking that you email me to request the code.

I'm unveiling my 2nd template design (1st one, was commissioned)
for FREE download.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Request Code

Flashforward on ABC

FLASHFORWARD (ABC) EpisoDE 101 - No More Good Days

Synopsis: An unknown black out occurs world-wide and leaves the world in chaos.  Humans are only out for two minutes and seventeen seconds, but it is enough time to rock the world to its core.  For as they were unconscious each person got a glimpse of their own life six months in the future. Everyone is left wondering is this what will truly happen.

The show starts out with a bang. Total chaos, with FBI Agent Mark Benford (Joseph Fiennes) dragging himself from an overturned vehicle into the midst of people screaming, people mutilated from car crashes, and even a man on fire - and this is all before the opening credits.  (Put the children in bed people).  In fact before the first commercial break, I had gasped about 10 times, grabbed my throat, slapped the arm of the chair and shouted "No" at the television.  Pretty good for a show that was low on my TBW.

I was figuring Mr. Guggenheim (24, Star Trek: Enterprise) was a little too flashy - and this series had a little too much wow to be good, but boy their budget must be off the charts.  This didn't look like a television show, the graphics, special effects and action scenes had the smell of movie studio and not ABC studio.  But, Disney (owns ABC)  is taking over the world one entertainment industry at a time, so I'm pretty sure they could spare millions for this pilot - but is it worth it??? Judging by the excitement over the show 24 - it just might be.

At first the show just seems to be focused on dealing with the aftermath of the black out, yet strange scenes - a kangaroo in the middle of downtown LA, the daughter of Mark waking up to quote, "I had a bad dream.  There are no more good days." and a boy being wheeled into the ER knowing the doctors name before they meet. Something "supernatural" seems to be at work.

As you got deeper into the episode it became more and more reminiscent of 24.  The show focuses on the investigation.  There is this one event and everyone is trying to figure it out.  Very high impact, very on your toes. I really don't know if this is going to be a supernatural plot - or a conspiracy theory with regular humans to blame. I will watch on.  The pilot was better than I thought, very emotional and intense.  If you missed the pilot and enjoy shows like 24, check it out, you won't be disappointed.

ABC Meme

ABC Meme

I have been tagged by Patti @ Book Addict.
Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Share your ABC’s.
3. Tag three people at the end by linking to their blogs.
4. Let the three tagged people know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.
5. Do not tag the same person repeatedly but try to tag different people, so there is a big network of bloggers doing this tag.

Available or single?  Neither????

Best Friend? My hubby & my momma

Cake or Pie? cheesecake - is that both????

Drink of choice? Pinot - lush

Essential item for every day use? Cookie Crisp

Favorite color? Black & red

Google? Taking over the world

Hometown? N'awlins

Indulgences? Books, shoes, clothes, wine, sangria

January or February? February - getting closer to spring

Kids? One.

Life is incomplete without? Family, music, books, computers
 
Marriage date? October 25th

Number of siblings? 2 brothers - USAF pilot & USArmy paratrooper - hoorah

Oranges or apples? Oranges

Phobias and fears? A roach crawling in my ear, alien abduction

Quote for the day? Get a life.

Reason to smile? My little girl, my new dog and the scale going down down down

Season? October in New Orleans is the best month! Bring it on baby!

Tag 3 people? Froggy, Tina & Jackie

Unknown fact about me? I once shaved my head

Vegetable you hate? Are those circle things in chinese food, water chestnuts, a vegetable?

Worst habit? I have to be right and know it all!

X-rays you’ve had? Teeth, innards etc.

Your favorite food? Side dishes

Zodiac sign? Aries - it's all about me

Award Time ... It is about time!

Ok I have been putting this off for too long, no excuses, I know I know...but here are my awards.

Award - Hearthfelt Award from  Book Rat

Do you reach for a cup of cocoa or tea when your relaxing, seeking comfort, sharing a plate of cookies with family and friends? You know the feeling you get when you drink a yummy cup of cocoa, tea, or a hot toddy? That is what the Hearthfelt Award is all about, feeling warm inside.

Rules:
Put the logo on your blog/post. Nominate up to to 9 blogs which make you feel comfy or warm inside. Be sure to link your nominees within your post. Let them know that they have been nominated by commenting on their blog. Remember to link to the person from whom you received your award.

My Nominations:

Alana's Bookshelves
Fellow New Orleanian & Addict: Book Addict
Crystal Reviews

 

Award # 2 Dragon's Loyalty Award

Awarded to my by Pixie @ Just Random Stuff

The Dragon's Loyalty Award is an award for the loyal fan/commenter, whether the recipient is a fellow blogger or just a someone who follows and comments regularly.

Here are the rules:

* If you have a blog, post it on your blog with a link back to the site who gave it to you.

* Leave them a comment on their site, email, etc. to let them know.

* If you don't have a blog but have a website, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter or other type account, post there with a link back.

Here are my nominations:
Falling off the Shelf 
Juju from Tales of Whimsy
Melissa - My World
Cheeky Girl - Cheeky Reads

And last but not least, my coveted Blog Addict - the award goes to the blogs that fosters my addiction.  Thanks for all your hard work! It pays off - I read your posts. Great blog design and content! You can pass this one on if you want, but no obligation.  Make it worth it!

My nominations:

For the content, thanks for all the contest posts.  Love it! Pixie @ Just Contest Stuff
Sarbear @ My life is an effing fairy tale

Congrats everyone, spread the love!

Full Moon Rising by Keri Author

Keri Author, in the first book in her Guardian series reveals a new kind of paranormal hybrid, half vampire, half werewolf, twins Rhoan and Riley Jenson.  Rhoan and Riley aren't accepted with the werewolves of their pack so they have made their home in the Directorate, the agency that policies the paranormal world.  Rhoan is the strong-arm/execturioner and Riley is an overrated secretary who delivers blood and other things to the guardians employed with the Directorate.  When Rhoan disappears and she finds a naked vampire in her hallway, Riley's world is turned upside down.  Jack, Riley's boss has been desperate to get Riley to become a guardian like her brother, so he holds Rhoan's disappearance over her head and puts her to work in search of finding him and the mystery behind his and almost a dozen other guardians.

When other authors have introduced dhampirs, they have usually been human/vamp mixes.  They new take on the mixed breed was interesting, but Riley is mostly wolf and acts like a dog in heat throughout the entire novel.  I really have never read a book where the character had so many sexual partners and even lined up a few for the future books... it was a bit on the unnerving side, but since I'm not a prude I read on.  I was actually hoping that maybe at some point she would brush off her promiscuous ways and her and Quinn would run off into the sunset together.

Aside from all the rutting, the plot was interesting.  There was so much action that at times I stared wide eyed at the pages and just shook my head.  I think she was shot like twice, knifed, punched in the face, almost raped, ripped, wrapped, rammed...a million times over.  There was always someone coming at her, and she was always dressed in heels.  I just can't see the battle between half gryphons and weres going over well with 6 inch (huh?) heels. You go girl.

The constant betrayals were a bit off putting.  I mean, she knew these people forever and had no idea even how they were employed? Much less that they were evil!

I might read on, I might not.  I didn't hate it, but it wasn't great.

Eastwick on ABC

Based on the novel by John Updike and inspired by the popular movie The Witches of Eastwick, this series follows three very different women who find they suddenly possess very unique powers when a mysterious  man arrives in their small New England town.

Directed by David Nutter, (ER, Roswell)

Eastwick started out very similar to Desperate Housewives...the narrator is Bun, the crazy matron of Eastwick, who gets attacked by army ants and lands herself in a coma in the first five minutes. Will she die like the Desperate Housewives narrator, or will she live on, quirky and intrusive like the Head of Historical Society ladies are supposed to be?

The main characters are Joanna Frank (the librarian sexy, yet self-conscious reporter), Kat, (the repressed wife/mom) and Roxie (the "Merry Widow" who is a little hot and very scandalous). The three women live in the same small town, but really couldn't stand each other - that is until they are bonked on the head by silver coins and all make a wish at the same time - for change.

Change is in the form of Darryl Van Horne, whom I might add - they could have cast a bit better.  I don't know if it is his voice, or his resemblance to Mr. Big - or his subtle impersonation of Jack Nicholas (without the charm - better looking though). Darryl is rich, mysterious and hot in the pants for the three ladies, who now even though they hated each other, are now best buds. They're are a lot of satanic references with Van Horne - shown leaving a building with the address 666, etc.  So, I don't know if this character is going to go from "magic inspiring" to antagonist within the time-line of the series.

Best quote from the show, Roxie: "....Sometimes I wish I could meet someone who got me, you know, someone dark and dangerous and exciting. Who moves here on a cloud of scandal and everywhere he goes he stirs up sex and trouble.  And he's got a really HUGE {pause for effect} appreciation for art. A mysterious and fabulously wealthy eccentric, who buys up all my statues for fifty thousand dollars and then we have amazing animal sex on Egyptian cotton sheets. Is that too much to ask?"

Indeed is that too much to ask? Personally if my wish was granted with the guy playing Darryl Van Horne I would ask for my money back.  He did kind of wear through my wall though, by the end of the show, as his charm kicked in gear. He had some not so snooty moments (saving Roxie's daughter from an attempted date rape) which played well. 

I really like the character of Kat, but isn't that the same actress from Eureka, Tess???? I guess she ditched the syfy and moved on to syndicated.

Overall it was ok, I did keep thinking Desperate Housewives meets Charmed - without all the whinyness of those two shows, but I'm sure it will come.  I'll watch the next episode.  Man I wish the Darryl character was hot - c'mon we need epic like Cole from Charmed - which is the only reason I still succumb to watching Nip/Tuck every now and again (random bootie shots).

Give it a chance if you missed it, I'm sure ABC has it online.  This show could go either way.

ARC-Angel Contest

Today's Adventure passed 250 followers and now she is giving away some great books.

Up for grabs are ARC versions of the following books:
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick (signed!)
Fire by Kristen Cashore
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
How to Say Goodbye in Robot by Natalie Standiford
Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse by Kaleb Nation
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
The Ever Breath by Julianna Baggott
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe

Open to the US and Canada, contest will close on October 14th

Interview with Heather Davis - author of Never Cry Werewolf BWB Feature

Heather Davis is the author of the paranormal teen novels Never Cry Werewolf (HarperTeen hardcover, September 2009) and The Clearing (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, April 2010).

Heather is co-founder of www.BooksBoysBuzz.com a popular teen fiction blog she shares with five other YA authors. She loves writing empowering, transformational stories where anything is possible.
Visit her at www.heatherdavisbooks.com
(Source: Amazon.com) 

 BWB: Tell us a bit about the book?

HD: Never Cry Werewolf is a teen paranormal romance geared toward younger readers.  It's a sweet, funny, light read.  It's purely for fun and entertainment -- and it has a good heart.


BWB: What drew you into the paranormal genre?

HD: My father was an English teacher and my mother is a flower child/new age hippie.  Paranormal was the obvious choice.


BWB: What do you like best about werewolves?

HD: I love the idea that everyone has two sides to themselves - a public and private side, I guess.
With werewolves, just like every human, there are ugly parts that never see the light of day, quite literally.

BWB: Did you base the main character Shelby Locke off of a real person/ actress, or is she completely fictional?

HD: No.  Shelby is a pure figment of my imagination, though I do know many teen girls that share her attributes --  including the teenage me.


BWB: Which character do you most relate to in Never Cry Werewolf?


HD: Shelby, for sure.  When things in your family change - for Shelby, her mother dying and a new, not-so-nice stepmother coming onto the scene - and your family doesn't discuss it with you, there is a sense of powerlessness that can overwhelm you.  That is certainly the case for Shelby.


BWB: Is there going to be a sequel to Never Cry Werewolf?


HD: I really hope so.  At lot of readers are writing me asking that question!  And for me, I have
a sequel in my head already.

BWB: Have you ever attended a brat camp as a teen?


HD: No, but I attended a lot of camps over the years.


BWB: What made you decide on writing a YA novel?


HD: I wrote 5 adult novels before I started writing YA.  I was partly inspired by a student
I had when I was substitute teaching at an elementary school.  Thinking back, my first short
story ever published (in Cricket Magazine) was for younger readers.  I guess it was meant
to be.

BWB: How did you become a writer?


HD: Many, many hours of practice, I guess.  I wrote plays and short stories all of my life, and
found novel-writing as an adult, but storytelling has always been part of who I am.  I was a
film major in college and intended to be a screenwriter/filmmaker.

BWB: How do you get your ideas for your books?

HD: They start as little blobs of ideas for characters or situations.  They glom onto other
blobs and grow into a story.  That probably doesn't mean anything to anyone -- but, it's like when I read an article in a newspaper or see something happen on the street and I start to think about it.  Soon, it's growing into a connected idea or series of events and situations.

BWB: Who is your favorite author?


HD: No fair!  That is too difficult a question to answer.  Currently in YA, I would have to say
Libba Bray or Scott Westerfeld.  I love writers whose stories carry the reader away.


BWB: Was the publishing process hard for you and what would you recommend for writers trying to publish?

HD: Yes.  I had been writing novels for six years before I found an agent and sold Never Cry Werewolf.  I would recommend that writers trying to publish find a critique group and get some solid feedback on their work -- really focusing on improving their craft before they worry about the selling part of writing.  That, and spending a lot of time "butt in chair" -- the only way to get better at anything is spending time doing it, right?

BWB:  Are you planning to write anything besides a possible sequel?

HD: Yes, my book for Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, THE CLEARING, comes out in April 2010.  It {is} for slightly older YA readers and is a much more serious work.  People who are looking for something dark, brooding and emotional will really connect with it, I think.  It's a paranormal time-travel romance about a modern girl in love with a boy living in the endless summer of 1944.  After that, who knows?  I have several other projects underway!


All of us at Blog with Bite would like to thank Ms. Davis for taking the time to answer our questions.  We really appreciate it and wish you tons of luck with Never Cry Werewolf and The Clearing.

View discussion questions, and topics at the Blog with Bite blog site.

View my review of Never Cry Werewolf

Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis

Heather Davis introduces readers to Shelby, the protagonist of her new book, Never Cry Werewolf.   Shelby has recently lost her mother, and her eccentric, rich and distracted father has remarried a woman, she can not stand.  To battle her chaotic new home-life, Shelby acts out by being a little bit boy-crazy. A walk under the moon with a cute guy from her school, ends in a one way ticket to brat camp.  They'll be no trip to Cabo with her school chums - nope, its camping, hiking, and mountain climbing - all while listening to camp counselors spew self-help nonsense to make Shelby feel better about herself.

Her life is looking rather bleak as she is serenaded with perky camp songs by the camp counselor ... when Austin Bridges III drives up in a stretch limo ... and Shelby boy-crazy meter goes off.
Austin, son of an oddball rock star, has been sent to brat camp by mistake and immediately has his back-pack stolen by another male camper.  The thief's attempts at escape and Austin's pursuit to retrieve his backpack send Shelby on a mission to rescue them and the errant camp counselor who has gone to find them.  This set-up didn't make much sense to me.  Why would the the back-pack have been taken? The only think I could figure was that Charles was form the get-go trying to pin something on Austin - if this was the case, it should have been explained.

Maybe it is because I have been watching a lot of Disney & Noggin lately (highlight of the night - The Fresh Beat Band), but I finished this book and wasn't disappointed. This book is all about how you approach it - the reader base should be young and for a 12 year old - it is good. The writing is done well, the tone is light and there is nothing dark, dreary or deep. I really don't mind stereotypical characters.  There is a reason that there are a ton of books about the mean stepmothers - because it happens all the time IRL. 

Harris' characters weren't as developed as I would have hoped.  Shelby was described as tough, but I found that she was actually easily distracted and pressured by the guys she is interested in, she always mentioned that she wasn't swayed by fashion as all the other girls were, but she was constantly referring to her clothing lines - yeah American Eagle - boo Prada.  I really liked the character of Ariel and would have liked to have seen more development with her.  Austin was a contradiction - he came across as the tough guy in the beginning but as it progressed he looked more and more like a pacifist and sensitive, but depth wasn't really reached with him at all.

Some of the dialog was also a bit off kilter.  The big reveal conversation was very awkward and Austin's speech was downright bizarre.  He sounded like the prime minister of England, all distinguished gentleman - not the werewolf son of a rock star. I understand that he is british, but my brit buddies might speak better than my american chums, but they don't speak that prim and proper. This was the only example of awkward dialog though, throughout the rest of the book, the dialog was actually very good, which is why this particular scene stood out so much.

The reveal was not what I would call spectacular, but you basically know what he is as soon as he is introduced, so I wasn't expecting to be surprised.

Once you get past the reveal the story actually gets better. Shelby and Austin start showing some depth and the plot starts to converge into something tangible.  I was frustrated with some of Shelby's actions, and Charles is just downright annoying (obviously supposed to be).  The ending was sweet, with a big "Awwwwww...." like you would at the end of a Selena Gomez film... and overall the book was good.  This is really, though, a teen book, and older audiences might find it very juvenile.  I recommend the book for 11 to 15 year olds and moms don't have to worry about anything sexual or inappropriate. I can defiantly see a Disney made for TV movie - with Selena Gomez as Shelby and one of those annoying twins from that hotel show as Austin. Buy it for your tween.

Blog with Bite Discussion Questions

Q#1 - What do you think about stereotypical characters? Do characters like "Honey bun" - the evil stepmother & Shelby - the teen acting out, bother you, or are you accepting of them?

I don't mind stereotypes. Stereotypes are usually there for a reason. If a character acts out abnormally, people can't relate to that character. What teen can't relate to a pain-in-the-butt step-mom or dad? I know when I was a teenager - way, way ago - my parents divorcing and the subsequent dating bonanza led to some pretty crazy behavior on my part.

Q#2 - How did you feel about the immediate attraction and relationship between Shelby and Austin? Do you think it worked in this story or not?

Personally, I didn't feel the relationship. But, I know how it is to be a hormonally challenged 15 year old. The second a boy gives you a compliment, you think you are in love. Do I think this is the lasting type of forever kind of love? Nope, didn't get that impression. In fact, I think by Austin's actions those feelings might be a bit deeper on his part - or is he just feeling indebted because he got Shelby thrown into that camp? Guilt can be a big motivator.

Q#3 - What did you think about the attempts the camp staff made to connect with Shelby? Were they at all effective? Did the staff have a point in their position on her personal life?

I have a pathological phobia of psychoanalysis. Chew on that mister shrink! I think people are too hooked on their self-help novels and Dr. Phil. I really think people should stop listening to what other people have to say about their lives and start figuring out how to fix it themselves. The camp counselors in this novels sounded like they were working form lines off of talk show. Which is basically what these group sessions turn out to be. I believe the people in group sessions get more help from the other "victims" than from the therapist...but that is my opinion.

Q#4 - What is your opinion on parents who send their kids to reformation camps - the ones who need to be "reformed" and the ones who don't? 

Based on the philosphy, if you can't fix it yourself, send it off and let someone else deal with it. This may work for your malfunctioning XBOX - but for a teenager. These parents should be ashamed of themselves!

Q#5 - Do you wish there would have been a bit more mystery regarding Austin being a werewolf, letting us get to know his character first and then the big reveal? 

Yes, I think the author could have kept of the "who is the wolf" suspense a little bit. There was really no sidetracking at all.

Q#6 - Do you think this novel has enough momentum for a sequel? There was some hinting at the possibility (the scratch), do you think this would be a good follow-up? 

I really don't feel it does. The relationship between Austin and Shelby is not something that I see deepening. I can see maybe it taking a turn (or Shelby taking a turn :) which could progress into a series. But from what I read, it doesn't scream sequel.

Last Day to Join Blog with Bite

Last Day to Sign up for Blog with Bite!

Closing date for Never Cry Werewolf is today - Sign-up will be closing at 7pm CST. If you would like to join our group review, today is the last day for sign-ups.

CLick here to go to the Blog with Bite blog site!

Benefits of Sign-up:

Exposure - Currently we have 22 members with over 2000 followers

Meet new bloggers all interested in the Urban Fantasy / PNR genre

Discuss the book with others who have just read it.

Author recognition.

Great reviews are featured and awarded.

About Blog with Bite:


Those of us at Blog with Bite love our books with a little bite.

We unite for a common purpose: an obsession with vampires, werewolves, fairies, witches, demons, shamans...ooh the paranormal list can go on and on.

What's your favorite paranormal?

This is Blog with Bite. A group review club, where we choose books with a lot of bite, review it and share our thoughts.

About twice a month we will feature a different book, chosen by polls and member suggestions. We are trying to expand your mind to newer authors and great not-so-well-known series. There is about a two week period to buy, read and review the featured book. A review deadline is given and on that date we ask that you post your review on your own blog site and tell us about it. Come back to the site, participate in the book discussions and let us know exactly how you felt about the book.

Once reviews are turned in, the HBIC (Head Bloggers in Charge) will crawl through the reviews and awards and recognition will be given to the top reviews. These are not "pass-it-on" awards. These awards are given for true review excellence.

Join the newest Paranormal Phenomenon - become a Blog with Bite. - Oh and tell your friends.

Tall, Dark & Dead (Garnet Lacey, Book 1) by Tate Hallaway

Garnet Lacy, witch in hiding, is trying to kick her supernatural habits and blend into the normal world.  Garnet lands a job at an occult bookstore and is on her way to normalcy, when Sebastian Von Traum walks into the store looking for mandrake root. Garnet knows something is fishy when she doesn't see an aura and realizes that Sebastian is a vampire...and has a few problems of his own. Looks like Garnet can't kick the supernatural after all.

Garnet is a witty, fickle character and a bit on the shallow side, but I did enjoy reading about her.  The book in its entirety didn't rock my world, but I was entertained - which is what the author intended.  Garnet's actions were sometimes annoying, but the writing was terrific and the world Hallaway created was original.  I did pick up the second novel "Dead Sexy" and enjoyed the book also, but it wasn't a series that had me thrumming.  I wouldn't mind moving on to the next book, but its not high on my TBR list. 

I really love the covers! Something about those boots. The cover art is by Margarete Gockel, and designed by Monica Benalcazar.  The cover gets five glasses, the book 3.5. I do recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good, light paranormal romance - I would describe it as if the Shopaholic was a witch and being hunted by the Catholic Church.

Winners

The winners of the two contests are as follows:

Contest #1 - The Design
April @ Good Books & Good Wine

Contest #2 - The Book
Stephanie @ The Misfit Salon

I used random.org.  Congrats guys!

Kindle for iPhone / iPod

When I received the Apple iPod Touch for my birthday I was very excited. Being an Apple junkee - (I'll elaborate my addiction - 2 Mac Pros and a MacBook) - I was jonesing big time for an iPhone. Unfortunately, I have signed my soul to T-Mobile and my spidey sense picks up the hint of evil every time I near an AT&T dealer...so...*sigh* no iPhone for me (at least within the next 14 months). Next best thing, iPod Touch, it can do everything an iPhone can do, except the phone thingy. No pics and vid either.

What I didn't know, was that my bitty iPod came with Kindle already installed. I know what you are thinking...kindle *hiss* *boo*. I like my books, I like the smell, I like the texture. I don't want to go cross-eyed and light blind from that stinky little screen. When my dad had mentioned he wanted a kindle - the big daddy from the amazon store - I told him it was silly to spend that money. I HAVE EATEN MY WORDS. I love my kindle. I want a book, two clicks and its downloaded right to my screen. Not to mention its cheaper so I'm saving. The screen is fine, I read just perfectly and have not suffered any migraines or brain cancer.

I even can get books before the release date, because eBooks are releaseing before their paper counterparts. I'm saving trees (Go Green!), and I can bring it everywhere! I'm not hauling a large paperback or hardcover, it fits in my pocket, purse, etc. I can read if I'm standing in line at the bank, or sitting at my desk and waiting for my computer to reboot because it needed to update. The most convenient is when I'm doing cardio - you know how hard it is to read while you are doing the elliptical or on the treadmill - those thick books just can't rest on that little shelf. Or, the book keeps closing, you have to prop it open with a hair clip - not anymore with my handy little iPod. I just prop it up on the little shelf and with one flick of my finger, page turn. Not to mention I can listen to my music and read at the same time, the whole time doing my cardio routine!

BUT - the best thing...Amazon gives tons of kindle books away for FREE!
Here is a short list of some free books from the Kindle store:

• Full Moon Rising (Riley Jensen, Guardian, Book 1) by Keri Arthur
• The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride, Book 1) by James Patterson
• The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride, Book 1)

Not to mention tons of FREE classics, like Dracula, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Pride and Prejudice...the list goes on. The kindle is the best thing I didn't buy. I really recommend going out and getting the iPod Touch. You get the MP3 player, the video player, all those crazy Apps (my favorite is Lose it - I've lost 40 lbs just watching my calories and fat intake) - and you get the Kindle. I haven't found anything wrong with it yet. I'm reading my first free book now - Full Moon Rising. I know this isn't a book review, but I just had to rave about my new toy!

Contests - Last Day!

FINAL DAY TO SIGN UP FOR MY CONTESTS!

Happy anniversary to me....

In celebration of 50 followers (now 60 Yippee!) and the 1-month anniversary of this blog, I am hosting TWO contests.
For the second contest

The Design Giveaway – Contest #1 - Win custom graphics for your blog. Click here.

The Book Giveaway – Contest #2

- (The Harlequin by Laurell K. Hamilton) click here.

Just Finished Never Cry Werewolf

I just finished reading Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis, and I have to say, I'm very pleased that this was the first choice for Blog with Bite. 

The book goes on sale tomorrow, so go get your copy! If you enjoy YA paranormal and urban fantasy you'll enjoy this book.

Author site: Right Here!
Buy it from B&N: Right Here!

Two Contests to Celebrate 1 month & 50 followers!

 In celebration of 50 followers and the approaching 1-month anniversary of this blog, I have decided to have TWO contests. Yes, can you believe it? I’ve only been up and running for a month – seems like I’ve been pestering you guys for ages, right?

This is going to be my first attempt at a contest, so I decided to do two to see how well they go over. Read on for more information on both contests. For the second contest (The Harlequin by Laurell K. Hamilton) click here.

The Design Giveaway – Contest #1

Representation.  This is not what the design will look like, unless of course you want this for your banner!

 

Who wouldn’t want a custom designed banner for their blog? Better yet, who wouldn’t want a custom designed banner for their blog, designed by a real, live, graphic designer??? I’m actually pretty excited about this contest. I’ve been designing for ten years, mostly for the health industry (if you’ve gotten an orthodontic mailer in your mail box – most likely it is my design). So, this is my offer, if you are selected for this contest I will design a top header banner and a promotional banner that you can place on your sidebar for other people to “grab”.

The headers and graphics of this blog, along with the Blog with Bite site are all custom graphics – if you are selected, you can have custom graphics too! If your name is picked, I’ll send you a little questionnaire (through email) to fill out (what is the name of your blog? url? What image would you like to have in it? Etc.) and once I receive that back, I’ll have the header and sidebar image to you rather quickly for you and your followers viewing pleasure. Sound like something you would want? Well enter the contest!

Contest deadline is September 16th – my Bloggy Anniversary. Winner will be chosen on the 17th.

Design Contest Rules

• Contest is open to everyone, since there will be no shipping involved. If you do need the header text in another language, - specifically a non-alphanumeric – I will need you to send me a graphic (jpg) of the header. (Just know English, a bit of French and pathetic amount of Spanish – uno dos tres)
• Enter the contest by commenting on this post – don’t forget to leave your email address!
• Contest deadline is Sept. 16th, 11:59 CST

Increase your changes to win!

+2 Become a follower
+3 Already a follower
+1 Blog about this contest (post link for proof)
+1 Grab the PJV banner and post on your sidebar (post link for proof)

Win a Copy of The Harlequin by Laurell K. Hamilton

The Book Giveaway – Contest #2

I seem to have 2 hardcover copies of The Harlequin (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 15) and am willing to part with 1 of them. If you would like to win this book, this is the contest for you!

Synopsis: In the 15th book, of the Anita Blake series, Blake finds herself working with Malcolm, the head of the Church of Eternal Life to help him defend himself from vampire enforcers so heinous, vamps can’t even speak their name. Oooh vamp boogey men! Even though Malcolm really does like Anita and Jean-Claude, Malcolm is in desperate need and he thinks their “darkness” will help in this matter. Yet now, the Harlequin might be targeting Anita and her boyfriends – and from what it looks like the Harlequin is not playing fairly. What sordid mayhem will Blake find herself in now?

Contest deadline is September 16th – my Bloggy Anniversary. Winner will be chosen on the 17th.

Book Contest Rules

• Sorry, this contest is limited to US & Canadian residents only.
• Enter the contest by commenting on this post – don’t forget to leave your email address!
• Contest deadline is Sept. 16th, 11:59 CST

Increase your changes to win!

+2 Become a follower
+3 Already a follower
+1 Blog about this contest (post link for proof)
+1 Post this contest in your sidebar (post link for proof)
+1 Grab the PJV banner and post on your sidebar (post link for proof)

Keeping it Real by Justina Robson

Spreading the love of more of my favorites of 2009.  I bought this book for the cover alone.  I mean it just spoke to the graphic designer in me…white space, great typography and a bit of 3D graphics…you can’t get any better than this. Then I read this baby!

Keeping it Real has everything you ever wanted in a SF/Fantasy book, but just didn’t know you really wanted it: Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll.  What’s better entertainment? A elf that happens to love scarfing down red meat and singing punk rock, or drug crazed and drunk fairies.  Gotta love the concept.

The year is 2021, six years after a quantum bomb blew a hole in the fabric of spacetime – bringing to reality five other realities/dimensions.  The revelation of the other realities isn’t as happy as it could be, there are certain extremist that are making trouble for humans and elves alike.  A group of these malcontented activists from Alfheim (the home of the elves) have targeted a “sell-out” elf, Zal, who is the lead singer of a rock band and lives in the human world. Zal has been receiving some serious death threats, which get the Otopian officials involved.  Lila Black, human/cyborg security agent is assigned to protect Zal. 

Things get a little dicey when a group acts on the death threats and kidnaps Zal.  Lila has to follow Zal to Alfheim – something she really didn’t want to do. Can she save Zal and figure out just who is behind these plots? Read the book, it is well worth it.

I love the character of Lila – she is the epitome of tough as nails chick.  A walking swiss army knife, she is nuclear powered and machine guns can pop out of her arm! Not to mention she is just getting to know all of her equipment, so her bit of insecurity makes her very much human.  Then there is Zal, he is an absolute mystery and just when you think you are going to get to know him – well he gets kidnapped and a new set of characters is introduced.

Robson filled this book with twists and turns that keep the book moving and the reader on the edge of their seat.  The completely unique world that she introduces you too also keeps you gawking as more and more depth is revealed with each page deeper into the novel.  I really enjoy these SF meet fantasy books, it really is neat to read of a Dragonlance-esqu elf meeting up with a Star Trek-type cyborg.  I highly recommend this book, and the follow-up  Selling Out is also as enjoyable.  I haven’t moved on, there are two others Going Under, and Chasing the Dragon – which just released this past August.  Put these on your TBR, if you enjoy SF & Fantasy you shouldn’t be disappointed.

 

Book Whisperer's Giveaway

Book Whisperer is giving away a copy of Pureheart and Whisperer to the Blood. Please stop by her site and sign up for the giveaway. CLICK HERE!

From her site: "I have two ARC's that I received through Librarything Early Reviewers. They were both good books, but not ones I am interested in keeping in my library. So I am going to give them away."

Blog with Bite site Launched

Blog with Bite is a group review effort. The reviewers of BWB love the Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance genres and are united to bring you the best reviews possible. We will also be discussing the book and looking into new and exciting authors in our beloved genre.

This joint effort will expose your blog to new readers and new friends! Join today.

The current BWB book is Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis.

Synopsis: Shelby’s been making a few mistakes lately, primarily with the boys. But, her stepmother is really overreacting, especially when she suggests to her father that they send her to brat camp! Her entire summer ruined, prom cancelled – in exchange for weeks in the wilderness with a bunch of other dysfunctional teenagers.

At camp Shelby meets Austin Bridges III, very mysterious…and awfully cute. But, Austin isn’t just your run of the mill hottie. He’s also got a few problems – well they are at brat camp – and he needs Shelby to help him out. Shelby can’t turn down a boy in need, but she might just get into a lot of trouble for this one.
If you are interested in joining BWB and review Never Cry Werewolf, go to the web site and sign up!

The deadline for signing up for Never Cry Werewolf is Sept 21st so get on over there! A new book will be chosen quickly following sign-up deadline.

A Brother's Price by Wen Spencer

Genre: Fantasy

Synopsis: In a world where males are rarely born, they've become a commodity-traded and sold like property. Jerin Whistler has come of age for marriage and his handsome features have come to the attention of the royal princesses. But such attentions can be dangerous-especially as Jerin uncovers the dark mysteries the royal family is hiding.

I thought I might share with everyone, a book that I always come back to. It is not a classic, or even a well known novel, but the story is touching and almost kind of innocent and it always is a good fantasy escape.

The book is set in an alternate reality, comparable to 16th, 17th century. The big difference in this world is a gender reversal. Women greatly outnumber the men, so they are the dominant sex and men are considered property. A family's fortune is actually decided by how many males they birth.

The protagonist is Jerin Whistler, a male of worth, from a warrior family. His family might not have the most spotless of histories (they "stole" their first male) but they have become a family of good standing and a bit of wealth, because the females of his family have given birth to four sons. Those four sons are a great prize and it actually means that his sisters can trade or sell Jerin to get a husband of their own. This "sale" is called A Brother's Price.

Jerin is beautiful, well tempered and from a good family so the sister's know they will fetch a great price or trade for him. He is of age so all of his sisters are very hopeful of a good sale.

The story gets interesting when a stranger is wounded on their land. Jerin finds the woman while accompanied by younger sisters, so he shirks propriety and assists the beautiful stranger, instead of leaving her for dead. Jerin takes the stranger into the family's home and cares for her. Soon after, the strangers family comes for her and the Whistlers discover Jerin saved the life of the princess Odelia. When one of the princess' take a liking to Jerin his whole world is turned upside down...

I highly recommend this book to fantasy lovers. It is a unique take on gender roles and propriety. Spencer is a wonderful author and I love most of what she has written. This is one of my favorite of hers, but I do like Tinker a wee bit more - I think it is the elves. Always a sucker for pointy ears.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy TV Series Line-Up This Fall

FOX Fringe FOX - Returns Sept. 17th Fringe does have a lot of fans and there is great excitement about this series...but I just kept thinking..."ugh Pacey"...every time I tried to watch this show...and "man can that chick stop pursing her lips! She's a friggin' FBI agent or something." Dollhouse FOX - Returns Sept. 25th Joss Whedon himself will be writing and directing the premiere. Hell yeah! Looking forward to this one.	ABC NEW SERIES Eastwick ABC - Debut Sept 23rd Synopsis: Based on the novel by John Updike and inspired by the popular movie The Witches of Eastwick, this series follows three very different women who find they suddenly possess very unique powers when a mysterious (and very handsome) man arrives in their small New England town. The Witches of Eastwick was a hit movie (starring Jack Nicholson), so why not make it a tv series??? Descriptions of this series are giving everyone high hopes for its future, but with re-releases of 90210, Melrose Place, etc., I'm just betting that the net. execs are trying to suck up those aging Charmed fans. Let's keep hoping though, if it's done properly it could be a very good series. Yet, FOX & NBC both tried this concept - leading to two pilots that crashed and burned. NEW SERIES FlashForward ABC - Debut Sept 24th Synopsis: Based on the sci-fi novel by Robert J. Sawyer, this series follows the repercussions of a cataclysmic event that knocks out the entire population of the world for two minutes and 17 seconds at the same time, allowing everyone to see several months into their own futures. The series main focus is on a group of characters determined to figure out how and why this unprecedented event took place and how they might be able to change their unsettling futures. The World has a black out and then there is a lot of wondering of what it means. Different? Yes. Will it work?Word is they have put a lot of money into this, a lot of time and it is well shot. I'm going to check it out, but I believe it might do a Fringe Fizzle for me...suck me in with the script, but they the shallowness of the characters might push me away. Legend of the Seeker ABC - Airs 10/31 Based on the series, The Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind. This series is hard to follow and I never know when a new one is coming on. I did see the first couple of shows and it was pretty good - as long as the main character kept taking his shirt off! Phew, I wasn't this bad in high school. NEW SERIES V ABC - Debut Nov 3rd Synopsis: Today, the world woke up to find spaceships over every major city. The Visitors claim to have come in peace, bringing gifts of medical miracles and technological breakthroughs. They promise to do no harm. They're lying. Based on an mini-series that aired in 1983 and then a subsequent weekly series that didn't pan out that well. Critics are putting big question marks by this series, considering that only the mini-series did well, and once the big reveal of the aliens is shown, the scripts flounder. AMC NEW MINI-SERIES The Prisoner - (mini-series) AMC - Nov Synopsis: A man, known as "Six," finds himself inexplicably trapped in "The Village" with no memory of how he arrived. As he explores his environment, he discovers that his fellow inhabitants are identified by number instead of name, have no memory of any prior existence, and are under constant surveillance. Not knowing whom to trust, Six is driven by the need to discover the truth behind The Village, the reason for his being there, and most importantly -- how he can escape. Six-part mini-series, reinterpretation of the 1960's cult classic, "The Prisoner." There are some big names in this mini-series and talk of a show spin-off. Seems to be something that I'll keep my eye on.
CBS Ghost Whisperer CBS - Returns Sept 25th Medium CBS - Returns Sept 25th
NBC Heroes NBC - Returns Sept. 21st As Heroes goes into its 4th season, people are speculating that this is the last one. After a dismal 6 million viewers by the end of the 3rd season, the 4th season better really impress, or the network might just flush this big budget sci-fi drama.
CW NEW SERIES Vampire Diaries CW, Debuts Sept 10th (Tonight) Synopsis: Elena Gilbert has always been a star student; beautiful, popular and involved with school and friends. As the fall semester begins, Elena becomes fascinated with mysterious new boy in school, Stefan Salvatore, and she has no way of knowing he is a centuries-old vampire. While Stefan struggles to live peacefully among humans, his brother Damon is the embodiment of violence and brutality. Now these two vampire brothers - one good, one evil - are at war for Elena's soul in the small town of Mystic Falls, Virginia. One of my hopefuls for this season. They are trying to eat up a young demographic so the plot lines might be a bit on the juvenile side, here's hoping that they keep the series on track with the books, but since I've already noticed a few chang ups, just in the preview (younger teen brother, brunette...) I don't have much hope for that. Read my other article regarding this series. Supernatural CW, Returns Sept 10th Smallville CW, Returns Sept 25th
Syfy NEW SERIES Stargate: Universe Syfy - Debuts, Oct 2 Synopsis: A band of soldiers, scientists and civilians are forced through a stargate when their hidden base comes under attack. The desperate survivors emerge aboard an ancient ship, The Destiny, which is locked on an unknown course and unable to return to Earth. Faced with meeting the most basic needs of food, water and air, the group must unlock the secrets of the ship's stargate to survive. The danger, adventure and hope they find on board Destiny will reveal the heroes and villains among them. There have been a few of these Stargate movie and series, but this is penning to be the BIG one. The Battlestar Galactica of the Stargate series. I never watched BG - but I saw a preview and it looked good...who knows, I might watch this but my DVR list is getting a little overcrowded. Sanctuary Syfy - Returns, Oct 9