Friday, July 27, 2012

Book Giveaway: The Name of the Star (Shades of London) by Maureen Johnson

Book One
Guys. I have way too many books. I have to pass them on or I'm not going to be able to get out of my front door. I have an Arc and hardcover edition of The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson. I'm going to give away the hardcover edition. It's the first book in the Shades of London series. I haven't had time to read it yet, but I've heard it's quite good. Check out the description and see if it interests you...

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.


If you'd like the opportunity to receive this book, just leave a comment that includes your email--and please don't forget the email. I don't always have time to hunt you down and I'd hate for you to lose out for something so simple. More than once, I discovered the winner didn't leave their email. Leave it. Please.

Giveaway is open to residents of the US only, this time. It ends Thursday, August 2, 2012.

Toodles!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

My Selection for Waiting on Wednesday: A Fractured Light by Jocelyn Davies...

Book Two
Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. I haven't participated in a while, but there are a number of books I'm looking forward to these days. One of them that I can't wait to sink my teeth into is A Fractured Light by Jocelyn Davies. Check out the description...

When she wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings, Skye knows something terrible has happened to her. It's not until she hears Asher, the dark, rebellious angel she fell in love with, that the memories come flooding back. She tries to put the past behind her, but she knows she'll be forever haunted by the ruthless betrayal that almost took her life. 

Skye returns home, but with the knowledge of who she really is, nothing can ever be the same. As she tests the limits of her newfound powers, Skye discovers that she's capable of far more than anyone could have imagined. Both the Order and the Rebellion want her for their side as war between the factions looms. She can't forget the terrifying truth she now knows about the Order, but something holds her back from embracing the Rebellion.

The first book, A Beautiful Dark, ended on a super, major cliffhanger--I mean it is the definition of cliffhanger! I just got the Arc of A Fractured Light a few days ago and I'm in the midst of finishing up another book, so I have to wait to read it, but it's on my list and I can't wait. It's such a good paranormal romance, way better than another well-known angel story, but A Beautiful Dark hasn't gotten the attention I think it deserves---It's really good, people...lol...Have any of you started this series?

A Fractured Light releases September 25, 2012 by HarperTeen.

Toodles!

Book One

Sunday, July 22, 2012

In My Mailbox...

Book Three
This week I got two books I was hoping for and one I didn't know existed--but it sounds good! I'm a big fan of the Halo series by Alexandra Adornetto. It's a series that gets a lot of mixed reviews, but I like it, especially the first book. Heaven is the last book in the trilogy and I can't wait to see how it ends. I love that cover. I'm fascinated by how the light seems to emanate from it like the first book, Halo. Heaven releases next month, August 2012.

A Fractured Light is the second book in the Beautiful Dark series. This is such a good story, but I haven't heard a lot of commotion about it like a lot of other paranormal romances. It really is one of better ones--better than some of the more marketed ones, in my opinion. The first book ended on a major cliffhanger and I am looking forward to continuing! It officially releases October, 2012.

Book Two
I was very surprised to find My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century in my mailbox! I'd never heard of it, but it's a time travel story and it sounds like romance plays a big part of it--which I love. I believe an older man is involved--that should be interesting. This book releases September 2012. My thanks to Entangled publishing for sending me the ARC to check out.

I also thank HarperTeen for A Fractured Light and Feiwel and Friends (MacMillian) for Heaven.

Toodles, ya'll!

Saturday, July 21, 2012

And the winner of Size 12 and Ready to Rock by Meg Cabot is...


This was a fun book and I'm delighted to pass it on. The winner is...

Bookworm 1858!!!

Congrats on the newest edition to your series. Please email with your address so I can' get the book mailed out to you.

Toodles!


Friday, July 20, 2012

And the three winners of ONCE by Anna Carey are...

Book Two
Thanks so much for your enthusiasm, girls! I still have to read Eve, the first book in the series. You had so many good things to say, I can't wait to get started. I'm so grateful to Deb, the publicist, for her generosity so we can have three winners! That's awesome. So, let's get to it. The winners of ONCE are...

rhapsodyinbooks!!!
Chey!!! and...
Patty!!! (who would have thunk it...lol...)

Email me with your addresses, girls, so I can pass it on to the publicist. The winners were selected randomly using Random.org

Until the next giveaway...

Toodles, ya'll!








Sunday, July 15, 2012

Book review and Giveaway: Size 12 and Ready to Rock by Meg Cabot

Many may best know Meg Cabot as the author of the young adult series, the Princess Diaries, on which two popular Disney movies were based. She’s also a successful writer of adult fiction as well. Size 12 and Ready to Rock is the fourth book in the Heather Wells mystery series geared toward the adult population.
Heather Wells is somewhat of a has-been. Her days as a pop sensation are over. Gaining a few pounds will do that when your record label thinks you’ve lost that “it girl” factor. Life doesn’t get any sunnier when she walks in on her fiancĂ©, Jordan Cartwright,  bedding her replacement, up and coming pop star, Tania Trace.
Heather’s not about to give up on love. It may not have been planned, but she’s found her match with Jordan’s brother Cooper and neither Jordan’s discomfort with the idea or the shenanigans of a murderer  with an axe to grind, is going to get in the way of her walk down the aisle or her duties as an assistant residence hall director at New York College—even if it is supervising the occupants of the “Death Dorm.” Crazed teen girls and their mothers, the needs of a reality TV  show, nor a maniacal killer, are a match for Heather Wells when she makes up her mind to get the job done—or are they? And just what is the secret, Tania Truce is hiding anyway? Is it the key to solving the murder and preventing another one? Or will Heather lose the love of her life and more, again?
If you’ve only read Cabot’s young adult books, you’re missing out. Size 12 and Ready to Rock showcases Cabot’s witty, humorous and well-honed ability to craft an effective and engrossing mystery.  There are shades of Sophia Kinsella  and dare one say, chick lit, in this thoroughly light-hearted, but definitely not light-weight story.
Each chapter starts with the song lyrics of either the main protagonist, Heather Wells or her quasi-rival Tania Truce.  It’s an entertaining and fun way to infer where the story may be heading and add your own musical spin on the lyrics.
There are several simultaneous plot points to keep the tale interesting and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing what’s going to happen and anxious to learn if you’re  right.
Size 12 and Ready to Rock may be the fourth book in the series, but if it’s the first book readers encounter, they will still gain an excellent sense of who Heather Wells is as a character. It only makes one more intrigued to go back to the earlier books and learn more about her and how weight gain has played a significant role in her life. Weight is such a huge factor in many woman’s lives, Cabot has certainly touched on a key point of interest as a continuing thread throughout this series.
Cabot expertly blends a fun story with weightier, more serious issues like stalking and domestic abuse. Not every writer would have the skill to pull this off. Get ready for laugh-out-loud moments and heart-pounding intrigue as the reader is led down the path of another Heather Wells adventure.
If you'd like the chance to win this ARC, leave a comment that answers two questions:  do you think a size 12 is overweight and what other Meg Cabot book have you read? If you haven't read any, that's fine, just say so. Don't forget your email--please! That is all.
Size 12 and Ready to Rock was released July 10, 2012 by William Morrow/HarperCollins. My thanks to the publisher for sending me the Advanced Readers Copy.
Giveaway is open to residents of the US, Canada and the Caribbean. It ends Friday, July 20, 2012.
Toodles!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Book review and possible giveaway-you tell me! BUNHEADS by Sophie Flack

I love the cover of this book. The dancers look like abstract flowers. It just begs for you to open it and find out what it's about. There's a new show on ABC Family called Bunheads and I wondered if it was an adaptation of this author's book, but I don't believe it is. The premise of the stories are radically different and I definitely like the book better! Then again, who know? Her boyfriend is Josh Charles from The Good Wife, so she may be making connections...lol...She did audition to be Natalie Portman's trainer on the film, Black Swan. The job went to one of Flack's fellow dancers of the New York City Ballet. Kind of reminds me of some of the scenario's from the book.

Check out the novel's description...

On-stage beauty. Backstage drama.

As a dancer with the ultra-prestigious Manhattan Ballet Company, nineteen-year-old Hannah Ward juggles intense rehearsals, dazzling performances and complicated backstage relationships. Up until now, Hannah has happily devoted her entire life to ballet.

But when she meets a handsome musician named Jacob, Hannah's universe begins to change, and she must decide if she wants to compete against the other "bunheads" in the company for a star soloist spot or strike out on her own in the real world. Does she dare give up the gilded confines of the ballet for the freedoms of everyday life?


What I found so great about this book was that it gives you the real deal of what it's like to be a ballet dancer from someone from the inside: Sophie Flack, the author is a former dancer with the New York Ballet Company. I don't think I'll ever see ballet the same way again--even though I did some dancing myself--nowhere near professional level like Flack, but I did perform on the stages of Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in New York. It was an experience never to be forgotten. My own limited dance experience and consideration of going further, fueled my interest in BUNHEADS.

Sophie Flack
BUNHEADS combines an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the world of ballet and adds a nice thread of romance throughout. I don't want to ruin the story by giving you too many details, but I wondered if the author struggled with romance as does the main character and if that theme is based on her own real-life experience. I highly suspect that it is.

I throughly enjoyed this book and it's original theme. Whether you're a dance enthusiast or not, it's a fresh story with grit and a great addition to contemporary YA--nothing supernatural--real girls, boys and real-life problems and decisions to make.

Now to the givewaway situation. I like this book and I'm thinking of keeping it and adding it to my collection. I'm undecided, so here's the deal. If you're interested in it, leave a comment saying so. If I get a big enough response, I'll post a giveaway of BUNHEADS in the future. If not many people seem interested, fine. I'll keep it for myself! Win-Win.

My thanks to Little, Brown and Company for sending me this truly lovely book.

Toodles, ya'll!

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Book Giveaway: ONCE, book two in the EVE trilogy by Anna Carey. Three winners for this one!!


Book Two
Some of you may be familiar with the first book in this series, EVE. You have the opportunity to get the second book, ONCE by Anna Carry. Let's see how the story continues...

When you're being hunted, who can you trust?



For the first time since she escaped from her school many months ago, Eve can sleepsoundly. She's living in Califia, a haven for women, protected from the terrifying fate that awaits orphaned girls in The New America.

But her safety came at a price: She was forced to abandon Caleb, the boy she loves,wounded and alone at the city gates. When Eve gets word that Caleb is in trouble, she sets out into the wild again to rescue him, only to be captured and brought to the City of Sand, the capital of The New America.

Anna Carey
Trapped inside the City walls, Eve uncovers a shocking secret about her past--and is forced to confront the harsh reality of her future. When she discovers Caleb is alive, Eve attempts to flee her prison so they can be together--but the consequences could be deadly. She must make a desperate choice to save the ones she loves . . . or risk losing Caleb forever.

In this breathless sequel to "Eve," Anna Carey returns to her tale of romance, adventure, and sacrifice in a world that is both wonderfully strange and chillingly familiar.

If you'd like to have a chance to win book two, just leave a comment with your email. That is all.

ONCE released today,  July 3, 2012 by HarperCollins. Giveaway ends July 19, 2012. My sincerist thanks to Deb, the publicist for her generosity and making this great giveaway possible!

Toodles!


Book One