Friday, May 31, 2013

Follow Friday!

Follow Friday
Hosted by:
&

The Feature & Follow is hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee of Parajunkee’s View and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it’ll allow us to show off more new blogs!
Each week a new question, new answer, and new blogs to follow. 
If you want to follow via GFC just in case it goes away I ask you follow a second way, email, Linky, Bloglovin'. 
Thanks
Featured blogs this week:

 Mad Hatter Reads
&
The Fiction Conniption

This Week's Question:


What blogger would you most like to meet in real life? Tell us about him or her.

Answer:

I'm kind of shy to start with so this is a loaded question for me. I have had the pleasure of working with a wonderful host for book tours that I've gotten to know through many emails I would love to meet. I've loved every tour I've done at Prism Book Tours. Laura @ Colorimetry is amazing she always comes up with unique ideas for each tour creating a fun experience for the readers as well as bloggers. I'm always excited to read her posts, I've been known to creep on her blog throughout the week. 

From the Review Pile!

From the Review Pile May 30th 2013

From the Review Pile is a meme hosted by Stepping Out of the Page every Thursday.
The aim of this meme is to showcase books that you've received for review (or if you don't receive review books, any book that you own and really want to read/review) but haven't yet got around to reading, in order to give the book some extra publicity.

I know that a lot of you have a huge pile of books that you want to read/review, but it understandably takes a while to get around to reading them all - here you can give a book (or two!) some of the publicity that it deserves, even if you haven't read it yet!

I've been a little behind on my reading and reviewing lately well not really a little a lot. This last few months have kicked my butt. I blame it on the move. I don't blog as much or read as much as I used to but I'm working to change all that. I've kind of been a tv junkie, and taking the puppy to the park. 

This weeks Winner is....

Jane 
by April Lindner
YA Chic Lit
Published October 11th 2010
(Goodreads)

Synopsis 

Forced to drop out of an esteemed East Coast college after the sudden death of her parents, Jane Moore takes a nanny job at Thornfield Park, the estate of Nico Rathburn, a world-famous rock star on the brink of a huge comeback. Practical and independent, Jane reluctantly becomes entranced by her magnetic and brooding employer and finds herself in the midst of a forbidden romance. 

But there's a mystery at Thornfield, and Jane's much-envied relationship with Nico is soon tested by an agonizing secret from his past. Torn between her feelings for Nico and his fateful secret, Jane must decide: Does being true to herself mean giving up on true love?

An irresistible romance interwoven with a darkly engrossing mystery, this contemporary retelling of the beloved classic Jane Eyre promises to enchant a new generation of readers.


I've always been a fan of Jane Eyre however I've not read the book. Maybe because I love the movie so much. I do have it on my TBR list but I plan to read Jane first. I like the idea of a modern take on the classics. 

What's on your review pile?



Thursday, May 30, 2013

Cover Characteristic's

Cover Characteristic - Red Hair
 Hosted by Sugar & Snark

Each week we will post 5 of our favorite covers to go with the theme of the week. 
I'm a huge cover fan so this is a great meme for me.

This one is a easy choice this week. The hard part is picking only 5. 

This week's theme is Red Hair:

Firelight by Sophie Jordan (Goodreads)
Firelight by Kristen Callihan (Goodreads)
Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells (Goodreads)
Queen of Shadows by Dianne Sylvan (Goodreads)

This week's favorite:
 

The Elite by Kiera Cass (Goodreads)

What are you favorite covers with Red-heads?

W...W...W...

W...W...W... Wednesdays May 30th 2013



W...W...W... Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Be sure to link up to her so others can see what your reading.


To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions...

1.What are you currently reading?
2.What did you recently finish reading?
3.What do you think you'll read next?


My Current, past and future reads. 
1. What are you currently reading? Unknown by Melissa Pearl (Goodreads
2. What did you recently finish reading? Triangles by Kimberly Ann Miller (Goodreads)
3. What do you think you'll read next? Pods by Michelle K Pickett (Goodreads)

What are you reading?

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Blog Tour: Interview with Terron James



Today I'm thrilled to share with all my readers an interview with very talented author Terron James. His answers my questions are awesome. I hope you enjoy reading his answers as much as I did. Plus don't forget to check out his novel Insight my (Review)

Mandy - Where did you come up with the idea for Insight?
Terron - It all started with the invention of True Sight, the magic system in my novel series. I was trying to think of something unique, but nothing really jived. I took my ideas to my dad, since he's excellent at brainstorming. The dude made fun of me, with laughing and everything. *sniff* But, it was the best make-fun-of-Terron session I've ever experienced, because in his jesting, the concept of True Sight emerged. Unfortunately, that was five years ago and I can't remember the specific details of the conversation, but I do remember saying something along the lines of, "Now, hold on a sec. I think you got something there, Dad!" This, of course was followed by more teasing, but I took that concept home to chew on. A week later, I brought my refined ideas back to my dad. His jaw hit the floor. That's when I knew I was on to something good.

Mandy  Have you always been drawn to epic fantasy?
Terron  Absolutely! It's my mostest favoritest of them all! Partly because of the magic, and partly because of the era. My bio says I was born in the wrong age, and I still believe that. The honor and valor that existed with medieval knights just doesn't exist in the world anymore.

Mandy  Do you see yourself in any of characters?
Terron I've been asked this before, and the best example would be in Lon's relationship with his twin sister, Mellai. My sisters and I have very similar relationships; unquestionable love and trust, but neverending sarcasm and wit.

Mandy  When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
Terron  Seventh grade, Mr. Anderson's English class. I wrote my first short story then (a riveting account of a circus cheetah that kills an annoying boy, and anyone else who came to his rescue), and I still tingle when I recall my excitement over crafting stories. The possibilities were endless! They still are!

Mandy  What’s your ideal writing spot?
Terron  I have a desk set up at the foot of my bed with a lovely office chair (ergonomic, cozy, yet stiff enough to keep me awake). Sitting in this chair, on my laptop, with Harry Gregson-Williams radiating out of my noise-cancelling earphones.

Mandy  Who is your favorite character in Lord of The Rings?
Terron  One of my junior high students asked me this just last week. I knew my answer without any hesitation. Samwise Gamgee. His unquestioning loyalty and drive to accomplish his mission, no matter the cost, inspires me. Also, as a side note, Sean Astin saved the movies. Without him, Elijah Wood would have destroyed the whole series. Ironic that the same dynamic fits their relationship as Frodo and Sam.

Mandy  Do you have favorite gadget?
Terron  Yeppers! My Alienware laptop, known to my students as My Precious. It's a thing of beauty!

Mandy  What’s your favorite quote?
Terron  Hrm... quoting movies is one of my most favorite pastimes. It's impossible to narrow down my most favorite quote of all time. It's more of a "favorite quote of the week" sort of thing to me. That being said, my current favorite is from Gandalf in The Fellowship of the Ring. "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world besides the will of evil... And that is an encouraging thought."

Mandy  What are 6 items you never leave home without?
Terron  1. Laptop
2. Backpack that holds my laptop
3. Power cord to recharge my laptop
4. Glasses to see my laptop
5. External hard drive with a backup of my laptop
6. Allergy medicine

Mandy  Where can we STALK you?
Terron  We'll practice, first, on the northern face of the Dialorine Range. Once you're good enough, we can move on to Appernysia.
Ok, that was a reference to my book, which most of you won't get since you haven't read it yet. So, let me try again. *ahem*
You can stalk if you want to.
You can leave your friends behind,
Cause your friends don't stalk,
And if they don't stalk,
Well, they're no friends of mine.
Say, you can go where you want to,
A place where I will never find.
And you can act like you come from out of this world,
Because you're not far behind!
(Thanks for the inspiration, Men Without Hats - The Safety Dance 1983!)

Mandy  Anything you want to say to your readers?
Terron  Thanks for your support and patience! Seriously! Oh, and don't forget. My publisher says that if this book sells like hot cakes, there's a strong possibility book 2 will come out before next June! I'll need your help to make that happen. Share, share, share!!

My personal favorite answer to my crazy list of questions would have to be his response to the stalking question. I've read Insight so I get it. Awesome answers. 

Thank you so much Terron James for answering all my questions. 
It's been a pleasure having the chance to read Insight and finding out a little more about you. 
I look forward to the next book, can't wait!

About Terron James:

Born in the wrong age, TERRON JAMES continually fantasizes of
shining steel, majestic stone architecture, thundering cavalry rushes,
and opportunities to prove his honor.
James is an English teacher and a member and recent president of the
Tooele Chapter of the League of Utah Writers. He currently lives in Tooele, Utah, with his wife and four kids.

Don't forget to check out the other tour stops!
(Here)
Giveaway!
Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card

Blog Tour: Review: Insight



Title - Insight
Author - Terron James
Series - Beholders #1
Genre - YA Fantasy
Expected Publication - June 1st
Publisher - Jolly Fish Press
Format - Physical Arc

Synopsis 

James has masterfully crafted the mystical land of Appernysia, a world brimming with rich history and magic that readers of all types will find delight in discovering.


Rumors are surging through Appernysia that a Beholder has been born, the first wielder of True Sight in over a millennium.



Seventeen-year-old Lon Marcs discovers he has been blessed—or cursed—with this gift. He cannot control the power of True Sight and feels it killing him with each passing day. He realizes that the only people who might possess the knowledge to save his life are the sworn enemies of his king. To obtain their help, Lon would have to journey into exile, leaving behind his village, family, and beloved Kaylen.

Although this is the hardest decision Lon has ever made, it is only the first of many that will test his strength and challenge his interpretation of right and wrong.


Review

 I received Insight from the publisher Jolly Fish Press in return for an honest review. Insight is about three main characters Lon Marcs, his twin sister Mellai and his fiancé Kaylen. The Rayders have been searching for the Beholder who has been rumored to be born this generation. The first is a very long time that may change the future for both the Rayders and Appernysians. Lon shares a special connection with his twin Mellai that she can feel what he’s feeling.

Lon is the hunted Beholder yet he’s unable to control his gift it’s actually killing him with each time True Sight overtakes him. His father before he left them was once a Rayder attempts to help Lon gain control over the True Sight but after an accident that almost kills Kaylen he flee’s . Lon’s only choice is to join the Rayders hoping his father’s friend will be able to help him control the True Sight before it kills him.

While Lon sneaks away from Pree without saying goodbye his sister and fiancé also leave Pree heading for his grandparents town. Mellai decides to stay with her grandparents while Kaylen decides to continue on with the traveler’s right to the city where the king lives.  While Kaylen takes a job as a handmaid Mellai is enjoying her peaceful existence with her grandparents.

Lon’s adventure is anything but simple he has to journey across Appernysia just to reach where the Rayders are in Exile. Upon reaching Exile Lon will be tested risking his life to prove himself worthy to join the Rayders. Once he proves himself he’s invited to join the elite ranks, getting the chance to learn how to control his True Sight with the help of his father’s friend. Lon doesn’t want to be with the Rayders but if it’s the only way he can protect Kaylen then he will do it. Lon comes up with the idea of uniting the two groups of people like they once were and attempts to put his plan in motion changing everything for all of them.


Insight is my first real epic fantasy book so I was a little unsure but it proved itself. Insight is a captivating story with a unique concept that captures the heart. A fast paced action adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat till the end. The characters are easy to connect with you can’t help cheering them on as they each have their own struggles. I enjoyed that the author gives us Mellai and Kaylen’s story because they enhance Lon’s story since he is the main focus. I also like the Insight is a clean story so that teens as well as adults will love it as much as I do. I really loved the whole idea of Insight and I’m anxiously waiting the next book it can’t come fast enough. 

 5 out of 5 stars

About the author:

Born in the wrong age, TERRON JAMES continually fantasizes of
shining steel, majestic stone architecture, thundering cavalry rushes,
and opportunities to prove his honor.
James is an English teacher and a member and recent president of the
Tooele Chapter of the League of Utah Writers. He currently lives in Tooele, Utah, with his wife and four kids.

Don't forget to check out the other tour stops!
(Here)
Giveaway!
Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card

Waiting on Wednesday!

Waiting on Wednesday May 29th 2013

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating. In my case not so patiently waiting for the new releases, which I lack.

Happy Wednesday!


Indelible 

by Dawn Metcalf
YA Fantasy
Expected Publication July 30th 2013
(Goodreads)

Synopsis


Some things are permanent.

Indelible.

And they cannot be changed back.

Joy Malone learns this the night she sees a stranger with all-black eyes across a crowded room—right before the mystery boy tries to cut out her eye. Instead, the wound accidentally marks her as property of Indelible Ink, and this dangerous mistake thrusts Joy into an incomprehensible world—a world of monsters at the window, glowing girls on the doorstep, and a life that will never be the same.

Now, Joy must pretend to be Ink’s chosen one—his helper, his love, his something for the foreseeable future...and failure to be convincing means a painful death for them both. Swept into a world of monsters, illusion, immortal honor and revenge, Joy discovers that sometimes, there are no mistakes.

Somewhere between reality and myth lies…


What are you waiting on this week?


Teaser Tuesday!

Teaser Tuesday May 29th 2013

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

~Grab your current read
~Open to a random page
~Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on the page
~BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! ( make sure that what you share doesn't give away to much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
~Share the title & author too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!


I've just started like a page or two in but I'm hooked already I'm thrilled to have an ARC of Melissa Pearl's new book Unknown. 

Unknown 
Melissa Pearl
Fantasy
(Goodreads)
Expected Publication June 2013

Synopsis 

Darkness is covering the land. As the city of Mezrah grows with power and greed, the rest of the world can only stand by and wait for their inevitable destruction. The only hope against this growing power is an ancient prophecy that people have stopped believing in.

Then a star begins to fall.

Princess Kyla of Taramon stopped believing in the power of light the day her father died. Trapped in a city she does not care for, under the watchful glare of her mother, the queen, she struggles to accept her fate.

Then a star begins to fall.

Jethro has loved Kyla for as long as he can remember. Learning that she was to marry his cousin drove a wedge between him and the feisty princess. Watching her from a distance is a torture he is unable to free himself from.

Then a star begins to fall, sparking an ember of hope and sending two seekers on a treacherous journey into the unknown.


Teaser 

It was once said that a light could shine in the darkness and the darkness could not overcome it, but then the light died and a darkness born of doubt and fear began to fester throughout the land, breeding an evil that no one invited. Years ago a prophecy was discovered that spoke of an end to this darkness...that the light would one day shine again, but no one believed it...except for Mordekai.


What's your Teaser this week? 

Top Ten Tuesday!

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke And The Brookish. Who doesn't love lists. They make life easy! And fun!! It's always a never ending topic.

This week's topic is:

Freebie Week!!!!
Mandy's top ten books I'm dying to read!

I'm behind on my review pile still so these will all be books on my freebie pile. 

1. Rest of the Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning (Goodreads)

2. Blood Rights by Kristen Painter (Goodreads)

3. The Elite by Kiera Cass (Goodreads)

4. Wrecked by Alyssa Rose Ivy (Goodreads)

5. Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard (Goodreads)

6. The Golden Lily & The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead (Goodreads)

7. The Rest of the Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead 2 through 6 (Goodreads)

8. Undead by Kirsty McKay (Goodreads)

9. The Taken by Vicki Pettersson (Goodreads)

10. Acorna: The Unicorn Girl by Anne McCaffrey (Goodreads)

What about you? What's your freebie Top Ten this week?

Review: Triangles

Title - Triangles 
Author - Kimberly Ann Miller
Genre - YA Paranormal Romance 
Expected Publication June 18th 2013
Publisher - Spencer Hill Press
Format - Physical Review Arc


Synopsis

A cruise ship. A beautiful island. Two sexy guys. What could possibly go wrong? 



In the Bermuda Triangle—a lot.

Hoping to leave behind the reminders of her crappy life--her father's death years ago, her mother's medical problems, and the loser who’s practically stalking her--seventeen-year-old Autumn Taylor hops on a ship with her sister for a little distraction. When she wakes up in the Bermuda Triangle, she fears she's gone nuts for more than one reason: that loser’s suddenly claiming they're a happy couple... a hot guy is wrapping his arms around her and saying "Happy Anniversary"... and suddenly, she’s full of bruises, losing her hair, and getting IV medication. Autumn visits the ship's doctor, hoping for a pill or a shot to make the craziness go away. Instead, she's warned that these "alternate realities" could become permanent.

She just has to ask herself one question—how the hell is she going to get out of this mess?


Teaser 

   T minus one day to departure for my cruise to Bermuda, I almost died on my way to work. 
Should that have been enough to stop me from boarding the ship? Nah. 
I just hoped it wasn't some sort of Omen. 

Review

I received Triangles in return for an honest review from the publisher Spencer Hill Press. Autumn Taylor doesn't want to be tied down to New Jersey because her memories of her home town aren't very happy. Autumn still feels guilty for causing her dad’s car accident that took his life, as well as her mom’s accident that landed her in a coma. All she thinks about is getting out so having a boyfriend is the farthest from her mind. With the upcoming cruise with her sister she’s hoping to have some time away from Joey the guy from work who stalkers her around all the time and chance to enjoy her vacation.

However everything changes when she’s learns he will be on the cruise as well, but at least the attractive guy from the bank will be on the ship to. As the ship leaves port heading for Bermuda Autumn has no idea she will have a new life each and every time she wakes up. From being in a long term relationship with one of the guys to having a child with the other throw in a little cancer and Autumn has no idea what’s going on.  As Autumn’s world changes around her the people in her life change from having no parents to both parents. As she experiences her new life’s she suspects the Bermuda Triangle is the cause and with a chance encounter with a doctor from the past who also is experiencing her same situation.

I was a little nervous because I tend to avoid love triangles but I've been fascinated by the Bermuda Triangle so I couldn't say no. The story does revolve around Autumn and two sexy guys who couldn't be different from each other. However it’s not really a traditional love triangle which is why I was so drawn into the story. You can’t help loving Autumn she’s had a rough past, for me it was easy to relate to her because I've been in her shoes when my mom died in a car wreck. I love when I’m able to connect my life with the main character. I feel that Autumn handled being tossed from life to life great she took it all in stride. The guys what can I say other then I loved one and hated one so the story kept me on my edge because I wasn't sure if she would choose the one I wanted. I found the concept unique right from the start you don’t see many cruise ship books and it’s my first Bermuda Triangle book.  The author has created a fantastic story that I had a hard time putting down so I finished it in one afternoon. The book is well written, flowing smooth from start to finish so teens as well as adults will enjoy it. I look forward to seeing what else the author has. 

4 out of 5 stars

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? May 28th 2013
Welcome to It's Monday! is a weekly event hosted by Sheila at Bookjourney to share with others what you've read the past week and are planning to read the next.

Had a rough week so I only finished one.  

Read last week:
Insight by Terron James (Goodreads) Review later in the week.

Currently Reading:
Triangles by Kimberly Ann Miller (Goodreads)

The rest of the week:

PODs by Michelle K. Pickett (Goodreads)
Moonlit by Jadie Jones (Goodreads)
Reboot by Amy Tintera (Goodreads)
Parallel by Lauren Miller (Goodreads)
Unknown by Melissa Pearl (Goodreads)
What are you reading?