Giveaway Results: Confessions / Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict and Dark Hunger

Sorry I've taken so long for the results of these giveaways. I had no internet all weekend at home... yes, I felt as if I were dying and just heading out to my local Starbucks just gets too difficult for me with my two little ones. But alas, I am here now. So here goes:

The winner of Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler is:

Haley Mathiot

The winner of the authographed copy of Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler is:

Pam

The winners of Dark Hunger by Rita Herron w/ autographed bookmarks are:

Amy

Crystal

Esther

Linda Ellen

Kytaira

Way to go you you guys! Winners were chosen using randomizer.org. I will be e-mailing each of you. You have until Thursday to provide me with your mailing addresses. If I haven't heard from you by then, a new winner will be chosen.

If you haven't entered already, I also have a giveaways for So Into You and How to Tame a Modern Roque (ends 9/04/09) and Summer of Two Wishes by Julia London (ends 9/05/09). More giveways will be posted throughout the week so keep an eye out for those.

Giveaway: Caling all Georgette Heyer fans!

This September, Sourcebooks is exclusively releasing The Foundling by Georgette Heyer in Barnes & Nobles stores Nationwide!!

Sourcebooks is holding a fabulous receipt promotion! Send us your receipt/proof of purchase of The Foundling from your local Barnes & Noble to our office or a scanned receipt in an email to danielle.jackson@sourcebooks.com and you’ll be entered to win a $200 Barnes & Noble gift card! Receipts must be dated between September 1 – September 31, 2009, and can be from an in-store or online purchase. Any questions please contact danielle.jackson@sourcebooks.com.

But WAIT—you can win a book from Sourcebooks now! As a thank you to All About {n} for helping spread the word about our B&N Heyer Receipt Promotion, Sourcebooks is giving away 2 books from the list of books below! Leave a comment about your favorite Heyer moment and you’ll be entered to win your choice of book! 2 winners—US and Canada addresses only please.

Sourcebooks is so excited about the warm embrace everyone has given the Georgette Heyer reissues! Good luck—we look forward to hearing from you!

Send your Barnes & Noble The Foundling receipts to
Sourcebooks, Inc.
c/o Publicity
PO Box 4410
Naperville, IL 60567

Remember: Leave a comment!

Two lucky commenters will be able to choose a book from the following:

The Spoken Word Revolution edited by Mark Eleveld
Poetry Speaks Expanded edited by Elise Paschen and Rebekah Presson Mosby
Letters From Pemberley by Jane Dawkins
How (Not) to Have a Perfect Wedding by Arliss Ryan
Hundreds of Years to Reform a Rake by Laurie Brown
A Chain of Voices by Andre Brink
First Lady by Michael Malone
The Ultimate Bartenders Guide by Ray Foley
Improvisation for the Spirit by Katie Goodman
The Successful Novelist by David Morrell

Join our Georgette Heyer mailing list!: http://www.sourcebooks.com/spotlight/georgette-heyer.html

What are you Reading on Mondays? (Week 8/31/09)

For everyone elses responses, please visit J. Kaye at J. Kaye's Book Blog. What am I reading this week?

Last week I read the following:

- Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen - Serena Valentino [review]

- Uglies - Scott Westerfeld [reivew]

- Labor Day - Joyce Maynard [review]

- The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper - Kathleen Y'Barbo [review]

- A Great and Terrible Beauty - Libba Bray [review]

- Rose House - Tina Ann Forkner [review]

I reviewed the following:

- Undone - Karin Slaughter [review]

- Blue Moon - Alyson Noël [review]

- The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love - Beth Pattillo [review]

- Homer's Odyssey - Gwen Cooper [review]

I was looking forward to reading the new Audrey Niffenegger title - Her Fearful Symmetry, but since I decided to join RIP IV, I decided to wait a week before reading so that it could fall under the challenge rules. I was able to get some other books in to make up for it. Not a shabby week, huh? LoL

What are you reading this week?

Rose House by Tina Ann Forkner

A vivid story of a private grief, a secret painting, and one woman’s search for hope.

Still mourning the loss of her family in a tragic accident, Lillian Diamon finds herself drawn back to the Rose House, a quiet cottage where four years earlier she had poured out her anguish among its fragrant blossoms.

She returns to the rolling hills and lush vineyards of the Sonoma Valley in search of something she can’t quite name. But then Lillian stumbles onto an unexpected discovery: displayed in the La Rosaleda Gallery is a painting that captures every detail of her most private moment of misery, from the sorrow etched across her face to the sandals on her feet.

As the mystery surrounding the portrait becomes entangled with the accident that claimed the lives of her husband and children, Lillian is forced to rethink her assumptions about what really happened that day.

A captivating novel rich with detail, Rose House explores how the brushstrokes of pain can illuminate the true beauty of life. (taken from back cover of book)

Lillian's loss and pain is so real in this book - I was in tears at times. She does her best to move forward in life after such a heavy blow. Although this is the follow-up novel to Ruby Among Us, you can definitely read this as a stand-alone novel, since the characters from the first novel have only supportive roles here. I loved reading about the town La Rosaleda and its inhabitants. The characters were quirky and the mystery of it all had me in its grasp from the first chapter. This is classified as Christian Fiction - but Christian's and non-Christian's alike should be okay to read this, as it was not preachy. If you're in the mood for a good mystery, with plenty of romantic tension and some loveable characters, you might want to check this one out.

Giveaway Results: The Blue Star and The Lost Dog

Winners were chosen (drumroll please)

The Blue Star

- Jessica (BookLover)

- Linda Ellen

- Sue

- Jackie

- Cheryl F. (The Lucky Ladybug)

The Lost Dog

- Natalie W

- ossmcalc

- Juju

- Beth

- windycindy

Way to go you you guys! Winners were chosen using random.org. I will be e-mailing each of you. You have until Tuesday to provide me with your mailing addresses. If I haven't heard from you by Wednesday, a new winner will be chosen.

If you haven't entered already, I also have a giveaways for Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler - open internationally and Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler, autographed (both end tomorrow); Dark Hunger by Rita Herron, with signed bookmark from author (ends 8/29/09); Damas, Dramas, and Ana Ruiz by Belinda Acosta (ends 8/31/09); So Into You and How to Tame a Modern Roque (ends 9/04/09) and Summer of Two Wishes by Julia London (ends 9/05/09). More giveways will be posted throughout the weekend and next week so keep an eye out for those.

The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper by Kathleen Y'Barbo

The future is clearly mapped out for New York socialite Eugenia “Gennie” Cooper, but she secretly longs to slip into the boots of her favorite dime-novel heroine and experience just one adventure before settling down. When the opportunity arises, Gennie jumps at the chance to experience the Wild West, but her plans go awry when she is drawn into the lives of silver baron Daniel Beck and his daughter and finds herself caring for them more than is prudent–especially as she’s supposed to go back to New York and marry another man.

As Gennie adapts to the rough-and-tumble world of 1880s Colorado, she must decide whether her future lies with the enigmatic Daniel Beck or back home with the life planned for her since birth. The question is whether Daniel’s past–and disgruntled miners bent on revenge–will take that choice away from her. (taken from back cover of book)

Gennie is one of those characters that are so full of life that you can't help but want to know her in real life. Her story is very entertaining and fast-paced and just brimming with romance and adventure. A mix of everything that I like in a book. I did find that the Mae West excerpts were a bit distracting from the story but in the end it all came together nicely. Although, I did find that at times it was predictable, I couldn't help but wonder where the next chapter would lead. This is categorized as Christian Fiction - but it is not overly religious. It can definitely be enjoyed by Christians and non-Christians alike. This was a fast-paced adventure with great characters and loads of wonderful moments. If you're in the mood for a quick, fun read this should definitely be your choice.

Homer's Odyssey by Gwen Cooper

Homer’s Odyssey is about Gwen Cooper and her beloved cat Homer. Gwen adopts Homer - who is blind due to the severe infection he had in his eyes when he was rescued. She happily takes him home and this is a recount of how her life changed because of one precious kitty.

This was such a feel good story. There were poignant moments and moments that were just uproariously hilarious. I laughed, I cried, I sighed, I was intrigued. I can honestly say that this story has a little bit of everything and (the best part) it’s all true. I loved reading about Homer and his antics. The kitty whom everyone thought would be the underachiever ended up being the one to help provide Gwen with many of life’s lessons.

Gwen’s writing is so detailed when she is describing her cats. Each one had its own personality and you feel as if you can basically touch them - her words are that descriptive. I will confess though that I enjoyed when she was writing about the cats more than when she was writing about her own personal life. But, all in all, I thought that there was enough on both her personal life and the cats to where it was a perfect all-around package.

I can definitely recommend this to anyone who loves animals (not just cat lovers). This is a beautiful story about the love for an animal and how life affirming that love can be.

The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love by Beth Pattillo

Once a month, the six women of the Sweetgum Knit Lit Society gather to discuss books and share their knitting projects. Inspired by her recently-wedded bliss, group leader Eugenie chooses ""Great Love Stories in Literature"" as the theme for the year’’s reading list––a risky selection for a group whose members span the spectrum of age and relationship status.

As the Knit Lit ladies read and discus classic romances like Romeo and Juliet, Wuthering Heights, and Pride and Prejudice, each member is confronted with her own perception about love. Camille’’s unexpected reunion with an old crush forces her to confront conflicting desires. Newly widowed Esther finds her role in Sweetgum changing and is surprised by two unlikely friends. Hannah isn’’t sure she’’s ready for the trials of first love.

Newcomer Maria finds her life turned upside-down by increasing family obligations and a handsome, arrogant lawyer, and Eugenie and Merry are both asked to make sacrifices for their husbands that challenge their principles.

Even in a sleepy, southern town like Sweetgum, Tennesee, love isn’’t easy. The Knit Lit ladies learn they can find strength and guidance in the novels they read, the love of their family, their community––and especially in each other. (taken from back cover of book)

This was such a sweet and charming story. Although it is the second in the Sweetgum Knit Lit Society series, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone novel. The characters were very likeable and had enough depth where you could actually see yourself as friends with any of them. Their monthly book club selections seem to be somewhat reminiscent of what they are going through in their own personal romance lives. I loved the details of their small Southern town - it was very easy to visualize - I wanna live there! Although some parts were predictable, the story itself was very engaging and I found that I did not want to put it down. It makes you want to join a book club and work on monthly knitting projects (in my case, I’d have to learn to knit first), but I still found this whole idea very enjoyable. I also want to mention that the book is classified as Christian Fiction, but it is something that believers or non-believers can enjoy. Their meetings do take place at the local church and one of the women is married to the preacher, but that’s about as religious as it got. There were a lot of loose ends at the end but I can see where there will definitely be a next installment. Ms. Pattillo's novel is very engrossing and I will definitely be on the lookout for more from her.

RIP IV Challenge

I've been looking forward to this challenge all year. I love reading seasonal books - but my favorites would be spooky for Halloween and tear jerkers around the holidays. That's just me, of course. So Carl V. at Stainless Steel Droppings is hosting the R.I.P. (the fourth) Challenge again this year... so excited. And yes, I am in. I am going with:

Read 4 books of any length, from any subgenre of scary stories that you choose.

Should be easy enough since my shelves are brimming with all sorts of paranormal, gothic, dark fantasy and horror novels. I'm sure I'll do more the four before the end of October though.

Here's a list of some of the titles I'll be reading. Of course changes and additions are to come:

-Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
-The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
-Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon
-Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith
-A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

-Tombstone Tea by Joanne Dahme

-City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

-Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

-Immortal by Gillian Shields

Blue Moon by Alyson Noël

Blue Moon is the second installment to The Immortals series. In it we are once again brought into the world of Ever and Damen and about two weeks after Evermore’s conclusion. Ever is now learning to deal with her newfound powers, with special training services from Damen (ahem). They are also planning on spending more intimate time together (finally after 400+ years).

In come new student, Roman, who arrives at their school and quickly becomes the popular kid. But Ever doesn’t fall for his charms, she knows something is not kosher with him, but she just can’t pinpoint what it is. With all her psychic powers she still cannot get a read on him and that alone makes her suspicious of him. As her powers grow stronger, she notices that Damen is slowly getting weaker to the point where he is looking sickly. Then there’s the issues at school - all her classmates are acting strange and that does include Damen... what is going on? It is now up to Ever to save Damen and set everything to rights.

Sadly I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I did Evermore... I really like the storyline of Ever and Damen and well, you just don’t get that in this book. There was so much going on in this book - Summerland, the twins, Ava and the whole Roman thing. It was just too much for me to actually enjoy wholeheartedly the way I did Evermore. It felt like a roller coaster ride - Ever was whiny, naive, and has the worst intuition about people (you’d think she wouldn’t with all her psychic powers and all, gosh!) I just couldn’t connect with her in this one. But all in all, I will confess that even with its faults, this book was still a page turner. I read it in just one sitting and will be looking out for the next installment Shadowland (November 2009).

Undone by Karin Slaughter

Undone brings together, for the first time, the small-town residents of Grant County, Georgia, and the hard-bitten cops of Georgia’s Bureau of Investigation in a relentlessly gripping novel.

Sarah Linton has fled to Atlanta seeking refuge from the terrible act that ripped her life apart in Grant County. But when a tortured young woman becomes a patient in her ER, she’ll find herself deeply ensnared in a case that rips the lid off secrets as dark and complex as they are disturbing. When special agents Will Trent and Faith Mitchell join forces to probe into the life of the victim, these three embark on an investigation that will change all of them forever.

Wonderfully crafted, filled with superbly created characters and the forensic and police procedural details that are her trademark, Undone is the most thrilling Slaughter novel yet. (taken from the back cover of the book)

This is the first time I read any of the Grant County/Georgia’s Bureau of Investigation series books... and although it can be read as a stand alone book, I will forewarn that there is a lot of information you don’t find here (especially background information on the characters).

Undone commences about three years after the last book in the series. Dr. Sarah Linton is now living in Atlanta trying to escape the trauma she suffered a few years back. She is working at an ER and trying to make the most of her life, when she unexpectedly finds herself involved with Will Trent and his partner Faith Mitchell, and drawn back into a homicide investigation.

I will say that the book starts off with a bang and you are irrevocably drawn into this story that will not let you go until you are done with it. The plot was intense and the characters were very well-written. I enjoy fast-paced, edge of your seat, don’t stop until you get through just one more chapter, types of crime thriller... and this was definitely one of them. I feel like I need to back track and read more from this author. Ms. Slaughter's characters are so multi-dimensional and so real that I just feel the need to get to know them more and read everything on how they got to the point where they are in this book. This was great and highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced thriller.

What are you Reading on Mondays? (Week 8/24/09)

For everyone elses responses, please visit J. Kaye at J. Kaye's Book Blog. What am I reading this week?

Last week I read the following:

- Eye of the Whale - Douglas Carlton Abrams [review]

- How it Ends - Laura Wiess [review]

- Undone - Karin Slaughter [review]

- Impossible - Nancy Werlin [review]

- The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love - Beth Pattillo [review]

I reviewed the following:

- Evermore - Alyson Noël [review]

- Summer of Two Wishes [review/giveaway]

- Dark Hunger - Rita Herron [review/giveaway]

What are you reading this week?

Giveaway Results: Ravens and Castaways (audiobooks)

Shameless NatalieDee plug because her comics have been known to bring me to tears.

Winners were chosen.... you excited? Me too! (drumroll please)

Ravens (audiobook)

- Mary Ann DeBorde

- ossmcalc

- Karen K (anonymous)

Castaways (audiobook)

- JaniceH

- penney

- Park Avenue Princess

Way to go you you guys! Winners were chosen using random.org. I will be e-mailing each of you. You have until Tuesday to provide me with your mailing addresses. If I haven't heard from you by Wednesday, a new winner will be chosen.

If you haven't entered already, I also have a giveaways for The Blue Star and The Lost Dog (ends 8/28/09) and Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler - open internationally (ends 8/29/09); Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler, autographed (ends 8/29/09); Dark Hunger by Rita Herron, with signed bookmark from author (ends 8/29/09); Damas, Dramas, and Ana Ruiz by Belinda Acosta (ends 8/31/09); So Into You and How to Tame a Modern Roque (ends 9/04/09) and Summer of Two Wishes by Julia London (ends 9/05/09). More giveways will be posted throughout next week so keep an eye out for those.

How it Ends by Laura Wiess

Laura Wiess, the acclaimed author who once brought us "a girl to walk alongside Harper Lee's Scout and J. D. Salinger's Phoebe" (Luanne Rice), brings us another memorable young woman, this one at the center of an extraordinary novel of how love ends, how it begins, and what it's worth to protect it...

All Hanna's wanted since sophomore year is Seth. She's gone out with other guys, even gained a rep for being a flirt, all the while hoping cool, guitar-playing Seth will choose her. Then she gets him -- but their relationship is hurtful, stormy and critical, not at all what Hanna thinks a perfect love should be. Bewildered by Seth's treatment of her and in need of understanding, Hanna decides to fulfill her school's community service requirement by spending time with Helen, her terminally ill neighbor, who she's turned to for comfort and wisdom throughout her life. But illness has changed Helen into someone Hanna hardly knows, and her home is not the refuge it once was. Feeling more alone than ever, Hanna gets drawn into an audiobook the older woman is listening to, a fierce, unsettling love story of passion, sacrifice, and devotion. Hanna's fascinated by the idea that such all-encompassing love can truly exist, and without her even realizing it, the story begins to change her.

Until the day when the story becomes all too real...and Hanna's world is spun off its axis by its shattering, irrevocable conclusion. (taken from the back cover of the book)

I finished this last night and I will tell you I am still reeling from the way this story turned out and the feelings that it invoked in me. I began reading this story thinking it would be a YA novel - nothing too, you know. I was expecting the story to revolve around Hanna and her relationship with Helen and how it all revolved around the How It Ends story they are reading in the book (you know, a book inside a book). I had no idea the strong issues that this story would touch upon.

I will confess that at first I wasn’t very thrilled with it. The first 100+ pages were mostly giving you an idea of who Hanna is, her school, her friends, and this crush she has on this boy, Seth. It also gives you glimpses into how Hanna and Gran Helen’s relationship came to be and how slowly as Hanna aged and became more interested in friends, hanging out, shopping and boys... their relationship has slowly dwindled. But if you can stick it through the first half of the book and get to the point where you begin reading “How It Ends” you will find a diamond in the rough. How It Ends not only sucks Hanna into it but, you as the reader too. You become immersed in this world where women are basically seen as reproductive tools, how terrible life can turn for an orphan and even more importantly how to survive this and eventually you’ll find a love story that will have you wondering and hoping that a love like that can actually exist. There is so much about it that I want to say, but I won’t, only because I don’t want to give anything away. The best thing about this story is that when it sucks you in you won’t be able to put it down until you get to that last page. There are so many surprising events that in the end you are just left open-mouthed and in awe by it.

I truly recommend this and hope that, like me, you won’t be put off by the slow start. It was truly a gem.

Dark Hunger by Rita Herron

Dark Hunger is the second in Rita Herron’s Demonborn Trilogy. In it we meet Quinton Valtrez. Quinton is not your average man - he’s half human / half demon - and can hear your thoughts. He was orphaned as a child and was raised by monks who helped train him in controlling his powers in order for him to battle the demons that would eventually taunt him into turning evil and returning to the underworld. He presently works for Homeland Security as a deadly assassin, part of an unacknowledged division in the government. He is able to balance his darker needs by killing bad guys - he does this without any remorse and is happy with his life.

Annabelle Armstrong is a reporter for CNN and she has one mission - to expose Quinton Valtrez for the killer that she knows he is. She has received various mysterious tips and they all lead to the same thing - Quinton is a bad guy and a murderer and she will do anything to get the scoop even if it means getting closer to him in order to achieve her goal. But as bombs start going off in Savannah, Charleston and New Orleans - it is up to Quinton to discover who the culprits are behind these evil acts. As Annabelle starts questioning his motives and his humanity - she is put in a position where she’ll have to choose between exposing Vincent or following her heart.

Quinton and Annabelle were both very strong and very likeable characters. I loved how they both did everything in their powers to fight the attraction that they feel for one another but in the end they could not stop the inevitable. Although Quinton is described as a half-demon, for some reason he did not come off as a dark character - on the other hand, I found it endearing that he had such soft spot for Annabelle. As for it being part of a series, I can definitely say that you do not need to read the first book Insatiable Desire (although these characters do have cameo appearances). It was very easy to read and just as easy to understand this demon infested world they were living in. Ms. Herron does a fantastic job in keeping the reader anxious to see just what will happen next. She intertwines all the action with just enough romance to keep you satisfied. I loved the scene with the surveillance camera =P Very sexy!

It was intense, action-packed and full of steamy scenes that will have you turning the pages quicker just to get to those juicy moments. All in all, this is fantastic reading for you paranormal romance lovers.

GIVEAWAY: I have 5 copies of Dark Hunger by Rita Herron up for grabs.

As allways, leave a comment for one entry. Second entry if you follow, third if you follow on Twitter, extra entries for blogging, twitting about contest or sidebar posts, etc. I will also be giving extra entries to those who come by and comment on weekly book review posts. So the more comments the more entries.

Rules: This contest is open to U.S. residents only. Winners will be drawn Saturday, August 29.

AND BECAUSE WE ROCK... every winner will also receive an autographed bookmark from author Rita Herron. Isn't that awesome? I know... so get to it y'all and good luck.

The Immortals - News

For you fans of Alyson Noël's - The Immortals series, they have released the new cover of the book. Check it out!

They've also listed the release date which will be 11/24/09. I'm actually excited about this since I just devoured both books in about 8 hours over a two day time frame - two weeks ago. :p

Yay! I don't have to wait that much longer to read more about Ever and Damen and that nasty predicament they were in at the end of Blue Moon. Woot!

Read Your Name Challenge: 2009 Wrap-Up

I have completed the Read Your Name Challenge. This was fun. Here's my final list for the challenge:

N- Never Let Me Go - Kazuo Ishiguro (completed 2/01/09)
E- Evermore - Alyson Noel (completed 8/05/09)
L- Life of Pi - Yann Martel (completed 1/23/09)
A- A Hint of Wicked - Jennifer Haymore (completed 5/21/09)
I- Inkspell by Cornelia Funke (completed 1/15/09)
N- No Rest for the Wicked - Kresley Cole (completed 2/05/09)
E- Eye of the Whale - Douglas Carlton Abrams (completed 8/18/09)

Eye of the Whale by Douglas Carlton Abrams

Elizabeth McKay is a Marine Biologist who is working on completing her PHD with a thesis of deciphering humpback whale communication. These whales’ song, the most complex in nature, may in fact reveal secrets about the animal world that no one could have imagined. When a humpback whale makes its way up the Sacramento River with an unprecedented song, it is up to Elizabeth to save the whale - but little did she know the price of her endeavor. For as the story of the whale starts capturing the media’s attention - it also lands her in danger from forces that do not want the whale’s secrets revealed - that not only threaten her career and marriage - but her life.

Mr. Abrams has really done his homework on this one. I was captivated by this eco-thriller right from the start. Not only are the environmental issues mentioned in the story real - but there is just so much useful information within its pages - that I actually found it to be an educational tool. It really makes you think about our environment and makes you ponder what more can be done to protect our planet and everything in it.

I liked Elizabeth a lot - she was such a great heroine. And I just couldn't help falling in love with the whale as well. There was action that had me on the edge of my seat. This is great for anyone who likes reading about the environment and the issues that our ecosystem faces. This is one that will definitely stay with you long after you are done with it.

My thanks to Jaime at Pump Up Your Book Promotions and author Douglas Carlton Abrams for sending me this autographed copy for review. If you have the time check out his website - there is plenty of information there regarding the research done for the book as well as neat pictures and plenty of other goodies.

Summer of Two Wishes by Julia London

Macy Lockhart is devastated when she is informed that her beloved husband, Finn, has been killed while fighting in the war in Iraq. She succumbs to depression and lands herself in a deep, dark hole that she just can’t seem to climb out of. That is until Wyatt comes along and helps her accept the fate that Finn is gone and she must move on with her life - she eventually falls in love with and marries him.

Then the news arrives that Finn is not dead - but alive. Macy is overcome with joy - her one true wish - that the love of her life is not dead but alive has come true... but what about Wyatt? She is now also in love with him. What about their marriage? Which love does she choose?

We’ve all seen this story more than once.. just recently in Jennifer Haymore’s A Hint of Wicked, if you think about it. But this just never gets old. I enjoyed the tug and pull that you feel from both Finn and Wyatt. They are both in love with Macy and you (as the reader) can’t choose one or the other. They are both good men, yet are both flawed, but in the end they each have one goal ... spending the rest of their lives with Macy. I liked these characters so much. They were all fleshed out in a way where you felt their joy and you also felt their pain. I was drawn to Finn - just because I’m gushy about the whole love of your life romanticism but at the same time Wyatt was very appealing - he came into Macy’s life and picked up the pieces making her a very happy woman.

Ms. London’s writing was superb and there were some sensual scenes that were quite beautiful (to say the least). I really liked that the chapters were read through different narrators (Macy, Finn and Wyatt). It really gave you and in depth feel for each character making Macy’s/your decision an even harder one. I was absolutely captivated by this love triangle and I would recommend this to anyone who likes character driven novels - not just romance readers since it did have a dramatic flare to it.

Thanks to Sarah at Pocket Books for allowing me to be part of this blog tour and also for providing my readers a chance to win a copy of Summer of Two Wishes.

GIVEAWAY: I have 2 copies of Summer of Two Wishes by Julia London up for grabs.

As allways, leave a comment for one entry. Second entry if you follow, third if you follow on Twitter, extra entries for blogging, twitting about contest or sidebar posts, etc. I will also be giving extra entries to those who come by and comment on weekly book review posts. So the more comments the more entries.

Rules: This contest is open to U.S. residents only. Winners will be drawn Saturday, September 5.

Wings Dream Cast

I love book trailers and it just so happens that I was surfing youtube ... bored - when I bumped into this one on what the dream cast for the soon-to-come movie Wings should be. Can I just say that Yeah! they got it right. Ben Barnes... can I just say YUM. I'm shamelessly rooting for Tamani! And Taylor Swift is basically what you would picture Laurel to look like... sorry Miley.

Who would you cast?

Evermore by Alyson Noel

After the accident that left her orphaned, 16 year old Ever has not only survived this traumatic ordeal but can now see people’s auras, hear people’s thoughts and keeps getting visited by the ghost of her younger sister Riley.

Ever is now residing with her aunt in California - she lives in this spectacular house overlooking the ocean, goes to a new school, has made some new friends (although they are recluses like her) and is trying to make the best out of her situation. Her only problem - the world around her is just too much for her to handle. She has to live with her iPod on at all times (playing loud rock music) and uses a hoody to try to have some type of quiet. But even that doesn’t help - she is seen as a weirdo by her classmates (the opposite of the life she was living before the accident). That is until the day that new student Damen Auguste sits next to her in class. She is intrigued yet at the same time terrified of him. Damon’s touch not only calms the psychic chaos going on in her head but his touch gives her the shivers.

I really liked this. Although it was an easy read - I found it well worth the time. Ever was a very unique character and I really enjoyed reading about her and her special talents. And Damen [sighs] needless, to say I was intrigued. It is a very cute romance with a supernatural twist. There were some funny parts as well as some very sweet moments. I thought that Riley was one of the funniest characters in the book. She was to die for (no pun intended). The mystery factor - of who or what Damen is had me going the whole time. I sat and read this in a couple of hours - then went out and bought Blue Moon. Yep, I enjoyed it that much.

Giveaway: Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict

Laurie Viera Rigler is one of the coolest authors I've ever had the priviliedge of working with. She ROCKS in my book! and I'm sure she will in your book too - since she is allowing me to giveaway one autographed copy of Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict. Yay Laurie!

So, for those of you who haven't had the opportunity of reading this oh-so-fun novel, now is your chance!

GIVEAWAY: I have 1 autographed copy of Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler to giveaway.

As always, leave a comment for one entry. Second entry if you follow, third if you follow on Twitter, extra entries for blogging, twitting about contest or sidebar posts, etc. I will also be giving extra entries to those who come by and comment on weekly book review posts. So the more comments the more entries.

Rules: This contest is open to U.S. and Canada residents only. Winner will be drawn Saturday, August 29.

What are you Reading on Mondays? (Week 8/17/09)

For everyone elses responses, please visit J. Kaye at J. Kaye's Book Blog. What am I reading this week?

Last week I read the following:

- Fragment - Warren Fahy [review]

- Shiver - Maggie Stiefvater [review]

- Summer of Two Wishes - Julia London [review]

- Dancing with Ana - Nicole Barker [review]

- The Chosen One - Carol Lynch Williams [review]

- City of Bones - Cassandra Clare [review]

- Dark Hunger - Rita Herron [review]

I reviewed the following:

- The Calling - David Mack [review]

- Hush, Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick [review]

- Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict - Laurie Viera Rigler [review/giveaway]

- Hidden Currents - Christine Feehan [review]

What are you reading this week?

Giveaway: So Into You and How to Tame a Modern Rogue

Angel Sabato has been in love with best friend Grace O'Brien for 10 years--but he's only just realized it. Too bad she doesn't take him seriously when he tells her about his feelings. Reeling from the rejection, Angel hightails it out of town.

Now Grace is left to wonder if her problems from the past are keeping her from opening herself to love. But she brushes these "useless" musings aside, concentrating instead on the work she's doing as an apprentice to folk healer Tante Lulu and keeping up with the old woman's good deeds.

Such as starting a foundation to help families still homeless after Hurricane Katrina. One family consists of 5 children who lost their parents. The eldest, only seventeen, has been struggling to take care of her siblings and lying like heck to the state agencies in order to keep everyone together. Tante Lulu and Grace take the children under their wings and decide the foundation will build a house for them.

Re-enter Angel, who helps with the construction. Unbeknownst to Grace, Tante Lulu has decided to try her hand at matchmaking again. And Tante Lulu has never failed before!

Commitment-phobic Sam Carson has only dated model-gorgeous women. But one stolen kiss from a plain-Jane schoolteacher and he's hell-bent on stripping away her floral dresses and teaching her the art of being bad. If only her good-girl ways didn't make him want to be a better man...

Ally Giordano is at the end of her rope. Her beloved grandmother actually believes that she's living in her favorite romance novel in Regency England and Ally doesn't have the heart to set her straight. But now Granny Donny's last wish is for a retreat to the country and Ally can't refuse her...until she demands that Sam accompany them. And though his smiles turn her knees into jelly, Ally knows better than to trust a playboy...and she definitely knows better than to try to change one. Or does she?

I have 5 copies of each book!

As always, leave a comment for one entry. Second entry if you follow, third if you follow on Twitter, extra entries for twitting about contest or sidebar posts, etc. I will also be giving extra entries to those who come by and comment on weekly book review posts. So the more comments the more entries.

Rules: You are entered for both books unless you specify otherwise. If no email address I will not count your comment (unless I already know you of course). Books will be delivered directly from Publisher so giveaway is only available to residents of the US and Canada. No P.O. Boxes please. Winners will be drawn this Friday, September 4.

Giveaway: Damas, Dramas, and Ana Ruiz

All Ana Ruiz wanted was to have a traditional quinceañera for her daughter, Carmen. She thought it would be a nice way to mark this special time in her daughter's life. But Carmen still blamed Ana for her father Esteban's departure, as did everyone else. A good man is hard to find, especially at your age they told her. Why make a big deal about one little indiscretion? Carmen still saw her father as a superhero, and despite everything, Ana didn't want to ruin that for her. In the end, it's Esteban himself who ruins Carmen's image of him, when she catches him with his new pregnant girlfriend. And Ana discovers that if she's going to teach Carmen anything about what it means to be a woman, it will take more than simply a fancy party to do it....

** On a personal note - I was a Quinceañera - 16 years ago (wow, time sure flys). I can definitely relate to what having your Quinces celebrated entitles. Although I was mature for my age then and decided that I would much rather have a car or go on some fantastic trip through Europe - my mother found a way of convincing me to have the big party with all the hoopla and family and just argh... craziness. Too bad I don't have any pictures scanned if not I would totally embarass myself and post them here. I haven't read this book yet but it sounds like something I can definitely relate to and enjoy.

I have 5 copies to giveaway!

As always, leave a comment for one entry. Second entry if you follow, third if you follow on Twitter, extra entries for twitting about contest or sidebar posts, etc. I will also be giving extra entries to those who come by and comment on weekly book review posts. So the more comments the more entries.

Rules: Books will be delivered directly from Publisher so giveaway is only available to residents of the US and Canada. No P.O. Boxes please. Winners will be drawn this Monday, August 31.

Giveaway Results: The Grand Sophy

Two winners for The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer are: (drumroll please)

- SerieslyReady

- okbolover

Way to go you you guys! Winners were chosen using random.org. I will be e-mailing each of you. You have until Tuesday to provide me with your mailing addresses. If I haven't heard from you by Wednesday, a new winner will be chosen.

If you haven't entered already, I also have a giveaways for Ravens by George Dawes Green - audiobook (ends 8/21/09); The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand - audiobook (ends 8/21/09); The Blue Star and The Lost Dog (ends 8/28/09) and Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler - open internationally (ends 8/29/09). More giveways will be posted this afternoon and throughout next week so keep an eye out for those.

Hidden Currents by Christine Feehan

Elle Drake is the youngest of the seven Drake sisters and we’ve known all along that Sheriff Jackson Deveau has been destined to love her. Still knowing that she is next in line to find love - since all her sisters have now paired up with their significant others - she is farther away from home and Jackson then ever. Elle is working as undercover agent and is involved with a very dangerous and powerful man. When Elle fails to arrive home, her disappearance leaves Jackson and those witchy sisters of hers no option but to find her and rescue her from an unseen danger. But Sea Haven is no longer safe for anyone, and it will take the powers of all the Drake sisters and their men to survive the oncoming storm.

This is the final book in the Drake Sisters series (one of my favorite CF series, I might add). You all know what a sucker I am for Christine Feehan’s books and although this wasn’t what I would consider her normal type of story - this was definitely a good closing for a fantastic series. Elle and Jackson were so needy of each other - their love was poignant and just a beautiful thing to read about. I loved that we finally get Jackson’s story - we’ve known all along that he had been held prisoner against his will and we finally get to see how that affected him and makes him the quiet, brooding man that he is today. Elle’s experience was just as heart-wrenching and unfathomable as his. They are kindred spirits who used those negative experiences to help heal and eventually make them a force to be reckoned with.

I will forewarn, this is not for the faint of heart - there are scenes of rape and torture and although these scenes were explicit in nature, I am glad Ms. Feehan did not gloss or sugar coat them. I did feel that Elle’s recovery to such severe trauma was quick and not very realistic - but in the end we must just take it as it is and come to the realization that it is romantic fiction.

To anyone picking this series up for the first time, I would recommend you start from the beginning with Sarah’s story - only because you come to love and cherish each sister independently.

With that said, I am sad that this series has finally come to an end - but I’ll keep my fingers crossed that there will be a new series featuring Ilya’s brothers (which might not be too far fetched since one of them did have a cameo in this story). I really enjoyed seeing where the other sisters were in their lives and, of course, those sexy men we’ve all fallen in love with along the way. This was dark and edgy - but also full of love, hope and forgiveness. A fantastic read and highly recommended to romance lovers.

Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler

So we all know what happened to the real Courtney... and if you don’t, check out my review here. But what happened to Jane Mansfield? Well, we get to find out in this parallel story to last year’s favorite - Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict.

Jane Mansfield, a gentleman’s daughter from Regency England who inexplicably awakens in Courtney’s body in present day L.A. And although her apartment may be smaller than a dressing closet - she is enthralled by the lights that burn without candles, machines that wash bodies and clothes, and that ever entertaining glossy rectangle in which tiny people perform scenes from her favorite book - you guessed it, Pride & Prejudice. As Jane comes to terms with her new life she goes from one hilarious situation to the next... from meeting Courtney’s friends, job and the mess her love life (or lack thereof) is in.

Ms. Viera Rigler is one funny gal - there were parts where I found myself laughing out loud over. I found it uproariously funny that Jane/Courtney wakes up in this whole new world and ends up wearing a wedding gown - since it was the only suitable thing to wear... I mean just the thought of it still tickles me. The transition for Jane is much harder than it was for Courtney. Who in 1813 could envision all the technology we have and take for granted in our day to day lives in the 21st century? I enjoyed this just as much or even more than I did Confessions. I will suggest that you read Confessions first - only because you get to meet Courtney and get more inside information on who Jane is or was in 1813.

This was a fun, light read with plenty of laughs and a wonderful message. I certainly enjoyed it and recommend to all - not only Jane Austen lovers.

My special thanks to Laurie for getting this out to me so quickly - I was anxiously anticipating this sequel to one of my favorite reads from 2008 and she did not disappoint.

GIVEAWAY: I have 1 copy of Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler to giveaway.

As always, leave a comment for one entry. Second entry if you follow, third if you follow on Twitter, extra entries for twitting about contest or sidebar posts, etc. I will also be giving extra entries to those who come by and comment on weekly book review posts. So the more comments the more entries.

Rules: There aren't any. This contest is open worldwide. Winners will be drawn Saturday, August 29.

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Nora Grey has never really been interested in any of the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. That is until the fateful day that she is switched biology partners and ends up sitting next to Patch. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment. But she is not too trusting of Patch - he seems to be everywhere she is, and to know things about her that not even her closest friends know. She’s torn on whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. But after a series of terrifying encounters, she tries to seek some answers but finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice might just cost her life.

Lately I feel as if I’m reading one good book after another. And this is definitely one of those good books. I picked it up and basically didn’t put it down until I finished it. That should say how captivated I was by this story.

Patch - although there is something shady about him - well, maybe that’s what I found so attractive about him....made me fall in love with him. He was such a bad boy/good guy - does that make sense? I mean the dynamics between him and Nora were something to relish. Nora - was also a fantastic heroine. She was strong-willed, smart, inquisitive - and I’ll tell you this was something I appreciated. I loved that she didn’t just see Patch and automatically fall madly in love. Their relationship had time to grow little by little as the story progressed. I felt excitement when they were united and I was intrigued by him. Vee - Nora’s BFF was hands down the funniest character in the book. She had these awesome one-liners that would crack me up. I loved the tension and the danger surrounding Patch and I loved the fact that who and what he was wasn’t given away right from the start. I don’t want to say much more to not give away any major plot points - but my recommendation would be to GET YOUR HANDS ON THIS at the first opportunity you have. It hits shevles in mid-October so mark your calendar. You will not be disappointed.

I know HUSH, HUSH isn’t even out yet, but I am already anxiously awaiting the next installment, CRESCENDO. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Giveaway: The Blue Star and The Lost Dog

Seven years ago, readers everywhere fell in love with Jim Glass, the precocious ten-year-old at the heart of Tony Earley's bestseller Jim the Boy. Now a teenager, Jim returns in another tender and wise story of young love on the eve of World War Two. Jim Glass has fallen in love, as only a teenage boy can fall in love, with his classmate Chrissie Steppe. Unfortunately, Chrissie is Bucky Bucklaw's girlfriend, and Bucky has joined the Navy on the eve of war. Jim vows to win Chrissie's heart in his absence, but the war makes high school less than a safe haven, and gives a young man's emotions a grown man's gravity. With the uncanny insight into the well-intentioned heart that made Jim the Boy a favorite novel for thousands of readers, Tony Earley has fashioned another nuanced and unforgettable portrait of America in another time--making it again even realer than our own day. This is a timeless and moving story of discovery, loss and growing up, proving why Tony Earley's writing "radiates with a largeness of heart".

Tom Loxley, an Indian-Australian professor, is less concerned with finishing his book on Henry James than with finding his dog, who is lost in the Australian bush.

Joining his daily hunt is Nelly Zhang, an artist whose husband disappeared mysteriously years before Tom met her. Although Nelly helps him search for his beloved pet, Tom isn't sure if he should trust this new friend.

Tom has preoccupations other than his book and Nelly and his missing dog, mainly concerning his mother, who is suffering from the various indignities of old age. He is constantly drawn from the cerebral to the primitive--by his mother's infirmities, as well as by Nelly's attractions. THE LOST DOG makes brilliant use of the conventions of suspense and atmosphere while leading us to see anew the ever-present conflicts between our bodies and our minds, the present and the past, the primal and the civilized.

I have 5 copies of each to giveaway!

As always, leave a comment for one entry. Second entry if you follow, third if you follow on Twitter, extra entries for twitting about contest or sidebar posts, etc. I will also be giving extra entries to those who come by and comment on weekly book review posts. So the more comments the more entries.

Rules: Books will be delivered directly from Publisher so giveaway is only available to residents of the US and Canada. No P.O. Boxes please. Winners will be drawn this Friday, August 28.

The Calling by David Mack

Tom Nash might seem like a normal average guy from Sawyer, Pennsylvania. He’s a jack-of-all-trades with a knack for fixing things. But beneath all that, Tom is anything but ordinary - he hears people’s prayers. And more odd than that, he answers them. Maybe it's because he's a handyman, but Tom feels compelled to fix people's problems. Which is all well and good - until the soul-shattering plea of a terrified girl sends him on the darkest journey of his life....

Please God - don’t let them kill me.

Those seven words turn Tom’s world upside down. He departs from home and heads out to New York City where he is immersed in a world full of angels and demons and a never-ending battle between good and evil. There he meets a saucy, Latina named Erin who more or less gives him a quick lesson on what he is - one of The Called. He was born with a divine purpose for a reason - to help the powers of Heaven in the war against the agents of Hell (otherwise known as the Scorned). It is up to Tom to find the girl who prayed for his help -- because her fate will determine whether humanity deserves to be saved, or damned for all eternity.

Doesn’t that just sound fantastic?! I know the description totally hooked me and boy was I in for a treat. Firstly, Tom was a great character - he was very down to Earth, loves his wife (I really like that in a man), yet is in a position where he has a calling to help other people. He does this and does it well. And although, his wife is very supportive of this, he knows that she is not all that happy with him when he leaves her several weeks before their baby is due. On his mission, he meets Erin (which may be because I'm Latina myself) but I loved her. She was saucy, funny and was a major kick a$s character. We are kept at the edge of our seat as Tom and Erin head from one dangerous situation to the next and all while trying to get the next clue that will bring them closer to the missing girl - Phaedra.

I found the storyline to be very engaging - it was a cross between the tv show Heroes and the movie Constantine which created its very own unique blend. Full of twists and turns that kept you guessing and helped the pages turn quite easily. I can envision this becoming a series and I would definitely love to read more of Tom Nash. I can't help it, I have a thing for men with special powers. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy, good writing and powerful characters.

What are you Reading on Mondays? (Week 8/10/09)

For everyone elses responses, please visit J. Kaye at J. Kaye's Book Blog. What am I reading this week?

Last week I read the following:

- Hush, Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick [review]
- Mr. Darcy, Vampyre - Amanda Grange [review]
- Evermore - Alyson Noel [review]
- Blue Moon - Alyson Noel [review]
- Homer's Odyssey - Gwen Cooper [review]
- The Calling - David Mack [review]

I reviewed the following:

- Godmother: The Secret Cinderella Story - Carolyn Turgeon [review]
- Seduce Me - Robyn DeHart [review]
- Benny & Shrimp - Katarina Mazetti [review]

What are you reading this week?