Reviews to come

Here is a list of upcoming reviews that if all goes accordingly will be posted by weekends end. But we all know how sometimes life has different plans...lol.
so here goes.
1. Another Faust
2. Cracked Up To Be (Looking to pass this book on to someone. First person to email me at bgale11@aol.com will get the book).
3. Pale Assassin

My Biggest Regret by Dina Nayeri (Guest post and co-author of Another Faust)

My Biggest Regret
by Dina

I suspect there are a lot of high school and college students reading this post, so I'll talk about one of the things I wish I had known when I was starting college. It doesn't matter one bit to your future career what major you choose in college. You can study whatever you like, anything that sparks your passion, and still take a job in business or fashion or writing or...Well, pretty much anything.

I know this sounds like a big lie, but I spend a lot of time doing admissions advising and career advising and I can tell you without a shred of doubt that, if you are attending a liberal arts college, you can choose to study any subject and you can still go into any unrelated field.

Of course, there are a few caveats:

1) Pre-med, Pre-law, and pre-anything do not count as "majors." These are supplementary credits that you have to achieve if you want to go into those fields. But it's very possible to be pre-med and an Art History major at the same time.

2) You'll have to do some extra work (write a better resume, do more internships, conduct more research) if you want to study, say, Sanskrit and then go into, say, business.

3) You might have to go to graduate school. If you follow your passion of studying Russian Literature and then decide to be a vet, yeah, you'll need more school, and you'll need to convince that school that you're serious. But that's not a hard thing to do. And hey, you will be a much more interesting person than a vet who doesn't know anything about Russian literature!

3) Your dad will tell you that everything I'm saying is crap. That's because he is risk averse and he doesn't want to pay for your grad school.

My biggest college regret (besides that time I wore white underwear under a black dress and took like a thousand photos) is that I didn't major in English. At the time I wanted to go into the business world and I thought the only way to get there was to major in Economics. So I did. Granted, I took a ton of English classes at the same time. But I wish I had taken more!
I wish I had written my thesis in English and joined like a dozen reading groups! Now, looking back, I realize that the company I wanted to work for hired students from all types of majors. Preparing for the interview wouldn't have been much harder and I could have still gone to business school. Sure, I still became a writer. But that's not the point. What about those four glorious years that could have been spent reading Rushdie and Chabon and writing poems instead of calculating internal rates of return?

Back in the swing of things.

Hello everyone,
Back from vaca and I am now back in the swing of things. Need a vacation from my vacation. Anywho to start things off I have a guest post from one of the co authors of Another Faust. Another Faust was a great book and my review of that will be posted shortly. But to get things off the guest post.

Day 3 in Florida

Hello again.
Day 3 started with poor Julia getting sick. Julia hung back with Heather and the rest of us went to Epcot. Started off with the ride in the great big ball (can't think of the name right now). Anywho you start by pushing the place where you live... Marcus was with my mom and i and we ended up being from Louisville Kentucky..lol From there we went on a ride called Soarin where you feel like you are flying and you get to see the sites of California. This ride was amazing. And at each location where they show you you can smell the scene, for example they showed us orange trees you could smell oranges, surfers you could smell the salt water. Definitely a ride you must check out if ever in Epcot. After Soarin some went on test track while others waited and Marcus and Josh played in the water.

After the water play Jason, Josh, Meghan, Hannah and I went on Mission to Mars. My loving brother that he is choose the more intense ride. This ride was equipped with barf bags. Ahhh.... that right there should have been a warning. lol The ride itself was great but there were times that I was not feeling to well with the ride. But we all made it off. After that the family all went on the Figment ride. Another nice ride. went on later with Marcus as he was asleep the first time around. After that ride we headed over to a large disney store and shopped til our dinner reservation.

At dinner we got to see Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale. We also had our own show with Marcus. He danced and sang for us while we were all eating. Marcus loved the characters. Night ended with the girls and I going back to the hotel. Today we are heading over to Disney Hollywood Studios.

Day 2 in Florida

Hello everyone,

Day 2 found us getting up real early to catch a bus to have breakfast with the Characters at Animal kingdom. All in good spirits this am. Dad had a scooter delivered to him last night so he wouldn't have to do the walking and it was a new toy for him. While getting on the bus to Animal Kingdom Dad put on a show for everyone waiting as the scooter didn't want to work and then would speed off at the touch of a button. He almost ran over the two employees helping him.... Once secured on the bus we were off to Animal Kingdom. There we had Breakfast at Tusker Restaurant. It was a buffet style breakfast and it was delicious. They served this juice called jamba juice and it was mango, papaya and some other juice mix it was really good. The characters at this breakfast were Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Donald Duck. The kids all loved them and well if any of you know me I went for Goofy. lol.

After breakfast we all went on the safari ride. which was very enjoyable. Then the some of the gang went on a rapid ride and was soaking wet afterwards.

Hannah and I jetted out early from the park to come back to the hotel to find the rug by the bathroom torn up. Here is the story as to why that came to be and why we call our old room Lake 721.

Upon checking into the hotel and getting to our room we noticed the rug in front of the bathroom was sopping wet. Called the front desk and they sent out someone to use a wet vac to soak up the water and told us that the rug should be fine. So we went to bed woke up this morning at four am and stepped on to the floor to find that the floor was still sopping wet. Not my idea of a nice wake up call. So I stopped at the front desk and told them. While out at Animal Kingdom they sent someone over to take care of it. Upon arriving back at the hotel we found the rug torn up in two locations. And three people stopping in at the room to apologise and figure out what was leaking. But as it is we have moved to another room in another building away from the rest of the family. Pictures will be posted later tonight.

Photos from first day in Florida

Family Florida Vacation Day one

Okay so we all landed safely yesterday, checked into the hotel and relaxed. While relaxing at the hotel I came to realize I had forgotten one important piece of equipment... my cell phone charger... not a good thing as I watch my battery life drain. As many of you know my cell phone is a life line to the outside world and my friends. One can often find me texting people to stay in touch. So far I have had to have my phone off more then it is on. Not a fun thing for me. This morning began at 7:30am with breakfast at the food court at the hotel where I decided I was going to see if my wonderful friend taking care of my cat could overnight my cell phone charger. So when it got later in the morning and we are at Magic Kingdom I called her and she is the best she said she would do it for me. (Jen you rock) with that crisis almost resolved on to the rest of the day.

Day one: Magic Kingdom and Dinner at the Wilderness lodge.
We arrived at Magic Kingdom before it opened so we were able to catch the morning show they put on to open the park. It was cute. Once in the park we went to the rides. My two nieces and I began with the ride snow whites scary adventure. Scary for one niece not for the other. Then we decided to split from the family for a little while. The two girls and i made our way to frontier land on the way stopping to go on It's a Small World and Haunted Mansion.

Entering into frontier land the girls went on Thunder mountain and Splash mountain. Got to chat with a very nice employee there while waiting for the rest of the family to show up as that is where they said they were coming next. However, that all changed and the girls and I had to venture over to Tomorrowland to meet up with the group.

We ended our day with dinner at the Wilderness Lodge where the waiters were hysterical. they began by throwing straws on the table and napkins. Ten minutes into dinner we all had to get up and do the hokey pokey. As they were having us stand up my dad was finishing his salad and the waiter came over and shouted "put the fork down the food isn't going anywhere." After that one of my nieces asked for ketchup and the table that had it last brought over about 20 bottles of ketchup to our table which we then had to deliver to the next table that asked for ketchup. Also during this meal the younger kids got to go on a horse ride using the wooden horse head on a stick. It was a great evening and a fun evening which helped lift the spirits of my family as we were all getting tired and cranky. Yes I know only day one and we were already cranky can you imagine day 7...lol.

Florida Vacation

Hello everyone,
I know this isn't really a book review or book related topic but I felt the need to share the adventures that will be had while on vacation with my entire family. All 14 of us. So let's begin
first day was yesterday we began by arriving at the airport at 12:30pm for a 3pm flight. Early yes I know but the statement I got from the parental unit (father) was you don't know how much traffic we will hit on the way there and we need to be there 2 hours before the flight. so we arrived and waited for the plane.

News

Okay folks as my vacation trip draws closer I need to decide how many books to bring with me.
One I am bringing is Pale Assassin as it is an early reviewer and I must finish it and review it this month. But how many more should I bring? Here are the books I have in mind. And as My friend Gail did I am going to ask you to vote on which books you think I should bring with me. The two with the highest votes will go with me.

The hollow by Jessica Verday
Faerie Path by Frewin Jones
Staked by J.F. Lewis
Never slow dance with a Zombie
Ghost huntress book 2

And of course my e reader "Gavin" will be joining me on this vaca.



And for those of you who don't know I am going with my entire family. Should be an adventure. So as part of this trip I will be posting stories each day (hopefully) on the events of that day.

List of books to be given away

Okay everyone,
here is the start of the list of books I will be giving away.
A signed copy of Gray Apocalypse by James Murdoch
Pure Heart by Rita Hsu Syers
Vampire Beach Blood Lust by Alex Duval
first four books in the sookie stackhouse series
dead until dark
living dead in dallas
club dead
dead to the world
(the others will be available as I finish reading them)

Cracked up to be by courtney summers
Wicked Lovely by mellissa marr
Handcuffs by Bethany Griffin
The astonishing adventures of fan boy and goth girl by barry lyga

The winner is

Hey Everyone,
Sorry about the delay worked later then I planned. The winner for the Hush Hush giveaway is
The Book Vixen. Thank you all for entering. Wish you all could have won. Stay tuned for more giveaways to come.

Hush Hush Giveaway

Hello everyone,
Thank you all for entering into my first contest. The winner will be announced this afternoon around 4pm. Good luck to you all.

Give Away update

Hello everyone,
So my first official giveaway is winding down and I am so excited about the response. The next give away I have lined up will be in a four parts. First part I am currently compiling a list of books I have that I have read and would love to pass on to others. Second I will post list of the books I have and third you guys tell me what books interest you. Fourth I hold a contest. And hey if there is a book only one person is interested in I will gladly send that book directly to you.

Give aways

With the positive response I will compile a list of books that I will be giving away that way you can enter on the books you would like to win. It will take me a day or two to compile the list but should be posted by Wednesday night.

Giveaways

Okay so have a question for all you fellow book lovers. I know we like to get advanced copies of books through giveaways but is there interest in winning a book that has been out for a little bit. I ask because I have all these books that I have read that I would like to find a new home for. So would anyone be interested in getting those books through a contest? Thoughts?

Screw Cupid the sassy girl's guide to picking up hot guys by Samantha Schofield

Title Screw Cupid the sassy girl's guide to picking up hot guys.

Author: Samant6ha Schofield

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

in Screw cupid, Samantha Schofield shares first hand stories of experiences she had in the dating world with the reader. This I found would be useful for others because one is more apt to take advice from someone who is giving the advice from first hand experience. There were some stories I could see people relating too. And some I found amusing.

Schofield presents different scenarios throughout the book and gives feedback from guys. This could be helpful for those that are seeking and following her advice as many will tell you guys should come with a handbook on understanding them. Schofield gives some insight into the dating world.

What I found difficult to swallow was that a woman would actually use the pick-up lines she heard used by a guy that worked. Many women would be to shy or nervous to approach a guy and say something like “Can I buy you a drink.” Not that I feel there is anything wrong with that. But in today society most women sit back and wait for the guy to make the move. Hence the point of Schofield’s book, why wait for the guy to make the move, women can also take the horse by the reins and hit on men. Is this likely to happen? Possibly. For those women who are tired of sitting back and waiting for the man to make the move then I recommend they read this book and get some advice in that area.

Demons Not Included by Cheyenne McCray

Title: Demons Not Included
Author: Cheyenne McCray
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Demons Not Included is the first book in a new series for McCray. This being the first book I have read by McCray I was impressed how she the story flowed and each aspect of the characters presented will fleshed out in the story line. McCray introduces you to a half-human half-Drow woman named Nyx During the day when she does most of her work with the human world she is a blonde haired human nothing out of the norm. However at night Nyx becomes as she states it several times an amethyst (NOT PURPLE)-skinned, dark-haired Drow.

Nyx gets her strong will and strength from her dad and her daytime human form from her mother. The difference between Nyx and other Drow is she would rather live in the human realm and she is a female warrior. Nothing that the male drow's look favorably on.

While in the human realm she finds that others are being killed by a demon and with the help of her co-worker and a cute police officer who knows about the paranormal they set out to find out who is committing the murders.

McCray's writing grabbed me from the beginning of the story and had me routing for Nyx and her cute cop friend. The story never got dull with me and at the end had me wanting the next book in the series to be out. I hope the wait for the next book in the series is not a long one as I want to continue the story McCray has started for Nyx.

This book has everything in it that I could ask for love and romance, mystery and action. Great job by Cheyenne McCray

Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris

Title: Living Dead in Dallas
Author: Charlaine Harris
Rating: 4 out 5 stars


Just when Sookie thinks things are settling down for her and Bill she is requested actually demanded to go to Dallas by Eric Sookie agrees to go as long as Bill is there with her. And so the next adventure in Sookie’s life begins.

Upon arriving in Dallas an attempt is made to capture Sookie but is unsuccessful. After getting to the hotel and checking in Sookie discovers that there are other telepaths in the world. She is not alone. When meeting with the vampires of Dallas Sookie comes to learn her job. There is a vampire missing and they want Sookie to find out if the fellowship of the light is responsible. Teaming up with her is a man by the name of Hugo who is also dating a vampire.

What happens next can come as a surprise to the reader. This book was a nice sequel to the first in the series Dead Until Dark. Harris does a great job of keeping the same characters prominent in the book while telling a new story building on the last book.

The only problem I had is if you are watching the series True Blood you will find the similarities of the first season and the first book end just there. Season two is based loosely around book two.

I recommend that one read this series as just that a book series not a series that a tv show is based on less you maybe disappointed.

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

Title: Dead Until Dark
Author: Charlaine Harris
Rating: 4 out of 5 started

I originally picked this book up a year ago and never read it. I gave the book to a friend and thought nothing of it until I started watching the HBO show True Blood and found out that it was based on the series by Charlaine Harris. So I purchased a box set of the books. Books 1-6 I believe. Usually I like to read the books first that a show is based on but I did it in reverse order. For all you True Blood fans season one closely follows book one in the series.

Dead Until Dark you meet Sookie Stackhouse a young girl living in Bon Temps and working as a waitress. However, Sookie is not your average girl. Sookie possesses a power that allows her to hear what people are thinking. This causes Sookie to viewed as an outcast. Sookie's life is thrown upside down when she meets a gentleman by the name of Bill Compton. He is different then the others in town for the fact that Sookie can't hear his thoughts. The world is quiet when she is around him. Sookie soon finds out that Bill is not your average man, he is a vampire.

Sookie soon falls in love with Bill and together work to solve the mystery of the murders being committed in Bon Temps. While trying figure out who is behind the killings Sookie is asked by another vampire, Eric, to help find out who is stealing from him. Eric knows of Sookies powers and wants to use her to help him out.

Harris does a good job of tying all the story lines together by the end of the book. She keeps the story going and makes the reader look forward to the next adventure in Sookie's life.

Upcoming reviews

Hello everyone,
Here is the scoop going to take a break from the reviews momentarily of books that I have purchased in order to get caught up on reviews for ARCS. the following ARCS will be reviewed and posted by the end of next week. (Fingers crossed.lol)

• Brutal Telling by Louise Penny
• The Pale Assassin by Patricia Elliiott
• Screw Cupid by Samantha Schofield (this will be posted September 3 as part of a blog tour)
  

FIRST OFFICIAL GIVEAWAY CONTEST: Hush Hush

Hello everyone so after much thought and planning and help for ideas from my friend Gail I have decided to hold my first giveaway. So here it is.

I am giving away an ARC of Hush Hush. I have read and loved the story and my review can be found here. So to continue on with the details of the giveaway.

Rules.

1. This contest is open to everyone.
2. One entry if you leave a comment here on this post.
3. retweet the contest on twitter placing @bgale11 in the post.
4. mention the contest on your blog and leave a note with the blog address so I can go check it out. (sidebar is okay with link back to this post)
   
5. Send me a message on facebook ( forgot to include my name on facebook for those of you that don't know me. you can find me here)
   
6. This giveaway will end on September 15.

Good Luck everyone.

Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Hush Hush
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Release date: October 2009

While scrolling through an email from Shelf awareness I came across an add for this book. I read the idea behind the book and thought this is a book I could really enjoy so I requested an early reviewer. After requesting the Arc I went about my days not knowing if I would get a copy. Came home one day and to my surprise I had a copy waiting for me. I was sooooo happy. Any who I have read the book so on to the review.

Becca does a wonderful job of throwing the reader right into the story from the very first page. At first I was like what do the first couple of pages have to do with the plot but as I read the book and more came about each character I understood why the book began the way it began.

Meet Nora Grey a high school student who has no idea how her life is going when meeting a guy named Patch. Patch has a mysterious side to him and lets out information that he feels is needed and nothing more. Nora at first wants nothing to do with Patch and is horrified when she is teamed up with him in biology class. She tries her best to get it changed but with no luck.

As Nora gets to know Patch the more she has feelings for him however, she is told by others that she should avoid Patch at all cost. Although she wants to not like him he is the one she calls when she is in trouble. Then one night Nora finds out more about Patch's past and fears arise.

What will happen next will the truth come out as to who Patch is and if he can change his mysterious ways?

Hush Hush one of the best books I have ever read and recommend it to others who want a book that keeps you guessing until the end.

Current List of books to be reviewed

1. Wish you were dead 5 out of 5 (was asked by author to wait until book is released to post review as some things have changed from the ARC I received)
   
2. Midnight Cravings. 5 out of 5
3. Handcuffs 4 out of 5
4. Going to Far 4 out of 5 stars (How could I have forgotten this one)
5. Intertwined 5 out of 5 stars (added 6/29/09)
6. Demons Not Included 5 out of 5 stars (added 7/6/09)
7. The last of the Red hot Vampires (added 7/11/09)
8. Strange But True America Weird Tales From All 50 States 3 out of 5 stars (added 7/15/09)
9. Dead Girls Are Easy 4 out of 5 stars (added 7/19/09)
10. Dead Until Dark 4 out of 5 stars (added 7/31/09)
11. Cracked Up to be 4 out of 5 stars
    

The Astonishing Adventures of Fan Boy and Goth Girl by Barry Lyga

Title: The Astonishing Adventures of Fan Boy and Goth Girl
Author: Barry Lyga
Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Meet Fanboy a high school student who well like most his age dislike school. He doesn't have many friends and the one friend he has doesn't hang out much with him in public. Fan boy feels he is all alone especially since his mother is pregnant with the child of his step dad whom he can't stand.

Fanboy spends his time reading comics and working on one of his own. Then one day he meets Kyra also known as Goth Girl. She too dislikes school and the jocks that go with it. And an added bonus for fan boy is that Kyra likes comics too.

Barry Lyga weaves a great story of the struggles in high school and how with a friend you can overcome it. I must say he also has such great detail that you can picture the things he is saying. for example when he described dodgeball in gym I could literaly in my head see the game going on.

I enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to reading more by Barry. And I must add He is really nice to talk to. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to speak with Barry when I attended the Book Expo America back in May.

The Devil Inside By Jenna Black

Tittle: The Devil Inside
Author: Jenna Black
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

So I was walking around Borders one day thinking to myself that I wasn't going to by any books. Yeah right. Who knows me to go into a bookstore and not walk out with at least 4 or 5 books. So while looking at the books I picked this one up and read the back it had a interesting premise.

Morgan Kingsley is a demon exorcist that is called into to exorcise a demon from an 8 year old girl. Once that has been accomplished the folks that called on Morgan to help believe she herself is possessed however she asks that another exorcist be called in and she is cleared. Morgan leaves and the story begins.

Morgan begins to find strange notes written in her handwriting upon walking up. Telling her that someone is inside her. Morgan doesn't believe the notes and goes to her friend for help. Morgan begins to dream upon falling asleep and meets Lugh who she finds out has invaded her body but can not control her while she is awake. Uncommon for demons who possess humans. What Morgan finds out is the demon that possesses her is the King of the Demons, Lugh. The story progresses with Morgan trying to find out who would want the Demon to be stuck in a humans body.


I thought the story had a good baseline and developed nicely. The only thing is at times I thought some of the story could have been left out as it did not really have any backing in the whole Demon possession story. With that in mind I do feel it is a good book and an enjoyable story line.

What Happened to Cass McBride by Gail Giles

Title: What Happened to Cass McBride
Author: Gail Giles
Rating 4 out of 5 stars

I bought this book about a year and a half ago and started reading it then but couldn't get into so I put it on my shelf of books to read. So I picked it up again yesterday and was able to read it in one day. Even though the book bounced around from the main characters the story was easy to follow.

Gail Giles did a wonderful job of tell Cass's story from all the viewpoints of the people involved. Gail Giles brings the reader in and holds her until the story ends. At times you feel bad for Cass and at other times you can sympathize with Kyle.

What Happened to Cass McBride is a story of one individuals struggle to accept what his brother has done, one individual trying to figure out why she is in the position she is in. And the last question will Cass be found before it is too late?

A Circle of Souls by Preetham Grandhi

Title: A Circle of Souls
Author: Preetham Grandhi
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A circle of Souls is Preetham Grandhi's break out novel and I must say it is a great way to start a writing career. Grandhi introduces the reader to many different characters but through out the story you see how each person's story ties together for the main story.

There is no time waisted by Grandhi in getting the reader into the story. The story jumps off from the beginning. The characters you meet along the way only help tell the story better.

First meet Janet a young girl who goes missing and is later found brutally murdered. Then meet Naya a seven year old girl having dreams that no one can explain. Her parents bring her to the hospital for help when they see her trying to jump off her balcony. At the hospital we meet Peter Gram a child psychologist who takes Naya on as a patient. He wants to find out what is causing Naya's dream and by doing this gets pulled into the mystery of what happened to Janet.
Agent Leia Bines an FBI agent called into help solve this murder mystery.

Grandhi does a wonderful job tying all the characters and their individual stories together and solving the mystery of what happened to Janet.

I definitely recommend this book to others who like a book that keeps you guessing until the very end.

When Snowflakes Fall by Carl R. Sams, II

Tittle: When Snowflakes Fall
Author: Carl R. Sams II
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This book was sent to me from the publishers that I also met at the BEA 2009. I spoke to them about the books they had and how I thought the photos were amazing. After talking with them I then left their booth with a catalog of their books to look through so it was a great and happy surprise when they emailed me and asked me to review this book.
I found this book to be an easy read that young children would enjoy. The story tells about what different animals do when snow begins to fall but the thing that in my view is astounding are the actual photographs that they use to tell the story. Each page has a wonderfully taken photo to help tell the story.

I highly recommend this book and others by this author for the photos alone. They are amazing.

Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi

Title:Everyone Poops
Author: Taro Gomi
Rating: 4 out of 5

This book was sent to me by the publishers that I met at the BEA 2009. It is a children's book that tells kids how everyone poops not just them. Some poop is big some is small. They also share that some will move around as they poop while others don't. I found this book to be interesting and thought children would probably love to read it as most kids like to talk about poop.

I found the illustrations where well done and the short story flowed nicely. I recommend this book for any young child who is getting ready to be potty trained.

Currently reading

These are the books that hold a spot on my nightstand. Each so far are a great read.

Current books to be reviewed.

Slowly but surely I am plugging away at all the books to be reviewed below. I know I need to review them but I just keep getting great books to read. But I am going to try my best and get these books listed below reviewed.

1. Wish you were dead 5 out of 5 (was asked by author to wait until book is released to post review as some things have changed from the ARC I received)
   
2. Midnight Cravings. 5 out of 5
3. Handcuffs 4 out of 5
4. Going to Far 4 out of 5 stars (How could I have forgotten this one)
5. Intertwined 5 out of 5 stars (added 6/29/09)
6. Demons Not Included 5 out of 5 stars (added 7/6/09)
7. The last of the Red hot Vampires (added 7/11/09)
8. Strange But True America Weird Tales From All 50 States 3 out of 5 stars (added 7/15/09)
9. Dead Girls Are Easy 4 out of 5 stars (added 7/19/09)
10. Dead Until Dark 4 out of 5 stars (added 7/31/09)
    

Evermore by Alyson Noel

Title: Evermore
Author: Alyson Noel
Rating 5 out of 5 stars


I will be honest I bought this book and then it sat in my too be read pile for a while. Then my friend Gail asked to borrow it because a friend of hers said she must read it. So i let her borrow it and then she said I must read it. Once returned I began reading it and enjoyed the storyline and the way Alyson developed the characters in it.

Meet Ever a young girl who is the soul survivor of a car crash that took the lives of her parents, sister and dog. Ever would have joined her family on the other side however she stopped to "smell the roses" so to speak and was called back into her body. Since that fateful night Ever can hear voices and see things ghosts and auras around people. To hide this gift or punishment as Ever views it she hides herself in sweatshirts and listens to her ipod. This all stops when she meets Damen a new student at school whose very touch or presence seems to quiet all the voices that Ever hears.

Upon meeting Damen she also meets another woman. A woman who she thinks is Damen's girlfriend but turns out she is something else and is not a good thing for Ever.

Noel does a wonderful job of fleshing out the storyline between Damen and Ever, the story progresses nicely and to slowly. By the end of the book I was wanting more. Gladly Blue moon the second book in the series has been released. I look forward to reading it soon to see what happens to Damen and Ever.

Necking by Chris Salvatore

Tittle: Necking
Author: Chris Salvatore
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

If you ask anyone who knows me they will tell you that I love vampire books so it should come as no surprise that when I saw this book I picked it up and brought it home to join the other vampire books I have in my collection.

Gia Felice just your average woman working as a publicist for a firm. Well that is what most would think but the firm she works for are publicists for supernatural authors like aliens, vampires, werewolves and witches. Gia's best friend Lola is a werewolf and worries about her.
Gia’s current client is a vampire by the name of Belladonna Nightshade. How much trouble can Gia get into you ask well let's begin.

First: Gia falls for Bella's manager who you may have guessed is a vampire.
Second: Bella has asked Gia to find the vampire who turned her a dangerous mission for anyone who takes it on.
Third: Gia has to decide when she becomes involved with Johnny, Bella's manager, on whether or not she wants Johnny to change her. Even if she decides to let Johnny change her the question is does he want to change her..

Of course in the book you have Gia finding herself in dangerous places and needing at times to be saved for her own good. The story was good some of the jokes thrown out by the characters were at times unnecessary, Gia's fate is predictable from page one however, it is a nice read that I enjoyed.

Salt and Silver by Anna Katherine

Tittle: Salt and Silver
Author: Anna Katherine
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Before I review this book I must say I loved this book from start to finish. From the minute I picked it up to the moment I put it down. I read this book in a day.

Meet Allie, a young woman who work's at Sally's Diner and lives right above it. Her mother has run away with her tennis instructor and has taken Allie's trust fund with her leaving Allie with nothing. Allie doesn't think her life can get much worse until she and her friends chant a made up spell asking for money, luck, and love. What they didn't ask for in the spell was to open a Doorway to Hell.

In walks Ryan a Stetson-wearing demon hunter dressed in leather. His job to watch the Doorway to Hell and kill anything that tries to escape. So begins Allie's adventures with Ryan and all that has to do with the doorway she and her friends have called up.

To Ryan and Allie's amazement one day the doorway in her basement just disappears and of course Ryan thinks that Allie had a hand in the door disappearing.

After some research done on Ryan's part and a meeting of other demon hunters Ryan realizes there is something much bigger happening. Ryan also finds that the other doors that they check on call Allie by name. This could be an advantage or disadvantage. The only way to solve this mystery and what is behind the doors disappearing Allie and Ryan with some others must enter a doorway and go through hell themselves.

Can Allie's new found feelings for Ryan survive a trip through hell? Can they find the person responsible for the doors disappearing and save the world?

Red Headed Step Child by Jaye Wells

Title: Red-Headed Stepchild
Author: Jaye Wells
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

While walking through the bookstore one day I found this book sitting on the self staring at me. At first I thought while the cover looks good not sure if I want to get it but while picking a book up next to it to read the back Red-headed Stepchild jumped off the shelf (yes, it jumped didn't fall just jumped off the shelf) so of course I had to bring it home with me.

I will admit I didn't read it for a while after purchasing it but once I picked it up I enjoyed the story. It had its moments where I found myself laughing out loud as I read it. Really loved the first line of the book.
And well I have to say I loved the demon that was sent after Sabina Kane the main character in the book. Done with my pre-babble now onto the review.

Sabina Kane is half mage and half vampire. She was born from a forbidden love affair and will never become a full fledged member of the Dominae, the vampires’ governing council. Sabina is their trained assassin. Sabina's grandmother raised her to only follow vampires and hate all other dark species (mage, fairy and demon), all descendants of Lilith.

Sabina's life is fine until she is ordered to become part of a rival cult whose leader is Clovis Trakiya. Clovis is half demon and half vampire. Once in the cult Sabina soon realizes things she once believed are false and is no longer sure who she can really trust. As she delves deeper and deeper into Clovis's cult and their mission she begins to question her grandmother's orders. Thus putting her in a difficult situation.

Throughout her adventures Sabina realizes she is being stalked by a mage one of her kind. She also has inherited a demon called up by her mage stalker. As hard as she tries she is unable to get rid of the demon so when going on her mission to Clovis's cult she changes the demon into a cat.

Jaye Wells did a nice job of telling the story of Sabina but at times I wished there was a little more build up to the climatic scene in the book. All in all though the book was enjoyable and I plan on reading the next in the series.

The Season by Sarah MacLean

Title: The Season
Author: Sarah MacLean
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Okay before I share my review I must admit I was a little hesitant to read this book. The whole regency era thing not my speed but a friend of mine kept telling me how much I would love this book because she did. (we don't always see eye to eye on books) So to get my friend Gail (also known as Irish) off my back I bought the book. I began reading the book and at first was like okay it isn't that bad I can probably finish it but as the book went on I become more engulfed in Alexandra's adventures with her two friends.

The book starts off with Alexandra (called Alex by her friends) totally not wanting to join in her season. She doesn't want to be married off to the highest bider. Alex wants to marry for love but her mother makes her attend the balls and shows her off to the eligible men. While attending one of the balls a mystery begins that involves her, her friends and her childhood friend Gavin. Let me just interject here I love Gavin. In my opinion he helped push the story along.

Others that help make the story fun are Alex's brothers. they taunt her but also have to take the same punishment as she does. Her mother feels in some cases that her brothers need to watch out for her. The dialogue between brothers and sister at times is hysterical and make you laugh out loud.

The Season is a wonderful love story with a mystery twist. I highly recommend it be read.

Reviews to come.

How do I get so far behind on my reviews. I mean I just caught up on them or so I thought here is the list of books I have to review. Please bear with me while I catch up on them. I will however rate them so you can get an idea of what I thought about them while you sit patiently for the review. lol

1. The Season 5 out of 5 (reviewed 7/4/09)
   
2. Red Headed Step Child 4 out of 5 (reviewed 7/4/09)
   
3. Salt and Silver 5 out of 5 (reviewed 7/4/09)
   
4. Necking 4 out of 5 (reviewed 7/4/09)
   
5. Evermore 5 out of 5 (reviewed 7/9/09)
   
6. Wish you were dead 5 out of 5 (was asked by author to wait until book is released to post review as some things have changed from the ARC I received)
   
7. A collection of 6 werewolfe romance stories. 5 out of 5
8. Handcuffs 4 out of 5
9. Everybody Poops 4 out of 5 (children's book)
10. When Snowflakes fall 5 out of 5 (for the photographs)(children's book)
11. The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl 5 out of 5 stars (added 6/22/09)
12. Going to Far 4 out of 5 stars (How could I have forgotten this one)
13. Intertwined 5 out of 5 stars (added 6/29/09)
14. Demons Not Included 5 out of 5 stars (added 7/6/09)
    
    

Gray Apocalypse by James Murdoch

Title: Gray Apocalypse
Author: James Murdoch
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars


Gray Apocalypse is a sci-fi thriller, told from the beginning from two different view points. One of a man whose job is to save the earth from an asteroid and the other a scientist who has been watching the very same asteroid that the other is trying to stop.

James Murdoch jumps right into the action from the very first page. At first I questioned why would you start with one character and jump to another but as the story progresses you see the two stories merging into one.

Gray Apocalypse is a great sci-fi thriller for those of you are into sci-fi. James Murdoch grabs you from page one and keeps your interest til the very end.

Autism and Me Siblings Stories by Ouisie Shapiro and photos by Steven Vote

Title: Autism and Me Siblings Stories
Author: Ouisie Shapiro
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Autism and me is a wonderful way to introduce people no matter what their age to individuals with Autism. Each page in the book is a short story written by a sibling who has a brother or sister with Autism. Each child shares how they view Autism and what it means to them.

So many times people are afraid of the unknown. And individuals with Autism act differently then those individuals that do not have Autism. Some children may not talk, while others exhibit behaviors while in restaurants or malls. The children in this book show a better understanding and acceptance for Autism.

Ouisie Shapiro did a wonderful job of getting the stories from the families and presenting them in this book. Definite must read for children and adults.

Bedtime with Rollo by David and Seth Bier

Title: Bedtime with Rollo
Authors: David Bier and Seth Bier
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Like I mentioned in an earlier post I met two very nice gentlemen at the BEA they were the co-authors of Bedtime with Rollo and helped keep the peace in my family by giving me not just one book but three. Anywho, I brought two of the books over to my niece and nephew this afternoon with the stuffed Rollo dolls and let me say they absolutely loved the book. The minute I gave it to them they opened it up to look at it and were so excited to see that each book was addressed to them. They also immediately wanted to hear the story so me being the good auntie sat down on the couch with them and read them the story. As I read the story they each held their Rollo stuffed toy and listened. They laughed at the part where the father says he snores. They found that funny and said like daddy. Guess their daddy snores...lol As I read the book I found that it is great way to help children with nightmares. My niece and nephew laughed and had me read the book to them twice that shows me they loved it. And my niece said to me as I was leaving Thank you aunti for Rollo I am going to have him sleep with me tonight to keep the monsters away.

So David and Seth if you read this you have written a great story that I think will help children feel safe again when going to bed.

Thought I would add the website for the Book that way if anyone wants this great book they can check it out at http://www.nightsprytes.com/sd_Home.html

Like watching book trailers? Why not make your own.

While attending the BEA I had the opportunity to attend a Geektastic Party put on by Little Brown Books, there I got to meet lots of amazing bloggers and authors. One author met was Barry Lyga author of the upcoming book Goth Girl Rising due out in October. While chatting with Barry he shared a contest he is having.

Wondering what Barry writes well check out his books here. Now I know the scoop on this contest becuase Barry Lyga told me about it himself. Very exciting. The rules for his contest can be found at Goth Girl Rising Trailer Contest .

Oh one more thing deadline for Barry's contest is July 31. And make sure that you post on Barry's page Where he can see the video. Good luck everyone.

And the best part yet Barry shared with me that everyone who enters will win a prize and the winner will make the book trailer for the upcoming book Goth Girl Rising

News to come later

Okay Folks here it is the BEA has come to a close for me as I a catching a train at 12 and need to fit some books into my suitcase my arms are gonna disown me now...lol feet disowned me yesterday.

So I will share with you all the fun I had last night at the Geektastic party put on by Little Brown, Barry Lyga's contest he is having and a recap of lasts night cab ride where I had to sit in the front with the cabbie. Scary Scary Scary. Let's just say if you need to sober someone up whether it be you or a friend let them ride in the front seat in a NYC cab. That will fix anyone. will also tell you about the bouncer I met at the Lucky Strikes bowling alley. for now I am signing off.

Day 2 of the BEA

Day two of BEA 2009

First my poor feet have disowned me. I have never made them do this much walking in one day in a very long time. But it is a very good tired and very good sore feet. Another wonderful day at the BEA.

Before I forget I realized this morning that I had forgotten to list out a couple of books I had received at the Authors breakfast those books were:

Strega Nona Harvest by Tomie DePaola
Air Head by Meg Cabot.

Now on to today's list of books that were autograophed.

James Van Praagh for Unfinished Business: What the Dead can Teach us About Life

Brenda Jackson for Temperature Rising

Frank McKinney for The Tap

Frank McKinney and his daughter for Dear Fred, Flying Lunchboxes and the Good Luck Circle

Daniel and Dina Nayeri for Another Faust

Hannah Friedman for Everything Sucks

Janet Lord Leszi for A Pebble to Polish

Jeannette Franfou Ramnarine for The 4 Little Pigs

Jess McCann for You Lost Him at Hello

Carrie Silver-Stock for Secrets Girls Keep

Todd Strasser for Wish You Were Dead (which I have begun to read already)

George Mann for The Affinity Bridge

Ouisie Shapiro and Stephen Vote for Autism & Me:Sibling Stories

Leigh Brescia for One Wish

Francine Prose for Anne Frank: The Book, The Life, The Afterlife

Those were all planned signings but as I was walking through the various booths I picked up a couple more books signed by the author and they were:

Is It Dumb To Suck Your Thumb by Paul M. Krammer

Maggie Goes on a Diet also by Paul M. Krammer

Sniper Bid by Rick Robinson

Bedtime with Rollo by brothers David and Seth Bier (Here I must take a minute and tell you how awesome these two gentlemen were not only did they give me one book and one stuffed toy of Rollo but they gave me a total of three books and three stuffed toys and signed all three books. They are helping me keep the peace with my nieces and nephews. These two gentleman were awesome and I think everyone should have a copy of their book.)

Other books picked up but not signed are as follows:

A golf Book (spacing on the title and already shipped it home so it will have to come later)

Juliet Naked by Nick Hornby ( given to me by a fellow attendee who didn't want it. How nice is that)

The Gift of an Ordinary Day by Katrina Kenison

Pals in Peril: Jasper Dash and the Flame PIts of Delware by M.T. Anderson

Being Nikki by Meg Cabot

Allie Finkle's Rues for Girls Stage Fright by Meg Cabot

The Pale Assassin by Patricia Elliott

Oh wait almost forgot, I got books this am at the author breakfast I attended and they are:
Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder

Half Broke Horses: A True Life Novel by Jeannette Walls

American on Purpose: A Memoir by Craig Ferguson

This days total of books is: 29 b00ks not counting the two books I forgot yesterday.

I have had a wonderful time at the Bea and plan on attending next Year. This time though I will pack short sleeve shirts ans better shoes. lol

First Official Day at the BEA 2009

Began my day at 3:45am. Yes, Yes you read correctly. Crazy you say, why yes I would have to agree with you on that one. lol However the reason for my craziness to get two orange tickets for authors signing later in the day, one of which I gave to a fellow tweeter and blogger who could not get up that early and one to get books signed for my mom... aren't I sweet...lol.
The first event of the day was they Children's book & Author breakfast. The authors there were Meg Cabot, Tomie DePaola, Amy Krouse Rosenthal, and the well know and love Julie Andrews. Much to my surprise at this breakfast was to find free books were on my seat when I sat down. What a wonderful way to start the day. then from there I began the day long event of getting authors' signatures.

So in review here are the authors I saw and got autographs from.
Jordan Summers for Crimson (also was given another book but at the moment at a loss for the
tittle.)

Sarah MaClean for The Season

Laurie Faria Stolarz for Deadly Little Lies

Jennifer Leigh (PsyD) for Laid or Loved? The secrets Guys Wish You Knew About Being a
Dream Girl instead of a Just-in-his- jeans Girl. (here she gave out a keychaing
attached to a zipper book mark. Very cool message and with the bookmark.
Should you be curious and want to know just ask me and I shall tell you. =).

Heather Graham for Dust to Dust

Two books for my mom
Carol Higgins Clark for Cursed
Mary Higgins Clark forJust Take my Heart

Bridie Clark for The Overnight Socialite

For the nieces and nephews
Chris Van Dusen for Circus Ship
Ted Lewin illustrator for The Longest Night
Lynnette Murray-Gibson for The Magical adventures of Clara the Cleaning Woman: Clara Meets
Mr. Twiddles (She was nice enough to sign two books for me so they cherubs wont fight)

Back to my books
Walter Krumm for Diary of a Dead Man (sadly he did not show up to sign it but still got a copy)

Lev Grossman for The Magicians

Darryl Hagar for The Man Overboard

David Lubar for My Rotten Life:Nathan Abercrombie, Accidental Zombie

Then I went to a couple of Publishers booths and picked up a couple more autographs they were
Anna Leonard for DreamCatcher

Gena Showalter forVampire's Bride

Maria Synder for Storm Glass

Rachel Vincent for Pride

Along with the above books a publisher asked me to review a children's book that is quite
popular and will be sending the book my way the book to be reviewed is Everybody
poops. (yes folks you read it correctly...lol ) Look forward to getting it and posting about
it here.
Also picked up School of Fear (blanking on the author. Sorry) and a friend picked up a vampire book for me (wasn't that nice of her?)
Too other locations I went to were a booth selling massaging insoles. The company is Best Soles Inc. They had me try on the insoles and lets just say my feet were thanking God that the Guy pulled me into the booth to try them. walked out buying a pair and they are quite comfortable. The website if you are interested is www.MassagingInsoles.com
And finally I stopped at a booth for Carl R. Sams PhotoTgraphy Inc. where I was shown a book about being lost in the forest. The photographes used in this book were exsquiste. It had a nice story line and was educational. Highly reccomend if interested in books on animals Another book shown too me had oil paintings for the illustrations again the pictures were exquiste. The webpage to find them at is www.strangerinthewoods.com

So at the end of Day one I managed to pick up 23 books, 24 counting the one being mailed to mre.

Well that is all for me for tonight. My feet are hurting and my have sore muscles that I never knew I had. But the above books eith the exception of three were shipped home and hopefully will arrive this week. So excited.

Happy reading.

Book Expo America day one

Well really it is not the first day of the expo but it is the first day in NYC. Arrived in NYC at Penn Station at 5:00pm grabbed a cab and headed over to the Roosevelt Hotel. Man it was a fast ride and I had my eyes closed for half of it. Never take a New York Cab ride if you are faint of heart. Checked in to the hotel and headed out to meet some fellow tweeters at the Strand. The strand for those of you that don't know (cause I didn't) is a huge and I mean huge book store. You would need a whole day to look through everything they have on their shelves. But FYI where light weight clothes as it is very hot. Could have been inpart due to the two mojitos I had at dinner but the store was hot. After spending about two hours in the strand I left having spent 124.00 dollars. Way more then I planned on especially cause I am do to get some books at the BEA this weekend but who I tell you can resist half price books or books that are just $1.99. (apparently not me) Anywho, day one in NYC is over and I am heading to bed as I have a early wake up call 4 am so my friend and I can go get tickets for an authors signing. so night all and more to come tomorrow.

Reviews, reviews and more reviews

Just when I think I am getting caught up on reviews I can add 3 more books to the list.
The Season
Red Headed Step Child
Salt and Silver

reviews left to be done

Okay I am almost caught up on my reviews I only have two reviews left and they are:
1. Necking
2. Evermore

Breathers A Zombies Lament by S.G. Browne

Title: Breathers A Zombies Lament
Author: S.G. Browne
Rating 5 out of 5 stars

For all you zombie lovers Breathers is a must read. This book provides a very different take on how Hollywood presents Zombies. In Hollywood Zombies can't talk and want to eat people. S.G. Browne presents a different kind of zombies.

The Zombies in Breathers all can talk at the most part and are not out to eat people but want to co-exist with them. Meet Andy the main character in Breathers. Andy came to be part of the undead after a car accident where he lost his wife, his human life and his daughter moving in with his in-laws.

Andy was pronounced dead after the accident but after being prepped for his funeral Andy cam back to life. Andy however can't talk as the funeral parlor had sewn his mouth shut. So to communicate he writes on a board hung around his neck.

Andy is part of a support group of other zombies, zombies that are trying to find their new place in a world that will not accept them. In their new world they need to be careful where and when they go out as the humans or also referred to as breathers will torment them and beat them up. Even though the zombies are being tortured by breathers they themselves can not retaliate against the breathers for risk of being arrested and either sold to a zombie zoo or have their body parts sold for research.

Breathers A Zombies Lament is a story of rebirth, love and determination to fight for ones rights. S.G. Browne does an excellent job of telling Andy and the others stories and how they survive in a world that does not accept them.

Willow by Julia Hoban

Title: Willow
Author: Julia Hoban
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Willow is a book that covers a difficult topic to talk about, Cutting or self mutilation. If you never have never known someone who is self abusive this book can give some insight into what individuals are thinking and what is behind the cause for one to self mutilate.

Julia Hoban does a wonderful job of describing the feelings that Willow has before she is cutting, during and also after she has cut herself.

Willow is a young girl who blames herself for her parents death. Since her parents death she has moved in with her older brother and his wife and daughter. Willow also feels that her brother blames her for the death of their parents and now for having to play a parent role for his younger sister. When Willow experiences all these emotions of loneliness, depression and guilt she cuts herself. Willow feels that she is all alone until she meets a boy named Guy.

Guy showing interest in Willow finds out that she is cutting herself and for the first time in her life Willow lets Guy in and tells him why she cuts and the purpose that it serves.

There are parts of the book that are difficult to read and aren't for the faint of heart but overall Julia Hoban does a wonderful job of showing an outsider what it is that drives an individual that feels the need to cut.

Willow is a heartfelt story that shows how one girl can overcome her past.

Ghost Huntress: The Awakening by Marley Gibson

Title: Ghost Huntress: The Awakening
Author: Marley Gibson
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Ghost Huntress follows Kendall a 16 year old who moves from Chicago to a quiet town in Georgia with her family. It is in this quiet town where she begins to hear voices. Not only does she hear voices she sees ghosts, and she can sense other people's thoughts and pains. A chance encounter with a local New Age businesswoman helps Kendall to see and understand that she's experiencing an awakening of her psychic abilities. Just what she wants now she gets to add extrasensory perception/sensing the dead to her list of things to worry about, along with making new friends and fitting in at her new high school.

It isn't long before she finds some new friends who are interested in the paranormal, and together the form a Ghost hunting group and take on the case of the ghost haunting Kendall's father's office.

Marley Gibson does a great job of telling the story of Kendall and has done her research on the paranormal and the equipment used. I am definitely looking forward to the second book in the series.

The Pregnancy Test by Erin McCarthy

Title: The Pregnancy test
Author: Erin McCarthy
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

In the Pregnancy Test you meet Mandy who was told by a physic that he saw pastries around her. Mandy couldn't think of what the heck that physic meant until she finds out that she is pregnant and that it is not a business she will be doing but she has a bun in the oven literally.

Could things get any worse? But of course. Mandy's boyfriend leaves her saying he can't take being a father again as his children are grown. So Mandy is left to be a single mother to be and in desperate need of a job. In walks Damien who she applies for a job to. However, all the employees call him Demon. He is the boss that makes every assistant he had cry.

Mandy knows she needs this job and also knows that she must hide for her current boss that she is pregnant and thus the story between Mandy and Damien begins.

The Pregnancy Test is a well written story that in the end does have a underlying meaning. What that is can be different for each person who reads it.

Death's Daughter by Amber Benson

Title: Death's Daughter
Author: Amber Benson
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Meet Calliope Reaper Jones just your average woman, right? Well think again. Calliope is the daughter of death who for a while forgot about her family by casting a forgetting charm. Well that charm is no longer working when she sees a large monster in her building. Thus begins her adventure back into her families world.

Calliope returns home to find out that she must take her father's place as Death as he has been kidnapped, however becoming death is not so cut and dry as Calliope comes to see.

Calliope needs to complete three tasks given to her by the board before she can become Death. And so begins her adventure in Hell where she finds out more about herself and her family.

Death's Daughter is a great story and has many laugh out loud moments as Calliope goes on an amazing adventure.

Before I Wake by Kathryn Smith

Title: Before I Wake
Author: Kathryn Smith
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Meet Dawn to the human eye she is a normal woman working in a Dream lab helping others understand their dreams. What you don't know is that she is the Daughter of the King of Dreams Morpheus. This makes her a nightmare in the dream world but not a full fledged nightmare as her mother is not from the Dreaming Realm. Dawn has done her best to avoid her destiny but in walks Noah.

Noah is a patient in Dawn's study on dreams and shares with Dawn he feels that his dreams are trying to kill him. Dawn hopes she can help him but doesn't know how to share with him that she is not your typical human. Through helping Noah Dawn comes to accept her heritage and trains with the man who is her father.
Will Dawn be able to help Noah fight the person in his dream from killing him and also save herself.

Kathryn Smith does a great job telling the story of Dawn and how she comes to accept who she is.