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Sunday, August 10, 2014

Feasted On: It Girl by Nic Tatano

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1622 KB | Expected Release Date: June 26, 2014 | Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers : HarperImpulse : RomCom | Obtained: NetGalley

"It Girl" by Nic Tatano

Authors' Book Description : Veronica Summer is stuck in the dream job from hell.

The spunky New York reporter is offered the network's morning anchor position, but she doesn't want it because she's a night person. Then the network plays a trump card, promising her the evening anchor chair in three years. So the fiery redhead takes the plunge, with the ultimate gig waiting down the road.

Problem is, that road is filled with two am wake-up calls and the only social life she has is one with bats and raccoons. She quickly realizes she'll never survive the grind and decides the only way out is to get fired by being her snarky self on live television.

And the ratings skyrocket.

Veronica becomes the nation's It Girl, so the network makes her a celebrity contestant on its most popular nighttime dance competition show, Dance Off. While her journalistic credibility is shot to hell by the show's skimpy costumes, she's thrown into close contact with two incredibly attractive men; her dance partner and the show's sarcastic British judge.

And she soon discovers that love is the ultimate gig.

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars!! This fast-paced romantic comedy throws you for more then one major twist and keeps you wanting for more! From Veronica's snarky attitude to her friend's southern "charms" to maneuvering through the conniving world of journalism, this novel is one that keeps pushing you through the paces and doesn't let go till the end.

I loved Veronica and her friends, especially when they talked on their lunch dates. Together they help each other through Veronica's messy "love life" and her personal/professional catastrophes in such humorous ways! I just could not get enough! Then throw in Veronica's "man candy" and how she can't decide between the two men who interest her in such "different" ways--yeah, let's go with that--made this novel hard to resist.

I will say that around the chapter where Veronica has a big journalistic break through, I found the novel to drag a little. Yet, not long after that scene happened the pace picks back up at full throttle and doesn't stop which made me happy to see! I LOVED how it ended!! Especially, I enjoyed how the guy she chooses is one that is so romantic to her; it was just a nice twist in itself to see since Veronica really needed that type of person in her life.

I highly recommend this hilarious contemporary romance!!

Purchase This Book Here :

Author's Novel Extras : It Girl - Overview | How Star Trek and The Fly are helping my work in progress | How we serialized my novel | "I'm not really this snarky, I'm just written this way." (The "meet my main character" blog hop) | It's a book birthday for "It Girl"

Book Teaser(s) :

"Before you started working this shift, what usually helped you get a really good night's sleep?"
"Sex."
He bit his tongue and smiled. "I, uh, don't think your insurance covers that."
"Sure, it'll cover Viagra for guys but when women need some help, nooooo."
He laughed, pulled a pen and prescription pad from his pocket and started writing. "I'm going to prescribe a strong sleep aid. And this one should be more effective than a boyfriend and won't get you pregnant."
"Ooooh, I like a doctor who's a smartass." ~ within Chapter 6

Thirty minutes later I was having another Sally Field moment, but with a small difference.
They like me. Sonofabitch, they really, really like me. The sarcastic, snarky, insulting me. ~ within Chapter 8

Post by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews.

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Nic, then please check out his website.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Guest Post :: Self-Publishing – the Good, the Bad and the Ugly by Jenna Bennett | Small Business Saturday

In honor of Small Business Saturday (today--November 30th) I'm hosting guest posts from authors who were interested in helping out! So, here is a post by Jenna Bennett, author of "Tall, Dark, and Divine" & "Fortune's Hero," about what it's like to be a self-published author!!

Self-Publishing – the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Once upon a time, in the dark ages of 2006, when I’d just written THE END on the last page of my first completed manuscript and had to decide what to do with it, there was really only one option open to me: Query, find an agent, and if you’re lucky, sell it to a publisher.

If you’re unlucky, write another and repeat the process.

At that point, self-publishing was for the people who hadn’t been able to snag the attention of an agent and/or an editor.

If you were good enough, the wisdom went, you’d get a traditional publishing contract. If you weren’t... well, only people who weren’t good enough, self-published.

By 2011, when I got the rights to that first book back, the publishing landscape had changed. Self-publishing was no longer only for the rejected, the down at heel. It was the ‘in’ thing. Everyone was doing it, and people were getting filthy rich, which made more people want to do it. Suddenly, self-pub had gone from being the anti-Christ to the second coming.

So I gave it a try. I had a book that had been published, where the publisher had returned the rights to me after declining to publish the rest of the series. I had three books written and edited, one book written but not edited, and another halfway done. Over the course of six or eight months that year, I published all of them.

And sat back and waited for the money to start rolling in.

And waited.

And waited some more.

Believe it or not, the money didn’t roll in. It trickled, though. Slowly. Three years later, I still haven’t sold a million copies of my books, although I’ve published more of them since. And I’m making a living, which is a big deal to many writers.

Turns out, self-publishing is just another way to get content to readers. It’s neither the anti-Christ nor the second coming. It isn’t a miracle cure or a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s just another aspect of the publishing game. And the things that work in traditional publishing, tend to work in self-publishing as well, now that things have settled down into a more steady groove.

The more books you have available, the more money you’ll make.

Put out a professional product, and people will buy it.

Cream does rise to the top.

I’m a hybrid author these days. I do some traditional publishing and some self-publishing. There’s more self-pub, but only because it’s faster to get the books out when I can do it myself. There’s no one else’s production time to take into account. When you publish with a publishing house, there’s the editor’s time, and the copy-editor’s time, and the proof-reader’s time, and the cover designer’s time, and the sales team’s time to consider in addition to your own. When you’re all of those, you’re doing all the work, but you control the timing. So for every trad book I put out, I manage two, maybe even three, self-published books.

Not because they’re of inferior quality, though. Coming from a traditional publishing background is a real bonus in the self-publishing game. When you’ve been through the process a few times, and you see just how much goes into a publisher’s putting out a professional and polished product, and how many eyes are on that manuscript before it’s deemed polished enough, you realize just how much work you have to do to put out a comparable product on your own.

And that’s what you have to do. Because if self-publishing is just another way to get content to readers, then your self-published book is going to have to compete in the same marketplace as the traditionally published books from Random Penguin, and Simon & Schuster, and HarperCollins, and Harlequin. And while you may feel that the traditionally published books out there are not up to the snuff they ought to be, they’re usually professionally edited, copy-edited, proof-read and packaged. However you may feel about the writing or the story, the product – with a very few exceptions – is a professional one.

So while signing with a publisher will get you an editor who works with you on story structure and characterization and sometimes grammar, and a copy-editor who checks all your facts and figures and makes sure you’re not messing up your history, and a proof-reader who makes sure (after you do) that you haven’t left any errors, and a cover artist, and a cover designer, and an interior designer and formatter, all of whom make sure your book looks as lovely as it can possibly look, not to mention a sales and/or marketing department whose job it is to get your book into the public eye, where it can be seen and bought – because nobody can buy it if they don’t know it’s there... when you’re self-publishing, you have to do all those things yourself, or hire someone to do them for you.

It isn’t for the faint of heart.

If you don’t get off on the control, it’s probably not for you.

If your heart doesn’t beat a little faster at the thought of being the master of your own fate, you’re probably better off with a publisher.

And if you just want to write, and you don’t want to deal with the cover design, or the marketing, or the whole career-building bit, do yourself a favor and go the traditional route.

You’ll be happier, trust me.

It isn’t for everyone.

And that’s fine. Not being a self-publisher doesn’t make you a failure, any more than not being able to sell a book to traditional publishing ten years ago made you a failure. It made you not a good fit. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

Because if self-pub is just another way of getting product to market, it’s not better or worse than any other way of getting product to market.

It’s neither the anti-Christ nor the second coming. It’s a direction you can choose to take your career, if you think it’s something you’ll enjoy. Or it’s a direction you can choose to ignore, if you think you won’t. Trad publishing isn’t going anywhere, in spite of what the first wave of self-publishers claimed five years ago. 70% of all books sold in the U.S. every year are still print books, and getting print books into stores is something you still can’t do on your own. Whether seeing your book on the self at Barnes & Noble or your local indie bookstore is important to you, is something only you can answer for yourself.

There’s good and bad in every aspect of publishing. There’s even a little bit of ugly once in a while. And we all have to choose for ourselves what our priorities are, and where we fit in the scheme of things.

It’s a great time to be a writer. The opportunities are practically endless. And that’s a very good thing!

About the Author :

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jenna Bennett (Jennie Bentley) writes the Do It Yourself home renovation mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime and the Cutthroat Business mysteries for her own gratification. She also writes a variety of romance for a change of pace. For more information. please visit her website, www.jennabennett.com.

My Previous Interview(s) with this Author : August 2012

My Previous Guest Post(s) by this Author : Mysteries and More - November 2012

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Tall, Dark, and Divine | Fortune's Hero

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Teaser Tuesdays: Tall, Dark, and Divine | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013 | Blog Tour - Covet Promo Reveal Blast Materials‏

Find Jenna Bennett :

The Giveaways!! :

This giveaway ends December 7, 2013 at midnight.

[Click the book titles to find out info about them or to read my review about them]

A Smashwords ebook copy of "Picture Perfect" by Ella Fox to two randomly drawn people from Rafflecopter
An Ebook copy--winner's choice from Jodi Redford's backlist to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
A Kindle ebook copy of "Catching the Bad Guy" by Marie Astor to three randomly drawn people from Rafflecopter
"The North Poe" Christmas Boxed Cards from Jenna Bennett to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
Winner's Choice :: two books (total) from Kristine Cayne and/or Dana Delamar or 10% off any service from By Your Side Self-Publishing from Kristine Cayne & Dana Delamar to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
A Kindle ebook copy of "Every Night Forever" by R. E. Butler to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
A Kindle ebook copy of "Playing Games" by Jessica Clare to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
A Kindle ebook copy of "Indelible" by Bethany Lopez to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
A Kindle ebook copy of "Battlescars" by Sophie Monroe to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
A Kindle ebook copy of "Drive Me Crazy" by Marquita Valentine to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
A Kindle ebook copy of "Desire By Blood" by Melissa Schroeder to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
A Kindle ebook copy of "Darkness Awakened" by Katie Reus to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, September 3, 2012

Blog Tour - Made the Grade: Return to Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs | Interview & Review

Today I'm turning my blog over to Susan Wiggs, who I interviewed about her latest novel "Return to Willow Lake," which is the 9th book in her Lakeshore Chronicles Series!!

My Q&A with Susan Wiggs :

Jess : Who or what was your inspiration to begin writing?

Susan : There was never a time when I wasn’t writing. Even as a toddler, I used to dictate stories to my mom. Evidence here: early writings. I think people are born storytellers. Most grow up and get sensible jobs, but some of us never get over it.

Jess : Tell us a bit about your Lakeshore Chronicles Series.

Susan : It’s an unending series of books about the lives and loves of the Bellamy family. The setting is a nostalgic town in the Catskills, on the shores of Willow Lake. It’s become so real to me that the new book, "Return to Willow Lake," features endpapers with maps.

Jess : Which of your characters would you most & least like to invite to dinner, from which book and why?

Susan : Fun question! I would most like to invite Zach Alger from "Return to Willow Lake" to dinner, because he is total eye candy and he would make an awesome video of the experience. I’d least like to meet up with Zach’s father, Matthew, because he’s a total douchebag. Fortunately, Zach did a better job raising himself.

Jess : Please describe your heroine, from "Return to Willow Lake," in one to two sentences.

Susan : Sonnet Romano is smart, driven, loyal and romantically confused. She’s also a wonderful daughter to her mom at a time when her mom really needs her. And she can’t seem to stop thinking about this guy she’s not supposed to even like....

Jess : If "Return to Willow Lake" were to be made into a film, who do you see playing the main characters and why?

Susan : Sonnet looks a bit like Alicia Keys. She would be played by a lovely mixed race actress...And Zach, hmm...somebody tall, blonde and yummy. I’m open to suggestions.

Jess : In regards to "Return to Willow Lake," if you could write it all over again, would you change anything about it?

Susan : Gosh, no. I rewrote it so many times, my head would explode! If you find a typo while reading it, well, I’d change that.

Jess : How many books have you written? Which is your favorite and why?

Susan : I stopped counting after forty. So, probably fortysomething? My favorite is the NEXT one because I’m so excited to be writing it. Of my published books, "Return to Willow Lake" is my fave, because I just felt so close to the characters and their situation. I’ve never been in that situation, but I felt it very deeply.

Jess : Do you have any other projects in the works? If so, can you share a little of your current work with us?

Susan : I’m finishing up "The Apple Orchard," the first Bella Vista Cooking School novel which takes place in Archangel, in Sonoma County, California. It will be out next May. After that, I’m going to tackle Logan’s story in the Lakeshore Chronicles.

About the Author :

Using blunt scissors, pages from a Big Chief tablet, a borrowed stapler and a Number Two pencil, Susan Wiggs self-published her first novel at the age of eight. "A Book About Some Bad Kids" [I still have this-CL] was based on the true-life adventures of Susan and her siblings, and the first printing of one copy was a complete sell-out.

Due to her brother's extreme reaction to that first prodigious effort, Susan went underground with her craft, entertaining her friends and offending her siblings with anonymously-written stories of virtuous sisters and the brothers who torment them. The first romance she ever read was "Shanna" by the incomparable Kathleen Woodiwiss, which she devoured while slumped behind a college vector analysis textbook. Armed with degrees from SFA and Harvard, and toting a crate of "keeper" books by Woodiwiss, Roberta Gellis, Laurie McBain, Rosemary Rogers, Jennifer Blake, Bertrice Small and anything with the words "flaming" and "ecstasy" in the title, she became a math teacher, just to prove to the world that she did have a left brain.

Late one night, she finished the book she was reading and was confronted with a reader's worst nightmare—She was wide awake, and there wasn't a thing in the house she wanted to read. Figuring this was the universe's way of taking away her excuses, she picked up a Big Chief tablet and a Number Two pencil, and began writing her novel with the working title, "A Book About Some Bad Adults." Actually, that was a bad book about some adults, but Susan persevered, learning her craft the way skydiving is learned—by taking a blind leap and hoping the chute will open.

Her first book was published (without the use of blunt scissors and a stapler) by Zebra in 1987, and since then she has been published by Avon, Tor, HarperCollins, Harlequin, Warner and Mira Books. Unable to completely abandon her beloved teaching profession, Susan is a frequent workshop leader and speaker at writers' conferences, including the literary institution Fields End and the legendary Maui Writers Conference. Her novel "The Charm School" was voted one of RWA's Favorite Books of the Year. She is the proud recipient of three RITA awards for "Lakeside Cottage," "Lord of the Night" and "The Mistress," and is often a finalist for the prestigious award. Her books appear regularly on numerous "Best Of" lists.

Susan enjoys many hobbies, including sitting in the hot tub while talking to her mother on the phone, kickboxing, cleaning the can opener, sculpting with butter and growing her hair. She lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest with her family.

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Hardcover - Pages: 311; Kindle Edition - File Size: 487 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: August 28, 2012 | Publisher: Mira Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"Return to Willow Lake" [The Lakeshore Chronicles, Book 9] by Susan Wiggs

My Book Summary : Sonnet has always been the type of person who likes to plan out her life then strive to achieve her goals as quickly as she can. However, when she finds out that her mother (who's in her 40's) is unexpectedly pregnant and that the pregnancy has some high-risk complications Sonnet puts her life plans and goals on hold and moves back to her hometown of Avalon to support her mother through this tough process. Nevertheless, just because she back home doesn't mean she doesn't need to work, especially since she gave up her high-powered job in the city to be there. Therefore, she becomes the Casting and Location Coordinator for the town's latest reality show called Big Girl, Small Town, and working with her once best friend Zach.

Zach is a good guy who had grown up in a crappy home. However, Sonnet's mother always made him feel welcome throughout Sonnet and his friendship and that hasn't changed over the years. It does get complicated though after Sonnet and he share an unexpected sparks-flying night together, especially afterwards when Sonnet wants to forget about it and go back to being friends again.

Now with Sonnet working on the Big Girl, Small Town with him they try working through their feelings while dealing with the intense situations around them. Can they work through everything to finally realize what they truly want for themselves in life and love? Or will they find that it would be better to be apart for good?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this is a moving charming novel. About the lengths, those will go to for the ones they love. I loved stepping back into Susan Wiggs' Lakeshore Chronicles world and catching up with all of these characters! However, I truly enjoyed reading about Nina's struggles, Nina's triumphs, Sonnet finding herself throughout this whole novel, the budding romance between Zach and Sonnet, and how no matter what happened between Sonnet and Zach they always were their for each other in the end. The town wraps you up and makes you want to read more!!

With that being said, I really hated Sonnet's father and the way she tried to please him at all costs. I mean I know where she was coming from since I was raised by a single mother for most of my life so I understand her need to show her worth to her father. However, when her father doesn't appreciate her efforts or thinks that only the path he picks is the correct one for her, then I really just don't like the man. Nevertheless, I like that throughout this novel Sonnet works out her issues with her father and comes to her own conclusions about him in the end.

In addition, I wish the epilogue had more!! I'm happy with the way it ended, who ended up with who, and how everything turned out. However, it leads you up to what you'll be expected to see and then it stops. =0(

Anyway ...

Overall, I enjoyed this novel. I would recommend it and the Lakeshore Chronicles series to anyone who likes contemporary romances!!

Author's Novel Extras : Read an excerpt | Reading Guide | Booklist LURVE | dedication page | shout out to Library Journal

Author's Series Extras : When life gives you lemons... | How many books are in the Lakeshore Chronicles? | “It’s a Wonderful List” | reading to music | series or single title? | “Walk away.” | ‘fessing up | from today’s front page | cover art debate | just a taste | for reading groups | my grandma, the maniac | oopsie Daisy | fair enough question | women’s fiction | Daisy+Logan+Julian

Author's Book Trailer :

Author's Series Interview(s) :

Book Teaser(s) :

Zach thanked him and hung up, looking around the bakery at the coffee drinkers, the tourists and locals, the little kids smearing their hands on the glass cases, the old guys with their crossword puzzles. These people had no idea that the world had just shifted for him. Finally the dream was coming into reach. He'd been trying to get a break forever, sending out his portfolio of digital clips, emailing them into what seemed like a black hole of digital ether. He'd been networking through people in the business who were at least six degrees away from West Coast and New York producers. Each award he won, each scrap of recognition, hoisted him another rung up the ladder, but until now, nothing had materialized.
The opportunity was still so new, he had only the sketchiest idea of what was in store for him next. ~ within Chapter 4

"Tell you what," she said to the shaking boy. "Let's go together. You and me. What do you say?"
"What good's that going to do? Then we'll both die."
"Nobody's going to die. You saw everybody take a turn and they loved it. Come on, I'm scared, too, but I still want to do it."
"You're not scared. I heard you telling Salt over there that you couldn't wait to take a turn."
"Salt?"
"That's what we call him." Andre jerked a thumb in Zach's direction. "'Cause the two of you are salt and pepper."
She felt her cheeks heat up. She didn't want to be pepper to Zach's salt. "Never mind that. Let's do this thing." ~ within Chapter 12

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Susan, then please check out her website.

Find Susan Wiggs :

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Feasted On: Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 356 KB | Release Date: October 2009 | Publisher: HarperCollins | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Lord of Scoundrels" by Loretta Chase

My Book Summary : Sebastian, the Marquess of Dain, (also known as Lucifer, the Devil's son, Beelzebub, Dain, and quite a few more names) likes his life of debauchery. However, he gets a complete surprise when Jessica (Jess) walks into his life with plans to try to save her brother, Bertie, from his debts and get Bertie out of association with Dain. Dain will not be one to be told what to do by a woman, let alone be told by a lady! So, he does everything in his power to hurt Jess, through using her brother, even more.

Jess won't back down though, and every bad move Dain makes she seems to get him back some way or another. Yet when these two hot-tempered people get in too close proximity, the sparks and chemistry between them seem to be combustible, making their irritation with each other turn into a passion that cannot be denied.

When there are people that are willing to do anything to trump up this pair, by doing whatever it takes to put them into a scandal or worse, will they let their pride get in the way of the facts and go after each other or will they be smart about the situations go after the ones at fault instead?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Exciting and smartly written! I was interested in reading this book ever since I saw it listed as one of Susan Elizabeth Phillips' Favorite Historical Romances on her website, and I'm very happy to say that I completely agree with her in it being a new fave for me too!! Which is saying a lot, especially since I'm not always one for liking historical romances.

Dain has had a very tough life. Because of his past he is now a man who lets very few (if none) people see his true self, and if anyone or anything stands in his way or in front of what he wants he will blow them away with any means necessary. Plus, he's also smart enough to negotiate with the best of them, so usually everything just happens to work out his way. Jess is a hellion all on her own, at least for the time period, and even if she can't outwit Dain at times, she sure can keep him guessing. It is not hard to like this pair, their schemes (against and with each other), and the hot chemistry that they have together.

I definitely recommend this book if you are a fan of historical romances with characters with a LOT of pride on their side, and/or if you are a fan of Susan Elizabeth Phillips.

Book Teaser(s) :

Bertie approached, and in his playing-field confidential whisper asked, "Any idea what she said, Dain?"
"Yes."
"What was it?"
"Men are ignorant brutes."
"You sure?"
"Quite."
Bertie let out a sigh and turned to the female, who still appeared fascinated with the contents of the display case. "You promised you wouldn't insult my friends, Jess."
"I don't see how I could, when I haven't met any." ~ within Chapter 1

Miss Trent, in short, was not only going to make Lord Dain crawl, but she would have Herriard do the dirty work for her, and have it all done legally, with not a loophole for Dain to wriggle out of.
"There is no animal more invincible than a woman," Aristophanes had said, "nor fire either, nor any wildcat so ruthless."
Ruthless. Vicious. Fiendish.
"Oh, no, you don't," Dain muttered. "Not via go-betweens, you demon spawn." ~ within Chapter 8

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Loretta, then please check out her Amazon Page.

Related Posts :

Feasted On: The Hellions of Halstead Hall Series, Book 4	Made the Grade: Just Imagine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips	Feasted On: Regency Romp Trilogy, Book 1	Blog Tour - Heir to the Duke by Jane Ashford \| Character Interview, Spreading the Word & Jane Ashford Book Bundle Giveaway	My Book Reviews & Book Index: ~ C ~ Authors

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

September 2010 Contest, WIN :: Before I Fall

PRIZE :: "Before I Fall" by Lauren Oliver

Format: Hardcover | Pages: 470 | Release Date: March 2010 | Publisher: HarperCollins

Author's Book Description:

What if you only had one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all: the world’s most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High—from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life.

Instead, it turns out to be her last. Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

RULES ::

Only residents of the US or Canada are eligible to win.
This contest ends on September 30th and the winners will be selected using Random.org.
You must be at least 13 years-old and a follower of my blog to enter.
Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry. Additional entries are possible but links must be provided.
The form below must be filled out to enter.

** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts. Basically Jess earns from qualifying purchases.
More specifically Jess partners those websites' programs and you should be aware that they may collect personal information when you interact with their sites. The collection and use of this information is subject to their own privacy policies.
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Related Posts :

September 2010 Contest Winner!	Get To Know Our Channels, Favorite Things, Book Recommendations & #Youtube Loop #Giveaway	August 2010 Contest Winner!!	Back 2 School Special #BookPromo – #Romance Novels [Part 3 of 3] w/ #Giveaway	Blog Tour - The Boyfriend Bet by Chris Cannon \| Interview, Spreading the Word, & GC Giveaway (INT)

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Monday, June 21, 2010

Feasted On: Sign of the Zodiac Series, Book 5

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 515 KB | Release Date: May 2010 | Publisher: HarperCollins

"Cheat The Grave" [Sign of the Zodiac Series, Book 5] by Vicki Pettersson

My Book Summary : Jo is back and kicking ass!! However, things have completely changed in her world again ... she's now mortal. With that knowledge her troop kicked her out and she is no longer an agent of light. She also just went trough loosing her lover to his ex and has a crazy man, named Mackie that wants to kill her with his soul blade, chasing after her. Not to mention that if she makes contact with any of her old collages from the troop or any superhuman being then the leader of the troop of light, who's also her old boss, will have no problem killing her. Along with quite a few more people/beings who would like to kill her too, and one of them just happens to be her birth father.

But in some twisted turns of events she might just come to find she does have some allies she can lean on, that is if she looks in the right places...

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Okay ... yes I skipped over 3 books in this series to read this one and I am happy I did so, especially because it was written in a way that I didn't really need to read the others (unless of course I want to know exactly what happened), since this book could probably stand alone in the way it describes all that has happened to her in recent events. But I liked this book sooo much more then the first one that I can't complain at all ... even about not reading the previous books. I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL THE 6TH BOOK COMES OUT!! And I REALLY hope things will work out between Hunter and Jo!

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 1

Book Teaser(s) :

She smiled back, sweet and with tears moistening her eyes, before turning to Hunter. "You are a part of me now, and I will love you forever."
A relieved smile overtook his face, and faded like a ghost. I whirled on her. "I'm going to kill you!"
Olivia laughed merrily. "I believe I have the advantage here."
"Ugh, God!" I pulled at my hair. "Olivia! What the fuck?"
She laughed some more. "Yep. That's about as T-Rex brain as you can get." ~ within Chapter 5

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Vicki, then please check out her website.

Related Posts :

Made the Grade: Sign of the Zodiac Series, Book 1	This girl next door has some secrets ...	Pisces by A. P. Morgan \| @alathiamg’s Book Release #ASMSG #virtualassistant	Edward M R Merchant - U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current	My Book Reviews & Book Index: ~ P ~ Authors

Hashtags: #bookreview #bookreviews #review #VickiPettersson #CheatTheGrave #JoannaArcher #SignoftheZodiacSeries #SignoftheZodiac #AdultRomance #AdultFiction #fantasy #fantasyromance #paranormalmaincharacters #paranormal #paranormalfiction #paranormalromance #PNR #vampire #vampires #vampireromance #romancewithvampires #steamyreads #smuttyreads #smuttybooks #smuttynovels #demon #demons #womensfiction #romancenovels #romance #romancereads #romancebooks #romancenovelrecommendations #RomanceRecommendations #SpreadingTheWord #fromjesstoyou #FromJesstoYouServices #frommetoyou #FromMetoYouVideoPhotographyBookReviews #FromMetoYouPhotography #FromMetoYouBookReviews #FromMetoYouVideo #jessbooktube #booktube #BookBlogger #BookReviewer #virtualassistant #socialmediamanager #personalassistant #videographer #photographer #bookblog #professionalreviewer #reviewer #bookpromoter #romancereader #ireadromance #romancetube #romancetuber #RomanceBooktubers #RomanceBooktuber #smallbooktuber #smallyoutuber #websitecoordinator

Made the Grade: Sign of the Zodiac Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 375 KB | Release Date: March 2007 | Publisher: HarperCollins

"The Scent of Shadows" [Sign of the Zodiac Series, Book 1] by Vicki Pettersson

My Book Summary : Joanna (Jo) grew up in a rich family but when she was sixteen she was raped and her life completely changed. Now it's her 25th birthday and her life is changing again ...

After going out on a date with a man who tries to kill her (and possibly the room-full of people at the restaurant), she meets up with her first love again and sparks fly. But then she finds out that her father, Xavier, isn't her birth father and because of that he cuts her out of her inheritance. Then the big thing is more people are out to kill her just because of who her birth parents truly are and what Jo will be able to do in the future, which means if she doesn't go into hiding (or something) she will definitely die.

However, it seems that the men after her underestimated her ... now that time has past her 25th birthday .... she is introduced to a whole new world without really knowing where she belongs. And what doesn't help is that even those who seem to be helping her, don't trust her....

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars. Okay this book, I almost gave up on it. I got through the first 5-6 chapters and I was bored. But thankfully I skimmed to the good parts and kept reading since I did finally get hooked. However, you have to admit that the beginning is kinda unreal ... it's like she gets everything and nothing at all, which completely ruined it for me. But anyway ... if your like me then I recommend to keep reading it once you start since it does get better!

Book Teaser(s) :

"We all have our disguises," Warren added helpfully.
"What?" I snapped angrily. "And 'Yoda on crack' was the best you could come up with?"
"I see you did nothing about her temperament," Warren muttered.
"Some things even I can't fix." ~ within Chapter 10

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Vicki, then please check out her website.

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Hashtags: #bookreview #bookreviews #review #VickiPettersson #TheScentofShadows #ScentofShadows #SignoftheZodiacSeries #SignoftheZodiac #AdultRomance #AdultFiction #fantasy #fantasyromance #paranormalmaincharacters #paranormal #paranormalfiction #paranormalromance #PNR #vampire #vampires #vampireromance #romancewithvampires #steamyreads #smuttyreads #smuttybooks #smuttynovels #demon #demons #womensfiction #romancenovels #romance #romancereads #romancebooks #romancenovelrecommendations #RomanceRecommendations #SpreadingTheWord #fromjesstoyou #FromJesstoYouServices #frommetoyou #FromMetoYouVideoPhotographyBookReviews #FromMetoYouPhotography #FromMetoYouBookReviews #FromMetoYouVideo #jessbooktube #booktube #BookBlogger #BookReviewer #virtualassistant #socialmediamanager #personalassistant #videographer #photographer #bookblog #professionalreviewer #reviewer #bookpromoter #romancereader #ireadromance #romancetube #romancetuber #RomanceBooktubers #RomanceBooktuber #smallbooktuber #smallyoutuber #websitecoordinator

Monday, May 31, 2010

Made the Grade: Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 341 KB | Release Date: March 2010 | Publisher: HarperCollins

"Voices of Dragons" [Voices of Dragons Series, Book 1] by Carrie Vaughn

My Book Summary : Have you ever wondered what it would be like if dragons lived among us? Well, for Kay that is her reality. However, in recent years humans and dragons have been isolated from each other and stayed out of each other's territories for the past sixty years because of the treaty that was signed. The only problem with that is now each side doesn't know a thing about the other, they just base what they know on fear and legion which make it so each side lives in fear of what the other might do.

For Kay, she has grown up right in the middle of it. As she lives in Silver River, Montana a town that is the closest to the border of the dragon territory in America. Also, with a father who's the sheriff of the town and a mother who works for border control, Kay knows this area really well, which doesn't hurt when she likes to seek adventure type of activities (i.e. free-climbing on the mountains the border is on).

The story starts off when Kay is partaking in one of these types of activities, she decides to free-climb in an area on the border that she knows her parents (or anyone working with them) won't be looking at. However, once she gets down and decides to wash her hands off in the river, then slips, and falls into that river taking her over the border into dragon territory .... and her life really gets adventurous!

After being in the water for a while unable to get herself out, something saves her .... a young dragon named Artegal. Artegal wants to know/learn more about humans and just really wants to talk to someone, and is happy when Kay agrees to come back to do so. Which is how they grow to become friends, but they keep it a secret since the treaty states that once one from the other side crosses the border an all out war can happen.

Nevertheless, after a couple of months the reality of their friendship comes into play when the military on the human-side starts testing the border and the dragons’ patience. Will they be able to stay friends when they are supposed to be enemies? Or maybe will their friendship show that both sides are able to live in peace once and for all?

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars. Not as good as I had hoped. I mean it was cute, and a VERY touching story about friendship and love. And for a good portion of the book I cried like a baby. However, I just think it could have been better. It's like Romeo & Juliet only between friends ....

Book Teaser :

"We have stories," the dragon said. "Of people with swords. They hunt us down. Seek us out. Wicked deeds."
Kay wondered what stories the dragons told about human beings. Saint George--Silver River High's mascot was Saint George--must be like the devil to them.
"Foolish, maybe," he said. "But I want to see for myself. To understand. We used to talk to people. Maybe we should again." ~ within Chapter 3

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Carrie, then please check out her website.

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Hashtags: #bookreview #bookreviews #review #CarrieVaughn #VoicesofDragons #VoicesofDragonsSeries #HarperCollins #YA #YoungAdult #YoungAdultFiction #YAFiction #YAromance #YoungAdultromance #YAnovels #YAReads #paranormalmaincharacters #paranormal #paranormalfiction #paranormalromance #PNR #fantasy #fantasyromance #Shapeshifter #ShapeshifterRomance #shifters #shifterromancenovels #dragons #dragonshifter #dragonshifters #romancewithdragons #SpreadingTheWord #romancenovels #romance #romancereads #romancebooks #romancenovelrecommendations #RomanceRecommendations #bookish #books #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #bookrecommendation #readingrecommendation #bookstoread #booktoread #reading #fromjesstoyou #FromJesstoYouServices #frommetoyou #FromMetoYouVideoPhotographyBookReviews #FromMetoYouPhotography #FromMetoYouBookReviews #FromMetoYouVideo #jessbooktube #booktube #BookBlogger #BookReviewer #virtualassistant #socialmediamanager #personalassistant #videographer #photographer #bookblog #professionalreviewer #reviewer #bookpromoter #romancereader #ireadromance #romancetube #romancetuber #RomanceBooktubers #RomanceBooktuber #smallbooktuber #smallyoutuber #websitecoordinator

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