Marlene Perez Interview

Marlene Perez is the YA author of the DEAD IS series as well as Love in the corner pocket & The comeback. She has just released the fourth book in her series Dead is just a Rumor & has planned on releasing Dead is not an Option Summer 2011. Exciting!

CT: Can you give us a brief description of the ‘Dead Is’ series in your own words?

MP: The DEAD IS series is a teen paranormal mystery series set in the town of Nightshade, California and features the adventures of Daisy Giordano and her sisters, as well as a cast of normal and paranormal characters. The things that go bump in the night are your neighbors in Nightshade.

CT: What has been your inspiration to write the ‘Dead Is’ series and the title?
MP: I love urban fantasy, paranormal, and especially anything with vampires in it. When I was little, my older sister used to babysit me after school and she watched a supernatural soap opera called DARK SHADOWS. I also loved Anne Rice’s VAMPIRE LESTAT books and read every ghost story I could find as a kid. I also had a crush on a character from a book when I was growing up, Strider/Aragorn from LORD OF THE RINGS. When I saw Viggo Mortenson’s film portrayal, I sincerely thought he brought the character to life. He was exactly how I’d pictured him.

CT: Who is your favorite character from Nightshade?
MP: Daisy. I adore her. But I’m kind of fond of Ryan, too.
CT:What are some of your favorite books to read?
MP: I read pretty much every genre and if people are really interested, check out my goodreads list. It’s embarrassingly long, but will tell you what I’m reading. I’ve been reading a lot of research books lately.
CT:When you’re not busy writing, what do you like to do in your free time?
MP: I like to spend time with my family, go to the beach, read, and have coffee with my writing buddies.
CT: What advice would you give to Young Adults who desire to become authors themselves?
MP: Read widely and hone your craft.

CT: Anything else you would like to add….
MP: I love to hear from my readers! There’s a Welcome to Nightshade Facebook Community page and I’d love to see readers there!

CT: Thank you very much Marlene!

Links to Marlene:

http://members.cox.net/mardperez/
 And also look for NightShade on Facebook!!

Follow Friday (2)

 This is my second week participating in the Follow Friday meme hosted by Parajunkee's View To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

1.) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { Parajunkee.com } and any one else you want to follow on the list

2.) Follow our Featured Bloggers - seducedbybooks.blogspot.com

3.) Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.

4.) Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments

5.) Follow Follow Follow as many as you can

6.) If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers

7.) If you want to show the link list, just follow the link below the entries and copy and paste it within your post!

8.) If your new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

Review: Intertwined

Pages 377

Harlequin

Gena Showalter

Sequel: Unraveled

There's something about the new guy at Crossroads High...

Most sixteen-year-olds have friends.

Aden Stone has four human souls living inside him:

One can time travel

One can raise the dead

One can possess another human

One can tell the future

Everyone thinks he's crazy, which is why he's spent his entire life shuffled between mental institutions and juvie. All of that is about to change, however. For months Aden has been having visions of a beautiful girl- a girl who carries centuries-old secrets. A girl who will either save him or destroy him.

Together they'll enter a dark world of intrigue and danger... but not everyone will come out alive.

Review: ( SOME SPOILERS! BEWARE)

I am not sure where to begin with this review, since the ending is fresh in my mind I have to reference back to the middle and begining to write a more efficient review.

The plot of this book has a nice lead. The first chapter is action, action and some more action- Aden Stone is different from any character I have ever read about, along with the four souls living in his head, you are introduced to all right away.

The chapters switch off from different view points of Aden and Mary Ann, I enjoy when authors do that offering a different variety in the story telling. As the story unfolds you really start to think you can predict that since Aden and Mary Ann have this draw to eachother that they will end up together and so goes the typical plot... not even close to what the plot leads up to.

Aden knows Mary Ann is not the girl in his visions but he is determined that she can help him- with the souls in his head and even lead him to the girl. He is right- soon Victoria- the girl in Aden's visions via Elijiah (the soul in his head that has the visions) enters the scene and Surprise she is a vampire.

At the same time Mary Ann has an admirer as well- a werewolf- a shape shifter- I really enjoyed this part of the story because you have no idea who the wolf is and the author leaves uncertain possibilities..

(I will not spoil that part!)

To continue- the part that annoyed me was everytime Aden needed to sneak away from home or school- Victoria 'would handle it' convincing teachers and students et cetera that Aden had been there all along when he was not... which is a cool ability but it just happend too much.

There wasnt much of a description of the connection between Victoria and Aden- they both just knew they wanted one another, I just didn't feel the romance between the two it was more like an unexplained crush- same goes for Mary Ann and her mysterious Wolf...there was romance just a mild amount.

There is lots of paranormal and some neat connections between everyone- hence the great title 'Intertwined'

That was definatley my favorite part of the plot that there really wasn't one climax but several as the connection bewteen everyone started to unravel (lol! the name of the sequel is suiting!)

There are alot of surpirses and a good ending that is not definite and leaves plenty of action for the next book-

I would rate this book a 4- I really liked it and definatley want to read the next book, so it is worth the read!

Teaser Tuesdays

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading and it asks us to...


1. Grab your current read
2. Open to a random page
3. Share a couple of “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title and author, too, so that other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teaser (click on the title)

Bad boy. Yes, that fit, too. Mary Ann didn't have to turn to remind herself of what he looked like. His image was burned into her mind. As Penny had said, he had black hair with inch long blond roots. What she hadn't mentioned was that his face was as perfect as the Grecian statues she'd seen in her world history book, even with the grime. For the briefest of moments, when a beam of sunlight had hit him, Mary Ann would have sworn his eyes were striped with green, brown, blue and gold. But then the ray had disappeared beyind a fluff of clouds and the colors had melted into eachother, leaving only an intense black.

- Intertwined by Gena Showalter pg. 30

 

Cherry on Top AWARD!

YAY! I recieved this award from Ginger over at GReads!

Thank you Ginger!

All you have to do for the Cherry on Top award is:

1) Answer the question "If I had the chance to go back and change one thing in my life, would I, and what would it be?"
2) Pick up to 6 people and give them this award.
3) Thank the person who gave you the award.

My answer is....

If I had the chance to go back and change one thing in my life, honeslty, I would change the college I chose to attend three years ago- I didn't know much about tuition prices, financial aid, accredited shcools, and their programs- I called the first school that came to my attention and have been paying waaaay too much for the past three years. I can't say that I wasted my time, I learned alot through their Health Information program, but it was more expensive than necessary and I'm not sure Health Information is what I want for a career.
So back the drawing board- going to fins another program where I can expand my horizons :)

And here are 6 bloggers worthy of this award-

1.WORD for Teens
2.The Book Pixie
3.Reading Addict
4.Must Love Books
5.Musings of a Reader Happy
6.Michelle & Leslie's Book picks

Read-a-thon challenge... & TBR pile

I am looking forward to the Halloween Read-a-thon hosted by YA books reviewed on October 15th-17th and have set my goal to read minimum of 3 but shooting for 4 books for that weekend- the titles are from Laurell K. Hamilton's: Anita Blake series.

And if I am lucky enough to finish those I will continue on to the fourth in the series- ' Lunatic cafe'

As for this week I am off to a slow start to Intertwined by Gena Showalter, and finally going to tackle Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, and Raised by wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. If I can keep up my motivation to read one after another I will be plenty ready for the awaited release of Beautiful Darkness on October 12 next week.

I would love to hear what everyone else has planned for this week and books TBR! Please Share!

Hope everyone's week is starting out GREAT!

WOW! My first Award.



I was super excited to find this morning that I have recieved  my very first blogger award from

The Bookish Snob

THANK YOU!

Here are the insructions for passing along this award

1. Thank and link back to the person that gave this award
2. Write 7 things about yourself
3. Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic
4. Contact the bloggers you've picked to let them know about the award

Ok here are 7 things about Moi!

1. I enjoy cleaning! As crazy as that sounds I enjoy the smelly goodness of Mr.Clean and lemon fresh dishwasher soap.

2. I am obsessed with Jalapeno peppers- ghost peppers- hec any peppers that have the HEAT! I will eat them with anything.

3. I have a little brother that is the same age as my oldest son, they are 7 years old and only one month apart, it's neat how good of friends they are.

4. I have always dreamed of having my own library in my house, (who hasn't huh!?) I'm thinking maybe an entire level of my house should be dedicated.. hahaha

5. If a Football game is on- I am watching! I enjoy very much!

6. My favorite author from middle school/Jr. High was Mary Higgins Clark- I Love her books

7. I love to travel- and have driven from Florida to Minnesota, from Minnesota to Wahington, and even south to Kansas and Oklahoma!

Now 15 blogs I want to pass this awesome award onto-

1.GReads!

2.Every Little Thing

3.Chazz Hart

4.Books Are A Girl's Best Friend

5.Young Adult Books Reviewed

6.The Crazy Bookworm

7.Abyss

8.Emilie's Book World

9.A book Obsession

10.Alison Can Read

11./-LA FEMME READERS-/

12. A Bookful of thoughts

13. In the Hammock

14.Good Choice Reading

15. Icey Books

I apologize to anyone who has already recieved or doesn't wish to recieve awards- I did my best to overlook your blogs and ensure that you hadn't posted 'No awards Please!' so before hand I apologize!

You all are fantastic!

BOOK BLOGGER HOP

The Book blogger Hop is hosted every week at Crazy for Books

This weeks question comes from Tina at Book Couture

"How do you spread the word about your blog?

(e.g. Social Networking sites, Book Blog Directories, comments on other blogs...)"

I am totally new to blogging and netwroking my blog. So far I have really just been working on building up my content and posting the links on Facebook. This week I have discovered so many Blogs and so many sites to network with to expand the followers and content of my Blog! I have been leaving lots of comments and enjoying looking at some of the amazing blogs ya'all have out there! I am just amazed at the time and creativeness that people invest in their Blogs! It is very Inspiring! I look forward to many mor Blog hop Fridays!

To participate just head over to Crazy for books and leave your link, grab the logo and post it on your blog and have fun Hoppin until Monday the 4th!

Follow many and comment alot!

FOLLOW FRIDAY

Follow Friday is a weekly event hosted by Rachel at Parajunkee's view .

This is my first Follow Friday and I am thankful to be apart of it as I am new to the Blog scene!

Thanks to everyone who stops by!

Happy Friday

Now I am off to Follow....

'Torment' review... WHOA!

Torment

452 pages

Delacorte Press

Lauren Kate

Sequel to 'Fallen'

Lucinda is sure that she and Daniel are meant to be together forever. Now they are forced apart in a desperate bid to save Luce from the Outcasts–immortals who want her dead. As she discovers more about her past lives, Luce starts to suspect that Daniel is hiding something. What if he has lied to her about their shared past? What if Luce is really meant to be with someone else?

Review:

I am just in awe at what this book has added to first novel 'Fallen' Typically I am skeptical about sequels and they often don't live up to the first novel. 'Torment' was just breathtakingly amazing. The love between Lucinda Price and Daniel was even more intense and raw faced with Luce's unsureness about everything as it seems Daniel is withholding so much from her. I have to admit I started to get annoyed- it seemed too often, like a broken record, Luce was pleading for someone to fill her in on some 4-1-1; and yet was shone away from any real answers, everytime- however this left great opportune for the next novel to reveal this very suspense riden secret that will drive me insane to wait until next summer for the third installment 'Passion'.

I appreciate the new scenery, honestly, the relocation of Luce to the California school was a nice transition into a new plot and setting, and of course introducing the intriguing new characters.

Miles, Shelby, Francesca & Steven, Dawn & Jasmine- they were all so different form the students Luce met at Sword & Cross. I especially liked the development of the 'Shadows' or 'Announcers' that haunted Luce since the beginning of this story in 'Fallen' I am glad to see that the autor elaborated on what they are and the abilites of the shadows- this book gave alot of insight to Luce's past which the announcers played a major role in.

The closer Luce and Miles were getting through her stay at Shoreline ( new school in Claifornia) the more I found myself holding my breath- just the thought of Luce second guessing this passionate never ending, undying, tragic love of hers and Daniels, was just heart wrenching.

I was very pleased to see the old gang Arriane, Cam, Molly, Gabbe and Daniel be joined with Luce's new friends at the Thanksgiving dinner that Luce was relieved to be allowed to spend at her parents- might I add where all Hell broke lose- still it was a nice touch that they all showed up unnannouced and were all welcomed.

The fight that ends this story was just crazy- because it takes place at Luce's real home following their Thanksgiving dinner and so much is happening- all are involved new and old friends, angels & nephilim, and mortals. I am sad for the end of this book, because again there is so much unanswered and so much sadness at the end. It leaves me wanting more and hopeful for the next book.

On a final note- I read this book in under 24 hours- I just couldn't put it down (hence the reason for my 2:30 am post!) It truley lives up to it's title

'TORMENT'

Books to Movies....

I was at the library this morning with my little one and I overheard a conversation that struck my interest. Books being adapted into Movies.. it happens quite often these days.. some good and others.. well- should've just been left alone. Everybody has their opinions. That is what I am most interested in- what everyone's thoughts are about Books being Adapted into movies...

So I did an internet search on several of my favorite authors to see what projects they are working on and the one that caught my attention the most was P.C. Cast - now this may not be news to some but I was reading her blog about the House of Night series being adapted into a TV series or Movie- perhaps both(?). There were a list of questions from fans about how the Movie will ruin the series et cetera.

I personaly once had a negative feeling about the adaption of books- but after reading the responses P.C. Cast has provided to her blog readers, giving them a positive outlook on the adaption and understanding that- Yeah it WILL be different! I can say that I have a new respect for the process and outcome.

After reading her blog post about Movie Info I am actually quite excited to see what producers will do with the wonderful House of Night Series!

I would love to hear your thoughts about this topic regarding any book adaption into a movie!

Thanks

Link to P.C. Cast's blog site and official site

http://pccast.blogspot.com/2010/07/movie-stuff.html

http://www.pccast.net/

Cover art of 'Dead is not an option'

Will be Released in Spring in 2011

Fifth book in the 'Dead Is' series by Marlene Perez

LOVE IT!

'Waiting on" Wednesday: Misguided Angel

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at the Breaking Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This weeks anticipation is......

Misguided Angel: A Blue Blood Novel #5

Melissa De La Cruz

Publication date October 26, 2010

From Shelfari: After inheriting the dark Van Alen Legacy, Schuyler flees to Florence with her forbidden love, Jack. Now the two of them must embark on the mission Schuyler was destined to complete: to find and protect the seven gates that guard earth from Lucifer, lord of the Silverbloods...

While Mimi has been elected Regent of a crumbling coven. Struggling with her heartache over the loss of Kingsley...as a new threat intagles the Vampires as they get abducted and their captors plan to burn them alive online…for all the world to see. As the Blue Blood enclave weakens yet further, fate leads Schuyler closer to a terrifying crossroads-After inheriting the dark Van Alen Legacy, Schuyler - and a choice that will determine the destiny of all vampires.

Beautiful Creatures

563 pages

Little Brown and Company

Authors Kamis Garcia & Margaret Stohl

There were no surprises in Gaitlin County.

At east, that's what I thought.

Turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.

There was a curse.

There was a girl.

And in the end there was grave.

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gaitlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even withing the overgrown gardens, murky swamps, and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gaitlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything

This book is like no other. The detail, the characters; their roots and history, the presence of the South through every page, the connection between Ethan and Lena, and even the emotion through every event.

Ethan and Lena were both beautiful. Amma was another favortie of mine with her voodoo and superstitions, even Macon Ravenwood grew on me in the end and I couldn't help but feel bad for his ending.

The contribution of the the two writers have really complimented each other well. Everything about this book- every detail, every character, every secret- it's all so real and so great.

For starters the characters were so well developed, I felt as if I knew them personally, their history was so alive through story- each one of them, tying them to the south, to Gaitlin county in such a deeper past than the DAR (Daughters of the American Revoultion) and the families of the town had even been aware of. For such a small ordinary town, that nothing ever happened, and nothing ever changed.. there was soo much to be uncovered. Even with the ending of this book I know the sequel 'Beautiful Darkness' has some greatness to offer as well.

Every turn the story took I thought I knew for sure what was going to happen next but was totally thrown off guard with why Lena's Uncle Macon was hiding so much from her, I truly started to believe he was trying to harm Lena vs. protecting her as he claims but is caught lying to her left and right, and the true reason behind Mrs.Lincoln's strange desire to seperate Ethan and Lena.. this was not divulged until the very ending..( I do not want to give it away! )

The tie between Ethan and Lena was so romantic- the history of their bloodlines and the curse of Lena's family. Their journey to discover how to help Lena form turning Dark on her sixteenth birthday was like a roller-coaster ride that left every turn unpredictable and every fall intense.

Before I started reading I was skeptical on the title- I was sure it was bound to be another story that was all too familiar. I was wrong, very wrong.

There was nothing familiar about this story- it was dark, romantic, and tragic- while uplifting and encouraging. I hate to try to explain the details of the events that happened in a book, especially when they were so well put together in one like this, it leaves you with a yearning for more and heavy with emotion.

In this review I just want to say I highly highly reccomend this book.

How do you Bargain for your Buck

I am a bargain shopper all the way! I love coupons, sales, and discounts any way they come. I'm sure alot of people have figured out by now the best way that works for them when purchasing books.. or anything for that matter... me however.. I'm just jumping on this online ordering band-wagon. The war is between Amazon.com, Borders.com and purchasing items in store. And the answer is really no certain one is better than the other- but they all have benefits of utilizing each one, with one goal SAVING YOU MONEY!

I never compared the difference to online shopping to going in the store, that is of course, until our economy started going downhill super fast. I for one was not keen to the idea of sacrificing my hobby of reading and building up my own personal library. (Granted Libraries do exist, I prefer to purchase!) So my bargain hunting began.

It never fails, when I go to Borders and am waiting in line with my rewards card in hand, coupon downloading on my phone, I over hear the CSR asking the customer if they are a interested in the rewards card.. wait for it wait for it..... they always say "OH no I don't come here that much anyways."

Really? A free program that sends you coupons and accumulates rewards, why not? Hey not everyone will be interested, but its just something to really consider, once you understand that you can get something one place for a discount or the purchase is directed toward a reward, why not?

I honestly cannot claim to know much about any other book store rewards programs or prices... such as Barnes and Nobles...

My loyalty is with Borders. However I know Borders Rewards is free with the option to upgrade to a higher discount rewards program. Back on track now... I know when a hardcover first comes out I can order it online at borders and typically it is the same price on amazon.com, same thing with pre-orders, for up to 40% off! NO matter what orders over $25 get you free shipping... amazon.com does have qualifying free shipping as well if you do a trial run of something or other.

Like I said every option has it's benefits, but you can utilize several vs. just one... sometimes I order on amazon.com, mostly on borders.com and when I go for paperbacks or books that have been out for awhile I use my 33% off coupons in the store. It works out lovely for me.

I have heard alot of people shop at Half Price books as well, I have never personally been to one but It would be a good thing to look into- Half price anything is a bargain!



I am not a representative for Borders or amazon.com in anyway just an appreciative customer of the services they provide!

'FALLEN' Lauren Kate

452 Pages

Delacorte Press

Author: Lauren Kate

There's something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price's attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at Sword & Cross boarding school in Savannah. He's the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are screwups, and security cameras watch every move.

Except Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce-he goes out of his way to make that very clear. But she can't let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, Luce has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret....

even if it kills her.

Dangerously exciting and darkly romantic, FALLEN is a page-turning thriller and the ultimate love story.

Lucinda Price is deffinatley a piece of work, she finds herself in a creepy reform school, Sword & Cross, as a result of an accident she had no control over, but was held responsible for.

New to Sword & Cross, Luce feels constant displacement as she tries to forget the past that has brought her to this disconnect from the rest of the world.

She finds herself in the mix of a new beau Cam, who is always kind to her and tries to make her belong.. with him. However her first day she comes across, Daniel, and can't shake the feeling that she is drawn to him- no matter how rude he is to her and tries to ignore her attention.

Let's not forget the shadows that have haunted Luce since she can remember, and how intense the shadows have become since her arrival...soon another accident has now found its way into the fate of Luce and an innocent bystander, leaving Todd, also a new student, dead.

Luce has found herself in a tough, confusing situation and doesn't have a clue how complex things really are, she's just barely scratched the surface when things get really difficult as Cam and Daniel begin to fight over her...

This story brings you through the beginning of her journey- finding out the truth about her love for Daniel and why he has been pushing her away.. and the truth about Daniel, what he really is.

This story is wonderfully written- scary, romantic, and unforgetable. Really the story opens up in the last 150 pages... but the other 302 pages are just as important and great! The chapters walk you through each relationship Luce holds with the students and people near her, divulging more about the secrets of the students and Luce's past.. and each chapter your curiosity grows and grows...it just keep you wanting more and more..

Anxiously waiting...

So minutes ago I have finished the first book of Lauren Kate's 'Fallen' series. I am an in awe. I have managed to read this 452 page turner in a matter of 24 hours... amazing considering my chaos I call a Home. I regret saying that this book has sat on my shelf for quite awhile before I actually bunkered down to read it, but my motivation was in finding the release of 'Torment' was just around the corner on September 28th.. so now here I am anxioulsy waiting to start the next book.

Maybe I am just too optimistic to be a critic- I loved every one of the characters in this book, the story line was fresh and far away from vampires... don't get me wrong I love a good vampire story and romance in the mix.. but there are soo many series out there based on the evolution and existence of vampires. Lauren Kate's take on the fallen angels of heaven was nice and refreshing. Although it did spark up a few memories of Melissa De La Cruz's 'Blue Blood' series that also plays on the fallen angels of heaven- but the series incorporates the existence of vampires- wonderful series. It is amazing to see what two authors can do with a similar bit of history and religion- and both outcomes are terrific.

I have also been anxioulsy awaiting the release of 'Beautiful Darkness' set to be in stores on October 12, 2010, and the release of a new addition to Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series- 'Mini-Shopaholic' was on September 21st. The 'Shopaholic' series is FUN reading!

Release 10/12/10

Release 10/28/10



Released 09/21/10


Check out these sites for more insight to these authors and their books:
http://beautifulcreaturesthebook.com/
http://www.randomhouse.com/teens/fallen/index.html
http://laurenkatebooks.net/
http://www.sophiekinsella.co.uk/

'Dead is just a rumor' review

Author: Marlene Perez

Publisher: Hauffin Mifflin Harcourt

Released Fall 2010

201 pages YA

As the creepy little town of Nightshade prepares to celebrate it's two hundreth anniversary-on Halloween, of course- many of it's paranormal residents are recieving mysterious blakcmail letters. Psychic teen Daisy Giordano and her sisters set out to find who is behind the threats. But launching an investigation isn't easy or Daisy with her overprotective father watching her every move. Though she's happy to have him back after the years he spent being held captive by an anti-paranormal group called the Scourge, Dad is having a difficult time adjusting to home life- and the fact that his little girl is now a senior in high school. He even disapproves of Daisy's boyfriend, Ryan.

Ryan, meanwhile, to Daisy's dismay, has been considering some faraway colleges thanks to the advice of Nighshade High's ne wguidance counselor. Can their relationship take the strain?

And Daisy's got even more on her plate: A talented amateur cook, she has won cooking lessons with celebrity chef Circe Silvertongue. After nosing around (with a little help from Circe's pet pig), Daisy begins to suspect that the tempermental chef has got more secrets than just her ingredients...

Review

It has been quite some time since I read the last three books of the DEAD IS series, so I forgot just how fun they are. This book has it all- normal teenage problems mixed with solving mysteries, paranormal residents and mysterious new characters, while Daisy is still with her boyfriend Ryan and best friends with Samantha.  Whether it's revealing new creatures- mermaids, vampires, long lost relatives, creepy guidance counselors, and weird celebrity chefs- Dead is just a Rumor never has a dull moment.

I especially love the great music 'Lil' the juebox plays for Daisy while she is at Slim's Dinner, many good songs played there. The idea that 'Lil' helps Daisy has always been a neat idea- and it seems as though 'Lil's' past is being unfolded into the next mysterie for the Giordiano sisters and Nighshade.

Next book:

Dead is not an option

Release date: Spring of 2011

Book Trailer: Dead Is Just A Rumor by Marlene Perez

Darkest Mercy release and cover ( LOVE IT!)

Author: Melissa Marr

Publisher: Harper Collins

The 5th and final book of the Wicked Lovely series-

to be released February 22. 2011

“Send the messengers for the faery courts. This is the end.”

The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.

Aislinn tends the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.

Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the faery courts, and in the final conflict, some will win…and some will lose everything.

Radiant Shadows Review

Author: Melissa Marr

Publisher: Harpers Collins 

He was sculpture perfect but had a tangled feel. Shadow and radiance. He didn't look much older than her, until she saw the arrogance in his posture. Then, he reminded her of the faeries who walked through courts and crowds confident that they could slaughter everyone in the room. Like chaos in a glass cage.

"Come dance." Ani turned her back and let herself be swept into the crowd.

Half-human and half-faery, Ani is driven by her hungers. Those same appetites also attract powerful enemies and uncertain allies, including Devlin. He was created as an assassin an is brother to the faeries' coolly logical High Queen and to her chaotic twin, the embodiment of War. Devlin wants to keep Ani safe from his sisters, knowing that if he fails, he will be the instrument of Ani's death.

Ani isn't one to be guarded while others fight battles for her, though. She has the courage to protect herself and the ability to alter Devlin's plans- and his life. The two are drawn together, each with reason to fear the other and to fear for one another. But as they grow closer, a larger threat imperils the whole of Faerie. Will saving the faery realm mean losing each other?

Review:

Radiant Shadows is an amazing addition to the Wicked Lovely series. This story develops more characters - Devlin, Ani, & Sorcha- and focuses on Marr's fantastic Dark Faerie court as well as delving deeper into the realm of Faerie, which is falling apart due to Sorchas unwellness- the conflicts Bananach inflicts through the courts almost seems unmanageable with no resolution in sight- who will Die and who lives or will all of Faerie be at jeapordy. There is not one dull moment in this book.

The growing connection between Ani and Devlin is romantic and tragic through out- Devlin dealing with the betrayal of his sister-mother Queen and Ani not knowing her capabilites of harming Devlin. They become bound by blood and even so a peaceful end doesn't look bright.

The land of faerie is never predictable and just when you think you figured out the next move, things shift and fates are altered.

Fragile Eternity Review

Author: Melissa Marr

Publisher: Bowen Press 2009

 

Seth never expected he would want to settle down with anyone- but that was before Aislinn. She is everything he'd ever dreamed of, and he wants to be with her forever. Forever takes on new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen.

Aislinn never expected to rule the very creatures who'd always terrified her- but that was before Keenan. He stole her mortality to make her a monarch, and now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she'd ever imagined

In Melissa Marr's third mesmerizing tale of Faerie, Seth and Aislinn struggle to stay true to themselves and each other in a milieu of shadowy rules and shifting allegiances, where old friends become new enemies and one wrong move could plunge the Earth into chaos.

Review:

What a wonderful spin on the Faerie World. Marr delivers 100% an enticing story of love and conflict. The tragedy of Aislinn and Seth falling in Love before her transformation to Faerie queen, and now her position and immortality comes between them. Aislinn is faced with new obstacles, new enemies and Seth tries to find a way to be with her forever. Niall as the new Dark King, which suits him well, and Donia as the new Winter Queen, this journey begins with Aislin also adjusting to her new life in the faerie world, while still holding onto her ties to the mortal world. Afraid of losing everyone, she struggles with Keenan and her affection for him as her King and their Summer court grows weak. The love triangle between the Summer and Winter courts forms the ground for conflict and uneasy feelings between the two, and Bananach tailing close behind thirsty for blood and war is playing everyone against eachother, and doing it well. I couldn't put this book down - as new obstacles unfolded and Seth was introduced to Faerie, and is now bonded with Sorcha, the High Queen. No one is at peace, chaos is about to break loose, and Seth is now immortal.... What will 'Radiant Shadows' have to offer?

Next in the series: Radiant Shadows

Love, New reads, and Staying Strong

A dear frined of mine experienced a tragic event this week, on August 9th she had her baby boy Adrian David Baker, a gorgeous baby. Adrian has passed on to be with God and even though we didn't know him very long he is very loved and missed by many.
I think about her and her family everyday, and pray for their strength and faith to stay strong through their lives until we all get to see baby Adrian once again.

To keep my mind busy, I have been consumed by Algebra homework, and reading. I have left many projects unfinished and I feel spread out and unaccomplished. So today is the start of getting back on track first with this insane college algebra course that has me stumped. Progress is being made though.

I was excited to see that Marlene Perez has added a new addition to her "Dead Is" series. The fourth installment, released this month was "Dead is just a rumor" this series is fun and has so much supernatural awesomeness packed into these page turners, makes for an interesting and fun read. The "Dead Is" series includes book one " Dead is the new black" followed by "Dead is a state of mind" and then "Dead is so last year"

I also stumbled upon "The extroadinary secrets of April, May, and June" by Robin Benway, check out her blog at http://www.robinbenway.com/my_weblog/april-may-june/

The cover of this book is what caught my eye, and I was hooked once I read the description. The story tells a tale of three sister who discover they have Superpowers, with a little dash of love, boys, heartbreak.. etc.. all the stuff that makes the story juicy. So looking forward to this read. Also by Robin Benway " Audrey, Wait!"

On a musical note, I have discovered a long playlist of music that used to rule my CD player back in high school and I am amzed at how much music I have forgotten about. I used to jam to bands such as The Used, Lost Prophets, Story of the year, Breaking Benjamin, Thursday, Cold, Flaw, and the list goes on. So my obsession of the week and inspiration for motivation, the pep behind my step and the vibe in my energy is no other than Hawthorne Heights. My most played song is "Silver Bullet" from the "Silence in Black and White" album, their first album with Victory Records that was released in 2004 which also included "Ohio is for lovers" and "Nikki FM"

This weekend looking forward to candle shopping, Sephora, and just relaxing amongst my many textbooks and algebra equations.
Goodnight Blog
Enjoy your weekend

Angels and Airwaves LOVE Album FREE Download

Angels and Airwaves featuring, Tom Delonge, from Blink 182 is offering their new album 'LOVE' free for download. Follow link Below. Album is really awesome. If you can put some support toward their album you will find a 'contribute' button just below the free download link, again you do not have to pay anything just support if you can. ENJOY!!

Modlife // Angels and Airwaves LOVE Album FREE Download

Hot Tub Time Machine, Wimpy Kid and St.Cloud... What a Mix!

So this past weekend I have managed to see three movies I have been anxious to see, on DVD and in theaters.

Beginning with 'Charlie St.Cloud' It was nearly impossible to not fall in Love with this story. I found it to be a very moving and refreshing story. Effron was amazing and I think the cast was perfect in their roles. The smaller brother, Sam, played by Charlie Tahan, was incredible. I would deffinatley see this movie again and again, as well as recommend it, highly! Burr Steers did a wonderful job with this movie.

On a different note, I was able to watch 'Hot Tub Time Machine' which has been out on DVD for quite some time now, regardless I am glad I finally made the time to watch this hilarious movie. The humor in this movie is insanely funny and the sarcasm just as much. I love the 80's reference to Winterfest, Poison, and Motley Crue. The music was GREAT! and John Cusak, Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, and Clark Duke were equally hilarious. Just flat out awesome.

Tonight, I was amazed to have found the time, I snuggled with my boys and younger siblings, and we watched 'The Diary of a Wimpy Kid' absolutley loved it. My son and I read the first book, and he enjoyed, so he was SUPER excited to finally see the movie and none were diapointed. My favorite part was at the end when Greg Heffley, main character, and his Best friend, Rowley, make up as friends and are voted 'Cutest Best friends' in the year book. Absolute must see with famliy.

Looking forward to seeing Eat, Pray, Love next week.

Nite :)

Baby, you make me SMILE!

Today was just LONG! I am amazed to be sitting here plugged away on my laptop still this late at night. When I woke up this morning I was sure I was going to have an early night. Well here I am still wide awake, thanks to the coffee I consumed, homework is calling but my attention is distracted by everything and anything that is NOT homework.

I just finished looking over the books I bought my young ones today. I love shopping for children's books. They are so simple and so wonderful, colorful and the illustrations are immaculate. The stories are always action packed, with nice heart warming morals at the end. SMILE!

So this particular book is accompanied by a 3 song CD of Judy Collins performing 'Over the Rainbow'  The book has very attractive pictures and beautiful colors, nice sample from the cover art.

After settling down from the rain,

and getting cozy in PJs, what more perfect story to read.

'When all the world is a hopeless jumble and the raindrops tumble all around,

Heaven opens up a magic lane...'

They just melted right into their covers. Snuggled deep into the corners of their bunk beds they really enjoyed this book, and I really enjoyed reading it.

The second book I bought was Jeff Foxworthy's 'Silly Street' Which we will read tomorrow night. The illustrations are hilarious, colorful and eye catching.

You know the saying 'Don't judge a book by it's cover' ? I wonder how many people are guilty of putting a book back on the shelf because the cover art was just so-so or not really appealing. I am very guilty! I always look for a nice looking cover, and then I analyze the title, once I make it past those two I will read the summary. I have tried to break this bad habbit, but like cigarrete smoke it clings to me, I find myself doing it over and over. So many good stories I am passing up because of my ludacris obsession with the pictures. Sigh.

You know what I am reminded of just now? The amazing 'Chicken soup for the Soul' books. Oh I used to love readng those touching stories. I bought my Mother the 'Chicken soup for a Mother's Soul' this past year for Mother's Day, she loved it! Now I am just waiting for her to finish so I can take a longer peek at the book. Hehehehe!

Well my caffeine intake is depleting and weariness is setting in,

maybe sleep is in the near future so perhaps it is time to call it a night.

Goodnight blog

Chicka-ya!

Over the course of the winter and summer I have managed to fill my closet with endless pairs of white nikes, K-swiss, DC's, slip ons and countless pairs of flip flops. So imagine my joy when I found this killer pair of heels from MAURICES... love love love the two textures, they look great with my

brown cardigans and black camis.. cuteness. I also splurged and bought new jeans.

Silver Red label pioneer Jeans.

Bliss.

In other news I have finished several books and hope to get the reviews linked on my blog within the week. I have completed- Fallen, Chosen a House of night novel, Keys to the repository, and Fragile eternity.

After ordering a new selection of books on Amazon.com I stumbled across a link to an auction site. Quibids.com is a site that auctions off items such as gift cards, cameras, TV's, games systems, movies, and the list goes on. So the way this site works is not like any other auction. You register for the site and choose a bid package such as 75 bids for $45.00 and so on. After you buy your bids your ready to find an auction. The site is set up to navigate easily and watching the auctions that interest you the most.

You win the auction by being the last person to bid on it, and every auction is either a penny, two cents, or five cents, and every bid placed increases the price of the item by the specified amount.

Now it sounds easy, however when you place your bid and your watching the clock and the seconds are down to 5,4,3,2.... BAM someone else bids and ten more seconds are added to the clock.

It is a fun experience and if you find something you really want it is worth the time and investment.

I won my first few auctions of 3 $10.00 AMC movie theater giftcards

and paid a total of $.02 each plus 1.99 shipping. wow thats like

$6.06 for $30.00 of movie theater gift cards.

( We like the MOVIES at my house!)

and I also bid on a few restaurant giftcards and a Borders card.

Also available is amazon, target, walmart, and lots of restaurant gift cards.

I wasn't brave enough to bid on the MacBook Pro or Ipad that were up for auction but I will soon.

I also seen someone win an auction for a Nintendo Wii system for $17.00. AMAZING. This site offers a new way of shopping and buying. Overall a good investment and a fun time doing it.

The latest and Greatest

Artwork from my boys on display in my room! Left to right: mine is the blue sky and rainbow, middle; Aiden's masterpiece, next is Blake's night sky and rainbow! Cuteness! We are still getting settled into our townhouse, many walls are still empty.. there is just soo many of them. The boys love to paint and I have piles and piles of their paintings and drawings, what a simple way to dress up my white walls and display their work at the same time! I just took a thin clothes line and wooden clothes pins and hung the line where I wanted, it can be adjusted to however you want.. and best of all the pictures can be changed to either match the seasons, occasion, or just for some different scenery.

Amazing!

So I have finally bought one of these darlings...




and just in time for Border's new e-book store! My first e-book I purchased was Lisa Schroeder's 'Far from you'... What can I say I was hooked on her books after finishing 'Chasing Brooklyn'
I thought there was going to be a problem with a glare on the screen and how glossy the words might appear, all the works for a headache, none if this is however a real concern, the pages are easy to read and you can scroll up and down or flip the pages, also there is a bookmark option so you can bookmark your favorite parts, or just where you stopped reading for the day.
The menu is easy to follow and this edition is the perfect size! I thought about getting the touch screen edition, but didn't think the additional option was worth the extra 100 bucks. The battery life is insane! It lasts up to two weeks and the memory holds up to 350 titles.
I am a very avid reader, and I love the actual act of buying the book, holding the book and flipping the pages, by no means will I give that up, this e-reader allows me to purchase books, cheaper of course, and carry many with me while traveling, working, or even sitting at the park with the kids.. rather than carrying a bunch of books with me.. hahaha cause if I could take three or four books around with me I would!!
Highly recomend for someone who loves reading as much as I do!

GONE, BABY GONE!

Whew! Where has this year gone? July fourth over and done with, this year has been going way too fast. Well it has all been good none the less. I am feeling very accomplished these past few weeks. I have knocked out quite a few resolutions without any major planning. For starters the past two weeks off of school has just been jam packed! I was suprised with a trip to Florida by a friend who needed help driving a car back. WOW! A free trip to Florida! I had never been a plane prior or to the East Coast.
Well the plane ride was amazing, I landed in Chicago, and North Carolina, both beautiful places, before arriving in Fort Meyers, Florida. I must say the last plane ride left me feeling sick and with a major headache! However I did finish a book, 'Betrayed' the second book in P.C. Cast's House of Night series.
After landing in Florida, there was a miserable taxi ride, and then finally arriving at my final destination. The house was amazing, I really wish I had taken more pictures but there was no time. I arrived at 11:00 pm and we were on the road driving back by 3:00 am. I did enjoy a nice swim and shower before hitting the road. Although I didn't get to see much of Florida's scenery, the Sun Rise was amazing, and the northern part of the state and into Georgia was gorgeous!
The drive was long and at times exhausting, we drove for 13 hours aproximatley straight, finally deciding to stop in Tennessee. I was so tired at this point I couldn't even seep! So We walked around the little town that was tucked in between two mountains. This I did get a few pictures, on my mytouch slide, turned out pretty good.
Driving through the Appalachain mountains was the highlight of my experience. Its just so different then what we are used to in the cities. The size of them are just amazing. I dont think I could ever become tired of seeing such amazing creations. This was also my first time seeing the Ocean! Although I only seen it from a window in the plane, it was just awesome and the best view I could of asked for.. was really able to capture the greatness of just how big the ocean is! I Really wish I could have taken more pictures of these things, but I am glad to have the memory of them.The next day we finished the drive through Tennessee, Kentucky, and into Illinois, all very GORGEOUS and unique. We stayed at a relatives house in Illinois and I seen the coolest thing ever. They had a pond in the front of their house, and they had catfish that they fed. They fed the fish regular fish food, but they would just throw it in and the fish swarmed in a large mass jumping over one another to eat. This went on for about 10 minutes, until just a few large catfish twirled around the waters edge sucking up whatever was left. Well I am quite familiar with the drive through Iowa and Minnesota, but let me tell ya I was very happy to be in familiar surroundings, and made it home just in time for Rush hour in the cities. I was just happy to be home after four days of non stop travel.
So home at last, I was covered with hugs and kisses and squishes from Blake and Aiden! Showered and was restless enough to start another book 'Chasing Brooklyn' by Lisa Schroeder. This was such a nice change of pace.


In other news, I was able to get my car back, after a long time of back and forth, waiting and a bunch of BS from the insurance company I finally just decided to fix the car. It only took a week, and I am very pleased with the work. Just extremely happy to have my own car back, rather then driving a rental and borrowing other people's vehicles. What a relief!!! So the past two weeks I have traveled far, drove even farther, finished two books, got my car fixed and did some major swimming, relaxing and chillin at the pool with the boys, and celebrated a pretty awesome Fourth of July. Geez wondering how the next two weeks will compare! :)




Until next time...

Finally!

It has been weeks since I blogged. Our family has been through many changes in those weeks. For starters our move to Minnesota is long done and over. As exhausting as it was, it was worth it. However we had some delay when my car was struck by a semi-truck at 3am on the drive up here from Kansas. Very scary experience that has shocked our family and caused many more obsticles in re-adjusting to life here in Minnesota.However we are thankful no one was seriously injured, and my boys do not have a scratch on them. Very thankful for that!
I have completed yet another quarter and I am nervously awaiting my final grades.I fear that I did not do so well, especially these last few weeks of final papers and tests due to the accident and moving, homework was nearly impossible. Keeping my fingers crossed!!
This wekend I wa sfinally able to get some hang-out time with boys, We took them to see Toy Story 3. Cuteness! I totally loved this movie!
I am FINALLY on the second book of 'House of Night' series by P.C. Cast. However I am torn between finishing this series or reading a few other books I have splurged on like J.R. Ward's 'Black Dagger Brotherhood' series. hmmmmm....
On that I have been looking into buying a sony e-reader.. pocket edition in rose color... I like the experience of going to Border's (my one and only fav bookstore!) and buying my books, but I would love the convenience of having them at my use whenever I want!! What to do, what to do.....