30 June, 2010

Blowout Birthday Book Giveaway #6

Prize Pack #6


*Copy of Nighshade by Andrea Cremer, signed by author
Wicked Lovely series bookmark, signed by author Melissa Marr*
Entries accepted until 6PM EDT, July 2. Must be at least 13 years of age to enter




Gain extra points!:

1. Old Followers: +5 (before June 20), New Followers: +3

2. Follow me on Twitter: +2 (old or new)

3. Post my birthday button on your blog. +5

4. Very Anticipated ARCs! Follow my sister's blog: JL: An Avid Reader's Musings. Enter her giveaways for Nightshade AND Beautiful Darkness. Total points DOUBLED for ALL THREE giveaways.

5. Leave a comment ON THIS POST with all links and aliases for me to check, and your email. (If you don't want your email to be public, shoot me an email at: PolarisGreen[at]gmail[dot]com, with Blowout Giveaway in the subject line)


The nitty gritty: Sorry to have to do this, but all of the birthday giveaways are open to U.S. shipping addresses only. Winners will be announced ON THE BLOG, after ALL of the giveaways have been completed, and will have 72 hours to comment on winner post to claim prize.

Until next read,
AliseOnLife

28 June, 2010

Blowout Birthday Book Giveaway #5

Prize Pack #5


*Copy of Before I Fall By Lauren Oliver
Chapter Sampler from Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare*
Entries accepted until 6PM EDT, July 2. Must be at least 13 years of age to enter



Gain extra points!:

1. Old Followers: +5 (before June 20), New Followers: +3

2. Follow me on Twitter: +2 (old or new)

3. Leave a comment on any of the reviews that I have posted in May. +1 per comment,  3 comments max. (One comment per review, please, and make it somewhat meaningful. New comments only.)

4. Post my birthday button on your blog. +5

5. Leave a comment ON THIS POST with all links and aliases for me to check, and your email. (If you don't want your email to be public, shoot me an email at: PolarisGreen[at]gmail[dot]com, with Blowout Giveaway in the subject line)


The nitty gritty: Sorry to have to do this, but all of the birthday giveaways are open to U.S. shipping addresses only. Winners will be announced ON THE BLOG, after ALL of the giveaways have been completed, and will have 72 hours to comment on winner post to claim prize.

Until next read,
AliseOnLife



27 June, 2010

Blowout Birthday Book Giveaway #4

Prize Pack #4


*The Mortal Instruments book cover, signed by author Cassandra Clare
ARC copy of Sapphique by Catherine Fisher (Book 2, after Incarceron)*
Entries accepted until 6PM EDT, July 2. Must be at least 13 years of age to enter


Gain extra points!:

1. Old Followers: +5 (before June 20), New Followers: +3

2. Follow me on Twitter: +2 (old or new)

3. Post my birthday button on your blog. +5

4. Double Dystopia! Follow my sister's blog: JL: An Avid Reader's Musings. Enter her giveaway for Matched by Ally Condie. Total points DOUBLED for BOTH giveaways.

5. Leave a comment ON THIS POST with all links and aliases for me to check, and your email. (If you don't want your email to be public, shoot me an email at: PolarisGreen[at]gmail[dot]com, with Blowout Giveaway in the subject line)


The nitty gritty: Sorry to have to do this, but all of the birthday giveaways are open to U.S. shipping addresses only. Winners will be announced ON THE BLOG, after ALL of the giveaways have been completed, and will have 72 hours to comment on winner post to claim prize.

Until next read,
AliseOnLife


26 June, 2010

A Flash Of Fiction: Day Two (JUNE)

Book: THE DEMON IN ME
Author: MICHELLE ROWEN
Genre: PARANORMAL ROMANCE


This book was given to me, by the author, as a contest prize
Picture courtesy of Good Reads


Overview
Eden Riley is a "psychic consultant" with the police. Nevermind, the fact that she didn't ask for the job. (Who knew that helping a desperate-sounding lady find her cat, would end up this way?) The police don't even believe in her talent, since she can't turn the connection on, like a faucet. And when she finds herself the host of a hellfire demon... well, it seems that fate may be laughing at Eden behind her back.

Although, the demon in question does happen to sound hunky. And, when Eden gets a look at him, she has a hard time remembering that she wants to get rid of him. Plus, the whole pain of exorcism (to the both of them) isn't a walk in the park, either.

Darrak was cursed by a witch, and shouldn't be able to take corporeal form; Eden gives him this ablility for the first time in 300 years, through her talent. Darrak needs to convince her to help him find the witch, so that he can become whole again. Eden has her doubts that Darrak is a "good" demon. But, whether she trusts him or not, the two are stuck together, until Darrak can find a way to break his curse.

I Liked -- Plot: I really like how Eden's interaction with Darrak ended up making her a beacon for other supernatural beings, and those with special abilities. One minute, she's a reluctant consultant to the police, and co-owner of a failing investigative business. The next, she's taking cases from werewolves! Also, I thought it was interesting that Eden was so unsure about Darrak. I liked that she didn't just set out to help him; that she wasn't instantly accepting of who and what he was.

I Liked -- Character: Somehow, I always seem to be able to find a minor character that is really interesting to me. In THE DEMON IN ME, that was Leena. She is a shapeshifter that seeks refuge with Eden. I love her attitude, her directness, and independence. The dialog written for her is snappy, and Rowen infuses her with the same personality that her alter form (a cat) would possess.


My Rating: 11/15 Recommend



25 June, 2010

Blowout Birthday Book Giveaway #3

Prize Pack #3


*ARC copy of Radiance by Alyson Noel, signed by author
A Radiance bookmark, signed by author Alyson Noel
A postcard depicting a 'mock' subway ad from White Cat by Holly Black*
Entries accepted until 6PM EDT, July 2. Must be at least 13 years of age to enter



Gain extra points!:

1. Old Followers: +5 (before June 20), New Followers: +3

2. Follow me on Twitter: +2 (old or new)

3. Leave a comment on any of the reviews that I posted in April. +1 per comment,  3 comments max. (One comment per review, please, and make it somewhat meaningful. New comments only.)

4. Post my birthday button on your blog. +5

5. Leave a comment ON THIS POST with all links and aliases for me to check, and your email. (If you don't want your email to be public, shoot me an email at: PolarisGreen[at]gmail[dot]com, with Blowout Giveaway in the subject line)


The nitty gritty: I'm making this giveaway INTERNATIONAL! Winners will be announced ON THE BLOG, after ALL of the giveaways have been completed, and will have 72 hours to comment on winner post to claim prize.

Until next read,
AliseOnLife



24 June, 2010

A Flash Of Fiction: Day One (JUNE)

Book: CHANGELESS
Author: GAIL CARRIGER
Genre: PARANORMAL ROMANCE/HISTORICAL ROMANCE/STEAMPUNK


I received this book from my local public library
Picture courtesy of Good Reads



Overview:
Lady Maccon (nee Alexia Tarabotti) makes a return appearance in CHANGELESS, a follow-up to SOULLESS by Gail Carriger. In this novel, Lady Alexia discovers that almost the whole of London's supernaturals (the vampires and werewolves) are suddenly human. What could have caused such a thing to occur?

Lord Maccon, Alpha werewolf for the London pack, finds himself unable to change form also, after sneaking off to Scotland. Lady Alexia finds that she must trouble herself to follow her husband, in order to discover the reason for the abundance of humanity all around her.

Of course, returning to her husband's old pack, also means that she has to meet the in-laws, such as they are. But, Alexia tries to handle herself with as much aplomb as possible while fending off the amorous advances of both her husband, and their mysterious guest, Madame Lefoux. While ignoring the animosity from Lord Maccon's previous pack members, uncovering vampire secrets, and engaging in such entertainment as unwrapping a decades-old mummy, Lady Alexia provides as much delightful entertainment in CHANGELESS, as she did in SOULLESS!


I Liked -- Plot: I did enjoy reading about the development in Lady and Lord Maccon's personal relationship, as well as the mystery that they are charged in solving. But, the stronger steampunk elements in this second novel were what appealed most strongly to me. I was really interested in hearing about the aethographor that played a seminal part in the plot. And, after Alexia's adventures "floating", I found it hard not to imagine jumping at the chance to take part in a dirigible ride, if the occasion should ever come to be!

I Liked -- Character: Though he didn't have as large an involvement in CHANGELESS as he did in SOULLESS, Professor Lyall remains one of my favorite characters, so far in the series. He is the perfect foil to Lord Maccon's rather brash, rowdy, so very werewolf personality. Carriger describes Lyall as being much less imposing, as a man, than her own husband. However, even the most unassuming man can be a fearsome werewolf.


My Rating: 12.5/15 Highly Recommend



23 June, 2010

Blowout Birthday Book Giveaway #2

Prize Pack #2

 

*The Mortal Instruments book cover, signed by author Cassandra Clare
A postcard depicting a 'mock' subway ad from White Cat by Holly Black
A copy of Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready*
Entries accepted until 6PM EDT, July 2. Must be at least 13 years of age to enter



Gain extra points!:

1. Old Followers: +5 (before June 20), New Followers: +3

2. Follow me on Twitter: +2 (old or new)

3. Leave a comment on my review of Shade. +2

4. Post my birthday button on your blog. +5

5. Leave a comment ON THIS POST with all links and aliases for me to check, and your email. (If you don't want your email to be public, shoot me an email at: PolarisGreen[at]gmail[dot]com, with Blowout Giveaway in the subject line)


The nitty gritty: Sorry to have to do this, but all of the birthday giveaways are open to U.S. shipping addresses only. Winners will be announced ON THE BLOG, after ALL of the giveaways have been completed, and will have 72 hours to comment on winner post to claim prize.

Until next read,
AliseOnLife



22 June, 2010

Teaser Tuesday (TT3)



Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  •  Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on 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 & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!



Book: THE DEMON IN ME
Author: MICHELLE ROWEN



"Lust is a deadly sin. You may have been chosen as a vessel for the demon because of that sinful cleavage-revealing blouse you're wearing right now. Shameful, really."

Eden held a hand to her chest. "I bought this at Sears last week. It's machine washable!" (page 42)



Until next read,
AliseOnLife

21 June, 2010

Blowout Birthday Book Giveaway #1

Prize Pack #1 



*The Dark Divine by Bree Despain, signed by author
Linger bookmark, signed by author Maggie Stiefvater*
Entries accepted until 6PM EDT, July 2. Must be at least 13 years of age to enter



Gain extra points!:

1. Old Followers: +5 (before June 20), New Followers: +3

2. Follow me on Twitter: +2 (old or new)

3. Leave a comment on my review of The Dark Divine. +2

4. Post my birthday button on your blog. +5

5. Leave a comment ON THIS POST with all links and aliases for me to check, and your email. (If you don't want your email to be public, shoot me an email at: PolarisGreen[at]gmail[dot]com, with Blowout Giveaway in the subject line)


The nitty gritty: Sorry to have to do this, but all of the birthday giveaways are open to U.S. shipping addresses only. Winners will be announced ON THE BLOG, after ALL of the giveaways have been completed, and will have 72 hours to comment on winner post to claim prize.

Until next read,
AliseOnLife


20 June, 2010

Special Tour Schedule w/ Rachel Vincent!



The Chicago area is going to be getting a special tour during the last week of June! Rachel Vincent, and four other BESTSELLING authors (including Gena Showalter) will be there to promote their newest novels.

I wish that I lived anywhere near Chicago, or had the chance to get to Chicago during June 25th-27th. Unfortunately, I have my own vacation pre-planned during this time. But, I thought that I would still post this information for any of my readers that would/could/want to attend.

Rachel is the author of the adult SHIFTERS series: STRAY, ROGUE, PRIDE, PREY, and SHIFT. The next in the series, ALPHA, will be released in October. As well as the adult series, Rachel also pens the YA SOUL SCREAMERS series: MY SOUL TO TAKE, MY SOUL TO SAVE, and MY SOUL TO KEEP. A prequel, MY SOUL TO LOSE, is also available.

If you live in the area, love the paranormal and/or romance, and would like to have the opportunity to get books signed, hear from FIVE great authors, and possible get your picture taken with Rachel Vincent, this is an event you shouldn't miss!

Check out this Authors In Motion postcard for all of the tour dates and locations!


Until next read,
AliseOnLife

19 June, 2010

In My Mailbox (IMM2)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. (Inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.)

I tend to name my TBR list (books that I want to read) as being very long, as opposed to my TBR pile (books that I already have waiting to be read) because my wallet can't keep up with my desires. However, right now my pile is truly running over. I might have to consider avoiding the library for the rest of the summer. HORRORS!



From the Library

Honeymoon of the Dead by Tate Holloway

Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart by Beth Pattillo

Pride Mates by Jennifer Ashley

Magic's Design by Cat Adams



Borrowed/Loaned

Gimme A Call by Sarah Mlynowski

Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis



Books For Review

Healer's Choice by Jory Strong


E-ARCs/E-Books For Review (not pictured)

Heart's Desire by Jessie Colter

Dark of kNight by T.L. Mitchell

Heirs to Darkisle by Cassandra Pierce



Won in Contest (E-book, not pictured)

Darkness at Dawn by Devin Harnois via Moira Rogers giveaway



Until next read,
AliseOnLife

18 June, 2010

Book Review: Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

Book: SHADE
Author: JERI SMITH-READY
Genre: YA FANTASY



I received this book at BookExpo America at an author signing
Picture courtesy of Good Reads


Review
Something happened one minute before Aura's birth. It's called the shift, and everyone born after the shift can see ghosts. Aura is forced to confront these ghosts everywhere. They want closure, last words with loved ones, even to give everyday household reminders. But, the dangerous ones are the ghosts that want revenge or retribution. The ghosts that get angry at their fate. The ghosts that won't move on. Those ghosts become shades, dangerous and full of hate.

Aura never thought that she would be in the position of facing someone she loved as a ghost, let alone one that might become a shade. Until her boyfriend Logan, died in a senseless "accident", Aura never thought that she could be the one person to stop a ghost from becoming a shade.

When Aura meets the only person born one minute before the shift, she is confronted with the possibility that this boy may find his way into her heart. Even with Logan still around despite his untimely death, Aura can't stop herself from spending time with Zachary. Though she maintains her love for Logan, Aura may have to make a choice between the two boys.

I had heard many good things about SHADE before I decided to read it. I tend not to read reviews though, beforehand. Usually I also avoid any in-depth description of the novel's plot, so that I can come open-minded into the reading, especially if I am going to consider the book for review.

But, it was almost impossible not to hear the buzz around this book. I also had the chance to attend a few blog chats with Jeri Smith-Ready as guest, as well a book signing during BEA. All this is to say that I was slightly more biased when it came time to cracking open SHADE. My expectations were high. Very high.

Smith-Ready did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed Aura's journey. The problems that she had coping with her boyfriend, her feelings that she had for Zachary, and even her relationship with Logan's bandmates and family, were all everyday issues that teens (especially girls) have to reconcile.

But, then Smith-Ready throws in the paranormal, and does a great job of seamlessly blending the two. I wasn't sure if SHADE would live up to all of its praise, but I should have never doubted the storytelling talents of such a great writer.

4.5/5 for plot
5/5 for characters
4.5/5 for language

My Rating: 14/15 Must Read
Bonus Cover Points: 3.5/5



*Note: Jeri Smith-Ready is also the author of several adult novels.*

16 June, 2010

Book Review: Raised By Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Book: RAISED BY WOLVES
Author: JENNIFER LYNN BARNES
Genre: YA PARANORMAL/SUSPENSE

I received this advance copy at BEA2010
Picture courtesy of Good Reads


Review
At age four, Bryn Clare watched as her parents were brutally murdered, by a werewolf. She was spared the horrible death. And then she was raised in the werewolf pack of the Alpha that saved her life.

Now fifteen, Bryn has come into her own. She is stubborn, strong, and can defend herself against...well, wolves. She's found her place as a human amongst the animals. Or so she thinks. She does more acting on instinct than thinking things through. And, when Bryn makes an oath to her Alpha, the consequences of disobeying are unthinkable.

When she meets Chase, a wolf who wasn't born, but made, Bryn realizes that her life is about to change. Defying their Alpha, leads Bryn to more pain than she could ever imagine... and a catastrophic discovery. Bryn and Chase will be forced to take on one of the most dangerous wolves anyone has ever faced. But, what may lay on the other side, is a new future for the two.

Right from the beginning, the reader is able to deduce that Bryn has a fairly unique position within the werewolf pack. And, it's not just because she is human, but rather she can only be held to certain rules that govern the pack; because she is pack, but not really pack.

The relationship, or romance between Bryn and Chase does not overtake the novel. In fact, it is really secondary to all of the danger that the two face, once they realize the other werewolves' plan for a dangerous rogue. And then, once they decide to take on the rogue themselves.

What really struck me about RAISED BY WOLVES was the thread of pack throughout the novel. Not just pack, as the group of werewolves, but pack as the thing that holds the wolves together. Pack, as the theme of how the wolves govern themselves. Pack, as the family, the friends. Pack, as the utter meaning behind who and what the werewolves are.

RAISED BY WOLVES is a truly great read. This novel is one of the best written werewolf books that I have ever read. Jennifer Lynn Barnes takes the genre to a whole new level. She raises the bar for any book about werewolves that I will ever read in the future. Period.

5/5 for plot
5/5 for characters
4.5/5 for language

My Rating: 14.5/15 Must Read
Bonus Cover Points:4/5

15 June, 2010

Teaser Tuesday (TT2)



Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  •  Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on 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 & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Book: CHANGELESS
Author: GAIL CARRIGER



"And you will never guess whom he encountered skulking about the back alleyway, just behind the pub."

Lady Maccon sighed. "My husband?"

Lord Akeldama was crestfallen. "He told you."

"No, it simply seems like the exact kind of place where my husband would be skulking." (page 112)


Until next read,
AliseOnLife

14 June, 2010

Book Review: The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

Book: THE DARK DIVINE
Author: BREE DESPAIN
Genre: YA PARANORMAL ROMANCE/SUSPENSE


I purchased this book (ebook format)
Picture courtesy of Good Reads


Review
Daniel Kalbi was many things to Grace Divine. Friend, pseudo-foster brother, maybe even first love. But, then he disappeared, and her brother Jude, barely survives a brutal attack. Do the two have anything in common? When Daniel reappears, Grace wants answers.

As the daughter of a pastor, Grace knows a little something about forgiveness. Even though Jude isn't quite as welcoming, Grace befriends Daniel for a second time. But, their reunion is destined to be disrupted by the outside world.

A monster stalks the citizens of Grace's town. Jude is clearly bothered by her friendship with Daniel, and grows more and more angry. And Daniel, claims to be something extraordinary. It might just be that Grace will have to risk betraying her brother, in order to have faith in her heart.

THE DARK DIVINE turned out to be something so different from what I expected. From the first page, I became completely immersed in Grace Divine's world. I loved her faith in Daniel, though I doubted that he deserved it (especially when she discovered his lies). I was invested in her search to figure out what had happened to her brother. I even felt sorry for her, when it became apparent that she might have to do the unthinkable to save Daniel.

Bree Despain is a very talented writer that made a paranormal read seem completely ordinary. A girl goes to high school during the day, then finds out her would-be boyfriend has special powers. Sure! The drive to the prom gets interrupted by a monster attack. No problem! A girl finds out that her father knew all along that she would have to be the one, in one fell swoop, to betray and save her first love. Why not?!

What most impressed me about THE DARK DIVINE, was the actual involvement of Grace's parents throughout the novel. I understand the reasoning behind most "bad parenting" written in YA novels. How are the MCs supposed to get up to shenanigans unless the parents are lousy, absent, or dead? Despain answers the question. Have parents that let the teen live their life, but step in when neccessary. A-Plus.

5/5 for plot
4/5 for characters
4/5 for language

My Rating: 13/15 Highly Recommend
Bonus Cover Points: 3.5/5

12 June, 2010

In My Mailbox (IMM1)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. (Inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.)

I have actually read, or started, more than half of the books that I have listed here, because I was so looking forward to them!




Won in Contests
Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready (from The Story Siren)

Violet: Thunder (ebook) by Kate Cotoner (from Fangtastic Books)

The Demon in Me by Michelle Rowen (from Michelle Rowen)



From the Library
Changeless by Gail Carriger

Insatiable by Meg Cabot

Willoughby's Return by Jane Odiwe

Ghosts and Echoes by Lyn Benedict



From BooksFree (book lending service)
Embers by Laura Bickle



E-Books Purchased (not pictured)
Colters' Lady by Maya Banks

Winter's Passage by Julie Kagawa

Veiled Desire by Alisha Rai

Veiled Seduction by Alisha Rai



E-Books For Review (not pictured)
Allegra Fairweather: Paranormal Investigator

Until next read,
AliseOnLife

10 June, 2010

Tessa Gratton is Awesome!!! (and she holds a contest, too!)



Visit her at tessagratton.com!

So, Tessa Gratton want to jump on the self-promotion bandwagon. Of course, it doesn't hurt that she is doing it with a contest. A contest that involves  a one-of-a-kind Linger ARC, that she's giving away!

Truthfully I might have posted this drawing anyway, because it tickles my funny bone. But, the stakes are too good to pass up, so I won't pretend that I'm being completely altruistic.

At any rate, laugh if you find this funny. Go visit her website for details, if you want a crack at the ARC yourself. And if you're like me, share for both of the above reasons.

Until next read,
AliseOnLife

08 June, 2010

Teaser Tuesday (TT1)

I have been procrastinating in regards to writing reviews. I've got six books finished, but I thought that I might change up my content a little with a meme.

I found Teaser Tuesdays via Page Turners Blog, which is hosted by MizB at: {should be}reading




Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  •  Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on 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 & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


Book: HARD MAGIC
Author: LAURA ANNE GILMAN

This is an ebook, so I had to choose a page number instead of randomly opening the pages.


"The woman leaned toward him, her entire body conveying a sort of desperate conviction, her gaze including the others so that they too leaned in, making sure not to miss what she had to say." (page 84)

06 June, 2010

MINI CONTEST Winners!

These are the people who have won the faerie court bracelets, courtesy of Melissa Marr. Email me with your mailing address to PolarisGreen[at]gmail[dot]com.

Also specify top two bracelet choices. (Dark Court, High Court, Solitary, Summer Court, Winter Court or Shadow Court) I'll try to give everyone their first choice, but choice goes to first responders. Thanks!

GeeGee              SpunkiiReader

Melissa              Bella

Christine            HalsSister

Amorous Agri     Angel

nikimarion          Emily



Also, as promised, I've randomly chosen three other people for Melissa Marr swag. I thought about running a different contest, but since I said only the people who participate would be eligible, I just decided to add these winners in.

The prize is a Wicked Lovely series bookmark, signed by Melissa Marr.

Victoria               Cari

Crissi

Until next read,
AliseOnLife

04 June, 2010

Vamp Lumberjack V. Were Bootlegger: Win a Kindle!

Update: This Contest Is Now Closed


I’m on Team Werewolf. Find out more.


Well, so many of the blogs that I read have decided to take sides in this debate. I feel that I must state my case, just to be sure that the CORRECT side comes out on top. And that would be Werewolf Bootlegger, of course.

Why, you ask?

The two big things that most people should know about me is that I am a meat eater, and I like a bit of the booze. So, on a winter night, I want to be at the dinner table with the guy that likes biting into a juicy steak and drinking a mug of beer. The werewolf is all over this. I wouldn't even have to go to the liquor store, just down to the still.

The vamp, on the other hand... he would probably prefer biting into a juicy human, and drinking a mug of blood. And how jealous would I be trying to compete with all of those girls the vamp goes around seducing for the red stuff? "But, honey. I would die without their blood." Not acceptable.

Also, on those winter nights, I want the guy who can keep me warm once it's time to go to bed. Someone with a heartbeat, for instance. And when I want something different to keep me warm? *wiggles eyebrows* No worry about when the sun is supposed to rise, eh?

As it turns out, I'm pretty easy. That's about all that I need to keep me happy. Sorry vamps, I gotta pass. And vamp lovers, maybe I've given you something to think about.


 

Disclaimer Text:
This post is a part of Moira Rogers’ Creature Feature Kindle Throwdown Contest. By leaving a (meaningful) comment, you will be entered to win a Kindle from Amazon.com, or an alternate grand prize of $275 to spend at an online book retailer. For a full list of rules and more ways to win, visit the contest page.

Until next read,
AliseOnLife

03 June, 2010

My BEA Experience: Part Two

The Books That I Picked Up

So, without further ado, (I would actually never say these words, but I thought the occasion warranted them!) I show my readers the books that I brought back.

These were some of the hottest, most talked about titles, before and during BEA. I did miss out on a few that I wanted SO SO MUCH (read: Shadow Hills, Clockwork Angel, and Grace). However, I think that I have plenty of material for review.

I did want all of these titles, not just for myself and my blog, but also to pass on. Reading and talking about books are my passion, and I want to share that with others. Which is to say, that almost all of these books I will giveaway on the blog after I read/review them.

There were also many books and authors that were slightly under my radar at BEA. I'd tried to make a list of all of the books that I wanted to get, and all of the publishing booths that I wanted to visit. But the truth is, that once I got inside the expo, it was really hard to stay on task. There was just so much, and I didn't want to miss out on any opportunities.

I'm actually a little glad that I didn't stick so close to my pre-planned schedule. Otherwise, I might have missed out on these books, and they look extremely interesting!

Some of the authors were signing recently released books, or books that are coming out quite soon, so I was lucky enough to get a few finished books. My prized one is Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready.

I have been reading this book piecemeal on my Nook, whenever I go to Barnes and Noble, because of a lack of book funds. It was great to finally get a physical copy that I can read whenever I want. Bonus: Jeri remembered me from a chat that I participated in a few weeks ago!

And, Lauren Oliver was signing both Before I Fall, and an ARC of her next release, Delirium.

I had requested an ARC of Low Red Moon from the author Ivy Devlin, before I went to BEA. Because I knew that some releases would be limited, I chose to take that one with me, even though she was giving out more during the expo.

Ivy Devlin (also known as Elizabeth Scott), was another author that remembered me from my blog and Twitter!



I was amazed every single time that an author expressed recognition in my blog or my Twitter username. I love books so much, and admire the people that write them. (I want to be one!) I think that I left BEA starstruck. My experience reminded me of that Intel commercial. My rockstars probably are different from other people's rockstars. But, I'm ok with that.

Until next read,
AliseOnLife

02 June, 2010

My BEA Experience: Part One

BEA: The Authors That I Accosted

I'm sure that I got everyone's attention with that header. It's true. I entered the Jacob Javits Center on Wednesday, May 26. Guess what I left at the door? Apparently, it was my sense of shame. Maybe even, my sense of decorum. Now, I didn't try anything rude with the authors that I saw wandering around the show floor. But, I was not afraid to approach someone that I admired.

The first author that I saw, not at a signing or ARC giveaway, was Dia Reeves. She is the very talented author of Bleeding Violet. I was reaching down to get a copy of Sapphique (please excuse me now for the blatant name-dropping), and she was right behind me! And she took a picture of me and my sister, because I drooled all over her. Not literally. I hope.

Later, I was waiting in an autographing line, when I spotted Anastasia Hopcus. Her book, Shadow Hills is one that I am eagerly anticipating. And, due to the overwhelmingness (word?) that is the BEA show floor, I missed them being given away. Arggh. However, meeting her almost makes up for that. Almost. Here, I've got a picture of us!


Also spotted Violet Haberdasher, the author of Knightley Academy waiting in an autographing line. I was seriously thinking, shouldn't being an author yourself mean you don't have to wait in line? I guess the answer is, no. But, I loved that BEA put everyone on equal ground. And, I also loved that being a book blogger was a cool thing. Several authors that I talked to remembered me from my Twitter gushing about their books.

Other authors of note that I had a bit of a chat with were: Elizabeth Scott/Ivy Devlin Low Red Moon, Beth Kephart Dangerous Neighbors, Jeri Smith-Ready Shade, Mary Osborne Nonna's Book of Mysteries.

It was a really great experience. I truly thank the Book Blogger Convention and their contributors for sending me there. (I won one of the Scholarship Funds that paid for my registration!)


Scholarship Fund Recipient #3

Using random.org the following person has been selected the recipient:
The lucky person to be attending the BBC as a result of the generosity of our contributors is:


Stay tuned for my post about the Book Blogger Convention. I met so many great people from all parts of the industry there. And, I will be giving away ARCs and galleys throughout the summer. I know, that's the part that everyone wanted me to say four paragraphs ago. But, I made you wait.

Until next read,
AliseOnLife

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