It is simply because I love you and I want you to know how much I appreciate you. I'll be giving away a $10 Amazon GC code.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
For the Love of Swoon Hop
I am ALL about the swoon! If you get that fluttery feeling in your stomach while reading a book, yep you guessed it... you've been SWOONED!
Who other than the those delicious Merrick boys to ignite the swoon in anyone?? For my stop on the hop one winner can choose an ebook copy of one of any book starring the Merrick brothers.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Rapunzel Untangled: Review, Guest Post & Giveaway
For one thing, she has a serious illness that keeps her inside the mysterious Gothel Mansion. And for another, her hair is 15 feet long. Not to mention that she’s also the key to ultimately saving the world from certain destruction. But then she meets a boy named Fane, who changes all she has ever known, and she decides to risk everything familiar to find out who she really is.
Filled with romance, adventure, and mystery, Rapunzel Untangled is one story you won’t want to put down. Discover the true meaning of love and friendship in this modern twist to the classic fairytale.
Filled with romance, adventure, and mystery, Rapunzel Untangled is one story you won’t want to put down. Discover the true meaning of love and friendship in this modern twist to the classic fairytale.
My Review:
Wow! Ok, understatement of the year, I know! Words escape me on how much I enjoyed this
book. This is such an amazing twist on
the fairy tale most of us have grown up with.
The modernism makes the book easier to relate to. I love the darker aspect of the book when it
came to how demented Gothel was. Cindy
C. Bennett continues to write characters and stories that leave me
enraptured. She knows how to tell a
great story that’s suitable for young and mature readers. Rapunzel isn’t your typical damsel in
distress either. Once she figures out
her circumstances she takes control of her own destiny. Then you have Fane. Who wouldn’t fall in love with Fab Fane?! He’s caring and funny. If you’re like me, and have loved the new
faces old fairy tales are getting, you will love this story! I would also recommend reading ALL of Cindy’s
other books. She is such a great author.
My favorite thing to ask authors is what they would like if their book was turned into a movie. Here's are Cindy's thoughts on it.
If Rapunzel
Untangled were turned into a movie...
What writer doesn’t imagine their book being turned into
the latest Hollywood blockbuster? Okay, there are probably some, but I’m not
one of them. When I write, it see it all in my mind like it’s a real movie
playing. I have a tendency to write in “scenes” that I can absolutely picture.
So, if Rapunzel
Untangled were turned into a book, how would I see it? Let’s start with who
would play the characters. Rapunzel,
being the main character, is probably the most important. I can picture a few
different actresses playing her: Saoirse Ronin, Dakota Fanning, Dianna Agron.
Probably my top pick would be a blonde Emma Watson.
She has that fragile and
yet tough look about her that I imagine in Rapunzel.
Fane would be nearly as important because he’s the reason
Rapunzel first reaches out beyond her tower. Alex Pettyfer and Zac Efron would
be great, but my top pick would be Matthew Lewis. Yup, Neville Longbottom
outgrew that gawkiness to become quite the cutie (although as a fan of geeks, I
kinda liked the awkward version of him). The thing is, he can play both goofy
and serious, which is needed for Fane, and he’s tall, another requirement.
Besides, who wouldn’t want to see Hermione and Neville kiss?
Gothel would be the last main character who’s important
to the story. I have to admit that as I wrote her I imagined the amazing
Angelica Huston as Gothel. No one plays controlled insanity like she can.
The scene I would look most forward to watching from the
book on the big screen is their first meeting, when he’s awed by her hair, and
she’s amazed by his goatee—and the fact that he’s the first human she’s had
contact with outside of Gothel. There’s heavy emotion in that scene, and the
way they look at one another sets the feeling for their relationship from there
on out. I intended it to come across as intense yet showing Fane’s playfulness,
so I’d love to see that translated on screen.
I’ve watched a few things being filmed, commercials and
such, and the whole behind-the-scenes thing fascinates me endlessly. I’m one of
those people who greedily watches extras on DVD’s to see how the movie was made.
If it has footage of rehearsals, I practically go ballistic. I watch the movie
with the commentary, and again with closed captioning. I go to IMDB and read
all the trivia posted about the movie. I love to read all about the secrets of
filmmaking, so it would be far more thrilling for me to be able to be on set
every day watching the process of filmmaking than actually being on screen. If
the filmmakers wanted a cameo from me, maybe I could be one of Fane’s aunts who
are only involved for a few seconds of screen time. Otherwise, I’d just feel
blessed to be allowed to observe the process.
Of course, this is all nothing more than pipe dreams. But
then again, pipe dreams are what create the best of art sometimes, right? So
I’ll just keep on dreaming—and writing.
About the Author
When she's not writing, reading, or answering emails (notice there's no mention of cleaning, cooking, or anything remotely domestic), she can often be found riding her Harley through the beautiful canyons near her home. (Yes, she rides a Harley.)
Cindy’s Blog http://cindybennett.blogspot.com/
Rapunzel Untangled Blog http://rapunzeluntangled.blogspot.com/
Cindy’s Twitter https://twitter.com/cinbennett
Cindy’s Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4116333.Cindy_C_BennettBook Blast: Forever My Girl by Heidi McLaughlin
I was never supposed to be a rock star. I had my life all planned out for me. Play football in college. Go to the NFL. Marry my high school sweetheart and live happily ever after.
I broke both our hearts that day when I told her I was leaving. I was young. I made the right decision for me, but the wrong decision for us. I’ve poured my soul into my music, but I’ve never forgotten her. Her smell, her smile.
And now I’m going back.
After ten years.
I hope I can explain that after all this time.
I still want her to be my forever girl
USA Today Best Selling Novel
"Seeing both sides of the story helped connect me to both main characters and given the complicated situation they were in, it was really well done."
~Tootx
"Loved this book, loved all the characters, they were very relatable, and really enjoyed the story line."
"Loved this book, loved all the characters, they were very relatable, and really enjoyed the story line."
Purchase
My grandma once told me that I can do anything I want, so I am.
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, I now live in picturesque Vermont, with my husband and two daughters. Also renting space in our home is an overhyper Beagle/Jack Russell and two Parakeets.
During the day you’ll find me behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, I’m writing one of the many stories I plan to release or sitting courtside during either daughter’s basketball games.
I’m also an active reviewer on The Readiacs.
BookBlast $50 Giveaway
Ends 2/24/13
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Monday, February 11, 2013
Phantom Book Blast
The “Phantom” was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses “Phantom” as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card.
Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars—Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist.
Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty first century phantom finally be revealed.
Excerpt
The orchestra tuned for its virtuoso, and Justyn stood
ready. But no one else was ready for the magical performance he began. Beside
her, Carmen was rambling on about something mundane. Rebecca elbowed her to
silence so she could listen to the perfectly thrilling tenor. As she listened
to the song unfold, the world around her started to slip away. Gone was the
high school auditorium. Gone were the rowdy teenagers. The Gothic stranger on
the stage had become the embodiment of Erik, and Rebecca watched him in all his
dark glory, belting out his tormented love through the words of his song. And
she was as breathless with wonder as Christine herself must have been when the
masked stranger serenaded her in the candlelit labyrinth of the opera house. In
that moment, Justyn wasn’t just portraying the phantom. Justyn was the phantom.
“Let the music touch your soul.
Let the darkness make you whole.
Do not fear what is
unknown.
Your true path has now been shown.
Listen to the words I sing.
Embrace the peace that night will
bring.”
As he continued
to sing in his deep but somehow angelic voice, Rebecca found that she couldn’t
tear her eyes away from him. With every line, her heart began to beat
faster. She truly felt the arms of night
wrapping her in a warm embrace. She could almost feel the hands of the phantom
glide along her body as the words poured forth. The music caressed her. It
possessed her—mind, body and soul. Each word left her longing, yearning for
more.
She was gawking
so obviously, it was hardly surprising when Justyn felt her eyes on him and
steadily met her gaze. She realized her mouth was hanging open in stunned awe,
and she quickly snapped it shut. His lips moved into just a small hint of a
smile. He never took his eyes off her while he sang the final verse, making her
cheeks flush to the point that she felt almost feverish. But it wasn’t
embarrassment but excitement, arousal even, which was sending her mind spinning
in so many directions.
When the song
was over, and Rebecca had recovered just a hint of her composure, she couldn’t
help but burst into a healthy round of applause. A few scattered people joined
in, including Debbie and Carmen after she nudged them in the ribs. But only
Miss King seemed to truly appreciate the brilliance of his talent as much as
Rebecca did.
“That was
amazing, Justyn!” the teacher gushed.
“Lord Justyn,”
he corrected as he stepped down from the stage.
A few others
complimented him as well, but he took in all in stride. In fact, his serious
expression never faltered as he stepped down from the stage. He seemed almost
bored, like it was all he could do to hold back a yawn, despite the smiles and
words of encouragement.
But not everyone
in the crowd was pleased as Justyn glided down the aisle, so ethereal in his
dark garments that he still resonated the spirit of the Opera Ghost. Miss King
might have been excited about the newest male addition to her cast after being
limited for many years, but Tom and his group of boisterous companions glared
at him as he passed them by. Jay sneered
and tossed a balled up piece of paper in Justyn’s direction, but the Goth was
quick, and caught it in his hand without missing a beat.
“I think you
dropped something,” he said.
His speaking voice
was no less melodic than his singing voice, but something about his tone made
Rebecca shiver. He tossed the paper back at Jay, who was nowhere near as
coordinated as Justyn. He practically fell off his seat in his efforts to catch
it.
“Hey vampire,”
Tom called when Justyn went to walk away. “Are you sure you can handle the
competition?”
Justyn smiled, a
cool, sarcastic half-smile, and crossed his arms over his chest. “Are you?”
Miss King didn’t
notice the short confrontation, and Justyn vanished from the auditorium as
quickly and mysteriously as he had appeared. Only Rebecca had noticed the very
real tension between the two boys. She wondered if it was a bad omen for them
to start off the production with hard feelings and envy. That could only lead
to trouble. The kind of trouble that could end with someone getting hurt. The kind of trouble that Rebecca would do
whatever it took to avoid.
Purchase
Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years.
BookBlast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 2/22/13
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Friday, February 8, 2013
Winged Blog Tour Guest Post by L.M. Pruitt
I fell from the Talmadge Bridge the week before I turned thirty.
I was given a choice: Go to Heaven. Go back to my life in Savannah. Or spend eternity fighting evil under the direction of the archangels.
I chose the demons--and the angels.
I chose the Winged.
I was given a choice: Go to Heaven. Go back to my life in Savannah. Or spend eternity fighting evil under the direction of the archangels.
I chose the demons--and the angels.
I chose the Winged.
WINGED
Making the Choice
Every day we’re faced with choices. Some of them are fairly
frivolous—should I wear the green shirt or the blue? Regular or decaf coffee?
Listen to this CD or that one? Some are more intense—should I take this job?
Should I move halfway across the country? Should I marry this person?
Nobody ever really wakes up in the morning and wonders to
their self—Would I give my life for someone else?
For some professions it is there, tucked away in the back of
people’s minds. Every time a uniformed officer “clocks in”, there’s the
possibility that a call is going to go wrong. That the officer’s life is going
to be placed in danger. Every time a firefighter or somebody working as an
emergency medical service staff member answer a call there’s the possibility
that something is going to go horribly, terribly wrong. This is something they
live with every single day they go in to work.
And they do it anyway.
We respect them for it, almost revere them. When the Twin
Towers fell on 9/11, the outpouring of emotion for the fallen firefighters and
police officers of the NYPD and NYFD was overwhelming. The pilots who
purposefully crashed their plane to prevent any further attacks hold the same
exalted place in the American pantheon of heroes. A hundred years from now
their sacrifice will still be remembered, no matter what else has happened
between then and now.
Why?
Because they didn’t have to do it.
Like I mentioned before, there’s not an individual in those
careers who has never, not once, imagined the possibility of dying in the line
of duty. But even then, it’s not something you consciously remember. It’s not
something that sits in the back of your mind every single second of every
single day. It’s not something that you have an absolute
this-is-what-I’m-going-to-do plan for.
Every emergency service person who went into those buildings knew the possibility of not making it out alive. And they went in anyway.
I can’t speak for others, but I wouldn’t have thought less of any of them for saying no. For saying they wanted to go home to their families and friends. That they wanted the chance to finish living their lives. I can’t think less of them, because I can honestly say I don’t know what I would do if faced with the same choice.
They made the hardest of choices—am I willing to give my life for someone else? For the remote possibility that someone else can live?
They made the ultimate sacrifice.
Now that I’ve either made you think or made you cry or maybe even both, the only thing I’m going to say about WINGED is that it’s not only police and firefighters and EMTs and soldiers who make that sacrifice. Sometimes it’s ordinary people.
Like a librarian.
L.M. Pruitt
Amazon Best Selling Author of The Jude Magdalyn Series
Amazon Best Selling Author of The Moon Rising Series
Amazon Best Selling Author of The Moon Rising Series
Join her on Facebook: L.M.
Pruitt
**Winged** Available February 5!
Monday, February 4, 2013
Review: Pulse by Patrick Carman
In riveting action scenes, Faith demonstrates her ability to use her pulse against a group of telekinesis masters so powerful they will flatten their enemies by uprooting street lights, moving boulders, and changing the course of a hurtling hammer so that it becomes a deadly weapon. But even with great talent, the mind—and the heart—can be difficult to control. If Faith wants to join forces with Dylan and save the world, she’ll have to harness the power of both.
My Thoughts:
Allow me to start by saying there will be people who love this book. I am just not one of them. I can sum it up like this...I didn't really care what happened to the characters. I didn't connect to them. They were likable, but I didn't LOVE them. I also didn't know what was really happening until page 201. 201!! Once I did find out why the world was the way it was and why the characters were doing what they were doing I was left with a feeling of indifference. Maybe that was due to the fact that the main character was so blase' about her own circumstances. The author did a good job of conveying the landscape and the world in which the characters interacted. That's what helped me get through to the end. It wasn't even very clear who the real antagonist was until the very end. But like I said before, this book is someone else's cup of tea.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
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