Monday, August 30, 2010

Review--- Too Good To Be True by Kristan Higgins

Too Good To Be True (Hqn)

Published: February 1st 2009
Pages: 384

Summary:
We meet Grace Emerson, who is down on luck for meeting a husband. She was engaged at one time, however, her ex-finance is now with her little sister. Grace's little sister and ex-finance are getting serious, so she does what any girl would do, she invents a boyfriend to make everyone else around her feel better. This man she makes up is completely perfect and nothing like her brand new neighbor, Callahan O'Shea. Callhan O'Shea is hot, makes her nervous each time she is around him, however, he is an ex-con!

My Thoughts:
I loved this book. This is my second book by Kristan Higgins. The first I was not impressed by, Fools Rush In. However, I did not give up on the author, since I had heard great things about her. So, I picked this one up from the library and loved it. I loved the whole family set up in the book. Grace is such a good person and seems to put everyone before her. It is so nice that by the end of the book, you can also see how much her family loves her and that she finally starts to grow a back born. Callahan O'Shea sounds gorgeous and I wish he would move in next door to me. He and Grace have excellent chemistry and you can feel the pull between the two. I love when you can feel the chemistry while reading. You can in this book. This book will also have you laughing at the crazy grandmother, and the mother who makes glass sculptures of women's private parts!

If you have been thinking of trying a book by her, I think this one is a good choice.

My Rating:


Its Monday, What are you Reading?

Its Monday and its time to review what I read last week. This is a great meme held by Sheila at One Persons Journey. Go link up and let us know what you read!

What I read last week:

  1. The Neighbor by Lisa Gadner (reviewed)
  2. Immediate Family by Eileen Goudge (reviewed)
  3. Much Ado About Marriage by Karen Hawkins (Tour on Sept 2nd)
  4. Too Good To Be True by Kristin Higgins (review later this morning)
Current Read: Still Missing by Chevy Stevens

Up Next: How to Buy A Love For Reading, after that I want something romantic! Any suggestions?

Happy Monday!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Jennifer Crusie new books!

Two years ago, I picked up a book at a local thrift store for 50 cents. The book was called, Jennifer Crusie Getting Rid of Bradly. After that book, I have read almost every Jennifer Crusie book I could get my hands on. I have always said, she is my favorite author. Now, there are have been a few books by her, I didn't care for and they didn't seem to have that Jennifer Crusie charm I loved. However, with that being said, I still LOVE LOVE LOVE her and she is still my favorite! I am in much anticipation for  Tuesday August 31st. Tuesday, her new books comes out!!!
Maybe This Time

I am well beyond excited. I do plan to buy this book! In fact, I even have a $10.00 gift card to Amazon, so that makes it even better. But, do you know what else I found while on Amazon drooling over this book?
Trust Me on This (Loveswept)

That's right, another one!!!!!! Oct. 26 2010 We can keep our eyes out for this one! Boy do I wish I could get my hands on an ARC copy of this! But, even if not, I am such a fan, I will be ordering it!

Go ahead, drool! I am :o)
(By the way, clicking either of these pictures will take you straight to Amazon to pre order your Jennifer Crusie book!)

Friday, August 27, 2010

Author Interview & Giveaway (open to everyone!)

I have 20 copies, YES 20 copies of Moon Rising (signed!) by Laurie Bowler to giveaway! Wow am I honored with this privilege! Laurie is a new author to the scene and I did a review of her books a few months ago. CLICK HERE. The Giveaway is below and it is open internationally!

Tell us a little about yourself?
I'm 28 Years old, a teacher for adults in further education. I first began writing November 2009, its been a fantastic journey, one I hope to build upon, I'm very ambitious.
I've especially loved writing about vampires, it was such good fun, reading on the common myths and twisting them all into something a little different. I live in the United Kingdom with my little girl, she's four now, I work full time and I write in the evening when its quiet, or whenever I'm alone. I dont tend to answer my phone or front door when I'm writing, I concentrate so hard that I just simply dont hear either.
When I'm writing, its fun to imagine different things, drawing up images of romance and magic is overwhelming and by far fun.


How did you come up with the idea to Moon Rising?
I had a vivid dream about the characters, immediately I wrote it down (I keep a notebook beside my bed) and I then googled legendary creatures to come up with some other creatures that weren't werewolves and thats when I stumbled on Gulons. I didnt have a storyline or notes to follow about the story or where I was going with the story, everything that I wrote came up from my imagination the day I wrote each page, I never have a storyline to follow.

Is this more young adult geared or adult?
I think its suitable for both, I tried to make it versatile and I read many reviews on other vampire stories, which helped me adapt my storyline so I could modify it so it could be enjoyed by male/females, old or young.

Why did you decide to be a paranormal writer?
I love writing about powers and stuff that is impossible to happen in our world and our own lives, its good fun to transport myself into another time and another place and think of new things that are impossible but possible on paper.


What is your favorite part in Moon Rising?
The part where Nessy and Charles escape to Charles's cottage together, they share their first proper romantic evening together. I really wanted to have Charles to myself at that point, he is a romantic at heart which is revealed in Sunrise to Sunset.

In some ways the Nessy/ Charles/ Hera story line kinda resembles in some ways the Twilight story line with Jacob/ Edward/ and Bella, did you mean for this? How is your story line between the three different?
Twilight is a great story and film, I have read them all. Moon Rising is a lot different to each series of Twilight, for starters Bella is human whereas Nessy is already a half vampire amongst other things which is later revealed in Moon Rising, Nessy is strong willed and not in the least frightened of fighting for her rights against Hervidor. The romance is slightly different, because of Nessy being a vampire already, although not a completely formed vampire because she hasnt drunk human blood, and she is another creature also (But I dont want to ruin the book before anyone reads it) it makes their romance deadly, but their mutual passions to destroy Hervidor and the Tellis coven collide for them to join forces. In regards to Jacob Vs Hera, they are different completely, Jacob was in love with Bella whereas Hera is Nessy's biological cousin with no romance involved between the two.
With the description above, I believe it makes Moon Rising completely different to Twilight.

What exactly is a Gulon?
**Laugh** A Gulon, is a Scandanavian legendary creature, its described as being as big as a dog with the eyes and features of a cat. I didnt want to go down the usual route of Vampires VS Werewolves, it seemed repetitive to me. So, I took the Gulon and described them a little differently in Moon Rising, of course trying to keep their legend still in tact.

This book ends with a big cliffhanger, is that what you intended?
I wanted to get readers hooked on the series, so they would be kept in suspense for the next one Sunrise to Sunset. It felt it was the right thing to do, rather than ending the book on a romantic note which was my other option.


What can we expect in the next book?
In Sunrise to Sunset, Nessy wakes up, and it starts from where Moon Rising left off, she doesnt have a clue what she is or who she is, that was fun to write and I did make myself laugh a couple of times while building the scene, theres more characters in the next one and another romance a part from Nessy and Charles, the trouble is, its a forbidden combination and two people who cannot be together. There's magic and witchcraft in Sunrise to Sunset along with more covens and packs of Gulons ready to join up. And dont forget, in Moon Rising Nessy destroyed Hervidor, which makes her the ruler of the underworld of vampires.

What are you currently reading? 
Virginia Andrews Flowers in the attic, its a very touching story and very tear jerking.

What is your favorite book?
I don't really have one, I love to read (when I'm not writing). I especially love romance stories.

Do you have any writing quirks?
Erm...not really, I dream loads of weird stuff that I end up writing about, and I have ideas when I'm, part way through a book so I end up having at least 3 books waiting to be finished.

What gets you in the mood to write?
My dreams, they are really vivid and my imagination has no end. I love to sit down after work and just write to my hearts content, the character building I especially enjoy.


Do you have anything else you want to share about yourself or Moon Rising?
My writing is very descriptive, and the journey is fun and endless to create each of my books. The sequel to Moon Rising is called Sunrise to Sunset and there will be another one after that, there will be another paranormal series coming out this year as well, the first is called The Volcan Knights, all of them will be available before the end of the year.
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to anyone who reads my work, and to ask them to post a review on the site they brought my book, all reviews are incredibly helpful to an author.
If anyone would like to join me and have regular updates on my work, follow me on facebook and twitter!!

Laurie's Twitter :  http://twitter.com/laurieAuthor

So onto the giveaway. Like I said before, she is letting me giveaway 20 copies, all signed by her. This is international. Just fill out the form HERE

I would love for you to add this to your sidebar! Contest winners will  be announced on Sept. 3rd.

Its Hopping Time!

Its been a few weeks since I have joined up with the blog hop, so I thought I would hop in today! If you wanna join in, click the logo and then go link up with Jennifer at Crazy for Books!
Book Blogger Hop
So, for the hop, we answer a question and this weeks question is:

Do you uses a rating system for your review and if so, what is it and why?

I do use a rating system. I usually use it, sometimes I forget. I love butterflies and decided to go with those in stead of the classic star. Its a 1-5 rating. I figure that's kinda self explanatory. 

Thanks for hopping by! Happy Friday!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Any New Books?

I can across this really neat website yesterday and I wanted to share it. I originally saw it on Lori's Reading Corner, so I want to thank her for posting about it.


The website is Any New Books. Basically, you sign up for a newsletter on the book categories you like and it e-mails you weekly new releases in that category. While I get to stay up to date reading blogs, its still fun to get a newsletter sent straight to me. The newsletters are simple.  So, head on over to Any New Books and see if its anything you might like.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Enna Isilee's Birthday Bash Giveaway, Enter here

I'm hosting a contest as part of
Enna Isilee's Birthday Bash 2010
Presented by Squeaky Books


From August 23rd until September 22nd Enna Isilee at Squeaky Books is having a HUGE bash to celebrate her birthday! There are twelve contests, tons of author interviews, and guest posts from over a dozen different YA book bloggers. And I get to host a contest!

I get to give away a signed copy of Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala! Entering is simple, just fill out the form (with optional bonus entries). You have until September 21st at 11:59 MST to enter. All winners will be announced on Enna Isilee's birthday (September 22nd) on Enna Isilee's blog (Squeaky Books). And today, Ennalee featured Holly at Squeaky Books. You should go check it out.

Want to know more about Tell Me a Secret? Click here!


Without further ado, enter to win! Click below.

Click here

Review ~ Immediate Family by Eileen Goudge

Immediate Family

Published Date: May 2nd 2006
Pages: 337

Summary:
In this story we meet four friends that have been best friends since going to college together at Princeton. Jay who is married and has his first child on the way. Stevie who is in search of her real father so she can finally figure out why the thought of ever settling down scares her. Emerson who is a single mom who is struggling to find her place. Then there is Franny, who has her biological clock going crazy mad and decides its time to take it into her own hands. 

My Thoughts:
I loved it. This book had mixed review on Goodreads, so while it appealed to me, I was a little worried it was going to be a disappointment. It wasn't though! My two favorite characters in the book were Jay and Franny who are inseparable best friends. In fact, just a small spoiler that won't ruin the book, believe me is that Franny is having Jay's baby!! Jay's wife even suggested it. I loved that story line in the book.

This is one of those books that does have multiple story lines. Each chapter is about a different character and then someone it all ties together since they are best friends.  The story line I was least impressed with was Stevie's. The book starts with her story line, however I am very thankful that the book didn't mainly focus on her as much as it did on Franny's or Emerson's.

This is a classic chick lit book. If your looking for an entertaining read, this is it. Since it is an older book, you will probably luck out to find it in your local used book store.

My rating:

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Review---The Neighbor by Lisa Gardner


The Neighbor: A Detective D. D. Warren Novel 
Published Date: June 23rd 2009
Pages: 480

Summary: (Goodreads)
It was a case guaranteed to spark a media feeding frenzy - a young mother, blonde and pretty, disappears without trace from her South Boston home, leaving behind her four-year-old daughter as the only witness, and her handsome, secretive husband as the prime suspect.
But from the moment Detective Sergeant D. D. Warren arrives at the Joneses' snug little bungalow, she senses something off about the picture of wholesome normality the couple worked so hard to create. On the surface, Jason and Sandra Jones are like any other hardworking young couple raising a child. But just under the surface things grow murkier. With the clock ticking on the life of a missing woman and the media firestorm building, Jason Jones seems more intent on destroying evidence and isolating his daughter than on searching for his "beloved" wife.
Is the perfect husband trying to hide his guilt - or just trying to hide? And will the only witness to the crime be the killer's next victim?

My Thoughts:
This was my first book by Lisa Gardner. It was full of twists and turns. About 3/4 of the way through the book, I had it figured out.  The husband however for me was the biggest mystery to figure out. Why was he so emotionless and why was he not out searching for his wife? His past was full of stuff that I could not wait to figure out. This type of book, its hard to give to many of my thoughts with out giving away the book. There were so many characters in this book, that at many times I was confused.  I could not wait for the truth to come out to see who had possibly killed/kidnapped Sandra.

If your looking for a good mystery that's gonna keep you guessing, this is defiently a book and author to try. She writes very well and I am glad I decided to pick this up. A good mystery was just what I needed.

My Rating:




Monday, August 23, 2010

Target, Walmart, or Kmart?

So, we all shop at Walmart, Target and the very rare Kmart. If your like me, even if you enter one of these stores for just 1 item, then you have to walk down the book aisle. It really is an addiction. So, which store will I usually end up buying from and who has the better selection in my opinion.

I live in the boondocks, so all we really have is a tiny Walmart. The book selection at this location isn't great. However, I have seen a few that have great selections. Either way, if I am looking for just a specific author, Maybe 3 out of 5 times I will find it there. They keep is stocked decently, but not with the newest and greatest books that I am looking for.  Like I said, my Walmart is small, but even when visiting others, I still find they have a lot of the same books that I have at mine. Needless to say, I can usually walk through the Walmart aisle and leave without a book in my cart.

The next closest place to me, is the ever so rare Kmart. I have to say, Kmart really does have a good book selection. If I am in the book buying mood, I can usually get one from there without a problem. I can usually find a specific book I am also looking for, even if it has just come out. They have a good size selection, or at least at the one near me. As I said, Kmart is very rare now a days, and I have no idea how other Kmarts are.

Finally, If I want to travel a little ways, I will come across Target. Hands down they have the best selection. I will give them that award.  However, there prices are a bit steeper. Where I can find the same book say at Kmart for 5.99, its usually 7.99 at Target.

So, If I am usually looking for a book, I like to try Kmart first before heading to a fancy book store.  Besides, all three easily feed my need to just take a look, even if I am not buying.

Happy Monday fellow book lovers! And tell me, who has the best selection to you?

Winner Time!

Its Monday the 23rd and its time to announce the winners of two books!

First up, She's Gone Country by Jane Porter

Brooke
Marilu

Second up, The Recessionistas by Alexandra Lebathanal

Jaime
Autumn

I will email you all shortly to let you know and if I don't have your address I will let you know! Thank you so much for entering my contests and another thank you to Hatchette Books for providing me with this giveaway!

She's Gone Country:










The Recessionistas:

Friday, August 20, 2010

Review---The Wednesday Sister's by Meg Waite Clayton

The Wednesday Sisters: A Novel

Summary:
A group of women start meeting at the park in the 1960's. Frankie, Ally, Linda, Kath, and Brett. Each one is different as the other, yet they have one common interest, and that is writing. They meet every Wednesday morning while the kids play in the park and they write. They critique each others work and support one another. Through this common interest, friendships are born and these five women are always there for one another in a way that every woman dreams to have in a friend.

What I Thought:
It was an amazing story. I enjoyed getting to know each woman individually. The story was told in Frankie's point of view. You mainly get to know the women through her, however she is a very non judgemental and quiet person, so it was easy seeing the other characters through her eyes.

I loved the aspect in the group  of the women having a writing group. It was very unique and each woman seemed to have a different topic they liked to write about. They were all supportive while trying to find agents. As with almost any book you read that deals with a group of women, one women does deal with an illness and the group really comes together for that.

With the book being set in the 1960's it was interesting seeing the different point of views. One issue that was dealt with was interracial marriages. Today its common, very few people are against it. No one judges anyone for it. Yet, you have these five women in a different time then now and you see how they feel about it. You also have the start of the women's movement in this book. These five women have dreams, but they  have been raised to be born home makers. It isn't common for women to work still in this time.

Without telling too much more of the  book, I want to say that I liked it. It was in some ways similar to The Friday Night Knitting Club. If you liked that book, they you will definitely like this in the aspect its similar.

My Rating:

I'm on Twitter

https://twitter.com/BecksBookPicks

It has been recommended to me to try out Twitter with my book blog. I have never been  big into Twitter, but I am going to try it out. So, if your on Twitter come follow me so I can follow you back or leave me a link here in the comments.

Happy Friday!

Dracula In Love Winners!


Its time to announce the winners! I had an awesome turnout for this book giveaway. Once again, thank you to Double Day for giving me the opportunity to review and have a giveaway!

Winners are:
Diana Estrella
Jennifer Waege

Congrats! I will be emailing you shortly if i don't have your address and to just let you know you won :o)
















Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Giveaway and review: The Recessionistas by Alexandra Lebenthal

The Recessionistas

Summary: (Goodreads)
It's the day after Labor Day, 2008, and the bottom is about the drop out of the economy. Hedge fund owner John Cutter is in the process of an ugly divorce and nearly in financial ruin, except for the assets he is hiding from his wife Mimi in the Cayman Islands. When he concocts a scheme to redeem himself, he enlists Lehman Brothers investment banker Blake Somerset as an accomplice. Blake is ripe for recruitment given that he too is on the verge of being in dire financial straits given Lehman's decline and imminent bankruptcy. Blake's socialite wife Grigsby is barely aware of her changing world to begin with, and has no idea of the perilous situation her husband is about to enter into. As autumn unfolds, Grigsby's fairytale life starts to unwind. Meanwhile, John and Blake's scheme comes to light when street-smart Renee Parker begins her new position as John's executive assistant. Convinced something is amiss, she enlists her friend Sasha Silver, CEO of Silver Partners, to help her decipher what is happening. This story of expulsion from a modern-day Garden of Eden captures what happens when economic decline spells ruin for Manhattan's pampered elite

What I Thought:
When starting this book I thought it was going to be good. I was all geared up as I got to know the characters. However, the book really didn't go anywhere. For me there was no depth in it. It was very back and forth. I would read a scene with one character and 40 pages later and what seemed like two months later, the scene would replay.

Also when reading this, I thought maybe I was going to get to really see how the high society dealt with the fall of the economy. We all know how the average American faced. Their life hardly seemed to change. Here you had one character who instead of roughing through with her husband, divorced him and married someone else. These people even in hard times still thought they were above all.

So, I guess you get the idea that I wasn't crazy about the book. That's me though. I say still give it a chance and see what you think and come back and let me know!

My Rating:


How to Enter the giveaway:
Fill out the form below. 
Two copies are available from Hatchette Books as they were so kind to let me review and giveaway this book.
USA and Canada Only.
No PO Boxes
Winner announced AUG 23rd


Monday, August 16, 2010

Revamped the blog!

I was tired of the current look of my blog and decided it was time to change it up. So, what do you think? I like it! I love the coffee at the top, b/c I love coffee and I love books! Let me know what you think!

Its Monday, What are you Reading?

Its the weekly meme to recap what you read last week and what you plan to read this week. It is hosted by Shelia @ One Persons Journey

What I Read Last Week:

  1. Unspeakable by Laura Griffin
  2. The Wedding Gift by Kathleen McKeena  (reviewed)
  3. Dracula In Love by Karen Essex (reviewed/giveaway)
  4. She's Gone Country by Jane Porter (reviewed/giveaway)

What To Read This week:
I have one more book I have agreed to giveaway to get read and posted on the blog.  The Recessionistas. After that I plan to tackle books i have gotten from the library or have purchased and have a week to just get through my TBR read.

Have a great reading week!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

She's Gone Country by Jane Porter---Review and GIVEAWAY

She's Gone Country

I was given the opportunity to review this book for hatchette books and offer 2 books for giveaway!

Quick Summary:
Shey Darcy has moved back to her roots in Texas with her three teenage sons. Shey and her husband are divorcing after 17 years of marriage because he has decided that he is and always has been gay. She moves back to her roots to be with family for support. She has 3 older brothers, one of whom recently committed suicide and she is dealing with her middle son who is very much like her brother who died. Shey is struggling to find a balance between her modeling carreer that is slow with her age and raising three teenage sons who are used to the city life. Oh, and it doesn't help that the boy she was always in love with before being sent away to boarding school still lives there and is also single. Dane! 

What I thought:
I couldn't put the book down. I read all 368 pages in 1 day! I had never read anything by Jane Porter, but wow and I was hooked. I wanna run down to the book store nearest me and find everything by her. She is a fantastic writer. The story is so good, you are drawn in. The chemistry between Dane and Shey is wonderful. You along with Shey want to bonk her older protective brothers over the head. You are with Shey as she grows and learns to be on her own and stand her ground. This is a wonderful story. I am sorry its over! I want to know what else happens because of coarse there was a big twist at the end of story that leaves you in awe and shock and dieing to know more.

You want this book, so enter my giveaway below. If your the winner, well you will just LOVE this one!

My Rating:

Giveaway winner will be announced on August 23rd when this book becomes published. Be sure to add this to your TBR list so you wont' forget about it late August.
This is USA and Canada Only . No PO Boxes.
Good Luck!



Saturday, August 14, 2010

Review and GIVEAWAY! Dracula In Love by Karen Essex

Dracula in Love

My thoughts:
(if you read a few entries down you can get a summary of the book)

I liked this story. I have not read Dracula and I think I might have needed to before reading this. I got pulled into the hype of this being like the Twilight for adults. Sorry, there was no similarities when it came to being anything like Twilight.

The story itself is dark and captivating. I was drawn in from the beginning waiting to see everything that would  happen. I expected the Count to be around a lot more then he was in the book. She never once really to me seemed to be that in love with him as much as he was in love with him. I felt almost the same as the Count, that Mina is selfish. It seemed always about her. Then again, the book is in her persepective.

I say pick it up. Its a good read. It is completely different from anything paranormal you have been reading if that is your genre. I think this is even a book that someone who isn't into paranormal would enjoy. It isn't about vampires running around biting people. It is dark, mysterious and gothic.

So on that note, I have been talking about it all week, that I am hosting a giveaway for 2 of these books! How awesome. The contest will end Aug 20th, just fill out this form HERE.

***Thanks to Double Day for giving me 2 books to giveaway and the opportunity to review this book***

Review reading vs. Pleasure reading

My question is, do you feel a difference when reading a book for review versus pleasure reading. By this I mean, if you agree to review a book for an author or company, do you read it differently as in more critically then when you read a book you chose yourself from a book store?

I think sometimes I do. I try to look at the book somewhat as a job. I want to make sure its well written and that its something i really feel readers will enjoy. When i sit down with a pleasure read, i don't really pay attention to that. I just sit down to get engrossed in the story and escape from the real world. I feel a difference when I sit down with a book I went out and bought and took the time to pick out. Now, don't get me wrong, I LOVE my books i review. Most of the time I enjoy them. I am so honored when given the opportunity to review for someone. But, I am just in a different mood when I read a book for a review.

So, fellow book bloggers, I am just curious. Do you feel like I do?

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Review---The Wedding Gift by Kathleen McKenna

The Wedding Gift

Quick Summary:
 It is a spine-electrifying supernatural tale where a huge Southern States mansion contains one of the most terrifying, violent and indeed psychopathic ghosts to haunt any town. It is also a murder mystery - why did Robina Willets apparently kill all five of her young children, and her husband, before stabbing herself to death? And, if you are in the camp of believing that 'justice .... just is not', then this will have you frothing at the mouth with righteous social fury. Add to that the vision of two exceptionally beautiful girls lying on a landing stage in the middle of a secluded lake, sleeping naked in the sun .... .... and then see if you can find any consecutive ten minutes in this book when you don't at least snicker at the heroine Leeann's sly, caustic, sometimes-knowing sometimes 'too stupid to live' commentary.

What I thought:
Hilarious! That's the first think that comes to mind. Have you on the floor laughing kind of read. This was intended to have a kind of scariness to it, since it deals with a murderous ghost. But I spent so much time laughing at the main character who was telling the story, I never found myself freaked out. LeAnn is something. She narrates the story as though she is writing it into a journal. There are so many times you want to grab this girl and take her under your wing and give her the lessons of life. 

For example: "I can't get pregnant because I am on antibiotics"

I laughed and thought, here we go!

Kathleen McKenna did an awesome job. Its worth the read in every way. You have a good mystery that honestly, I was engrossed with and couldn't figure out. She fooled me! At no time did i see the ending coming. Maybe because I was so busy loving Leann! Pick it up and read it. You will laugh, smile, and at the same time try to solve a mystery. What could be better?

My Rating:

I was contacted by the author to do a review. In no way did i have to give a positive review in appreciation for letting me read it.  This is my honest opinion of the book!

***Giveaway*** Dracula In Love by Karen Essex

I have not 1, but 2 copies of Dracula In Love by Karen Essex to giveaway! My review will come hopefully in the next few days to let you fellow readers know just what I thought about it. However, I wanted to go ahead and get this giveaway posted because i am so psyched about it!
Dracula in Love

What's it about: (takes from Goodreads)
From the shadowy banks of the River Thames to the wild and windswept coast of Yorkshire, the quintessential Victorian virgin Mina Murray vividly recounts in the pages of her private diary the intimate details of what transpired between her and Count Dracula—the joys and terrors of a pas sionate affair and her rebellion against a force of evil that has pursued her through time.

Mina’s version of this timeless gothic vampire tale is a visceral journey into the dimly lit bedrooms, mist-filled cemeteries, and locked asylum chambers where she led a secret life, far from the chaste and polite lifestyle the defenders of her purity, and even her fiancé, Jonathan Harker, expected of her.

Bram Stoker’s classic novel was only one side of the story. Now, for the first time, Dracula’s eternal muse reveals all. What she has to say is more sensual, more devious, and more enthralling than ever imagined. The result is a scintillating gothic novel that reinvents the tragic heroine Mina as a modern woman tor tured by desire.

So, what to do to enter?

US Only and No Po Boxes please.
There are two copies up for grabs!
Simply fill out the form below to enter.
Contest will end: Friday August 20th and Winner will be announced that day!

Good Luck!







Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Book Tour---Bill Walker's "A Note From an Old Acquaintance"

A Note From An Old Acquaintance

 I am honored to be doing a book tour for Bill Walker's newest book A Note From and Old Acquaintance. This is my first book tour, so I hope I am doing this right! I was very excited to review this book! It was a great book.

Summary: Brian Weller is a haunted man.  It's been two years since the tragic accident that left his three-year-old son dead and his wife in an irreversible coma. A popular author of mega-selling thrillers, Brian’s life has reached a crossroads: his new book is stalled, his wife’s prognosis is dire, and he teeters on the brink of despair.
Everything changes the morning an e-mail arrives from Boston artist Joanna Richman. Her heartfelt note brings back all the poignant memories: the night their eyes met, the fiery passion of their short-lived affair, and the agonizing moment he was forced to leave Joanna forever. Now, fifteen years later, the guilt and anger threaten to overwhelm him. Vowing to make things right, Brian arranges a book-signing tour that will take him back to Boston. He is eager to see Joanna again, but remains unsure where their reunion will lead. One thing is certain: the forces that tore their love asunder will stop at nothing to keep them apart.
Filled with tender romance and taut suspense, A Note from an Old Acquaintance is an unforgettable story about fate, honor, and the power of true love.
What did I think:
It was a good story. I was drawn in from the beginning wondering who this man was behind a dieing wife and a son he lost at such a young age. In the beginning of the story, we learn who is Joanna is, but we don't really know her. We learn she was someone he hurt from his past. Upon his wife passing away he decided to take a trip to Boston to do a book tour and see Joanna. At this point the book takes us back from 2006 to 1991. We learn the story then of how Joanna and Brian meet. We learn who Erik Ruby is and just what an evil man that he really is. Upon the end of Joanna and Brian, we are then taken back to 2006.
The story then starts at what is present day for the characters and them being reunited. Only, not much has changed. The two are still drawn to one another however, there is still one person in the way.
This is a great love story. Its one of those stories that makes you believe that there really is just one person out there for everyone. You want these two characters to be together. You are rooting for them throughout the story.
One thing i would have liked for me, is to get to know a little more about the wife and child. They were discussed very briefly. I am sure they were left out for a reason, but i would have liked to know a little more into the story maybe of meeting his wife.
Overall, I liked the story, and I think anyone looking for a good romance that isn't the classic romance we all love to read, should definitely check this book out. Its worth it!
My Rating:

Winner Time!

Its Winner Day! The Flash of the Firefly giveaway ends today and the lucky winner is:

Beverly @ The Wormhole

Congrats, I have e-mailed you!




Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Guest Post---Author Amber Riley!

I am so excited to have my first guest author post today! Amber Riley is very talented and is going to make a name for herself. She is also very nice and down to earth. Be sure to enter the giveaway HERE (or looking at my sidebar) for a chance to win her debut novel. Winner will  be announced tomorrow!!!

Now on to Amber!


Hello, everyone. I’m very happy to be doing a guest blog here. My debut novel, The Flash of a Firefly, was released in June this year. It was a long time in the works, but all the work I put into it has just made it all the more rewarding.

I had no plot when I began writing. One night, Kaden introduced himself to me and that was the start. I spent a long time just wandering about aimlessly, trying to get from point A to point B, before everything clicked. Then the countless edits began, giving the novel an overhaul. I knew that I wanted to create a world where the paranormal aspects seemed believable and realistic. I knew I wanted it to be different from all the vampire novels coming out recently. And, more importantly, I knew I wanted to stick to the traditional vampire myths.

I will admit that all that wandering wasted a lot of time, but it made me understand my characters in a way I don’t think I would have otherwise. I’m a sucker for character driven stories so I wouldn’t take back a second of it. I wanted to make the reader care just as much about Kaden as I did, which is why I wrote in first person. You can see what he sees, feel what he feels, and discover things along with him.

The characters will continue to grow through the series. (And, I do promise that Book Two will be longer!) I am very lucky to have a strong support system to help me through, even though my requests are sometimes strange. While writing The Flash of a Firefly, I walked into my kitchen, got out a glass of milk and stuck a spoon in it. Then, I handed it to my grandmother, asking her to take the spoon out and hit me in the forehead with it. :::snicker::: (There is a scene in the book relating to this, by the way. I was really striving for realism.)

One thing I found was that when people hear the word “vampire”, their first response is “like Twilight!” If only I had a nickel for every time I heard those words. The plot didn’t even get a chance to escape my lips. When asked what my novel was about, I reverted to saying “vampires – but not the sparkly kind.” A lot of people got a kick out of it.

My novel has deeper themes than romance, although there is a hint of it. Whether it’s having your unwanted past catch up to you or finding someone you have an unexplainable connection with, I think there is something in The Flash of a Firefly that most people can relate to.

Thank you all for your support! And, to Rebecca for the opportunity to blog here. I hope you all enjoy reading my debut novel. I love hearing from fans, so please feel free to drop me an email at Amber_Riley@live.com

Thank You Amber! And if your interested in her book, here is the Amazon link! Also be sure to check out her blog for updates on the series! Kindred Blood Trilogy



Monday, August 9, 2010

Exciting week for Becks Book Picks!

Its an exciting week for me on this very blog! Here is what is to come!!!

My first Blog Tour! On Wednesday I will tell you all about Bill Walker's latest book!
A Note From An Old Acquaintance

I am going to be having my first guest/author post by Amber Riley!!!! And then we will finish out her giveaway for her first book! Look on the sidebar if you haven't seen the giveaway!
The Flash of a Firefly: Kindred Blood: Book One

AND....I am so excited. I get to review Dracula in Love and giveaway not 1, but 2 copies!!!
Dracula in Love

So be sure to keep posted to my blog. Exciting stuff is happening and I just had to share!